Apple and IBM Partnership to Revolutionize Mobile Device

Apple and IBM have announced an exclusive partnership that teams to revolutionize mobile device use through a new class of business apps bringing in IBM’s big data and analytics capabilities to iPhone and iPad. As a part of this partnership deal, an extension of IBM’s MobileFirst has been dubbed `IBM MobileFirst for iOS’, IBM has manufactured over 100 native apps and services which have been tailored to the needs of various industries.

Apple will introduce a new AppleCare tier which will be designed especially for enterprise customers when the program goes live. The new IBM MobileFirst will be built in exclusive collaboration which draws the distinct strength of respective company, with the power of over 100,000 IBM industry as well as domain consultants together with software developers behind it, fused with Apple’s legendary consumer experience, hardware and software integration and developer platform, besides IBM’s big data and analytics capabilities.

These combinations will thus create apps that will transform specific aspects on how businesses as well as employees could work using iPhone and iPad enabling companies to reach new levels of efficiency and effectively with great customer satisfaction, all this done in an easier and faster manner.

IBM’s Data Analytics at iOS User’s fingertips

IBM’s MobileFirst Supply and Management program that supplies business consumers with device packages, management and activation services, are all built around Apple’s iPhone and iPad and IBM has also been offering hardware leasing options.

Supported by iPhone and iPad distribution from IBM, Apple is at an advantage in its mobile initiative making headway. According to Tim Cook, Apple CEO, the best mobile devices presently are the iPhone and iPad which have enhanced the system of working with over 98 percent of the Fortune 500 and 92 percent of the Global 500 using iOS devices in their business life.

He further stated that `for the first time they are putting IBM’s renowned big data analytics at iOS user’s fingertips which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple and this is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver’.

The aim of the partnership is to redefine the way the work can be done, spark true mobile led business change, address key industry mobility challenges, grounded in four core capabilities. Moreover, as part of the exclusive IBM MobileFirst for iOS agreement, iPhones as well as iPads will also be sold by IBM with industry specific solutions to business clients all across the world.

Mass Device/Management/Security/Analytics/Mobile Integration 

Besides the tailor made software, IBM would also be offering services such as mass device management, security, and analytics together with mobile integration. Its MobileFirst platform for iOS, delivers end to end enterprise solution which includes analytics, security, cloud storage and integration tools.

 Moreover, IBM will also make available private app catalogs, data and transaction security services as well as its first party productivity suite which has been specifically designed for the MobileFirst initiative where services will have tie-ins with IBM’s Bluemix development platform, made available on the IBM Cloud Marketplace.

 With regards to support, Apple will be rendering special class of AppleCare services for twenty four hours through telephone and email support while IBM will be handling on-site repairs.

Apple Invention – Behaviour Recognition

The U.S. Patent and Trademark office recently published an Apple invention indicating the method in which an iPhone could set off an alert or lock the device automatically depending on detected changes in the user behaviour.

As per its patent application for Generating notification based on user behaviour, an iPhone or even other mobile can employ behaviour recognition techniques wherein they can determine if the current user is the owner of the device or not. When the usage pattern does not match up with the owner, an alert, notification or system action gets triggered.

The system depends on pattern recognition and learning to identify unusual behaviour and any form of input or interaction with the device is compiled for behaviour data acquisition and system data such as location, input gesture patterns and motion sensor data. Besides this, other data like vocabulary, grammar as well as keyboard orientation preference could be stored for later analysis and recall.

Sensor Laden Device – Generating Information 

With Apple’s new invention, there is a continuous monitoring of user behaviour which is compared to historical data known to be associated with the owner of the device. For instance, an iPhone’s accelerometer generated data on the user’s gait comparing the information with the data that is stored on-board or on a remote server and analysis could take place offsite on a pattern learning server.

A sensor laden device is in constant contact with the user most of the time, generating a lot of information. All details from common misspelling of words, routine device interactions to frequently used phrases and all personal information are gathered by the device.

The behaviour learning server, due to privacy, can be programmed by the user to overlook certain types of behaviour such as location preferences, in which case, generalizations and relative positioning replace granular data thereby protecting the individuals for intrusive analysis.

To overcome computational stress, the pattern learning server can manage group behaviour, classifications and data in clusters rather than analysing and comparing individual action separately. The clusters of behaviour can be compared with one another and data should fall within predefined boundaries in order to proceed with normal operation.

Recognition Server Transmits Signal 

If the boundaries are crossed, it indicates unusual behaviour has been detected and the recognition server then transmits a signal to remotely lock the device till the user verifies through password or any other form of trusted identity like Touch ID credentials. The server can also send notification to third party device or any other mobile phone owned by a different party.

It is not known if Apple will be adopting behaviour learning features in future iOS versions but the latest iOS 8 beta builds does not currently support these functions Due to concern over the growing data privacy, users would be likely to manually opt in to the feature if the technology were to roll out one day and the breadth of measured behaviours would tend to narrow down.

Behaviour learning patent application of Apple was first filed last January and creditsas its inventors, go to Gregory T. Lydon and Sylvain Rene Yves.

All In One App For Your Smartphone

In this technology world, smartphones and internet have been ruling the show and have influenced the system of communication besides providing all the required information and details needed by individuals.

Enhancing the use of technology, an Android application which is powerful enough in bringing about the quickest and easiest means of navigation as well as obtaining useful information, classified, great deals etc. has been made available by Askme which is a free app for all interested users.

All this is made available on one’s Smartphone screen and this application can bevery useful where everyone presently is in possession of mobile devices. While on the go, individuals can now make use of the facilities provided in the technology world, making various functions and activities much quicker and easier than bygone days.

Askme app also known as `The Bapp of all Apps’, is a one-in-all app which has made it possible in providing details of millions of businesses in the locality and power of searching is all present on the smartphone.

It provides the basic details together with the contact details of local business listing which may be useful to the user. When the need of searching for a store and its contact details arises, this app makes it possible to obtain the required details before visiting the stores or even making an online purchase.

Various Benefits with Simple UI

One can post advertisement by using Askme which can be profitable to the user since the level of audience here is very large. One can get to know about the latest local business dealswhich are available there to draw the attention of the viewer who could take advantage of the same.

Shopping online is also made easy with simple UI online portals in this app and by using askmeBazaar one can purchase a variety of products from this online portal. This app provides several benefits such as enabling the user in searching and locating business within the vicinity, take the opportunity of the latest deals and offers placed by favourite local businesses, check on addresses and contact numbers from various business and call them from the Askme app instantly, check on the updated classified on real estate, cars, jobs and various other products listed.

Application for Smartphone Users in India

Moreover, users also have the opportunity of going through reviews posted there by other users, which will provide good insight and information from the users’ experience to the other users thus enabling them in making appropriate and quick decisions.

Besides these, one can also add reviews, photos and other tips for favourite businesses, share favourite business with friends via email, Facebook, Twitter and SMS. Business information like rating, payment methods with opening hours could also help in making choices much easier for the user.

The design of the user interface is very powerful and intuitive which brings about an easy and concise list of products that are provided in a systematic and efficient manner than other apps. Taking into account its productive features and simple UI,with adequate database. Askme app is one of those applications for all Smartphone users in India.

Apple iBeacon - Micro Location Technology

The Federal Communications Commission – FCC filing discovered recently in-depth details on Apple’s first branded piece of iBeacon compatible beacon hardware indicated that the company would very soon introduce the micro location technology to consumer spaces like the `smart homes’.

This was reported by TUAW after the documents were spotted by Securifi. According to OET’s paperwork, `Apple iBeacon’, as the device is labelled, carries the model number A1573.

