Tag: apple

The Next MacBook Will Be Thinner and Sleeker

With almost all companies showing off their best innovations in the ongoing Consumer Electronic Show, the Cupertino-based giant Apple is geared to showcase its best product. The company is reportedly working on a prototype of the new MacBook Air, which will be launched in 2015. The upcoming 12-inch Air will be even thinner than its predecessors; believe it if you can!

An authentic source 9to5mac has unwrapped some external details of the forthcoming Mac. It said that the new offering from the company will be completely resigned and will feature full-sized USB ports, MagSafe connectors, and SD card slots.

Internally termed as “MacBook Stealth”, the 12-inch MacBook will be entirely revamped. The keypad is modified and the new keypad sits edge-to-edge to the width of the laptop. Each key is relatively closer and some keys are relocated in order to make the laptop narrow. Above the keyboard, there are four speaker grills that are redesigned to act as ventilation holes to help cool the fan-less model. Furthermore, there will be alternations in trackpad and speakers once it reaches the end-consumers.

The upcoming Air will house comparatively lesser number of ports than the previous versions. There is just one USB Type-C port at the left and a standard headphone jack along with dual microphones on the right-hand side. The USB Type-C port is said to be smaller, more capable and faster than the USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports embedded on the present models. If the latest specifications from the USB foundation are to be believed, then the USB Type-C port cannot only transfer data but can also charge the device, making the MagSafe plugs unnecessary on the new machine.

According to the source, the 12-inch MacBook Air will be approximately 0.25-inch narrower than the 11-inch model and of course, would be a bit taller. The thickness reduction is to a bare minimum, but it is a nice move to fascinate potential market.

Internal specifications of the laptop are yet not revealed. There are possibilities that Apple may bring out this new version in gray colour as it has done with its recent offerings. However, there is no notification about when the new Air will roll out; although rumours reveal that it will be shipped in mid-2015.

January 7, 2015
Top 6 Things We Can Expect from Apple in 2015

With the two new iPhone 6 models breaking sales records, the arrival of iMacs with 4k display, and of course, the imminent release of the Apple Watch; 2014 was an exciting year for Apple fanatics. The Cupertino-based tech giant managed to stay stuck in it position on the front row.

Now we’re waiting for what’s in store for us in the next 12 months. Here are some of the first few rumours indicating the things we can expect:

1. iPad Max

While Apple has never confirmed the existence of this product, a 12.9-inch iPad is almost a sure bet for 2015. The only glitch, it might not be intended as a consumer product. If Apple goes ahead with this plan, 12.9-inch iPad means that the company will not not just be after the tablet market, but the PC market as well. It’s not always easy to convince businesses to replace Windows PCs with Macs, but adding a large-screen iPad that can work in the office and on the road (and one that can now run Office Apps), may not be as hard.

2. The iPhone 6s Mini

In previous years Apple has been consistent in its approach to upgrading the iPhone. Year 2014 saw a redesign of the casing, and the introduction of the first Apple Phablet, so we’d expect the 2015 models to keep that exterior and instead increase the performance by upgrading key components.

Also, several new rumours making the rounds say that the company is planning to launch a mini version of its iPhone 6 dubbed ‘iPhone 6s Mini’. According to recent reports by Apple Insider, the design of the rumoured mini smartphone will match that of iPhone 5s and the specifications with iPhone 6. In other words, a return to the prior model’s 4-inch display size.

3. Music streaming

It’s been almost six months since Apple bought over Beats, but despite all the new hardware and initiatives like Apple Pay, no one seems to know what Apple’s doing with the company. We expect Apple to launch new service, backed up by Dr. Dre’s team, to combat the decreasing sales of the iTunes music streaming service.

4. Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is the only device that Apple has officially confirmed is coming next year. Apple’s newest smartwatch enters a marketplace in 2015, that feels competitive. The Watch will need to prove its worth against the already established range of Android and Microsoft powered alternatives. The new Apple Watch will arrive in three models – Watch, Watch Sport, and Watch Edition, which will also be available in large and small screen size options. Watch apps will be heavily reliant on the iPhone and will deliver information through basic “Glances” or actionable notifications.

