Chinese iPhone Users Hit by 'KeyRaider' Malware

iPhone had commanded a safe and sound to be true a secure history in its eight years of history. It happens to be the most secure smartphone till now. Most of the people resort to jailbreak the iPhone in order to download mobile apps from other online play stores. This seriously limits the security level by removing the system security features, which are made available on the iPhone by Apple. A malicious software had been successful in stealing a wide number of login names and passwords from more than 225,000 Apple accounts in China.

A security firm finds a rogue malware in iPhone devices

A security firm named Palto Alto Networks was investigating the suspicious activity found a wide number of Apple devices. During the investigation, it came across a malicious software family, which was specifically targeting the Jailbroken Apple iPhones devices for some time.

This malicious software is being KeyRaider and it has affected a large number of iPhone users in China along with 17 other nations.

How KeyRaider affected the iPhone users?

Once an iPhone user downloads and install the malware which remains hidden in the packages of codes and it offers a number of tweaks to the iPhone’s operating system. The Keyraider is designed in s such a way wherein it can easily intercept the user’s iTune’s login details and then store the same data on a remote server.

After stealing the user’s iTunes payment information and other details, attackers use it to install paid apps on other iOS devices. Palo Alto Networks had even found a separate app, which allows the users to install paid apps from the Apple app store of cost and till now this app has been downloaded more than 20,000 times. The payment from this free app is being done by the KeyRaider’s victims.

How serious is this attack?

For most of the iPhone users KeyRaider is not a big issue as long as they install only those apps, which are approved by the Apple’s app store. It should be noted that most of the iPhones are not Jailbroken but users who had already jailbroken their devices should certainly worry about the KeyRaider as it can easily steal their lognames and passwords and other things.

People who had already suffered from the damage of KeyRaider will find themselves being charged for someone else’s stolen iPhones apps. The security firm had even stated that in some cases it found evidence wherein malware was used in locking up the phone and asking for ransom.

Beware of third-party app stores

Apple devices are third most popular brand in China after the Huawei and Xiamoi as per the reports by IDC. Apple app store has a wide number security checks in place, which helps in thwarting the malicious apps from listing in the store and helps in safeguarding the iPhone users. But the third party app store doesn’t offer similar kind of security checks and controls in place which results in the distribution of malicious software.

Apple Files New Patent For Fuel Cell Battery That Could Last Weeks

Apple Files Patent for Fuel Cell Battery

A renewed patent for fuel cell battery has been filed by Apple which could power its devices `for days or weeks’ a probable step to end battery life problem and an attempt to use more environmentally friendly ways of empowering creations. Initially revealed by source, the patents clarifies that the batteries would be better for Mother Nature as well as last for days or even weeks with a single charge.

The two filings states that `our country’s continuing reliance on fossil fuels has compelled our government in maintaining complicated political and military relationships with unstable governments in the Middle East and has also exposed our coastlines as well as our citizens to the related hazards of offshore drilling. These problems have led to an increasing awareness and desire on the part of consumers to promote and use renewable energy sources’.

It further states that `due to this increased consumer awareness, electronics manufacturers have grown interested in developing renewable energy sources for their products and have been exploring various promising renewable energy sources like hydrogen fuel cells.

 Hydrogen fuel cells have various advantages and such type of fuel cells and associated fuels could probably gain high volumetric as well as gravimetric energy densities that could possibly permit continued function of portable electronic devices for days or even weeks with the need of refuelling.

Designing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems – Challenging

But it is quite challenging in designing hydrogen fuel cell systems that could be adequately portable as well as cost effective to be used with electronic devices. As per the filing, Apple has been investigating on various kinds of fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells are the types found often in cars.

However, Apple points out in the filing that building a hydrogen fuel cell which could fit in a laptop could be quite a challenge, but something that Apple would work on. The patent application which was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office defines a `portable and cost effective fuel cell system for portable computing device which could be utilised in various energy sources in providing long term power.

 Apple had filed patents on the same topic many years back and very often patents ideas do not surface in their products. Though the new patent application suggesting various different energy sources from sodium borohydride to liquid hydrogen differs little from its previous filings, its renewal could indicate that Apple is keen on the idea.

Continued Operation of Portable Electronic Devices for Days/Weeks

The filing state that fuel cells could probably permit continued operation of portable electronic devices for days or also weeks without the need for refuelling. Recently revealed in The Telegraph was a major breakthrough by British firm Intelligent Energy stating that it had installed a hydrogen fuel cell in iPhone which had the potential of powering it for a week without any recharging.

The patent seems to relate to MacBooks and constantly mentions that MagSafe connector utilised on laptop computers does not name check the `Lightning connectors used on the iPhone and iPad. Moreover, the patent also mentioned that the energy could come from a `fuel cartridge which is detachably affixed to the fuel cell system which means rather than recharging, one simply replaces the devices’ cartridge when it runs out.

Apple Patent Application Ups the Ante on Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Apple’s Patent Application on Bone Conduction for Voice Communications

According to US Patent and Trademark Office revealed on Thursday, Apple had applied for patent for technology on bone conduction for voice communications. Apple's patent application which was filed in February 2014, though not published till recently defines a method of improving voice quality in wireless headset using freed earbuds of a mobile device.

As defined by Apple Insider, it terms a system, where the voice input is accepted by one of the two earbuds and depending on the perceived quality, it is then passed on to a mobile device. Inertial sensor which tends to monitor the vibrations in a user’s bone structure as well as the range of other sensors helps in informing which signal to use.

Bone conduction tends to transmit sound via subtle vibrations instead of through speakers generally with an increase in clarity. The patent tends to follow the design model which Apple had attempted in bringing about to most of its devices and accessories – simplicity. It could also propose a natural progression with the company’s 2014 acquisition of headphones maker Beats, while enhancing the earbuds contributions.

Earbuds Accountable for Noise/Wind level

According to research manager of wearable and mobile phones for IDC, Ramon Llamas, has mentioned in an email that `this is something like Apple taking a hint from what the other vendors have done earlier and which has been Apple’s mode of operation in the past – to see who does it well and then attempt to do it better than the others.

We have seen this with smartphones and are now seeing it with watches and if the product reaches market, Apple will be doing the same to the Bluetooth headset industry’. Apple had noted in the patent application that its earbuds would be accountable for noise and wind level identified by internal earbud microphones.