The original equipment application is the first sign which Apple is testing on in-house hardware solution for location aware iBeacon technology, being filed with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology- OET. Hardware testing had been done in collaboration with Audix Technology, a facility that was owned by the Chinese company, running assessments by conducting shielding enclosure, semi-anechoic chamber with other equipment, somewhere by April end or mid-May.

The beacon tested had a diameter of around 5.46” and had an operating range between 2402 MHz and 2480 MHz, with the highest frequency of 2.4 GHz in line with the latest Bluetooth protocol specification and the testing passed in all areas inclusive of three selected frequencies was 2402 MHz, 2440 MHz and 2480 MHz.

iOS Enabled Device for Communicating with Transmitter 

The iBeacon technology originally introduced at WWDC 2013, is iOS enabled device for communicating with transmitters through Bluetooth to deliver important information to apps and services whenever the user is within the range, `Made for iPhone, Apple’s introduction with iBeacon specification in February, has brought about an important role for the technology in its services and devices.

However, companies so far have been using third party transmitters such as the Estimote Beacon to work with the technology as well as iOS devices while shopping app Shopkick and Macy’s partnered at the time of holiday season to integrate the technology into stores, last year.

Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association used iBeacons to enhance live events. Apple’s iBeacon has a combination of specialized Bluetooth 4.0 beacons together with wireless data connectivity for location based content services for devices like iPhone or iPad while Bluetooth Low energy beacons can vary transceiver sensitivity with location aware deployment on controlling the system’s effective range.

Capabilities of turning iOS Device into Temporarily Discoverable Beacon 

Besides a dedicated hardware, Apple’s iBeacon platform also has the capabilities of turning iOS device with Bluetooth 4.0 support into a temporarily discoverable beacon and while the company has developed the technology for iBeacon, companies have been rendering services based on hardware use platform made by third party providers since Apple has been using Qualcomm Gimbal products in its own stores.

In the event of the launch, it is yet unknown if Apple intends the product to be marketed to businesses or consumers and it is speculated that the small beacon device would work well with forthcoming feature of iOS 8 like the HomeKit. It is a framework for `smart home’, software and hardware makers.

This forthcoming feature, HomeKit enables monitoring as well as controlling of connected devices such as A/V equipment, lights and other appliances with iOS.

 A HomeKit iBeacon setting could be the most automated home ecosystems on the market with iBeacon installed in home sensing users’ iPhone or iWatches which would be worn by them daily together with Apple TV handling connected device and appliance control.

Apple’s CarPlay – Installed in 24 M Vehicles

According to ABI Research, Apple’s CarPlay API for iPhone integration will be dominating the auto industry which will be installed in more than 24 million vehicles in another five years.

API in its report points to announcements from over half a dozen manufacturers who intend to install CarPlay in new vehicles which include Audi, BMW, Ford, Jaguar/Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo.

Apple would be able to reach the milestone with the number of automakers coming on board as partners and the company’s potentials to drive the interest in its latest product, according to report from market research firm ABI Research.

Filomena Berardi, ABI analyst, states that `many believe that Apple is creating further fragmentation and ripple effect in the industry by not being open, though with Apple on the scene, it certainly draws greater attention to in-car apps and now with the Android Auto standard on the scene, both will certainly drive adoption of in-car apps’.Apple had unveiled CarPlay, iOS in the car, at the time of the 2013 edition of its annual developer’s conference in San Francisco and had announced the first CarPlay with equipped models at the Geneva Motor Show.

This will enable drivers to place phone calls, access contacts, listen to voicemail messages as well as control apps like MLB at Bat and Pandora by using Siri or through their car’s in-dash touchscreen on connecting to a compatible iPhone.

Specification – Mirrored to Vehicle’s infotainment System

The specification of CarPlay enables an iPhone to be mirrored to a vehicle’s infotainment system at the time the smartphone is being charged and once the infotainment system is connected, the iPhone is controlled by voice, through the car’s built in touchscreen or by steering wheel-mounted controls.

Drivers, through CarPlay, will be able to use the voice recognition service, Siri, to have text messages read out loud, reply through voice and obtain contact information from an iOS device in making phone calls. CarPlay also has the option of Apple Maps navigation service and has been competing with proprietary interfaces like in Ford’s Sync system together with industry open source specifications like MirrorLink and GENIVI, championed by industry groups.

Search giant Google, earlier this year, announced that it would begin an Open Automotive alliance –QAA while its standards will be dubbed Android Auto and the overall function mirrors that of CarPlay but would be working only with Android devices.

Open Sourced – MirronLink/GENIVI/QAA

API reports that MirrorLink together with GENIVI and QAA have positioned themselves as `open sourced’, and could be considered as competitors which goes against being open. API Research is also of the belief that the uptake of MirroLink would be significant though predicts that additional cars would be fitted with CarPlay and without an open eco system; carmakers will have to collaborate with more partners.

Vice President of Automotive Industry Advisory Services at Gartner, Thilo Kowlowski stated that auto makers should do a better job in offering mobile technology or have it taken away by rivals in the technology industry. Koslowski further pointed to Google, its self-driving car, digital distribution platforms like Google Play together with in-car smartphone connection platforms like CarPlay with signs of improved facilities in store.

Apple Awarded Patent for `Fused Glass Device Housing’

Recently Apple was granted a U.S. patent for a method on building a device with all glass outer casing by puttingpieces together for a complete seamless final look. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded Apple U.S. Patent for `Fused glass device housing’, which is a procedure that enables the efficient fabrication of seamless all-glass electronics device casings.

This all glass casing device would be used to hold the internal circuitry of an iOS device as well as larger electronics such as a TV or a monitor. Its structures are designed to enable maximum durability. Apple’s all glass structures are heavy especially if the material is used to protect against scratches, accidental damage or drops and the company has proposed a new creation method which ensures a light weight design that is durable with eye pleasing aesthetics.

Apple’s suggestion is to join the glass pieces together through a fusing process instead of using a completely glass on glass build and according to the patent, the planar edges and the peripheral glass members can be fused together forming a sufficiently thick brand of material which could be machined down to the desired shape.

Complete Glass Encased Device

The patent would permit Apple to build a complete glass encased device unlike the iPhone 4, which features a back and front glass panels which will enable a complete different aesthetic when compared to other device makers’ designs. All glass Retina Cinema Display would draw much attention with regards to monitor and an all glass iPhone would draw even more attention than usual.

To enhance the integrity of the casing’s structure, raised glass features could be fused to the planar member at weak points in the build like including addition glass structures along the holes or opening in the glass member and internal support ribs which are placed for reducing flexing and breakage.

To serve as holes for buttons, cut outs in the glass surface can be done together with other physical device controls. Glass members are fused together in some embodiments, to develop a five sided box where circuitry, displays and other internal components could be inserted, or pushed into placed. This could be crucial for larger electronics like monitors or televisions which are mounted on stands.

Glass Strengthening Techniques

The backside which is on the opposite side of the display could be tinted to a translucent shade or opaque in order to hid the batteries, flex cables and chips but Apple provides an option to keep the sides transparent and part of planar glass members could be roughened in order to help scatter as well as diffuse light around the display edges.

When all the internals are intact and well placed, an end cap is inserted over the opening to seal off the structure from dirt and dust. At the final stage, the patent focuses on details like polishing and glass strengthening techniques with alternative embodiments which may involve extruded hollow glass rods with fused end caps.

Attention is given to glass fusing methods which may reduce frit to leave seamless joints. The company’s seamless fused glass housing patent was filed first in the year 2013 and credits as its inventors, go to Peter Russel-Clarke, Michael K. Pilliod and SVP of Design Jony Ive.

