Apple

Google covering some of Samsung’s legal fees, liabilities in Apple trial

Cody Lee ∙ April 23, 2014

We've known pretty much all along that Google was going to be more involved this time around in the Apple-Samsung trial. Many of the features Apple claims infringe on its software patents are baked right into Android, so of course it would be in the Mountain View company's best interest to become much more involved.

But I'm not sure anyone knew the extent of Google's involvement until yesterday, when a lawyer for the tech giant said that it had reached an agreement with Samsung to foot the bill for a large portion of its legal fees. It also told the Korean firm it would cover much of the damages, should it be found guilty of infringement...

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Apple airs new ‘Powerful’ iPhone 5s ad

Cody Lee ∙ April 22, 2014

Apple has this evening posted a new TV commercial for the iPhone 5s to its YouTube channel. The ad, which was spotted airing during tonight's episode of ABC's 'Agents of SHIELD,' touts the handset's ability to morph into a useful tool for people in various lines of work.

Set to the tune of "Gigantic," by the Pixies, the spot shows iPhone 5s owners using the device to do things like play music, control stage lighting in a theater, create short movies, create art installations and more. The tagline of the ad is 'You're more powerful than you think.'

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Analyst makes case for Apple replacing iPod touch with iWatch

Jake Smith ∙ April 22, 2014

Apple is planning to start production of the iWatch in multiple screen sizes during the fourth quarter of 2014, Christopher Caso, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group, said in a note to investors on Tuesday.

Caso is reiterating what a lot of analysts and reports have already said, adding that two versions of the iWatch are likely and that Apple is planning production targets of five million to six million units in the fourth quarter of 2014. Caso adds one other interesting bit - the iWatch could essentially replace the iPod, which may make a lot of sense...

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App Store honors Earth Day with green living apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Today is Earth Day and the App Store is conveniently spotlighting some of the finest iPhone and iPad applications for going green, both free and paid ones. Whether you're into alternative means of transportation, green living in general or environmental awareness, there's an app for you out there among the more than one million software items available in the App Store.

"We’ve compiled a thought-provoking selection of films, books and podcasts to help you celebrate and care for the planet this Earth Day," notes Apple. I've listed all of the featured apps right below...

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Apple opens Mac OS X betas to the public

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

Big news this afternoon as Apple has opened up its OS X beta program to the public. Before today, you needed a $99/year developer account to help test the company's upcoming Mac software updates before they were widely released, but starting this afternoon, anyone can sign up for the 'OS X Beta Seed Program.'

You can sign up here, and all you need is an Apple ID. Once enlisted, users can test out pre-release builds of Mavericks before they're launched to the public and even submit feedback to Apple to help iron out the kinks. It's not for everyone, but it's great news for early adopters and those who enjoy sneak previews...

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Apple pushes OS X security update with Safari 7.0.3

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 22, 2014

After pushing iOS 7.1.1 with additional Touch ID improvements and a pair of bug fixes for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Apple TV devices, Apple has now released a minor software update containing security fixes for OS X systems and the Mac's Safari browser.

Officially titled 'Security Update 2014-002 1.0', the download comes in at eighty megabytes and includes patches for Safari vulnerabilities and bug fixes for the rest of OS X.

Apple wholeheartedly recommends this OS X update for all OS X Mavericks users because it improves compatibility, stability and security of your computer. A reboot is required after applying the software...

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Apple’s Earth Day print ad pokes fun at Samsung

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Apple continued its Earth Day PR push this morning, taking out print ads in UK newspapers. The company has thus far painted the leaves on many of its Apple Store logos green, released a video with Tim Cook and announced a new recycling program, and today it took out full page ads to tout its environmental efforts.

The advertisements show a large image of the enormous solar farm that runs Apple's data center in North Carolina, and talk about the company's work to reduce its impact on climate change. But perhaps the most interesting about the ads is that they take a not-so-subtle jab at Samsung and their ongoing patent lawsuit...

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Apple expands in-store trade-ins to include iPads

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

Apple's in-store Reuse & Recycling program in the United States and Canada is now available to iPad owners, too, according to a new report Tuesday.

If you have a used iPad lying around that needs getting rid of, take it to a nearby Apple Store and the company will give you a store credit, depending on its model, condition, age, physical appearance and other factors.

Apple uses a list of 22 criteria to evaluate if your device is eligible for trade. Devices that won't power on, have smashed screens, are jailbroken or use non-Apple parts won't be considered for a credit...

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Apple posts iOS 7.1.1 with additional Touch ID fixes

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 22, 2014

Apple has just released iOS 7.1.1 for public consumption. A maintenance update, iOS 7.1.1 contains "improvements, bug fixes and security updates." Specifically, it makes Touch ID even more reliable than the previous iOS 7.1 update, while fixing a pair of bugs related to keyboard responsiveness and Bluetooth keyboards with VoiceOver enabled.

It's arrived just five days after iOS 7.1.1 devices located in and around Apple's Cupertino campus started exposing themselves in web logs.

Needless to say, those of you who rock a jailbroken iPhone, iPod touch or iPad are advised to hold off on upgrading to the new software until we're able to confirm it won't break your jailbreak...

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Rumor: ‘very thin’ Apple phablet delayed into 2015 over battery production issues

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 29, 2016

The next iPhone, if swirling rumors are anything to go by - will come in two flavors. A smaller model with a 4.7-inch screen optimized for one-handed use and a larger-screened device incorporating a phablet-class display measuring 5.5 inches diagonally.

Corroborating earlier reports that the 5.5-inch model could be pushed back to 2015, a Taiwanese outlet is now claiming that the device is indeed facing a delay over production issues pertained to its supposedly very thin battery components...

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Rumor: Apple, Nike developing sensor-laden fitness band that controls other devices via gestures

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

File this one under the 'Obvious' (or is it?) tab. According to a new report Tuesday by Geektime, citing sources familiar with their plans, Apple and Nike have banded together to secretly engineer a new smartband said to have been scheduled for a major announcement this Fall.

Needless to say, Geekwire doesn't have an established track record in terms of rumors so you need to take the story with a grain of salt. Of course, such a notion just makes lots of sense on many levels.

As a reminder, CNET learned last week that Nike is in the process of shuttering its wearable-hardware division that produces FuelBand-branded accessories. These things are worn on one's wrist, track one's health and fitness data and work in conjunction with a companion iPhone app.

The sportswear company reportedly let go the majority of the team responsible for the development of FuelBand hardware as it reportedly concentrates its efforts on a secretive collaboration with Apple...

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