Moreover, the earbuds could combine the information with accelerometer output battery level as well as earbud position data as per the application. Apple has mentioned in its patent application that `the invention usually relates to improving the voice sound quality in a wireless headset with untethered earbuds of electronic devices by determining which of the earbuds should transmit the acoustic signal and the inertial sensor output to the mobile device’.

Environmental Noise – User’s Speech Incomprehensible

Using the acoustic signal as well as the inertial sensor output received from one of the earbuds, user’s voice activity could be detected to perform noise reduction and generate a pitch estimate in improving the speech quality of the final output signal’.

As per the application, a shared complain with hands free devices is that speech caught by the microphone port or the handset comprises of environmental noise like the secondary speakers in the background or it could be other background sounds.

 Environmental noise tends to make the user’ speech incomprehensible and hence tends to degrade the quality of the voice communication, which is a problem that Apple intends to solve. Apple had declined from commenting on the patent application.

The present patent shows on-going work in bone conduction technology as Apple had filed a similar application for accelerometer assisted noise cancellation last September and the company is yet to bring in such a device to the market. Its most innovative earphone designs tend to rely on cables, excluding devices that are developed by Beats.

Apple will host next iPhone launch Sept. 9

The most awaited event for this year is finally here, Apple will be launching its next iPhone on September event in San Francisco. Exactly a year ago, Apple had launched the bigger iPhone 6 and now it is time to launch new devices with tradition. Invitation for this event started coming out on Thursday with simple tease: “Hey Siri, give us a hint.”

Apple hoping to boost its sales

It should be noted that two third of the Apple’s revenue comes from the sales of iPhone followed by its other devices and web based services. In order to keep the revenue steady it is necessary for the Apple to keep introducing new devices in order to generate desire among the consumers. Apple has been selling millions of mobile devices each but in the recent times it has seen slowing down of sales largely due the rise of Chinese Smartphones manufacturers and saturation in the world mobile market.

The other major device in Apple’s portfolio is the iPad, which is going through a bad phase in sales. The quarterly sales of Ipad are declining with each passing year and Apple had recorded six periods of low sales in a row, which is highly alarming.

Apple launch event will brings tweaked iPhone

Just a year back Apple had launched new bigger iPhone which boasted huge advancement in the hardware and design but this year focus will be bringing tweaks and functionality enhancement as seen earlier with ‘S’ cycle launches. The major example of ‘S’ cycle change or tweaks is the introduction of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant with the launch of iPhone4S few years back.

It is expected that Apple will be bringing its relatively new ForceTouch technology to its other devices. ForceTouch technology debuted last year with the iPhone 6 allowing it the ability to differentiate between the hard and light taps on the screen. Apart from this Apple will be bringing tweaks with a fast processor, better camera and more color options for the users.

Apple TV can even make a debut

We had long being hearing about the Apple TV and last time it was expected to be revealed at the annual developer’s conference in June but it was pushed back for unknown reasons. Later on it was revealed that Apples had failed to broker any deals with the TV programmers to bring some content in time. This time Apple is expected to launch the Apple TV box along with an internet based television service for its users. Apple was first to pioneer the thought of binging a service of internet delivered TV but it kept pushing it back and now this service has grown considerably with increased accessibility.

Apple might reveal new bigger iPads

Apple had long kept the tradition of holding separate events for its tablets and smartphones. And usually iPhones are announced in September followed by iPad in October. This time they might surprise us by launching both the devices together and users will be able to see the upcoming 12.9 inches iPad Pro in September event.

iPhone 6S to Feature Animated Backgrounds Like the Apple Watch

Apple Watch’s Animated Wallpaper in iPhone 6s & iPhone 6 Plus

As per the latest news, Apple has plans in bringing the Apple Watch’s animated wallpapers in its upcoming iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. According to source, Apple Watch owners have the option of animated jellyfish, butterflies and flowers backgrounds, the new phone wallpapers is stated to feature koi fish, flowers and coloured powdery smoke.

Images of what seem to be yet-to-be-assembled iPhone 6s Plus box has been posted online on Chinese site – cnBeta, which is complete with image of a gold and black butterfly koi. The latest models tend to benefit from a new 12 MP camera with potential of shooting 4K video with the front camera capable of recording 1080p video at 60fps, 240fps in slow motion mode together with flash support.

The updated phones would also be having Force Touch technology that can detect how hard the user is pressing and enable various actions that need to be carried out. The technology, according to the reports will permit menu `shortcuts’ which enable users in discovering options on menus, quickly. The most widespread rumour is that the new generation iPhones would see the introduction of new rose gold model.

New Box – Touch Pad Remote/Extra Inbuilt Storage/Siri

Media invitations for press event for September 9, have been sent by Apple, where chief executive Tim Cook is expected to introduce a revamped Apple TV box set together with the new phones. The new box is said to feature a touch pad remote, with extra inbuilt storage together with Siri voice control for browsing as well as selecting programs and films to watch, in light of latest patent filing.

It is expected to run a TV optimised version of iOS 9 together with a refreshed interface and for the first time it would be opened up to the app group. Apple is predicted to unveil a software development kit – SDK which would enable developers in building apps. Presently only a few of the third party programs tend to feature on the Apple TV and introducing a SDK and App Store would probably expand this considerably.

Moreover, it would also be supporting HomeKit once Apple confirms that Apple TV would be acting as a central hub for connected home appliance which includes ecobee thermostats, lighting kits as well as smart sensors.

Animated Flower Wallpapers – Hand Sculpted Resin Model

Internal email leaked from Vodafone staff indicates that the new handsets would be going on sale on 25 September with pre-orders which would be accepted from September 18. Recently, Apple had brought the Watch’s animated flower wallpapers to life with hand sculpted resin model in all the 24 windows of Selfridges in London.

 These ranged from 200mm to 1.8 metres in height, wherein the flowers comprised of purple passion flowers, pink peoneys as well as white nigella. According to a report by 9To5Mac, there is a possibility that the new iPhone would be featuring animated wallpaper and if this turns out to be true, they would be of the same family as the `motion’ wallpaper that are found on the Apple Watch.

An image of the new iPhone 6s Plus box had been leaked recently featuring a picture of a golden koi fish as the phone’s background. Source 9To5Mac warns that the animated wallpaper feature may be dropped before the iPhone 6s is formally introduced though the site speculates that the existence of the fish on the packaging materials indicate that the feature has been confirmed.

