It's confirmed - Your iPhone has a limited lifespan, says Apple

Apple – iPhone has Limited Lifespan of Three Years

It has been revealed by Apple that the iPhone has a limited lifespan of only three years. According to the Cupertino giant, the Apple Watch and iPhone is said to last for three years while Mac computers and the Apple TV would be lasting for four years. Apple had published on its site, recently in a new question and answer section which outlines the company’s environmental push, and released the life expectancy for different devices, together with the amount of greenhouse gases they expect to contribute in that time.

Apple considers the greenhouse gas life cycle for products by observing the hardware components, size and weight, shipping methods, daily usage patterns and disposal practices.Apple centres its lifespan expectancy on modelled use and the exact use of data. The Cupertino California Company groups its products by operating system to make lifespan projections, irrespective of other product specifications. Apple had mentioned in the report that `years of use that are based on first owners, are assumed to be four years for OS X and tvOS devices and three years for iOS and watchOS devices. In all cases, Apple is assessing first owner device lifespans.

Apple Revamped App Store – To Support Preservation

Hence if one purchases a used Apple device, the countdown has already started. An operative iPhone 5 for instance, which was launched in September 2012, could be considered as a living dead phone. Schemes whether Apple tends to build its products to die within a few years have been circulating around for years. Laura Trucco, then a PhD economics student had analysed the number of Google search for `iPhone slow’ all over the world for the last seven years and found that the search term spiked whenever a new model had been released.

In an effort to prove the theory, users of iPhone carried out test concerning phones running older software and updated forms to prove that Apple self-disrupts its out-of-date hardware, probably to inspire users in upgrading as early as possible. Apple revamped the app store recently with a range of Apps for Earth, created in business with the World Wild Fund for Nature –WWF in order to raise funds and support for preservation, as part of its new environmental awareness push.

Built Custom Content for 27 Apps

Apple had helped in building custom content for 27 apps which tend to promote the mission of WWF, that comprise of conservation of wildlife, forests, fresh water and oceans and would be donating 100% of the profit to the charities they are connected with from April 14 to 24. Likewise to Apple’s Campaign for RED in 2014, Apps for Earth includes updates to popular apps like Kendal & Kylie, Enlight and Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes.

The fact regarding the life cycles came about in answer to question regarding Apple’s Product Greenhouse Gas Life Cycle Assessment. Apple had broken down its environmental impact measurements in five segments, part by part measurements, power use scenarios, transportation cost, material composition as well as emissions data. The lifespan details had come from the power use scenario estimates.

iPhone SE Facing Bluetooth Call Audio Issues

iPhone SE Facing Bluetooth Audio Connectivity

Some units of the iPhone SE, which is the latest 4-inch iPhone of Apple, may have problems with Bluetooth audio connectivity. The iPhone SE tends to share a design with the iPhone 5s, the 4-inch aluminium iPhone which debuted in 2013. Though the iPhone 6 had accepted rounded edges together with curved display, the iPhone 5s and SE tend to have a boxier design with thicker body.

It also has chamfered edges, flat display, round volume buttons, glass antenna inserts, a power button located at the top of the device as well as a flush camera and a pill-shaped rear flash. As per some early adopters of the handset, there seems to be some problem with Bluetooth phone calls when the device tends to get paired with a vehicle or a headset.

The problem as documented by users on the Apple Support forum is not limited to the Bluetooth phone call audio but also spreads to GPS voice navigation too. But music streaming utilising the Bluetooth connectivity tends to be untouched. An iPhone SE user had posted on the Apple Support forum - `I have a new iPhone SE and have so far paired it to a 2014 BMW 328i and a 2011 Kia Optima and a 2015 Kia Santa Fe. In all cases, I have terrible quality Bluetooth call reception… the audio while on a phone is extremely scratchy and distorted’.

Bug Tends to Persist

While Apple is yet to come up with a solution or provide its official word on the matter and based on crowdsourced information, the Bluetooth bug is considered to affect most of the iPhone SE models which tend to run iOS 9.3 or 9.3.1 versions irrespective of carrier or model and is for the users in Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden, UK and US, presently.

