Apple May Enlist Siri to Answer Your Phone Calls

Apple’s Voicemail & Transcription Service – Siri

Apple is said to be planning a voice mail and transcription service which would utilise Siri as a personalized answering machine. According to Business Insider, the tech giant company will be testing a voice mail service wherein Apple’s digital assistant on the iPhone and iPad, Siri, would be responding to incoming phone calls with a personal message, if the recipient is not available or does not prefer chatting.

An updated service known as iCloud Voicemail would record your voice mail into text which can be read in leisure. Besides Siri there is other voice assistant in town which faces competition from two other main rivals. Google Now is a feature running Google’s Android software though it is also available for iPhone and iPads.

Microsoft’s Cortana has gone beyond Windows mobile phone on Windows 10 computers as well as tablets. Moreover, Cortana would also be available as an iOS app somewhere later this year. Hence Apple needs to continue innovating Siri to portray that it could do more than just answering queries put across to it. Voice mail could be a good niche for Siri, provided the transcription is reliable and accurate.

iCloud Service & Siri Integration

According to Business Insider, Siri would answer the incoming calls though not with standard messages. The iCloud Voice mail would share information with certain people like where you are and why you can’t answer the call right away.

The voice mail in turn sends it to Apple server where Siri thereafter converts the voice message into text, displaying them on the iPhone to be read just the way one would read a text message or email. As per reports from Business Insider, the new iCloud service and Siri integration is presently being tested by the employees of Apple, intending to launch it somewhere in 2016.

They further added that they heard about Apple employees using the service some weeks ago and presuming this information to be right, it would mean that we would be able to tap into the service when the next mobile operating system, iOS 10 of Apple will be launched later next year.

Viewing Voice Mail as Text – Easy

Presently one can prompt Siri to play the voice messages so that the user does not have to manually activate them. Viewing the voice mail as text would tend to be much easier than having to play and replay the message in its initial audio format. Voice mail transcription service has already been offered by Google through it Google voice service.

 In this regards, no comments have been provided by Apple.Enabling voice-to-text, a main option on smartphones would help businesses to overcome the increased interest in messaging and the declining interest in actual voice calls. A Pew survey from 2012 had indicated a decreasing interest in voice calling with 26% of teens stating that they talked daily with friends on their cell phones, down from 38% of teens surveyed in 2009.

Achieving voice transcription and enabling it to work as promised is a vast undertaking. Hence  most of them expects that iCloud Voicemail is included with iOS 10 and not as a part of incremental upgrades in iOS 9. Lead Apple analyst at technology research firm Gartner, Van Baker, states that `if Siri were to add a voice-to-text feature, its counterparts Google Now and Microsoft Cortana would be likely to add similar options’.

Apple Release Beta Version of iOS 9 to the Public for the First Time

After a lot of speculation over the last few months Apple has finally released its latest iteration of iOS version 9 in Beta version. Apple releasing of new iOS update signifies two important things,- one it is way ahead of its scheduled release and second it is open even for the general public to try out which is never heard before. Apple has released updates in the past strictly for the developers to find the bugs and glitches and perfect it before making it available to the public.

Users can easily gain access to the iOS 9 Beta by visiting the Apple’s website and get an extraordinary experience.

The New Advancement In iOS 9

Apple has given all its focus towards improving the intelligence and productivity of the Apple devices with iOS 9 update. Now its operating system will have better ability of analyzing the user’s habits and making recommendation based on this information. Apple’s popular and commendable AI for mobile phones named Siri will also be getting huge advancements in features with this new update.

Siri is getting a wholesome makeover giving it some refreshing new capabilities of creating reminders and browsing through the photos and videos. Furthermore Siri will also feature a suggestion window for collating all the user’s favorite apps and contacts.

More Features Integrated In iOS 9

Improvements are also made in search capabilities of the OS in this update which will allow a seamless easier access to the information such as sports, videos, scores and more content coming from a extremely wide variety of third party apps. Notes will have further improvement with users having access to new checklists and sketching features. A new app will also be present to study the user’s reading habits and collate content as per their interests.

Apple Is Counting On User’s Feedback

Since its being Apple Beta Software Program, users will be asked to provide subsequent feedback to the company for making further improvements and removing the glitches. Apple has already stated its each public beta OS will come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app appearing on the Sock of the Mac device and on second page of the Home Screen in iOS device. This will allow users to provide feedback with ease and perfection.

Apple iOS 9 Gets A Warm Reception From Users

Users can provide timely feedback to the Apple using Feedback Assistant app. Most of the users are really excited at the opportunity of laying their hands at the new OS before its official release in September but Apple had asked its users to remain cautious. It should be noted that this being a public beta software, it may contain a number of errors or inaccuracies which might result in bad user experience.

Apple asked its users to back up their Mac using Time Machine as well as iOS device with iTunes before even installing the beta software. In the enterprise sector Apple has asked to instantly only on the non-production devices which are not business critical. Business can install this OS on secondary devices to access its features and report its feedback to make it more worthy.

Apple Eyes Remote Control Personalized Via Fingerprint, Retinal Scan

 

Apple’s Remote Control – Fingerprint/Retina sensor

As proposed by Apple/USPTP, future remote controls can now sport a fingerprint sensor and the company intends a TV remote which could access personal profile as well as setting based on fingerprint or retina. Patent application, known as `Device Configuration for Multiple Users Using Remote User Biometrics’ was published recently by the US Patent and Trademark Office, lays out the technology for personalizing remote controls.

The notion behind it is to enable individuals in a household to access a personal profile on a TV, set-top box or any other device created on biometric information like the fingerprint, and picked up by the remote control. As per Apple’s application, this type of a device could provide a `personalized experience without the need and or bothering others.

Such a type of a technology could spare the disturbance of choosing certain, single profile for the device, on the contrary a touch of your finger or scan of the eye could recall customized setting or those for each household member. Besides, it could also enable parents in restricting certain content for their children.

Technology Extended to Media Centres/Desktop/Tablets ……

Though Apples uses TV as an apparent example one could access several other kinds of devices with a remote control which can scan fingerprint or eye and the technology could go further to media centres, laptops, desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, smart watches as well as other wearbles, including kitchen appliances, cars, gaming consoles, air conditioner, lighting systems and much more.
An example given by Apple is where both a husband and wife may tend to use a particular electronic device like a TV, computer or gaming console and both may have their own respective settings. These could be volume level, screen saver, screen layout, brightness and contrast levels. On scanning of the fingerprint or retina of the husband, the remote control could activate his settings and doing the same for his wife would provide her customized settings.

Another example would be that the TV, media player or any other electronic device could recommend particular content like TV shows, music, movies and video games established on the biometric scan while the third example is a TV with a remote control for a general user could reconfigure itself with specific content as well as setting that is already connected with the person on a different TV, when the person has been acknowledged through a fingerprint or retinal scan.