Is your iPhone taking Blurry Photos? Apple Launches Scheme To Replace Faulty iSight Cameras For Free

Apple is all set to replace the faulty camera on the iPhone 6 Plus free of cost. After the successful launch of the iPhone 6 handsets in 2014, some of the users were left in lurch by finding faulty cameras, which gave just blurry images. This problem is found in only a small number of devices, which were shipped between November to January.

Features of Apple iSight Camera

Apple had used a latest version of iSight rear facing camera with enhanced capabilities. iSight camera comes loaded with Apple designed highly efficient lens with a large aperture of f/2.2 which allows more light than the previous models. iSight has garnered praise for its auto image stabilization tool along with other features like autofocus and auto white balance.

iSight camera also comes with a one of kind Optical Image Stabilization features which exclusively take four shots and merges them together in a single image for much better clarity and fineness. This camera works on an A8 chip alongside M8 motion co processor for measuring the motion data and gyroscope. This design and specification allows iPhone 6 Plus users to take very still pictures without worrying about the shaking hands.

iSight Camera malfunction in Apple Iphone 6 Plus

The malfunctioning and faults in the iPhones 6 cameras were reported way back in November last by the disgruntled users. The affected iPhone 6 users stated that the automatic and manual focus was not working at all but front facing camera was free from any problem. As a result of this fault Iphone cameras were brings unstable and blurry images even when the users is perfectly still to take pictures.

Apple has finally given heed to this problem and it had stated on its official website that affected handsets will be revamped in upcoming days. The numbers of affected handsets are quite limited in serial number range and were sold between the time-span of September 2014 and January 2015.

Check whether your iPhone is eligible for camera replacement

Concerned users can check out their iPhone’s serial number by going to the setting, General and reading the About section. Just copy this serial number and paste in the online tool on the Apple’s website to see whether you are eligible for camera replacement or not. Apple had made it clear that it will entertain only such handsets, which are working order, and all the phones with faulty camera will be first examined before proving any revamp.

Apple had made it clear that its replacement of faulty components is complete free of any cost or charge. iPhone users are just required to visit their Apple Store and get their camera replaced within a short time. Apple had advised its users to make a back up of their data to iTunes before proceeding further with the replacement. Apple warranty coverage program provides three years of cover on the iSight cameras and it applies only to the iPhone 6 Plus.

5 Common Problems iPhone Users Have and How to Fix Them

iPhone is a highly popular Smartphone filled with awe aspiring features and utility but it does have its own shares of problems. Here are top five annoyances, which iPhone users have to deal with on everyday basis.

iPhones are marred with low storage capacity 

Most of the people face a low storage capacity trouble after accumulating a number of photos, documents and other stuff either by downloading or uploading in the iPhone. Deleting contacts or doing away with priceless photos and documents is not an option at all.

Use the Apple’s iCloud storage facility to save your digital files cramming up the iPhone or iPad devices. It is the best way of saving space as well as data in the online cloud storage and you will be able to clear up a considerable amount of space on iPhone.

Predictive text doesn’t aid in texting 

Texting on the iPhone is quite a task in itself. Predictive texting makes it tougher to text with complete freedom and happens to take a considerable time apart from causing occasional embarrassment. You can do away with the Predictive texting by shutting it off by going to the settings, then click on keyboard followed by setting the Predictive option to off. Now you can easily type faster without the need of going back, erasing and retyping the things you wished to say in message.

Below average battery 

Screen brightness is the major factor, which reduces the iPhone battery apart from surfing, chatting and other tasks. Dimming the screen brightness by little bit can extend the battery life to a whole new level. Apps running the background are also major battery reducer and it should be noted that pressing the home button doesn’t actually kills an app rather it remains working in the background. Shut down your devices then boot it up and quickly press the home button twice. Swiping left on the screen will now showcase all apps which are currently suspended on the device.

Delete photos smartly rather than archiving them 

If you open up your Photo gallery then you find a large number of unwanted photos like blurry ones, close shots or other useless pictures. Delete the unwanted pictures and clear your photo gallery in a smart manner. In case you happen to delete some good photos then iPhone OS comes to your rescue with the feature of recovering the deleted photos. Go to the Recently Deleted album and retrieve you accidently deleted photos but don’t forget to empty the album in order to save more space.

Reading on the iPhone device is tough 

iPhone by default uses a standard text size which might seem quite tiny to some of the people. It is not easier to read with a tiny text and same problem persists with the keyboard as well. This can be eliminated by going to the setting, general, accessibility and turning on Bold Text and Larger Text feature in the iPhone. Now you will be read easily through multitude of text and increase the utility and usability of the iPhone.

How to Use YouTube to Promote eCommerce Products

YouTube can do more than simply host cat videos and personal fail compilations. It can be used as a strong platform to host videos regarding the products you sell on eCommerce sites. These videos can then be used on a myriad of other social media profiles as well as your own website or blog.

Demonstrations and How-Tos

Demonstrating how to use a specific product can be greatly beneficial to encourage sales. Informational content regarding the product or service can help consumers understand what the product is and what it can do. Perhaps you could create future pieces based on efficient uses for the product to help enhance you're site's reputation. Demonstration and how-to videos are often some of the most sought after content on the Internet.

Use Social Networking

YouTube incorporates a wide variety of social networking on every video on the system. From Facebook to Twitter, the most popular social media sites are represented allowing viewers to share the video on many different websites with a few clicks of the mouse. This is also beneficial for you as you can share your own videos in this same manner on the social sites you have a presence on.

Embedded Code

Once your video has been uploaded, you can copy and paste the provided HTML code in order to embed the content onto your website. It can be customized for virtually any size dimensions allowing you to perfectly fit the video onto any page. You can also remove player controls and showing suggested videos as well. This means the video on your website can not be used to watch other content or inadvertently show competitor videos.

Descriptions

On every video you create, make sure that you're descriptive regarding its content while providing links back to your website and the page of the product or service you're demonstrating. This makes it easier for YouTube visitors to find your material while giving them backlinks to visit your site.

Monetization

When you develop your own content without the use of copyrighted music or imagery, you can monetize it in order to generate some ad revenue. Although you might not make a lot of money, it's still a worthwhile process - especially if you create a video that goes viral.