Apple’s Recent Environmental Responsibility Report

Apple recently released an Environmental Responsibility Report for fiscal 2014, announcing that the company will be focusing on achieving `net zero energy use’, and has taken steps to reduce the impact on climate change, use green material in its products and conserve resources.

Apple had already accomplished this goal with all twenty one of its Australian retail stores together with one hundred and forty of its US stores, its latest data centres as well as its forthcoming Apple Campus 2 headquarters. Its solar array supplying most of the powerthat is used at the data centre at Maiden, North Carolina is the largest privately owned array in the country.

According to the document posted to the company’s latest environmental Responsibility webpage, Apple had placed its focus on three key areas in the year 2013 namely reducing impact on climate change with the use of renewable energy sources as well as directing energy efficiency in its products, adopting the use of greener materials in their products and processes thereby conserving the resources.

Aim on Achieving `Net Zero Energy’

Major section of Apple’s environmental efforts are aimed on achieving `net zero energy’, wherein efficient energy use, generation of energy using renewable resources together with purchase of renewable energy from appropriate providers would be involved.

Maiden, North Carolina, iCloud data centre is used as the `net zero energy’ example and with the nation’s largely owned solar array which generates from 60 percent to 100 percent of the daily energy requirement, with remaining that needs to be purchased in the form of biogas, Maiden is thus 100 renewable. The solar array on its own produces 167 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy per year onsite which is enough to power around 13,837 houses.

It has also been reported that the company has plans to build a third solar array, an indication that may be intended to manage with future expansion to the data centre, near Maiden property. Apple has already purchased a 200 acre of land to build a second solar array nearby.

Efforts to Shrink Packaging Size/Transportation Costs

Under, Lisa Jackson, the new Environmental Initiative chief, Apple was successful in converting the U.S. Apple stores together with the Australian stores to 100 percent renewable energy and to achieve this, the company either purchased green energy from third party provider or participated in utility green tariff programs which ensured that electricity was generated from renewable energy source.

Its forthcoming Apple Campus 2 which has been designed to be environmentally friendly was brought into focus with Apple commenting that the campus would be powered by 100 percent renewable energy with one of the largest corporate solar energy installation in the world while to cut down on HVAC costs, advanced architecture will enable air to flow through specially designed vents. Besides this, Apple also plans to have more than 1,000 shared bicycles made available to Campus 2 employees together with other transport alternatives which includes ride sharing, carpooling and incentives to use eco-friendly forms of transportation.

Apple states that more than 2,100 employees have access to the free biodiesel powered buses per day to travel from corporate offices in Sunnyvale and Cupertino thus avoiding 6,377 metric tons of carbon dioxide emission. The company also states that they will continue their efforts to shrink packaging size to cut down on wastage of material together with transportation costs.

A Simple And Effective Keylogger For Mac OS X

For all computer protection and surveillance solution, one can engage the services of Any keylogger, who are the most professional and leading provider which originated in the year 2007. Anykeylogger for Mac are one of best keylogger software for Mac, in the world with six basic and effective features offered to their users which enables them to record all activities that has happened in a stealthy mode on Mac.

Users could check for detailed information at their site to gain more insight on the product and other relevant details. They started off by concentrating on the improvement of their services and user experience and are now capable of offering monitoring services to their customers all across the globe.

 Their application developed, is exceptional which is powerful and strong in the supervision and controlling functions on the computer, meeting up with the requirements of parental control as well as employee management. Their product is appreciated by people from different areas of the world like America, Asia and Europe and is also recommended by several professions especially in the computer monitoring field.

AnyKeylogger for Mac OS X, an effective keylogger for Mac has the capabilities of logging all activities on Mac as well as send the logs to email address enabling the user to monitor the activities done on the computer, remotely. It has six major featuresthat is basic but which ismost appropriate in monitoring the Mac activities. Moreover it also runs stealthily on the background of the Mac wherein others accessing the computer are unable to change the setting of the software or shut the software.

 Their simple interface together with their effective monitoring system has gained them a large number of Mac users together with awards and Any Keylogger for Mac is the one and the best solution to Mac activity surveillance. Free download can be availed at the site on the respective features that are made available to the user together with live support by their efficient team on board.

The key features comprises of capturing screenshots which are based on time interval, to capture screenshot and save memory when the website is visited and to take them in secret mode. It also has the capabilities of recording the sites visited together with the time and name of the website, recording of which is done in stealth mode. Besides these features, it can also record the user name together with the password of application as well as all typed data on the website with the exception of the website password.

 It also records program activity or any application launched with relevant information on the computer with running time, sends logs through email which supports Gmail, does not send screenshots while sending logs and automatically deletes logs which are based on time interval. Lastly, it runs in stealth mode without arousing any suspicion to the user, it is activated by hotkey and is totally invisible in Add or Remove program list, task manager, installation files and start up menu.

Tag Heuer - Apple’s New Hire for iWatch Launch

It has been reported that Apple has hired the sales director from Swiss luxury watch maker TAG Heuer to help in promoting its forthcoming entry, iWatch which is expected to be launched soon.The Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer is one of the various luxury brands which operated under LVMH, the multibillion mergers between Moet Hennessy and Louis Vuitton which are very popular.

The hiring has been confirmed by the head of the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, which owns TAG Heuer, Jean-Claude Biver, during his recent video interview conducted with the American television channel CNBC. He informed CNBC, that the watchmaker’s vice president for sales, Patrick Pruniaux, had left the previous week to take a contract with Apple to launch the iWatch.

A spokeswoman from TAG Heuer told Reuter that Pruniaux `was probably head hunted’, though Apple refrained from commenting on this issue. Pruniaux does not seem to be the first executive to be recently appointed by Apple from the luxury watch sector, Burberry ex-chief executive Angela Ahrendts had also started as its new head of retail and online sales in May with former head of French fashion brand, Yves Saint Laurent Paul Deneve who had been hired last year to work on special projects.

Apple’s Interest in Wearable Technology

The head of Atlas Wearable, Alex Hsieh, had left just last month to join Apple as a firmware developer and it is believed that Hsieh would be working closely with the iWatch team and likely to focus on activity tracking.

 Moreover, Apple has also sought the help of medical professional Michael O’Reilly who along with Apple operations executive, Jeff Williams, met the FDA regulators to seek help in obtaining approval on the iWatch before its launch.

The hiring points at Apple’s growing interest in the wearable technology industry which is expected to be worth $8.3 billion by 2018 and the company is rumoured to be competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Gear in developing an iWatch.

It is reported that the smartwatch will feature a curved touchscreen which will run on iOS, enabling it to get connected to iPhone and iPads, as per Japanese news service Nikkei.

iWatch – Apple’s First Newly Created Product beside iPad

Apple is expected to launch its first wearable at the Media event this October with signs that the device would be the iWatch. It is also presumed that the company would unveil the new iPhone, iPads and Macs during the fall season probably at standalone September and October events.

Eddy Cue, iTunes, chief, commented that Apple’s product pipeline seems to be the most exciting, he had seen in the past twenty five years. The wearable device would also have sensors for collection of health and fitness information like blood glucose levels as well as heart rate data for possible integration in the newly announced iOS 8 HealthKit.

Besides this, other rumours reveal that the iWatch could utilise the Touch ID technology which is already available within the iPhone 5s that will be paired up with third party health devices like the Nike FuelBand with a cost between $199 and $299. iWatch announcement would mark Apple’s first newly created product after the introduction of the2010 iPad

Apple’s Server Side Data Swipe

Apple has sent email informing all its registered developers that the company will be performing a server side data swipe onall CloudKit public as well as private data based stores on Monday, July 7th for iOS 8beta and OS X Yosemite.

