Apple

SwiftKey Note gets landscape mode with wide keyboard on iPhone, new features

SwiftKey Note by TouchType would file as yet another note-taking iOS app if it weren't for its custom software keyboard with enhanced auto-correction and predictions. Apple has not yet opened up the iOS keyboard to third-party developers so any app that improves upon the soft-keyboard experience is noteworthy.

Since its January debut, the app's undergone several revisions and currently sits at version 1.7.

Developers in a blog post announced that a new version has launched Wednesday with support for landscape keyboard on the iPhone and an additional three new features. If you've been wondering why all the fuss about SwiftKey Note, there's no need to sit on the sidelines as the software is available free of charge in the App Store...

Apple’s Unibody enclosure manufacturer apparently commissioned to build iPhone 6 metal casings

The metal casing of the next iPhone will be made by Catcher Technology, according to Far East media outlets who on Wednesday relayed analyst notes by investment firms Barclays and Morgan Stanley.

Apparently, Catcher has secured a nice chunk of metal casing orders for the upcoming iPhone 6.

If true, this suggests that the iPhone maker is currenly in the process of cherry-picking suppliers that will provide components for the handset.

A report recently claimed that mass production of a 4.7-inch iPhone model is scheduled to commence in July, ahead of a rumored September introduction...

Siri coming to Apple TV, iOS code strings suggest

Apple on April Fool's Day released iOS 7.1 with CarPlay, Siri/Touch ID improvements and more.

As part of the launch, the company has posted the final version of the official iOS 7.1 software development kit (SDK) that programmers use to take advantage of new features.

Enthusiasts frequently comb through iOS code in search of leads that would indicate upcoming new features or devices and iOS 7.1 SDK is no exception. In fact, eagled-eyed fans have spotted a couple interesting references in the iOS code possibly pointing at Apple's digital personal assistant coming to Apple TV boxes...

Apple lists apps from new iPhone 5s ‘Powerful’ ad

Want to know what apps Apple featured in its latest iPhone 5s ad titled 'Powerful', which started airing last evening? The 30-second commercial suggests that "with the power of iPhone 5s, you're more powerful than you think" by highlighting a number of content creation use cases involving a bunch of third-party apps found on the App Store.

If you've seen the ad, chances are you've spotted a scene in which some guy uses the iPhone's flash as a heart rate monitor, but what about all the other apps?

That's what a new section on Apple's website is for. Titled 'Powerful', the new microsite is solely created with the purpose of exploring the apps from the commercial...

All Sprint devices released after February 11, 2015 to be unlockable

As much as carriers would want to keep devices locked to their network to make switching service impossible, this is fortunately just a pipe dream. Last December, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was able to successfully pressure major U.S. wireless companies to agree to unlock their devices for use on other domestic networks.

The US House in February passed a device unlocking bill and now the nation's third-largest wireless operator Sprint has responded by announcing it will make all of its devices released after February 11, 2015 unlockable for use on competitors’ wireless networks without repercussions...

Viber finally restyled for iOS 7: gains contact blocking, multiple photo sending and more

Instant messaging and voice service Viber, which was recently snapped up by e-commerce giant Rakuten for $900 million, has finally released its iOS 7 focused redesign, nearly seven months after iOS 7's September 2013 debut.

It's not clear what took so long, but it's finally here so we're not complaining. The update is now live in the App Store so go ahead and grab it now while checking out screenshots of Viber's nicely flattened interface, included right below...

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

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...

Apple airs new ‘Powerful’ iPhone 5s ad

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.'

Analyst makes case for Apple replacing iPod touch with iWatch

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...

App Store honors Earth Day with green living apps

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...