Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop

Recent reports reveal that Google has unveiled its latest version of Android known as Android Lollipop at its I/O Developer Conference in June this year.

There seems to be a lot more with regards to the updated operating system which features a redesigned user interface referred to as Material Design together with improved lock screen as well as notification menu. Moreover it also delivers an improved battery life together with great performance. Google’s latest entry is a big release and is the most significant visual Android update since 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich which was released in the year 2011.

It provides the foundation for the growth of Android as a platform beyond smartphones and tablets and Google is making headway in pushing Android forward as the future software. Its focus lies in making Android connected to every device where the users interact with and Lollipop is the first plunge in getting there.

Google’s latest announcement of the world’s most popular mobile platform came up after an extended testing and preview period and Android 5.0 Lollipop has been debuted on three new Nexus devices namely the Nexus 6 smartphone, Nexus 9 tablet and Nexus Player streaming media device. These will be available on the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 as well as Google Play Edition devices,this forthcoming week.

Largest And Ambitious Release on Android 

Google has described Lollipop as its largest and most ambitious release on Android, touting its flexibility and states that it would want Lollipop to excel across several platforms. Lollipop’s noted features are in the form of visual enhancement as well as user interface changes and the platform has new and more fluid animations together with cleaner design accompanied with a bolder colour palette and revamped multi-tasking menu.

 It also offers new methods to interact with your voice. The Material Design initiative is for the purpose of unifying the software’s look and feel across a variety of form factors. Several new Material Design features are seen in recent updates which Google has launched for its own Android apps like Google+.

Besides visual overhaul, Lollipop also brings over 5,000 new APIs to be tapped into for developers and enables multiple different Android devices with several form factors for improved performances.

Protection Against Resetting Phone to Factory Defaults

Google states that songs, apps, photos as well as recent searches could also be seamlessly synced across a variety of Android devices. Moreover Lollipop includes new notification controls in limiting alerts at the time of meetings etc. new battery saver mode which are capable of running through ninety minutes more of life between charges, multiple user accounts, new ways to secure the device through trusted Bluetooth connections and guest user modes.

Protection against resetting phone to factory defaults is also included in Lollipop which has been created to make it difficult for phone thieves in using stolen devices. All these features have been installed by several Android device manufacturers on their smartphones and tablets though Google is ensuring to make sure that they are part of the core Android experience

Apple TV – Hub of Digital Home with Twitter and Facebook Integration

Developer notes connected with the updated beta software for Apple TV relates to the device used to `test HomeKit with the help of iOS apps’, with implication that the Apple TV will now become the hub of the digital home.

Moreover an analyst has also stated that Apple will be working with Twitter and Facebook in bringing about these apps to the Apple TV. HomeKit had been working with Apple TV from the time of the first iOS 8.0 update as per an unknown source.

On testing the HomeKit protocol, the app developer had stated that when the Apple TV was turned on, the interactions between the iPhone and the simulated devices were quicker, reliable and smoother than with the Apple TV turned off. iOS developers have the potential to play around in the simulator that Apple provides them due to the fact that HomezKit does not work along with any present connected devices since there are no HomeKit certified devices in the market.

Viewers can expect to see HomeKit certified devices likely to show up in the forthcoming year. Apple had also announced a series of official hardware partners who were keen on building their devices to suit Apple’s HomeKit specifications at the forthcoming iOS developers’ conference in June and some of the official partners include August Smart Lock, Honeywells’s Lyric thermostat and Philips Hue light bulb.

Remote Access Point for Devices in the Home

Apple TV is a tiny box which plugs to the TV and connects wirelessly to the internet to enable access to films. iTunes music, TV programmes and much more features. The Apple TV seems to be the device which can be used to control all the devices in the home and the latest beta software includes `support for Family Sharing’ and can also be used for testing Airplay and HomeKit with iOS apps.

Apple TV would probably be a remote access point for devices within the home which could be accessed through iCloud from any location. We are all aware that Apple TV features HomeKit support but this is the first time that Apple has make a reference to it with regards to Apple TV and a Forbes source revealed that the 7.0 update Apple TV provides added support for HomeKit. The source also claims that the Apple TV would be serving as the central hub of the HomeKit features stating that the `HomeKit support is built in the Apple TV firmware.’

Access to Facebook & Twitter via Apple TV

Rumours are on that Apple will also be offering access to Facebook and Twitter through the Apple TV. Chowdhry of Global Equities Research Trip is of the belief that Apple is on its way working with Facebook and Twitter in bringing those apps to the Apple TV and the addition of these apps would be part of a Social TV.

The purpose is that some TV channels would be showing Tweets using a particular hastag at the bottom of the screen when the program will be aired and with limited live content available to watch on the Apple TV, tweets could be timed so that they tend to appear at the right time schedule.

How to Free up Memory Space on iPhone

Sometimes one may run out of space on iPhone and face difficulties in taking new photos or to install apps, download music and would want to install iOS 8 but may not have the 6GB memory storage for the said purpose.

Some of the strategies mentioned here would help in resolving issues with regards to free up memory space on the iPhone. Users are aware that the new operating system contains a 1.1GB download which cannot be installed unless the iPhone has free space of around 6GB. If the iPhone storage limits are used to the maximum, users need to engage in some housecleaning in order to make space for iOS 8.

They need to identify what has been consuming the storage space which can be done by going to Setting>General>Usage which gives the user a clear indication of what has been utilising the gigabytes.

iCloud for Photo backup

To find the actual spare capacity available and to check which apps are using the maximum space, you could go to settings app and click on the` general’ tab and then select `usage’. This function would undergo some summing process indicating a list of app and how much storage space each of them has been utilising.

This will enable the user in identifying where to draw the line to limit the storage space and use it whenever it may be needed. If the user has been using iCloud for photo backup, they could delete them from the camera which would provide and create more space on the phone, though by doing so, you tend to rely on iCloud to keep them safe.

For precaution measures, a backup on a home computer would be advisable. One could delete them in bulk or one by one by clicking `select’, from the camera roll screen, whichever needs to be deleted.

Accumulation of Unused Musical Albums/Videos/Podcast 

Often unused app tends to accumulate over a period of months or years utilising a lot of storage. One could scroll through the menu and check on unwanted games which are not being used. By tapping and holding the icon, a small cross appears at the top left. On pressing the cross, the app can be deleted and provide more space.

Musical albums which are of no use can be deleted to make more space, which can be made available on the computer should the user feel the need of wanting them back at a later date,. While deleting music, swipe a song from right to left where a `delete’ button would appear and complete the process. Besides photos and musical albums, videos too tend to take up plenty of storage space while some app also tend to download files as in the case of iPlayer which can download programmes that can be viewed later on.

If the user has video download which are of no use to them, it can be deleted by going to the app. The usage list provides the information on any app which may be taking up large amount of storage space. Podcast accumulate swiftly and the new content gets regularly delivered to the phone automatically. In this section of the setting, one can tweak certain setting to keep a tab on the space they may be utilising and under `limit episodes, one can opt to have the recent needed episodes and can also choose to delete played episodes automatically.