This is inclusive of iCloud Photo Library, iCloud Drive and Mail Drop which are the three affected services. Apple has warned developers that this could happen with the release of the first iOS beta which is not uncommon for wipes to occur on several occasions during iOS and OS X beta cycles.

Files affected from Mail Drop and iCloud Drive will not get transferred across automatically at the time of release of the next beta seed while photos and videos will automatically be restored since they are not deleted from local storage which means that all videos and photos stored in the iCloud Photo Library will get wiped but they will remain on the iOS 8device from where they originated and will automatically upload again after the data resetting.

 iCloud Drive will then have to be capable to re-enable through the Setup Assistant after upgrading where all Mail Drop attachment will be deleted following the wipe and need to be sent again.

Wipe Ahead of iOS 8 Beta 3

The new seed of iOS 8and OS X Yosemite is likely to follow this data wipe as operating systems of these news seeds are already due. If this data wipe is not unusual, it does comes at an interesting point of time with suggestions that are not surprising and iOS 8 beta 3 as well as the third party OS X Yosemite Developer Preview could be somewhere round the corner.

The wipe has come a day ahead of the rumoured launch date of iOS 8 beta 3 and also the probable date of the third Yosemite Developer Preview. Apple normally seeds early version of its iOS beta operating system on two weeks intervals which tends to move on to three week intervals late for the testing period where OS X new versions have also followed on the similar update pattern during the past as well. iOS 8 as well as OS X Yosemite are expected to be released in the fall to the public after a long beta testing period.

Both Beta Updates to be Released Soon

Apple’s second betas of iOS 8and Yosemite came two weeks after the software was first provided to developers during the Worldwide Developers Conference and since the updates were seeded, it’s been three weeks.

Though it is not official, there is usually an interval of two week each for beta release. We are now approaching the 3 week mark with iOS 8 beta 3 and the second OS X Yosemite Preview being available since June 17 and probably the beta updates for both would be released soon.

The wipe would probably be a further proof that Apple plans to release iOS 8 beta 3 on July 8th a day following the reset of databases. Since Apple often releases new iOS betas once every few weeks hence a Tuesday release would be making sense and the iOS 8 together with the OS X Yosemite would be released to the public, probably pre-installed on the next generation new Macs and iPhone 6.

Apple Patent for its Smart Lock Technology

Smartphone locking is a necessity but at times a bit annoying and punching in a pincode or making use of new fingerprint scanner can be troublesome while using the device at home or in a car.Apple technology has a new published patent which comes with an improved secure smartphone which will need a range of unlocking codes depending on the users’ location.

Apple has been considering this issue and the US Patent and Trademark Office have published a patent application recently from Apple detailing technology which can sense the user’s location and modify the phone’s unlocking code, like a smart lock. Some of the locations may be more secured like a user’s home or office which may be considered as safe and may not need much security.

Apple has indicated in its patent application that `it can be desirable to have less security requirements when mobile device is at a secured location, while some location may be considered to be at higher risk or unsecured and these locations need stronger security protection’. The purpose is that an iPhone should be able to recognize the user’s typical location for instance their home, car or work depending on GPS or even a known Wi-Fi network.

Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner

The system then identifies and adjusts the level of security in order to unlock the phone. While at home, the use of a passcode may not be neededor like the places visited often wherein a fingerprint or a simple code may be needed but in distance places or crowded areas, high level of security would be essential in unlocking the phone.

Apple has been working on the iPhone security for some time now and recently the company had debuted its Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5S wherein the users need to swipe their finger to unlock the phone instead of keying in a pincode.

Another Apple patent application was published showing that the company was researching a system enabling their uses to sync all of their devices with the same biometric data on their laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Technology to Sense User’s Location for Security Lock

Google too has been working on location based smart locks wherein last month, during its annual Google I/O conference, the company had talks on similar issues for its next updated version of Android naming this feature as a `personal unlocking’. It was stated according to PC World, that this would be giving their users ways and means to unlock their phones depending on the location.

It is apparent that Apple is researching on smart lock technology which would be beneficial to users in terms of security, it is yet unknown if or when this system will make headway on to the iPhone. Apple has been making great progress in updated version with added features enabling its consumers with advanced functions which are easy and swift.

User can now wait and watch for the debut of this updated entry of Apple which will help in locking and unlocking the iPhone depending on the location of the user. Tour Macmyth for latest updates on Apple Technology and gain insight of what lies in stores in the world of technology.

In Search Of Incredible

Lasting Incredible Impression

God made man and man-made money… Money made the world go round. Man has made great headway in the field of technology giving rise to great products which has helped in enhancing the lifestyle of individuals. With various new products, cell phones came into existence which started the trend of updated versions in mobile cells leading to smartphones and the rest. With the entry of smartphones, life continues to move on a faster space with most of the functions becoming much faster and easier inspite of which life moves on a roller coaster.

Companies have been competing with one another in bringing about the best products to the end users and while this competitions goes on, it makes me think on the things I could do on `My Superpower Phone’, a Zenfone series, given the option of the merest touch in quickening the daily functions of our lives which would be less tedious. The most prevalent issue in the present scenario is the pollution faced in every section of the atmosphere which is resulting in various health issues faced by people at large. In this technology world, a mobile phone is a constant companion of every individual as they age and mellow with each passing phase of life. My Superpower smart phone could be used to do the things I never dreamt to do before.

Power to Stop Pollution 

Given the opportunity of placing my views on the incredible, I would like to take the opportunity of using the phone in `Stopping the Pollution’ from interfering in the lives of individuals and the next generation to come. We come across various types of individuals who tend to `care or dare’ nature, preserving or destroying it with their different attitudes. Felling of trees is on the rise with no efforts done in replacing them resulting in health hazards. My Phone could be smart enough to impart information as well as prevent these occurrences which would help in the prevention of chopping down these trees.

Pollution of emission from vehicles is another hindrance affecting our health and I would also like to use my phone in bringing about awareness on the dangers of pollution. My Phone could be smartly used without offence to guide and implement action on issues with regards to nature, its depleting resources and the best contribution each individual could make in making this world a better place to live in. My Superpower Phone could also guide me bringing about these changes by eliminating pollution through my phone which could be helpful in saving our planet Earth and preserving it with all its richness of nature and enjoy a serene, peaceful life without the interference of any type of pollution affecting mankind.

Updated iTunes U – Great New Tool for Education Content

Apple has now updated iTunes U enabling teachers in creating, editing and managing lessons and course through the iPad, With this updates to iTunes U, it will help educators and students with great new tools to build and experience education content on an iPad.

 From July 8th, teachers using the free iTunes U app for the first timecan now create edit as well as manage their entire course directly through the iPad while students will find new discoveries to collaborate with the ability to start class discussion as well as ask questions right from their iPad. According to Apple’s Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue, he states that `Education is at the core of Apple’s DNA and iTunes U is an incredibly valuable resource for teachers and students’.

 He further stated that `iTunes U features an amazing selection of academic material for all around the world and now with the ability to manage better and discuss education content, learning has become even more personalized on iPad’.

Giving Teachers the Liberty to Create & Organise 

The free educational service’s new tool helps teachers in adding learning materialiBook Author,iWork or any of the 75,000 educational apps for iPad as well as photos and videos, in a package which is accessible to students. With the advantage of the built in camera on iPad, teachers also have the opportunity to capture photos and videos to incorporate real world subject matter needed for their course and instantly making relevant content available to their students.

The Head of computing and IT at Cedars School of Excellence in Scotland, Fraser Speirs had stated that `iTunes U is the most powerful destination in bringing the entire educational experience to life on iPad. By giving teachers the liberty in creating and organizing courses right on iPad, educators can be focussed better in enabling students’ participation both with the content and with one another.