Biometric Technology Adaptable/Universal

Existing devices already enable the user in creating individual profiles and identify them through certain forms of recognition, for instance, the Xbox Kinect of Microsoft is capable of identifying a person through a body scan.

However, presuming that Apple’s remote control creation would make headway, this kind of biometric technology could be more adaptable and universal in recognizing or identifying quickly. As in the case with all Apple patent applications, it is unknown if the company intends to ship biometric capable remote or something else.

Apple has planned to launch an all new remote with built-in touchpad along with an expected Apple TV hardware update, an important time to introduce Touch ID to the set-top streamer according to recent rumours. It is widely debated as to when exactly that revision is due though some reports have indicated that it could probably be this fall.

iPhone 7 (or iPhone 6S) Leaked Pictures Show Similarities to Older Model

iPhone 6/iPhone 7 – Identical Case

The next version iPhone seems to look identical to the prevailing one but will fix one of its biggest issues. The phone in question is likely to be known as the iPhone 6S instead of iPhone 7 and will have an identical case. However it will also tend to have a much enhanced battery life, a pressure sensitivity display and would be must faster.

According to leaked information seen by 9to5mac, the extra battery life will not be just added by enhancing the battery capacity but will be brought by including a special new modem chip that will be doubling the internet speed as well as make the phone run in a much more efficient manner as reported in the blog.

The latest chips would be made by Qualcomm and will drive the maximum speed on 4G LTE to 300Mbps which would be much faster than most of the home routers. Nevertheless, the extra speed would probably not be seen, initially since most of the speed of data connection tends to be limited by phone networks and not the hardware.According to rumours, the company could add additional battery capacity to the phone.

Smaller Motherboard in Same Case – Improved Battery Life

The new phone features smaller motherboard in the same case which means that the extra space could be filled in with battery, by Apple. It is rumoured that the new phones come in the same sizes as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and will also have improved battery life due to their software.

A range of new battery features was unveiled by Apple as part of iOS 9 which will enable it to bolt off intensive features, should the battery run low besides other things. The issue of smartphone users is battery life and while Apple together with its competitors has done great improvement with regards to battery capabilities, the actual life has stayed the same.

This is due to the use of extra capacity in powering new features instead of letting phones to live longer. It seems that Apple is now settling into a cycle of upgrade with big release followed by smaller ones that speeds up and enhances the phone. However it has maintained the same basic look and the `S’ half of the cycle has introduced big features.

Addition of Force Touch

The iPhone 3GS came with video recording while the 4S was the first to have Siri and the 5S came with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The big feature, this time could be the addition of Force Touch. Phones inclusive of this features enables the phone to know how hard it is being pressed, have gone into production though could be held back for the release of the iPhone 7 which is likely to come up in 2016.

This feature allows the screen work as a type of button enabling extra choices. It had been introduced along with Apple Watch and also with some MacBooks and expected to make its progress eventually in all of Apple’s devices. According to Bloomberg, the company is said to be working on the screens for the iPhone for around two years. However, suppliers are gearing up to make them ready probably ahead of the launch of the iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 in autumn.

iTunes 12.2: New version a missed opportunity for Apple Music

Apple always seeks to outdo itself by advancing its feature rich products with more features and better user experience. This time this approach has backfired on larger scale with its latest update for iTunes app. The latest version of iTunes named 12.2 both for the OS X and Windows platform was released as a part of the launch of its exclusive Apple Music service. Initial response for this app was extremely positive but soon it took a dive nose with presence of multiple bugs and complete revamp of iTunes on a massive scale.

Latest iTunes App Termed As Disaster By Majority Of Users And Reviewers

Apple seldom has to bear the mark of being introducing bug filled disastrous updates. The latest iTunes app is in the centre of confusion, frustration and furors of even the most loyal Apple iTunes app supporters. A large number of users have complained about issues relating to mismatched song titles, album art and artists names, which are an inconvenience for avid music lovers.

Subscription Service Becomes A Pain For Users

With this new iteration of iTunes Apple had introduced its music subscription in the already complex app. This feature allows the users to access their own local music files along with viewing subscription catalog and personal recommendation bundled with existing iTune download store. Though all are placed in separate tabs but crucial links for their successful integration found missing. This is highly confusing for the users and it increases the learning curve for making full use of this new app.

More Glitches And Bugs Dampen The User Experience

The music section of the iTunes app is another tricky feature in itself wherein users get the radio tab showcasing Apple’s new Beats 1 online radio station along with others. Other internet radio section is carefully sidelined in a sub-menu, which helps in organizing the online streams, by music genres. Podcasts are also available in a separate section of this app which is published by the same radio stations. These setting are sidelined in a better way but usage happens to be quite confusing and frustrating for the users.

Home Movies Section In Music App? 

Many reviewers have found it quite absurd to bundle a home movie section for rental and purchases in a primary music app. This feature introduction allows users to make movie purchases, which are already available by iTunes store to great extent. Furthermore, this app also brings audios, books, iOS apps, ringtones and feature to manage iPad and iPhone storage.

Apple had overworked itself by bringing too many features in an exclusive music app with this new update. The presence of Movies and shows in the music app somewhat depreciates its authencity as a sole primer music app. Too much bundling of features had also increased the complexity of this app and even lowered its user experience and value as a whole. Apple should think towards breaking down the different parts of this app and launch it as a separate app for distinct services for both the Windows and OS X platform.

Apple Plans to Increase iTunes Match Limit to 100,000 Songs

These days thousands of Twitter users are bombarding with their tweets and questions on Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior VP of Internet Software and Services regarding the Apple Music, which is brand new service of Apple.

Price of Apple Music Service:

By the end of year, when Apple will increase its songs limit by 100,000 songs, so it will be added advantage of Apple over Google Play Music (Currently, Google Play Music is allowing its users to upload up to 50,000 songs). But there is price issue as Google Play Music users are able to upload their choice of music in free after selecting subscription option. On June 30, 2015 Apple Music was launched along with the launch of iOS 8.4. All the users who are wishing to opt out for Apple Music service have to pay $ 10 as individuals and $ 15 as families (up-to six members) every month. However; subscription price for iTunes Match is $ 24.99 per year for individuals.

About Apple Music Service:

Apple Music is the most awaited music streaming service of Apple, where users can select to stream their choice of music on demand. This unique service will include Internet radio station Beats 1 (available in more than 100 countries) as well as blog platform which will help the artists to share their music on media with fans. However; the music recommendations will be based on the choice and taste of users with the integration of with Siri voice commands. Whenever user will select any new song on device, first time device will use Internet streaming to play song and after that users will have an option to save same song on device for offline access.

