Showing posts with label iphone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iphone. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

iPhone SE Puts the Same Engine in a Smaller Exterior


iPhone SE
Apple launch event of iPhone SE has not caused the same frenzy as the last year’s iPhone 6S launch. Rumor mills have almost killed the suspense this time by literally offering everything from the size to specifications beforehand. Apple is known to be one of the most secretive companies when it comes to launching of new devices as it tries to hold to the information till the last second.

Most of the users were left wondering by the unique name picked by the Apple for its latest 4 inch iPhone model i.e. SE. SE simply stands for the Special Edition which comes with screen size of just four inches and Apple has lastly released a four inch model four years ago in the name of iPhone 4. This time Apple is trying to woo the customers who are looking for smaller yet powerful devices at a premium range.

Intentions of Apple behind launching smaller iPhone variant

Apple is under extreme competition from the rival manufacture Samsung which has been launching slew of phones tablets at varying sizes on different price points. This has helped Samsung in having product in every price segment and at each screen size. Apple is having a tough time as it have just one iPhone 6 series which has been loved and even hated for its jumbo size. Therefore Apple has to be to bring a new advanced and powerful iPhone which has smaller size and can please the old and new consumers.

Noteworthy features in iPhone SE

iPhone SE offers better battery life than the iPhone 6S almost 30 percent better. All those users who have been slamming and complaining about poor battery life can rejoice at the thought at having better battery life on the iPhone SE.

Apple has priced the powerful and small iPhone SE as the most affordable iPhone at just $400 without a contract. For all those consumers who were looking t buy their first iPhone but couldn’t do so due to premium price point will be able to buy their first Apple smartphone. iPhone SE might be small in size but packs all the features and specification of elder sibling iPhone 6S. The new SE comes loaded with extensive range of popular features like Apple Pay, fingerprint unlocking, Hey Siri digital assistant and Live Photos.

The only thing which was missing in the iPhone SE is the acclaimed 3D Touch. iPhone 6S has a highest selling point with its coveted 3D touch which allowed users to perform different actions on the basis of the pressure applied on the phone’s screen.

A phone you will love to use

iPhone SE is as powerful as the iPhone 6s as it has the same processor which helps this small device to perform multitasking and various other activities with ease and grace. Apple even states that iPhone SE is about 70% more faster at opening apps, processing things as well as other tasks than iPhone 6S.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Closing Apps to Save on Your iPhone Battery is a Myth


iPhone
Most of the smartphones tend to clear up the backlog of unused apps in order to give longetivity to the phone’s battery life. In case of iPhone users closing down the apps every then and now is quite common as iPhone is shipped low-powered batteries which make sense in getting more juice through killing the apps. But Apple has brought a new revelation few days back when it said closing down unused apps running in the back doesn’t have any effect on the draining of battery resources.

Inquisitive iPhone users compel Apple to answer this myth

Closing down the apps to decrease the strain of battery drainage over the time has finally come to a long standing myth. One of the inquisitive iPhone users named Caleb had sent a mail question whether closing down apps constantly helps in increasing the battery life or not. To his surprise the Apple senior vice president came with a prompt and swift reply which simply stated that it doesn’t help at all. Apple further elaborated that iOS is designed in such a way that multitasking apps doesn’t happen to drain the battery life when they are not in use.

A large number of iPhone users had become used to the regime of shutting down the apps by harboring the belief that it will help in prolonging the life of the Iphone. There had even been rumors that following the regime would eventually lead to degradation of the battery. Finally this long harbored myth has been laid to rest by the inquisitive iPhone user’s exchange of emails with the Apple.

iOS is smarter than you think

Once a users switches away from an app then iOS ensures that it suspends all it operations and doesn’t put any strain on the battery. If a user gets back to the same app then it emerges back from the frozen state. But with harboring earlier mentioned myth users unwontedly caused more strain on the phone and battery life as system has to repeatedly reload the app after it has been forcefully shut down by the user. Some of the apps which actively run in the background and depletes the battery are GPS navigator, audio recorder and any kind of music player which actively plays music in the background apart from these all other apps ceases their operations once users shifts away from it.

Some of the smart ways to prolong iPhone battery life

Use the feature of disabling the Background App Refresh as it will help in putting a stop to automatic content update on the suspended apps. Turn off the Location services as it causes a major drain on the battery resources. If you wish out exactly which apps are continuously draining the battery then go to the Battery Usage section present under the Settings and it will showcase the amount of power used by the apps. From here you can choose which apps should be suspended permanently in order to get more juice of out of the iPhone’s battery.

Monday, March 21, 2016

How to Unlock iPhone Without Password


iPhone
iPhone users know how difficult and frustrating it might get when you forget your password. Apple iOS doesn’t allow users unlock the phone once the passcode is set without entering it. Users can try for 8 times to enter the passcode after which all the phone memory will be erased in order to safeguard the privacy of the users. However a recent video uploaded on the YouTube offers a very smart and innovative which can easily override the passcode unlock feature. In simple words users will be able to unlock the device without even entering the passcode. It is the first that such trick has been discovered which can successfully bypass the iOS security feature that also within a few seconds. So next time you forget your passcode then don’t get frustrated try this trick and unlock your device.

Steps to unlock the device

The video shows few very simple and easy to do steps allowing users to swiftly get into the phone without the need of typing the passcode. As per the video instructions one has to hold down the home button key present while being on the lock screen. This will result in popping up of Apple’s personal assistant Siri. When Siri is gladly listening to you then ask it about the time then give a click on the clock icon. Clicking on the clock will take you in the clock app.

Now go to the World Clock tab and then move to the section where you can pick what tone is played in alarm. Now this menu also offers an option to buy some other tones and clicking on the option will redirect you to the iTunes store.

Once you get to the iTunes store simply click on the home button and you will get to the device’s homescreen without even entering the passcode.

A glimmer of hope for thousands of iPhone users

This simple trick offers a great way for the users to unlock the device without going through the task of entering the password. However it doesn’t work with all the devices. Over the years Apple has launched several versions of iPhone out of which the latest is iPhone 6S. Some of the users have complained that this trick doesn’t work with few of the old as well as new iPhone devices.

