Category: Apple

What We Hope to See at Apple’s Mega Event on 9th September

It has been way too long since the internet has been abuzz with rumours about the much-awaited iWatch and the next iPhone 6. Love ’em or hate ’em, you have to admit that Apple has a history of making some fine products. And after reading plethora of leaks over the past few months, we’re excited to finally find out what Apple has in store for us this year.

With Apple’s September 9th event only a few hours away, we’re still witnessing the last round of leaks and rumours. Few hours ago, a leak has shown us the working iPhone 6 for the first time.

The company had sent press invites last week with the cryptic statement ‘wish we could say more’ in the typical Apple style. The event will be held at Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California which is the same venue where Apple debuted the Macintosh computer in 1984, 30 years ago. It is said that the venue is chosen to pay a homage to the company’s first big achievement with another groundbreaking device, the iWatch.

It is expected Apple will showcase two iPhones this year, same as last year (iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C). However, this year the second variant will not be a step down but will come with the bigger screen and better innards. Anyhow, there are numerous rumors and it is hard to keep track of it all but there are some important advancements and iterations which are expected to come with these three devices.

Lets take a moment and dissect what Apple has in store for us and what we want from the new-gen Apple devices.

The Bigger The Better

As we all know, Apple’s been working on not one, but two iPhones: a 4.7-inch version and 5.5-inch phablet for people who think iOS 8 needs more real estate to breathe. Debates have raged over whether Apple will cover those displays in ultra-durable sapphire crystal. However, recent rumors have suggested that the company won’t take the plunge, but instead they’ll offer 128GB versions of the new phones.

Exciting Upgrades

It is also been said that there will be more upgrades — a faster chip, increased resolution and improvements to the camera. Also, it is said that Apple will include NFC in the new iPhones. This will simplify the process of pairing an iWatch (if NFC is also included in the device) and an iPhone as well as both can be used to encourage mobile payment directly. A feature many companies are trying to achieve but have failed until now.

Affordable Prices

It’s highly unlikely, but we can dream. It is said that 5.5 inch iPhone 6L will be $50-100 more than the 4.7 inch variant. Recent leak suggested that Apple iPhone 6 with 4.7” display will purportedly cost 6,663 HKD, 7,671 HKD, and 8,679 HKD . The aforementioned prices are for devices with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of built-in memory respectively. According to the leak listing of prices, the iPhone 6 with 5.5-inch display is unsurprisingly more expensive (it is rumored to have more powerful hardware on board). It is reportedly priced at 7,923 HKD for the 16GB model, 8,931 HKD for a 32GB unit, and 9,687 HKD for a device with 64GB of onboard memory. If you convert these purported prices into Indian currency and add the standard import duties, iPhone 6’s 4.7 inch variant will come at the starting price at Rs. 61,900 approx and the 5.5 inch variant may come at starting price of Rs. 71,800.

The Super Cool New OS

Well, also iOS 8 will make its debut with these devices and anyone with an iPhone 4S or later will be able to download iOS 8 on Sept. 17. The company added tons of developer tools for home mechanization, heavy gaming performance and extensions in abundance. There’s a lot of polished new apps and add-ons that is expected to earn rave reviews.

Siri Becoming More Helpful

Siri can now be activated by saying “hey Siri,” rather than pressing the home button. She can now understand more languages and accents. The best part? Apple has gone ahead to integrate a music-recognition feature, so you can know which tune is being played instantly, without wasting time to open an app. You have the option to download the song instantly from iTunes, and if you’ve installed Shazam, you can save the song in your tabs.

The Wearable Trend : iWatch

It is quite amazing that Apple has managed to keep most of its iWatch details a secret. It is said iWatch won’t be available after it is launched with iPhone 6 which goes on sale on the Friday of the week following the event — in this case, Sept. 19. The smartwatch category is certainly experiencing a boom, although it’s still unclear if consumers really want them. The iWatch could be the product to take smartwatches mainstream, but to do that, it needs to do something that no other wearable does.

Extensive Sensors

Rumors say the iWatch will have a curved-screen design, come in two sizes and have multi-day battery life. But based on early leaks of the software, its highlight will be the extensive sensor data that it gathers about the wearer’s health. The unveiling of the new iWatch will connect the dots between the Health app, which was unveiled at WWDC 2014, iPhone 6 and wearables.