5. Refreshed Apple TV

One device that was conspicuous by its absence at the 2014 product launch, was the Apple TV. However, earlier this year, there were persistent rumors that Apple was planning on expanding and improving the capabilities of its media streaming device. While the Apple TV might seem like a forgotten device, it’s worth noting that the company has sold more than twenty million units, making Apple over a billion dollars in 2013 alone. This might seem small when compared to iPads and iPhones, but it’s still a highly profitable area. We hope to see some change in the Apple TV in 2015. There have been rumours that Apple will open up the App Store to the Apple TV too.

6. Enterprise Focus

Five months ago, Apple stunned the tech community by announcing a long-term enterprise partnership with IBM. The idea was to bring mobile to business in a way that big businesses, even entire industries, could manage and leverage it to their advantage. It is said that Apple outlined a strategy that takes what’s best about Apple products and, essentially, combines it with skills from IBM. A few that the Cupertino-based company lacks, such as direct sales and integration of custom apps.

December 28, 2014
Apple Might Bring Out a Mini Version of the iPhone 6 in 2015

The 2014 launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus brought out the whole new design philosophy in Apple’s offerings. Earlier, the company had stuck to the smaller 4-inch screen size. Now it seems like Apple is further experimenting with different screen sizes; the new rumours making the rounds say that the company is planning to launch a mini version of its iPhone dubbed ‘iPhone 6s Mini’.

According to recent reports by Apple Insider, the specifications of the rumoured mini smartphone will match that of iPhone 5s and the specifications with iPhone 6. In other words, a return to the prior model’s 4-inch display size.

Apple Insider, citing a note issued by Timothy Arcuri, an analyst with Cowen and Company, to the investors suggests that Apple may launch a new 4-inch iPhone variant in 2015, which will be called iPhone 6s mini. The smartphone will join the current generation screen sizes of 4.7- inch and 5.5-inch.

The publication also noted that Arcuri, in the past, has a mixed track record on Apple iPhone rumors. In January 2014, the analyst correctly predicted some details of the iPhone 6. However, his prediction about a powerful processor for the iPhone 6 Plus turned out to be incorrect.

If the rumors are true, the new iPhone 6s is more likely to replace iPhone 5c as the company’s low-end offering. Being a low-end phone, the iPhone 6s Mini is also expected to have low-cost internals to keep the price low.

In the past, Samsung has launched the mini versions of its Galaxy S devices such as the Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Mini and the Galaxy S5 Mini. These mini handsets cater to smartphone customers who prefer a smaller handset and lower cost. With Apple looking into the mini segment of smartphones, the move could help bring wider consumers in the company’s ecosystem.

December 26, 2014
Apple is Reportedly Working on Two New Devices for 2015

Apple is apparently in the process of developing its next flagship device, the iPhone 7. After launching the record breaking iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which are still going strong, a new report suggests that the Cupertino based giant is prepping two devices for release in the coming year – the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7.

The launch of the iPhone 6s is rumoured to be alongside the Apple Watch in the first half of 2015, while the flagship iPhone 7 is believed to be launched in the third quarter of the year. In addition, some reports also indicate that Apple is planning to cease production of the iPhone 4s and iPhone 5c by the second half of 2015. Although there is no official confirmation from Apple, but grapevine in the tech-world suggest these rumours to be true.

Meanwhile, a few features of the next flagship have apparently been pointing to a DSLR quality camera.

Apple blogger John Gruber made the following statement: “The specific thing I heard is that next year’s camera might be the biggest camera jump ever. I don’t even know what sense this makes, but I’ve heard that it’s some kind of weird two-lens system where the back camera uses two lenses and it somehow takes it up into DSLR quality imagery”.

