Month: March 2015

LaCie unveils first USB-C external hard drive for new MacBook

Following a bit of backlash that Apple has only chosen to include a USB-C port on the new MacBook, LaCie is working to appease customers with the first external hard drive and accessory for the new Apple creation. Unveiled on Tuesday, the Porsche Design Mobile Drive has been updated to perfectly suit the new Mac with USB-C.

Apple tweaking Reserve and Pickup options for Watch’s April 24 launch

Apple's retail stores will be rolling out tweaked Reserve and Pickup options ahead of the Watch's April 24 launch, according to unnamed sources who spoke with 9to5Mac. The experience will reportedly differ from the existing system for other products in that Personal Pickup for the wearable device will permit prospective buyers to reserve a desired case and band combination online before trying the specific Watch in-store and completing the purchase.

CIA reportedly working to crack Apple device security to gain spy access

The Intercept reports the Central Intelligence Agency has been working for years to find ways to break through the security of Apple devices, with work spanning a year before the first iPhone was released. The Intercept basis its report on leaked documents, that explain a yearly gathering of CIA officials, called the "Jamboree", to talk about flaws in commercial electronics.

Investors suggest Apple buy Tesla at annual shareholder meeting

Would Apple consider acquiring electric car-maker Tesla? That was the question posed to Tim Cook by two Apple investors during the company's annual shareholder meeting today. And as you'd imagine, the chief executive gracefully deflected the question.

Recode attended the meeting, and noted Cook responded to the query by talking about CarPlay and its 40+ model rollout this year. "Was that a good way to avoid the question?" When pressed he joked, "let me think if there’s another way to give a non-answer."

Apple commits $50 million in donations to non-profits for diversity

Apple's focus on diversity in the tech industry continues, as the company revealed in an interview with Fortune that it has committed $50 million over the next several years to the cause.

Denise Young Smith (pictured), VP of Worldwide Human Resources at Apple, told the publication that Apple is partnering with several non-profit organizations to increase the pipeline of women, minorities, and veterans in the technology industry—and, of course, at Apple.

Poll: which Apple Watch are you?

Now that Apple has divulged fresh details concerning its first wrist-worn device, watchful bloggers (sorry about the pun) are now chewing on Watch news.

Disregarding for a moment the dizzying array of bands at one's disposal, the Apple Watch lineup is comprised of three different cases, provided in two sizes each. This makes choosing one which will fit your lifestyle not as straightforward as buying a new iPhone.

Now that the most crucial piece of information has been publicized — the full Watch pricing lineup — we're eager to learn which model you, our loyal readers, might opt for.

The confusing Apple notebooks lineup

There were very few surprises at the event Apple held yesterday to officially launch Apple Watch. Thanks to accurate leaks and rumors from the past several weeks, we were confident Apple was going to unveil a new notebook, which we all called the 12-inch MacBook Air until then. If the actual product announced wasn’t much of a surprise, its name turned out to be what really took me off guard, because I expected a new MacBook Air, not a new MacBook.

It’s all semantics, you might think, but we all know nothing is just semantics with Apple. Everything the company does, every product denomination has a clear purpose. So, the new MacBook.

Tempo gets a facelift, now optimized for iPhone 6 screens and with reminder improvements

Tempo Smart Calendar for iOS received a significant update today. The iPhone and iPad application now has a new look and feel and takes full advantage of the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus resolutions while introducing several improvements to reminders.

Moreover, the team has improved Tempo's localization to several languages and made other notable change that elevate your overall experience with the software.

The complete list of Apple Watch prices

If you're planning on buying one of Apple's Watches, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on research due to the dizzying array of price points based on the different models, sizes and bands.

Choosing between the Apple Watch models and two sizes is the easy part.

But the rich choice of bands and the fact that not every band is offered across all Watch models and sizes makes choosing a combination that suits your tastes and — more importantly — fits your budget something of a mind job.

To help you make sense of a total of forty different sales combinations, we've put together a handy price list based on the confirmed models, sizes and bands.

Google releases new Calendar app for iPhone

As promised in November, Google today released a new Calendar app for iPhone. The app features the company's highly regarded Material Design UI, and a host of powerful features that should appease folks in the Google ecosystem.

Among those features is its close integration with Gmail, allowing it to cull data from your inbox. So say you receive a confirmation email after purchasing concert tickets, the app will automatically add that event to your calendar.

Apple’s ‘Spring Forward’ keynote video posted to iTunes as downloadable podcast

Following yesterday's “Spring Forward” media event which brought us new Apple Watch details and pricing, an exclusive HBO Now launch on the now-discounted Apple TV, some interesting medical research news and a Retina-enabled twelve-inch MacBook with USB-Type C, Force Touch trackpad and silver, space grey and gold finishes, now the whole presentation can be downloaded and kept on your computer in the form of a video podcast.