One of the viewers has even written in the comment section that this trick works only when a user has already enabled the touch recognition feature. It can be assumed that having the fingerprint scan capability along with enabling it is necessity to ensure that this works. It can be understood that this trick doesn’t really by passes the security of the highly secure iOS rather it takes in account the finger print scan of the user and allows them to enter the device. But many other users have found this trick to be best option for unlocking the device when one unfortunately forgets the passcode.

iPhone Owners Receive Ghost Emails From January 1, 1970

Ghost Emails


Millions of Apple iPhone and iPads users got ghost emails dated January 1, 1970 in their inbox. However the point to be noted here is that ‘emails’ only came into being in the early 1990’s and there was not even internet in 1970. Well it is not a bug or malware which is trying to get hold of the devices by sending malicious emails to the users. Rather it is a glitch in the Apple’s iOS which is causing users to seem empty email dated January 1, 1970.

These emails are empty in nature without having any subject or sender name even opening these emails doesn’t show anything. It is has been established that the cause of these emails affecting millions of iOS users is simply a glitch in the operating system. Most of the Apple users are shown their discomfort by tweeting about receiving mails on the social media platform.

Reason behind iOS showing 1970’s dated emails

The 1970 dated emails were only received by the iPhone or iPad users when they use their device to check mails in a different timezone. In the computer language the January 1, 1970 is represented as 0 in UNIX time. This is the reason why users tend to get 1970 dated emails when they are using mails in a different time zone.

Furthermore the way computer treats time is very much different and a lot of process work towards right presentation of time on the device. Every second after the midnight of January 1, 1970 happens to be a completely different point in the UNIX time system. Therefore iPhone and iPad devices rendering the default time as zero when email is accessed in different time zone but it gets interpreted as January 1, 1970 on the device. The Apple iOS devices makes use of the UNIX time and this is resulting widespread glitch of showing ghost emails from 1970’s.

Just a month ago Apple iPhone and iPad users got a rude shock when they were simply fooled into setting their devices date to 1970 and later it resulted in rendering the devices unusable. Therefore getting similar kind of email dated into same year simply brought a warning signal for the users even though it was caused by a glitch in the operating system itself. A number of users has found a way to resolve the issue of having email dated January 1, 1970 by performing a hard reset of the device. Users can hard reset their iPhone device by holding down the lock and home button simultaneously.

The world’s first electronic message was sent in 1971 

As stated earlier there is no point one can get an email in 1970 as there was no email in that age. It should be understood that the very first electronic message transmission between two computers happened only in 1971.

Then 1990’s Microsoft came up with an email client called Internet Mail and other software like Lotus Notes followed by the emergence of web-based services. These all ushered the ear of mainstream usage of email over the years.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Quitting Apps Doesn't Prolong Your iPhone's Battery Life, Apple Confirms

iPhone

Predominant Software Myth Dispelled by Apple


One of the most predominant software myths of closing iOS apps tends to help in preserving the battery life has been finally dispelled by Apple that running unused apps would not be draining the phone battery. iPhone and iPad for years had left unused apps by double tapping the home button and tapping the apps upwards in order to eliminate them in the mistaken belief that it tends to speed up the device or makes the battery last longer.

Several of the iPhone users carefully power up and shut down apps owing to widespread belief that it would help to prolong their iPhone inspite of rumours that this type of maintenance could do just the reverse. The outcome is that several apps tend to be suspended and stop to utilise system resources once the user switches away. If one goes back to the app, it tends to spring back from its frozen state.

Vigorously shutting of the app could force the system to repeatedly reload the app which could result in more stress on the phone contributing to battery usage. The only apps which tend to run after it is switched away are GPS navigator, audio recorder or Spotify app which plays background music.

Preserve iPhone Battery Life – Disable Background App Refresh


One can actively preserve iPhone battery life by disabling Background App Refresh that automatically updates content on suspended app. Keeping in mind that Background App Refresh is smart regarding updates content, such as when a phone is plugged in or when it is already in active use, it is still not a big battery user. Location services seem to be one of the biggest energy drainer.

Hence turning them off for underused apps seems to be another way of preserving the phone’s life. To check the phone’s battery sucking information, one could go to `Battery Usage’ section under `Setting’ which will break down the biggest battery users on the device. Senior vice president of Apple’s software Engineering and head of iOS, Craig Federighi responded to an email from a customer questioning Tim Cook whether he closed apps in multitasking often and whether the action was essential for battery life. Federighi wrote `I know you asked Tim but I’ll at least offer my input – No and no :-)’

Launch of Latest Version Smartphone/Tablet Software iOS 9.3


The company has been preparing for the launch of its latest version of smartphone and tablet software iOS 9.3 in the next few weeks wherein the new features would comprise of a permanent warning message on the home screen of company iPhone, a night mode to advance sleep which is due to a shift in the light emanating from the display and the skill to remove the default app that mess up the screen.

The next important release is scheduled to be iOS 10 which would possibly be announced in early June at Apple’s annual developer’s conference WWDC. It has also been reported that Apple intends to launch a 4-inch iPhone known as the iPhone SE or special edition, at an event on March 21 in San Francisco.

The new handset is said to feature a 12-MP rear facing camera, a near field communication –NFC chip for Apple Pay support together with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. The launch of the iPhone 7 is anticipated, which is the next main iPhone release scheduled in September. It has been reported to have no 3.5mm headphone jack, a camera lens flush with its body and redesigned plastic antenna bands.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Video Demo Shows Benefits of Dual-Camera Technology

iPhone_news

iPhone 7 – Dual Camera System – Improvement in Overall Image Quality


The iPhone 7, with a dual camera system would not only help in improving the overall image quality but also be capable of capturing more accurate details while zooming in. Corephotonics an Israeli company having their own dual camera technology recently provided  with a video demonstration emphasizing the advantages of utilising their own dual camera system. Source which produced a video with Corephotonics’ dual lens camera technology at the Mobile world Congress seemed to be similar to Apple acquired LinX. The short video which showed off Corephotonics’ dual camera technology in action provides an insight on what we would be seeing with regards to camera on the next-gen iPhone of Apple.

With rumours that Apple had introduced a dual-lens camera on one of the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, the video provides an opportunity of seeing such a kind of technology with glimpses of how it could work in next iPhone of Apple. The technology tends to use software to combine the images of two different camera lenses in creating a detailed image comprising of the ability to optically zoom with no moving parts.

Waterproof Design/No Antenna Bands /Flush Rear Camera/Wireless Charging


Corephotonics, in 2014, was capable of using the tech to provide thrice optical zoon though since then had increased its potentials in offering 5 time optical zoom. The demo portrays how the dual-lens camera can effectively optically zoon in an object while holding crisp details.

