Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Apples Massive Steve Jobs Patent for the iPhone Reconfirmed in its Entirety
a massive 364-page patent with 293 pages of drawings dating back to September 2006 and covering many details of the original iPhone. Steve Jobs is listed as the first of over two dozen inventors on the patent, and it is considered perhaps the most famous of his over 300 credited patents.
But as noted by FOSS Patents, the USPTO has now completed its reexamination of the patent and ruled that all twenty claims have been confirmed as patentable, significantly strengthening a patent that has been used against several of Apples competitors in court.
As we speak, the Steve Jobs patent is even stronger than it was before someone (presumably Samsung and Google) challenged it anonymously. On September 4, 2013, the USPTO issued a reexamination certificate confirming the patentability of all 20 claims because the prior art neither anticipated this invention nor renders it obvious.
A number of Apples key patents have been challenged for reexamination as its competitors have sought to derail Apples claims against them in various court battles. While the USPTO has issued preliminary "first office actions" invalidating those patents in some cases, Apple has been successful in arguing its case and ultimately restoring the validity of at least the most important claims of those patents. In an example from earlier this year, a key claim of Apples "rubber banding" patent used against Samsung was confirmed after having been preliminary invalidated last year.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)
Monday, May 25, 2015
Apple Releases iOS 7 0 4 With Fix for FaceTime Call Issue
Apple today released iOS 7.0.4 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, a minor update that includes a number of improvements and bug fixes for the operating system. According to Apple, the update repairs a bug that could cause FaceTime calls to fail for some users.
Bug fixes and improvements, including a fix for an issue that causes FaceTime calls to fail for some users.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
Apple has also released iOS 6.1.5 for the fourth generation iPod touch, which fixes the same FaceTime issue.
iOS 7.0.4 comes just over three weeks after the release of iOS 7.0.3, which added support for iCloud Keychain and fixed accelerometer issues. iOS 7.0.4 can be downloaded via the software update tool in the settings menu on iOS devices.
iOS 7.0.4 comes just over three weeks after the release of iOS 7.0.3, which added support for iCloud Keychain and fixed accelerometer issues. iOS 7.0.4 can be downloaded via the software update tool in the settings menu on iOS devices.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Easy way to check iPhone 5s in store availability near you
If you are in the USA and trying to buy an iPhone 5s, head over to http://iphone-check.herokuapp.com/, enter your zip code, cellphone carrier and pick a color, and then it will show you availability at Apple Stores "near you."
I used the site to find a Verizon, 16 GB, Space Gray iPhone 5s in my area. I placed an order for in-store pickup, and about two hours later I was walking out of the Apple Store with a new iPhone.
Two caveats: First, "near you" is a relative term. The site seems to always show 20 Apple Stores, but some of them might be quite a distance from you. For me, the last store on the list was about 350 miles (and nearly a six-hour drive) away. Each result is linked to an Apple Retail Store, so if you arent sure where it is, click on it to get the address. Second, availability can change fast. My local Apple Retail Store said that they were only filling orders through http://store.apple.com, which had been designated as "in-store pickup." The good news is that I knew I had an iPhone waiting for me before I got into the car. I definitely recommend using that method rather than driving to the store and hoping that they still have what you want in stock.
Data source: via TUAW (By TJ Luoma)
Friday, May 22, 2015
Samsung Makes Fun of iPhone 5s and iPad Air in New TV Commercials
Samsung this week posted two new anti-Apple advertisements to promote both Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 wiht highlighting shortcomings in rival Apple products.
The first ad is a minute long featuring the 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 3 and the 4-inch iPhone 5s side-by-side. Basketball star LeBron James is on the screen while a voiceover mocks the iPhones screen size and quality, along with its lack of a stylus.
"Wait a second, shouldnt we enjoy this high-definition jam on a screen thats actually high definition? 5.7 inches of HD? Booyah! Or 4.0 inches of non-HD? LeBrons literally running away from this phone."The second ad is also a minute long, it is a parody of Apples popular iPad Air "Pencil". spot that compares the ultra-thin tablet to a pencil. It start off with a pencil, as Apples ad did, but eventually reveals an "even thinner" Galaxy Tab Pro behind the iPad. Galaxy Tab Pro measures in at 7.3mm thick while the iPad Air is 7.5mm thick.
