Apple

Apple livens up retail stores with backlit wall graphics from TV ads

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Ace Metrix's ad-watching data compiled by Bloomberg has revealed that Apple's in-house advertisements are scoring lower than those created by its long-time ad agency, TBWA\Media Arts Labs. This includes Apple's TBWA-produced iPhone 5s television campaigns such as 'Gigantic' and 'From the Heart'.

Small wonder, then, that Apple has decided to use various motifs from these successful commercials inside its retail stores, starting with the installation of the brand new backlit wall graphics at select locations...

Apple’s cheaper iPod touch lineup now rolling out internationally

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 1, 2014

A week ago, Apple made some interesting changes to its lineup of the iPod touch media players. In addition to the cheaper $199/$249/$299 price points for 16/32/64GB models, the baseline model now has a rear camera like the 16 and 32GB variants.

Initially launched in the United States only, the refreshed 16GB iPod touch with a rear camera on Tuesday began rolling out across a number of Apple's key markets around the world, including in the UK, France, Italy and elsewhere...

Pebble 2.3 firmware now live with notification skipping with a double-click

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Nearly a month into its most recent firmware update which has brought out a much-needed music volume control and Launcher item ordering, the maker of the Pebble smartwatch on Tuesday issued another firmware update while refreshing its companion iOS app with smaller changes.

The Pebble 2.3 software update brings improved Bluetooth performance and, more importantly, enables the ability to quickly skip to the next notification by double clicking, in addition to other tweaks...

DigiTimes: Samsung receives orders for 14nm Apple A9 chip

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Kicking Samsung out of the supply chain for Apple-designed iPhone and iPad processors may be easier said than done.

For years now Apple's attempted to kickstart mass production of these chips at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest independent semiconductor foundry, to no avail.

As TSMC continues to cope with yield issues, technological hurdles and scale, rival Samsung is said to have landed orders for Apple's A9 processor set to appear inside next year's iPhone and iPad devices.

According to a new report by DigiTimes, the somewhat accurate Taiwanese trade publication, the sophisticated microprocessor will be fabbed on Samsung's advanced 14-nanometer process technology, albeit not exclusively...

Apple’s Back to School launches with free $100 store credit on Mac purchases

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 1, 2017

As predicted, Apple on Tuesday launched the 2015 Back to School promotion in the United States and in several countries around the globe, depending on their respective educational calendars.

Somewhat similar to last year's Back to School promotion, Apple this year is providing students with a $100 Gift card with the purchase of any new Mac model.

Students who opt for an iPhone or iPad will be treated to a free $50 Apple Store gift card. However, this is the first time that Apple's Back to School promotion is offering gift cards, redeemable against any Apple Store item purchase...

Apple rolling out two-step verification for iCloud web portal

Cody Lee ∙ June 30, 2014

Apple has apparently begun rolling out a two-step verification system to its iCloud web portal this afternoon. The new system adds an additional layer of security to an area that offers access to web versions of stock Mac and iOS apps like Mail, Contacts and Calendar.

It's not clear if Apple is simply testing the feature with some users or plans to eventually roll it out to all iCloud.com subscribers, but it seems not everyone has access to it yet. Those who do see it, though, say it requires users to enter a special code to access their apps...

New images show alleged iPhone 6 display covers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Adding to the recent barrage of iPhone 6 part leaks and physical mockups, several photos popped up online this afternoon showing display covers that allegedly belong to the handset.

The images depict a white and black component, both of which are said to be display glass covers for the smaller (4.7) version of the two new iPhones Apple is expected to launch this fall...

Apple to release Q3 2014 financial results on July 22nd

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Apple just announced via its Investor Relations portal that the company will be discussing financial results of its third fiscal quarter on July 22nd, during a conference call starting at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m ET. Based on past behavior, it is safe to assume that Apple will be publishing a press release with all relevant financial information a few minutes prior to the call's beginning.

During the conference call, Apple will discuss basic sales numbers and financials for its line of products, but don't expect them to reveal anything about future products. We will of course be on deck to report any information that might be relevant to our readers...

Apple to launch yearly ‘Back to School’ promo tomorrow

Cody Lee ∙ June 30, 2014

MacRumors is reporting that Apple is set to launch its annual ‘Back to School’ promotion in the US and several other countries beginning tomorrow—Tuesday, July 1st. The company runs the promo at various times in different regions, depending on their respective educational calendars.

According to the site, Apple will be offering up iTunes Store/App Store gift cards to students that purchase a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Similar to last year, it sounds like students will receive a $100 App Store gift card for the purchase of a new Mac, and a $50 card for new iOS device purchases...

Apple TV 6.2 software update also available with bug fixes

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 30, 2014

Apple today released a trio of major updates, one giving the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices improved iBeacon connectivity and the other enabling enhanced Wi-Fi performance and better reliability when waking up your Mac from sleep, among other changes.

The third update is focused on the $99 Apple TV media-streaming box. Now available in Software Update, the Apple TV 6.2 firmware brings no new features and appears to be a simple maintenance update accompanying the aforementioned iOS 7.1.2 and OS X 10.9.4 updates...

Audi CarPlay rollout: 2015 models in Europe, North American vehicles in 2016

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Yesterday, luxury car maker Audi announced it'll be integrating both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto automotive software platforms into the Multimedia Interface for its premium lineup of vehicles. Today, the German car maker shared additional details pertaining to both the feature and the roll-out timeframe.

Coming to 2015 models in Europe and to 2016 vehicles in North America, CarPlay will integrate with Audi’s built-in controls and allow drivers to access apps through the car’s native controls and switch between CarPlay and Audi's Multimedia Interface with a touch of a button...

Foundation announces complete E.O. Wilson’s Life on Earth for iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 30, 2014

Following-up on Apple's announcement of the forthcoming iTunes U 2.0 update with new creation tools and discussion feature on iPads, Foundation - a non-profit behind E.O. Wilson’s "Life on Earth" - today announced launch of the complete series on iTunes U and the iBooks Store.

Provided free of charge, the first seven chapters in the 41-chapter series released today as interactive iBooks textbooks, with the remaining materials to be rolled out throughout 2014. In addition, the series is accompanied by an iTunes U course that gives learners access to course materials included in the Biology course...