Besides the iOS 9.3.2beta release does not seem to resolve the problem. The problem does not seem to be isolated to any particular carmaker since customers have reported similar issues with vehicles sold by various manufacturers. The iPhone SE Bluetooth audio bug is said to affect a variety of in-car infotainment systems from different carmakers, including Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Users have informed that they had tried restoring the iPhone SE, resetting network setting, un-pairing and re-pairing Bluetooth, toggling cellular data and changing SIM cards. However, the bug still tends to persist.

Hardware or Software Error - Problem Unknown

Presently, it is unknown whether the problem is due to the hardware or software error. Basic troubleshooting by the users has produced no successful resolution of the problem faced. Some of the users on the forum asserted that the support staff informed them that Apple engineers were aware of the bug and are already working to resolve it.

Some of the users who had got in touch with Apple support by phone state that they had been escalated to higher level iOS advisors who asked for log files. Few of them had received confirmation which Apple engineers were aware of the Bluetooth problem internally and though, attempts in fixing it was being done, the timeline appears to be unclear.

Apple has Created a Tablet for Your Wrist

Launch of Apple Watch 2 – iPhone 7 in September

The first group of Apple Watch is at the tail end of its life as the flagship of Apple wearable and those who tend to purchase it being an Apple product will have it already on their wrist. According to a recent research note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi-Kuo, Apple had sold around 10.6 million units during 2015 and level of sales should not be condemned.

Selling ten million of any given product is considered an achievement and there are smartphone manufacturers who cannot generate that level of sales over their total product range besides a single peripheral which needs a parent device to be bought individually.

The wearable is following the same pattern of adoption and understanding like the iPad and tends to promise a long and healthy life as a secondary product range. However it is not one that could create the sort of wealth which the iPhone could foster.

Kuo’s study highlights September as the date of the launch of the Apple Watch 2 together with the assumed titled iPhone 7, considering the synergy between the watch and the smartphone which tends to make sense from marketing as well positioning viewpoint

Basic Features – Deal with Notifications

Even with the launch of the second generation Apple Watch, the estimate of the 2016 is smaller by 7.5 million units in total, a 30% drop on the sales of 2015. This year the slowdown in sale as well as the slower projected adoption of the forthcoming smart-watch indicated that the product profile of the Apple Watch seems to be more in keeping with the iPad instead of the iPhone.

The basic features of the Apple Watch are to deal with notifications from the connected accounts, to tell the time and to provide quick access to short surges of information. Though the Apple Watch 2 is likely to have enhanced hardware, built-in Wi-Fi for standalone connectivity as well as a FaceTime video camera, it will not be changing the basic functionality of the Watch.

 Beside the hungry geekerati, the package does not provide a convincing reason to upgrade from an impeccably serviceable first-generation Apple Watch.

Reliable Device – Generate Predictable On-going Sales

As the users of the first Apple iPad had observed, the marginal gain in the next duplication of the hardware is not sufficient to hide the functionality of the original. Individual Apple Watch will be having a much longer life cycle than the iPhone and it is probably going to match the iPad with regards to hardware turnover as well as importance to Apple’s bottom line, which is a notable contribution though not a driving force.

Not every part of hardware could be a home run over the green monster. As it approaches its one year anniversary, the Apple Watch is not the revolutionary product of Tim Cook, it is not a genre defining slice of hardware and it is not going to affect any huge spike in the gross revenue of Apple. However, it tends to join the iPad as another solid, dependable as well as a reliable device that could generate predictable on-going sales all through the year.

New Code Hints Apple will Finally let you Hide iPhone Apps

Ability of Hiding Unwanted Apple Apps

Apple phones are plagued with various apps which the company has pre-installed on its device in an attempt to compel you to use them. A group of Apple’s first party apps like Weather, Compass and Stocks and most of those apps tend to go into one folder which is rarely used. For several years, Apple had been criticised for not providing its users with the ability of removing or hiding these stock apps. It seems the company intends to give its customers some kind of flexibility with its next version of iOS.