New iPad Air Leaks

New images displaying parts for the new full sized iPad have been leaked much ahead of its forthcoming Apple event, wherein photos re-published by apple.club.tw blog portrays a full logic board for the new iPad Air together with parts for the new Home button with Touch ID, glass screen cover and audio control components.

The new iPad Air logic board, at first glance does not show anything new though adjusting colours of image indicate an unexpected addition, an A8X system on a chip. The new Apple iPad Air 2 shortly to be announced is rumoured that the slate is powered by an A8X chip. The A8X variant of Apples’ chip like the earlier A5X and A6X, will probably have improved GPU performance which is also an indication that Apple would be putting the display resolution to the forthcoming iPad Air 2 to the Retina HD.

This has been discovered in the updated iOS 8.1 Beta which showed user interface elements designated as `3x-ipad’. The A8 chip seems to be a powerful processor which can handle larger iPhone screen and hence it seems that the A8X would be bringing the iPad much ahead of the iPhone with regards to specifications for the first time in a few years, if legitimate.

RAM increased to 2GB – Heavy Multitasking

Though the specifics of the resolution in question are unknown, there is a possibility of Apple shipping a sharper display than the present 2048 x 1536 pixel panel. Besides, additional GPU horsepower is not the only thing the A8X would be bringing to the table, it is alleged that the RAM would also be increased to 2GB, enabling heavy multitasking.

Other novelties for iPad user would be thinner profile at 7.5mm, 720m FaceTime camera together with Apple Pay besides the Touch ID. The internal storage option is also said to be of 32GBm 64GB and 128GB.There could also be various other reasons for Apple to choose to move to the A8X on its latest iPad Air, in making the iPad far better at graphics processing than the iPhone.

Some analyst reports together with indications from the iOS 8.1 beta software development kit shows that Apple would be moving to higher resolution Retina HD displays on the iPad Air later this year, shows that the screen would be 30-40% sharper on the iPad Air.

Need of a Much Stronger Graphic Processor

With the addition of pixels across 9.7 inches screen space, the iPad Air would need a much stronger graphics processor in order to keep the device functioning smoothly during operation. The new volume control component was also leaked wherein the audio volume up and down buttons are seen on the lower end of the image displayed, but in line with some leaked shells, a dedicated mute switch though is not shown on this particular part.

At the moment, there is a lack of leaks with regards to the new iPad mini which could be due to the constraints of shipping of the new model through 2014.The event on October 16th,will also be covering sharper iMacs and MacBook together with final details on OS X Yosemite.

Hidden Graphical Assets In iOS 8.1

The newly launched iPad Air 2 boasts the possibility of achieving a higher resolution Retina Display. The renowned developer Hamza Soodhas made a remarkable discovery by sighting the hidden features within the precious Apple’s codes. His discovery has shed light upon the new iPad’s ‘@3x assets’, which has the ability to provide a higher resolution ‘Retina Display’ screens for the upcoming new iPads.

The feature of @3x assets

The assets discovered by Sood are concerned with the Clock app’s interface in iOS 8.1 beta 2 that includes the clock’s face, hands as well as the center.Sood asserts that these graphical assets are generally offered in the ‘3x iPad’, ‘2x iPad’ and ‘iPad’ designations. The presence of the ‘3x’ PNG files specifically hints at super high-resolution iPad displays.

The graphical assets of normal ‘1x assets’ and ‘@2x assets’ are necessary for building the Retina displays but the new highly evolved and advanced ‘@3x assets’ are indicative of providing a higher resolutions display screens.

The Availability Of New Retina HD Panels

While introducing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in September Apple had revealed a new pixel dense screens which were dubbed as ‘Retina HD’. The Retina HD screen does require the presence of the ‘@3x assets’ for delivering the extra resolutions in a dignified manner.

• The new Retina Display panels would be made available in 
• 1334 by 750 pixels at 326 ppi for the 4.7 inch iPhone 6& 1920 by 1080 pixels at 401 ppi for the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 Plus. 

The iOSdeveloperSood which has discovered the frameworks which contained the graphical assets labelled ‘3x ipad’ also suggest that it is highly possible that Apple would be gearing up to update its tablet with the Retina HD display panels in upcoming days.

The Current Display Panels of Apple Ipads

Apple is also rumoured to introduce the next generation iPad Air models with this upgraded display technology. However, the exact pixel density for such is kept under wraps but it would be greater delight for its consumers.

Currently the Apple iPads are loaded with the Retina Display devoid of the so called ‘@3x assets’as in:

• a. iPad Air with its 9.7 inch Retina Display with a commendable resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels at 264 ppi. 
• b. The Smaller variant iPad Mini have 7.9 inch Retina Display with similar resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels at 326 ppi.

The Future Prospects

The iPads available in the market even in its current form are already delightful, bright and colourful in terms of the display it offers to the consumers. If the Apple tends to decide upon using the Retina HD in the iPads then it would certainly take its pole position in tablet market with grace and applaud.The use of Retina HD display panels would be considered as a very intuitive and cunning move by Apple if it is done.

Apple to Implement App-Specific Passwords for iCloud

Apple will have another form of protection for iCloud accounts and the company is scheduled to implement app specific password for third party programs to the cloud service. The company has offered a two-step verification of iCloud users with limited extra barrier in gaining access to the account where the change was initiated due to the celebrity photo leaks which occurred recently.

This unpleasant incident urged Apple to secure users iCloud accounts with both two-step verification as well as app specific passwords. The change for the need of app-specific passwords was put inplace recently.

For those who are unfamiliar with this concept, the app-specific passwords are used when app or service intending to sign into, does not support two-step verification. Instead of compelling to enter the account password, the user can create a single use app-specific password and eliminate any potential for account to be compromised.

Examples of when an app-specific password would be needed, is at the time of signing into iCloud account in Outlook with the help of email app on Android device or a third party calendar app.

Use Label/Name Easy to Identify App/Device

To create a certain password, the user needs to visit the My Apple ID website and opt for `Manage your Apple ID’ and thereafter sign into the iCloud account. Next the user can click on the `Password and Security’, option towards the left area of the page.

Towards the bottom of the security option, the user will come across a new section titled `Generate an app-specific password’, wherein the user can click on the link in order to create a specific password. When prompted to give the password a label or a name, the same should be used which would be easy to identify the app as well as the device on which it will be used.

For instance, if the app has been set up on new Moto X, the app’s name could be followed by `Moto X’, which would be easy to identify which app it is set on as well as the device. When the label has been saved, a password is presented which should be entered exactly as presented, inclusive of any dashes etc.; making note that it is case-sensitive.

Set Passcode Lock for Added Security

Once the first app-specific password is created, a `History’ link appears in the section used to create the password and on clicking on it, will provide a list of passwords, represented by the label name entered at the time of creating one as well as the date it was created.