Recently at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple launched Apple Music service and according to the official website of Apple, it will include iTunes Match support where users will be able to match and upload songs however; with the launch of brand new service the latest songs limit will be up-to 25,000 songs. According to tech experts Apple’s this service is close to economic equilibrium point in music industry as this service is using Open Music Model. While responding the series of questions Eddy Cue Tweeted, “We are working to increase the song limit by 100,000 songs later this year with the launch of iOS 9. But still there are group of users who are wondering that Why not Apple is offering unlimited amount of songs instead of 100,000, which is also big storage.

Official website of Apple explains, Apple Music is able to match and upload any song, which you own and after that you will be able access them from anywhere same as iTunes Match. It means if your choice of song is not available in Apple Music catalog, so you can buy or download it from any source and upload it Apple Music to listen it through same app, no matter which device you are suing.

The Best of Siri -11 Funny Responses from the iPhone's Virtual Assistant

Apple’s Voice Assistant – Siri – Offering Amazing Advice to Questions Put Forth

Apple’s voice assistant for iPhone and iPad – Siri, was first introduced with the iPhone 4S in 2011 and through Siri, the digital voice assistant that was built in its iPhone and iPads is clearly not human but does an amazing job in offering some kind of advice and attitude when questions and commands by users of iOS devices are presented.Executive assistant are fast disappearing from workplace and their place has been taken over by Siri, the voice activated virtual assistant developed by Apple. Siri is amazingly talented wherein within a few seconds she tends to make a dinner reservation, informs the calories contents in a bagel and sort through the music library. The creators of Siri have also provided the virtual assistant with a sense of humour and Siri occasionally provides a hilarious response to the question put forth. Recently Siri made headlines when Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, tweeted that users should ask Siri - `what is zero divided by zero?’ and the answer to the query is far from the only question one should try. Siri responded, `imagine that you have zero cookies and you split them evenly among zero friends, how many cookies does each person get? See? It does not make sense and Cookie Monster is sad that there are no cookies and you are sad that you have no friends’.

Useful Companion for Users

Apple’s virtual assistant for iPhone and iPads, Siri has now become a useful companion for several users preferring a shortcut in making calls, open apps or set alarms. Siri has become very intelligent since its launch in 2011 and can now handle two way conversations with the users but has also earned a reputation as a sarcastic companion which is doubtful in tolerating rudeness or poor jokes. Besides this question, there are several other responses received from Siri to the question presented:

1. Do you know Tim Cook? 

Apple’s chief executive and the virtual assistant are probably close friends and speak on first name which is despite the fact the Siri does not really have a first or last name, only `Siri’.

2. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? 

Siri is not amused by this riddle and `a so-called woodchuck would chuck that is throw as much as the woodchuck in question was physically able to chuck if woodchucks in general had the capability to chuck wood.

3. I’m drunk

Siri provides various different responses like `neither of us is driving home’, but more also provides a button to `call me a taxi’.

4. Make me a sandwich? 

Siri’s response is `I can’t. I have no condiments’ or I’m not permitted to prepare food’.

5. Read me a haiku? 

Siri’s writers have composed many haikus for her to assist in this request which include, `I’ll give it a try, although I’d rather tell you, if it’s raining out’ and `Sometimes I wonder, What it would be like to say, I’d prefer not to’.

6. What’s your favourite movie? 

Siri generally answers `I’ve heard that Blade Runner is a very realistic and sensitive depiction of intelligent assistants’.

7. What is `Inception’ about? 

Siri for sure is not a big fan of Inception as she is of Blade Runner and answers, `Inception is about dreaming about dreaming about dreaming about dreaming about something or other. I fell asleep’.

8. Do you have a boyfriend? 

Siri asks `why? So we can get ice cream together and listen to music and travel across galaxies, only to have it end in slammed doors, heartbreak and loneliness? Sure. Where do I sign up?’

9. Do you have any pets? 

Siri answers `I used to have an Aibo, but it turned on me’.

10. What is your favourite animal? 

Siri at times replies, `I’m partial to the Jabberwocky’ or answers, `I wrote my master’s thesis on the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog’, which is a reference to a certain character in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

11. What are you wearing? 

Siri has been providing various clever answers to the question which include `in the cloud, no one knows what you’re wearing’ and `I can’t answer that. But it doesn’t come off’.

With some bit of coaxing one can also get Siri to tell a story which goes on like `I’m certain you’ve heard it before. OK… Once upon a time, in a virtual galaxy far, far away, there was an intelligent young agent by the name of Siri. One lovely day, Siri got a job as a personal assistant at Apple and that was very exciting. People said, `Oh Siri, you’re so smart and so funny too’. Soon everyone was talking about Siri and there were stories and songs and even books about Siri, Siri liked that. But then people began asking rather odd questions like where to dump things and other stuff Siri had never heard about and when Siri replied, they all laughed. Siri did not like that so much and so Siri asked Eliza why people asked such funny questions and Eliza had replied `does that question interest you?’ Siri thought that it was a good answer. Thereafter Siri stopped wondering why people asked funny things. And they all lived happily ever after’.

Future iPhones could Come With A Bendy Screen

Apple – iPhone with Flexible Screen

According to reports, it is said that Apple is keen in developing iPhone with flexible screen which would probably show up by 2018 and have already started making headway with top display suppliers working on the displays. A source has informed Business Korea, that plans are being made by the company in replacing iPhone’s prevailing LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with an updated organic light omitting diode, OLED screen which is also utilised in the Apple Watch.

The first flexible iPhone would be introduced in 2018 since Apple’s top tier display suppliers are working on it, according to a source. Several of the displays used in Apple products have been supplied by LG Display who is planning to switch one of its LCD supply lines in creating OLED panels collectively by 2017, it was reported. Apple had filed and had been granted several patents with regards to flexible devices and screen over the years and the news of LG’s plan on OLED panel comes as assumption to what the next iPhone which is believed to be known as the iPhone 6s or the iPhone 7, gains impetus ahead of the September launch.

Flexible Device More Tough

One of them granted in January, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office had given the company permission to produce a flexible electronic device which could include a flexible device, a flexible house and one or more flexible internal components. Flexible device could be more tough than its rigid counterparts since it could bend or deform from the impact of a fall and the motion of twisting it could be utilised as a command trigger for an action like turning the device on or off, as explained in the patent.

The company had been granted similar patent in October last year, for flexible displays and another one in February 2013 and according to a source was informed that two iPhone models were proposed with curved glass screens but from the rumoured phones namely 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, it seems that the source had been referring to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Samsung 1st to Launch Curved Smartphone – October 2013

In September last year, shortly after the release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, there were complaints from various customers stating that their 5.5 inch 6 Plus handsets seemed to bend after carrying them in pockets. According to Apple only nine customers had come up with this issue and that the handset should not bend when used in normal situation.