Besides this, it also places a zoomed in image from individual lens camera next to a zoomed in image from a dual-lens camera opposing the sharp difference among the two. When they were tested on iPhone 6s Plus compared to the dual-lens cameras, the outcome were basically identical to the Corephotonics demo together with the dual-lens camera offering particularly sharper image.

LinX technology also tends to use numerous camera lenses in creating a single high quality image comprising of noise reduction, sharper details and better low-light quality. It is rumoured that besides a dual-lens camera using LinX’s technology, the iPhone 7 may have a more waterproof design, no antenna bands on the back, a flush rear camera and if ready, wireless charging. It is expected to be released this fall.

Apple Researching/Enhancing Camera Technology


Though Apple has always been researching and enhancing on camera technologies, they tend to have over 800 people working on it with plenty of evidence suggesting that the iPhone 7 cameras would be representing mostly an impressive step ahead.

One of the interesting rumours, specially surrounding the iPhone 7 is that it could incorporated a dual camera system with optical image stabilization as well as zoom functions depending on technology it developed from an Israeli company, LinX, several months ago. One can only anticipate that Apple does not intend to make its dual camera technology exclusive to the iPhone 7 Plus.

With several of the people finding Apple’s largest iPhone model somewhat awkward while using it, it would be inspirational to see that Apple gives its best camera technology all along its whole line-up of products.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Apple's iPhone 5se Due to be Revealed on March 15

 iPhone 5se

Apple’s new iPhone 5se to be launched on March 15


As per reports, Apple’s new iPhone 5se is expected to be launched at an event on March 15. The 4-inch handset would be revealed at a spring event together with iPad Air as well as some new Apple Watch straps, according to sources. The iPhone 5se would come with new features comprising of an ungraded camera, Apple Pay and Live Photos providing customers who may be unconvinced by the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays which had been introduced in September 2014 with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

In the past, Apple was under stress in selling more affordable smartphone and had responded with the iPhone 5c that had a brightly coloured plastic case though did not feature fingerprint verification technology Touch ID. With the introduction of the latest iPhones, the 6s and 6s Plus last September, it had been quietly discontinued. 9to5Mac reporting the name informed that the employees had been referring to the `se’ as `special edition’ or as an `enhanced version of the 5s with the new model, possibly in order to avoid comparisons with the 5c and would be called the 5se instead of the 6c.

The phone was said to be revealed in March and would go on sale probably by the end of the month or in April.

Apple Watch Anticipated to be showcased with iPhone 7 in September


Apple had held a press conference to unveil officially the Apple Watch last year in early March and could use the springtime to revive the smartwatch again though reports have recommended that this could be delayed. The next generation of Apple Watch is anticipated to be showcased together with the iPhone 7 in September. According to sources the new device is basically the 2013 iPhone 5s with substantial internal hardware and software upgrades.

The case maker source informed that the product’s dimensions are vague from the iPhone 5s which means that the new device would fit inside the existing iPhone 5s cases. The systematics tends to show some changes for instance the sleep/wake/power button that has been relocated to the inside.

Apple is doubtful in offering pre-orders for the new devices as per sources who has cautioned that the plans could still change. 9to5Mac noted that it would be the first revamp to the iPad Air since October 2014, while the iPad mini got an improvement last autumn together with the unveiling of the iPad Pro.

March Event – First Event since September 2015


According to rumours the iPad Air 3 would be having a rear-facing LED flash wherein users would be capable of taking improved photos in low light as well as better speaker frills for enhanced audio.There is a possibility that the tablet would also work with the Apple Pencil that was initially intended to be working with the iPad Pro. The super-sized tablet that had been launched in November comes with a 12.9-inch screen together with 5.9 million pixels and tends to weight about 1.57 lbs – 712 grams and its thickness is 0.3 inch.The March event would be the first event of Apple since its September 2015 conference wherein the unveiling of the iPad Pro, the new TV of Apple together with the iPhone 6 and 6s Plus would take place.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

iPhone 7 to Do Away with Antenna Bands and Protruding Camera

iPhone 7

iPhone 7 – Rear Camera in Aluminium Casing/Antenna Bands Upper-Lower Edge


According to news reports, the camera of iPhone 7 will be in line with its body and the antenna bands will now not stretch along its surface. The latest lustrous design would represent a move towards a much more uniform streamline presence.

 According to sources, the rear-camera would be within the aluminium casing and the antenna bands would be only on the upper and the lower edges rather than extending across the width of the handset. Several of the consumers were amazed at the decision of the company in enabling the camera on the iPhone 6 to protrude from its casing.

It is both out of character for the particular design standards, exposing the lens to scratches together with other damages. Doing away with the plastic antenna strips also seems reasonable. The company had been granted a patent last summer, specifying a metal composite capable of replacing the strips that are essential for the antenna of the phone in sending and receiving signal. The latest casing can be adequately thin to enable radio waves to pass through eliminating the need to coat the strip segment with plastic for the handset to send and receive signals.

Removal of Headphone Jack


Other rumours with regards to iPhone 7 comprise of removal of the headphone jack in order to develop a thinner body. The plan to eliminate the headphone jack to develop a slimmer body could be a provocative idea and the company could apparently include new wireless headphone with the new handset or probably a pair of headphones which tend to connect to the phone through a lightning connector. Since June 2015, third parties had also been creating lightning connector headphones when Apple had extended its made-for-iPhone licensing programme.

The company has also reported to be creating a type of wireless charging which tends to allow the iPhone from the need to be replaced on a charging mat, which is the most common format used presently, as per Bloomberg. But it is doubtful to be assimilated into an iPhone prior to 2017. The latest iPhone scheduled for release in September signifies and important moment in the history of Apple and the company has apparently reduced the production levels of iPhone 6 as well as 6s Plus by a third owing to fears of slowing demand for the unused year’s models inspite of early sales of over 13 million units within the availability period of three days.

More Advanced Hardware Changes – Encourage Consumers


iPhone 7 should have more advanced hardware changes in order to encourage consumers to buy it since the developing markets tend to reach increasing levels of saturation as the economy seems to shift from a buy to an upgrade cycle. The iPhone 5se, the next iPhone will probably be launched on 15 March at an event according to reports where the 4 inch handset would be revealed at a spring even in San Francisco together with the iPad Air 3 as well as some new Apple Watch straps.