Cancelling a password will sign the user out of the iCloud account on the respective device on which the password was used. The iCloud password is intended to protect the privacy of the information that is stored in iCloud as well as the ability to locate or remotely erase the device using `Find My iPhone’.

It is essential to change iCloud password regularly in order to protect private information. If iCloud is set up in iPhone, iPad or iPod, users should ensure to set up a passcode lock on the device for added security by following these options:Settings>General>Passcode Lock.

Apple’s iOS 8 – Download Free Bing App

Apple has made provision with the release of the iOS 8, an opportunity of enabling app developers to create extensions for apps. With this extension the user can share content from anywhere, with the capabilities of adding editing tools to the Photos app together with an update to the Bing app and translate websites directly in mobile Safari.

To download the free Bing app from the App Store, all that needs to be done, is to follow the given instructions: Install the app and once the app is installed, launch Safari and then tap on the share button, swipe left on the bottom row of icons and proceed to `More’.

Thereafter slide the switch next to `Bing Translate’ to `on position and tap `Done’. Google’s Chrome app installed on iPhone prior to the iOS8 was for the purpose of translating websites. With this extension users can visit website of any foreign site and tap on the share button and then on the new Bing Translate icon which will provide the user within seconds, the translated page in the native language.

The app by default uses the same language the iOS device has been set to use but the same can be adjusted by launching the desired Bing app.

The Bing Translator

Though users have been debating that Google Chrome tends to be a better browser, iPhone users seems to be loyal to Safari and the one features which gives Chrome advantage is its ability to recognize the language of any given page, with an option to translate it to a native language.

 Safari on the other hand does not work overtime with any options for translating services. On the contrary there is now an extension which can easily be added to Safari’s share sheet for the translations which is the same as the one that was demonstrated by Apple at the WWDC’14 recently – `The Bing Translator’.

It would have been an excellent option for Microsoft and Apple to come up with a deal in incorporating Big Translator directly into Safari, which seems doubtful and hence this extension is the only best option presently.

One of the appealing features of iOS 8 is that it has provided Safari with the capabilities of supporting extensions which means, third party developers now can add required features to one of the most popular web browsers of the world.

Bing Nifty Widget – Trending Stories & Image

This could be advantageous to the users since they can add updated functions which can make their browsing on the web more convenient on their iPhone as well as the iPads.

A new feature which can be added to mobile Safari with the iOS 8 extensions is the capabilities of translating any web page into English which by default, Safari does not have the translate feature.

Hence iOS 8 users need to depend on Google Chrome for this function though one can translate any web page in Safari with the extension which is offered by Microsoft’s Bing Search app. Besides, Bing also comes with a Nifty Widget which does not translate languages, but offers trending stories and image of the day. All support and guidance has been provided on `how to add widgets on iOS 8’, at the site.

Apple and Google Criticized Over Encrypted Smartphones

Apple and Google’s policy to encrypt their smartphones will be making the rescuing of kidnapping victims as well as foil the terror plots difficult, according to US with the FBI warning them of their decision which would not be helpful in kidnapping cases and terror plots. James Comey, FBI Director, criticized Apple and Google recently for developing smartphone encryption so secure, that it has become difficult for police to access easily on information stored on the devices even in times of search warrants.

The ability to search photos, messages as well as Web history on smartphones would help in solving various serious crimes right from murder to child pornography to attempted terrorist attacks. He also commented that someday it would matter a great deal to people and help them tremendously when they would be able to gain access to such devices when faced with these situations.

Comey further added that the FBI officials had already contacted the two companies who had announced their new smartphones encryption initiatives the previous week. His comment was that `he could not understand why companies marketed something expressly to allow people to place themselves beyond the law’.

New Encryption System of Privacy Concern

Comey remarked that Apple’s latest entry of mobile operating system, iOS 8 had been so thoroughly encrypted that it had been impossible to unlock iPhone or iPads for police while Google has been moving to an automatic type of encryption for its latest version of the Android operating system which has also been unable to unlock though it would be taking longer for the updated feature to reach its users.

The two tech giants have now decided to add new encryption systems of privacy concerns which have been sparked out by Edwards Snowden’s revelation of mass government surveillance.With Google and Apple, criticized for handing over reams of customer data over to the National Security Agency – NSA, they are now offering encryption software as a form of default on smartphones stating that it would now be impossible to comply with US government searches.

Quick Access to Phone Data – Save Lives in Emergency

Apple comments were that it was not technically feasible for them to respond to government warrants for the purpose of extraction of data from devices, the announcement of which has disturbed the American law enforcement with Comey adding his criticism to the issue.

He cited two examples of situations where the quick access by authorities to phone data could save lives in emergency. He also informed reporters at FBI headquarters that the officials of US were in talks with the giant tech companies, accusing them of placing people in a position where they would be beyond the reach of law.

Law enforcement does have the capabilities of intercepting telephone conversation if they have a wiretap warrant from court, however the new encryption system would block any access to call data, photos, contacts and even emails that may have been stored on the phone.

The former assistant director of FBI Criminal Investigative Division, Ronald Hosko, stated that the encryption would be protecting thousands of criminals who intend to do great harm, to people, both physically and financially.

Apple’s Patent – Next Generation iOS Remote App System

Apple’s patent published recently reveals a next generation iOS remote app system which will be capable of translating the Apple TV’s UI to smaller format iPhone and iPad screens at the time of streaming back the external content such as movie from some of the same devices.

Apple’s patent application, as filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, for `Browsing remote content using a native user interface’, specifies what amounts to advanced Apple TV remote control app which interprets media content as well as semantic information in reproducing graphical user interface native to an iPhone or iPad display.

The patent application for next generation remote app was first filed for in March 2013 with credits to Nickolas James Paulson, Thomas Alsina and Lucas C. Newman as its inventors. The proposed iteration, unlike the Current Remote app of Apple, that employs a bespoke UI tailored especially for iPhone or iPad would size down dramatically, an Apple TV’s GUI based on semantic cues that may be sent to the client device from an Apple TV source or a Mac running iTunes.

This method enables a much enhanced user experience which moves beyond the prevailing digital reproduction of remote control hardware.

Full TV Interface/Icon Matrix

The app for instance can display a full TV interface or an icon matrix, remotely, which includes media description, ratings, posters purchasing options etc.

Moreover code for interpreting semantics boards which are sent by the host device can be kept on client board iPhone or the programming could be tapped from an off-sit server like iCloud. With semantics translation kept in the cloud, enables greater flexibility with older devices which are not usually supported by modern app.

Possibilities of two embodiments have been outlined by Apple for remote app, one of which is active and the other passive. The active version enables users to interact with an Apple TV or any other host device in real time such as any selections that are made on the iOS device tend to reflect immediately on the larger television screen.

Active/Passive Operation 

The document deals with active mode but a mention has been made of passive operation whereby a client device stores up user input and pushes the date to the host device when prompted to do so. For instance passive mode enables one user to browse through a host’s media catalog without disturbing other users.