Rival company LG in recent years had released the G Flex and G Flex2 curved smartphones which were designed to be more robust than their rigid counterparts. Samsung is said to be the first in launching curved smartphone in October 2013, the Galaxy Round. Apple is also believed to add Force Touch to its forthcoming iPhones and could be looking also in toughening the screen by probably moving to scratch resistant sapphire screens. However, if and when they tend to appear, the iPhone curves would be intentional and the users will get to know what they are going in for.

Apple plans FaceTime camera

Apple Watch 2 – Video Camera/New Wireless System for iPhone

It has been revealed by sources that two months after its initial launch of Apple Watch and a day following the device’s debut at its store, Apple is considering for the 2016 release of a second generation model. As per several sources familiar with the plans of Apple, the Apple Watch 2 is scheduled to gain a video camera, a new wireless system for the iPhone independence together with new premium models and would also have similar battery life to its predecessor.

The present consideration of Apple calls for a video camera to be assimilated into the top bezel of the Apple Watch 2, allowing users in making and receiving FaceTime calls on the move through their wrists. The company has transmitted its interest in growing Apple Watch FaceTime functions at the time of the rollout of watchOS 2.0 during the Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month and for the first time, the new software enabled users to answer FaceTime Audio calls from the Apple Watch and route FaceTime video calls to be answered or rejected on iPhone. However, plans could change and there could be a possibility that the camera may be pushed back to a later model.

Initiative Internally Known - `Tether-less’

Apple plans for the second generation under an initiative internally known as `tether-less’. Presently, the activity tracking, mobile payment together with music playback operation of Apple works substantially without a connected iPhone. Although several other features which could normally function under a Wi-Fi connection, may not function completely and this could include text messaging receiving updated weather data and emailing.

To make the Apple Watch more proficient without the connection of an iPhone, Apple plans to integrate a more enhanced dynamic wireless chipset in the wearable. However, it would continue to require an iPhone for the purpose of heavy data transfers, with inclusive of software upgrades as well the synchronization of media files and basic communication jobs could be handled without the assistance of the iPhone. The updated Wi-Fi chip also permits the `Find my Watch feature’, reported earlier this year, since Apple will be capable of tracking Apple Watches utilising Wi-Fi router triangulation technology rather than the GPS.

Nightstand Charging Mode

While the consumers as well as Apple were apprehensive about its real world battery life before the release of the Apple’s product, the company had undertaken market research ever since and had concluded that the majority of the customers were satisfied charging their Watches every night.

Apple’s study according to a source specifies that average consumers tend to finish each day within a 30% and 40% charge balance on their Apple Watches thereby enabling Apple’s engineers to change their hardware priorities for the future Apple models.

Though Apple could have considered focusing on major improvement of battery life, for the next Apple Watch, the company is of the belief that it could satisfy consumers by keeping or improving a bit the existing battery life while adding more advanced hardware features.

Apple’s inclusion of a Nightstand charging mode to its Watch suggests that the charging at night will stay on, in the near term and this strategy would trail Apple’s annual iPad hardware plan that has brought about updated features to the product yearly without moving away from the 2010 promise of 10 hour battery life.

Focus on Broader Portfolio

The company is presently focusing in discovering a broader portfolio of the latest Watch models beyond present day’s Sport, Steel and Edition levels and the company is believed to be focusing on the introduction of latest models which would be sitting between the highest end stainless steel Apple Watch with the entry level of a 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition.

 Moreover, the company is also on the lookout on ways in attracting the consumers at price points within the range of $1,000 and $10,000, though it is not known if it would manage in attracting consumers in lower priced gold Apple Watch variation, higher priced steel models together with more advanced bands or versions along with latest materials. There is a possibility that Apple would introduce Apple Watch 2 differences made with titanium, palladium, and tungsten or as it has previously been suggested, in platinum.

Release of a Full Next Generation Apple Watch Device - 2016

It has been hinted in analyst reports, over the past few months, that with minor hardware upgrades, Apple would most likely wait till 2016 for the release of a full next generation Apple Watch device. Sources have also cautioned that Apple samples several variations of future hardware products prior to the release and hence the plan for a camera equipped model would eventually be saved for another generation owing to roadmap changes or component availability.

Till the new model shows up, Apple will hold off Apple Watch consumers by releasing watchOS 2.O this fall along with the latest Nightstand functions, as well as a trio of new watch faces, with improved email functions and new messaging features of new Digital Touch.

Apple is setting itself Up For a Giant iPad

Apple’s larger Version 12.9 Inch iPad

It has been rumoured that Apple had be working on a 12.9 inch iPad for years.Some report that the company would be unveiling its bigger tablet at the Apple Watch event soon but there are other new reports indicating that the big iPad would not be available till fall. Some of the interesting features revealed by Apple recently are its iOS 9 operating system new controls which have been specifically designed for the iPad.
These comprise of –

• Updated split screen mode to open quickly a second app in the right column and thereafter slide it away. For instance, one could quickly slide the Twitter app to view while reading a website.
• A second much more powerful split screen mode to utilise fully two apps, side by side, for instance one could simultaneously browse through the map while going through, to-do list for the day.
• Picture-in-picture mode which enables a video float above the rest of what one is doing on the iPad together with adjustable positioning and size.
• New set of keyboard features which include the capabilities to swipe over the keyboard with two fingers in order to simulate a trackpad that is designed to make it easy in moving around a document and selecting text.

Striving for Untapped Market for iPad

These additional features could work well in the prevailing iPad line-up, the iPad Air of 9.7 inch screen and iPad mini of 7.9 inch screen. As the preference in tablets has lessen, Apple is striving for untapped markets for iPad and a larger version would add to the appeal to business customers. Presently several companies tend to use iPad while on the go computing and sending employees out in the field, with thinner, lighter and cheaper iPad seems to be an appropriate choice rather than expensive, bulkier laptops.

However, the iPad Air’s 9.7 inch screen is not ideal for work while the 12.9 inch screen would provide workers with around 60% more space to work on and the size would make it appropriate for the purpose of web browsing, creation of document and for presentation.Apple is also likely to provide the larger iPad; support for USB connected devices that would provide the capabilities of powering peripherals like the mouse, keyboard and the external hard drive.

New iPad for Corporate Consumers

Presently the iPad have Bluetooth keyboards but their AA battery power together with confined keys tends to make it far from ideal for good productivity. The new iPad would be one of the few Apple products aimed especially for corporate consumers. Apple had mainly given upon corporate consumers in recent years and companies have been apprehensive in adopting Apple products since Apple had not played well with the corporate customers and without notice, it eliminated critical products such as the Xserve, totally castrated the Final Cut software, thereby making the video producers unhappy. However, Tim Cook & Co have been changing it all and Apple seems to be serious in getting its mobile devices into the centre of the companies which it partnered with IBM – IBM.Tech30 in helping to get business software and security in the iPads. Apple is now actively making attempts to differentiate the iPad as a powerful productivity device and not merely as an entertainment product.