Debates and Get Engaged in Conversation 

Moreover, students can also have debates and get engaged in conversations through the service’s discussion feature and teachers can moderate and remove off topic messages. Besides this, teachers and lecturers at all stages of education can use iTunes U to create lessons, coursework, book, test and lectures and students can access the information.

Universities and school also have the opportunity in setting up their own iTunes U site where the free app is made available for download. Students with iPad and who have enrolled in private iTunes U courses will now have the availability to all their requirements to collaborate with their classmates as well as the teachers.

With the help of the Discussion in the iTunes U app, students can now automatically engage themselves in classroom discussions as well as join in conversation on new topics and also set up push notification when new topics come up or replies are added to active exchanges. Forum participation for teachers is also possible with the ability to moderate discussion by deleting any off topic messages.

ITunes U has helped teacher to create courses inclusive of lectures, books, quizzes, assignments etc. for many iOS users and with over 750,000 individuals learning material made available on iTunes U app, it is one of the world’s largest online catalog with free educational content from prominent organizations and top schools.

Apple’s Launch of Colourful New iPod Touch

An updated version of iPad touch device with a new 16GB model has been launched by Apple adding a rear facing camera which now comes in a range of four colours like its more expensive versions and though this updated version is not yet available in the UK, the UK Apple Store website indicates that the old model of 16GB silver model marked as `currently unavailable.

Till now, the 16GB iPod Touch was available only in grey colour and though a sensible choice, it failed to reach the hearts of design fans and hence Apple is hoping that the new range of colours would draw more fans towards it.

The updated version retains the four inch retina screen and A5 processor of the earlier 16GB version which is a throwback to the previous generation of iPod touch with the addition of a five megapixel iSight camera which comes with an LED flash and onscreen filter to jazz shots, to its existing FaceTime HD camera.

Equipped with 5 Megapixel/4 In. Retina/A5 Chip 

The new version is priced at $199 in the US while Apple had sold the16GB version of its fifth generation iPod Touch for $229 without the rear camera and in only one colour option. Available in vibrant colours like pink, yellow and blue, the iPod touch besides being equipped with a five megapixel, a 4 inch Retina display and A5 chip, has a FaceTime camera with 1080p HD video recording, as stated by Apple.

Moreover, the iPod also has a fingerprint resistant oleo phobic coating which will enable it to remain beautiful and bright.Now with this new launch, customers in the US have the choice of buying the new iPod touch in the same range of different available colours on the 32 GB and 64GB models.

Apple’s iconic music player sales had slumped in recent years while smartphones have compensated all the functions of the standalone digital music player and Apple considered revamping the market by bringing in a lot of features on the iPhone like a camera and access to a variety of apps to the iPhone touch on the App Store.

Featuring iOS 7 Operating System

The new updated versions come as two different iPhone with a 4.7 inch and a 5.5 inch screen which are rumoured to have gone into production and the current iPhone 5s has 4 inch display.

With difficulties in the production of a large screen model, the 4.7 inch version would probably be released first, somewhere around early autumn.

The iPod was responsible in bringing in the major share of Apple’s revenue but had been dwindling recently in smartphones which gained more popularity.

The iPhone and iPad presently are the company’s biggest earners where Apple in the last quarters released figure of 2.7 m iPods sold.

Apple had also launched its range of portable media players in 2001 on iPod in various versions like iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Touch and iPod Classic.

The iPod touch will feature the iOS 7 operating system as well as offer more than 200 features, inclusive of camera app filters and probably later this year the device would be supporting the latest iOS 8 versions.

Apple Campus – Spaceship Project

Construction on the Apple Campus, the `Spaceship’, project is in progress and is believed to reach completion in mid-2016. The new Apple campus is referred by many as the Spaceship campus because of its flying saucer like design.

 The previous shots taken of the site showed that all the buildings had been demolished and the land was cleared for construction of the new spaceship style HQ. It is doughnuts shaped four storeys circular building which will have huge walls of glass, housing around 14,000 employees of Apple in Cupertino, California enabling them to look out from both sides of the ring.

An architect,Peter Arbour, for Seele, the company which makes glass staircases in Apple stores, all around the world, informed Bloomberg that it was like a six kilometres of glass. Apple had received the final approval from the City of Cupertino last November to start building the 2.8 million square foot campus where the earlier HP campus had previously stood on the site and now had been demolished.

The new campus is located around a mile east of its existing headquarters which is also based in the heart of Silicon Valley in Cupertino.The building which has been designed by Lord Norman Foster will be powered by renewable energy which will be sourced from fuel cell plants together with rooftop photovoltaic arrays.

Underground Car Parking Facilities 

A presentation to the City Council in the year 2011 was given by late CEO with regards to the proposed building’s aesthetics and surround environment of the project, where most of the building’s car parking facilities would be underground providing space for 6,000 indigenous trees which would include persimmons, apples, plums, cherry and apricots.

Due to the advanced natural ventilation along with radiant cooling, the need for air conditioning would not be necessary. The European headquarters of Apple are based in Cork in southern Ireland having around 3,300 staff working there.

Architects for the colossal structure have been appointed from the British firm Foster+Partners whose previous projects include Canary Wharf Underground Station, Stansted Airport, London’s Millenium Bridge, Wembley Stadium, HSBC HQ at Canary Wharf, the Maclaren Technology Centre and the Heast Tower in New York.

Earth Friendly and Self Sufficient

Norman Foster in an interview with Architectural Record commented on how he had been inspired with the idea of a London square with houses surrounding a parkand this eventually led him into the circular design surrounding the large outdoor park.

He further revealed that according to the original plan, there was no circular `spaceship’ structure and the structure of one building with a park was the result of very intensive process. Aiming to be earth friendly and self-sufficient, the materials used for the construction are of the highest quality.

According to an insider, all of the interior wood is harvested from specific species of maple with only finer quality `heartwood’ at the centre of the trees would be used. A segment of the building is the restaurant opening up to the landscape and to combat the size of the building the section have been divided into cafes, lobbies and entrances.

Apple to Partner Foxconn for Next Generation iPhone 6

It was recently reported that Apple would partner manufacturer Foxconn and hire some 100,000 workers in a ramp up for July production of the next generation iPhone 6, thereby enhancing the company’s total iPhone manufacturing workforce by ten percent while secondary supplier Pegatron would also be preparing to increase its recruitment efforts after netting in a thirty percent share of orders.

Sources well versed with Apple’s supply chain, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News has reported that the hiring spree of 100,000 of Foxconn would result in improving the company’s iPhone workforce when compared to the past production of the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s.

Some have stated that with the combination of Pegatron’s recruitment efforts, the manufacture of Apple’s iPhone 6 is expected to drive the largest job creation boom mainland, China has ever seen in recent time.

Huge Expansion to Two Production Lines

Moreover, the mass recruitment campaign as claimed by sources is that Foxconn has been planning to make huge expansions to two production lines in order to meet anticipated high demand for the forthcoming handset line. Foxconn is also considered to be responsible for the bulk order of Apple’s iPhone.

Some sources havealso been reporting that the company would be handling all assembly of the rumoured 5.5 inch `phablet’, version of the device. According to reports, Foxconn would be producing seventy percent of the iPhone 6 units while Pegatron, the supplier would be handling some thirty percent of order, a consistent figure of recent rumours and it is not clear if the share would be representative of iPhone 6 version or not.

The timing of these hiring seems to be perfect for the rumoured iPhone 6 with reports of the production to ramp up ahead of its scheduled launch in the usual time frame in September and most of the attention is focused on iPhone 6, a 4.7 inch model which is expected to draw the bulk of sale.