How Apple Plays the Beats

This event will also be the first event after Apple has acquired headphone-maker Beats. While it’s only been a month, it’s still a bit early for the first Beats project with Apple company, we may see the beginning of the collaboration or at least an appearance by Dr. Dre.

September 8, 2014
Ahead of Official Launch Leaked Video Shows a Working iPhone 6

There has been a steady stream of rumors and leaks about new-gen iPhone 6 prior to the launch of the device tomorrow, September 9th. Now, a user of the Chinese social networking website, Weibo, has posted a series of photos and videos of what he claims to be a fully functional iPhone 6.

While there is no way to confirm the authenticity of the video, it seems to be untampered and real. The leaker has also uploaded a brief video demonstrating Touch ID on the device, suggesting the this is a legitimate iPhone 6. Through picture it seems that the device is 4.7 inch version of the new iPhone 6.

The look of the device is pretty much the same and in line with previous leaks and rumors. However, this is the first time we have seen the device powered on. There is not much revealed, but we can see a new Passbook icon which features a magnetic credit card at the top, assumingly for the fact you are now going to be able to pay using your iOS devices. Also, the added screen space has allowed the company to add an additional row of icons on the app screen.

Anyhow, there is still lot to see what Apple has in store for us. Apple is expected to launch two iPhones- a 4.7 inch variant and 5.5 inch variant and company’s first ever wearable, iWatch tomorrow 10 AM PST (10:30 PM IST).

September 8, 2014
IKEA’s Parody of Apple is Hilarious

Swedish furniture manufacturer IKEA has brought out a new advertisement for their catalog and it is hilarious. The USP of the ad is that it parodies Apple’s style of promotional videos.

The ad is for IKEA’s new catalog that they satirically call the “BookBook”. From Apple’s signature animation styles to graphics, the ad takes on them all. Some of the features like scrolling through the Bookbook, bookmarking and sharing will make you LYAO.

Apple is about to present its most revamped iPhone yet. So in the wait for it, this ad helps to fill up the void till the 9th of September. So go ahead and check out the video, it will surely make your day.

September 6, 2014
Apple iWatch Rumored to Come in Two Sizes with NFC and Curved OLED Display

This may be the last round of rumours surrounding Apple’s most mysterious wearable. We’ve been waiting to have a Apple product wrapped around our wrist for quite some time. Now we’re wishing and hoping that Apple unveils it on its 9th September event.

The latest leaks have pointed out to the fact that the expected iWatch might come in two sizes, both with curved OLED displays, will be able to track health and fitness data, and will include NFC for to make mobile payments directly from your wrist.

OLED display has been criticised for having over-saturated colors but now, Apple may use the OLED display for its first ever wearable. An OLED display only needs to light up pixels that are actively in use, meaning that Apple’s watch could potentially display some basic information such as an analogue watch face while leaving the rest of the screen black. Using OLED display can save battery in the smartwatch.

The addition of NFC in the smartwatch comes in line with rumors of inclusion of the same technology in iPhone 6, too. This will simplify the process of pairing an iWatch and an iPhone as well as both can be used for encouraging mobile payment directly from the smartwatch, which many companies are trying to achieve but have failed until now.

It is said one of the main features of Apple’s upcoming iWatch is the variety of health sensors. However, the details about this has been scarce. A heart-rate sensor is believed to be one of them. As far as display sizes goes, reports have varied, however, earlier reports have pointed to sizes between 1.3-inches and 2.5-inches. If this to be believed, Apple’s iWatch will have one of the biggest watch face in the smartwatch market.

September 5, 2014
iPhone 6 Price Leaked a Week Before Launch

While techies all over the world are busy keeping tabs on the IFA Berlin 2014, the iPhone 6’s prices have been quietly revealed in a leaked image from Hong Kong. Tech blog TK Tech News has posted an image that shows the alleged prices of the highly anticipated 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 models.