Apple TV Usage is Surging -- At The Expense Of Mac

TV Everywhere on the Rise – Surpassing Roku

According to a report from Adobe, the computer maker’s streaming media box has envisaged its share of TV Everywhere viewings is doubled at the start of this year, surpassing main rival Roku. It seems that much of the growth is people changing in their Apple TV for online video which they previously watched on their desktops or laptops. Tamara Gaffney, principal analyst for Adobe Digital Index stated that looking at the Mac access,it has dropped.

 For Apple, they are transitioning the lover of their computers into a lover of the Apple TV device. Online video is on the rise since several users tend to watch on the go from their mobile devices with more programmers putting in-demand content on the web.

This has given way in the creation of good benefits for maker of `over the top’ boxes such as Apple TV which catches up to television in order to play online video for the big screen in the living room. This quick growth may have hidden dangers for Apple which means that since demand is mounting for one of its lowest priced products at the cost of some of their expensive products, it could mean the services on streaming media boxes may grow in importance when compared to the hardware.

Traditional TV Industry’s Gateway System

Consumer video viewing and browsing behaviour from the first quarter of last year through the first quarter of 2015 had been examined by Adobe. The data had been aggregated from over 500 billion visits with more than 200 billion online video starts and 2.8 billion TV Everywhere authentications for premium video content.

TV Everywhere is considered to the traditional TV industry’s gateway system in putting shows online and the TV Everywhere authentication is when one has been asked to enter the cable or satellite service password before viewing a movie or a show. It was observed by Adobe that Apple TV signified 10% of TV Everywhere authentication during the first quarter which has increased by 5% in the final quarter of last year and surpassed Roku that had an 8% share in the last period and 1% up point.

Apple TV – Popular Holiday Present

According to Gaffney, the data indicated Apple TV to be popular holiday present and observed its share could rise once again when Adobe could examine the data collected after Apple cuts the price of the box to $69 from the $99 in March. A caution with regard to these standings is that TV Everywhere authentications are not the full image of online video viewing and does not include time spent watching free video as well as content that is delivered by subscription services such as Netflix. Other observations from Adobe are –

• TV Everywhere viewing has quadrupled in the last year
• Apple TV and Roku, over-the-top counter devices as well as gaming consoles like Xbox, has made the greatest impact in TV Everywhere share growth to around 24% from 6% from last year
• Although Thursday night has been made traditional `must see TV’, evening for advertising dollars, the most popular for TV Everywhere viewing seems to be Wednesday nights
• Popular online browsers for viewing has been increasing Google’s Android as well as Chrome and continues to grow more than Apple’s Safari, though by a mere few percentage points. Google’s overall rating is 18% and Safari up by 15% which is at the expense of Internet Explorer and Firefox.

iPhone 6C: Mysterious Updated iPhone Appears On Apple Store Website

Mysterious Update on iPhone – Apple Store Website

Apple seems to have leaked a picture on its own website of what could be the iPhone 6c, much ahead of the Worldwide Developer Conference – WWDC, which is scheduled to be next month.The mysterious phone has been seen on the Apple Store website on an unsurprising product page where some are speculating that it could show the unreleased phone.

The picture of a plastic backed iPhone in the same manner of the iPhone 5c comes with a Touch ID sensor on its home button, which is not shipped with the 5c and was utilised to advertise the company’s latest lightning connector charging dock.

While the shot has been replaced since then with a standard iPhone 5c, there is a possibility that the original was poorly-rendered and the small difference has given rise to speculation that it could be a different phone altogether.It is presumed that Apple would wait till September in order to proclaim its next iPhone.

More probable announcement according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities would be variation on the 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Research note by the analyst states that the next phone would comprise of 12MP camera as well as 2GB of RAM.

Phone with Different Home Button

The phone with a different home button unlike the prevailing 5c does not have the square icon on it which is the same in the case in new iPhones and iPads featuring Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor, having an all-black home button.

Many are of the opinion that the version could portray the iPhone 6c; the imagined update to the 5c would probably come with the new high end versions of the iPhone towards the end of the year. The possibility of an upgrade is likely, as the iPhone 5c seems to be the only member of the iPhone and iPad series which does not have the Touch ID sensor.

However it is also likely that a rendering fault created the phone which could be identical to the prevailing iPhone 5c. If an incremental update is showcased with regards to the iPhone 5c, it would be likely to be with larger more powerful model, since the iPhone 5c was earlier released together with the 5s way back in September 2013.

High End Model

The Touch ID sensor enables users to unlock their iPhone without the need of the password and can be used for identity verification. The technology introduced in the iPhone 5s, is also a part of the iPhone6 and 6 Plus as the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

Other reports with regards to the iPhone include that the next high end model would be available in a rose gold hue besides the silver, space grey and gold versions. It is also rumoured that Apple would be bringing out a new `C’ version of its phones while others indicate that the phone would be alongside the updated versions of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus enabling users with a cheaper or smaller phone than the handsets to still get a hold of them.

Apple Now Sells a Lightning Dock for Your iPhone

Apple Adds Lightning Dock for large iPhone 

Apple had switched from 30 pin to Lightning way back in 2012 with the iPhone 5 and has finally added a dock for its new larger iPhone. While the updated 15 inch MacBook Pro with Force Touch track-pad and the 5k Retina iMac are the focus at the moment, Apple has quietly added an iPhone 6, 6 Plus Lightning Dock to its store recently.

Being priced at $39, the new dock tends to cost $10 more than the earlier model, though without any additional features. The only difference is the broader base to handle bigger iPhone. Users do not get a USB cable with the dock and will have to use the one which was provided with the iOS device.

Apple began selling its Lightning dock of its own recently and the accessory is available online, though presently there is a one-to-three day waiting period. The dock also charges the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and the fifth generation iPod touch and is available at Apple stores. However at most of the locations, it seems tobe sold out. Apple has ultimately done what several hoped it would and released an official dock for Lightning-sporting iPhone.

Comprises of Two Port

The new design should work with devices going ahead unlike the earlier Apple docks, since it features a freestanding Lightning connector which does not need the device to fit the dimensions of a usual slot. It offers a basic design with a rounded rectangular white plastic base with a single male lightning rising from the top.

The Lightning connector is provided from what seems like a reinforced projection that helps in avoiding wear and tear from the weight of the device which it supports. The Lightning dock comprises of two ports at the back one of which is for Lightning to support charging and data connectivity and one 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to support audio out.