Apple has been working on an even larger 5.5 inch model which would be launched along with or in the month following the debut of the 4.7 inch model.

Screen Size – 4.7 & 5.5 with Multiple Sensors

Many are expecting Apple to release two iPhone models somewhere this year with bigger screens of 4.7 and 5.5 inch in size and a number of supposed iPhone 6 mockups have surfaced on the internet with some indications on the final designs of the duo handset.

The duo handset comes with larger screen with thinner design with faster next gen `A8’CPU where the launch willbe during Fall 2014. Besides the bigger screen, the iPhone 6 will also be featuring multiple sensors which would enable the device to measure altitudes together with atmospheric pressure as well as provide different other information with regards to weather like humidity and temperature.

Speculations are doing the rounds for some time now about Pegatron gaining a foothold in Apple’s premium handset assembly business though the exact share of orders given out to the firm is not established yet. Reports of Foxconn’s intention of hiring as well as the iPhone6 issue leaked following previous reports stating that the production for the iPhone 6 is set to be ramped up in July ahead of its release date sometime in September.

Marbel Electric Skateboard – Operated with iOS Device

Commuters living in the city who would prefer to get from their home to their office by longboards will soon be given an option that can be operated with their iOS device in the form of Marbel electric skateboard. The Marbel Board is a Kickstarter project which has already blown past its $90,000 funding goal having another 23 days still remaining.

As per its description, the Marbel electric skateboard is 30 mm thick, weighing around 9.9 pounds, is made up of custom moulded deck of carbon fibre and kevlar to enable it to last long and needs around ninety minutes of charging for every ten miles. Its batteries are placed in a compartment inside the deck while the motors are mounted on the rear axle which can scurry across the pavement and uphill, up to 20 miles per hour having a 10 mile range before the battery finally runs out.

It is also the world’s lightest electric skateboard costing around $1,200 to $2000.The purpose of the Marbel skateboard was to create the lightest electric vehicle in the world with amazing user experience.

Simple to Use, Efficient and Exhilarating to Ride

The description on Kickstarter reveals that they hadspent two years of dedication in engineering and designing the Marbel Electric skateboard, which is the lightest electric skateboard ever created with the help of modern technologies, amazing team as well as the support from community and managed to build the Marbel Board which is simple to use, besides being efficient and exhilarating to ride.

Another amazing feature of the Marbel Skateboard is that it gets connected to the iOS or Android device through an app in order to get customized in your riding style and also control the throttle. Users also have the option in selecting from the three pre-defined ride modes, tweak the acceleration, and adjust the top speed, map out the rides and much more.

Handheld remote Throttle/Touch Controls

Riders can now control the skateboard by using a handheld remote throttle or through touch controls in a companion iPhone app while enabling users to choose the different modes for Marbel’s power circuitry, like the starter mode which limits the top speed to six miles per hour or an `eco’, mode which dynamically adjusts power output to the maximize range.

 In addition to this, the app also provides various other convenient features like an anti-theft mode that prevents the board from being used when locked with the app and a map showing the riders exactly how far they can go before the Marbel battery dies out. Marbel has also chosen to build a Wi-Fi hotspot in the board instead of connecting through the Bluetooth and this decision could prove to be a problem for riders who prefer to stream music or other media over a mobile data connection at the time of riding.

The design team had envisioned the Marbel Board replacing bikes and cars for short commutes as well as urban travel thus eliminating the worry over fuel cost together with parking issues which is the most prevailing issue at the moment.

Apple updates Support Communities forum with instant search box, streamlined UI

Apple Updates Forum Style Support Communities Webpage

It has been reported that Apple has recently updated its forum style Support communities’ webpage with a new dual-purpose text input which has the capabilities of both searching as well as posting, together with a fresh look which is more in line with other pages on the corporate website.

 The change to the Apple Support Communities site is a huge central text entry box which rolls out in search function with submission of question and till date, these two assets were separate entities. The updated search box being instant, dynamically runs searches for relevant topics for discussion matches when users edit in text, with a list of possible hits from the Communities websites.

Another option is that the registered members havinga valid Apple ID can also type in a query and have it posted to appropriate forum with the click of a large button indicating `Submit my question to the community’.

New Exploration Features 

Other changes comprises of new exploration features which enables users to a browse the Community pages by way of topic and category with options which include past and current software, iCloud developer forums together with tutorials and much more.

Revamping of forum views has also been done with a sliding carousel bar at the top of each page indicating popular threads and discussions within a particular section.

With the new social features, Apple now has quick links to `Activity’, at the top of the redesigned site thus making it easy to be on top of forum, one is interested in, as well as view likes from other users.

`People’, tab, which is another quick link, enables users to search for forum members with links to redesigned profile pages for each of them.

Much Cleaner and More Streamlined

With Apple’s flip to its new design for its Support Communities forums, users can now discuss problems and troubleshooting products through Apple’s website.

This updated Apple Support Communities design has brought about a much cleaner and as well as more streamlined feel and look which extends through the Support Communities sites inclusive of the individual forum pages.

Besides a redesigned user interface, Apple has also build in new social features with improved search engine in the Support Communities site where the search bar displays question when user type and submit them.

Apple has been working in offering a more consistent online presence by way of building site design changes which would incorporate fewer text links and more iconography.

New Layout – Tailored to Touchscreen

Apple Support Communities will bring together all users from across the globe to discuss Apple’s products and topic, as conveyed through an official introduction. Moreover, the Support Communities would provide a huge amount of information with regards to Apple hardware and software products to enable users to get the most from their purchases while at the same time also help other Apple Support Communities’ users in answering their questions.

With most of the customers reaching the corporate’s website through iPads and iPhones, this new layout seems to be moving towards a tailored to touchscreen instead of a keyboard and mouse input.

Rumors swirl around Apple’s iPhone 6

Rumours regarding Apple’s much awaited iPhone 6, is mounting up and though an official release date has not been given by Apple, it is reported that the features in its upcoming release of the iPhone continues to swirl with many coming up from different sources adding more credibility to the presences of the features in the updated versions of the favourite smartphone.

In the ultra-competitive market for smartphone, the release of the iPhone seems to be a critical one for Apple to maintain its market and several industry observers are looking forward to various significant new features in the new iPhone.

Apple has been facing stiff competition in the market of its smartphones with the Android operating system. In April, Android held 52.5% of the market when compared to Apple’s 41.4%, as per the updated research from analytics specialist comScore.

iPhone with Larger Screen/1GB RAM

It has been reported by Reuter, the Wall Street Journal and Forbes that the new iPhone would have a larger screen which would measure around four inches diagonally. Several other outlets have also reported about the new iPhone which will have the A5X chip, the same chip which is now found in the iPad.

Besides this, the new iPhone would also have RAM of 1GB up from the 512 MB of RAM which is normally found in the iPhone 4S which will enhance the performance with the combination of these two factors.It is assumed that the new iPhone would be running iOS 6 as the operating system and would probably be launched this month at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference and iOS 6 would be the next release of Apple’s mobile operating system.

Moreover the new iPhone having access to 4G cellular signals, would also be able to connect to 4G LTE networks enabling users to upload as well as download data more quickly.

Sapphire Display – Enhancing Protection 

This feature has been provided since the iPhone 4S does not have it, though the new iPad offers this feature. It is also reported by analyst Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets who had the opportunity of touring the facilities of Apple suppliers, that the new version will be having a sleek look which may require a Unibody case which is an extruded aluminium case found presently on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

The iPhone 6 is rumoured to be having everything from its screen size, release date and its camera technology. Apple is expected to use a sapphire display for the iPhone 6 which will cost Apple a bunch of money no doubt but will provide a device which would be impossible to break or scratch and the material would be enhancing the protection that is not currently found on any of the iPhones which Apple has been selling.