The Apple iPhone 6 with 4.7” display will purportedly cost 6,663 HKD, 7,671 HKD, and 8,679 HKD . The aforementioned prices are for devices with 16, 32, and 64GB of built-in memory respectively. According to the leak listing of prices, the iPhone 6 with 5.5-inch display is unsurprisingly more expensive (it is rumored to have more powerful hardware on board). It is reportedly priced at 7,923 HKD for a 16GB model, 8,931 HKD for a 32GB unit, and 9,687 HKD for a device with 64GB of onboard memory.

If you convert these purported prices into Indian currency and add the standard import duties, iPhone 6’s 4.7 inch variant will come at the starting price at Rs. 61,900 approx and the 5.5 inch variant may come at starting price of Rs. 71,800. These prices are more than the introductory price of the iPhone 5S, which was launched last year for Rs. 53,500. If this is true, then Apple may lose a large segment of prospective buyers. Especially since unlike other companies in the market, Apple is never the one to drop its prices after launch.

It is said that new iPhones will come with new-gen iOS 8 out-of-the-box. Both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch variants said to feature an iPod touch-inspired design; the Touch ID fingerprint sensor; the new Apple A8 SoC, and the long-awaited NFC connectivity.

Apple is expected to unveil the next iPhone in less than a week, so we won’t have to wait too long for official pricing. In the meantime, take the above numbers with a small pinch of salt.

September 4, 2014
How to Protect Your Cloud Account from Data Hacks

The recent hack perpetrated by an unethical digital thief has raised serious concern about security of personal data especially on cloud accounts. Cloud computing has been touted by companies as the next step in the evolution of computing where your data is accessible to you through all your devices. It is immensely convenient, but this leak brought forward some serious flaws in the security.

Cloud computing has seriously gained steam, with government and corporates bringing in their data on the cloud. The Indian government recently spoke of a plan for bringing each citizen’s government data on the cloud that can be accessible by government offices. This surely has a lot of merits but the privacy concerns still looms. Hopefully, the lessons learnt by incidents like the recent hack will help make the security of cloud systems stronger.

So how do you keep your data safe from the low-lifes’ on the internet who go snooping into others business? Well, here we list how you can enjoy the convenience of cloud storage and the internet while not letting go of your rightful privacy.

1. Set Up Two-Step Verification

A good way of doing this is through the two-step verification feature. This process adds an extra layer of security. All major service providers like Apple, Google, Facebook and others provide a two-step verification which sends a code in a text message that you punch in to access your account.

Two step verification is a secure way of making sure only you have access to your account.

2. Use Google Authenticator App

If you are a heavy Google account user then the Google Authenticator app for iOS, Android and Blackberry can come handy for you. Its main function is that it develops a two-step verification code, making it practically impossible to hack. Download it from here.

3. Stay Vigilant

Learn how your account works, because there is no value in ignorance. In times when we live in a network of digital devices, knowing how they operate is essential. Don’t take pride in your ignorance, something that Jennifer inadvertently did at an award function, and it tipped off the hacker.

4. Change Your Passwords Frequently

This point has been said multiple times but it still needs repeating: Change your password regularly. Even when you think your account holds nothing of importance, there is still a lot of personal information in there, so it’s better to have a strong password protecting your information. You can create a code that you can keep on updating without forgetting.

5. Better Safe Than Sorry

Last but not the least, the most important precaution that you can take is, not take the compromising images in the first place. If you take an image with a device that connects to the internet, know that the people on the internet have the ability to access it. Yes, sadly that’s the world that we live in now. But if you really need to send some data that you want to be fully secure; you can show the data to the person intended physically, send files through Bluetooth or use encrypted messaging apps like Signal.

With all the security measures that can be taken, you have to realize that the systems will have some deficiencies. The hackers exploit those deficiencies. But each time they do infiltrate the security, they teach the companies the faults in their systems and make systems stronger. So even though someone as amazing as Jennifer Lawrence had to deal with this inconvenience, the system has become a bit more secure for the regular folks. So be alert what you do on the internet. Take precautions and you’ll be safe.

September 2, 2014
Massive Celebrity iCloud Hack: Who’s to Blame?

