Tag: iOS

Apple To End Support For iOS 13 On Older Devices
One things Apple users have an advantage over any smartphone maker is the software. The brand has been consistent enough to update even some of its older devices seamlessly. But it looks like Apple will change things up a bit as a report from an Israeli website The Verifier. The report says that Apple is soon ending support for iOS 13 on older devices. The news comes after lower than expected sales of the newer iPhones. It was to the excellent software support on older devices to make it run like new. These two news may be related to each other more than you think.

Possible Devices That May Be Affected

Out of the current Apple devices, these are the devices that are expected to be affected by this change.

iPhones:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
iPads:
- iPad Mini 2
- iPad Mini 3
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Air
- iPad Air 2
iPod:
- iPod touch 6th generation
This might be step on Apple’s part as the recent decline in iPhone sales has been attributed to the lack of the need to upgrade. Or it may be that Apple is phasing out these devices due to older hardware. Whatever may be the case, Apple might release the iOS 13 in the coming months. And the features it will bring would be most applicable to the newer devices, so the decision makes sense. But with Apple pushing updates to devices for as long as they do, makes them still the most backwards compatible OS makers.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy A90 To Have A Pop Up Selfie Camera

Apple has been pretty consistent with updating their older devices. The iOS 12 update reached to the iPhone 5s, a six year old device. This news may be a big deal for the people who have purchased an older Apple device recently. But this move by Apple may result in the increase of sales of the newer devices.
February 5, 2019
76% iOS Devices Are On iOS 11 While Only 4.1% Android Devices Are On Android 8 Oreo

The debate of Android vs iOS might never reach a conclusion. However, there is one area where Android has to always accept defeat, and that is OS adoption rate. Thanks to so many Android OEMs and their own custom skins, new versions of Android are very slow to reach to a majority of Android devices. iPhones on the other hand, are only made by Apple, which means the adoption rate of iOS is extremely high. And new data proves just that.

As of April 16th, 2018, Android 8.1 Oreo, the latest version of Android is only available on 0.5% Android devices. Android 8.0 Oreo, which was launched in August 2017, is only available 4.1% of devices. Astonishingly, the most predominant Android version is Android 6 Marshmallow, with a 26% adoption rate. Android 7.0 Nougat is a close second at 23%.

While on the iOS side of things, as of April 22nd, 2018, iOS 11 is running on 75% of the iOS devices. It is worth noting that this also includes iPads as well since they also run iOS. Apple’s latest iOS version, iOS 11 had a rocky start to life with a lot of bugs pailing its initial phase. However, constant updates to fix various bugs has made iOS 11 a much better upgrade to iOS 10, as we noted in our iPhone X review.

You may also like: Why Are New Android Phones Launching With Old Android OS?

Project Treble is Google’s effort at reducing the time it takes for OEMs to receive the new OS and optimise it for its devices and then push out the update. A few months ago, Android received a new Vendor Interface, which is largely what Project Treble is about. The VI’s aim is to separate the “Vendor Implementation” (that is, “the device-specific, lower-level software written in large part by the silicon manufacturers”), from the Android OS framework.

The new VI is supposed to sit between the Android OS framework and Vendor Implementation. And the new VI will be validated by a Vendor Test Suite (VTS), which is analogous to the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) that Google has been using for API testing of apps. The VTS ensures forward-compatibility of the VI.

Time will tell whether Google’s efforts will be of any fruition. Right now, however, iOS is way ahead of Android OS in the race of OS adoption.

April 26, 2018
Google Assistant Now Available For Apple iPads
Google Assistant is one of the best AI assistants right now. It competes closely with Amazon Alexa but, has a much better integration with the mobile OS. Also, Android is the most used OS in the world which means Google Assistant is available on more devices. But, Google Assistant has not limited itself to just Android devices. Google made the Assistant available for iPhones in 2017 and has now rolled out the support for iPad as well. However, unlike an Android device, the Google Assistance has some limitations due to API restrictions.

The Google Assistant on Apple iPads can perform tasks like setting a reminder, turning on the light etc. In fact, it can also be used to make a video call or sending a text message.

The Assistant can also be used with another app using iOS multitasking capabilities. However, as this is an Apple device, Google Assistant cannot be revoked by long pressing the home similar to Siri. The Google Assistant will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish.

One has to download the app from Apple app store

Here are the some of the basic commands that can be used with Google Assistant
- Set the mood by having the Assistant “dim the lights”
- Cast to your TV by asking the Assistant to “watch the latest news on the living room TV”
- Stay in touch by asking the Assistant to “video call mom” or “text Lauren”
- Keep up with your chores by asking the Assistant to “remind me to take out the recycling at 8 PM”
Minimum hardware and software required
- iOS 10 or latest operating system
- 155.6 MB of Data
- 300 MB of Storage
March 14, 2018
WhatsApp Coloured Text Status Now Rolling Out to Android and iPhone

WhatsApp has added a new feature to its ranks, quite similar to Facebook’s colourful status update. Apparently, now you can change our WhatsApp status update to suit your mood. The Users will now be able to update their statuses with more than just images or videos, and use colourful meme-like text posts.