Companies such as SecureNetShop can help you develop websites that are ideal for video integration. Not only does it make your site look more attractive, but you could engage YouTube visitors that may not know your company exists. From the overall design of your site to the merchant shopping cart you use, everything involved in the day-to-day processes of your site plays a role in its success. Take advantage of YouTube and it's capabilities to enhance your business platform.

Nanoparticles with Aluminium ‘Yolks’ Could Enhance the Life-Span of Rechargeable Batteries

Aluminium `Yolk’ – Rechargeable Batteries With Longer Life-Span

Due to aluminium `yolks’ in the batteries, mobile phone batteries of the future can have immense upgraded capacity as well as lifespans. A team of researchers at MIT and Tsinghua University in China have located a way of developing electrode comprising of nanoparticles having solid shell with internal `yolk’, and have apparently solved an issue with present rechargeable batteries which understands that performance tends to considerably deteriorate after repeated charges.

The invention could improve cycle life according to the team, providing a boost in the battery’s capacity as well as power. According to results, the recently developed lithium-ion battery is more resistant to the damage triggered by frequent charge cycles.

While the present electrodes tend to degrade over a period of time after growing and shrinking in size with multiple charges, the aluminium `yolk’, filling of the latest design nanoparticles tend to permit increased growth causing less damage to their titanium-dioxide shells. This latest technology not only introduces rechargeable batteries with longer life-spans but it could also have an effect on how long future batteries could hold out between each charge.

Impressive Performance

Though the scientists are still on lab experiments on the technology at the moment, they have expressed confidence in the study owing to the relative low cost of the materials as well as the simplicity of the manufacturing system.

According to an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, David Lou, `these yolk shell particles portray very impressive performance in lab-scale testing and the most attractive point of this work is that the process seems simple and scalable’.

 The latest findings, that utilise aluminium as the main material for the lithium-ion battery’s negative electrode, or anode has been reported in the journal Nature Communication, in a paper by MIT professor Ju Li together with six others. The team has reported that the use of nanoparticles with aluminium yolk together with titanium dioxide shell has been recognised as the `high-rate champion among high-capacity anodes.

The present lithium-ion batteries which are the most widely used form of rechargeable batteries tend to use anodes which are made of graphite, a type of carbon. Graphite has charge storage volume of 0.35 ampere-hours per gram –Ah/g.Researchers have, for many years explored various options of providing greater energy storage for a given weight.

Aluminium – Low Cost Option

Lithium metal for instance have the tendency of storing around 10 times as much energy per gram though could be extremely dangerous and capable of short-circuit or even catching fire. Silicon as well as tin has a high capacity, however, the capacity tends to drop at high charging and discharging rates.

Aluminium seems to be a low cost option with theoretical capacity of 2 Ah/g. However, aluminium and other high capacity materials, according to Li, tend to expand a lot when they get to high capacity and when they absorb lithium; they then shrink while releasing lithium.

The expansion and the contraction of aluminium particles tend to generate excessive mechanical stress causing electrical contacts to disconnect. Moreover, the liquid electrolyte in contact with aluminium also decomposes at the required charge/discharge voltages.

 It forms a skin known as solid-electrolyte interphase- SEI, layer which would have been alright if not for the repeated huge volume expansion as well as shrinking, causing the SEI particles to shed. Owing to this, previous attempts in creating an aluminium electrode for lithium-ion batteries had not been successful.

The First Hydrogen-Powered Battery That Will Charge Your Apple iPhone for A Week

Intelligent Energy- Developed Working iPhone 6 – Built-in Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Intelligent Energy, a British technology company has claimed a main smartphone breakthrough by inventing an iPhone that can remain without recharging and runs instead on a built in hydrogen fuel cell. The company had developed a working iPhone 6 prototype comprising of both a rechargeable battery together with its own patented technology in creating electricity with the combination of hydrogen and oxygen producing small amounts of water and heat as waste.

Scientists have been aware for over 175 years that the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen which can produce water can also create electricity. Intelligent Energy’s advanced version of the chemistry uses layers of steel as well as plastic which are similar to the breathable Gore-tex preferred by hikers in order to multiply the effect. The company is said to be working closely with Apple and what is said to be the first in the world, has incorporated a fuel cell system in the present iPhone 6 without any changes to the size or shape of the device.

The only differences when compared to other handsets are the rear vents for the slight amount of water vapour to escape. Intelligent Energy would be scrapping the diesel backup generators which tend to power mobile masts when India’s grid takes one of its common unscheduled breaks.

Intelligent Energy Considering Cartridges Sale

The company which is based in Loughborough would be replacing around 26,000 internal combustion engines with its own hydrogen fuel cells driving the sub-continent’s mobile setup to the cutting edge of the energy industry. Over the years, the company has built up a portfolio of around 2,000 patents and patents pending, in order to protect its version of a hydrogen fuel cell. Intelligent Energy is said to be considering on the cartridges sale price.

Executives are of the belief that for the price of a latte, a market valued as much as £300bn a year could be opened up. Chief executive of Intelligent Energy, Henri Winand, who has refrained from commenting on rumours of Apple’s involvement, had said that `to their knowledge, this has never been done before.

 He has informed that they have achieved in making a fuel cell which is so thin and can fit in the existing chassis without the need of any alterations as well as retaining the rechargeable battery. This has been an important step and if one intends moving to a new technology, one will have to give people a path they would be comfortable with.

Refuelled Through Adapted Headphone Socket

Seen by The Telegraph at Intelligent Energy’s Loughborough headquarters, on the prototype fuel cell iPhone, hydrogen gas is refuelled through an adapted headphone socket. The company is creating a disposable cartridge for the commercial launch that would slot in the bottom of upcoming smartphones and comprise adequate hydrogen releasing powder for a week of normal usage without the need for recharging.

The company’s corporate finance chief, Mark Lawson-Statham has stated that `their view is that this is out for a couple of years though it’s’ about how soon their partners would want to press the button and get on with it. Apple has refrained from commenting. Intelligent Energy has been selling fuel cell charger already, known as Upp, solely through Apple Stores.

How Apple's Force Touch could change the way you use your next iPhone or iPad

Apple’s Force Touch – A Pressure Sensitive Display

The next iPhones of Apple would be announced next month which will be an `S’ year which means that if Apple tends to stick to the pattern it observed since 2008, the 2015 iPhones would maintain the same simple designs as the previous year’s model and concentrate instead on `under the hood’ enhancements. The big feature this year seems to be the Force Touch, a pressure sensitive display together with vibrating haptic beneath.