The internet world went abuzz yesterday when one hacker picked up images from the iCloud accounts of celebrities such Jennifer Lawrence, Ariana Grande, Kate Upton and posted them online. This massive breach of privacy was taken very seriously as it hit some of the most prominent public faces and consequently raised concerns about the security of user data.

The fault of this massive leak lies on Apple. The failure of iCloud’s security features caused this breach. One of the main culprits of the heist is said to be the ‘Find My iPhone’ API, which let hackers try different passwords repeatedly without getting locked out. This fault was addressed by Apple after it came to light.

Hackers accessed personal accounts through a loophole in Apple’s “Find My iPhone” service

The hacker said that he held hundreds of other nude and semi-nude pictures. He demanded $40,000 in Bitcoins for releasing more photos. Thankfully the world felt a lot better and saner when all that the guy got was 0.2 Bitcoins which amount to just $95. It is said that hacker got a whiff of Jennifer Lawrence using iCloud when she said at an award function that she doesn’t understand how to back-up on iCloud.

The important part to remember is that if you go looking for these pictures, you are becoming a party to the side that is harassing the actresses. The lesson was well-learnt by professional pain-in-the-butt of celebrities, Perez Hilton, who said that they were removing the images from their website. You can see how severe the privacy breach was; the guy who makes a living out of the misfortunes of others had the decency to bring down the violating images. So be good and stay away from 4chan for good.

September 2, 2014
AnandTech Founder Anand Shimpi Joins Apple after Retiring from Tech Journalism

Anand Shimpi, founder of the one of the first technology review website AnandTech, will be soon joining Apple. This was confirmed by an Apple representative to Re/code. Shimpi had earlier announced his retirement from AnandTech with a post titled ‘The Road Ahead’ on the tech news website.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Anand Shimpi”]

After 17.5 years of digging, testing, analyzing and writing about the most interesting stuff in tech, it’s time for a change. This will be the last thing I write on AnandTech as I am officially retiring from the tech publishing world

[/quote]

Shimpi spent 17 years building the site AnandTech, focusing mostly on reviews of hardware and along the way providing detailed info on products from Apple and other consumer electronics manufacturers. But after so many years covering those products, he’ll now be going inside Apple to work for the company.

While AnandTech is not as well-known as more generalist technology news sites, its influence cannot be underestimated. One of the most well-liked and respected publications, AnandTech has long focused on hard fact based articles, such as detailed performance reviews, and has over time emerged as one of the authoritative voices in technology news.

At this point, details of Shimpi’s new role at Apple are not known. However, this is apparently not the only senior person from AnandTech to join Apple. Also, AnandTech’s Senior Smartphones Editor Brian Klug had left the site to join Apple earlier this year, where his role has a focus on building mobile processors for the company’s iOS devices. It is possible that Shimpi will take up a similar role.

While he moves on, AnandTech will continue to publish. Ryan Smith will take over as AnandTech’s new Editor in Chief who has been working at the AnandTech for ten years.

September 1, 2014
Apple Sends September 9th Invites Saying ‘Wish We Could Say More’

Apple has sent out the press invites for the much awaited September 9th press event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California.

Invitation mentions the September 9th date and a cryptic statement ‘ wish we could say more’ in the typical Apple style. The Flint Center for the Performing Arts is the same venue where Apple debuted the Macintosh computer in 1984, 30 years ago. Perhaps, the venue is chosen to pay a homage to the company’s first big achievement with another groundbreaking device, iWatch.

Details on the iWatch hardware are much more scarce. Many reports points extensively on the device’s rich health and fitness capabilities, with Apple having hired many high-profile people for the project.

Apple has constructed a ‘three-story structure’ at the site, which may be used as the hands-on area after the presentation is over. The event will come 3 months after Apple’s developer conference WWDC and an year after the launch of iPhone 5S and 5C.

Even though, Apple hasn’t mentioned any details about the September 9 event. The company is expected to launch two new-generation iPhones, a 4.7 inch variant and a larger 5.5 inch variant which is expected to tagged as iPhone 6L.

The new iPhones are expected to come with a higher price tag which is a courtesy of all new Sapphire screen instead of the regular glass one which will make its screen more scratch resistant. It is said that company faced some problems with the display of the glass which may limit the number of iPhones initially available to consumers.

