Apple

Apple.com pays tribute to Robin Williams

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2014

Following the tragic death of Robin Williams, Apple has paid tribute to the actor and comedian with a new 'Remembering Robin Williams' webpage on Apple.com, in addition to a similar section on iTunes published earlier today.

Moreover, Apple CEO Tim Cook yesterday published a tweet expressing grief and sorrow caused by Robin's passing.

"Heartbroken by the news of Robin Williams' passing," Tim's tweet reads. "He was an incomparable talent and a great human being. Rest in peace." The company is also honoring the Oscar-winning actor with a special iTunes Store section featuring more than forty movies and stand up comedy routines.

Williams died yesterday at the age of 63. The actor was found unresponsive at his residence in Marin County, California, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Marin County Sheriff's Office wrote in a statement that Williams died of asphyxiation caused by hanging himself...

Apple releases video of Yaoband’s use of iPad in musical experimentation

Timothy Reavis ∙ August 12, 2014

Following yesterday's release of two new 'Your Verse' stories from Apple, the Cupertino giant has made an accompanying video to one of the stories available on its YouTube channel. The clip showcases Yaoband, a China-based music band that was featured in one of the two recent iPad stories, as they demonstrate ways in which Apple's tablet is used in their music creation process...

Apple releases diversity report: 55% of US employees are white, 70% male

Cody Lee ∙ August 12, 2014

As promised, Apple has released a report on the diversity of its workforce today. The iPad maker is the latest tech firm to post such data in response to the growing debate on whether or not women and minorities are underrepresented in Silicon Valley.

Accompanying Apple's report is a letter from Tim Cook, who says he's not happy with the numbers, but says the company is making progress. Of its employees here in the US, 55% are white, and around the world, 7 out of every 10 of its employees are male...

Apple honors Robin Williams with dedicated iTunes Store section

Cody Lee ∙ August 12, 2014

Apple has created a dedicated section in its iTunes Store entitled 'Remembering Robin Williams.' The addition follows yesterday's tragic news of the actor's passing, and it features links to his popular movies, TV series and stand-up comedy routines.

In addition to the media, the section also includes a photo of Mr. Williams and a brief paragraph on his career and philanthropical achievements, calling him "one of the most beloved and unforgettable performers in the history of show business."

Siri inventors working on next-gen AI assistant, Viv

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2014

Dag Kittlaus and Adam Cheyer co-founded a SRI International spin-off in 2007. The startup eventually got acquired by Apple for its intelligent personal assistant technology which would later become (in)famously known as Siri.

But they haven't been standing still.

The co-founders of Siri are now taking the concept to the next level with Viv, a new breed of digital personal assistant which couples a myriad of data sources to next-generation artificial intelligence algorithms in order to do virtually anything you ask.

Viv's implications can't be overstated. And rather than sell out to the highest bidder, this time around the team has broad ambitions to rethink the future of intelligent agents while possibly giving birth to a multibillion-dollar industry.

An exhaustive feature published Tuesday by Wired explains how the new San Jose, California-headquartered startup, Viv Labs, plans on advancing artificial intelligence and taking over the world, why Viv eclipses Apple's Siri, Microsoft's Cortana and Google's Google Now and how it differs from literally every digital assistant out there...

Apple now promoting Beats Music to new iOS device owners

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Back in September of last year, Apple started giving away its own iPhone and iPad apps to new iOS device owners.

To refresh your memory, the previously paid software such as Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie and iPhoto — along with Apple's free apps like Remote, iBooks, GarageBand, Podcasts, Find My iPhone, Find My Friends and iTunes U — appears as an offer when the App Store is opened for the first time on a newly-purchased iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

You can now put Beats Music on this list as Apple has started to actively promote the on-demand streaming music service to iOS device owners...

T-Mobile’s new prepaid plan gives you minutes and text messages at $0.10 each

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 4, 2016

The nation's fourth-largest wireless operator and the sole 'Uncarrier' in the country on Tuesday announced a brand new Pay As You Go prepaid plan which couldn't be simpler: for a $3 per month minimum charge, it gives you minutes and text messages at $0.10 each.

And if you only occasionally use cellular data on the go, the company now gives you an option to subscribe to 500MB of 4G LTE data per day for a flat fee of $5. Should you need more data, there's also a $10 week-long 1GB pass available so now Pay as You Go customers can finally access T-Mobile's speedy LTE network, too...

BBM updated with revamped UI for adding contacts

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2014

Today, BlackBerry pushed an update to its BBM for iPhone application (also known as BlackBerry Messenger) featuring an all-new contact-adding experience.

In addition to the obligatory bug fixes and performance improvements, BBM version 2.3.0.12 makes it easier to add new contacts by PIN, email, SMS and barcode.

Among other new features, the revamped software also permits you to search for BBM users, as well as review and accept invites from other people using the cross-platform messaging service...

New iPhone 6 rear shell photos show protruding camera lens and round True Tone LED flash

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Although everyone's favorite parts leaker, Australia-born Sonny Dickson, has remained mostly mum in terms of iPhone 6 component leaks this year, Tuesday morning he took to Twitter to share high-resolution photos of an alleged iPhone 6 rear shell which seem to match up nicely with the leaks we recently saw.

In addition to the antenna breaks at the top and the bottom replacing the glass cutouts seen on the iPhone 5/5s, the images appear to depict an iPod touch-style protruding lens for the device. Also clearly visible on the photos: a circular dual-LED flash module that Apple calls 'True Tone' flash...

Apple discussing HealthKit adoption with US healthcare pros ahead of iOS 8 launch

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2014

Apple is working on bringing its new iOS 8 tool for developers called HealthKit to medical professionals in the United States. Eagle-eyed readers will remember that back at WWDC in June, Apple and the Mayo Clinic demoed the first HealthKit-driven app.

Reuters is now reporting that the Cupertino company has been discussing HealthKit integration with a number of US healthcare professionals, including renowned hospitals like Mount Sinai, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins and Allscripts...

Real Racing 3 ‘Speedrush TV’ update now available

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2014

After adding Le Mans prototype and 'open wheel' vehicles, in addition to such perks as iOS 7 controller support, car customization, the Aston Martin lineup and more, Australian developer FireMonkeys and super publisher Electronic Arts today issued another update to their free-to-play Real Racing 3 racer for iOS.

Now available in the App Store, the new 'Speedrush TV' update challenges you to land a job driving dangerously for a TV commercial. Also included in this update: the Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, racing agent Natalia who provides guidance on your career and brand new vinyls allowing you to display your national pride...

California smartphone ‘kill switch’ bill passes state legislature

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 26, 2023

Earlier this year, California Senator Mark Leno introduced a new bill that would require cellphone makers to install 'kill switches' in all of their handsets, rendering them inoperable when stolen. The move comes as smartphone thefts continue to rise in major US cities.

Unsurprisingly, Leno's bill won Senate approval by a vote of 27-8 today, meaning that it's just one step away from becoming law in the state of California. All it needs now is Governor Jerry Brown's signature, and device manufacturers will have essentially a year to comply...