Apple had already released its two products this year which had Force Touch with each showing off their potential successes as well as pitfalls on what seems like Apple’s most prominent new technology of 2015. By definition haptic means any interaction involved with touch though there is a difference between advanced haptic and the vibration one gets on the phone. Rather than a buzz, one would feel a single tap or changing intensities of ripples.

Force Touch is a combination of pressure-sensitive display together with haptic feedback underneath. Game controllers such as the Xbox One tend to utilise the advanced haptic to develop rumble feelings as well as controller feedback. Apple’s Force Touch is appealing due to the introduction of a pressure sensitive touch display and most of the everyday touch screens presently available are not pressure sensitive.

Force Touch Trackpad – Send Variable Levels of Pressure

Apple Watch has Force Touch built in its display. The new Retina MacBooks, the Pro as well as the 12-inch have Force Touch enabled trackpads though they feel totally unlike from each other. The MacBook’s’ trackpad feel same like a regular trackpad though its click is a delusion – it is really using haptic.

A nested double click occurs between the first click and what occurs when one press down further, that extra second click tends to trigger contextual action such as a variation of right click. On a site, it tends to bring up definition of words or phrases one may highlight. At the time of video playback, it could organise change playback speed.

Force Touch trackpad tends to send variable levels of pressure though presently its use is being discoveredsubtly. However, it feels like a real button click. The software keyboard with Force Touch on an iPad will be very interesting.

Bigger Screened iPad Pro – Worked with Haptic Feedback/Force Sensitive Display

A bigger screened iPad Pro that had been rumoured for years worked with haptic feedback, force sensitive display together with a special stylus.

This proposes true pressure sensitive drawing and painting for artists, a feature which has made specialized styluses as well as input pads beneficial for graphic design. Microsoft Surface Pro already measures pressure sensitivity with the stylus as well as the Samsung S-Pen on the Galaxy Note 5.

 However an extra layer of feedback through haptic on the iPad could be utilised in developing sensations of textures or could sense borders or layers. Apple needs to make sure that force Touch does more than stand in for the type of touch and hold actions which exist already to bring up menus, or pull up extra actions such as deleting apps or copying and pasting photos as well as text. It is essential to feel like a useful, extra dimension of control and to be well integrated across apps and iOS 9.

Apple's New Blueprint for Your Next iPad

Blueprint of Apple’s Rumoured iPad

There was a point when tablets had filled every space in the group with consumer having a wide choice but over a period of time, the markets began splitting. An image had been posted by Twitter account OnLeaks run by Steve Hemmerstoffer, the site editor for Nowhereelse.fr, a French news site which has posted various reliable leaks in the past regarding Apple’s earlier iPads prior to their release.

Should his blueprint tend to be accurate, the upcoming launch of the 12.9 inch screened iPad Pro would measure about 12 x 8.7 x 0.2 inches. It would be larger than the iPad Air 2 with regards to length and width where the iPad Air 2 is 9.4 inches long and 6.6 inches wide though it is just slightly thicker at 0.28 inches thick as against 0.24.

The blueprint of Apple’s rumoured iPad that was leaked online, portrayed the tablet’s full dimension with an idea on what it could look like. He notes that though the blueprint dates back to December 2014, there could be a possibility that it could be out-dated and is not sure till Apple discloses about its next iPad which normally occurs in October.

Second Port/Inclusion of a Stylus/Split Screen Multitasking With iOS

Besides its larger screen and thinner frame, the next iPad is said to have a second port as indicated in a leak from Dutch blog VandaagApple. Rumours regarding the larger iPad has also revealed the inclusion of a stylus and would be probably introducing split screen multitasking within iOS, a feature which according to some was what Apple was striving to debut with iOS 8.

If the reports, rumours and leaks that have been circulating seem to be true, then this would be Apple’s largest iPad so far. It would probably be more appealing for enterprise use cases, a motivation which Tim Cook; Apple CEO had been speaking in the past. The iPad Pro’s bigger screen would be in an improved position in competing with the other tables which have been optimized for productivity such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note Pro as well as Microsoft’s new Surface.

Apple’s next tablet will be having a number of changes over its earlier models. Beside the larger screen size, the addition of Force Touch to the UI will enable easy access to extra options as well as settings while using application. The rumoured use of a digital stylus will support the creative process on the large screen.

Success – Low Margin Devices

When the tablets had first been introduced, computing landscape was very much different from what it seems currently. The main factors of mobility were reliance on laptops in doing significant portable computing jobs and smartphones with a four inch display was used for communication and connectivity.

From these it went to a nine or ten inch screen the first generation tablets were shipped with, inclusive of the original iPad and the distinctive advantages in portability as well as screen size which a tablet could offer became clear. While Android smartphones hold the majority of the market share – 82%, most of the success is around low margin devices.

Though Apple’s iPhone may not have the overall numbers, it tends to commands more profit per handset setting up Apple in gaining much of the profit from the smartphone ecosystem. If Tom Cook together with his team could perform an identical strategy in the tablet field in creating a high end device like the iPad Pro, it could draw the bulk of the profit from it and leave the low margin/high volume commodity game to other manufacturer.

A Deeper Look at the New Google

Google’s Holding Company – Alphabet

Prior to the death of Apple’s Steve Jobs, he had informed Google co-founder and CEO, Larry Page that his company had been trying to do too many things and as Page later told the Financial Times in his reply that `if they did just the same things they had done before and did not do something new, it would seem like a crime to him’. Yet Page acknowledges that Jobs could have been right to a certain extent – he would manage only so many things before too many of it would get lost in the shuffle.

These two desires , one to do new things irrespective of how weird and unrelated it could seem to Google’s core search and advertising business and still find a way in managing them to completion, explains the surprise announcement of Page’s that he intend creating a holding company by the name Alphabet. 

This would separate Google’s profitable ad-related businesses, which include mobile software as well as the video site YouTube from the company’s range of efforts on human longevity, internet access balloon, self-driving cars; the Nest connected home devices etc. where each of them will probably be a separate holdings

First Step in Fulfilling the Company’s Long-Standing Goal

However, the move, though applauded by investors, is just the first step in fulfilling the company’s long-standing goal in making Google a long term success as well as the world a better place’.According to several management experts, Alphabet would be successful if the individual project and companies would be successful enough on their own to become freestanding companies, ultimately and the new corporate organization qualifies that to occur though it does not guarantee it. 