The iPhone 5se is anticipated to have new features comprising of an upgraded camera, Apple Pay accompanied with Live Photos, for customers who tend to remain unconvinced by the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays which had been introduced with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in September 2014.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Apple Invention Uses Spherically Curved Photosensor for Smaller, Better iPhone Camera

iPhone_camera

Apple’s Curved Photosensors – Smaller iPhone Cameras


Latest Apple patent discloses that the Cupertino Company would soon employ curved photosensors in creating smaller iPhone cameras which can capture improved photos. The design would aid Apple in its task of making the forthcoming smartphone much thinner.

The U.S, Patent and Trademark Office had recently published `Small form factor high-resolutions camera’ describing a cutting edge mobile camera module which utilises complex optics in delivering a much compact footprint with enhanced performance digital shooter suitable for placement in iPad and iPhone.

This exclusive arrangement offers a comparatively small ray fan spot size for all kinds of field heights at the image plane enabling a sharp low-distortion image. Apple has informed that employing curved array limits diffraction across image field, enabling smaller photosensor with equally smaller pixels. Moreover, with an axial length of two millimetres or less, the total camera package is extremely compact.

Sensor Refracts Light Through Trio Lenses


Apple has illuminated how the sensor tends to refract light through a trio of special lenses on a concave surface causing a sharp, low distortion image. The curved array limits diffraction, enables the use of smaller sensor with smaller pixels. AppleInsider has explained that to correct the diffraction as well as the visual aberration which tends to propagate within small cameras, the proposed lens system comprises of three lenses, two of which are convex or considerably convex.

A third meniscus lens or a lens with opposing convex as well as concave surfaces is placed between the first two lens components and the spherical photosensor. However the design seems to have its limitation like barrel distortion and Apple has described how it could use software in correcting the unwanted effects that tend to appear in various degrees of severity based on focal length, aperture as well as other system settings. It is not known whether Apple plans to apply its curved photosensor patent for its future iPhones since the company has relied for long on Sony’s stellar backside illuminated modules for its imaging requirements.

iPhone Thinner/Higher Battery Capacity


The patent had first been filed in 2013 and there seems to be no reason to think that Apple would be willing in replacing the Sony built imaging system already in use. Apple iPhone has been considered as having one of the best smartphone cameras all along. On the contrary, Apple has been looking for means of making the iPhone thinner with a higher battery capacity.

Credit for the patent filed goes to Xi Chen, David S. Gere and Matthew C. Waldon as its inventors. The technology could delay the unavoidable while Apple tends to cram more components in a shrinking device line-up. As in the case of every patent, there is no guarantee that this technology would show up in the near future devices though it is good to know that Apple tends to keep pushing the boundaries with its technology.

With rumours of a FaceTime camera set to make an appearance with the Apple Watch 2 this year, 2016 could probably be the year Apple may come up with one of the smallest and the highest quality cameras one has ever seen.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

You can finally disable the iPhone's Default Apps

iPhone Apps

An Option for Disabling iPhone’s Default Apps


The latest versions of Apple iOS 9 enables users to delete over 30 stock apps built-in, on iPhone. It began with Stocks wherein Apple then added Maps, iBook, Watch, Health, Tips and much more. Presently there are 32 apps on the iPhone which the users are unable to erase.

Most of them seem to be necessary such as Settings, Phone and App Store while the others like Find Friends and Podcasts are seldom used by several users. For many years, user have been finding ways of deleting some of the default apps on the phone while others have accumulated them in a folder in the hope of ignoring them as much as they can.

However, there is now another option for disabling the iPhone’s default apps though it is only available to Apple developers and one may have to pay £79, together with a bit of technical confidence and a full reset of the phone. Being complicated, it recommends that Apple could eventually be ready to permit users in eliminating the default apps. Users who intend to have an easier option of removing the apps, could follow a method which enables them to do it by downloading any special software but the apps tends to return when the phone is turned off and on again,

How to Remove Default Apps


It has been revealed by Reddit user bfodder on how iPhone users who had downloaded the beta version of the new iOS 9.3 software by using a beta version of Apple’s Configurator program enabled businesses as well as school in managing the devices to get rid of stock apps. To remove the default apps one can:

  •  Sign up for the iOS beta programme to enable the download of iOS 9.3 public beta, though the full release is not yet out. A full guide is provided on signing for the beta programme including backing of the device. 
  •  Once done, then go to Settings > General > Software Update in order to download the iOS 9.3 beta 
  •  Then download Apple Configurator 2.2 beta which needs an Apple developer membership cost of £79 
  •  Users could then set up a configuration on selecting the option of `Do not allow some apps’ On entering the commands of these apps such as `com.apple.stocks’ for Stocks they can be detached from the iPhone.

System Removes Apps But Returns on Restart


This system which was introduced last year in iOS 9 tends to remove apps though they would return when the phone would restart. This is how it tends to work:

  •  Put the app you intend to delete in a folder 
  •  Press and hold on the apps till they begin jiggling as though you were to delete or move the app 
  •  Drag the app towards the edge of the folder in order to move, so that it moves the next page of the folder, but keep the app in place when the page has been moved 
  •  While holding the app, press the home button which should fly off the edge of the screen
Last year, Tim Cook, Chief executive of Apple had stated that the company had been looking for ways of allowing users to remove default apps, but some apps like Phone were linked to functions in iOS , which meant that deleting them could have resulted in problems or rendering the phone to be less capable. Though the latest iOS trick needs difficult work-around, it could be headway for the feature to be utilised more extensively

Monday, January 25, 2016

Future iPhones could feature Li-Fi, a technology 100 times faster than Wi-Fi

iPhone

Li-Fi Transfer Information at Over 100 Gigabits


Due to the researchers at universities which include St. Andrew, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Strathclyde, Li-Fi has been in development for many years which uses light emitting diodes – LEDs in order to beam information through air and the same is received by a light sensor.

In 2011, Professor of the University of Edinburgh, Harald Haas had been credited with its creation, when he had demonstrated it with a flickering light from a single LED wherein he could transmit more data than a cellular tower. While the out-dated Wi-Fi has the capability of transmitting data around 7 gigabits per second –Gbps, Li-Fi test have portrayed that it can transfer information at over 100 Gbps, with theoretical productivity of 224 Gbps.

This means that high definition films can be downloaded on device through Li-fi connection within seconds. Fitting any type of light device comprising of a humble light-bulb with a microchip can transform the same into a wireless data transmission point according to Professor’s Hass in his TED talk. Presently Li-Fi is in highly progressive stage which means that it is very unlikely to feature in the iPhone 7 that is expected to be released in September.