"And would you look at that? The Galaxy Note 3 comes with a handy little S-Pen. No S-Pen hiding in this other phone. Believe me, Ive checked."
"Wait a second, whats hiding behind that pencil? Ah, an iPad Air! Almost didnt see it there. And whats this, hiding behind the iPad? Ah, the even thinner Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1."Samsung also points out its screen quality, 2560 x 1600 pixels, 299ppi display, which has a higher resolution and pixel density than the iPad Air’s 2048 x 1536, 264ppi display. and also mocks the lack of side-by-side multitasking in iOS, which has also been a favorite subject for Microsofts anti-Apple ads.
Samsung is expected to release a new flagship Phone, the Galaxy S5, along with a new Galaxy Gear smart watch, later this month. Apple is expected to unveil both a larger iPhone and a smart watch "iWatch" later this year.
- Read also: Samsung ad gets applause for copying Apples iPhone spot from 2007
Source: via MacRumors
Thursday, May 21, 2015
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Record Breaking in First Day Pre Orders Apple Has Launched Guide for Android Users
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus pre-order have exceeded the previous announcements of the old versions. Apple this week announced, that is processed more than four million orders in the first day of pre-launch sales in the select countries that started accepting orders on September 12. The iPhone 5 did 2 million pre-orders in 24 hours when it launched in 2012.
“iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are better in every way, and we are thrilled customers love them as much as we do,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Pre-orders for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus set a new record for Apple, and we can’t wait to get our best iPhones yet into the hands of customers starting this Friday.”The announcement of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have considered a qualitative move, especially on the part of iPhone-screen sizes. Many consumers had longed to see these sizes at Apple company. An earlier analyst claimed that the availability of devices with big screens will lure Android users who were using the Android platform for due the size. Perhaps among these reasons that made Samsung recently waging a fierce attack on Apple and its new products, which was considered as an imitation of its Galaxy Note line.
On the opposite side there are who consider the current 4-inch size is the reasonable size for a smartphone, we dont know if they are still clinging to their opinion after the viewing the devices.
Apple this week also introduced a detailed support document that walks Android users through moving data from their Android devices to the iPhone, like how to add email accounts to the Mail app, to transfer contacts, calendars, and photos. Apple has suggested a third-party app called "Copy My Data" to do that. The document also walks users through transferring various documents to iCloud, which can then be opened in Keynote, Pages, and Numbers and on iPhone using the same apps.
Read also:
- Take a Look of New Features in New Apple Products; iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay, and Apple Watch
- Apple Releases iOS 8 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, with a Range of New Features and Improvements
- Samsung in Less than One Week, New Ad Attacks iPhone 6 Plus
- Photos App in iOS 8
- iOS 8 Features
- iOS 8 Brings New Option "Send Last Location" To Find My iPhone or iPad
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Apple Samsung take massive 109 of mobile industry profits while competitors lose money
The latest data from Canaccord Genuity, shared with AppleInsider by analyst T. Michael Walkley on Thursday, estimates that Apple took 56 percent of the operating profits for feature phones and smartphones in the third quarter of calendar 2013. Coming in close second was Samsung, which took 53 percent of industry profits.
In contrast, all of the competition lost money, with the exception of Sony, which broke even during the quarter. The biggest loser was struggling BlackBerry, which represented a negative 4 percent of industry profits, followed closely by Google-owned Motorola, taking negative 3 percent.
Nokia, LG and HTC were all about even with one another, each representing negative 1 percent of mobile profits, according to Canaccord Genuity.
Walkley noted that the share controlled by Apple and Samsung is likely lower when the profits of Chinese vendors such as Lenovo, ZTE, Huawei and Coolpad are included. However, Chinese manufacturer profitability data is not available, and could not be included in the industry-wide comparison.