At first, it is essential to dismiss the notion which Page together with co-founder Sergey Brin had developed such as the Berkshire Hathaway of the Internet, an updated version of Warren Buffett’s company. A professor at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, Michael A. Cusumano commented that `the comparison seemed to be silly and Buffett invests in existing, undervalued companies something like mutual fund is the opposite of Alphabet’s VC-style focus on risky new ventures like Calico.

New Businesses Tend to Get Short Shrift in Resources

According to David B. Yoffie, professor of international business administration at Harvard Business School, states that if Page and Brin attempt to run alphabet similar to an updated Berkshire Hathaway or General Electric, which is a more tech focused company, they would run into trouble. 

They have been running differently from successful tech companies and that he is doubtful since it is difficult to have a company structure in the tech world’. Regardless of closely related businesses, companies like Microsoft, Samsung, and IBM together with Hewlett-Packard have found it difficult to succeed. 

Moreover, they have also found it difficult to capitalize on updated products and services. According to Yoffie, new businesses have a tendency of getting short shrift in resources as well as management consideration. 

This is specifically what Page as well as Brin intends to avoid with Alphabet. Page had written in a blog post which means `alpha-bet’ or an attempt to get returns above `alpha’ – a normal target. In any circumstance, the reorganization sets Google/Alphabet on the track which may not be easy to change in the future if it does not tend to work since it will be more than a just a promise of reporting Google’s financial result and the alpha-bets separately.

Apple May Enlist Siri to Answer Your Phone Calls

Apple’s Voicemail & Transcription Service – Siri

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

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

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

iCloud Service & Siri Integration

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

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

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

Viewing Voice Mail as Text – Easy

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

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

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

Computer Scientists Introduce New Graphics Software

New graphic software has been unveiled by the computer scientist from the University of Massachusetts Amrest, which promises to deliver exciting results and a great number of application. This new software-modeling program uses a sophisticated geometric matching and machine learning which provides it the ability to mimic the human perception of style. This advanced graphics software will offer a range of powerful new tools to the users for comparing the similarity of the three dimensional (3D) objects.

Lead scientist develops smart computational techniques

The team of researchers was led by Evangelos Kalogerakis who is an expert in developing computational techniques. These techniques are used to analyze and synthesize the visual content along with focusing on the machine learning algorithms, which allow users in creating 3D models. In order to develop this new exciting software researcher drew observation about the style similarity in the art history and appraisal literature. This observation was vital in finding the geometrical elements, which include the shapes, lines, proportion, as well as visual motifs, which helped the software in understanding the stylistic similarity.

To improve the functionality and effectiveness of this software crowd-sourcing was utilized wherein more than 2500 people participated which include the ordinary people to artists. The aim of this crowd-sourcing was to present object’s style comparisons by studying the responses which happened to be more than 50,000 on seven structurally diverse categories.

These categories included buildings, lamps, cutlery, furniture, dishes, lamps, architectural pillars and coffee sets. This test was a complete success with human correspondents agreeing on its style similarity on an average of 85% of the time.

New graphics software brings more favorable design within short time

Being a software tool, the responses generated by the human evaluations were excellent with 90% of agreement rate. Which means this software was able to process the design of different structures and offer an end result which was excessively favorable as per the human perception. Kalogerakis was upbeat by this result and even stated that this software can become the next alternative style expert on providing suggestions of objects to populate the home, dining or even the virtual reality environment.

The future prospects of this new graphics software
 
For a long time computer graphics algorithms are being used to create movies, games, visual effects and augmented reality environments. It is even used in manufacturing real objects or designing architectural scenery. But with the advent of this new algorithm far greater things can be done with much more precision and effect than we can do now.

This software graphics tool can be used for exploring the databases of digital representation of buildings, pillar and other surrounding objects as per the style attributes. Creating content for the computer games will becomes much easier and advanced while the augmented reality can be simply populated with more advanced virtual objects as per the style taste. Robots running on this computer algorithm can easily recognize their environment and can maneuver new ways to move around and pick objects.

Apple invents stylus capable of simulating onscreen textures through haptic feedback

Apple’s Patent Application – Touch Implement with Haptic Feedback

A new patent application of Apple submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office plans an intelligent news stylus which would bring about onscreen textures on devices such as the iPad. The patent application for `Touch implement with haptic feedback for simulating surface texture’ specifies a stylus input device with on-board electronics which tend to enable it to sense contact with a touchscreen, collect information with regards to displayed texture and output vibratory feed related to said texture.

The stylus employing haptic technology could also connect to devices through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The stylus tends to contain contact sensors, to control when the device touches down on a target surface, while other implementations depend on capacitive sensors, pressure sensors as well as cameras in determining when it touches a target surface like the iPad’s touchscreen.

The sensors like photodiodes could be used to determine textures such as wood, glass, cotton, paper, silk and much more. When a texture is determined, the touch implement tends to activate a haptic feedback mechanism to communicate corresponding vibrations, auditory signals to the user. Feedback profiles could differ based on textures, which means rougher depicted textures could activate more dramatic vibrations while surfaces such as glass could raise little to no feedback.

Granular Experience – Feedback Profiles Changes Dramatically

Apple has recommended an equally granular experience wherein the feedback profiles could change dramatically as a stylus moves over varied portions on the surface of the screen. For instance, user would observe differing levels of feedback as they wrote on a scene showing wood, glass and parchment.

Moreover, the system is capable of adjusting haptic output created as it senses changes while writing pressure, angle or orientation. Patent application of Apple was first filed for, in January 2014, for a stylus with haptic feedback and credits go to Jason Lor, Patrick A. Carroll and Dustin J. Verhoeve as its inventors. The company’s texture-reading patent application quotes the same inventors together with Glen A. Rhodes.

In a related patent which was also published recently, Apple summaries a stylus input which works in the reverse to the method mentioned earlier, wherein instead of simulating sensed texture via vibratory feedback, it uses a camera module in its tip to interpret and record physical characteristic of virtually any object or surface, reproducing those properties that is visually on a computing device.