According to new settings discovered in code for the App Store, users will have the ability of hiding unwanted Apple apps very soon. App Advice discovered recently, two new flags for classifying apps `isFirstParty’ and `isFirstPartyHideableApp’. These metadata flags recommend that Apple intends classifying some of its app as `hideable’ responding to one of the user’s biggest complaints for years.

Considering that Apple’s App Store selection is so massive that there are better third-party replacements for most of the built-in apps, several users have abandoned App’s defaults for their favoured experience many years back. However, not all the Apple apps would be hideable and it is safe to presume that the dialler and messages app would need to remain on the home screen.

Apple Bundled over 30 Apps by Default on iPhones

Apple has bundled more than 30 apps by default on iPhones and it is considered safe to accept that Apple views that some of them are not used often.CEO Tim Cook in an interview last year had informed BuzzFeed News that the company was aware that most of the its users were not big fans of the apps which it ships with its devices, but had added the complexities that are in play here before it can even think above giving its users the choice to remove apps.

He further stated that there were some apps which were linked to something else on the iPhone and if they were removed, there could be issues elsewhere on the phone. There were other apps which were not like that and so overtime, he thought of removing them. He was looking at offering the capability of hiding unwanted Apple apps. Some like the weather app seemed to be useful though others like Stocks would be appealing to only few of the users.

Trick to Stop Pre-Installed Apps Filling Up

A YouTube user has revealed a simple trick in stopping these pre-installed apps filling up the home screen. A video posted by the user shows him pressing and holding down an icon for a pre-installed Apple app on his home screen.

The pre-installed apps comprise of Pages, Numbers, Stocks, Calendar, Weather and much more. When the icon begins shaking, it is dragged over the top of another icon, creating a folder containing both those apps. He then presses and holds the app again before dragging it to the right and onto the second page of the folder.

On repeating this process, a third time, the app is dragged to the far right of the folder on the third page, while keeping hold of the app with his finger; he presses the home button, resulting in the apps to disappear. He explains that the apps are not totally removed from the phone but are simply hidden from view till the phone tends to get re-started. This could result in utilisation of storage space but the trick could at least make the home screen appear less messy with icons.

Another iOS 9.3 Bug Causes Apps to Freeze your iPhone

Apple’s Mobile Operating System - Freeze

As per reports on the Support Forums of Apple and tweets to the company’s Support team, the mobile operating system which Apple had launched recently has been going through a rough patch causing iOS based devices comprising of iPhone and iPad to freeze. Last week, a forum post from one iPhone owner stated that while trying to click a link to Google GOOG-0.6% from Apple’s AAPL 1.03% built-in browser Safari or email app Mail, `the apps just freeze’.

 The person also added that nothing fixed the problem inclusive of starting the phone. Soon thereafter, many other Apple users also reported of the same problem. One poster wrote `I’m having the same issue in every app that has a link to open Safari, I was in the beta and this never happened, it was more stable then (sic) the public release’.

A video had also been published showcasing the problem in action. At this point of time, it is not known what precisely is causing the issue. An earlier report in TechCrunch that had learnt the growing Apple Support thread had pointed to some complains which the issue could have been related with an iOS 9 feature known as `Universal Links’.

Issued Fixed by Disabling JavaScript

The feature permits app developers to compel links to open directly within their programs rather than an Apple’s Safari browser. However, some of the users in the forum stated that when they disabled JavaScript, a computer language utilised by Apple’s app, it seemed to fix the issue. Whatever maybe the situation, it is just the latest fault affecting the latest operating system launch of Apple.

Apple had recently announced that it would be launching iOS 9.3 to its iPhone and iPad users. The version earlier had been in beta for months recommending that Apple had been working with developers in getting the issued resolved. But soon thereafter, users began complaining regarding the latest version of Apple’s operating system.

Some users, for instance with older devices could not update to iOS 9.3 if they did not remember their passwords and unless they tried a workaround comprising of changing their passwords through Apple’s iCloud.com, their device would be considered as useless.

Software Update for Future iOS Devices

Apple on its part accepted the problem stating that it was attempting to fix the activation error. Recently, the company had patched the issue on the iPad 2 though it said that it would launch a software update to the other iOS devices in the future.

