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Could this be iPhone 6’s improved, more durable Touch ID sensor?

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 16, 2014

Purported iPhone 6 parts continue leaking out ahead of the handset's assumed September unveiling. We were recently treated to a stress, bending and scratch test videos of a piece of a purported sapphire-coated iPhone 6 cover glass.

And earlier this summer, alleged leaks revealed a claimed front LCD frame, an alleged rear shell and a SIM card tray, while questionable mockups piqued everyone's interest. It's now time to turn our attention to Apple's next-generation Touch ID.

As you know, the sophisticated fingerprint scanner debuted as an iPhone 5s exclusive last September. Touch ID is expected to expand to new iPhone and iPad models this year and TSMC is said to be already building a more durable variant of Touch ID.

New images that surfaced Wednesday promise to offer a glimpse of what an improved, slightly revamped Touch ID for the iPhone 6 looks like...

Jawbone’s Up fitness band app gains weight management features

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

Jawbone, the maker of the Up fitness band, wireless Bluetooth headsets and a host of other mobile accessories, today pushed a major update to its iPhone and iPad app.

The refreshed software brings new calorie and nutrition tracking tools, food and restaurant logging, as well as comprehensive weight management features to the popular fitness tracker.

Other enhancements include a new food score and a redesigned food experience with brand new tools such as a dedicated water logger, restaurant menus, common pairings and frequent meals...

Volkswagen to embed CarPlay in 2016 VW models

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 15, 2014

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen is in talks with Apple on bringing CarPlay to its 2016 lineup, according to a new report. This is an important development as Volkswagen, itself notably absent in Apple's press release announcing CarPlay, files as the biggest German automaker and the second largest automaker in the world.

According to a source with knowledge of the discussions, a formal announcement is expected in the coming months...

Google updates Chrome for iOS with Cast support

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 30, 2023

Following a relatively quiet period when it comes to Chrome for iOS, Google is again demonstrating willingness to continue advancing its popular iPhone and iPad browser with useful new capabilities.

The new Google Chrome version 36.0.1985.49 is now available to download in the App Store, bringing out Cast support for websites that have implemented integration with Cast-enabled devices.

Furthermore, this edition also includes stability improvements and bug fixes and a slightly tweaked app icon for your Home screen...

Snapchat launches Geofilters for photos taken at specific locations

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

The popular ephemeral messaging app Snapchat today introduced Geofilters, basically custom filters that only work on photos taken in specific geographic locations.

Geofilters are available by swiping to the right from the Preview screen after taking a photo. This will produce custom-designed text or graphic stickers that can be overlaid on your image to make it more attractive.

As the name suggests, Snapchat Geofilters are location dependent and available for locations in Los Angeles and New York City...

Apple allegedly brings new supplier on board to help solve iPhone 6 battery production woes

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 5, 2016

Problems with mass production of ultra-thin batteries is among the reasons cited for a rumored delay of a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 model.

Last month, Asian sources said both LG Chemical and Samsung, Apple’s battery cell suppliers for the iPhone, were struggling to produce battery components measuring 2mm or less.

Apple's technical requirements apparently pose technical challenges as standard smartphone batteries have a thickness of roughly 2.8 – 2.9 millimeters. A new report alleges that Apple has now solved the issue by bringing a new supplier on board, Hsin Chu, Taiwan-based Simplo Technologies...

Apple launches iPhone and iPad trade-in program in Australia

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2018

As expected, Apple has officially launched its iPhone and iPad trade-in program in Australia today. The company made the announcement via a statement provided to an Australian MSN affiliate this morning.

Customers can receive a maximum of A$250 (or roughly $234 USD) for their iPhones, and A$215 ($202 USD) for iPad trade-ins. Newer devices like the iPhone 5s and 5c are not eligible, nor are first-gen models...

PayPal updated with loyalty card support, faster logins and more

Cody Lee ∙ July 15, 2014

PayPal pushed out an update to its iOS client last night, bringing the app to version 5.5. The update brings about the usual bug fixes and performance improvements, but it also adds a big new feature: support for loyalty cards.

This means PayPal users will be able to carry virtual versions of their favorite loyalty cards—such as Starbucks, CVS, and several other retailers—within the app, essentially making it a one-stop shop for payments and checkins...

Apple launches new ‘iTunes Pass’ service in Japan for refilling iTunes credit

Cody Lee ∙ July 15, 2014

Apple has launched a new service in Japan called iTunes Pass. The program is actually quite interesting, as it appears to allow customers to purchase iTunes Store credit from an Apple retail store, using Passbook instead of physical gift cards.

Users have long been able to store gift cards in Passbook, but we've never seen a direct-to-Passbook service like this, without the need to redeem a code. It almost looks like this could be a prequel to Apple's oft-rumored mobile payment system...

Shazam for iOS updated with in-app track playback via Rdio

Cody Lee ∙ July 15, 2014

Shazam has updated its free and Encore iOS apps, bringing them both to version 7.7.0. The update brings about a new feature to both clients that allows users to play back recognized songs in-app, courtesy of Rdio.

While users have long been able to do this—play recognized tracks through Rdio—past functionality required them to switch out of Shazam and into Rdio. They can now playback [full] songs without switching apps...

5 calculator apps Apple featured in App Store’s Productivity Monday section

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 22, 2022

To me, calculator apps are a lot like weather apps - I can never get enough of them. In an effort to help you increase your mobile productivity, Apple is now featuring several great third-party calculators in an App Store section titled Productivity Monday.

Featured iPhone and iPad software includes both paid and free calculators, including the gorgeously designed minimalist Digits app with the ability to edit complex calculations and get instantly updated results...

Poll: what’s more important to you – screen size or battery life?

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 14, 2014

Pundits and fans are in agreement that a bigger screen will be the #1 selling point of Apple's forthcoming iPhone 6 refresh. With two models in tow, one with a 4.7-inch screen and the other using a phablet-class 5.5-inch display, the iconic smartphone will for the first time go comfortably past four inches.

So, who's willing to trade a bigger screen for a much-improved battery that could keep you going for 24 hours or more, on a single charge? For the sake of completeness, One survey identified a longer-lasting battery as the top feature request by early iPhone 5 adopters ahead of the handset's September 2012 launch...