Apple actually saw its share of profits increase from 53 percent in the second quarter to 56 percent in the third quarter, despite the fact that the company was transitioning to the launch of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c late in the quarter. Walkley said Apples greater share of profits came to slightly higher sequential iPhone unit sales, as well as more pronounced losses from BlackBerry and HTC.
"Given a full quarter of iPhone 5s/5c sales, we anticipate very strong operating profit share for Apple during the holiday quarter," the analyst wrote. "Further, we believe Apples value share of the handset market is even higher than our estimates... considering Apples dominant share of the tablet market, as some Android OEMs include tablet sales in reported smart device sales and profits."
In fact, when tablets, notebooks and other mobile devices are included, Apple earned more than Samsung, LG, Nokia, Huawei, Lenovo and Motorolas mobile divisions combined, according to separate data released last month by Strategy Analytics.
Concentrating on phones alone, Apple and Samsung are estimated to have accounted for more than 100 percent of industry profits for some time now. Prior to Thursdays data, the most recent figures from July showed the rival companies accounting for 103 percent of industry profits.
Data source: AppleInside (By Neil Hughes)
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
How to create nested folders on iOS 7
Nested folders (or, folders within folders) is one of the most useful features of iOS 7. Unfortunately, its more of a glitch than anything Apple intended to include, so theres no official guide from Apple on how to do it. But dont worry, were here to help.
Placing folders within folders is a fantastic way to clean up your home screen, and it can be a godsend if you want to send unwanted, undeletable apps into a dark unseen corner.
Heres how to pull it off:
Well start with these four apps, but you can use absolutely whatever apps you want.
1. First, we combine two apps to create a folder, and then combine the remaining two apps to create a second folder.
2. Now, hold a finger on one of the folders so that it becomes grayed out.
3. As soon as it does this, press the Home button twice to bring up the multitasking menu. This trick will not work if the apps begin to wiggle (when they enter the organization mode) before you hit the home button. You have about a half a second to get this right.
4. From the multitasking menu, click on the home screen. You should see the folder icon remains enlarged and grayed out, and also that the folders are now wiggling.
5. Now, click the destination folder (the one you want to add the first folder to). You should see the icon of the first folder hovering above.
6. Now, click the Home button once. Ta-da! You now have a folder within a folder. The best part is that these folders work flawlessly, and you can navigate through them, launch apps from within them, and remove apps just as you would otherwise.
You can use this trick to further nest additional folders, and Ive been able to create five folder levels before eventually stopping, though Im pretty sure you can just keep going until you get bored.
This glitch was first noticed during the iOS 7 beta, and though Im sure Apple is aware of it, they havent taken any steps to correct it, and as of the current iOS 7.0.1 it still works perfectly. In fact, during the beta phase, any nested folders you had created would reset to the home screen after a device restart, but thats been changed, leaving all nested folders in place when the phone is power cycled.
That said, the company could squash this at any time, so if you really fall in love with nested folders (as I have) take care before updating.
How to add apps to already nested folders
You can add apps to already nested folders very simply, though its slightly more complicated than just dragging the app to the folder.
First, highlight the app you wish to move by holding your finger on it and then immediately double-tapping the Home button, just as you did in Step #3 above. Now, from the multitasking menu, click on the home screen.
Then, click on the first folder (the one holding the nested folder you want to move the app to), and then click on the nested folder. Once inside the nested folder, click the home button once and the app will relocate itself. Easy!
Data source: via TUAW (By Mike Wehner)
Monday, May 18, 2015
More iPhone buyers switching from Android this year than in 2012
New research by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, based on interviews of 400 new iPhone 5s and 5c buyers, indicates that an increasing proportion of Apples customers are coming from Android compared to last year.
At the launch of iPhone 5 one year ago, about 16 percent of iPhone 5 buyers said they were upgrading from an Android phone, CIRP depicts in its chart (above). This year, at least 20 percent of new iPhone 5s and 5c buyers said they were moving from Android.
The increased percentage thats switching is also telling in that Apple sold significantly more new iPhones at this years launch. The global market for phones is increasing, and the number of iPhone buyers getting their first phone was also up.
Whats decreasing is the number of iPhone buyers moving up from a basic phone or from BlackBerry or some other smartphone platform, due to the fact that there are simply fewer people who still own a "non-smart," BlackBerry or other non-Android phones this year.