Apple to Debut Branded Stylus

In some embodiments the light tends to bounce off an object and passes through the clear tip or lens gathered by an embedded photo sensor and the image data is passed to a connected device to be processed in order to reproduce a three dimensional versions.

This includes image textures, colours and shape. Besides the exact object reproduction, the system is ideal in capturing textures as well as mapping them to graphical tool for illustration, photo editing or CAD software. Reports have indicated that Apple is gearing to debut a branded stylus when it reveals a larger 12.9 inch iPad model which is expected to be launched sometime this year.

Ming-Chi Kuo noted KGI analyst is of the belief that the initial release would be a simple model without communication potentials or on-board sensors with much advanced structures coming up in the succeeding generations.

First Look: The ONE Smart Piano

The One – Unique Digital Piano

Ambitious musicians intending to learn playing the piano can now check out `The One, which is a unique digital piano using iPad to compensation the learning curve connected in being proficient with the instrument. Usually to learn to play the piano one would need tutorials from a professional person. Digital lessons are now on the rise and this is a good means of learning to play the tune.

Earlier, several tried innovations were utilised in teaching tools such as Ion’s Piano Apprentice which was a system wherein LEDs were used on a 25-key, keyboard to guide the student in learning the skill. However the system was unrefined and the app it functioned with were not good at instructions. The new entry – The ONE Smart Piano’s new keyboard together with the accompanying lessons are an improvement to its predecessorsboth in terms of hardware as well as software.

`The ONE’ tends to ship in two versions, one a full size 88-key version with weighted keys which are velocity sensitive while The ONE Light is a 61-key, keyboard with non-weighted keys. The ONE Smart Piano models unlike the old Piano Apprentice which was sold at $69 are well made serious instruments, where lessons can be downloaded in a dedicated iOS app.

Classic Lesson – Video/Instructor

A classic lesson comprises of a video together with an instructor playing and showing the structure of it while teaching fingering with the LEDs on The ONE’ lighting up to guide the learner. Then turning off the LEDs enables the student to play unassisted which is similar to live teacher training the student. The iPad can get connected through a lightning cable though MicroUSB cables which are also included for Android usage.

The USB cable, a rather unusual choice, is a 3.0 desktop connector which is not seen before at the host end and lightning at the other and it is not clear on the option of using the on-the-go – OTG cable arrangement instead of the USB A connector that would have been available from all manufacturers. The app provided in The ONE Smart Piano with the ONE application enables the user to make a choice between Video tutorials, LED guided practice and KARA Game.

LED Guided Training

The LED guided training is a more traditional type of piano practice. The app tends to display sheet music, emphasizing the note on the staff display portraying the LEDs on the keyboard wherein the left hand notes turns to blue LED while the right hand notes indicated are in red LED and a female voice calls out numbers to support with fingering. Staff note exhibiting together with LED on the keyboard do not tend to change till the student plays them.

The staff music can be availed for in-app purchase at a cost of 99 cents. KARA Game is somewhat similar to Guitar Hero or Rock band for keyboard and the game seems to handle single player or two, playing sitting on the bench. The ONE, inspite of some very minor shortcomings, seems to be a very good learning tool for those interested in mastering the skills in playing the piano.

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

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

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

The New Advancement In iOS 9

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

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

More Features Integrated In iOS 9

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

Apple Is Counting On User’s Feedback

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

Apple iOS 9 Gets A Warm Reception From Users

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

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

Apple Eyes Remote Control Personalized Via Fingerprint, Retinal Scan

 

Apple’s Remote Control – Fingerprint/Retina sensor

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

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

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

Technology Extended to Media Centres/Desktop/Tablets ……

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

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

Biometric Technology Adaptable/Universal

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

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

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

How to Enable the iCloud Drive App on iOS 9

 

An Updated iCloud Drive - Hidden App in iOS 9

An updated iCloud Drive setting in iOS 9 allows a hidden app that helps in managing the entire file library. Users could go to Settings >iCloud > iCloud Drive > Show on Home Screen and after activating one will find a new icon on the home screen for the iCloud Drive application. Before the iOS 9, the only option to access files that were stored in the iCloud Drive account was on using a certain app for a specific file type. iOS did not have the dedicated app to view the files and it was frustrating for several users. iOS 9 provides an optional iCloud Drive app wherein it services as a file browser for all the files that are stored in one’s account. Once the iOS is updated, users can enable the iCloud Drive app with a few taps such as

• Launch the Settings app on the iOS device
• Scroll down till one finds the iCloud listing and select it
• Tap on iCloud Drive
• Set the show on home screen switch to the `On’ position
• Press the home button on the device.

Functions on `Need to Know’ Basis

A white shiny icon with the iCloud Drive logo will show up on the home screen and on launching it, users can find the stored files that are available to view and edit. On the other hand if one tends to forget to enable the iCloud Drive app on updating, iOS then displays a prompt after some time asking if you would like to enable it. If the same is chosen but would not want the icon on the home screen you could follow the steps that are outlined to disable the app.

Apple, as a consumer hardware as well as software company has always shown users the functions on a need to know basis and at sometimes, hiding functions from view in order that everything works without user intervention. Apple is now changing that course with iCloud Drive where its cloud storage service which was released last year with iOS 8 and Mac OS 10.10.

According to 9to5Mac, it reports on an iCloud Drive app hidden inside the iOS 9 beta. Though not visible by default, one can bring iCloud Drive in view with simple toggle and thereafter view as well as manage the files stored in with Dropbox or Google Drive which will appear as an app icon on the phone together with the other apps.

Free Storage of 5GB for Files/Photos/Backups

Users of iOS 8 could only view the files from within the app which could be accessed through iCloud Drive. Yosemite enabled users in managing all their iCloud Drive files in a different folder which was similar to Dropbox as well as the other cloud storage app. Apple has been offering users free storage of 5GB for their files, photos as well as backups of their iOS devices. Though the app may not look much in organizing the files in a centralized iCloud Drive, the app makes it quite easy to access and would even make iCloud Drive a handy means for workflow. The iOS 9 public beta is available presently and the full version of iOS 9 would probably be launched later in the fall.
 

iPhone 7 Could Have 4K Video Camera And Special Recording Modes

Next iPhone – An Ungraded Camera/New Recording Modes

According to leaked information, the next iPhone of Apple features an upgraded camera together with new recording modes which will utilise the phone’s Force Touch screen. The details of the latest phone seemed to have been revealed in a deleted post from one of the employee at Foxconn that makes most of Apple’s hardware.