New Li-Fi to Overtake Wi-Fi Connection


The new Li-Fi technology is being geared up to blow the prevailing Wi-Fi connection by providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It tends to work by transmitting information through light rather than radio waves which means that it needs light source, like an LED light bulb together with an internet connection.

The term had been introduced initially by Professor Harald Haas and is presently being tested in Europe and is expected to be available to consumers within four years. The possibility of the technology is that it is restricted in its present form as visible light is unable to travel through walls and a device is needed to be within direct sight of a receiver, within a radius of about three meters. It also means that it could only be utilised in rooms that are lit.

According to Spectrum IEEE, devices in future would be capable of sidestepping this limit by using a tracking as well as location system which means that a user can place a laptop at a spot on a table and allow the system to locate it and create a link.

Pilot Project in Various Industries


Presently, Estonian company Velmenni is testingthe product and it has stated that it has been tested in an office as well as in an industrial space. Deepak Solanki, Chief executive had informed International Business Times that they were doing a few pilot projects in various industries wherein they could use the visible light communication – VLC technology.

Presently a smart lighting solution for industrial environment has been designed wherein the data communication is being done through light. A pilot project with a private client is also being done where setting up a Li-Fi network in order to access the internet in their office space. But the system seems unlikely to completely replace Wi-Fi and it could be utilised along with the prevailing technologies in order to provide more efficient systems.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

iPhone 7 to Feature Wireless Charging and Waterproof Body

iPhone

Apple’s Next iPhone – Wireless Charging


According to a report, the next iPhone of Apple would be the first to have wireless charging. A source has informed Fast Company that as support for the QI charging technology which tends to charge phones when they are placed on an inductive pad, would feature in the new model.The iPhone 7 would have a waterproof body due to the chemical coating and would do away with the headphone jack of the iPhone, as reported earlier.

If the wireless charging tends to be introduced, the iPhone 7 would be joining several Android models, inclusive of Samsung’s Galaxy S6 flagship that have the potential of charging by placing them on pads rather than being physically plugged into cables.

 It is said that the technology does not permit charging to be done over the air though it requires phone to be placed on distinct surface. The company’s first product with inbuilt inductive charging was the Apple Watch which utilises a magnetic connector that snaps onto the back of the device and recently had created a bigger magnetic charging dock based on the same design as its inductive charging puck.

New Wireless Headphones/New Handset


Inductive charging tends to work when electricity is transferred between two objects, the charging pad and the phone, for instance, through two coils such as a transmitter and a receiver. Alternating current is passed through the transmitter that tends to generate a magnetic field which in turn induces voltage in the receiver that can be utilised to power to charge a battery or a mobile device.

If Apple intends to incorporate the technology, owners of iPhone can benefit from Ikea’s wireless charging furniture range together with charging hubs in Starbucks as well as McDonalds all over the country. The option to remove the headphone jack for the purpose of creating a thinner body would ascertain to be a controversial one.

The company would probably include new wireless headphones together with new handset or a pair of headphones that tend to link to the phone through a lightning connector. The source has also mentioned that the company would incorporate noise-cancelling technology from Wolfson Microelectronics, a UK audio company that aims to eradicate background sound.

Technology Incorporated in Various Devices


Since June 2014, third parties were capable of creating lightning connector headphones, when Apple had extended its Made-for-iPhone licensing programme. The new iPhone was scheduled for release in September and signify an important moment in the history of Apple.

 It is said that the company had reportedly slashed production levels of the iPhone 6s as well as partner unit, 6s Plus by a third, due to fears of slowing demand for the `fallow year’s models, inspite of initial sales of over 13 million units in the three day of availability.

The iPhone 7 would have to have more innovative hardware changes in order to entice the legions of fan to purchase it since the developing markets tend to reach increasing levels of saturation as economy tends to shift from a purchase to an upgrade cycle.

Some of the smartphones as well as smartphone accessories have wireless charging abilities built in and this technology is being incorporated into various types of devices, appliances and much more.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Simple Code Gives Access to iPhone’s Secret Settings

iPhone

iPhone’s Field Mode Concealed – Useful Tool/View Extra Information


The iPhone is one of the most impressive tool with several excellent features though there are many hidden features as well as tricks which one may have not realised that existed till now. Some of these features seem to be buried in the Settings menu while there are others that are hidden in plain sight.

The iPhone though being one of the bestselling handsets presently in the market; security researchers have condemnedthe handset due to its weak safety. A security error had been discovered in 2008 on the iPhone which enabled users to bypass the lock screen easily to access mail, bookmarks and contacts. The bug was later accepted by Apple who had issued updated software resolving the problem.

 However, access to hidden information on iPhone and enabling a user to make changes to its private setting can be done by using a simple code. Using the short code helps the user in accessing a huge amount of information on how good your signal tends to be while others could be utilised in changing hidden settings. The iPhone’s Field Mode is generally concealed though a useful tool which enables the user to view extra information on how the phone tends to get connected to the internet.

Valuable Feature – Detailed Signal Strength Indicator


Users can enable the tool on dialling *3001#12345#* followed by pressing the call button. The phone tends to switch away onto a grey screen and thereafter one will see the extra information. The most valuable features is a detailed signal strength indicator that must appear towards the top-left hand area and anything more than -80 is alike full bars on the normal scale. Anything below -110 could be one or no bars and one is unlikely to make a phone call easily.

The maximum strength to have ever achieved is about -40 and no reception is available around -120 but it could go all the way to -140. Should you need to keep that number in the corner, instead of the usual dots, then one needs to hold down the power button and the message to turn the phone off tends to appear after which you could press the home button. Thereafter the feature needs to be enabled.

Switch between Two Ways – Viewing Signal


You could switch between the two ways of looking at the signal by pressing on the display towards the top left hand area. A range of other codes tend to offer other information. By using *#33# one will get the status of the call barring setting and that tool could be turned on and off by using *33*pin# as well as #33&pin#, Swap PIN for Sim PIN. On using *#43# one will know if the call waiting is turned on or not. This feature enables user to queue up when someone tends to ring you enabling the phone to send alert if a caller has been trying to get in touch while the user is already on a call.

