iOS

Timing of SSL bug fuels conspiracy theories about Apple and the NSA

Cody Lee ∙ February 24, 2014

By now you've probably already heard about the SSL bug that was discovered in iOS and OS X. Apple pushed an iOS update out on Friday to fix it, and it didn't sound like a big deal at the time, but we have since learned that it is an extremely serious security flaw.

The flaw leaves Apple devices open to what's called a man-in-the-middle attack, in where a malicious program poses as a trusted website to intercept communications or inject malware. And its existence has fueled conspiracy theories about Apple and the NSA...

iOS 7 references unreleased Apple TV hardware

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 10, 2014

Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac did a nice job discovering some hidden references to an unreleased Apple TV hardware in the iOS 7 code. Specifically, the strings mention 'Apple TV 4,1', which indicates a major refresh to the Apple TV hardware. By comparison, the current third-generation Apple TV has a designation of 'Apple TV 3,1'.

This is yet another indication that Apple could refresh the Apple TV box later this year, as some rumors have predicted. The current $99 set-top box was last updated 705 days ago...

Are you ready for iOS 7.1 in March?

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 7, 2014

Software updates to Apple's mobile operating system typically used to get rolled out within a few weeks following the public launch of a major iOS release.

But as Apple transitions to a more aggressive release schedule on the OS X side - the firm switched from an 18-month cycle to annual OS X refreshes - Apple's engineers are taking their time dealing with the initial complaints, bugs and issues that have been plaguing iOS 7 users since September 2013.

The latest chatter by credible publications coupled with reliable information coming from my own sources points to a public release of iOS 7.1 in March...

Google Cast SDK released, now iOS devs can integrate with Chromecast

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 3, 2014

Google's inexpensive HDMI dongle dubbed Chromecast offers great value for money. For just $35, users can stream Netflix, HBO GO, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Google Play TV & Movies and more, from their favorite mobile apps and websites right to their big screen TV sets - much like AirPlaying through Apple's $99 media-streaming box, the Apple TV.

While Google's been adding new Chromecast content sources, the device's true potential remained largely untapped because Google would only open up Chromecast to select few developers.

But not anymore. As of today, the official Google Cast Software Development Kit (SDK) is available to developers wishing to enhance their iOS and Android apps and websites with Chromecast integration...

Video of iOS in the Car in action

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 28, 2014

Following a set of screenshots taken from iOS in the Car, Apple's project that strives to enhance in-car iOS functionality, app developer Steven Troughton-Smith who posted these images has now created a video that shows off the software's various user interface aspects and functionality, running via the iOS Simulator software.

The biggest takeaways from the clip: iOS in the Car supports multiple screen resolutions to accommodate various in-car dashboard screens, in addition to hardware buttons, wheels, touchpads and of course touchscreens...

Logitech’s PowerShell MFi controller drops to $70 until February 1

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Realizing rival accessory maker Stratus has shaved $20 off its 'Made for iPhone' (MFi) wireless iOS 7 controller dubbed SteelSeries, Logitech has decided to play along and bring its overpriced PowerShell down to $70. The Logitech accessory now undercuts Stratus by a cool $10 as the PowerShell is now $30 cheaper versus its original price of $99.

It's a limited time offer so hurry up because the sale ends February 1, 2014 (they should have made it permanent). So is this controller now a good value? Read on...

With iOS 7, are we seeing a less confident, more malleable Apple?

Oliver Haslam ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Time was once when Apple was infamous for not giving its users choice. Steve Jobs himself famously said that consumers didn't know what they wanted, and that it was Apple's job to tell them, and he was often right. It was this confidence, some may say arrogance, that made Apple so sure of its designs. So absolutely convinced that it was on the right path. And arguably, it's why it has been so successful over the last ten or so years.

But things are changing inside Apple. Since Steve Jobs' death and the handing over of the reigns to the unflappable Tim Cook, Apple has been going through something of a metamorphosis, and everyone has seen how the company has changed. Countless people have written about how Apple isn't the same company since its co-founder and visionary left it to somewhat more pragmatic minds, and the evidence that they're right simply keeps on mounting.

New features added to Keynote, Pages and Numbers for iOS/OS X, iMovie gets bug fixes

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 23, 2014

Apple is on a roll today in terms of software updates. The company has just seeded the third OS X 10.9.2 beta to its registered Mac developers and revamped Pages, Keynote and Numbers on the web (excuse me, iCloud) with a slew of new capabilities, including - finally! - password protection for your iWork documents. Earlier in the day, Apple has managed to post a minor Podcasts app refresh and a bug fix focused update to iMovie for Mac.

And now, new versions of Pages and Numbers for iOS and OS X have arrived plus an enhanced version of Apple's presentation software Keynote with new transitions, improved presenter display options, better Microsoft PowerPoint and iCloud compatibility and more.

These software updates allow for a nice feature parity across Apple's iWork suite of apps on the web, iOS and OS X platforms...

Rumor: Apple TV to get controller support and App Store of its own in March

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Being an avid gamer, this is one rumor I've been waiting for for years now. According to iLongue, a blog with somewhat mixed track record, Apple's $99 set-top box is about to receive a proper support for wireless Bluetooth game controllers.

There'll also be an Apple TV App Store of sorts that'll offer downloadable full HD games.

The best part: these new features are said to arrive via a software update, indicating that existing third-generation Apple TVs might be able to run games and use controllers...

Wireless Stratus SteelSeries iOS controller now available with lower $80 price tag

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 29, 2016

We first caught glimpses of the Stratus SteelSeries iOS gaming controller earlier this month at CES 2014. The device has immediately captured our attention because it filed as the first Bluetooth-enabled wireless gaming controller for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices running iOS 7.

Previous controllers like Moga's Ace Power and Logitech's PowerShell incorporate the so-called form-fitting design where your device must be docked into the controller itself.

Surprisingly enough, Stratus has now slashed the SteelSeries from the original $99.99 price tag to a $20 lower and more bearable $79.99 price point. The company has assured that all $99.99 pre-orders will be honored at the lower price...

SwiftKey note-taking iPhone app leaks, shows off custom auto-correct keyboard with predictions

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 23, 2014

TouchType is behind the popular SwiftKey software keyboard for Android phones and the company previously went on the record expressing hope that Apple would allow third-party software keyboard development for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices.

"The keyboard is the thing that needs work more than anything on that platform," TouchType's marketing chief Joe Braidwood said last summer.

For the record, Tim Cook did promise that his company would open iOS up more for third-party developers. While the stock iOS keyboard is still off limits, TouchType is now incorporating its popular SwiftKey keyboard technology into an upcoming new note-taking iOS app, SwiftKey Note...

Phil Schiller points to new mobile security report criticizing Android

Cody Lee ∙ January 21, 2014

Phil Schiller doesn’t tweet very often. But when he does, he tends to make good use of his 115,000+ followers. Early last year the executive tweeted a link to an Android-slamming mobile malware report, and today he's pointed to another report that highlights Android's security flaws.

This afternoon, Schiller tweeted a link to Cisco's 2014 Annual Security Report, which was released last week. The report notes that overall vulnerabilities are the highest they've ever been (since tracking began in 2000), and that 99% of all mobile malware is targeted at Android devices...