The problem also seemed to be a kind of a black mark on the notable upgrade which included support for new Night Shift feature that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen, making it easier on the eyes during night.

The app also included enhancements to Notes, News together with other features. Users, still seem to be unhappy with the operating system which had been in testing for quite some time and are expecting Apple to resolve this issue which for some have stopped links from functioning.

Apple had refrained from responding immediately on the malfunction but a forum poster claimed to have spoken to Apple Support that stated that it was aware of the problem and that their engineers have been working on an update.

Apple Invents Modular Apple Watch Accessories That Link Together

Modular Functional Bank Links – Wearable Devices

Patent application that had been published by U.S. Patent and Trademark office provides a taste of a modular hardware ecosystem which has been developed to extend Apple Watch functions beyond its present limitations. Instead of building sensor stacks, processor together with other difficult and power hungry components right into single chassis, Apple intends breaking those units into a varied range of devices that have been sold as watch band links, connected electrically in series or equivalent.

As mentioned in Apple’s application, `modular functional band links for wearable devices, the modular designs tends to present a flexible platform wherein users could add on the features, or hardware node, according to their choice. The level of customization tends to assure power consumption and a lean internal layout, two valuable commodities in a tiny computing platform.

Apple notes that similar to any multifunction device, Apple Watch has the ability to support accessories assisting a swing value added functions and the most appealing are batteries, processor, displays, electricity generators, cameras, GPS sensors, thermometer, blood pressure sensors, sweat sensors and speakers. The standalone devices, arranged as links, tend to connect to each other and finally to the 6 pin diagnostic port on Apple Watch.

Unique Identifies to Activate/Send Data to Links

Since the modules tend to share a communication bus, Apple recommends unique identifiers to be used in order to activate and send data to individual link. For instance, a signal coded with audio identifier could be sent out by the Watch and received and processed by a speaker module when all other modules tend to ignore the message. In some embodiments the links tend to act as an external port in accepting electronic mechanisms possibly a SIM card or powered memory module.

The patent application of Apple’s modular wearable link had been first filed in February 2015 and credits Motohide Hatanaka, Douglas J. Weber, Brian Shadle, Alex M. Lee, David S. Herman, Patrick S, Wieler together with Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque as its inventors.It had been reported that Apple would be utilising the diagnostics connector as skipping off point for a class of functional accessories distributed prior to the public release of the device. Assuming that the port was capable of transferring power and data in real time, had been confirmed a few months thereafter when Apple had rolled out interactive Watch displays established on such technology at its retail stores

Backpack for Apple Watch

A precise example of Apple’s module idea has been revealed in an application for an `Auxiliary electronic device which is attachable to a wearable electronic device, describing a band accessory highlighting an internal power source as well as supporting wireless transmission circuitry. Essentially for a recharging strap or a battery extender, the device needs to be adequately slim enough to be accommodated between the wearable and the wrist of the user.

Apple tends to describes it as a backpack for Apple Watch. Visually the auxiliary device seems to be similar to Apple’s prevailing line-up of replacement straps, complete with attachments lugs together with a various clasp mechanism. Akin to the Sport Band, leather loop as well as new nylon style straps, the frame of Apple’s proposed charging device could be constructed from various comfortable heat dispelling materials inclusive of plastic, silicone, rubber, aluminium, graphite and ceramic.

Google Global Code Jam 2016

Most of the people don’t know that tech giant Google also organizes some great events which bring programmers from round the world together. We are certainly not talking about the frequently organized Android development events where Google releases new iteration of its popular mobile operating system. This is called Google Code Jam, which is essentially a programming competition where professionals as well as students from round the world take part in order to solve some complex algorithmic challenges within a stipulated timeframe.

Origins of Google Code Jam

Currently Google Code Jam is in its 13th year after the launch in 2003. This was started by the Google with an aim of identifying top engineering talents, which can play a huge part in the Google development as one of the iconic technology firm. Google Code Jam 2016 follows the same schedule wherein first of all interested programmers has to enroll through registering in the month of March. Then a Qualification Round is held in the month of April to segregate the best from the rest. This followed by a number of Online Rounds of either two hours thirty minutes to three hours. In this phase programmer grill their way through solving complex algorithmic challenges with a set time limit and their scored are calculated. Each year in the month of August Google organizes the Final event in which winners are announced and even offered a job right at its office.