This could be turned on by using *43# and turned off again using #43#. Using *#06# will provide your IMEI identifier number which is very useful since it could be utilised in shutting down your phone remotely if ever it is stolen. However it could also be accessed from the Settings app or from the phone’s box.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Apple Filed a Patent for Waterproof iPhone Ports

Port

Apple’s Patent – Methods for Shielding Electronic Components from Moisture


Apple’s patent titled `Methods for shielding electronic components from moisture’ hints at the possibility of a patent which may lead to future weather-proof Apple devices such as the iPhones, iPad, Apple Watches and much more. Though the company had filed its paperwork in June 2014, it was only revealed publicly recently. The paperwork focuses on `self-healing elastomer’ or rubber which could lose and regain its shape in order to protect the delicate inner-workings of a device.

The patent clarifies that the rubber seal on the external jacks such as the ones for headphones or a power cord, tends to open up when a plug seems to be inserted. When it is removed, the covering then reshapes and goes back in protecting the opening of the device.

Some types of the elastomer can shield from debris, dust, gas and water, besides other things and soon we might be able to take a sick dust storm selfie without routing the iPhone. There are other companies who have already been using waterproof ports for their devices.

For instance, Sony’s Z5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Active have both been using waterproof headphone and power ports which do not need special covers. Though the patent does not mean that users would get a fully water-resistant device, since Apple already holds a patent for a waterproof logic board, there is a spongy black material surrounding the circuitry for protection.

Phones Built with Logic Boards


The iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus are built with those logic boards, however, the devices are not completely waterproof though they are more resistant to water than the earlier iPhone.As per the patent filed by Apple on March 31 2014 and published on March 5, 2015, it states that `several electronic devices are susceptible to water damage since they are fully sealed and include various openings for charging, connecting peripherals, inputting and outputting audio’.

To overcome the risk of water, the patent explains that a hydrophobic or water-repelling coating having a thickness of one to ten microns, would be thin enough to preventthe intrusion with the operational opening in an electronic device. The hydrophobic coating can be applied to the printed circuit board of the device – PCB with plasma supported vapour deposition – PACVD process that charges the surface of the substrate in order to bond the coating to the charged surface.

Plasma Settles on & Adheres to Component


According to the patent, that addresses other approaches to waterproofing electronic devices, `the plasma settles on and adheres to the component, providing a robust, water-resistant, corrosion-resistant protective seal for the component’.

Apple CEO Tim Cook had mentioned last month that the Apple Watch could be worn in the shower, meaning that it is water resistant though not essentially waterproof. Though there are various cases of waterproof for iPhone 6, the patents records that if water tends to find its way through a protective case, it is game over for the phone.

Samsung had taken the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with the water resistant Galaxy S5 as an opportunity to mock the lack of water resistance of iPhone, but had left the water resistance from the list of features for Galaxy S6 as well as the Galaxy S6 Edge phones.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Slow iPhone - This Hidden Trick Can Speed Up Your Handset


 iPhone

Tricks to Boost Speed on Slow iPhone

Older iPhones could tend to get clogged up with app updates which could slow down the performance and stop things from running efficiently. For those putting up with slow performance with their iPhone especially on the latest versions of the software, now have the option of an immediate speed boost by clearing up memory in the phone’s App Store.

Zachary Dryer, San Francisco developer has shared a hidden trick on Twitter, illuminating that on pressing a series of buttons in the iOS App Store could get rid of accumulation of stuck app updates. Users could go to the App Store and press ten times; on any one of the five buttons, towards the bottom of the app, in a row in order to clear the cached memory which is the data that is meant to be temporary though could take up valuable storage owing to the error of the software.

While the same button is pushed in succession, the screen should go white for a few seconds and return to the homepage of App Store and clear any of the app update backlogs. This seems to be a beneficial trick if one’s App Stores tends to get stuck which would mean that the app updates are not coming through but would also provide an improvement in speed. This trick could also work on the iPad.

Each year as the iPhone tends to get older and the apps claim additional processing power, the once lightning fast model could slow down extremely. The following options could help in boosting your old handset though several of them are likely to provide a limited speed boost:

Clearing browsing history

The browsing history of Safari does not only keep track of where the user has been and when but also stores cached pages as well as cookies from browsing. The caching pages enable the user to load up certain pages much quickly and plaguing up enough data could reduce the speed of the iPhone. Clearing the cached pages often could provide a small boost which can be done by going to Setting > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

Turning off Background App Refresh

Several of the apps tend to run in the background when not in use, checking on data like the location or refreshing the content on them, for instance, a push notification seems to be ready to read when one is loaded. Best of the apps are created to limit the effect on battery life as well as performance by only refreshing at certain times such as when the iPhone seems to be idle or plugged in. But it is not often correctly implemented.

Disabling the capability of refreshing apps in the background would mean some of the app could be slower or spring to life when loaded back up though would recover the performance. You can go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh to change this. One could turn off all background refreshes or the one that are not needed. Skype and Facebook seems to be the ones which have been reported to be active in the background.

Using Apple’s Apps

The official apps of Apple – Mail, Camera, Maps, Safari and much more, tend to have special permission, which regularly enables them to run quicker and efficiently than third party apps. However, several of the users tend to prefer alternatives like Google Maps, Chrome or Outlook and if these tend to slow down, it is worth switching it.

Clearing up some of the space
Clearing of the files could be an easy option to speed up the computer and get rid of some of the apps and the related data which may take up space on the phone could streamline it, probably may improve battery life. To check which apps have been utilising the space, you could go to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage > Manage Storage, which will indicate what apps have been taking up most of the data, In some of the cases, as with apps such as Twitter and Spotify, deleting and reinstalling them could free up most of the cached data. Another option of clearing space is to delete the old photos after they are backed up

Reduce Motion
Animations when flicked between apps tend to look good but they seem to be another process wherein the iPhone has to go through as one tends to use it. This could be turned off by going to Settings> General> Accessibility> Reduce Motion.

Resetting Settings
A little risky step enabling in keeping you apps as well as photos would be in resetting the iPhone setting like the Touch ID, app permissions, display settings and much more wherein several users have reported better performance with the reset. This is also another technique of spring cleaning the phone. But this would remove plenty of stored data like Wi-Fi networks, alarms as well as Siri and is only suggested if the need arises. You could go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Setting to go through the process. However user needs to be cautioned that this would delete everything on the phone and is only used as a last resort. It basically tends to rebuild the phone from scratch, just the way when it had been first taken out of the box, though a few years of usage would mean that it still will not function as well as, when it was first received. Backing up the phone in advance is worth it, though some of the speed advantage of a full reset are annulled by putting everything back on. This can be done by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings

One Thing to be avoided
It is a common misconception that on closing apps in the background, one could save the battery life or even speed up the iPhone. Closing of the apps would mean that a lot of power is being utilised in opening them up again while leaving them inactive in the background tend to have little effect.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

LG Display, Samsung Display to supply OLED screens for iPhones


Jobs

Apple’s iPhone OLED – Samsung/LG


Taking into consideration the increasing number of rumours claiming that iPhones would soon be integrating OLED display technology, a report from South Korea states that Apple will be soon finalizing a supply agreement which will see Samsung as well as LG Display with the necessary panels in the upcoming handsets.