Also, iOS 8 is slated to launch at this event, it was shown off WWDC back in June. The updated version include new keyboards for typing, a battery usage indicator, impressive new camera features like time-lapse capture for video, interactive notifications, TouchID for apps and also new and improved Siri.

Apple is also rumored to introduce the reversible lightning connector with iPhone 6 that allows you to plug it into USB ports from either end.

August 29, 2014
Apple Slated to Launch 12.9 inch iPad Next Year

With Samsung and Google taking over the tablet market with high-end devices, Apple is preparing to give them a tough competition. Recent reports illustrates that the company is planning to launch a larger 12.9 inch iPad in early 2015.

We first heard of this tablet, which has been dubbed the “iPad Pro” in rumors, in mid-2013 with a prospective 2014 launch date. However, recent rumors suggests that the plans for the tablet had been put on hold. The new 12.9-in. iPad will be launched in the spring, as reported by Bloomberg, following the company’s release of new iPhones next month.

Apple has been struggling with the declining sales of 10 inch and 7.9-inch tablets. The plan to launch this new iPad pro is said to be the outcome of this sluggish market scenario which has been replaced by large smartphone and tablets from likes of Google and Samsung.

According to rumors, the larger 12.9-inch iPad will include a high pixel density display that is almost of an ultra high-definition quality. It will likely adopt many of the design elements offered in the current iPad Air and iPad mini, like an ultrathin chassis and narrow side bezels.

Mass production of Apple’s iPad Air with a 9.7-inch (24.6-cm) screen has already started, and it is likely to be unveiled by the end of current quarter. Along with this, a new version of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is also entering production and is likely to be available by the end of the year. Both of these devices are expected to include upgraded processors and support for the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

Apple is shaking up the iPad line to increase the sales. Also company is trying to revive iPad sales by selling the devices to large companies through its new partnership with IBM. IBM will use its sales-force to sell iPads to large enterprises. It’ll also make enterprise specific apps for the tablets.

August 27, 2014
Leaked iPhone 6 User Manual Confirms Specs and Launch Date

Everyone is eagerly waiting for the rumored September 9th launch of the new revamped iPhone 6. As the date creeps closer, the World Wide Web is flooded with rumours and leaks. The most recent buzz was that the screen of Apple’s new monster was creating problems for the company, and this might delay the launch of the product.

Well, Apple enthusiats can breathe easy, one of the most recent leaked images points to the same predicted date: Tuesday, September 9.

The image is leaked by a French website called Nowhereelse.fr, which has a strong record of getting its hands on new Apple devices before its public unveiling. The image leaked is a shot of the front of the device’s quick start manual. The device printed on the front has a set date of Tuesday, September 9.

It doesn’t come as a surprise, since Apple likes to remain consistent to its history. It typically launches its smartphones in September, and last year, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C reared their heads on the second Tuesday of September (10th Sept. to be precise).

If the image is to be believed, the image on the cover of the guide for the presumed iPhone 6 is different than the current model. The shape of the volume buttons have been changed, as have the Sleep/Wake button on the right. The Lightning connector appears to be centered below the home button, which still includes the Touch ID sensor, as marked on the manual.

However, other leaksters have found reasons to believe that this may not be a legitimate product manual. In the past, Apple has used the original product images on the front of the manual. Also, it is said the font is not in line with Apple’s style.

We will only know on September 9th if the image is authentic. The company is expected to launch two devices, the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch smartphones. Rumors suggests that the name of the large device might be iPhone 6L. Apple is also rumored to include a reversible Lightning cable for the iPhone 6 that allows you to plug it into USB ports from either end. The existing Lightning connector can plug into an iPhone or iPad in any way, but the latest design will bring the flexibility to both ends of the cable.

August 27, 2014
iPhone 6 Screen Troubles Apple, Might Delay Launch

We reported earlier that Apple is scrambling to get enough screens ready for the new iPhone 6 smartphone. The new launch of iPhone 6 which is long overdue is said to take place next month. The company has confirmed that it will announce at least one new large-screen iPhone in September.

It is unclear that if this problem will delay the launch or limit the number of phones initially available to consumers. The supply chains who are making displays for the phone said that display panel production suffered a setback after the backlight that helps illuminate the screen had to be revised.