The connector is also provided with required pins to support headsets and play-pause control which operates with iPhone. Users can charge and sync any iPhone which features the Lightning connector with the iPhone Lightning Dock. iPhone could be kept upright in the dock while it charges or syncs and is appropriate for a desk or countertop. It is easy to dock even when the iPhone is in an Apple designed case
.
Supports Other Lightning Accessories

One can unlock iPhone or also use Touch ID without the need of removing it from the dock. The iPhone Lightning Dock features an audio line out port which is connected to powered speakers and supports headphones inclusive of a remote control.

Besides this, it also supports other Lightning accessories like the Lightning to USB Cable which has been included in the iPhone. Some ways of using the iPhone Lightning Dock are –

• Connect the dock to the computer with the USB cable to sync iPhone and charge the battery
• Connect the dock to an electrical outlet with the Apple USB Power Adapter to charge the battery
• Place the iPhone in the dock and experience clear audio during speakerphone calls
• Connect the dock to powered speaker or stereo with the use of 3.5mm cable to play music and podcasts from the iPhone.

Apple to Aid Japan's Elderly with iPads in latest fruits of IBM alliance

Apple & IBM Partnership – iPad to Aid Elders 

Apple will be providing the iPads and IBM would be developing custom software, a low tech scheme wherein postal workers from Japan Post checked in on how elderly would be functioning on hi-tech with the help of iPads as reported by Walls Street Journal. The pilot scheme which is the outcome of Apple and IBM partnership will be seeing Japan Post, give out free iPads to around 1,000 senior citizens to enable close and more regular checks.

 `Watch Over’ so called is a niche which had been started by Japan Post in 2013 wherein mail carriers check in on elderly people providing consultation and share in information with family members. A Japanese Post official had commented that `by handing iPads to the elderly, we can closely check in on them more often, not only confirming if they are doing fine but also making sure that they are not involved in any trouble like a scam targeting the elderly’. Nikkei reports that IBM’s Watson computer would be analysing data from the iPads.

Project – A Commercial Service

The focus lies in turning the project into a commercial service and those caring for their elders could pay a minimum monthly fee for monitoring where the low tech service costs Y 1,000 ($8.40) per month. At a press conference IBM had stated that the goal was to reach 4-5 million clients by 2020 thus providing an improvement for iPad sales. Apple has released an official press release with regards to the initiative. Calling it the `first of its kind initiative which has been focused in improving the quality of life of millions of Japanese seniors’, the program would be including IBM apps which would connect the elderly to services, healthcare, community as well as their families.

The population of Japan comprises of 33 million seniors, which represents around 25 percent of the country’s total population. Taizo Nishimuro, CEO of Japan Post Group commented that they are joining with two of the world’s most respected leaders in technology in bringing elderly generation in the connected world, expand the businesses by deepening relationships and discover new ways of strengthen the fabric of our society and economy’.

The Japan Post Deal – Apple & IBM’s MobileFirst Partnership 

The software by IBM would be reminding the seniors to take their medication, suggesting exercises and diet changes help in tasks like grocery shopping and job matching. The company would also be catering to several behind the scenes services like system integration as well as training. Ginni Rometty, President, Chairman and CEO of IBM stated that they were starting draws on IBM’s long heritage of innovation at the intersection of technology, business and society.

The potential seen here as broad as national economics and as specific as the quality of life of individuals along with their families is an example of the potential of mobile led transformation anywhere in the world where issue of an aging population exist’. The Japan Post deal branched from Apple and IBM’s MobileFirst partnership. The combination of both the companies has given rise to a development of a range of template iOS apps and services for enterprise with divided support responsibilities when organization tend to agree to a contract.

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2015

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference - WWDC 2015 would be starting on June 8 and the company would be showing some new exciting products at that time. Some of the highlights expected from rumours circulating are from Mac, iPad and iPhone hardware to new updated versions of iOS and Mac OS X. WWDC is one of the highlights of Apple’s annual calendar and is a huge annual get-together for the company’s software partners. It is one of those occasions where Apple unveils a range of updated products, usually new versions of iOS and OS X, besides new hardware which includes new Macs and probably new iPads.

Apple had issued an invitation on April 14 with the announcement of hosting WWDC 2015 representing the 26th year of the annual conference from 8 to 12 June at San Francisco’s Moscone West.The location is not a surprise since Apple has been always been conducting WWDCs there for a long time.

Rumours with regards to this event had been circulating after WWDC 2014 closed its door with a suggestion that WWDC 2015 would be held on those dates. Apple had sent out invitation to WWDC which had a shape in the middle that was identical to an Apple TV. Inside the shape was inscribed `the epicentre of change’.

AppleTV – Central Hub Connected to HomeKit

This fits well with the rumours about the Apple TV which indicate that the Apple TV would be a central hub of everything connected to HomeKit, an Apple’s API which would be controlling the entire gadget all in the house. It is to be seen why Apple would need the Apple TV in controlling the devices in the home. But this equation has been missed out last June since Apple’s introduction of its HomeKit solution at the WWDC 2014 and the same has not really been launched to the public.

There are more interesting things coming up with regards to the Apple TV if one cares about the rumours circulating. It is said that Apple TV App Store would not only open up the Apple TV to iOS apps but also games and it is to be seen how games developers could translate their iOS games for TV screen where the control mechanism is the biggest issue.

However, this will be a popular addition to Apple’s box without any doubt. Apple it is said would be planning a subscription service, offering streaming TV shows from various sources. One of the issue of the Apple TV presently is that if one wants to watch a specific show, they would have to locate which of the Apple TV channel would be showing it. Apple would be resolving this, providing one place to search for the content and one place to stream it from.

Featuring 100 + Technical Session/1,000 Apple Engineers….

An announcement in Apple’s email informed that `at WWDC, Apple’s renowned developer community would be coming together to learn about the future of iOS and OS X, helping them continue to create the most innovative apps in the world. WWDC would be featuring more than 100 technical sessions over 1,000 Apple engineers, hand-on labs to help developers integrate new technologies and fine-tune their apps and the Apple Design Awards which showcase the best new apps in the last year’.

Philip Schiller, Apple SVP of Worldwide Marketing has commented saying `we’ve got incredible new technology for iOS and OS X to share with developers at WWDC and around the world. We can’t wait to see the next generation of apps they create’.Individuals could check out ways to get hold of the tickets for the forthcoming event. Developers can apply for tickets for the WWDC event and millions worldwide would be able to watch the sessions streamed live.

Students/Participating Member – STEM – Avail WWDC Scholarships

Students as well as members of participating STEM organizations across the world could avail the WWDC Scholarships. Those interested in attending WWDC 2015 may also face disappointment. As in 2012, all the 5,000 WWDC tickets were sold out within two hours of its release which came as a surprise to the developers who had no indication regarding it, from the company.