Quoting unnamed industry sources, the Electronic Times the local Korea times recently reported that Apple would be reaching a decisive supply agreement with the display arms of Samsung and LG and both of them will have experience in creating flexible OLED panels. OLED products for Apple Watch have already been supplied by LG and it is rumoured to be the exclusive supplier for the next gen wearable for Apple.

It is said that the two Korean companies would be injecting around 15 trillion won, around $12.8 billion, by way of capital expenditures for the next two to three years in order to build out production facilities with the potential of churning out OLED panels in adequate numbers to meet the traditionally robust iPhone demand. Apple would be supporting with the equipment costs, though the report did not offer any specifics.

From LCDs to OLEDs


LG intending to repurpose the prevailing LCD production lineto reduce cost, is apparently focusing on moving from a present 4.5G manufacturing process to a sixth generation method though the production yields are in query since the technology is yet untried. Samsung also presumed to be supplying Apple Watch OLEDs, figures in the equation and is expected to net 30% less orders than LG.

Negotiations had been drawn out in part, according to sources, since Apple drove a hard bargain to drive Samsung in accepting the low single digit margins on its sale of OLEDs. For a long time it was rumoured that Apple intended to switch away from LCDs to OLED modules for its flagship smartphones and the speculation grew more urgent when competitor Samsung had adopted the display tech.

The iPhone makers as usual took a stand of wait and see approach and this year introduced the first OLED product in its Apple Watch. A rumour in June, mentioned that Apple had been looking in adopting flexible OLED displays in 2018, a timeframe which tends to fit in appropriately with today’s report.

OLED Screens – Thinner/Improved Image Quality


Last month, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper had reported that Apple plans to begin utilising OLED screens for its iPhone beginning in 2018.OLED screens seem to be thinner and provide improved image quality than the mainstay liquid crystal display screens.

Both the companies are close to a final agreement with Apple for the screens but have declined to comment on the same. According to the paper, Samsung Display that is currently supplying OLED smartphone panels to it parent Samsung Electronics and Chinese vendors is possibly getting a larger volume from Apple than LG Display.

 Apply could also be working on new screen technology at a secret laboratoryin Taiwan, indicating that it may switch to an improved LCD panel before introducing the OLED in the future or it could be a backup if the OLED deal may not materialise.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

An iPhone 6s Skin Makes a Perfect Stocking Stuffer



iPhone
You’ve made your list, and you’ve checked it twice. With only a month left until the big day, there are a handful of weeks to complete your shopping. If that brews anxiety in the pit of your stomach, you’re not alone. People around the world dread December shopping. You and every other reluctant shopper are in luck, however! You can avoid the stress of packed shopping malls by visiting an online retailer of iPhone 6s skins.

What’s so special about iPhone 6s skins? First of all, they provide the best in protection, which will save your loved one the heartache of ruining their phone. How often have you heard about people gouging their iPhone and ruining its sleek design? Or when someone’s dropped it and shattered the notoriously fragile touchscreen? Without a skin, your friend, family member, or partner will see similar damage to their 6s. iPhone 6s skins are designed to take the brunt of these damages, saving the vulnerable body from scratches and dings. These skins also make it easier for the user to handle their phone, as they’re made out of an ergonomic vinyl that enhances the grip of a typical iPhone. With more to hold on to, the chances of your loved one dropping their phone and shattering it are slim to none.

Secondly, iPhone 6s skins are designed with style in mind. These aren’t ugly or boring sheets of vinyl that wrap around their phone. The vinyl is a flexible material that’s custom-cut to the unique specifications of the 6s. As it provides unparalleled protection, it can take on a lot of different designs. When you head online, you can see the selection and choose a combination that best suits your loved one’s personality. Let’s face it—the iPhone 6s isn’t known for its individuality, but with a personalized skin, the person on your list can have the most unique iPhone in the neighbourhood.

The third reason is its price. We all know that the holidays can add extra strain to your budget, even with the best laid plans. It’s important to know that a gift of style and protection won’t put your budget out to pasture – if you know where to look. You can find the perfect gifts for iPhone 6s users at dbrand, as their skins are moderately priced. Inexpensive though they may be, they won’t sacrifice on either protection or fashion, as they use the best quality of 3M vinyl precision cut by talented engineers.

The importance of precision in the 3M vinyl is so that the full phone can be covered without interfering with its unique design, features, or buttons. Tough, sized, and easy to apply, iPhone 6s skins make great gifts for any iPhone user in your life. They’re the total package, as they provide protection for such a valuable (and expensive) phone and add style to a lacklustre design. Best of all, they’re easy on your budget, so you can get a couple for everyone on your list.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Apple Could Remove Headphone Jack from iPhone 7


iPhone 7
Reports coming from a number of reliable sources had indicated that Apple will be removing the headphone jack completely in order to make next generation iPhone slimmer. This means users wouldn’t be able to plug their ear pods in iPhone though the Lightening port. Now users will have to rely on using the Bluetooth wireless headphones, which have become quite popular in the last few years.

Apple is known to make some drastic changes in the iPhone after each ‘S’ year cycle. This time Apple is looking forward making next generation iPhone 7 much slimmer than the earlier models. Apple had simply stayed away from making comments on these rumors.

iPhone has a history of fiddling with headphones jack

Apple has made a number of experimentation with frequently changing the headphone jacks. In 2007 iPhone possesses a recessed headphone jack which required an adapter in order to work with other headphones. After facing the ire of the consumer, Apple switched to the standard headphone port in 2008 with its iPhone 3G. As of now Apple is using the standard Lightening port since the launch of iPhone 5. Though it didn’t found much appreciation from the consumer but accessories were rather quick to adapt with this change.

Wireless headphones reason for ditching headphone jack

It should be noted that headphone jack happens to be widest external port on the iPhone. In order to make iPhone slimmer it has to go away and Apple will be able to make next iPhone about 1mm much thinner than iPhone 6s.

