Year: 2014

Manufacturing issues may push ‘iPad Pro’ back to Q2 2015

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple's rumored 12.9-inch tablet may get pushed back again. In a new note to investors tonight, the oft-accurate analyst said manufacturing issues may delay the so-called 'iPad Pro,' which was originally expected to debut this fall, until spring next year.

More specifically, Kuo says he believes Apple will use oxide LCD technology for the device's high-res display, which will give it quick response times and high color saturation. And due to the time needed for component yield and assembly, the iPad Pro may not enter production until Q2 of 2015.

Target app updated with support for Apple Pay, reviews and more

Cody Lee ∙ November 12, 2014

Following Staples' lead earlier today, Target has updated its mobile app with support for Apple Pay payments. Those with compatible devices can now pay for everything in their carts with a single tap of Touch ID without having to signup for a Target account or enter credit card info.

The update also brings about in-app product reviews, so you can see what customers think of their purchases. This is something every retailer needs to implement, if they haven't already. as shopping trends continue to indicate that more consumers are researching before buying.

New job listing suggests web version of Apple Maps is on the way

Cody Lee ∙ November 12, 2014

Apple is working to bring its Apple Maps app to the web, according to a new job listing on its website. First spotted by 9to5Mac, the listing calls for a "talented and passionate web developer" to help make the company's mapping software "work seamlessly on the web."

This is fairly significant, as the lack of a web version is one of the most glaring holes in Apple Maps right now, other than perhaps transit and maybe some sort of Street View-esque feature. The mapping service is currently only accessible via iOS and Mac hardware.

Staples now accepting Apple Pay in its retail stores and mobile app

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Major office supply retailer Staples began accepting Apple Pay payments at all of its retail stores in the US, according to MacRumors. The company announced in September that it would be supporting the payment system, but didn't offer a specific timeframe for its rollout.

"Our customers will love the convenience of Apple Pay, which will offer an easier, faster and secure way to check-out," Staple's Faisal Masud said. "This is the most recent example of our commitment to innovation that helps our customers make more happen with their business."

Full video of Apple VP Greg Joswiak’s Code Mobile interview now available

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 16, 2016

In October, Apple’s VP of iPhone marketing Greg Joswiak participated in an on-stage interview at Recode's inaugural Code/Mobile conference. During the 30-minute discussion, Joswiak talked about several topics including the iOS 8.0.1 debacle, Apple Pay and more.

Since Joswiak isn't on Apple's senior executive team, we don't get to see him talk very often, but he offers up some interesting information in this interview. We already covered some of the major highlights here, but now you can watch the whole thing on the video below.

Disable WhatsApp read receipts with this jailbreak tweak

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

WhatsApp recently introduced a new feature that automatically sends read receipts to the sender once the recipient has seen the message. Showing in the form of two blue check marks as seen in this screenshot above, this new feature could potentially raise privacy concerns for some users. If you don't want your contacts to know whether you've read their messages or not, there are a couple ways to disable WhatsApp read receipts.

Rdio lowers family subscription plans to $5 for each extra member

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

In a move designed to match Spotify, which last month launched all-new pricing scheme for family accounts, Rdio on Wednesday announced that up to four family members can be added to a single Rdio account at $5 per month per extra member.

Each additional Rdio listened on a Family Plan can stream more than 30 million songs and enjoy features like radio stations, You FM, playlists on a per-user basis and more.

The new pricing scheme for Rdio's Family Plans goes in effect across the globe starting today, said the firm.

YouTube unveils ad-free subscription service with background play, offline viewing and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 12, 2014

Google-owned YouTube on Wednesday announced a long-rumored service which lets you stream ad-free music, play tracks in the background through mobile apps for iOS/Android and on YouTube.com, mark individual music videos and other clips for offline playback and much more, in exchange for a flat monthly fee of ten bucks per month.

Dubbed YouTube Music Key, it's releasing in beta next week.

The service integrates with Google's existing subscription music service called Play Music (formerly Google Play All Access), which includes more than 30 million songs. If you'll be taking Music Key for a spin when it launches, Google will treat you to a promotional subscription fee of eight bucks per month.

Big fingers? ThickButtons enlarges keys you’ll most likely tap next

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 2, 2018

Lviv, Ukraine based custom software development company N-iX, founded by Andrew Pavliv, has created a nice keyboard for iPhones, iPads and iPods running iOS 8 through its spin-off firm.

Named ThickButtons, it helps big-fingered users type more efficiently by using patented technology which enlarges and highlights keys you'll most likely press next while shrinking the remaining ones to reduce the chance of making an error.

Such an input method arguably makes typing with one finger more accurate, especially on four-inch iPhones. The software doesn’t require additional training and doesn’t depend on dictionary.

ThickButtons is $1.99 in the App Store.

Apple Watch UI tweak Aeternum now available in Cydia

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Aeternum, a jailbreak tweak that mimics the Apple Watch UI on iPhone is now available for download in Cydia. Developed by SpiritOfLogic, Aeternum has received Jeff's praises as he called it the best looking and best functioning Apple Watch UI-inspired tweak so far.

As highlighted in our recent preview, Aeternum comes with features you might expect from such a tweak. More specifically, it allows you to disable or enable the dock, and rearrange icons to your liking. But maybe more importantly, the tweak uses clean and smooth in and out animations when launching apps.

Cydia Substrate receives key developer-oriented updates

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Cydia Substrate had been updated twice, once to version 0.9.5100, and again to version 0.9.5101. Both updates are mostly developer oriented with no consumer facing features that everyday users will notice.

The first update can inject into more iOS 8 daemons, find more private symbols, and more. The second update fixes an incompatibility with the first update. Check inside for the full change log.