One important feature is that it involves content collected to augment media that is played or streamed by the host Apple TV like a user starting a movie through the iOS device and then leaves the remote app to search for trivia on the web. Whatever information is gathered outside the remote control app can be sent to the host device for display irrespective of it being an overlay, other means of presentation or a sidebar.

Besides the operational enhancements, Apple has also been aware of the client devices that can be paired with an Apple TV through proximity sensor technology with support for iBeacon. With Apple TV software, the updated version 6.1 that had been launched in March, the set top streamer can scan for compatible devices through Bluetooth.

Apple Launch Soon – PayPal Split from eBay

With the launch of Apple Pay this month and PayPal’s likely split from eBay, a conflict is heading towards mobile payments. Since PayPal has been the mobile payment pioneer in late 1990, Apple Pay has to put in a great deal of efforts in convincing users to do away with their credit cards in favour of digital wallet.

PayPal’s complete break away from eBay is likely to take place late 2015 and this move will enable both the companies to be more competitive as well as focused in their own respective areas. PayPal’s app is made available for Apple, Android and Windows devices and presently only iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users could take advantage of Apple Pay and probably PayPal could work well with Apple Pay.

The CEO of PayPal parent eBay, John Donahoe, at an investor conference held recently, commented that he wants PayPal to be a presence however consumers would want to pay, indicating his willingness to work with Apple’s forthcoming mobile payments feature.

He stated `that the future of payments would be where people will have multiple ways to pay and would want PayPal to be present in every environment’.

Apple Pay – Potential Competitor for PayPal

He was in discussion about eBay’s plans to split PayPal into a separate business in the second half of 2015 enabling mobile payments businesses as well as online auction house to stress on different priorities.

Carl Icahn, an activist investor who motivated this move is keen in making the two businesses more effective and able to react to the changing dynamics of both the areas and the rapidly changing area is payments where PayPal tends to face Apple Pay, as a potential competitor.

As PayPal is gradually making its presence in mobile payments, Apple on the other hand could make an appearance and shake up the category with Apple Pay turning the iPhone into a mobile wallet with potentials of paying at the cash register.

Apple Pay is expected to go in service very soon. Apple has the advantage of good customer base together with the reputation to draw users on to mobile payment which PayPal as well as the other companies may have struggled to achieve.

Apple Pay Good for Payment Ecosystem

In early September after Apple had shortly unveiled its payment product, PayPal had taken a series of full page print advertisement in many major newspapers criticizing the company for its weaknesses in software security.

The service which is expected in the coming weeks has the technology industry trying to profit from a future where apps can use the option of replacing cash, credit cards and checks. According to Mr Collision, co-founder and president of Stripe, he states that Apple Pay could be good for all in the payment ecosystem since it increased the amount of transaction which is occurring in mobile.

 Apple Pay is expected to be available within a month, people can now pay online or in person using their iPhone’s fingerprint sensor to check out and get an experience of faster and safe mode of payment from its predecessors with several major retail chains and restaurants signing up to accept payment through Apple Pay.

Apple’s new updated iOS 8

With the disruption of the key features of the updated iOS on thousands of iPhone, Apple recently issued a follow-on version of the software in order to put things right and the new updated iOS 8.0.2 is now made available to the consumers.

Apple’s public image has been affected on the discovery that the iPhone 6 Plus can be bent, though it will now take some time to improve upon it. The company has stated that iOS 8.0.2 can fix issues that affected iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users downloading iOS 8.0.1 as well as includes improvements and fixes bugs originally in iOS 8.0.1.

The company also extended its apology for inconveniencing the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who were affected by the bug in iOS 8.0.1. The effect of the bug was overwhelming wherein on downloading iOS 8.0.1, users starting reporting that their iPhones were not capable of connecting to a cellular network in order to make calls. Besides this, the Touch ID fingerprint sensors on certain devices were not working and the people had problems in unlocking their phones.

iOS 8 Compatible with any Version of iPhone 4S

Apple acted quickly by putting a stop to the update of 8.0.1 stating that they were investigating on the issue of the problem with an assurance that 8.0.2 would soon be ready in the next few days and also issued a workaround for those users who had lost cell service or the use of the Touch ID feature.

According to the company, the problem only affected less than 40,000 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices when the latest models had only arrived recently and according to Apple, the first weekend of sales had reached 10 million of the devices which had been made available to consumers two days earlier bringing in a number of new features and fixes.

The iOS 8 is compatible with any version of iPhone 4S or later and the fifth generation iPod Touch and any iPad which has been released from the second generation while some features like Apple Pay seem to be specific to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Other changes are that the latest software tackles long standing issues with iOS’ notification system, the iCloud services and its tie-ins with Apple’s desktop OS X software.

Aim to Improve `Reliability’ of `Reaching’ Feature

Moreover it also extends into the home and health automation space with a suite of new `Kit’ apps together with developer tools. The company’s goal was to fix the bug which prevented developers in launching HealthKit app for iOS 8, in the app store as well as another bug which prevented users from uploading photos and videos from Safari.

 The update was set with the aim to improve reliability of the reaching feature on the latest iPhone 6 and 6 Plus where the `reaching’ enables the user with the ease of operating the large phone with one hand.

The update was also done to correct issues like the third party keyboards, third party app access to Photo library together with ringtones not being restored from iCloud as well as the issues caused with cellular services.

iOS 8.0.1 has also set to handle the issue which had caused unexpected cellular data usage when the devices of Apple had received text messages and to provide improved support of `Ask to Buy’, for in-app purchases for Family Sharing.

Introduction of QuickType - Improvement on Keyboard

Apple is now offering some more improvement on its own keyboard besides supporting third party keyboards, with the introduction of QuickType in iOS 8 which helps you to learn typing patterns with suggestions when correct by helping to input text in everything from text messages, to websites to notes.

Apple had introduced two types of keyboard related tenpole features in iOS 8, a third party keyboard support and QuickType predictive test. The functions of third party keyboards are the same as the mobile operating system with the replacement of the default system keyboard together with a new one, most of which tend to be similar and available at other platforms.

QuickType is Apple’s predictive text entry wherein the keyboard analyses the text typed suggesting words it believes one would most likely text the next, taking tone into account relaxed phrases and words which would be used in instant messages while emails tend to get more formal languages.

Overlooked Feature of iOS and OS X – Ability to Define Text Shortcuts

Some would prefer the option of predictive text appealing while there are others who would find the same distracting. Doing away with the predictive suggestion bar which is above the default keyboard from view temporarily is easy.

It can be done by tapping anywhere in the bar and drag downward where it collapses into a thinner gray line with a white grab handle. If the user intends to permanently disable QuickType, then the same can be done by a long press on the keyboard selector icon and slide the `predictive’ toggle off. Besides this, one can also make a trip into the iPhone or iPads’ settings app then navigate to Setting, then General, followed by Keyboard and turn off the `predictive’ switch.