An update to the iPhone camera is certainly long due. The first iPhone ever launched came with a 2MP camera, which was upgraded to 3.2 MP in the iPhone 3GS, while iPhone 4 had a 5MP camera. In 2011 the camera was significantly enhanced to 8 MP in the iPhone 4S and is still continues to remain the same in its latest device.

Other rumours around the internet suggest the next iPhone would have a 14MP main camera along with a 4MP front snapper; powered by a quad-core A8 processor. It may come packed with 256GB or more internal memory, screen protected by sapphire crystal glass and a chassis made of liquid metal. However nothing has been officially confirmed.

December 19, 2014
Yosemite’s Popular Continuity Feature is Now Compatible With Older Macs

Back in mid-2014, we saw the release Apple’s OS X update Yosemite. The revised version was free to upgrade. However, there was a minor glitch in this set-up, some of its prominent features only supported Macs with Bluetooth 4.0. One such feature of the new update was Continuity/Handoff, but according to the latest revelation, this feature can now run on older Apple desktops as well.

Continuity is a term used by Apple for a range of new features that bring the iOS and Mac OS X devices closer. It offers you to seamlessly shift between Mac OS X and iOS devices; you can pick up on one device right where you left off on the other.

According to an update by a user on Reddit, the Continuity/Handoff tool can be activated just by adding a simple tool on your Mac. This tool makes the hardware compatible by adding Bluetooth 4.0 dongle to run Continuity on your 2008 Macs or later.

Continuity Activation Tool 2.0 has been released! Enable Continuity on many Macs from 2008 and later just by adding a Bluetooth 4.0 USB dongle. Many thanks to the community for the excellent beta testing work!

Given below is a list of Macs that will support Continuity. You can also learn about the Continuity Activation Tool on github.

December 16, 2014
Apple Finally Gives India the Attention it Deserves, Plans to Set Up More Than 500 Stores

India is fast becoming the go-to market for technology-based companies to try out their luck. A growing middle class with its increased purchasing power is growing more comfortable with experimenting with offerings of various companies. Almost every global company sees India as a potential market for their product. Every company is trying to impress the Indian consumer with better features and improved updates. Apple too understands the importance of this market and hence is pushing for an aggressive growth in the number of stores across the country.

The Cupertino-based technology superpower is planning to set up over 500 stores across the length and breadth of India. The company seems to have finally recognized the importance of our country to increase their hold on the international market. The company is already a major player in next door China and actively competes against the big brands there.

Meanwhile, India has mostly been Android dominated. A mass variety of offerings based on everyone’s preferences and budgets are available in the Android ecosystem. iPhones and other Apple offerings are seen as aspirational, as well as often berated for their high price values. But there is still a large Apple fan base which is almost as fanatical in support of the products from the company.

The stores will be set up in smaller towns and cities such as Amritsar, Pathankot, Moga, Coimbatore, Trichy, Nagpur and Nasik as the company sees a big number of potential consumers there. These stores are going to be small though, about 300-600 sq ft as opposed to the ones in bigger cities with a size of 2,000 sq ft. Apple will also be increasing its investments in direct advertising in the country.

Apple has been in India since 2011 but has till now operated with two distributors, Redington and Ingram. It is not sure as of yet how the business plan will incorporate the distributors as of yet. It is anticipated though that the company might adopt a franchise model to bring its products to the consumers. Reliance is also one of the reseller for Apple and had a 5 year contract with the company. But Apple might drop this partnership as they feel the service offered by Reliance is not up to their standards.

It sure is a great thing that Apple is putting its focus on the Indian soil. The setting up of 500 stores also means that any release by Apple will immediately come to India. This will surely increase competition amongst other brands to counter the giant. In the end, the winner will be the Indian consumer, who is already getting giddy with all the amazing options to choose from.

December 5, 2014
Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for iPhone Owners

Gotta admit, iPhone users get the choice of picking up some of best phone accessories in the world. From Infrared cases to bike mounts, anything seems possible if you own an iPhone.

