Year: 2014

iOS 7.1 is out with CarPlay support, Siri and Touch ID improvements and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Apple has just released long-expected iOS 7.1 for public consumption, the first major software update to its mobile operating system in nearly six months. As you know, Apple last September gave iOS a substantial visual makeover that inadvertently brought issues like random restarts and crashes.

Apple claims it's fixed these problems while adding a myriad of user interface refinements and a few new features, including Siri and Touch ID enhancements.

You'll also appreciate noticeably faster animations and transitions, as well as new accessibility options, performance improvements and more. If you're jailbroken, do not upgrade to iOS 7.1 - you've been warned...

Apple looking to add acquisition analysts to its M&A team

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 10, 2014

Apple is looking to boost its Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) team by hiring acquisition integration analysts, giving us a vague indication that a more diligent strategy to snapping up other companies could be in the cards for the Cupertino firm.

The new job position was posted earlier today on Apple’s job listings website and reported on by Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac. A listing for Acquisition Integration Analyst reveals that Apple is looking for an M&A expert to assist in its acquisitions, by working with the company's HR, Legal, IS&T, Real Estate, Operations, Finance and Tax departments...

This ‘TechDesk’ features built-in docks for your iPhone and iPad

Cody Lee ∙ March 10, 2014

Folks in the market for a new desk may want to check out this new bamboo-topped TechDesk. It looks a bit odd at first, but the holes, cup holders and other cutouts were designed to keep you, your laptop and all of your iOS devices organized and accessible.

The holes you see in the middle of the desk are actually air vents for keeping your MacBook (or other notebook) running cool. There's also a built-in mouse pad, slots for your coffee cup and magazines, and then multiple docks for your iPhones and iPads...

Tweetbot 3.3 is out with larger images, Avenir font, mute enhancements and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Just in time for the SXSW conference, Tweetbot developer Tapbots has just issued a new version of its popular Twitter client for the iPhone and iPod touch. Tweetbot 3.3 is now available as a free update to existing owners and includes a larger image thumbnail option, another option to hide current tweets after muting, the ability to use Avenir as a new font option in the display settings and more. I've included some additional tidbits, the screenies and your official changelog right after the break...

iPhone trade-in program launches in Canada

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 10, 2014

After Apple's in-store iPhone trade-in program arrived in France last week, the company has now launched the initiative across its retail stores in Canada (as rumored), Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac was first to report Monday morning.

The initiative strives to entice would-be buyers to purchase their next iPhone from Apple Stores rather than through carriers and/or other retailers, by offering people to trade-in their old devices in good working condition for store credit, based on the value of their existing device...

New concept takes realistic approach in visualizing next iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ March 10, 2014

In a world where iPhone concepts typically feature radical case designs and edge-to-edge displays, Sam Beckett's new 'iPhone Air' concept stands out. It's not flashy, it's not paper-thin, it's just an honest attempt to visualize what Apple's next smartphone could look like.

The handset bears an obvious resemblance to previous iPhones, but the classic design still looks great stretched out across the larger body. In line with recent rumors, Beckett has given his concept a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080, and a beefy ppi of 468...

New report alleges Samsung will build iPhone 6’s A8 processor after all

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 29, 2016

Shortly after Taiwan’s Commercial Times ran a story about Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) seemingly having started production of an upcoming Apple-designed A8 chip on an exclusive basis (as Samsung reportedly dropped out of the race due to yield issues), an unnamed Samsung executive in a defensive PR move took to blogs to argue that the rumor is greatly exaggerated.

Pouring cold water on the Commercial Times report, the Galaxy maker told ZDNet Korea (via GforGames) that the conglomerate has already signed a contract with Apple concerning next-generation A8 chip production. Moreover, the firm is currently in the final testing phases and is gearing up to kick off mass A8 production at its Austin, Texas facility.

The multi-billion dollar chip plant is almost entirely dedicated to Apple silicon production. Samsung's semiconductor arm has thus far churned out every iOS device processor since the original iPhone...

Samsung removes standard-essential patents from upcoming Apple trial

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 9, 2014

Apple and Samsung will duke it out in the courtroom over technology patents later this month. As the second California trial looms (it begins March 31), the two technology giants have filed a stipulation with the United States District Court of California which narrows the second case, patent blogger Florian Müeller reported on his blog, FOSS Patents.

Under the stipulation, Samsung withdrew its asserted claims based on three standard-essential patents while Apple dropped all of its counterclaims relating to these patents...

Medium iPhone app is coming next week

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 9, 2014

Medium, a rising blog publishing platform dedicated to high-quality writing, is launching its native iPhone application next week, The New York Times' Bits Blog reported yesterday. Filing as Medium's first mobile application since the service's inception in 2012, the app will initially be strictly focused on reading Medium posts and won't include editing functionality akin to, say, WordPress's free iOS app.

The service already has a great mobile site that looks business on small form-factor devices and releasing a native iPhone app could go a long way toward boosting its appeal among mainstream users...

Google announces Android SDK for wearables releasing in two weeks

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 9, 2014

After becoming the world's top mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets, Google's Android software wants to become the leading platform for wearable devices.

CNET's Daniel Terdiman, reporting from the SXSW conference, has just tweeted that Google's Sundar Pichai confirmed that the Internet giant will be releasing its own Android software development kit (SDK) for wearable devices in the next two weeks.

The move indicates the search company's interest in the emerging wearable devices market, which has not exploded yet but is being closely watched in part due to Apple's rumored iWatch wearable project. Google itself is thought to be working on a smartwatch of its own...

BlackBerry CEO calls iPhone users ‘wall huggers’ due to poor battery life

Cody Lee ∙ March 9, 2014

BlackBerry's newly appointed CEO John Chen isn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers. Last month he penned an open letter regarding T-Mobile's 'ill-conceived' iPhone promotion, and this past week he went after the iPhone users themselves.

Speaking at the Oasis Montgomery conference, Chen was asked for his thoughts on the surging popularity of the iPhone. And his response was 'I call you guys wall huggers,' suggesting the handset is unable to last a full day on a single charge...

AT&T discounts single-line data plans, 2GB now $65 per month

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 9, 2014

AT&T, the nation's #2 wireless carrier, said yesterday that its customers can take advantage of cheaper single-line data plans. Starting today, two gigabytes of high-speed 4G data will set you back $65 per month, which represents a $15 savings compared to the cost of the previous plan. The plan includes fifty gigabytes of cloud storage as well as unlimited international messaging and calling.

An additional line can be added for $25 per month. A month ago, the carrier slashed the prices of its Mobile Share family plans...