Apple

Latest behind-the-scenes Foxconn report depicts improved worker conditions

Ahead of its upcoming Code Asia conference, Foxconn granted tech publication Recode guided access to its manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China where it assembles iPads, Macs and other products. We've seen similar behind-the-scenes reports in the past, but today's piece offers a current look at employee conditions inside one of Foxconn's largest factories.

During their tour, Recode says that it observed both the remnants of past tragedies and several signs of improvements. For instance, there are still nets atop of buildings to help prevent suicide jumps, and many buildings are still covered in rust and grime. But Foxconn has added several college-like amenities such as a track, multiple swimming pools and an Internet Cafe.

Apple opens up early Watch access to more developers ahead of launch

Apple has opened up early Apple Watch access to more developers ahead of its April 24 launch, reports the Financial Times. The company had previously allowed select, high profile developers to visit its Cupertino campus and use working versions of the device, but within the last two weeks it has expanded the offer to ~20 devs per day.

The program is huge for developers, allowing them to test their apps on a working device, rather than the Mac-based simulator Apple released last year. It's also very secretive, as entrants are asked to sign strict non-disclosure agreements, and forced to work in conference rooms draped with curtains and guarded by Apple security.

Apple yet again rumored to switch to power-friendlier IGZO screens for next-gen iPads

Boy, is LG Display on a roll today. Not only has the company's website inadvertently pre-announced a supposedly upcoming iMac refresh featuring an 8K resolution Retina screen, but a well-informed LG Display related official ostensibly said Apple is also “creating iPads with a 12-inch display,” based on a very power-efficient oxide LCD screen technology, Taiwanese publication ETNews reported Monday.

Oxide LCD, also known as IGZO, requires a fraction of power compared to LCD IPS screens on current iPads, while rendering more vibrant colors and deeper blacks with quick response times and high color saturation.

Did LG inadvertently leak an iMac with 8K screen?

In a somewhat bizarre move, Apple supplier LG Display may have inadvertently leaked Apple's unannounced iMac whopping an 8K Retina screen, writing on its website last week that, I'm quoting, “Apple has also announced that they will release the ‘iMac 8K’ with a super-high resolution display later this year”.

Apple, of course, has not publicly announced plans for a new iMac update. LG Display is Apple's important supplier of desktop and mobile screens and the Cupertino company is known to have cut off suppliers who pre-announced its products. Neither LG nor Apple commented on the matter at post time.

Apple said to currently not have 4K plans for new Apple TV

So you thought the new 4K television you paid ridiculous amounts of money for during Christmas was going to be supported by Apple soon enough? Sorry bud, maybe a couple more years.

Apple scoopster John Paczkowski of Buzzfeed reports that when Apple's next-generation Apple TV is released to the market later this year, it will lack 4K video capability, even as the television industry grasps onto the new technology that provides a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.

Hotel reviews from Trip Advisor, Booking.com come to Apple Maps

Next time you're driving through Chicago looking for a nice place to stay - Apple has you covered. Over the last several days, the Cupertino company has added more hotel review data to its Apple Maps app on iOS, as it works to continue bolstering Maps to compete with the king, Google Maps.

The new data for hotel reviews isn't being served up by Apple itself, outsourcing the work courtesy of Trip Advisor and Booking.com, along with reviews from Yelp that have been there for quite sometime. 

Apple announces Watch pre-orders starting Friday, April 10, at 12:01 AM PT

Apple previously said that pre-orders for the Watch will kick off on April 10. Today, the company has confirmed that it will start taking pre-orders for the wrist-worn device right after midnight on the West Coast at 12:01am Pacific Time on Friday, April 10, 2015.

Moreover, the Cupertino firm has also communicated precise pre-order dates and times for other markets via the refreshed Apple Watch sections of its international online stores.

Check out Apple Watch pairing animations

Earlier this morning, we told you about a unique certificate of authenticity that appears when first pairing your Watch to your iPhone in iOS 8.2's stock Apple Watch companion app and now we have our first look at the full pairing animations for the different Watch models.

Thanks to our Tehran, Iran-based tipster who blogs about technology at i-phone.ir and develops iOS applications, we now have a pretty good idea how pairing a Watch to your iPhone looks like in person.

Purported pricing for Apple Watch extended warranty leaks

While Apple did confirm during its second Apple Watch media event on March 9, 2015 that it will be offering its AppleCare+ extended coverage plan for the wearable device, it did not present pricing for the extended support plans tailored specifically to the Watch.

Friday, MacRumors shared some purported AppleCare+ pricing information for the Apple Watch models, obtained from a source. According to writer Juli Clover, AppleCare+ for each version of the Watch will be priced differently, with the gold-plated Apple Watch Edition commanding the highest premium in terms of extended warranty coverage.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge caught in #Bendgate of its own

I'll be the first to admit that the headline of this article may be a bit over the top sensationalistic or even linkbait, but same could be said for the iPhone 6 Bendgate articles. This is clearly meant for entertainment purposes. So, if you've been wondering how Samsung's new Galaxy S6 Edge performs under pressure, here's your answer.

Brought to you by SquareTrade, a San Francisco based extended warranty service provider for consumer electronics and appliances, their new breakability stress video shows Samsung's device bends faster than Apple's iPhone 6.

Shocker!

Pairing Apple Watch with your iPhone shows unique certificate of authenticity

Before you can start using your Apple Watch, the device must be connected to your iPhone through the Apple Watch companion app, which got recently added to iOS 8.2.

And when you first pair the wrist-worn gizmo to your iPhone, it shows a unique certificate of authenticity, depending on your model, size and case.

I was re-reading yesterday excellent article by Wired on Apple Watch development when this cool little feature caught my eye so I thought it deserved a post of its own.