The new feature which is rolling out to Android and iOS devices, lets you write a snippet of text, choose a background color, and customize the font. This feature is specifically for WhatsApp’s Snapchat Stories clone. The Snapchat-like status update which disappears in 24 hours, was first introduced in February. Last month, Facebook announced that WhatsApp status feature has hit 250 million daily users, exceeding the Snap’s main product.

Much like Facebook, the new WhatsApp update allows you to link out to other websites from within a text post. Seems like Facebook is handing down similar upgrades to its messaging app, which the social networking website acquired for 19 Billion dollars in 2014.

Though WhatsApp has confirmed the new colourful text update, all may not be able to use the new feature as it has been remotely activated, and full-fledged rollout is still awaited.

For iPhone users, the pen icon appears next to the camera icon in the new Status bar. For Android users, the floating pen icon shows up at the bottom of the Status tab, above the camera icon.

The option to type a status, choose a font, emoji, and the background colour as well shows up by clicking on the pen icon. After writing the status and making necessary changes, press the green arrow key to send the text status. The status will then be published on WhatsApp for all your contacts to see. As usual, you can control who sees your status and know who viewed it by clicking on the ‘eye’ icon at the bottom of the screen.

August 23, 2017
iOS 10 Rolls Out To All Supported iPads and iPhones Today

Apple will seed the final release iOS 10 to all those who own supported Apple iPhone and iPads. The release marks many improvements in design and performance, and is also considered to be really secure.

For those who decide agains the update will get nagging, popup windows up unlit you update. However, our recommendation for those using iPhones older than iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, is to avoid the update, as it will eventually slow down the performance on those iPhones. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus ship wit iOS 10 out of the box.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKG2ROPjsAU/?taken-by=igyaan

iOS 10 comes with many new features, including the new iMessage app, with digital touch, and scribble features. You will also get new design and look emoji along with stickers and gifs.

Many improvements to 3D touch, apps like Music and photos get an overhaul too. The new Bedtime mode in the Clock app will remind you to hit the sack and wake you up with a soothing sound of your choice.

Interesting new overhaul to the control centre and notifications in general along with a big boost to battery life. Apple iOS 10 will be available to all iOS devices in India by 2230 IST.

September 13, 2016
You Will Finally Be Able To Delete Apple Apps You Don’t Use On Your iPhone

The new iOS 10, which ships this fall, possibly after Apple releases a new iPhone, will enable a bunch of new features and also the new iMessage. But, in a move not expected from Apple, you will finally be able to delete 23 of the Apple Apps that come on the iPhone, that you may not use ever.

Apple will allow the removal of 23 Apps that come pre loaded, iso you can finally get rid of that annoying “Stocks” app and even apps like Tips, Compass, Music, Maps, and FaceTime.

Getting rid of these apps may give you upto 150MB of space, which might be crucial for those still on a 16GB iPhone and not using any of these apps.

All these apps will be downloadable from the App Store, incase you feel guilty for getting rid of them.

June 18, 2016
US Dept of Justice Files Motion Forcing Apple to Hack into iPhones

Things are getting ugly between the FBI, and Apple. In latest developments in this ongoing saga, the Department of Justice has gotten itself involved and has filed a motion asking Apple to comply with the FBI order.

Over the last few days, the courts ordered Apple to create a special version of the iOS to access a work iPhone 5c of one of the suspected terrorists involved in the San Bernardino shooting. What ensued then was Apple bringing the debate to the public discourse when its CEO, Tim Cook, wrote a strongly worded open letter to its customers worldwide in which it insinuated that it will not comply with the court’s orders as it will be detrimental to the privacy of each and everyone using the iPhone 5c.

This motion filed against Apple shouldn’t come as a surprise after what the Obama government has already said on the issue. The government earlier revealed that it is in the favour of FBI’s argument, and considers rooting out terrorism a priority over the privacy of millions around the globe.

The Department of Justice filing which could have grave implications for all of us read,

“Apple left the government with no option other than to apply to this Court for the Order issued on February 16, 2016. The Order requires Apple to assist the FBI with respect to this single iPhone used by Farook by providing the FBI with the opportunity to determine the passcode. The Order does not, as Apple’s public statement alleges, require Apple to create or provide a ‘back door’ to every iPhone; it does not provide ‘hackers and criminals’ access to iPhones; it does not require Apple to ‘hack [its] own users’ or to ‘decrypt’ its own phones; it does not give the government ‘the power to reach into anyone’s device’ without a warrant or court authorization; and it does not compromise the security of personal information.”