Apple is aiming for the thinnest phone possible and initially wanted to cut back to a single layer of backlight film, instead of the standard two layers, for the 4.7-inch screen, which went into mass production ahead of the 5.5-inch version.

However, the problem is now understood to have been resolved, the delays could limit the supply of the iPhone 6, which is expected to be in heavy demand. Recently, Japan Display, a lead supplier for the new iPhone, said orders for “a huge client” have been completed, however shipments may be postponed in the July-September quarter.

Japan Display’s dependence on Apple’s cyclical business has spooked a few financial specialists. UBS Securities has conjectured that Apple will help more than a third of the Japanese association’s aggregate income in the year that ends on March 2015. Japan Display’s offer value dropped to a 12-week low of 501 yen after first-quarter income on Aug 7 slacked business expectations.

The constrains on Apple for delivering exceptional products has increased. Smartphone players such as Samsung and LG and recently, Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Lenovo have dissolved the U.S. phone maker’s dominance in the business sector .

The iPhone 6 release and the hype around it has been foreseen to increase Apple shares to new heights. The shares have climbed to above $100 each, since the company posted solid first-quarter income in late-April. The iPhone release along with the Mac OSX Yosemite and the upcoming iWatch will definately spell good news for the company in the coming future.

August 25, 2014
Apple to Replace Selected iPhone 5 Batteries for Free

Apple iPhones are beautiful products. They have been beautifully designed but lack strength in one major arena, the battery. Considering the increased screen size that Apple is planning to bring in the next member of the iPhone family, we might expect a better battery. For now, Apple found that some of its existing iPhone 5 batteries have not been performing up to standard and they needed to be charged more often.

Apple has recognized a certain batch of devices with the defect and is offering free replacement of the batteries. Users can go to Apple’s website and check if their device is listed there. Apple will replace those batteries for free.

The users whose devices are listed on the website have to backup their data and wipe out the device before taking it to an Apple Store or Apple-approved retailer. There is though a tiny hiccup in the process, Apple requires you to get damages on screen and others before accepting the device. The cost of damage repair will come from the user’s pockets, so if you have a busted screen, a bad battery and not enough cash, you might as well throw the phone away and get a new one.

The program has begun in US and China and it will be expanded to other countries from August 29th.

August 23, 2014
All You Need To Know About the Reversible Type-C USB

Universal Serial Bus or the name you’re more likely to be aware of, USB, is an industry standard that defines the cables, connectors and communications protocols used for connecting and power supply between computers and electronic devices. USB Type-C is one of the biggest technological advancement in recent years as it comes with more speed, convenience and power. Recent iPhone 6 leaks show Apple is working on its own form of reversible USB standard.

Well, before we go any further, let’s have a quick look at the existing USB standards.

There are basically 4 types USB standard used these days: Type-A, Type-B, Micro USB and Mini USB. Type-A is the most widely used USB standard, used in pen drives, standard USB jacks on your laptops and computers and practically on every electronic device. Type-B is fairly less used or used in combination with Type-A standard to reduce the risk of electrical overloads. Micro USB is the tiny, near-universal form factor used by smartphones and tablets for connections and power supply. And the last one is Mini USB, the larger predecessor of Micro USB used at the device end of things like GPS units and some external hard drives, but like USB Type-B, it is also fast fading from use.

Each type has a different form factor and the same is true for USB Type-C.

What makes the Type-C a revolutionary technology is that it is going to replace all the form factors and unlike the other standards which target different classes of device, Type-C form factor will be a universal USB standard. The reversible Type-C connector is roughly the same size as the existing Micro-USB connector at the bottom of your smartphone, but it’s reversible.

Reversible USB patent Design by Apple

Advantages

Speed

USB Type-C standard can go as fast as 10Mbps, which is double when compared to USB 3.0’s 5Mbps speed. This means you can transfer 1,250MB of data in one second with USB Type-C.