This doesn’t mean that iPhone users can use headphones with their iPhone. Apple is planning to sell Lightening compatible range of ear pod together with the iPhone along with allowing other accessories manufacturers to develop headphones. But there is a catch the headphone manufacture has to also provide the users with Lightening cables in order to make their headphones compatible with the iPhone.

Wireless headphone will become quite common 

Apple has show quite an interest towards the wireless headphones such as Lightening headphones manufacturers. It is also looking at the opportunity to start the Made-for-iPhone licensing program, which will allow headphone manufacturer to develop exclusive iPhone headphones. A prime Lightening connected headphone made its debut in the Consumer Electronics Show in the Las Vegas under the name Harm’s JBL Reflect Aware headphones.

More rumors surrounding iPhone 7

Lightening headphones offers a greatest advantage of drawing power directly from the iPhone without the need of possessing any internal battery. Other wireless headphones need to be charged for listening purposes but this simply uses the energy from the iPhone to render the sound. This move will certainly help in making slimmer and thinner iPhone and it might even result in other manufacturers to follow the suit. Another rumor has erupted regarding the iPhone 7, which states that Apple has patented a technology which will allow the phones to be used even with the glove and Apple has also got a patent to make its phone water resistant.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Future iPhones could Contain Eye Tracking Software

Eye Tracking

Eye-Tracking Software – Future iPhone/Other Products


Software for eye tracking may now be a feature for the future iPhones and the other Apple products after the tech giant company has been granted a patent for the technology. According to latest patent it has been revealed that the next generation of iPhone could comprise of software which can track the path of one’s gaze and show notifications when the eyes tend to focus on certain section of display.

 The newly granted patent which was filed by Apple in September 2012, outlines how a gaze detection device can delay the automated auto correct of a misspelled word if it tends to know the user’s eye was not focused on the word, it asserts could be more instinctive. It recommends that this could be more applicable to notifications, delaying delivery of a message notification till the user tends to pay attention to the display, reducing the risk of missing the message completely.

The patent recommended that other instances could be for voice mail pop-up notifications, news alerts or app updates or software. Utilisation of biometric technology comprising of voice as well as facial recognition together with fingerprint and retina scanning has become a commonplace for payment and identification systems.

Eye-Tracking System for Unlocking


Biometric authentication utilising fingerprint recognition or retinal scan tends to offer an appropriate solution together with unique security as well as ease of use. Since products are available online, integrated with these features, multiple passwords are seen, as the industry standard tends to decline.

The iPhone 5s and 6s generations of Apple all seem to comprise of Touch ID fingerprint scanners inserted in their home buttons in order to unlock and make swift verified purchases.Google had patented the use of an eye-tracking system for unlocking devices by following the flight path of a bird or on reading a line of text, back in July 2013. The inbuilt iris-scanning smartphone authentication system had been unveiled by Fujitsu at this year’s Mobile World Congress – MWC, which was said to be applied to security systems.

The eye tracking system, a form of wearable technology enabled the user wearing the device to look at moving object on the projected screen of the glass in order to unlock the display. The picture of the product portrays how the moving object will be same to a screen saver with a bird flying back and forth used as an example. The user had to follow the movement of the bird with their eyes in order to unlock the display screen.

Panic Button – Fingerprint Sensor


However, in some of the cases, there seems to be no guarantees explored in patents ever making it into the future products. Several of the companies tend to run through patenting certain functions or materials to keenly refrain their rivals from utilising the technologies.

Apple had recently been granted a patent for the implementation of a `panic button’ functions in its fingerprint sensor that could be applied in different ways inclusive of disabling certain set of functions on the device, denying access to contact information, emails and photos or even activating the handset’s camera or microphone to documents with those making attempt to use it. The recordings could thereafter be forwarded to the law enforcement in case of certain situations.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Google Maps for the iPhone Gets a Helpful New Navigation Feature

Google_Map

Google Maps – Spoken Traffic Direction


Google - GOOG Maps, in the latest update for iOS users has learned to portray and tell and the app would now be using spoken traffic directions when you tend to hit a slowdown ahead. Prior to the start of a trip, it would give you a verbal summary of the traffic condition. While moving, Google Maps tends to support in avoiding tunnels which are overcrowded as well as highway routes with accidents.

This feature tends to automatically pop up while utilising the Navigation feature to provide spoken turn-by-turn directions. The app would talk in mid-journey notifying of any incident which would lengthen the journey and provided options to reroute. It seems that Google is drawingout some of Waze’s best features.

Google had acquired Waze for $1.1 billion in 2003, a sum which seemed small in contrast to some of the latest acquisitions and funding sequences. Waze, significant of its secondary community based navigation app, Google would be integrating real time information with explanations for what could be causing the delays in Maps so thatdrivers would be able to avoid slowdowns flawlessly than earlier. This feature has been made available since May to Android users.

Voice Navigations & Alerts


Waze’s app got a new pretty redesign and it leaves one to wonder why it has not just replaced Google Map as the flagship navigation service for Google. Google Maps envisages more updates than iOS, in Android version and already tends to sport voice navigation as well as alerts.

This is one of the several features that Google has added to Google Maps for iOS this year and others comprise of the ability of sending location one would find on the browser of the phone, enhanced public transit direction for navigating cities as well as to see where one is going prior to departure with a Street View thumbnail on the map.

Besides the added spoken traffic alerts, Google also states that the latest update enables the user to easily add new and missing businesses from the sidebar. If one intends to install the update, they could check out the Google Maps page on the iTunes App Store.

Does Not Incorporate with Siri


Google Maps does not incorporate with Siri and does not run in the background like Apple Maps and the reason is that Apple does not give its third-party inventers, access to the APIs it tends to use to try and have an advantage over them.

 Google Maps tend to falter where any app would. One concern with regards to Google’s fault comes in the traffic estimates. Often the app tends to offer a route which tends to suffer from heavy traffic when it only affects a tiny portion of the trip.

Since one gets to view the actual traffic on the route before confirmation, it is only something to warn you regarding the traffic which will probably have no effect on the trip. It is hard to beat Google Maps, no matter what kind of transportation one would be using to move around. It seems easy to use with features found only in standalone GPS units, like lane guidance.

It is ahead of Apple especially when it comes to car and pedestrian navigation. Moreover, its accurate maps mean that one will never get lost. With the combination of accurate traffic information from Waze, Google Maps seems to be an easy choice for Editor’s Choice award.