We are listing top 5 iPhone accessories, that will put your old ones to shame.

1. The Pocket Spotlight

The Pocket Spotlight is basically a bank of 32 diffused LEDs that will provide soft, even illumination for up to an hour on a full charge. For smartphone users it includes a mount for attaching it to the headphone jack.

2. Belkin Easefit Plus Armband

The compact, modern design makes this a solid effort from Belkin. The lightweight, flexible neoprene material has a touch-through window covering the display. This accessory can also be hand washed. It’s not just for iPhone 6, there are other versions that are compatible with older models of iPhones, and are just as durable.

3. Quadlock Bike Kit for iPhone 6

The tool locks the phone onto a bicycle’s handles, allowing a user to make hands-free calls, keep track of GPS directions and free up pocket space. With Quadlock Bike Kit for iPhone 6, avid cyclists can put it to the ultimate test by mounting their handset on their bike and taking it for a ride.

4. Olloclip 4-in-1 iPhone 6 photo lens

Well, this one is for Instagram fanatics. If you want up your game in the photo-sharing social network, you desperately need this one. Olloclip 4-in-1 iPhone 6 photo lens attaches to the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, clipping onto the corner of the device and enhancing the built-in camera. The lens can shift between fisheye, macro, video and wide-angle.

5. Grand Cord tacos

These tasty looking tacos won’t fill you stomach, however, they will solve some one of the most irritating problems : tangled chords. Ground’s Cord Taco helps you clean up all of those wires for your iOS devices or Mac in your bag, pocket, car, or anywhere else. Seal the 100-percent premium leather structure with its metallic clasp and the look instantly changes from messy to cool and organized. Works great for earbuds, USB cables, and other small wires. Each package includes five Cord Tacos.

December 5, 2014
Future iPhones May Soon Have the Technology to Only Fall Face Up – Just Like Cats

Apple always seems to have a knack of pulling-off something out of the ordinary, and this time around the Cupertino based giant is on a quest to make its iPhone land like a cat in the event of a fall. Sounds too good to be true, but the company has reportedly filed a patent which just got approved by the Patent and Trademark office which put simply, would make the iPhone fall on its back.

The patent is a wild attempt by Apple to keep its glass screen from cracking. As we know, cats are known for their innate ability to reposition itself while airbone in such a peculiar way, so that it lands on its feet to prevent itself from getting hurt. Apple’s new patent tries to implement the exact same principle to its bending and overpriced devices like iPhone and iPads.

So how does it work?

Using inputs via a combination of sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and GPS, a device equipped with this new protective mechanism will detect when it’s in free fall and calculate parameters like speed of descent and time to impact. The device will then use an on-board motor to reposition itself, just like a cat would, in an attempt to protect fragile components like screen or the camera in the event of a fall. In addition, the device’s on-board motor can also be deployed, so it would screech a bit as it falls on the ground, just like a cat.

Reports indicate that the patent is quite exhaustive, and Apple has provided a few more methods for repositioning the device while mid air, including extending air foils and use of gas canisters for more controlled landings.

This sounds pretty insane and we wish Apple all the luck on their noble quest to scale the pinnacle of engineering innovation, rather than settling for the mundanely obvious solution of making their phones more robust. However, its worth mentioning the fact that often companies file patents just to protect their intellectual property, rather than actually building a device. So this could well be a distant possibility and chances of it becoming a reality might be slim. Either way, we would to love to see a cat-like iPhone.

December 3, 2014
Details of the Monster 12.9-inch ‘iPad Air Plus’ Leaked

Back in August, Bloomberg reported that Apple will launch a 12.2-inch iPad in early 2015, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Since then, the reports and leaks of the device have been scarce. However, this weekend, a leak from the Japanese magazine Mac Fan reveals what they believe to be schematics and specs surrounding Apple’s rumoured tablet, which is now supposedly bigger with a display at 12.9 inches.