As Mike Levin, a Partner and Co-Founder of CIRP, stated in the firms press release, "perhaps because of the declining base of non- smartphone owners, a smaller percentage of iPhone buyers upgraded from a basic or flip phone, compared to the year-ago launch."
Returning iOS users also up
CIRPs release emphasized a different aspect of the same data: that more iPhone buyers this year were already iPhone customers. That figure increased from 55 percent last year to 65 percent this year.
Levin stated to AppleInsider via email that "this increase from 55% in 2012 is very meaningful, especially since its really a fair comparison, of buyers in the two 30-day periods after the launch of the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s/5c."
Logically, the percentage of iOS buyers loyally returning for a new iPhone would necessarily rise in conjunction with the increases in Apples market share as customer satisfaction levels also remain high.
Significantly more Android owners are moving to an iPhone than iPhone users are moving in the opposite direction
But the percentage of increase among returning iPhone buyers is a little over 18 percent over last year; the percentage of new iPhone buyers coming from an Android legacy is up even more: 25 percent.
Once bitten twice iPhone
CIRPs latest study reflects the firms earlier findings from this fall reporting that significantly more Android owners are moving to an iPhone than iPhone users are moving in the opposite direction.
Specific to Apple and Samsung, the worlds two largest smartphone vendors by a large margin, Apples customers were more likely to come from BlackBerry, while a larger percentage of Samsungs buyers were coming from HTC and Nokia.
Overall, however, Apple was seeing a greater percentage of converts from Samsung (20 percent) than Samsung was seeing from previous iPhone buyers (just 7 percent).
Looking only at customers who had switched brands, one third of Apples new customers had previously owned a Samsung device, but only 11 percent of Samsungs customers came from Apple.
CIRP also noted this fall that Apples customers represented more young adults between 18-24 and 25-34, while Samsung attracted more middle age buyers aged 35-54 and significantly more seniors aged 55 to 64, as well as more customers with lower incomes.
The trend toward Apple and iOS is focused entirely at the high end of the smartphone market, because Apple does not participate in the "mass market" for low end phones priced significantly below $400.
Last week, a Samsung Mobile executive revealed that only about a third of the companys "smartphones" were premium models comparable in specification and utility to Apples modern iPhone lineup.
Samsungs financial reports have also detailed that its smartphone shipment growth is coming entirely from mid and low end models, while global demand for its higher end Galaxy S and Note offerings remained flat despite the launch of the companys new flagship Note III premium phablet.
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Daniel Eran Dilger)
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Apps on iPhone 5s Crashing at Twice the Rate as on Other iPhone 5 Models
Whenever there is a new operating system, it’s not surprising to see apps crash at a somewhat higher rate, given all the changes.
But one of the interesting things in Apple’s latest iPhone transition is that apps appear to be crashing at a much higher rate on the new iPhone 5s as on either the iPhone 5c or the iPhone 5. In its look at hundreds of millions of app launches since the debut of the latest iPhones, Crittercism says that programs crash about two percent on the iPhone 5s, as compared to just under one percent on both the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5.
“Anytime there is new hardware or software release, we see issues,” Crittercism CEO Andrew Levy said in an interview. “Inevitably, over time, those issues get resolved.”
Levy said that perhaps the reason the iPhone 5s is seeing more crashes than the equally new iPhone 5c is that, while developers were able to check their apps for compatibility with iOS 7 during several months of beta testing, the new hardware wasn’t available ahead of time. The iPhone 5s packs a new 64-bit A7 chip and an M7 coprocessor, while the 5c is nearly identical, internally, to the iPhone 5.
An Apple representative declined to comment.
Levy said that it’s not uncommon to see higher crash ratios when new devices or operating systems come out. And Apple has done a pretty good job of making a major transition — the shift to 64-bit processors — nearly invisible. With past transitions, including the move on the PC desktop to 64-bit, developers had to write new drivers and other code.
“The good news is that Apple is certainly aware of issues,” Levy said. “They’ve pushed out two iOS updates for iOS 7 … Apple is doing a really good job of addressing these issues as they come up.”