February 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 7 to be Li-Fi Ready?

After the removal of the 3.5mm jack, and the addition of a new ‘whole body’ speaker system for their new iPhone, Apple is looking to bring some more out of the box creativity to their next phone.

According to reports, Apple is looking at exploring Li-Fi feasibility in the next iteration of the iPhone. This was first reported by a user on Twitter when he spotted ‘Li-Fi Capability’ mentioned in the code of iOS 9.1. This could be an indication that Apple is already testing Li-Fi for its next handset.

Li-Fi is a technology capable of transmitting data via light. What makes Li-Fi so compelling is that it’s more effective than Wi-Fi and can transmit data more than 100 times faster than a standard Wi-Fi connection.The tech uses smart LED light bulbs that flash on and off very quickly, faster than a human eye would be able to see and sends binary information through this blinking.

It can’t be said for sure that Apple will include Li-Fi in its next phone, but if it does, it will herald a new beginning, one that will be full of light, and fast speed wireless data internet.

January 19, 2016
CES 2016: Samsung’s Gear S2 to Soon be iOS Compatible

Samsung’s day at CES 2016 is now over. The company made some big announcements in technology today, one of which concerns the Tizen-powered Gear S2 lineup. Samsung’s newest wearables will be available in platinum and rose gold variant. But this wasn’t the big announcement we’re talking about. The Gear S2 will be iOS compatible later this year. As of now, the wearables can only work with an Android device.

now while Samsung promises seamless connectivity with iOS devices like the iPhone or iPad not all features in the device will be made accessible. Samsung Pay, for example, which is yet to roll to the smartwatch, is not likely to be iOS compatible, and will rather require a Samsung device for it to work.

Samsung’s decision to have its wearable work with iOS devices will be especially beneficial for those who aren’t all that excited about the Apple Watch (mostly due to its pricing), but are still keen on sporting smartwatches.

Samsung hasn’t revealed the precise date when the iOS platform for the Gear S2 will be rolled out to the public. You can expect Apple to take point on this as this is likely to affect sales of the Apple Watch once the cross-platform compatibility is made available.

January 6, 2016
Now Use the Apple Watch to Control Your GoPro

GoPro has an iOS app and it’s great. But this was not enough and so, now the app has an amazing update which allows GoPro to be controlled using the Apple Watch.

The most important GoPro functions like starting or stopping recording, previewing shots and adding “HiLight” bookmarks can now all be taken care of using the Watch. This iOS app is compatible with the GoPro HERO3 or any of the Wi-Fi equipped GoPro models, though previewing shots on the Apple Watch is not compatible with the HERO3 or the HERO2 with Wi-Fi Bacpac.

The app has definitely made things more convenient for GoPro users by allowing them easier movement, especially if their devices are needed to be mounted in inaccessible locations minus any kind of viewfinders.

Apple Watch, after being panned by the majority of users, has still a long way to go in terms of customer satisfaction. The GoPro-Watch app has definitely helped its case but it’s still not too conclusive a factor. While GoPro users stand to benefit incredibly from it, it is pretty much pointless for others.

December 12, 2015
Android Users Are Switching To iOS Faster Than Ever Before

Newly found reports suggest that the number of Android users switching to iOS is increasing. The Consumer Intelligence Research Partners report indicates that 26% of people who bought the iPhone 6s switched over from Android within the first month itself.

“The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launch attracted a greater percentage of Android owners compared to a year ago,” explains Mike Levin, Partner and Co-Founder of CIRP.

Statistics show that previously, Android switchers accounted for 12% of iPhone 6 buyers and 23% of iPhone 5s buyers. However, this year’s reports have exceeded both the previous stats. Here is a CIRP chart showing the percentage of iPhone buyers who are switching over from Android:

Further reports also suggest that iPhone buyers are switching to buying the larger iPhone models this year. Here’s a table:

The above table indicates that the sales for the iPhone 6s Plus accounted for 37% of sales of new iPhone models this year, whereas the iPhone 6 Plus accounted for just 25% of new model sales in 2014; and thereby proving the second point. Overall, Apple seems to be moving forward in its goal of capturing the smartphone market slowly but steadily.

Source

December 2, 2015
Apple Experimenting With Five Prototypes For the iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 has not even been announced, and the the iPhone 6s released just a couple of months back. But, that does not stop users and tech fans to get preposterously curious about the next iPhone – the iPhone 7. So, there is good news for them – a new report suggests that Apple might be looking at five different prototypes this time, for the iPhone 7.