To re-enable the same you could turn the switch back on. The ability to define text shortcuts which could be used in inserting longer text content is an overlooked feature of iOS and OS X. For instance one might set easily remembered shortcuts for mobile phone carrier text codes which would enable them to check balance through SMS or configure a quick option to insert email or mailing address to fill web forms.

Tips to Manage and Create Shortcuts

Managing and creating shortcuts could be done by navigating to Setting -> General -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts. Here one will see an alphabetically sorted list of existing shortcuts and adding new shortcut is simple as tapping the `+’ key in the upper right area of the keyboard where the resulting dialog prompts for two items, which is a phrase or shortcut.

 The phrase being the longer piece of text which can be inserted and the shortcut is what is actually typed. For `news@appleinsider.com’, the shortcut `@@@’, has been added. QuickType has popular and familiar functionality which have been available on several other mobile platforms for many yearsthough users of iOS who are not familiar with the feature would prefer that iOS 8 would keep its suggestion to itself.

To hide the suggestion bar of QuickType the user could open any app which launches the iOS keyboard like the Notes app which has been displayed in the screenshots. Once you begin to type, you will see suggested words which begin to pop up on the gray bar above the keyboard.

Apple – OS X Safe from `Bash’

It was revealed that Red Hat security researchers had uncovered a huge exploit in the `Bash’ command shell found in OS X and Linux named `Shellshock’ by security experts wherein the exploit enables hackers to gain access through web connected devices and service with the use of malicious code.

The exploit which was called `as big as Heartbleed’, by Robert Graham, security researcher was referring to a flaw which was discovered earlier this year in the well-known open source software OpenSSL that had affected the internet by 66% .

Apple had informed that Hearbleed had not affected its software or key services and had also released updated for AirPort Extreme as well as Time Capsule assuring users that they would be fixing the Bash exploit issue at the earliest.

Shellshock Enabling Access to Hackers 

Bash being the software in controlling the command prompt on several Unix computers,can be exploited to take total control of the system. Linux is used to everything and the bug could affect Windows, Android and IBM machines.

 According to the Director of Cyber at Warwick University, Professor Tim Watson, he informed MailOnline stating that `the impact could be very severe and it’s not overstating it to say that it’s a more serious bug than Heartbleed’.

He further continued saying that `the primary way this is going to be exploited is through the web; a hacker could use the bug to place malicious things on the website or steal information like banking details.

The bug going by the name Shellshock could also allow potential hackers in gaining accessing to every internet enabled device which could be used in the user’s home with the use of something as a smart lightbulb.The danger with regards to this is that no sooner it gains access to an internet connected device; it could jump onto others which include smart locks which can open locked doors.

Software Update for OS X

Apple has been aware of this recent discovered bash exploit named Shellshock and is striving to work quickly in providing a software update for OS X, which is the operating system running on the Mac. As per Apple spokesperson conveyed to iMore is that the vast majority of OS X users would not be at risk to the recent reported bash exploit.

Bash, is a Unix command shell and language that is included in OS X, has a weakness in enabling unauthorized users to gain control of vulnerable systems, remotely. Systems are safe by default with OS X and are not exposed to remote exploits of bash unless they tend to configure advanced Unix services.

Apple is working on ways to provide a software update for users of advanced Unix services. Most of Linux and Unix based operating systems including OS X, across the globe have been affected by the exploit and millions of computers as well as embedded devices will be needed to be updated at the earliest.

If a user is advanced enough in enabling the types of service that can be exploited by Shellshock then there is a chance of turning those services off temporarily or patch bash using Xcode.For others, they could stay informed with updates to understand that there is no high level risk at this point.

Apple Invites AppleSeed Members for AirDrop Test Fest

Apple in its note has invited the AppleSeed members to take part in a `test fest’ to focus on AirDrop function in OS X 10.10 Yosemite which is likely to be launched soon.

The company has invited several non-developer users to participate in the AirDrop Test Fest to help in fixing issues in the over the air file sharing system. Those who have been invited would have a notice inside the Feedback Assistant application combined with the public beta of the forthcoming OS X Yosemite.

Users invited to participate will be provided with guideline to test the feature and according to the notice, they will need two Macs which would be capable of running Yosemite as well as AirDrop or one Mac running Yosemite while one would be running Mavericks to test the legacy feature. Since the focus is on Mac-to-Mac transfers instead of cross platform, an iOS device is not needed for participation.

Guidance for Specific Testing Feature

Usually Apple has been restricting test fest activities only to internal teams who have been working on upcoming OS X software but has now decided to include AppleSeed developers in the preparation of OS X Yosemite launch. The Macs would need to run the latest seeded build of OS X Yosemite and if the user would care to test with the iPhone or iPad, then a device with a Lightning connector running iOS 7 or iOS 8 would be needed.

It has been reported according to a letter that the company has planned a special discussion topic in the handling observations as well as test results together with a survey prepared to guide developers for specific testing feature. The directed focus suggest that there are some points of concern which is essential to be sorted out before the completed Yosemite is released to the consumers and the survey is made available through Feedback Assistant.

Information on Right Way to Write up AirDrop Bug Report

Users taking part in the Test Feat have been asked to revert back with issues in special forum which have been set up for the event and this could probably help in avoiding any outstanding critical issue before the launch, which will be in next month. Assistance to these issues for those considering testing feat would be provided with information on the right way to write up AirDrop bug reports.

AirDrop, being one of Yosemite’s important features comes with the ability to transfer swiftly files and media between OS X and iOS platforms without additional steps in sending content through mail and like iOS 7 and OS X 101.9 Mavericks implementations, the AirDrop iteration uses Wi-Fi connection to ferry data to and fro, though it adds in Bluetooth 4.0 for quicker device discovery.

AirDrop automatically collects the list of nearby machines, including Mac running Yosemite when accessed from Control Centre in iOS 8 from which content could be shared. The desktop version too has a dedicated Finder window enabling the transport of files from Mac to iPhone or iPad. AppleSeed members are already in the process of taking part in the AirDrop Test Fest which is scheduled to continue through Sunday, 28th September.

Apple TV Support to HomeKit App

It was reported that Apple has updated its Apple TV boxes enabling them to support the brand’s HomeKit app.

The HomeKit is Apple’s attempt to make the home smarter by providing home gadgets, software which is designed to control home automation systems, by introducing protocolto communicate which can connect domestic devices from an iOS device with all the safety as well as simplicity that the iOS environment could provide.

HomeKit support was first included in late beta version of Apple TV Software update 7.0 that had been released along with iOS 8 recently. According to Aaron Tilley of Forbes though the Apple’s official update documentation was unavailable, the HomeKit frameworks did make the shipping update.

Apple has always been doing far progressive thinking and with the latest update it would be making a great leap from the computer world to the living room world in an era where Smart TV functions have begun to strain from the PC and AV environment.