Data source: AllThingsD (By Ina Fried)
Thursday, May 14, 2015
iPhones can be hacked while charging video
Apples iPhone has won praise over its resistance to hackers, but university researchers have revealed you can still be vulnerable.
The risk comes when using public USB chargers, says Billy Lau, a Georgia Tech research scientists.
Lau and his team, at Georgia Techs Security Information Center, made a malicious app look like Facebook and hid the malware code to get an initial security certificate.
After gaining Apples initial approval for testing, the app was downloaded to an iPhone. Like Lau, hackers could now introduce the app to an iPhone through public USB chargers, disguised as a normal iPhone or iPad charger, connected to a hidden computer.
Lau says nothing will happen, as long as you dont unlock your password protected phone, while its charging.
"If its unlocked even for a second or less than a second, the attack commences," Lau pointed out.
When they unlocked the phone for the demonstration, the Trojan app went to work.
A minute later, he launched what looked like the Facebook app on the phone but it was their Trojan app that took over, allowing him remote control of the phone, seeing everything the user could see, passwords and all. He was able to remotely make a call from the phone and had the ability to eavesdrop on one.
"The possibilities are really endless. It can steal your banking credentials," Lau said.
The solution - dont unlock your phone while charging at a public charging station. Apple has also updated its software to warn you about plugging into unknown USB public charging stations, asking first, if you trust it.
Okay, youve plugged into a public USB charger before and want to be sure youre not compromised. What do you do?
"You go to settings, then you need to go into general and then you need to search for the profiles," Lau demonstrated.
If you see an unknown profile running on your phone you could have been hacked. If its a company iPhone, you should check with your IT folks to see what profiles are legitimate.
Georgia Tech reached out to Apple to get this fixed. We should also point out, the researchers say their malicious app wouldnt survive Apples full review process, in order to be available in its app store, even though it got initial testing approval.
Data source: via usatoday
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
iPhone 5s Now Shipping Within 2 to 3 Weeks
Apple has clarified the shipping times for its iPhone 5s, with new shipping estimates ranging from two to three weeks for all carriers, colors, and capacities in the United States, Canada, and Asia Pacific. Apple Stores in Europe continue to list Apples previous "October" shipping timeline.
Taking into account delivery times, iPhones ordered today will arrive to customers in late October or early November.
The updated shipping time comes as Apple prepares to launch the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c to 35 new countries on October 25 and an additional 16 countries on November 1.
Though Apples shipping times seem to have improved somewhat, a new study conducted by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster reveals that in-store iPhone 5s availability has been slipping over the past two weeks. As a result, it is more difficult to reserve an iPhone for pickup, or walk into a store to purchase one, while previously, some models, such as Space Gray, were readily available.
Apples iPhone 5s has been available in limited quantities since launch, selling out within a matter of hours after Apple began taking online orders. Gold and silver models in particular have been hard to come by, with supplies of the gold model in particular drying up within 30 minutes of the phone’s launch. The iPhone 5c remains in stock, with new orders shipping out within 24 hours.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Logitechs PowerShell iOS 7 Game Controller Now Available
Following the release of the MOGA Ace Power earlier this week, Logitech has officially announced its PowerShell game controller for the iPhone 5/5c/5s and the fifth-generation iPod touch.
The form-fitting controller is made to plug into the Lightning port on a newer iOS device and features console-style controls including a directional pad, shoulder bumpers, and face buttons. The controller also allows for headphones to be connected through an included adapter, and also leaves the volume up/down buttons, ring/silent switch, and power/sleep button of an iOS device fully accessible.
Logitechs controller also includes a 1500 mAh battery which will charge an iOS device whiile it is plugged into the controller, and can also be charged simultaneously with a device through the controllers micro-USB port.
Rumors of Logitechs controller originally surfaced with a photo of an early prototype back in June, with Logitech teasing the controllers existence in September. The final design of the controller is also consistent with leaked images of the device released in October.
Currently, games such as Dead Trigger 2, Asphalt 8: Airborne, and Bastion offer controller support, with additional developers pledging to build controller support into their apps now that the hardware is avaliable to consumers.