The timeline for the iPhone goes somewhat like this – the iPhone 3GS was followed by the Apple iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s which introduced Siri. The following year saw the iPhone 5 with a 4 inch screen and then came the revolutionary iPhone 6 with a 4.7 inch screen and the 6 Plus with a 5.5 inch display; after which we know about the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

Now, returning back to the good news bit, Apple is also testing a bunch of new features on the prototypes; such as – testing a USB Type C port that supports headsets, wireless charging capabilities, fingerprint scanner within the phone’s display, multi-Touch Force, and maybe a dual camera set-up for the rear of the handset. There are also further reports that claim that Apple is experimenting with an AMOLED screen too. Apple has not confirmed anything yet, but until then let us hope that the iPhone 7 is another revolutionary smartphone.

December 1, 2015
Microsoft Sends Out Cortana To Be Tested By iOS Users

After providing a version of Cortana to Android users, Microsoft is now looking for Windows Insiders willing to test Cortana on iOS. This process is underway as reports surfaced suggesting that iOS testers have received an email alerting them that Microsoft’s virtual personal assistant was available for download.

This version of Cortana for iOS offers voice responses to questions, provides sports scores, stock prices, reminders, alarms, and much more. And because Cortana is not just any virtual assistant, it comes with its own personality to tell jokes and sing songs. Further reports suggest that this version of Cortana for iOS is being distributed by Apple’s TestFlight and is limited to only 2000 testers. With this, Microsoft is planning to look for a way where Cortana can be used to connect iPhone users with their Windows powered PC.

Microsoft has suggested that testers set a reminder using Cortana on their PC in order to see how it works on the iPhone, and also to use it to hold meetings so that they can test whether Cortana is able to help users do so. Apart from that, interactions with Cortana are supposed to be like interactions with any other human personal assistant, so users are suggested to speak to it just like they would with any human assistant.

However, Microsoft has made no confirmation about how long this testing will last, but as of now this definitely makes the wait for iOS users shorter.

November 28, 2015
The Mozilla Firefox iOS App Is Finally Available On the App Store

Mozilla had been testing an iOS version of its browser for a while now, and it has finally launched a Firefox version for iOS. This app will now be available on the Apple Store on all iOS run devices ranging from the iPhone to the iPod Touch.

Firefox had previously held a stance against developing software for Apple’s app store, but has clearly moved on since then. The first iOS Mozilla tester had rolled out in May this year, following another one in September, before going live with the final version.

This app is being introduced amongst much competition in the sphere of web browsing, especially with iOS owned Safari already in the picture. This new app will allow Firefox loyalists to continue using the web browser even on their Apple products. Let’s all hope that Firefox is able to gain some new customers whilst keeping its old ones too.

Here is a link for you to download Mozilla Firefox on to your Apple devices. Just make sure your device runs the iOS 8.2 or above.

November 16, 2015
Android Safer Than iOS According to Reports

The mythbusters are back, and this time one of the all time popular myths regarding iOS has been busted. According to a new study, it turns out that iOS isn’t as malware-proof as people have come to believe. In fact, reports suggest that Android is safer and more secure than iOS.

The study carried out by Checkmarx and AppSec Labs claim that Apple’s ‘wall garden’, that is the App Store, is filled with apps that have greater percentage of critical or high severity security vulnerabilities when compared to Android apps.

According to the report, a critical vulnerability is defined as one “that exposes a major security risk with a direct exploit (not needing user involvement). If exploited, the security threat might cause major damage to the application and/or have major impact on the company.”

Here’s what the claim means for everyone. Firtsly, it breaks the image of iOS being regarded as the most fool-proof operating system. Secondly, it also means that there is now no safe operating system out there as all the major players are now on the same boat. Of course, it was only a matter of time for a report such as this to come out. Hackers do tend to target big names, especially ones that claim to be unbreakable.

“With more than 1.5 million apps available in the two main app stores, Apple and Android, and hundreds of billions of downloads to date, the mobile landscape has quickly become the main playground for hackers and attackers.”

As the reports suggest, 36 percent of Android apps were found to be potentially critical or highly severe while a surprising 40 percent of iOS apps were deemed critical, crushing the common misconception that iOS is a safer platform.

There seems to be some credibility to this report, especially after the recent news that a popular app on the App Store, called InstaAgent, has been leaking Instagram username and passwords and sending them off to a remote server as well as publishing unauthorized images to users account without their consent.

Checkmarx’s Amit Ashbel explained to GeekTime that most of the security flaws are the result of vulnerabilities in developers’ code. “The mobile application industry as a whole is lagging behind on secure coding best practices,” he added.

Well, that’s one less thing for iPhone users to brag about now.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”https://www.checkmarx.com/2015/11/05/the-state-of-mobile-app-security/”]Checkmarx[/tw-button]

November 12, 2015