The company is expected to jump size significantly from the 9.7-inch iPad Air, that’s currently available. It is believed that the move is the outcome of the recent sluggish iPad sales. Purported measures of the previously rumoured device are 305.31×220.8×7 mm (12×8.7x.28 inches). The slate is said to feature Apple’s next generation A9 processor.

The launch of bigger iPad makes sense as the company is opting for ‘bigger the better’ mantra for their other devices too like iPhone 6. The rumoured iPad is not the only monster slate in the market as Samsung launched 12.2-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro earlier in February.

AppleInsider has cited another Japanese publication called Macotakara that has some details which align with the information shared by Mac Fan. Macotakara said that the upcoming ‘iPad Air Plus’ will feature a 12.2-inch display with speakers and microphones on multiple edges. Macotakara also claimed that the iPad Air Plus won’t be as thin as the 6.1 mm iPad Air 2, but will be as slim as an iPhone, measuring somewhere between 6.9 mm and 7.1 mm.

The same report by Mac Fan also added that the iPad mini 4 will be powered by Apple’s existing A8X processor and sport a new, thinner design. It also says that following the launch of the iPad mini 4, the iPad mini and iPad mini 3 will be discontinued.

If these rumours are true, what we don’t understand is what will happen to the Apple MacBook Air family if a 12.2-inch iPad launches. Well, maybe the company will merge the MacBook Air and Pro lineup to make more space for the iPad Air Plus in the market. However, this may result in utter confusion and may cost Apple another setback in the iPad sales. Anyhow, these are just the production of rumour mill for now, the plan of the company will be revealed when the time comes. Until then, we wait.

December 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Users Complain of Scratches on the Screen

Apple had touted that the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus had strengthened Ion-X glass. There were talks of inclusion of sapphire glass on the new generation iPhones, but that plan was shelved. The reason cited for it was the inability of the supplier to fulfill Apple’s demand even after a $1 billion deal. Well, the sapphire glass never came about but now it’s being reported that the Apple’s alternative choice is showing signs of scratches.

A conversation was commenced at Apple’s Support page by a user named jake.underwood26, who posted that he took extremely good care of his device, but still he ended up with scratches on the corners of the display. Presently, there are 654 replies on the forum, and there are multiple complaints of scratches on the display.

Users are claiming that the scratches are showing up at the corners of the display.

One user by the username Jshea74 says, “After 2 years of heavy use and no screen cover, my iPhone 5 never had a scratch. Less than a week into owning an iPhone 6, I have a good sized scratch on my screen. So disappointed. I only ever had a bumper on my old phone and would totally throw it in my purse with my other stuff with no issues. Now I guess I’ll have to get a cover for the screen. Definitely seemed easier to scratch.”

AppleInsider did an investigation on the issue and found out that one of the culprits can be the use a curved display glass with no bezel ‘lip’ to protect against scrapes. In the predecessors of the device, a flat glass was used, and it was surrounded by a thermoplastic peripheral material housed in a harder polymer wrap. This kept the glass secure and prevented shock induced scratches. In the latest device, though the company uses the thermoplastic material but it is now in the middle of display assembly and phone body. Even the hard plastic wall was removed to cover the curves toward the rounded aluminum chassis. Apple is yet to respond on the issue.

Apple hasn’t had an easy path with the launch of the new iPhone. Previously, Bendgate became a major cause of embarrassment for the company when multiple users began complaining about the bending of the device. Seems like Apple didn’t finish its homework before releasing the phones and hopefully, it will fix the issues as soon as possible. The device cost a king’s ransom and it’s a shame that such issues are showing up in a premium device such as this.

November 25, 2014
Apple to Donate Retail Revenues For World AIDS Day

Apple is extending hands to make the globe an AIDS-free place. Starting from today, Apple has launched a campaign for World AIDS Day 2014 to help (PRODUCT)RED. During the campaign, the company will offer special ‘Apps for (RED)’ section in the App Store that will contain 25 apps with exclusive new content that will benefit the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

For two weeks, Apple and the participating developers will donate all global proceeds from downloads as well as in-app purchases to the Global Fund. The effort is one in a series of promotions the American multinational giant is doing during the holiday season with (RED). On Friday, 28th November, the Apple customers in the US will receive gift cards after purchasing selected Apple products. And on Monday, 1st December i.e. World AIDS Day, the company will donate an undisclosed percentage of its retail and online sales to the Global Fund.