The Logitech PowerShell Controller is avaliable today for $99.99 from Bestbuy.com and the Apple Online Store, with an expanded international release set for December.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Richard Padilla)
To get one: Gaming.logitech
Monday, May 11, 2015
Google Drive for iOS updated with multiple account support printing and iOS 7 sport
Following the significant revamp of Google’s iOS Search app earlier this week, the search company updated its Google Drive application for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with several new features.
What’s New in Version 2.1.0
- Multiple Account Support. You can now switch between personal, work, or any other Google accountNotably, users can now have multiple accounts on Drive for iOS and the app supports single-sign-on across Google apps on iOS. Also new is increased compatibility for iOS 7 and printing either via AirPrint or Google Cloud Print.
- Single Sign In: Sign in once to Google Drive and you’ll automatically be signed in to apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Chrome, and G+
- Print your files now with Google Cloud Print or AirPrint
- iOS 7 Support
To review and download Google Drive on The App Store click here.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Free Apps
Category: Productivity
Updated: Nov 07, 2013
Version: 2.1.0
Size: 24.1 MB
Data source: via 9To5Mac (By Mark Gurman)
Category: Productivity
Updated: Nov 07, 2013
Version: 2.1.0
Size: 24.1 MB
Data source: via 9To5Mac (By Mark Gurman)
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Apple hints at future Maps app in layered map patent filing
Apples "Interactive Map" patent filing details a mapping program that enables users to dynamically adjust and view different "layers" of content pulled from the Internet. Examples include commuting, tourism and weather map layers, among others.
According to the document, the map would be able to emphasize any surrounding features of a selected point of interest, which in many cases will be a users current position. The filing gives the example of a user who is viewing a weather-centric layer and sees a storm approaching. With Apples invention, the person can quickly switch to a different viewing mode to locate a shopping mall or other structure relatively close to their position.
This secondary view can include a combination of layers that overlap, much like the current Hybrid view in Apple Maps. In one example, a basic graphical user interface may be provided to search for map features like highways and buildings. A user-selectable filter list may also be supplied that can drill down into the received data for a more refined experience.
Importantly, feature searches are connected to the layer or layers a user is currently viewing. Users can type in keywords like "food" to bring up nearby restaurants. While the current Maps app includes this functionality to a certain degree, the patent application goes further by determining which mapping mode a user is viewing and presenting results based on that information. For example, if a user were to be in hiking mode, the results for "food" would show camping supply stores, while the same search in tourist mode would display cafes or fine dining.
Perhaps the most intriguing idea described in the document is the ability to pull data about specific features or landmarks in real time. In one scenario, a user can click or touch a city name to display current census data. Another embodiment will give detailed information about a certain highway.
Further, a user can touch two points on the map to create a route. Currently, the iOS and OS X Maps apps support route making through the use of addressed or dropped pins. The proposed touch UI automatically generates route data like distance, then recommends which one to select based on an artificial situational awareness. If a person is traveling in one direction and searches for a hotel, the app would return only those establishments located in the general direction they are moving.
Another interesting aspect is the implementation of geospatial applications which can be used to provide relevant data for a given route. In practice, the system would work similar to iOS geofencing capabilities. For example, if a user is in tourist mode, the map app can provide contextual information about the history of a location. Users would receive the data via on-screen text or audible cues.
Alternatively, when in shopping mode, the app may be able to use a devices location to provide ads or specials from a nearby store. This particular implementation fits well with Apples recent rollout of iBeacon, a Bluetooth-based location system that can transmit pertinent product data to the customer while providing an operator with statistical feedback on consumer habits.
Pins are also mentioned in Thursdays application, though their utility is much more robust than existing applications. For example, before placing a pin, a magnifying loupe will appear, showing surrounding street names, places of interest and buildings for precise dropping.
In yet another view, temporal statistics may be viewed, such as historical housing sales data. Other, more detailed implementations are described in the lengthy filing, as well as a technical overview of how the invention may be incorporated into Apples present data infrastructure.