Apple TV Box with Integrated Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Capabilities 

The HomeKit app control app was first introduced to Apple tablets and phone as the latest iOS 8 update though the main element was missing from the ecosystem, which was a device that bridged the gap between the domestic gadgets and the tablets as well as the phones resulting in the Apple TV box together with its integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities making its appearance.

With this latest entry, Apple TV would be the hub which will combine the fragmented smart home industry enabling users to turn on lights or unlock the door from an iPhone remotely with the help of Apple TV being a bridge device.

With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless technology as the primary technologies connected devices to communicate in the iOS environment and the Apple TV being always at home, makes it as a hub to communicate with smart devices, an ideal idea.

HomeKit First Software Salvo

With the entry of the HomeKit on the Apple TV box, there could be changes in an instant which proves that Apple is no longer making conduits which tends to simplify the access to the computer and online worlds.

Instead of keeping the home at arm’s length, Apple seems keen in getting involved in every area of the home as well as every part of the domestic life. In June, it was predicted by AppleInsider that the Apple TV was the most likely HomeKit hardware product from Apple.

Many have speculated that Apple’s HomeKit seems to be the first software salvo in the home and iLights and iLocks would soon be following it. This choice could now be more certain since millions of third generation Apple TVs are already available at individuals’ home which can serve the purpose.

According to Tilley, it was stated that anyone with a third generation Apple TV together with the latest 7.0 software update would probably have a HomeKit enabled central hub whether they are aware of it or not.

Apple refrained from commenting about the HomeKit at the summer’s Worldwide Developers Conference though it could be an indication that more developments are in the pipeline probably as early as the rumoured media event which is to be held somewhere by the end of October.

Apple’s iOS 8 - Message App – Various New Features

Messages are always stored by default on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch and sometimes the text, images, video and other media is viewed after a long time. Keeping all these could take up valuable storage space on the device.

The new feature option in iOS 8 now enables users to select the duration of messages that can be stored on the devices and the new setting will be useful in controlling the time limit of text messages and picture messages which get stored on the device.

Too many messages, a backlog of messages could accumulate over a period of time and take up a considerable amount of space not only on the iPhone but in the form of iCloud backups as well. Apple has provided an option in the first iOS 8 beta by including a `Store Messages’, option which is found in the message section of the app setting.

The message app provides various new features with the upgrade of Apple’s iOS 8 especially for those who participate in group messages which might take up a lot of space or even tend to get annoying. Users have the option of choosing to save the messages forever, for a year or just for 30 days. As of iOS 8, `Store Messages’, default setting is forever.

Message History Setting – 30 Days/Year/Forever

Long text message thread especially those which are accompanied with images tend to utilise more space on an iPhone and Apple taking this into consideration has addressed this problem in iOS 8 by including a new `Message History’ setting. By launching the Setting app, users can customize this, choose messages and change the `keep messages’ option according to their requirements of 30 days, a year or forever.

Selecting the option of 30 days or one year warns the user that the setting would delete all text messages and attachments from the device permanently once it reaches the expiration date. With regards to threads which may remain active, Apple has provided an easier option to go back and view the older attachments and access the unique functions which are available by going to the `details’ menu that is at the upper right area of a message thread.

Functions - `Leave this Conversation/Do Not Disturb’ 

User can then scroll down to the attachments section and view the pictures, video and the other media which have been sent and can also add a name of the group message thread if they intend to do so. If the group message thread tends to get annoying, a new ‘leave this conversation’, function is also available in iOS 8.

Besides this, iOS 8 also enables users to send current location of the conversation to members or even share their location for three different option of time, of one hour, until the end of the day or indefinitely. Sometime, conversation could be unwelcome or bothersome and for this issue, Apple has included a `Do not Disturb switch’, and on enabling this, notification will go on mute mode for on-going conversation making sure that the phone is not buzzing when new messages come in.

These features are besides the new quick sharing functions in sending video, audio images together with text in the new iOS 8.

Apple Watch with 512MB RAM, 4GB Storage

According to recent report regarding the latest Apple Watch which was announced at an event, there seems to be some specifications for the Apple Watch which has been rumoured to be offered with 512MB of RAM together with 4GB built in storage.

Apple was light on its technical specifications and on checking with the company’s supply chain it was found that the product would be included with the said RAM and the GB internal storage. Its details were given in a new research report to investors, recently by Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company, which was provided to AppleInsider.

The note claims that the 512 megabytes of mobile DRAM would most probably be supplied by Hynix, Micron and Samsung. Regarding internal storage, Timothy Arcuri is of the opinion that Apple is likely to offer another version of the Apple Watch which would be an 8 gigabyte version in addition to the standard 4 gigabyte version though he states that the choice on larger capacity would not be the default configuration and expects the memory would come from most of the major NAND suppliers.

Wireless Combination Chip

With regards to other internal components, he also expects that the Apple Watch would be featuring a wireless combination chip which would be similar to the Broadcom BCM43342 that is found in iPhone 5s.

 Moreover, the chip also includes a GPS radio which Arcuri states is `somewhat at odds’, with the announcement of Apple, wherein the company states that the Watch would need being tethered to an iPhone to offer GPS data.

No explanation was offered for this discrepancy though there could be a possibility that the chip could be a modified version which lacks GPS or it could be that Apply may have decided not to enable the function, with the aim on improving battery life.

Users would be expected to recharge the Apple Watch every night. Several other companies in the supply chain of Apple Watch is stated to be a wireless charging integrated circuit from Integrated Device Technology, NFC chips from NXP as well as AMS, power management integrated circuits from Maxim Integrated Products and Dialog Semiconductor, a MEMS sensor from Invensense, Wi-Fi front end by Skyworks and microcontroller by STMicroelectronics.

Launch in Early 2015

Some information with regards to the display of the new Apple Watch was also said to be displayed last week, indicating it to be a flexible OLED display with glass as well as plastic versions for various models of the Apple Watch.Apple has not released any details with regards to its launch though all that has been said is that it would be sometime in early 2015 and consumers could expect the launch before the end of the first quarter.

Though the Apple Watch was announced early this month, the company had focused on the design as well as the level of customization which was available in its upcoming wearable device instead of specifications and storage capabilities.

The pricing remains a mystery, but the company had stated that the Watch would be starting at $349 without any breakdown of sizes or collections.

Apple using TSMC for 20nm A8 chip in iPhone 6, not Samsung

Apple’s iPhone 6 & 6 Plus built by TSMC

According to recent reports, the latest 64 bit A9 system-on-a-chip of Apple’s latest iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is said to be built by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and not Samsung, its long-time partner. As the iPhone device made their worldwide debut, the team at Chipworks disassembled the models to have a closer look at the components inside, which revealed an A8 processor that had been built by TSMC.

This discovery confirms the rumours of last year that Apple would be switching away from Samsung foundries to TSMC which employs a 20 nanometer CMOS process for the present generation. Aseries SoC. As per Chipworks, the A8’s contacted gate pitch of 90nm conforming to Qualcomm’s MDM9235, which is a chip built by TSMC.