Apple remained unavailable for comments on the `when and what’, of the latest entry though based on observations and track records by industry analysts as well as observers, the added features looks to be reasonable bets for the latest iPhone and the same is expected to be released sometime later this year.

Apple – Refreshing the iMac Line-up

A recent report from French blog site, MacGeneration has revealed that Apple would very soon upgrade the iMac and will be refreshing the iMac line-up most probably by next week which will be accompanied with speed upgrades.

With four flavours of Apple’s ultra-thin all in one, the site has portrayed the potential upgrades such as: the $1,499 21.5 inch 2.9 GHz version which would see its CPU speed increase by a full 3 GHz while its Turbo Boost feature that automatically manages individual cores of the processor for improved power efficiency as well as performance would go up from 3.6 GHz to 3.7 GHz.

According to MacGeneration, the $1,299 inch 2.7 GHz would have no changes. While the $1,799 27 inch 3.2 GHz variant would be increasing its processor speed to 3.3 GHz together with a Turbo Speed bump from 3.6 GHz to 3.7 GHz, the $1,999 27 inch 3.4 GHz version would increase in CPU speed to 3.5 GHz and the Turbo Speed’s performance would grow from 3.8 GHz to 3.9GHz.

These speeds are for the basic models and buyers can upgrade the speed of both the processor and the Turbo Boost when configuring the unit by paying a small fee.

Improvements – Higher Resolution Retina Display

Since its last redesign in late 2012, the iMac has retained the same look and it has greatly benefited from minor upgrades during its processing power.

Though it is not known when Apple would be changing the design of the already thin looking all in one computer, users are hoping to get at least other improvements like a higher resolution Retina Display. Presuming the details of the report to be true, presently, it seems that with this latest upgrade to the iMac, it would not be offering a Retina Display option.

Rumours have been coming in for some time that Apple would be bringing the higher resolution Reina Display to the iMac and a 5,120 x 2,880 pixel wallpaper image which has been released by Apple somewhere last year had hinted that a Retina display would be destined for the iMac together with external monitors.

Apple to expand the Technology to iMac

Apple’s MacBook Pro line-up for long had been supporting a Retina Display like the iPhone and iPad and potential buyers are going through frustration since Apple has not yet expanded the technology to the iMac or the MacBook Air.

 From a recent clue from Appleinsider, it was suggested that this would be the year for the Retina Display iMac and a code discovered in the beta of Apple’s recently announced OS X 10.10 Yosemite OS shows higher resolution setting for an unknown computer which would be the iMac.

Soon Apple would be releasing the new iMac models as per insider sources and instead of fancy new Retina displays, the upgrade is expected to be little more than minor processor speed bumps. Moreover, according to some sources speaking with the France based MacG website, the processor speed upgrade may also come with an updated Thunderbolt 2 connector along with a little price drop

Apple’s update for Virtual Currency Transaction

Apple has now updated its iOS App Store guideline enabling software developers to include virtual currency transactions in their application like Bitcoin which had previously been banned.

Apple had previously opposed Bitcoin and other crypto currencies and Bitcoin wallet apps inclusive of Blockchain which had been removed from its App Store leading in a backlash from bitcoin community.

Videos on social site Reddit started appearing with displeased bitcoin supporters destroying Apple devices due to the banning of Blockchain and a subsequent petition with a move to reinstate the wallet app was supported with 6,000 signatures.

Nic Cary, CEO of Blockchain responded to a query on Twitter with regards to when a new app for the iOS would be expected to which he responded saying that it would be as soon as Apple re-approves the same and Tim Cook would get to know that Blockchain is wanted back in the App Store.

In Compliance with all State & Federal Laws

The update which was issued recently states that the `app may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions’.

Apple had not specified which virtual currencies had been approved though many are presuming that Bitcoin would be included as it is the most widely used virtual currency presently.

The policy change is considered as a significant shift for Apple and the company did not initially consider the use of virtual currencies within its application but had eliminated a number of Bitcoin wallet apps from its App Store.

Apple had offered no explanation for this and no option to appeal but rather stated that the removal was due to an unresolved issue.

Virtual Currencies Built on Shared Software

The removed apps, Blockchain which had been available on the App Store for two years had been downloaded more than 120,000 times and after Apple had removed the app, several people had posted videos of themselves destroying their iPhones.

Gliph developers Rob Banagale had also told Bloomberg that he was planning to submit a revised version of his app to Apple which would restore its ability in sending and receiving payments in bitcoins.

Virtual currencies are built on shared software which mines or generates coins carrying out complicated calculations operated on computers and are not backed by any government of central bank. They are bought and sold on a peer to peer network independent of any central control.

Bitcoin a more Interesting Value Proposition 

It was reported that satellite TV operator Dish Network would be accepting Bitcoin payment from customers from the third quarter and would be joining companies like Overstock.com and Zynga for virtual currency acceptance.

Cary was of the opinion that as a result of Apple’s treatment of bitcoin app in its Apps Store, it would be playing catch-up with rival mobile operating systems and developers would not be quick in embracing the iOS platform.

It is unknown whether the outcome of this will lead Apple to focus on its own virtual currency but Cary states that there would be nothing innovative about iMoney and bitcoin seems to be a more interesting value proposition.

Apple’s Brand New Xcode Programming Language

Apple recently unveiled Swift, a brand new Xcode programming language which is said to be superior to Objective C, considering it to be fast, modern and interactive. With plans to gradually retire the long used Objective C, Apple will be introducing the programming language known as Swift for designing apps and application to run on Apple iOS devices as well as Apple Macintosh computers.

Apple demonstrated the Swift playground where developers could write code with display of results shown as soon as the code was written. Apple states that Swift was designed from ground up for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch.

Swift was designed to be intuitive and easy to use as popular interpreted language like Python and JavaScript keeping in mind the speed and the flexibility of compiled languages like C++. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who introduced the language to the surprised audience at the company’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference, held in San Francisco recently, he stated that besides being fast and modern it is also designed for safety enabling a level of interactive development one may not have envisaged before on the platform.

Swift for Basic Apps – Social Networking/Advanced 3D Games

Swift could be used for basic apps such as social networking or even advanced 3D games with the new `Metal’, graphics optimization since it can be operated with Objective C enabling developers to seamlessly interchange languages. Cook also stated that Swift was designed to do away with entire categories of common programming errors.

Swift includes generics enabling developers to get more done with less code written wherein an entire list of images was loaded with a simple line of code. Besides generics, it also includes modern constructs like closure, type inference, multiple return types, operator overloads as well as other time saving capabilities which the developers may want to see in their language.

Moreover it also enables developers to see the whole history of a value over time while the application runs. Swift has full control of time where the developer has the capabilities to fast forward or backward and see how their app might react in some situations.

Swift has Power of Objective C

Swift will have complete Xcode support when shipped while a language guide is already made available on the iBookstore to developers, where they can submit apps written in Swift to the App Store when iOS 8 will be launched later this year. Several Apple developers were thrilled with the Swift news and applauded Cook on the introduction to the language.

Though Apple has done a good job of maintaining the language and its developer ecosystem, Objective C tends to suffer from undue complexity in several ways according to program director for software development research at IDC, Al Hilwa. A programming language, Objective C, was based on C, which on its own is difficult to master.

 Moreover, the approach which Objective C takes in passing messages within an application or between applications is also difficult to learn. Cook also informed the audience that Swift has the power of Objective C without the burden of C and also compared some benchmarks which portrayed Swift code running much faster than Python and as quickly as Objective C.