How tough is Google Code Jam? 

There was even a time when seven problems were not solved in their respective round. It is worth pointing out that no one in the history of Google Code Jam has managed to get perfect score in the finals. Google ensures that problems which are chosen for this event are effectively difficult and hard to crack but there has been an incident of fastest correct submission when Sergie Fedorov of Russia solved the problem within 2 minutes and 41 seconds.

Google allows the participants to use any programming language as well as development environment of their choice to find the solution to the given problems. The only trick is that one has to come up with right solution within the giving time limit.

Prizes to be won at Google Code Jam 2016

It wouldn’t be possible to attract bright minds on a global without offering hefty prize money. Google Code Jam offers cash prizes to the successful participants. The winner of this event goes home with prize money of $15000 while second and a third placed winner gets $2000 and $1000 respectively. Consolation prize of $100 is given to all the participants who finish between 4 -26 places in this event. Participants also get one Code Jam T shirt if they finish among the top scoring 1000 from the Round 2.

Google also offers extensive reimbursement of the expenses made by the participant on the travel, visa, flight, accommodations and meals during the Google Code Jam event.

iPhone Storage Full? Free up Space with These Tricks

Guidance to Free up Space in Devices 

In the present scenario with advanced application and high-end camera developing detailed photos together with quality videos, we often encounter lack of space in our devices. Inspite of huge 64GB storage, models tend to fill up storage very quickly and we are faced with lack of storage space. The following could be helpful on how to clear some space on your device.

1. Know how much space is available 

To know about the spare capacity of the phone and to see which apps have been using the most, one could go to settings app and click on `general’ tab and select `usage’. Your phone, after some calculation will portray a list of apps and how much storage capacity each of them has been utilising. Often photographs tend to take up most of the space.

2. Backup your photos 

The best thing to do is get a backup for photos. If one is using iCloud to backup photos, you could delete them from the camera roll and create more space on your phone and one can depend on iCloud for keeping them safe. A better precaution is to have a backup on a home computer wherein one could delete them one by one or click on select from the camera roll screen, ticking as many as desired and then delete them together.
3. Remove unused apps 

Often unused apps tend to accumulate over a period of time. You could scroll through the menu and check if there are games which are not used, or any apps which do not seem to be of use. On tapping and holding the icon, a small cross will appear towards the top-left. On pressing the cross the app can be deleted, providing more space on your device.

4. Handle your music

To make more space you could delete unwanted albums which could still be available on your computer if the need may arise at a later date. In order to delete music, you could swipe a song from right to left and a `delete’ button will appear.

5. Delete videos after watching them

Videos also tend to take upmore space than albums where a few films could use up several GB of your memory. The best thing is to delete them once the user has viewed them which would help in clearing space on the handset.

6. Files Downloaded to apps to be cleared 

Some of the apps have the capability of downloading files. For instance, iPlayer tends to download programmes which can be viewed later on. It there are videos downloaded which are not needed; you could go to the app and drain them. On checking on the usage list, one will get to know on any apps which could be taking up a large amount of space.

7. Limit podcasts 

Podcasts could be great where new content, tends to get delivered to the phone automatically. However, they could also accumulate quickly. In the podcasts section of the setting, one could tweak a few settings to limit the space that is taken up and under `limit episodes’, opt for only the most recent 2 to 5 episodes. You could opt to automatically delete played episodes.

The Roadmap to Success in JEE Mains - Success StrategiesMantra

As engineering students, you all are already aware the importance of JEE Mains examination. It is the gateway to IITs and NITs, considered as the best institutes for studying engineering in India. There is superstitious belief that it is not easy to crack this examination. But in actual, if you follow punctual, uniform and smart strategies, it is not a hard nut to crack.

Strategies such as provided below if followed religiously are a win-win situation.