It is unclear if Apple is merely investigating the above mapping features, or is actively building software toward a fully functional layered system, but much of the filings groundwork has already been laid with the existing Maps app. The power of the layered view, however, depends on external assets that are not currently in place. While Apple provides a basic structure that third-party developers and content creators can use to add content, deals have to be made and contracts need to be signed.
If Apple can bring a rich data set together, its mapping invention could potentially outperform any consumer-facing solution currently in service.
Apples interactive map patent application was first filed for in 2012 and credits Christopher Blumenberg Jaron I. Waldman, Marcel van Os and Richard J. Williamson as its inventors.
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Mikey Campbell)
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Samsung ad gets applause for copying Apples iPhone spot from 2007
In one example, Brad Reed of BGR wrote today that "Samsungs Galaxy Gear ad is cooler than the actual watch," noting that "critics may have savaged Samsungs first Galaxy Gear smartwatch but that hasnt stopped the companys crack marketing team from churning out a terrific ad thats much cleverer than the device itself."
Yesterday, Devindra Hardawar of Venture Beat similarly observed "Galaxy Gear commercials are brilliant ads for a terrible product," while Steve Kovach mused in his Business Insider blog that "the Galaxy Gear, may be getting poor reviews, but the commercials for the gadget are pretty sweet."
Samsungs Gear isnt really a futuristic wrist-phone like the images from TV shows and movies depicted in its ad. Instead, it is essentially a $300 Bluetooth headset strapped to the wrist and outfitted with a camera and display. The device requires a user to also carry a Note 3 phablet for it to work at all.
Further, Samsungs "terrific ad" is actually a copy of the "Hello" spot Apple debuted at the 2007 Oscars (below) introducing the first iPhone, as noted by Obama Pacman.
Source: Obama Pacman
This year, Apples "Greetings" ad (below) for the iPhone 5c presents a similar montage of global characters answering the phone, but the people in it are not depicted as cartoons or celebrities.
Obama Pacman also presented previous examples of Samsung looking to Apple for marketing "inspiration," such as in creating virtually identical ads for its own versions of the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 in 2011.
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Daniel Eran Dilger)
Friday, May 8, 2015
iOS 7 Tips Monitor track your cellular data usage
Have you ever wondered how much data you should get with your carrier? Do you barely use your data plan but pay for a huge one anyways? Or do you go over data each month with your data plan and have no idea why? New in the iOS 7 Settings application is the ability to track cellular data usage per each app you have installed on your device.
In iOS 6, it shows you how much data you use, but it did not define or described what made up that number. To monitor and track your cellular data usage in iOS 7, first go into Settings.
Then tap on Cellular. If you scroll down a little bit at first you will see your total history. It will show your Call Time and total Cellular Data Usage, just like it did in iOS 6.
If you scroll down further, you will get an alphabetical list of all the apps have use cellular data.
If you scroll all the way down at the bottom, you will see a button called System Services. If you tap on that, it will show you how much cellular data you are using for things like Messaging Services, Push Notifications, Documents & Sync, iTunes Accounts, Siri, Voicemail, Software Updates, Find My iPhone, Diagnostics and Apple ID Services.
Data source: via 9To5Mac (By Sarah Guarino)
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Geofencing to Unlock Vehicle Functions Detailed in New Apple Patent Application
According to the 15-claim application, which specifically describes "Accessory control with geo-fencing", the accessory (which may or may not be built-in to the car itself) would transmit a signal to a linked mobile device, allowing the device to monitor the location of a vehicle. When the mobile device (and the user) are close enough to the car, the mobile device would transmit a second signal to the accessory within the car, allowing it to trigger functions like door unlocking, defrosting, heating, trunk opening, seat warming, and more.
The first signal can identify a current or future location of the vehicle. The mobile phone can generate one or more virtual geofences based at least in part on the location of the vehicle as determined from the first signal. For example, a geofence can be defined as a circular boundary centered on the vehicles location, the radius being equal to a pre-defined distance. The mobile phone can repeatedly estimate its own location.