Apple’s design history by industrial designer Hartmut Esslinger

Apple Likely to Unveil iWatch Soon 

There is a possibility that Apple may unveil an iWatch somewhere later this year though it would not be the first time that the company has considered a wrist worn communicator as per a recent published Apple’s design history by industrial designer Hartmut Esslinger. According to an image from Esslinger’s book entitled `Keep it Simple:The Early Design Years of Apple’, portrays a keypad which is designed to be worn on a user’s wrist which pairs with a wireless headset and the image is one of those excerpted from the book which was published by German weekly Die Zeit. Apple is said to be coming with the wearable segment with the rumoured iWatch and while the company has managed to keep thing under wraps, Esslinger’s disclosure has given food for thought that it is not the first time that the company has developed a smart wrist watch.

Monolithic, Foldable Workstation in Box Concept

The keypad has around twelve key in all, one each for the number 0 to 9 and which appears to be one key each for star and pound. The headset on the other hand is a single earpiece design which has in integrated microphone that could curve around to the wearer’s mouth. Besides this, it has a monolithic, foldable workstation in a box concept, based on the Lisa and large looking prototype has a full Lisa computer, a monitor together with a telephone and printer all in a single package. Both these pieces follow the `Snow White’ design language which Esslinger had created at the request of late Apple CEO Steve Jobs in 1984. At first the designs appeared in production with the Apple IIc and the company started phasing Esslinger’s work out after the release of the Macintosh IIfx in the year 1990. While Esslinger joined Apple in 1982, on an exclusive contract, he left the company after Job’s exit. He followed Jobs to NeXT though he did not join Apple again on Jobs’ return in the year 1997.

Keep it Simple - Authentic Incident between Hartmut Esslinger & Steve Jobs 

`Keep it Simple’, is the authentic incident between Hartmut Esslinger and Steve Jobs that originated in 1982 leading them in the partnership between the designer and the entrepreneur which became revolutionary with regards to historic dimension. Steve Jobs took the first step to make strategic design the core of Apple’s Business Strategy.

Thereafter Apple expanded from a technology focused company into one of the world’s most renowned and successful global brands which was achieved by creating and delivering innovative as well as intelligent products.

Though there are many books about Apple and Steve Jobs, many professionals all over would want to be in his shoes, or would even want their company to be as successful as Apple and hence they absorb account of his work with the intention of getting the magic recipe from these books.

This book relates the account of Apple’s evolution from the inside with its initial conception when Steve was driven by his power of design and developed the strategic core of Apple’s business model. Besides, the book is for all Apple users, fans as well as critics who can get to know about the origin of the products together with the brand they favour so much portraying the story of the most amazing creative journey overcoming various obstacles both within and across the wider technology industry.

Apple helps to Prevent Misdirected Messages/Emails

A recent report published reveals an Apple invention which illustrates an effective and simple way to remind users of who is on the other end of a text message of a group chat, a problem faced by people who seem to be juggling over multiple conversations at the same time. As reported by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application of Apple for Generation of a user interface based on contacts will now enable users of apps like iMessage to be more conscious of who they are talking to at any point of time thus preventing any embarrassing and misdirected messages.

Background Image during Messaging Session 

Several IM clients including Apple’s iMessage app displays just the first name or the phone number of the chat friend and at first, one may not even know who is at the other end and if engaged in a group chat with multiple individuals, one could easily lose track of who one is trying to text the message. This new invention has a contact’s image or photo which would be corresponding to the contact as a background image during a messaging session. In the case of group chats, the text is overlaid on one or more images corresponding to the contacts that are involved during the conversation.

System capable of recognizing contacts

Generally the system tends to recognize that a user has received or is probably about to send an iMessage email, MMS chat or any similar correspondence and then identifies contacts which are associated with that particular message. The background image which relates to the contact or contacts is then used to create a background on which the whole conversation tends to take place and when a contact does not have any assigned photo, a female or a male avatar could be used since the system then selects gender based on stored contact information. When the appropriate image is selected, the background can then be generated by enlarging or stretching, cropping, tiling or even adjusting the image to fit into the messaging screen’s space.
Alpha Blending and Desaturation
Additional modification such as alpha blending and desaturation can blend the image in the background enabling the user to concentrate on the active conversation text that may include the time stamps, usual names along with other familiar UI assets.The capabilities to dynamically modify imagery background is useful and helpful in group chats for instance a slot can highlight the image which may be associated with the user who has sent the most recent response. Alternative, a colour image selected could be displayed while the other participants could be displayed in grey scale thus differentiating the last sent message. The idea behind a updated published Apple patent filing would be appreciated by anyone who has ever sent text messages to the wrong person
Animated Transition
Severalvariations on group messaging comprises of image thumbnails which are arranged in a Cover Flow style with rotating carousel or contact cards that have animated transitions. The remainder of Apple’s filing goes deep in the system implementation which includes discussions of API which would open the door for third party apps in order to access the technology. The UI patent application of Apple’s image based messaging was first filed in 2012 with credits to Enrique E. Rodriguez as its inventor.

Apple to Unveil the Next Incarnation of iPhone series in August

Apple traditionally unveils its new phone each September but now the tech giant would be unveiling its new smartphone earlier than expected and Apple fans awaiting the two new iPhone in September will now get the same a month earlier, sooner than expected, according to a new report.

Apple it is reported will be unveiling the next incarnation of its popular iPhone series in Augustthis year a month earlier than industry watcher were expecting according to Taiwanese media report, citing unidentified supply chain sources.

The company will now be showing off its new iPhone 6 at an event to be held in August and release the device then along with larger iPhone with a 5.5 or 5.6 inch display to be launched in September. People involved in the supply chain had also confirmed to Reuter that they would be having a 4.7 inch version of the iPhone 6 as well as 5.5 inch version.

Taller/Wider/Slimmer with Fast Processor & Improved Camera

According to Economic Daily News reports which revealed without specifying which market would be receiving the phone first, a 4.7 inch screen version of the iPhone 6 would be reaching the stores in August while the 5.5 inch or 5.6 inch screen version would be released in September as the previous iPhone 5 series.

The Economic Daily News reported that together, around eighty million iPhone 6 handsets would be producedduring this year and the next generation iPhone would be taller, wider and thinner than the existing iPhone 5 models. Besides a larger screen, the next generation iPhone is expected to include a thinner profile with a faster processor and an improved camera and according to Peter Misek, Jefferies analyst, he claims that Apple had been negotiating last month with carriers to increase the price of iPhone 6 by $100.

Regain Market Share 

The iPhone’s screen size from 4 inches would also enable Apple to regain market share from competitors like Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd according to industry watchers who have stated that they have responded to consumer’s need for more screen space though Apple could not be reached for any comments with regards to this issue.

Besides, Apple, no comments were also available from representative for Taiwanese iPhone contract manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision Industry Company Ltd; as well as smartphone camera lens maker Largan Precision Company Ltd; who had been mentioned in the Economic Daily News report.

Attempts to Branch to Overseas Markets 

Images of the iPhone 6 were also posted on Chinese network Wei Feng probably from the iPhone component factories at Foxconn in China which portrays a thinner smartphone that has a wider screen. The company had sold over 500 million units of the iPhone all over the world since the product was launched in 2007 though the company is under tremendous pressure from investors as well as competitors to unveil updated types of products.

The company had also made several attempts in branching to overseas markets with its iPhone 5C, a more affordable than the iPhone 5S and without a wireless contract the cost of iPhone 5S would be $649 while the 5C was priced at $549 though it failed in the emerging markets from customers who would have been interested instead in the updated versions of phone.