“Apple is a proud supporter of (RED) because we believe the gift of life is the most important gift anyone can give,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “For eight years, our customers have been helping fight AIDS in Africa by funding life-saving treatments which are having a profoundly positive impact. This year we are launching our biggest fundraising push yet with the participation of Apple’s retail and online stores, and some of the brightest minds in the App Store are lending their talents to the effort as well.”

The ‘Apps for (RED)’ campaign in the App Store will run from Monday, 24th November to Sunday, 7th December, and will include special versions of apps like Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, djay 2, Clear, Paper, and more. Apple and (PRODUCT)RED have worked together for a number of years, and the latter organisation announced in June that Apple has made a contribution of $75 million. Throughout the history of their partnership, Apple has released a number of (RED) devices including iPod nano and shuffle, iPad Smart Cover, iPhone Bumper, and iPhone cases. With every (RED) product bought, Apple will donate a portion of the purchase amount to the charity.

November 24, 2014
Apple iPad Air 2 and Mini 3 Up for Pre-Orders in India

The latest Apple iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 are up for pre-orders now. Apple has partnered with Flipkart and Infibeam to sell its latest iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 in India and these e-commerce retailers are accepting pre-orders for 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB versions of both the devices. The delivery starts from 29th November onwards.

The new iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi model is priced at Rs. 35,900 for the 16 GB capacity, Rs. 42,900 for the 64 GB and Rs. 49,900 for the 128 GB. While the Air 2 with Wi-Fi + Cellular will be available for a suggested retail price of Rs. 45,900 for the 16 GB version, Rs. 52,900 for the 64 GB and Rs. 59,900 for the 128 GB.

The new Apple iPad mini 3 with Wi-Fi model costs Rs. 28,900 for the 16 GB, Rs. 35,900 for the 64 GB and Rs. 42,900 for the 128 GB model. On the other hand, iPad mini 3 with Wi-Fi + Cellular model is priced at Rs. 38,900 for the 16 GB, Rs. 45,900 for the 64 GB and Rs. 52,900 for the 128 GB version.

Infibeam has announced the availability of the iPad Air 2 for delivery in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Pune, Faridabad, Secunderabad and Nagpur, while Flipkart is not promising any date for delivery right away.

The new refreshed Air is 18 percent thinner with a thickness of just 6.1 mm. As expected, it is powered by the new Intel A8x Chip, a 2nd gen 64-bit architecture, which is 12 times faster than the current one. Apple claims that the graphics performance of the new iPad Air 2 is 180 times faster, which gives console-like gaming experience.

iPad mini 3

On the other hand, the iPad mini 3 is a minor upgrade over the last year’s iPad mini 2. It features a 7.9-inch (2048×1536 pixels) display and is powered by a 64-bit A7 dual-core processor paired with M7 co-processor and 1 GB of RAM. It also features a 5-megapixel rear camera, 1.2 megapixel front camera, a battery that is good enough and lasts up to 10 hours, and a TouchID sensor. On the software front, it too runs on iOS 8.1.

November 24, 2014
Apple iPad Air 2 and Mini 3 to Make a Footfall in India Today

Cupertino-based giant Apple is reportedly planning to release the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 in India today. The company launched the iPad Air 2 as well as the iPad mini 3 last month. Popular PC vendor ITNET Infocom lately confirmed (via Twitter) that the new Apple iPad series slates will hit the Indian stores today. “iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 coming tomorrow,” said the ITNET Twitter handle.