Upon detecting that the mobile phone has crossed a geofence (e.g., generally or in a particular direction), the mobile phone can generate and transmit a second signal to the vehicle. The accessory can control or coordinate control of one or more vehicle functions in response to receipt of the second signal.
Apple notes that geofences can be made in shapes that parallel vehicle components for very specific in-app functions. For example, a geofence could be tied specifically to a trunk or a door, with the mobile device able to identify the absolute-location boundaries of each individual geofence. With such accurate geofencing, a cars trunk could be opened as a user approaches, for groceries or bags to be put away, while the car doors stay locked until later approached.
Geofences can also function on time, with features like a cars heating system able to be activated when a mobile device estimates that an owner is "five minutes away and approaching the vehicle."
Like Apples iBeacons, which are designed to transmit specific location information to mobile devices, Apples vehicle accessory system would potentially send signals over Bluetooth LE to activate various functions within the car. Apple suggests Wi-Fi and cellular hardware could also be included in order for the accessory to communicate with mobile devices when owners are located far from their cars.
Along with serving as a possible expansion of the use of Apples iBeacon technology, the geofencing system described in the patent could also be a future expansion of Apples iOS in the Car initiative, which is designed to provide enhanced iOS integration in automobiles.
The first hints of iOS in the Car have been bundled into the new 2014 Honda Civic, allowing users to access HondaLink apps for iOS to connect to an iPhone 5 or later. Apples ultimate goal for iOS in the Car is far more advanced, however, with iOS built-in to in-dash systems.
The patent, which was filed in June and published in November, lists former Apple employee Sylvain Louboutin as an inventor.
Geofences can also function on time, with features like a cars heating system able to be activated when a mobile device estimates that an owner is "five minutes away and approaching the vehicle."
Like Apples iBeacons, which are designed to transmit specific location information to mobile devices, Apples vehicle accessory system would potentially send signals over Bluetooth LE to activate various functions within the car. Apple suggests Wi-Fi and cellular hardware could also be included in order for the accessory to communicate with mobile devices when owners are located far from their cars.
Along with serving as a possible expansion of the use of Apples iBeacon technology, the geofencing system described in the patent could also be a future expansion of Apples iOS in the Car initiative, which is designed to provide enhanced iOS integration in automobiles.
The first hints of iOS in the Car have been bundled into the new 2014 Honda Civic, allowing users to access HondaLink apps for iOS to connect to an iPhone 5 or later. Apples ultimate goal for iOS in the Car is far more advanced, however, with iOS built-in to in-dash systems.
The patent, which was filed in June and published in November, lists former Apple employee Sylvain Louboutin as an inventor.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
6 cases that will make you want to eat your iPhone
1. Ice Cream Sandwich
Sure, when it comes to ice cream sandwiches you may be more tempted to think of an Android device, but theres no denying that Apples smartphone is the perfect shape for a case like this. With a high-resolution chocolate cookie image and a white plastic border, its almost too good.
2. Sushi
Theres nothing like a bento box for lunch. This one might be a little small -- those rolls look even smaller than what could be considered "bite-sized" -- but if youre a fan of sushi, its a top contender.
3. M&M
With a dozen faux M&M candies secured to the back of your phone, youll need to constantly remind yourself that theyre made of plastic rather than milk chocolate. Im not sure how comfortable this particular case would be when in your pocket, but if youre considering a case like this, youre probably going for eye-catching looks over comfort.
4. Whipped Cream
With strawberries, chocolate candies and ice cream constructed out of plastic in extreme detail, this is the most impressive case on the list, but its also the one most likely to be totally destroyed if you happen to drop your phone. It might not be practical, but its definitely a conversation starter.
5. Bacon
Bacon ... on your iPhone. Ok, so its not real bacon, its a urethane resin, but its shaped and painted to make it look as close to real-life tasty pork strips as possible. Just dont let your dog mistake it for a chew toy.
6. TV Dinner
Ok, you caught me; this one is a bit of a joke. Featuring some disgusting salisbury "steak," a helping of plastic peas, some gritty potatoes and apple cobbler that is one degree away from melting though the aluminum tray, this is what convenience is all about.
Data source: via TUAW (By Mike Wehner)
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