It appears that Apply would release a pink iPhone with an extra high resolution camera together with Force Touch screen which enables it to know how hard it is being pressed. According to information leak, the camera will comprise of a 12MP sensor for photos and would also be able to take 4K video. Similar to the camera in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, it would be a little extended from the back of the phone.

While utilising the camera, the Force Touch feature which would be built in the screen will be capable of controlling extra methods of either triggering a burst of stills at the time of filming or switching from photo to video mode as per various translations. For long, the Force Touch had been expected to come to the iPhone since its launch in Apple Watch as well as the new MacBook, and it is rumoured that Apple has already put such phones into production.

Hustled with Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor- 30% Faster

The phone would also be hustled with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor which would operate for about 30 percent faster. Its feature enables the screen to work as a type of a button with additional options. Being introduced with the Apple Watch and MacBook, it was eventually expected to make its way to all devices of Apple.

According to Bloomberg, the company has been working on the screens for the iPhone for at least two years. However, supplies are gearing up to make them possible, well ahead of the launch of the iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 this autumn.

Besides this, the phone would be having more RAM making the processing much faster though it will have the same volume of storage capacity. The pink phone of Apple had been rumoured some months back which has been confirmed by leaked information. While some rumours have indicated that it would be a rose gold colour, like the more expensive Apple Watch, others had indicated that it will be pink aluminium.

Pink iPhone 

The company is also said to be trying other new colours and it is rumoured that it is experimenting with the pink iPhone which would not be the first in the colour. The iPhone 5c seemed to have pink in its range of colours and though Apple seldom presents new colours to its line-up, recently it had brought a new gold colour in its range which has been rolled out to most of its products.

Apple is known to release its new phones in autumn, the recent one being announced in September. Besides the new screen technology, the new phone would probably look like the existing iPhone 6 and 6 Plus according to Bloomberg and would be available in the same 4.7 inch and 5.5 sizes. This would probably be helpful in reducing the manufacturing time regardless of the complexity of the new screens.

Microsoft Windows 10 Free Upgrade

 

Microsoft’s Free Upgrades – Windows 10

Microsoft has recently announced that they will be offering free upgrades to Windows 10, the next version of its operating system, first for Windows 8.1 users and then for Windows 7. According to Microsoft’s executive vice president of operating systems, Terry Myerson, the company would be upgrading any devices running Windows 8 to Windows 10, for free, during the first year of availability of the software. This free upgrade would also be applicable for Window 7 devices as well as Windows Phone 8.1 devices.

The price of the software for the upgrade after the one year window is yet to be announced by the company. Myerson had stated during the unveiling event of Microsoft’s Windows 10 in Redmond, Wash, that they think Windows as a service and now developers could target every Windows device. It has been designed with a view in convincing consumers that Windows is worth the effort and Windows 10 is an attempt in clearing the slate clean after missteps with Windows 8 inclusive of the new start menu that drew complaints from users of PC who missed greatly the traditional menu.

Simple Upgrade Benefit Window 10 Adoption

Windows 7 is run by more than half of all desktops users in the world and around 20% still tend to run XP, which is a fourteen years old operating system. Windows 8.1 on the other hand is yet to reach 10 percent. Hardware companies have been giving away software upgrades in order to keep their users secured to their ecosystems, where Apple for instance has made Mac OS and iOS free together with several of its productivity as well as photo management tools.

A simple upgrade path would benefit Windows 10 adoption instead of dealing with a number of various versions of Windows and other upgrade cost where most of the consumers could take this free update and have the benefit of running the updated version of Microsoft. Myerson had also shared Microsoft’s vision for Windows as a service and not just an operating system, a major part of which is its new commitment in keeping devices reliably updated all through the `supported lifetime for the device’. This indicates that those upgrading from Microsoft’s earlier versions of Windows would be receiving updates constantly to keep it up-to-date as possible.

Enable Developers to Target Every Windows Device

Myerson also noted that it would enable developers to target every single Windows device, when they build apps and make it easier for them to reach more users which would be appreciated by the developers as well as the users. Michael Silver of Gartner stated at the research firm’s annual technology conference that `if Microsoft wants consumers to update and keep up-to-date it would mean that Microsoft is going to have to give those consumers those updates for free and there is no other way to do it.

 He further added that `a consumer would not be giving Microsoft a credit card and ask them to charge for a new release whenever one come out and it is very likely that consumer releases will be free’. This would be affecting Microsoft’s bottom line, and Windows 10 probably will be the nameplate for the OS for years much more than the usual three year cycle for major upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 8, where free would mean that consumers would not have to pay to upgrade their PC’s operating system.

New Editions Enhances Sales

Constant free updates and upgrades would be putting the computer makers in a bind since generally they tend to rely on new editions to enhance sales especially to consumers. Silver’s debates that Windows 10 if not free itself, should offer free updates to consumers, came with some forty five minutes presentation where he together with his colleague, Stephen Kleynhans discussed on the future of Office and Windows before a standing room crowd at Gartner Symposium/.ITxpo 2014. The two placed Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Microsoft’s promise of steady stream of updates in the context for business which had shied from Windows 8 and is being urged back into the fold with promises that Windows 10 will be what its successor were not. Some of the queries raised by users are:

Will it run XP programs

Windows 10 would be running most of the old Windows programs where the compatibility could be checked by running GWX, the Get Windows 10 app. Microsoft does not have information with regards to every device or program for Windows though it has a comprehensive list of know issues on compatibility. XP programs not running Windows 7 could probably run in Windows 10.

 Free copy of Windows XP to run in XP mode in Windows 7 Pro is provided by Microsoft which gives many years of transition to updated programs though not intended as a permanent solution. Users could continue using XP in current Windows 7 system till 2020 at the user’s risk. Alternate option is that one can run XP in a virtual machine in Windows 10 or else use a separate XP PC which not connected to the net.

Why is it free

Microsoft is giving some money from the fairly small number of those who buy Windows upgrades and in return with a hope of getting more of them in using the same version of Windows instead of having a rough figure of 1.6 billion users spreading over Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Vista and Windows Phone.

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

iPhone 6/iPhone 7 – Identical Case

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

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

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

Smaller Motherboard in Same Case – Improved Battery Life

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

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

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

Addition of Force Touch

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

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