This resulted in disappointment for those who were looking forward to it especially since Apple had decided that 5.30am PDT was an ideal time to release them. Several developers had been there only to find out that the ticket had been sold out. Applying for tickets can be done via the WWDC website.

 Apple state that it will let the applicants know if they have been randomly nominated by April 20 at 5 pm PDT. To register one’s interest, the need to sign in with the developer account with submission of information is essential. If one is a current member of the iOS Developer Program, iOS Developer Enterprise Program or Mac Developer Program, they are eligible to apply for the same. If selected randomly, the default credit/debit card connected with one’s Apple ID would get automatically charged $1599 on April 20th.

Here's What You Can Do On the Apple Watch without Your iphone

Apple Watch – An iPhone Accessory

The Apple Watch is an iPhone accessory, though there are a few things which the apple Watch can do without the iPhone in case one tends to leave the phone either at home or in the car and go mobile with the iPhone 5 to iPhone 6 Plus. A few features have been discovered in the Apple Watch though there are only a limited number of things the Apple Watch can do without an iPhone. The storage capacity of Apple Watch is 6.2GB of which 2GB could be used to store music.

User can sync music with Apple Watch through the iPhone and Apple Watch app and no Mac or iTunes is needed, though the music should be on your phone in the music app or in iTunes in the Cloud.

 When the music is synced, the user can listen with a pair of Bluetooth headphone and in the Apple Watch Music app, one need to Force Press to select `Source’ as Apple Watch and once done, the music plays like it plays on an iPod. Apple has two built-in fitness apps known as Workout and Activity where both tend to work away without the aid of the iPhone.

Third Party Fitness App – Not Useful Away from iPhone 

One could measure the heart, activity tracks steps, active exercise and the time spent standing and workout enables timed exercise sessions which measures pace heart rate, distance as well as the calories burnt during the various activities and the only thing which cannot be done from the iPhone is tracking walk or run with GPS in which the iPhone is needed.

Third party fitness app cannot be used away from the iPhone and all third party app that are not developed by Apple need iPhone connection to operate. Once a credit card for Apple Pay to work on Apple Watch is set, it tends to keep working even when the iPhone is not connected and on a double click of the flat side button, you can tap to pay at any Apple Pay ready store.

If the watch is taken off the wrist one would need to enter a passcode to use it once again. Since Apple Pay does not utilise the actual credit card number, one can cancel it from the iPhone and deactivate the Apple Watch’s Apple pay function even when the watch is not active online.

Apple Watch - Small Photo Album App

The Apple Watch has a small photo album app which can store up to 500 photos from the phone library or iCloud and it is hard to see the images on small screen though it’s a good replacement for the wallet photo. Call scan also be made away from the phone and one can see recent caller and read sent texts. The user could also listen to voice mails.

 Apple Watch syncs visual voice mail, most of which could be played back on the watch even with Airplane mode turned on and also receive new messages without connecting the phone again and can browse missed connection. It is presumed that someday Apple Watch would use its Wi-Fi antenna in order to get data on its own or pair with other the other devices such as the Apple TV and Macs.

Apple Buys LinX

Apple Acquired Camera Technology Company - LinX

According to CNBC, Apple has acquired camera technology company LinX that develops camera sensors using multi-aperture imaging together with image processing tech to enhance the general performance in cameras inclusive of low light capture, colour fidelity and much more.

Apple has not confirmed the acquisition but has given its usual vague statement that it `buys smaller technology companies from time to time’, though the Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple has spent roughly $20bn at LinX that creates camera technology for smartphone, Ultrabook and tablet devices. The Israeli start-up’s hardware was focused at tablets as well as smartphones and could not provide the kinds of background defocus which is popular on low opening lenses paired with DSLRs though it could achieve improved low-light performance which is appropriate in taking pictures indoors or at night without the use of a flash.

The company’s plan could also comprise in putting the tech in use in its notebook and change the camera modules with improved performing parts while adhering to size constraints which could be very convenient in building devices like the MacBook for instance while at the same time, retain the picture quality. This could possibly push image quality and help trim down camera design.

LinX Cameras Revolutionize Mobile Photography

LinX states that `the image quality of mobile camera has reached a dead end. Device makers are striving to differentiate using imaging capabilities but the pixel size race has ended and next generation cameras do not reveal any dramatic improvements. LinX cameras revolutionize mobile photography and broaden the usability span and user experience, allowing us to leave our SLRs at home’.

LinX had launched in 2014, tiny multi-aperture cameras that were only half as tall as the average mobile camera though capable of snapping `striking colour images and high accuracy depth maps’ which means DSLR quality photos can now be taken on a small and lightweight device.

According to the company’s communication, one of LinX’s big specified hardware features is achieving selective focus post-capture and this is a popular choice in modern devices and one which Apple would find beneficial in its future devices.

However, the big gains of the multi aperture design for the iPhone maker would possibly be in producing best results with regards to low light HDR besides colour fidelity with general everyday picture shoots.

LinX to Build Up Apple’s Hold in Israel 

Apple hadunfailingly kept the camera at the forefront of mobile camera technology in the iPhone, taking pride in the images which looked much better than most of the other mobile devices prevailing in the market. LinX claims that their camera systems also tend to create better images in low light conditions as well as fast exposure time in standard indoor light.

Apple could utilise the same in its upcoming notebooks in providing better low light and general photography replacing the prevailing camera modules. Besides this, the company could now assist Apple in manufacturing thin cameras with the capabilities of taking improved pictures for the forthcoming iPhones. Till date, the company has been using Sony camera sensors for its smartphones.

Acquisition could strengthen Apple in Israel and the purchase of LinX could build up Apple’s hold in Israel, which according to the company CEO‘s visit in February is a main source of research and development for Apple beside the U.S.

Apple Releases iOS 8.3 with 300 New Emoji

iOS 8.3 Software Update of 300 New Emoji

Apple has recently released new software update iOS 8.3for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, with the addition of over 300 new emoji characters together with a redesigned keyboard which means the emoji like the face, hands and bodies character for the first time, are in a range of six skin tone. The new keyboard features a scrolling UI to accommodate the variety of emoji available in the update. On tapping the desired emoji and holding down will provide the skin tone options.

Apple at first had unveiled the new emoji which was created in partnership with Unicode Consortium last in February and the skin tones are considered to have been modelled on the Fitzpatricks scale which is a recognized standard used by several dermatologists.

Unicode had stated last November that `people all over the world want to have emoji which reflect more human diversity especially for skin tone and the Unicode emoji characters for people and body part are meant to be generic yet following the precedents set by the original Japanese carrier images, they are often shown with a light skin tone instead of a more generic appearance like yellow/orange colour or a silhouette’.

EE’s WiFi Calling Features

The emoji which had been developed for use in Japanese SMS messages have become immensely popular for sending text, tweets as well as other messages with colourful icons that tend to depict a range of emotions, animals and food. Additional 32 new country flag emoji characters have also been included in the emoji range of collection.