The change from Samsung to TSMC for fabricating the A series chip powering the iOS device tends to be significant since Apple had relied on Samsung earlier for the task. Besides this other discoveries include the unannounced NFC controller made by NXP dating back to 2012 with Chipworks cities insiders stating that the design was built by Apple exclusively indicating that the company had access to the silicon for around 18 months.

New Chip Power and Energy Efficient

The discovery of the A8 chip that is found in both the updated iPhone models confirms the use of 20 nm process as The Journal’s July report had indicated which compares to the 28 nm processor of the A7 chip that is found in the iPhone 5z, iPad Air as well as iPad mini together with Retina display, built by Samsung, thus making the new chip more efficient with regards to power and energy.

At the launch of the iPhone, Phil Schiller, Apple SVP of Marketing, had stated that Apple was capable of fitting the 2B transistor of the A8 in less space than the 1B transistor in the A7.

Apple’s decision to use TSMC instead of Samsung for the new A8 chip is considered to have affected the profits of Samsung earlier this year though Samsung could return to produce the chips in future. For some time now, TSMC had been expecting to replace Samsung in the A8 fabrication process.

Faster CPU Performance & Graphics

Besides this, InvenSense has also been tapped by Apple for the new iPhones’ six-axis accelerometer and gyroscope, taking over the supplier STMicroelectronics while Texas Instruments also showed up with haptics driver that were used to control the vibrator unit.Sony is also supplying the iSight chip which in iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is the company’s Exmor RS back illuminated CMOS image sensor which previouslyindicated that the chip featured 1.5 micron pixels on a die size of 4.8 mm x 6.1 mm.

Moreover, Chipworks also discovered that Apple’s phase detection system or `Focus Pixels have been implemented in the green channel. By preferring a different company in the production process, Apple’s A8 processor in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus has a faster CPU performance of about 25% and up to 50% faster graphics as informed by Apple during the September 12th iPhone 6 announcement. Consumers, recently got the glimpse of the components used in the building of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

How to Back Up Data to New iPhone 6

Apple’s latest entry, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are now available to consumers and one of the first options for these owners would be to move all their contents to their new device. Apple has provided the support with the process of backing up as well as restoring the data with the use of iCloud and iTunes.

Getting the data over to the new device is a simple process irrespective of which iPhone model the user may previously haveand they could use either of the options of iCloud or iTunes. Most of the iPhone users probably have enabled automatic backups through iCloud but if one is not sure, the status could be checked by navigating to Settings, then iCloud and finally storage and backup.

If iCloud backup has already been enabled, users could check on the `last backup. The iPhone performs automatic backups when it gets locked, or plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi and while the latest backup may be around two weeks old, user would want to run a new one before going ahead by using the option of `backup now’.

New Cheaper iCloud Storage Plan 

Apple has recently launched a new, cheaper iCloud storage plan for their consumers. If the iPhone is too big to back up a free 5 gigabyte account, one could add additional space to ensure that precious data does not get lost but restored.

Users could also use the option of iTunes if they do not want to upload their data to the cloud by connecting the iPhone to the computer with the Lightning cable and open iTunes wherein they can either sync the device or open File, then Devices followed by Backup to bring up the backup menu. To begin the backup, a right click on the iPhone and selection of Backup Now can be done.

 Restoring data from iCloud is done straightforward wherein during setup and after signing in to iCloud, iOS poses a question on the user’s desires to restore the device from a backup or set it up as a new iPhone. The option of `restore from backup’ shows up a list of the latest backup enabling the user to make a choice on what needs to be restored.

Backup & Restore Process Easy and Simple

On doing so, it will allow you to set up the iPhone without the need of connecting it to the computer and based on the size of the backup, it could take a significant time limit for download. User need to make sure to start the restore when the phone is plugged in to an external power source.

Restoring from iTunes back is also equally easy and you need to update iTunes to the latest version before connecting the iPhone to the computer with the included Lightning cable, then Choose File, Devices, Restore from Back up followed by the on screen prompts to opt for the backup and start the restore procedure.

Movies, music and photos that are synchronized from the computer are not included in the backups and hence one will have to resynchronize their handset after restoration is done. You could also subscribe to iTunes Match, Apple’s cloud-based music locker, for music wherein the service comes at a cost of $24.99 annually providing download of any song which is available in local music library from the iTunes Stores as well as those which are not sold in iTunes could be uploaded and made available to the user.

Apple's iOS 8 Released With New Features

Provision with Tips & Tricks for iPhone/iPad

Apple has granted access to Touch ID with its latest iOS with third party apps such as 1Password which could take advantage over the fingerprint reading hardware. With the preparation of the iOS 8 release, Apple has provided a set of tips with tricks to help users of iPhone and iPad enabling them to take advantage of the new functions and features offered in the latest development of mobile OS.

The much awaited feature rolled out in iOS 8 was initially introduced along with the iPhone 5s which had been opened only to developers. It has the ability to swap out keyboards for third party solution and though earlier Apple had restricted users to the main iOS soft keyboard because of security issues, now with iOS 8, users can download and check out custom solutions like SwiftKey and Fleksy.

In iOS 8, users can access few more features on a locked phone if one intends to do so. They can toggle on the Today and Notification view screens for Notification Centre. With Apple’s iOS release, its privacy expands and diversifies and this new entry is not exception where its biggest addition to privacy settings screen is in the Location Services sub menu. You have a new subsection on sharing the location with more refined control for the apps as well as new system services toggles.

Option to Permit Third Party Apps Access

Moreover in iOS 8, users also have the option to permit third party apps access to Camera, HomeKit, Health as well as Motion Activity data and the apps enabled would appear in new Privacy menu which has been named after each of these features.

The Usage as well as the diagnostics submenu which appears at the bottom of the privacy screen has a new toggle like Share with App Developers and if turned on, it enables third party developers to see anonymized crash data and the statistics on the usage of the apps.

From the point of view of app, Apple’s first party titles have updated features such as in Messages section, quick image and audio/video sharing together with deep email management in the Mail section. Besides this, Apple has also made some more addition of new Camera features enabling the world’s popular shooter up-to-date inclusive of time lapse functions, advanced exposure controls and shutter timers,

iOS 8 Features Siri

The iOS8 also features Siri which has been improved to a great extent with the virtual assistant presently supporting `Hey Siri’, hands free operation when it is plugged into a power source. While audio response has been tweaked to sound more natural, the backend is enhanced with HomeKit integration in order to control smart home products.

Besides Siri, they can also customize Notification centre with widget which have been created by third party app developers and powered by corresponding app, widgets could enable information displayed in Notification centre with the lock screen, from surf reports to sports scores which can be done with a swipe.

With the release of OS X 10.10 very soon, iOS 8 would be able to integrate through `continuity’ features namely answering the calls on their Mac, continue with text conversations as well as open Web pages and documents through Handoff with Apple’s iOS 8 now being available as a free over the air software update.