Power

USB Type-C will also compliment the USB 3.1 in terms of power. USB 2.0 can handle the current of up to 500 milliamps (mA) for up to 2.5W of power and USB 3.0 upped that to 900mA for up to 4.5W of power, USB 3.1 can offer 5amps (5000mA) and up to 100W of power. This means not only will devices charge far faster, but almost anything can be powered via USB 3.1 and the tiny USB Type-C connector.

Reversible

The new MacBook with a single slot

The Type-C connector, which has 18 pins, is essentially two USB 3.1 SuperSpeed connectors (which have the standard four pins, plus five more to enable 10Gbps connections). If you plug in the connector one way, the top set of pins are used; if you plug it in the other way, the bottom set of pins are used and hence, making it reversible.

Official confirmation

The USB Promoter Group announced earlier this month that the reversible Type-C USB connector is ready for mass production. That means it will be an official standard just like USB Type-A, Type-B, Mini and Micro USB. It is also backwards compatible with each USB standard, though the USB 3.1 speed and power benefits it can deliver will only come when connecting to other USB 3.1 compliant ports.

Downsides

Physical compatibility

As mentioned above, USB Type-C is backwards compatible with each USB standard, but they are not physically compatible. Which means you need to buy adapters to fit into existing slots.

Apple

Old vs New

The recently launched Apple MacBook, is the first Apple product to incorporate the new-gen USB. Apple’s USB-C supports higher wattage charging, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) data transfer and DisplayPort 1.2 all in a single connector that’s one-third the size of a traditional USB port. Since the MacBook is the thinnest notebook ever (24% thinner than the Air,) slimmed down ports were also necessary to bring in.

Not only that, this new connectivity standard gives you five ports in one – power, USB data transfer, DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA capabilities.

Well, even with these downsides, Type-C USB standard is one of the best thing happened in the technology-sphere since ages. With combined power of USB 3.1 and Type-C USB standard, our gadgets will never be the same again. With the ease and the power that comes with this technology, we expect that it will be adopted by consumers quickly. However, it is possible it will create some confusion among the consumers. But taking in account the amount of convenience it comes with, it will be worth it.

August 23, 2014
Apple May Drop Standard USB in Favor of a New Reversible Connector

It is said that when Apple will launch its new iPhone i.e. iPhone 6 in September, it will also introduce its new Lightning data-power cable—that is, if newly leaked images circulating online are to be believed.

Several leaked photos in recent days have suggested Apple may be looking to move to a reversible USB connector for its next-generation Lightning cables, making it easier for users to plug the cables into their computers, chargers, and other equipment with standard USB ports.

MacRumors reported a leaked picture from iOS leaker, Sonny Dickson, showing the Lightning cable with a reversible USB connector. While the USB connector on the current Lightning cable is attached to the bottom of its metal housing, the connector of the supposedly newer cable is attached to the center.

Reversible USB port on the new Lightning cables! pic.twitter.com/bhVKjK3xKl

— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) August 17, 2014

“It is also therefore possible that the new Lightning cable could utilize USB 3.0 technology, as current Lightning cables support only USB 2.0. However, no other evidence suggests that the cable could be of the USB 3.0 variety.” the report from MacRumor noted.

However, Apple is not the only one with this technology. A California company by the name of UltraTek already holds a patent for the reversible connector and is selling cables through major online retailers. MacRumors suggested the possibility of the new cables being shipped along with the new iPhone 6 and subsequent iOS devices. Aside from the possible USB 3.0 support, the new Lightning cable could also support high-definition audio playback on “Made for iPhone” accessories.

Apple is rumored to be introducing a brand new proprietary version of the traditional USB connector

That being said, this move may harm the company as all those new Macs would be incompatible with current USB Type A cords — and presumably incompatible with any other newer standards that could be released in the near future, including the expected USB Type C plug. Apple would also charge third-party accessory makers licensing fees to use its patented USB reversible connector.

Also, the new connector would also help Apple effectively ‘own’ both ends of the charging cord, so if an iPhone/iPad user wanted to employ a micro USB cable from another manufacturer, or a future USB Type C cord, they’d have to purchase two adaptors — one for each end of the cord. The word is that Apple has already issued Lightning Cable MFi specifications for headphones last June, letting accessory makers build products that connect to the Lightning port instead of a 3.5-mm jack.

August 19, 2014