Apple

Corning exec slams sapphire, calling it heavy and environmentally unfriendly

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 28, 2017

We've known for a while now that Corning, the manufacturer behind Gorilla Glass used in several mobile devices, wasn't a fan of sapphire crystal as an option for protective display material. And why should it be, considering the tech is a direct competitor to its flagship Gorilla line.

But at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference yesterday, the company escalated the beef with some comments made by SVP Tony Tripeny. When asked about the 'puts and takes' of sapphire, the exec called it heavy, expensive and environmentally unfriendly...

Encrypted chat app ‘Cryptocat’ now available on iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Popular encrypted chat app Cryptocat has launched this week for iOS. Originally available as a desktop app and a browser plugin, the app offers strong encryption and secrecy for text conversations, as well as protection from government intrusion thanks to its Swedish nuclear bunker headquarters.

This week's iOS launch comes after an initial rejection by Apple's app review team in December. Cryptocat's founder Nadim Kobeissi called Apple's reason for rejection 'illegitimate,' but it's obvious someone or something had to give because the app is now available for download in the App Store...

Real Racing 3 gains iOS 7 controller support, Photo mode, car customization, Aston Martin and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already since Electronic Arts released its free-to-play Real Racing 3 in the App Store. On the downside, a year is a long time in mobile so aside from avid fans, many casual gamers may have by now stopped enjoying this otherwise excellent racer.

If you needed an excuse to re-download and fire up Real Racing 3 on your device, Electronic Arts is celebrating the game's first anniversary and has marked the occasion by issuing a fresh content update today. It contains a bunch of new goodies, including support for the physical iOS 7 controllers helping turn Real Racing 3 into a more of a console experience.

Some of the surprises include deep car customization options along with a brand new Photo mode to go with it. "After seeing everyone creating amazing screenshots with Replays, we're excited to see what players do with Photo mode," developer Firemonkey teased.

As a bonus, you can now drive Aston Martin sports cars and everyone gets to grab a free 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Apple launches iPhone trade-in program in France

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

In August of last year, Apple introduced an official trade-in program for iPhones. The deal gives customers an affordable way to upgrade to a new handset by getting store credit based on the value of their current, working iPhone—up to $300 depending on model and condition.

Initially, Apple only accepted trade-ins in-store in the United States, but it has since expanded the program to the UK and India. And yesterday, an Apple spokesperson confirmed that the company has rolled out the popular trade-in offering to a third country this week: France...

Ferrari shows off CarPlay integration with last-century resistive touchscreen tech

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Following Volvo and Mercedes-Benz video tours of Apple's newly announced in-car system dubbed CarPlay (formerly iOS in the Car), Apple's third launch partner - the Italian sports car maker Ferrari - today showcased the technology at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

Apple has even dispatched its VP of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak, to help launch the new Ferrari FF with CarPlay. Unfortunately, the car manufacturer has made a terrible decision outfitting the Ferrari FF with a resistive touchscreen that requires users to press firmly to register touches...

Belgian judge threatened to block Apple websites over EU warranty shenanigans

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2018

For quite some time now, Apple has been at odds with EU watchdogs who've been complaining a lot about the iPhone maker's unacceptable stance and practices when it comes to educating EU buyers on their consumer rights.

At the heart of the issue: Apple's unwillingness to explain to its users in an unambiguous manner that EU consumer laws entitle them to at least two years of coverage on consumer electronics.

As Apple's standard warranty provides twelve months of coverage, the company was caught cunningly beating around the bush by attempting to upsell buyers to its pricey AppleCare+ extended protection plan, which it introduced last September in the United Kingdom, Italy, France and elsewhere in Europe.

Apple was even fined over this in Italy and now comes word that a Belgium judge has contemplated blocking access to all Apple websites in the country because the company has continued to mislead consumers about warranty protections available for products purchased from its brick-and-mortar and online stores...

Apple to release iOS 7.1 ‘any day now’ with support for SXSW iTunes Festival app

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

The highly-anticipated iOS 7.1 update could be landing any day now, according to a new report by Daring Fireball's John Gruber. The long-time Apple speculator and dot-connector has in the past proven to have knowledgeable sources that work inside the company.

Gruber says that a 'little birdie' has informed him that the app for Apple's upcoming iTunes Festival at SXSW in Austin, which will be used for providing information and streaming live performances, will require iOS 7.1. Thus the update should ship any day now...

Mercedes-Benz posts CarPlay video tour showcasing real-world Siri integration

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 4, 2014

After Volvo yesterday posted a nice hands-on video highlighting Apple's newly launched in-car system dubbed CarPlay (previously known as iOS in the Car), Mercedes-Benz (one of the three CarPlay launch partners) has posted a video tour of its own which gives us a hands-on demo of CarPlay in its new C-Class and showcases real-world Siri integration.

The clip depicts a driver using Siri to get visual directions with a little help from Apple Maps and using a dedicated hardware button to interact with Apple's smart voice assistant. As previously stated, CarPlay does not allow for third-party mapping apps such as Google Maps...

Apple’s CarPlay is powered by BlackBerry’s QNX

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 4, 2014

Monday, at the Geneva Motor Show, Apple's in-car system previously known under the 'iOS in the Car' moniker got formally announced and rebranded as CarPlay. Launch partners Volvo, Ferrari, and Mercedez-Benz backed the feature as dozens of vendors pledged to support CarPlay in their upcoming vehicles later this year.

Volvo confirmed that CarPlay's connection and video mirroring functionality is based on a streaming H.264 video feed, prompting watchers to speculate that the feature is based on AirPlay, an Apple-designed media streaming technology.

In a rather surprising find earlier today, N4BB was able to confirm that CarPlay runs on QNX, an operating system the embattled Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry acquired Harman International Industries back in 2010...

Logitech launches Harmony Smart Keyboard for Apple TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 4, 2014

Navigating the Apple TV interface using the included Apple Remote rather quickly becomes a cumbersome affair. Fortunately, you could always hook up an external keyboard to the device (here's how) because the Apple TV supports Bluetooth keyboards.

Realizing that owners of streaming-media devices need a better control system, accessory maker Logitech on Tuesday revealed its new full-fledged Harmony keyboard remote for the living room. It was specially designed for controlling devices such as the Apple TV, Roku and Xbox One and includes dedicated hardware keys and functions allowing you to search for shows, navigate menus and browse the web from your couch...

Apple announces finance chief Peter Oppenheimer to retire at the end of September

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 4, 2014

Apple has just announced via a media release that its longtime finance chief Peter Oppenheimer will be retiring at the end of September, ending a roughly 18-year career at the technology giant. The company called it a planned transition so he could take time for himself and his family.

In naming his successor, Apple said Luca Maestri, 50, will gradually take over as CFO in June to allow for a smooth transition. As per the release, during Oppenheimer's CFO time, Apple's revenue "grew from $8 to $171 billion".

It's interesting that Maestri left Nokia in February 2011, the same month the struggling Finnish cellphone giant announced they were adopting Microsoft's Windows Phone. He joined Apple in March of last year..