Apple and U2 to Team up for the Launch of Free U2 Album

It was reported that Apple and U2 planned to team up for the launch of Songs of Innocence with Apple’s recent product launch event and announcement of the new iPhone, the Apple Watch and a free U2 album for each iTunes user naming it Songs of Innocence.

A surprise appearance was made by U2 at the event, with a performance of a new single from the album, The Miracle, of Joey Ramone. There was a mixed up review for the free album with several iTunes users stating that they preferred to have it permanently deleted from their device and Apple has launched a tool to remove the album due to these complaints.

In order to delete U2 album, the user needs to visit https://itunes.com/soi-remove and after clicking on `Remove Album”, a confirmation for the removal will be asked. When the album has been deleted from the account, the same will not be available for download as an earlier purchase.

Should the user decide to download the album, then you would have to get it again which is free for everyone till October 13, 2014. Guy Oseary, Manager of U2 had stated that it’s a gift from Apple and if they do not like the gift, the same can be deleted. Apple has mentioned in its support page that thereafter it needs to be purchased if the need arises.

Ten Year Anniversary of U2’s iPod Commercial

Songs of Innocence, was considered to be one of the biggest albums launched in history since iTunes users had crossed about half a billion ownership on the first day of its release with Apple giving U2 huge blanket royalty fee with provision of marketing budget which was worth $100 million to give the album to all iTunes users.

U2’s thirteenth full length album is the Songs of Innocence and is the first after `No Line on the Horizon’, in 2009.This free album has been celebrating its ten year anniversary of U2’s iPod commercial and it is said that U2 plans to collaborate with Apple for the next few years and transform the way music is heard. U2 was aware that the free album would not be welcomed easily by everyone and the Irish rock band also posted a blog which said, `What a mind blowing head scratching 21st century situation.

33 Million iTunes Users

Over 500 million people which makes a billion ears and for people, who have no interest in checking us out, look at it this way.. the blood, sweat and tears of some Irish guys are in your junk mail’.

According to the Associated Press, it was noticed that over 33 million iTunes users had accessed the latest U2 album during the first six days of the release. Eddy Cue, Apple Senior Vice President was heard commenting that the figure was record breaking which included customers that had downloaded the album from iCloud or had used iTunes Radio in order to stream it.

Consumers are now not only doing away with the ownership to which they once were very close but are also openly rejecting it.

Apple Pay – Transaction Secured and Easy

Apple’s next focus on how we pay for things, end number of times, is aiming on cash and credit cards as well as online shopping. Apple Pay utilises NFC – near field chip to correlate with payment sensors at store checkouts which works on Touch ID.

This is a system built in updated iPhone which uses the fingerprint as a pass code. Apple Pay intends to make the transaction much more secured when major retailers like Target and Home Depot have reported huge breaches on the payment systems. A visit to Cupertino, California was undertaken by Gwen Stefani, Dr Dre and Stephen Fry together with a team of experts from fashion and technology to see Tim Cook, executive of Apple, unveil his latest products.

Their attention was drawn towards Apple Pay wherein Tim Cook made a statement saying `it’s all about wallet and that their vision is to replace it’. He then showed a video presentation wherein a woman was found fumbling for her card at a till, rummaging through her bag before swiping and then walking out with her goods.

According to him, Apple would make the entire process a lot quicker by simply pulling out your phone, tap the register and you’re done. This made sense to him since most of the shoppers tend to move around with phone in their hands.

Helping Consumers to Travel Lighter

To get started, Apple is on its way targeting the plastic which fills the pockets where shoppers make around 200m transactions daily with their cards and Apple is keen on helping consumers to travel lighter.

Apple Pay compatible devices are the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and owners of any of these devices could hold their card details in a digital wallet and pay for goods by tapping at the till. Apple does not seem to be discouraged with its past failures and is not a stranger to upsetting expectation.

Past experience which had occurred four years ago, when Steve Jobs, the chief executive then, had met with some universal criticism when he had set up the new iPad range where tablets were already available and consumers had rejected them.Apple proved the critics wrong and their devices with 170m units were sold while ecosystem of cheaper tablet had made their appearance.

Businesses/Consumers to Accommodate Apple Pay in their Plan

Recently, Tim Cook got his first opportunity to make his mark. After the death of Mr Job, the Apple Watch is the first new product line to be announced and the company’s step in the payment world would depend on how the present boss settles a legacy.

According to market survey it is considered that the new devices are the most anticipated and consumers would need to upgrade their iPhone 4 and 4S models which presently are the most preferred models. Apple’s iTunes platform is where users would have to sign up for Apple Pay, has over 800m users already.

Businesses as well as consumers are now looking forward to accommodate Apple Pay in their plans and Apple has gone ahead and signed up with some large names for its US launch this coming October which includes Disney, Starbucks, McDonald’s and Whole Foods.

Tim Cook’s Interview with Charlie Rose

In a recent interview with Charlie Rose, Tim Cook, Apple CEO discussed several current product lineup of the company like Apple TV, Beats and Steve’s legacy and hinted at latest products of which no one had any knowledge.

Cook admitted that there were a number of things which the company was interested in but their focus on execution prohibited the number of devices on which it could work on at any point of time.According to him there were products that they were working on and which no one was aware of with no rumours about the same.

With regards to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus being the latest handsets, he was all praise about the Retina HD displays, its speed and thinness. He had also stated that some of their products would be great Apple products while the others would probably end up being shelved. He further added that they had been trying around with lot of things internally and if one would take each of their products made by Apple they would probably fit on a small table.

Google – Company’s Biggest Rival

At the time of the interview he was heard stating about his interest in TV which he said is `stuck back in the 70s’, and TV is the one thing they continue to have interest in and that there are plenty of areas that Apple is interested in but they have opted not to work on them.

Cook named Google as the company’s biggest rival which he observed enables most of the other hardware competitors, including Samsung.With regards to Beats, Cook stated the acquisition was more than talents and made a reference to music of Jimmy Lovine and Rap star Dr Dre. He touted the firm’s Beats Music stating the streaming service’s human curated playlist provided a different feel when compared to competing services.

Twitter and Facebook are more of partners than competitors according to him and that Apple has no plans to get into social networking business. He further added that Amazon is a product company even if it manufactures some tablets and phone which is not seen in many places. He went on to talk about Steve Job’s legacy and Apple’s acquisition of Beats.

Changes with regards to User Experience

Cook was asked whether Apple had any catch up plans with Samsung in releasing its new 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch models to which he was heard answering in the negative stating that they could have created a larger iPhone earlier and that it was not about just making larger phone but with intent and purpose to make better phone in every single way.

Cook also spoke about Apple TV stating that television was an area of great interest for the company. Cook revealed only a few things which he would like to change with regards to user experience and did not share much in details.

At the end of it all, Cook made a comment during his interview with ABC News, David Muir, about Steve Jobs, Apple co founder saying that he thought of him every day. Besides, another interesting news revealed was that Job’s office had remained untouched at Apple’s headquarter in Cupertino.