Report

Apple testing next-generation 5G technology

Cody Lee ∙ May 23, 2017

Apple is testing next-generation 5G wireless technologies, according to documents recently made public by the FCC. Business Insider points to the filing, in which the iPhone maker asks the Commission for an experimental license to use a new wireless technology called 'millimeter wave.'

Apple Inc. seeks to assess cellular link performance in direct path and multipath environments between base station transmitters and receivers using this spectrum. These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks.

Apple intends to transmit from two fixed points located at Apple-controlled facilities in Cupertino and Milpitas, CA. These transmissions will be consistent with the parameters and equipment identified in Apple’s accompanying Form 442, and will include the use of a horn antenna with a half-power beamwidth of 20 degrees in the E-plane and H-plane and a downtilt between 20 - 25 degrees. Apple anticipates that it will conduct its experiments for a period not to exceed 12 months.

Interestingly enough, one of the bands Apple intends to test (28GHz) has been allocated for earth-to-space transmissions. It was reported last month that Apple is recruiting satellite experts for a secret hardware team. The company is also currently in a legal battle with wireless chip supplier Qualcomm.

Here in the US, major carriers like Verizon and AT&T have pledged to start rolling out their 5G networks to major markets later this year. T-Mobile and Sprint both hope to have 5G towers up and running by 2020.

Source: Business Insider

Apple to announce Amazon Prime Video for Apple TV at WWDC

Cody Lee ∙ May 11, 2017

Amazon Prime Video is finally coming to Apple TV, reports BuzzFeed. Citing sources familiar with the plans, the outlet says that Apple will make the announcement next month at their World Wide Developers Conference.

The move signals that the two companies have reached an agreement to end their years-long feud, which not only kept Amazon's video app off of Apple's set-top box, but also removed the Apple TV from Amazon's storefronts.

BuzzFeed's John Paczkowksi, who has an excellent track record reporting on Apple's future plans, says that the app is expected to go live this summer. Also, as part of the deal, Amazon will resume Apple TV sales at some point.

If true, this will be a significant win for Amazon Prime customers using Apple TV. Currently, there is no way to natively access Amazon Prime Video on tvOS. WWDC will take place in San Jose, California and begin on June 5.

Source: BuzzFeed

Tim Cook: you will see Apple do more in the pro space

Cody Lee ∙ February 28, 2017

Apple on Tuesday held its annual shareholder meeting at its Cupertino headquarters. The gathering is standard affair—company executives and board members meet with stockholders to discuss a wide range of topics, including performance and proposals.

The most interesting part of today's meeting, however, was Tim Cook's informal Q&A session. The casual section allows attending shareholders to offer up their questions and comments to the CEO and other members of the company's senior leadership team.

Report: U.S. iPhone users spent an average of $40 on apps last year

Cody Lee ∙ February 21, 2017

iPhone owners in the United States spent an average of $40 on apps last year, reports analytics firm Sensor Tower. That number includes both premium and in-app purchases, and it represents a $5 increase from 2015.

Unsurprisingly, most of that money is going to games. Sensor Tower says more than 80% of US App Store revenue in 2016 came from games, and it shows on the device level—users spent an average of $27 on games.

Facebook in talks to live stream MLB games this season

Cody Lee ∙ February 21, 2017

Facebook is in talks with Major League Baseball to live stream games this season, reports Reuters. The deal would include at least one game per week, which could be accessed for free by users logged into the platform.

The move comes just a week after Facebook announced plans for a video-focused Apple TV app, as part of the social network's efforts to push further into original programming—a strategy shared by several tech firms.

AT&T announces new unlimited data plan: 4 lines for $180

Cody Lee ∙ February 16, 2017

AT&T on Thursday announced that it is expanding its unlimited data plan offering to all customers. Starting tomorrow, all customers will be able to get unlimited talk, text and data on 4 lines for $180.

The move follows a similar one by the carrier's close competitor Verizon, who announced its own unlimited data plan earlier this week, and comes amidst strong pressure from both T-Mobile and Sprint.

The next iPhone could cost more than $1000

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 28, 2017

Apple is planning to launch a special 10th-anniversay iPhone this year that will likely cost more than $1,000, reports Fast Company. Citing sources with knowledge of Apple's plans, the site says an OLED display and other new features will push the handset's price tag higher than ever before.

As has been previously rumored, the source says the new display will measure 5.8-inches diagonally and stretch across the entire front of the phone, framed by forged stainless steel sides. Apple has been working to get rid of the physical Home button, and the side buttons may also go all digital.

Apple hires Dropcam co-founder Greg Duffy

Cody Lee ∙ January 25, 2017

Former CEO and co-founder of Dropcam Greg Duffy has joined Apple, reports The Information. A company spokesman has confirmed the high profile hiring to the outlet, but would not comment on what his role would be in Cupertino.

KGI: Kaby lake processors and more RAM coming to Mac laptops this year

Cody Lee ∙ January 16, 2017

Apple is planning updates for its MacBook and MacBook Pro lines later this year, according to a research note from KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo. The noted analyst says the new notebooks will feature Intel's next-generation Kaby Lake processors and updated RAM options.

Kuo says the refreshed 12-inch MacBook models will enter mass production as early as March, and may offer a new 16GB RAM option (currently capped off at 8GB). As for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, he doesn't see production starting until early third quarter.

Following software fix, Consumer Reports now recommends the new MacBook Pro

Cody Lee ∙ January 12, 2017

Following Apple's software fix, Consumer Reports has updated its review of the new MacBook Pro, stating that it now recommends the laptop. The publication says the fix corrects the erratic battery behavior it saw during its initial testing, and all MacBook Pro models now fall "well within the recommended range" in its ratings.

Apple executives miss out on cash incentives as company falls short of sales goals

Cody Lee ∙ January 6, 2017

Tim Cook and other executives received less revenue in 2016, as Apple failed to hit its revenue and profit goals for the year. The Wall Street Journal points to a regulatory filing, which says the miss kept the leaders from hitting some cash incentives.

Apple said its annual sales were $215.6B, 3.7% below its target of $223.6B, and its operating income of $60B was 0.5% short of their $60.3B target. As a result, Cook received $8.75 million in 2016 compensation, down from $10.3 million in 2015.

Report: next iPhone to feature Tap to Wake and fast charging

Cody Lee ∙ January 5, 2017

The next iPhone may feature Tap to Wake, fast charging and other new features, reports Forbes. The outlet spoke to noted tipster Sonny Dickson, who laid out what he expects from Apple's next handset.

First Dickson says the new iPhone will include a "Tristar 3, Hydra" chip, which manages the charging port and supports fast charging. He doesn't offer up any additional details, though, and notes that just because it supports the tech, doesn't mean Apple will utilize it.