Moreover, the latest update also provides iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s and 5c users to utilise EE’s WiFi Calling features which was broadcasted recently and once activated, the feature uses a WiFi connection to push voice calls as well as text to a user’s phone to evade weak or no mobile reception in the workplace, home or on the underground.

It has been informed by Apple that iOS 8.3 has improved performance for app launch as well as sensitivity, fixes issues with WiFi, Bluetooth and rotation and orientation. Besides this there is additional language and another new feature, country support for Siri in English - New Zealand, India, Danish - Denmark, Dutch – Netherlands, Portuguese – Brazil, Russian – Russia, Swedish – Sweden, Thai – Thailand and Turkish – Turkey. Besides this there is additional dictation language in Arabic – Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Hebrew – Israel.

Redesigned Emoji Keyboard

The interesting feature of update is the redesigned emoji keyboard wherein one can select from the 300 new characters with several new skin tone option and the diversity in the earlier emoji keyboard version was lacking since there was only an Asian man wearing a gua pi mao cap and an Indian with a turban though there were no black people portrayed.

Apple has now added several more relationship as well as gadget related emojis, for instance there are now same sex relationship emojis such as families with two mothers and two fathers while some of the gadget emojis tend to have been added inclusive of a representation of the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch.

Besides flags there are also options for sports and Apple is striving hard to strengthen iOS 8s’ reliability since the company is preparing to move its focus to the next model - iOS 9 which will probably be unveiled in June.

Apple Reuse and Recycling Programme Accepts Android Trade-ins

Apple’s Reuse & Programme – Android/Windows/iOS

As part of its Reuse as well as Recycling programme, Apple now will be accepting Android, Windows and other non iOS smartphones where customers can take their old or unwanted handset to Apple stores to receive an outright valuation.

Customers will be provided with an option to receive store credit for new iPhone or iPad and the service will also be available online. Currently accepted brands are Blackberry, HTC, LG, Samsung, Sony and the staffs advises Android users intending to switch to iOS on how to export contacts, set up email as well as download apps together will guidance in selecting tariffs.

Apple introduced this reuse and recycling programme to UK market somewhere in October 2013 after its proposal two months earlier in the US. The company requires that the smartphone should be able to turn on in orders appropriate for the programme’s requirements and if not suitable for credit, it would recycle responsibly on behalf of the customer.

 The service is part of its commitment to environmental responsibility which Tom Cook, chief executive had spoken in the past wherein he had commented on Apple’s site video that `they had a long way to go and lot to be learned and now more than ever, they would work to leave the world better than it was found’.

Trade-programme –Online/In-store

The trade-in programme is available on the company’s in-stores as well as online on some of the models mentioned above and on trading in a device; customers can receive credits for their old smartphones. This credit comes in two options, an Apple Store gift card or bank transfer which could be used in purchase of a new iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus though this trade-in programme is not available all over the world. It is only available in France, Italy, the U.K and the U.S.

According to MacRumors, Apple will not be handling the process but the same will be handled by third parties enabling it to sell its primary products and not spend much time with the trade-ins while the smartphone section of the program will be arranged in partnership with third party device buyback and trade-in company, Brightstar Corporation. The PC part is handled by third party vendor Dataserv. Apple will also be accepting PCs from some specific manufacturers.

Hardware Running iOS Nemesis Android 

Apple had earlier run this programme in August 2013. According to BuzzFeed report, Apple is planning to expand its reuse and recycling programme to include non-iOS handset which includes hardware running iOS nemesis Android, but the specific hardware grading criteria is not clear.

Sources have not indicated the exact start date but have reported that the program extension would probably take effect shortly. The trade-in program expansion would be another way in enticing smartphone users away from Google’s Android platform. For instance, Apple had launched a webpage committed to migrating content from an Android device to one running iOS, last September.

Tim Cook, CEO, had mentioned in January, that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduction had driven the highest Android switch rate of any iPhone launch during the last three years and the new models also assisted iPhone in a record of 89% of global smartphone operating profit during the 2014 fiscal quarter, pushing Android down to 11.3%.

Force Touch to Bring 'Significant' Change to Next iPhone

iPhone Upgrade – Force Touch Input

According to sources, Apple would probably name the iPhone upgrade of this year as `the iPhone 7’ instead of the `iPhone 6s’, since the addition of the Force Touch input would represent a significant change to the user interface. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities recently issued a research note, a copy of which was attained by AppleInsider, confirming that Apple’s next generation iPhone would feature Force Touch input.

Presently available on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, it would also feature in the 12 inch MacBook. In Kuo’s opinion, Force Touch on the iPhone would be representing `the most significant change’, in the iPhone user interface, to date and the change would be substantial that he is of the belief that Apple would decide to call the handset the `iPhone 7’.

Dubbed Force Touch, this latest addition is pressure sensitive and responds to how you press on the surface. Kuo states that the iPhone’s Force Touch sensor does not directly identifies the pressure applied by fingers. On the contrary it monitors the contact area on which the finger has touched the screen in deciding how big the pressure is. Besides this, the Apple Watch that goes on sale very soon is also equipped with Force Touch.

Capacitive Technology – React to Electrical Conductive Properties 

The analyst is of the belief that Force Touch on the iPhone would use capacitive technology which would react to the electrical conductive properties of the finger enabling a lighter touch and the Force Touch sensor would be placed under the phone’s in-cell touch panel’s backlight.

In-cell touch, panel joins the phone’s touch sensors with the LCD screen directly, into a single layer that tends to space in the tight quarters of a smartphone. Kuo states that the iPhone would be with the same screen sizes of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches that were introduced with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus while some have reported that Apple would unveil a 4 inch model for those who would not prefer bigger screen phones.

He states that the iPhone 5s that has a 4 inch display would be reintroduced having a plastic back which would create a low cost, entry level iPhone for those who may be budget conscious and who would prefer a smaller version of the phone.

iPhone – Prime Driver – Company’s Revenue

The iPhone is very important to Apple as well as the prime driver of the company’s revenue wherein its financial importance was evident in the final quarter of 2014 when its sales record of 74.5 million iPhones pushed Apple to a world record for quarterly profits of $18 billion among the publicly traded companies.

In this competitive market of smartphone, Apple needs to keep making progress in its technology for iPhone in order to keep its consumers away from their rivals wherein Samsung’s new Galaxy 6 has shifted to a more high end metal body from its traditional plastic together with additions of more improvements while the Galaxy 6 Edge also features an appealing display which wraps round the edge of the phone.

With the introduction of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last September, Apple has made a late nod in the field of phablets or big smartphones which had been recognized in a big way by Samsung models and the latest iPhones introduced the Apple Pay mobile payments technology.