Apple

Algoriddim’s djay hits your wrist with a powerful Apple Watch app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

The vast majority of Apple Watch apps that have been appearing on the App Store ahead of the wearable's Friday launch are for the most part relegated to Glances and notifications, and that's just fine.

As someone who loves music but sucks at DJ-ing, Algoriddim's djay apps for the iPhone, iPad and Mac have for years excited and delighted me with a powerful selection of easy-to-use mixing tools that've turned me into the star of parties I threw at my home.

You could imagine I was watching with great intent how Algoriddim, which hails from Germany, would handle their Watch app. Well, djay for Apple Watch is now here and although I haven't had a chance to try it out on the actual device just yet, Algoriddim was kind enough to treat me to a private demo of the app ahead of its official launch.

Suffice to say that I was smitten by what I saw. The app acts as a full-on remote controller for djay running on your iPhone, untangling you from the mixing booth while putting such headline features as Automix with Spotify and EchoNest integration.

With the Watch app, you can easily cue up and mix your favorite songs, all while controlling audio effects and loops for each deck individually, on your wrist.

What more could an aspiring DJ ask for?

Pharrell performs at Apple campus for Earth Day, shows off Apple Watch

Jake Smith ∙ April 22, 2015

Grammy Award winning musician Pharrell Williams performed at Apple's campus in Cupertino on Wednesday, entertaining employees and showing off his Apple Watch in celebration of Earth Day.

Some fashion boutiques will have Apple Watches on hand this Friday

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

As it turns out, you will be available to buy the Apple Watch in stores on Friday—just not Apple's. The New York Times is reporting that select destination fashion boutiques around the world have their own stock, and will be offering the wearable for sale at the end of the week.

This isn't top secret information. Premium retailers such as Dover Street Market in Tokyo and London, Maxfield in Los Angeles, Colette in Paris and 10 Corso Como in Milan have all been openly advertising that the Apple Watch would be available “in-store" on Friday, April 24.

Nokia reportedly targeting Apple to buy its HERE Maps division

Jake Smith ∙ April 22, 2015

Bloomberg reports that Apple is among the list of companies Nokia is hoping will purchase its struggling HERE Maps, as it seeks to cut divisions that are losing money.

According to the publication's anonymous source, Nokia is seeking more than 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) from a sale of the unit. It's selling HERE Maps for the "ubiquity and utility" of its location-based services.

Apple confirms it’s shipping Apple Watch orders ahead of schedule

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple confirmed this afternoon that the reports are true, Apple Watches are shipping ahead of schedule. A spokesperson for the company told BuzzFeed that "[Apple] is happy to be updating many customers today with the news that their Apple Watch will arrive sooner than expected."

Additionally, the spokesperson said Apple "is working to fill orders as quickly as possible based on the available supply and the order in which they were received," and explained the company is aware that many customers are still facing long lead times, and it appreciates their patience.

Some Apple Watch pre-orders with May and June ship dates now ‘Preparing for Shipment’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Potentially good news today for folks looking at lengthy lead times on their Apple Watch pre-orders. Some customers with 4-6 week and June shipping estimates are reporting that Apple has charged them for their Watch purchases, and their order statuses have changed from 'Processing Items' to 'Preparing for Shipment.'

Given how crazy the Apple Watch launch has been thus far, it's possible that this doesn't mean anything—perhaps it's a system glitch or Apple's trying out a new processing strategy. But typically, these actions indicate that Apple is about to ship an order, and that has raised hopes that Watches will arrive earlier than expected.

Five Apple Watch tips for a more accurate heart rate reading

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 30, 2015

There's no two ways about it: even under the most ideal of conditions, the Apple Watch may not be able to get a reliable heart rate reading every time for everybody. Now, our recent overview of the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor provided a good starting point for enthusiasts wishing to learn more about the feature. It gives you a better idea of the intricacies and benefits of the custom-designed hardware feature marketed primarily to fitness aficionados.

But the truth is, it's been designed for everyone, really. It's something every Watch customer will be using without even being aware of it, simply by wearing the device (for those wondering, the average human heart rate is about seventy-two beats per minute).

On the back of the Watch is a specially designed sensor protected by a ceramic cover with sapphire lenses, with infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes detecting the amount of blood flowing through your wrist at any given moment.

Knowing your heart rate helps the Watch determine your intensity level during workout while improving the accuracy of your active calorie burn measurements. Therefore, knowing the sensor's limitations and pitfalls is important.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help the Watch get the most consistent and best heart rate readings possible. Here are five sound tips regarding using this feature optimally and with minimal disruption.

Jony Ive talks Apple Watch’s mission and Apple’s approach to 21st century luxury

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 1, 2017

Jony Ive is in the limelight again. Earlier this morning, Condé Nast's inaugural International Luxury Conference kicked off in Florence, Italy — the birthplace of the Renaissance - and Ive, Apple's Senior Vice President of Design, was joined on stage by fellow industrial designer Marc Newson, who helped create the Apple Watch.

As reported by the British edition of the fashion magazine Vogue, Apple's wrist-worn device was the chief topic of conversation, with Ive discussing how Apple's approach to 21st-century luxury compares with traditional luxury as we know it.

Apple Stores celebrating 2015 Earth Day with green adornments

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Today is Earth Day and Apple Stores around the world are marking the occasion with revamped signage outside the brick-and-mortar locations featuring green leaves. Although the physical stores now rock logo leaves tinted in green, the Online Apple Store was unaffected as of this writing.

The Apple.com homepage is heavily promoting the company's green initiatives based on the updated 2015 Environmental Responsibility Report and an accompanying video entitled ‘Better Starts Here’, which highlights “significant progress” the company has made in terms of its commitment to preserving our environment during the 2014 fiscal year.

How to check your Apple Watch shipment status via UPS

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

I just stumbled upon some great news: my Apple Watch will be here Friday. I was able to verify this via the UPS My Choice website. If you're already a My Choice member, log in here, and if your watch has shipped, you should see your Apple Watch shipment on a calendar with the scheduled date of arrival. My watch is scheduled to arrive on Friday, April 24th, between 2:15 PM and 6:15 PM.

Angela Ahrendts addresses retail employees about Apple Watch launch

Cody Lee ∙ April 21, 2015

Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts sent out a video to Apple retail employees today, addressing concerns and questions regarding the Apple Watch and MacBook launches. In the video, posted by French site Mac4Ever, Ahrendts reiterates much of what was said in an internal memo that was sent out to employees last week.

Apple hiring software engineers to help integrate transit info into Maps

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple is working on integrating public transit information into its Maps app, according to a job listing spotted by AppleInsider on Tuesday. The company is hiring software engineers for its Maps division's Routing team, which it says is working on "one of the most anticipated features of Apple Maps."

The job listing calls for applicants with experience in developing high quality, robust software systems using C++ and Linux, excellent problem solving and analytical skills, and asks that they have "in-depth knowledge about public transit, both as a consumer of those services and the technical aspects."