Year: 2014

Google covering some of Samsung’s legal fees, liabilities in Apple trial

Cody Lee ∙ April 23, 2014

We've known pretty much all along that Google was going to be more involved this time around in the Apple-Samsung trial. Many of the features Apple claims infringe on its software patents are baked right into Android, so of course it would be in the Mountain View company's best interest to become much more involved.

But I'm not sure anyone knew the extent of Google's involvement until yesterday, when a lawyer for the tech giant said that it had reached an agreement with Samsung to foot the bill for a large portion of its legal fees. It also told the Korean firm it would cover much of the damages, should it be found guilty of infringement...

Apple airs new ‘Powerful’ iPhone 5s ad

Cody Lee ∙ April 22, 2014

Apple has this evening posted a new TV commercial for the iPhone 5s to its YouTube channel. The ad, which was spotted airing during tonight's episode of ABC's 'Agents of SHIELD,' touts the handset's ability to morph into a useful tool for people in various lines of work.

Set to the tune of "Gigantic," by the Pixies, the spot shows iPhone 5s owners using the device to do things like play music, control stage lighting in a theater, create short movies, create art installations and more. The tagline of the ad is 'You're more powerful than you think.'

Let’s Talk iOS 025: Lil’ Keezy

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 20, 2018

Episode 25: We talk about our favorite email apps for iOS, the ultimate App Store guide, setting up and iTunes Store allowance, and we consider the implications of Nike's termination of its FuelBand hardware.

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ShareDraft: Save Twitter share sheet messages for later

Jeff Benjamin ∙ April 22, 2014

ShareDraft is a new jailbreak tweak that lets users save share sheet messages as drafts. The share sheets, which are used for iOS' built-in Twitter and Facebook sharing, normally force users to send a message or lose it. With ShareDraft installed, you can save messages to drafts and recover those drafts when sending future messages.

We've taken ShareDraft for a spin on video, and while it isn't perfect, heavy share sheet users might find it to be a handy add-on. Check past the break for the full video review.

Analyst makes case for Apple replacing iPod touch with iWatch

Jake Smith ∙ April 22, 2014

Apple is planning to start production of the iWatch in multiple screen sizes during the fourth quarter of 2014, Christopher Caso, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group, said in a note to investors on Tuesday.

Caso is reiterating what a lot of analysts and reports have already said, adding that two versions of the iWatch are likely and that Apple is planning production targets of five million to six million units in the fourth quarter of 2014. Caso adds one other interesting bit - the iWatch could essentially replace the iPod, which may make a lot of sense...

Amazon’s smartphone said to feature unique, tilt-based gesture interface

Cody Lee ∙ April 22, 2014

According to a bevy of recent reports, Amazon is preparing to launch a smartphone. It's a tough market to try to bust into this late in the game—with Apple and Samsung taking home a large share of the profits already—but from what we've heard, the e-commerce giant is going to try to differentiate itself with unique features.

Today, following up its report from last week on a purported prototype of the Amazon phone, BGR has offered up some new details. Apparently, in addition to glasses-free 3D and head-tracking tech, the handset will also feature a number of motion-based gestures that can be activated by tilting the device in various directions...

iOS 7.1.1 clearly labels apps that offer in-app purchases

Sébastien Page ∙ April 22, 2014

iOS 7.1.1 was released earlier today with a few enhancements and bug fixes. One new feature that has gone somewhat unnoticed is the addition of the In-App Purchases label that appear under the price/download button of applications.

This new label makes it really clear from the get go when an app contains in-app purchases. It's something that Apple didn't hide before as it's been indicated directly under the name of an app in the app description since 2013, but this definitely clarifies things up and makes it more straightforward...

Apple updates AirPort routers with big security fix

Jake Smith ∙ April 22, 2014

If you have Apple's 2013 AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule wireless routers, you may want to grab the big firmware 7.7.3 security bug fix that has been released.

Apple says in a posting on its support website the update fixes an SSL/TLS security bug:

App Store honors Earth Day with green living apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Today is Earth Day and the App Store is conveniently spotlighting some of the finest iPhone and iPad applications for going green, both free and paid ones. Whether you're into alternative means of transportation, green living in general or environmental awareness, there's an app for you out there among the more than one million software items available in the App Store.

"We’ve compiled a thought-provoking selection of films, books and podcasts to help you celebrate and care for the planet this Earth Day," notes Apple. I've listed all of the featured apps right below...

Apple opens Mac OS X betas to the public

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

Big news this afternoon as Apple has opened up its OS X beta program to the public. Before today, you needed a $99/year developer account to help test the company's upcoming Mac software updates before they were widely released, but starting this afternoon, anyone can sign up for the 'OS X Beta Seed Program.'

You can sign up here, and all you need is an Apple ID. Once enlisted, users can test out pre-release builds of Mavericks before they're launched to the public and even submit feedback to Apple to help iron out the kinks. It's not for everyone, but it's great news for early adopters and those who enjoy sneak previews...

Apple pushes OS X security update with Safari 7.0.3

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 22, 2014

After pushing iOS 7.1.1 with additional Touch ID improvements and a pair of bug fixes for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Apple TV devices, Apple has now released a minor software update containing security fixes for OS X systems and the Mac's Safari browser.

Officially titled 'Security Update 2014-002 1.0', the download comes in at eighty megabytes and includes patches for Safari vulnerabilities and bug fixes for the rest of OS X.

Apple wholeheartedly recommends this OS X update for all OS X Mavericks users because it improves compatibility, stability and security of your computer. A reboot is required after applying the software...

Apple’s Earth Day print ad pokes fun at Samsung

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Apple continued its Earth Day PR push this morning, taking out print ads in UK newspapers. The company has thus far painted the leaves on many of its Apple Store logos green, released a video with Tim Cook and announced a new recycling program, and today it took out full page ads to tout its environmental efforts.

The advertisements show a large image of the enormous solar farm that runs Apple's data center in North Carolina, and talk about the company's work to reduce its impact on climate change. But perhaps the most interesting about the ads is that they take a not-so-subtle jab at Samsung and their ongoing patent lawsuit...