The company has already announced the pricing for the products in India. The iPad Air 2 will be available at Rs. 35,900 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi only model, while the iPad mini 3 will sell at a price of Rs. 28,900. The iPad Air 2 models with only Wi-Fi comes in 64 GB and 128 GB of storage variants, and will cost Rs. 42,900 and Rs. 49,900 respectively. Besides this, the Wi-Fi only iPad mini 3 models with 64 GB and 128 GB of storage capacities will cost Rs. 35,900 and Rs. 42,900 respectively.

Ipad air 2 and ipad mini 3 coming tomorrow

— ITNET (@itnetinfocom) November 20, 2014

Apple India home page has been updated with iPad Air 2 photos saying ‘Change is in the Air.’ Previously, the page showed the iPhone 6 series images since its official launch in September. Now, the change in Apple’s home page has given way to the speculations that the new iPad series tablets might get released this weekend.

The new refreshed Air is 18 percent thinner with a thickness of just 6.1 mm. As expected, it is powered by the new Intel A8x Chip, a 2nd gen 64-bit architecture, which is 12 times faster than the current one. Apple claims that the graphics performance of the new iPad Air 2 is 180 times faster, which gives console-like gaming experience on the iPad Air 2.

iPad mini 3

On the other hand, the iPad mini 3 is a minor upgrade over last year’s iPad mini 2. It features a 7.9-inch (2048×1536 pixels) display and is powered by a 64-bit A7 dual-core processor paired with M7 co-processor and 1 GB of RAM. It also features a 5-megapixel rear camera, 1.2 megapixel front camera, a battery that is good enough to last 10 hours, and a TouchID sensor. On the software front, it too runs on iOS 8.1.

November 21, 2014
Apple is About to Add Some Beats to its iOS Devices

Apple’s acquisition was a big news for the music industry. This multi-billion dollar deal gave Hip-Hop its first billionaire in Dr. Dre. There were no clear directions though as to what the company was planning to do with the popular audio equipment brand. Looks like the first step in the Apple-Beats saga is about to unveil itself. Financial Times reports that the Cupertino-based tech giant will be integrating Beats Music app on all the iPhone and iPads.

Beats Music is a subscription-based music service that uses algorithms to curate music according to your interests. Beats also has tie-ups with some of the major labels in the music industry and thus, has a huge library of songs that you can listen. The songs are downloadable, so you can listen to the tunes when you are not online. The service will be a part of the default offerings of Apple such as iMovie, Garageband amongst others.

By forcing the Beats Music on its customers, Apple will be benefitting a lot. The company already has iTunes that let you buy music, but with this music streaming service, the company can take on market leaders like Spotify. Be ready for some Apple power, dear music industry.

November 20, 2014
iPhone 6 Records Three Times Higher Sales Than its Bigger Sibling

Even though Apple is always tight-lipped about its sales figures, a research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) tracked down the first 30 days of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus availability in the US and has come up with some interesting data.

According to the analyst Steven Milunovich of CIRP, the iPhone 6 accounted for 68 percent of all iPhone sales, while the iPhone 6 Plus took between 23 and 24 percent. This puts the sales ratio somewhere near 3:1 in the favour of iPhone 6. Unlike the Asian market where phablets are always best sellers, iPhone 6 are preferred by the US customers over iPhone 6 Plus.

Together, the new iPhones represented about 91 percent of the total iPhone sales over their first four weeks of availability. The remaining units are represented by the previous-generation iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Obviously, the data clearly shows that there’s a clear favourite, but it is also to be noted that the iPhone 6 Plus has faced stock issues since its launch. That’s one of the reasons many people haven’t really been able to buy one.

CIRP’s research also pointed out that maximum buyers went for 48 GB storage, which is almost double the average storage capacity from a year old model. The reason is that Apple, this year, dropped the 32 GB capacity and offers the iPhone 6 Plus in sizes of 16, 64, and 128 gigabytes.

It is said that as soon as the stock level of iPhone 6 Plus picks up and a normal delivery time is achieved, we can expect the device to gain some considerable ground.

November 17, 2014