1.Patterns of the exam papers:      As we all know that JEE Mains consists of two papers – Paper 1 and   Paper 2. It is important to know them well, regarding the question patterns and negative markings as well.

• Paper 1 has either options to appear online or offline examination format, having questions from Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry with multiple choice questions (MCQs) and objective type questions. The questions are proportionally divided equally among these three subjects. Each of these questions carries 4 marks and for any wrong answer, there is a negative marking. The examination duration is 3 hours. 
• And Paper 2 is for the students who are aiming for Architecture and Planning career. This paper is made up of three parts such as – Mathematics belongs to Part I, AptitudeTest is Part II, and DrawingTest is Part III.

2.Mock Test Practices: It is a necessity to do numerous practices on Mock Test thoroughly without leaving a single questions untried or undone.

• Try analyzing each and every answer every time you are done with a mock test. 
• Try harder to the question you find difficult to answer during the mock test. 
• Give equal importance to all the subjects that are part of JEE Mains examination. 

3. Eating and Sleeping Pattern: Equally important is to have healthy eating habits of good diets like vegetables and fruits that will help you keep healthy and strong during your preparations for the JEE Mains. Also, make sure that you have regular of 6-7 hours of sleep, without having to stay awake during the night.

4.Time Management Practice: Along with mock test, make sure that you need to have the practice to up your time management on the questions.

•  Do make sure that you do not spend more than 4 minutes per question. 
• Make it a habit, so that when you face the actual exam, it will be a common ground for you.

5.Joining A Coaching Class: You can study on your own with strong determination to succeed. But at the same time you will not regret joining a coaching class.

• At the coaching class you will meet like-minded fellow aspirant students, and will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and group discussions. In exchanging knowledge and teaching one another you get to learn more and know where your mistakes are. 
• Also, at the coaching classes, you will get hold of many important study materials which you cannot find easily on the internet or other sources.

6.Regular Study: Make time; chart out a regular timetable to study.

• Make sure that you study regularly every day, without skipping even a day. 
• Study at least 4-5 hours daily but wholeheartedly and with full determination to succeed. There is no meaning even If you study whole day and night or for 13-14 hours if there are no proper arrangements or timetable.

Remember to make hay while the sun shines. For, if you are not giving your best to shine when it is the right time for you, you will forever regret it. So, make the most of the above strategies and success in the JEE Mains is surely on your way.

Apple will Remove Headphone Jack from iPhone 7

Apple Headphones – Handset without Headphone Jack

A rumour regarding the new Apple headphones have been circulating recently and the first images of what seems to be of an iPhone 7 case has emerged online and seems to confirm the rumours that the new handset would be produced without a 3.5mm headphone jack. The images found by reliable tipster @OnLeaks indicate a transparent case having spaces for two equally sized speaker grillers together with the central lightening port signifying Apple would be intending to renovate the design of the bottom edge of the handset.

After reports first came up in early January, the rumours in recent month reveal that the upcoming model would be made one millimetre slimmer on removing the jack. The choice of removing the headphone jack could be a provocative one. Forbes state that `rumours suggest that Apple seems to be working on some pretty impressive technology comprising of a dual-lens system which means the iPhone 7 camera should be comparable to high quality DSLR cameras’. The company would probably include new wireless headphones together with the new handset or a pair of headphone that could connect to the phone via a lightning connector.

Eliminating Plastic Antenna Strips – Reasonable

Taking in account, Apple’s ownership of Beats, this would not be much of an issue. Third parties have been creating lightning connector headphone since June 2014 when Apple had extended its Made-for-iPhone licensing programme.

Besides this, the report also submits that the camera lens of the iPhone 7 would also probably sit in-line with its body and the plastic antenna bands would not stretch across its surface.As per MacRumours, the rear camera would be within the aluminium casing while the antenna bands would be only on the upper and lower edges rather than extending across the width of the handset.

 Apple spectators had been amazed at the decision of the company in permitting the camera on the iPhone 6 to project from its casing, claiming that it was out of character for Apple’s careful design standards as well as exposed the lens to scratching and other damage. Eliminating the plastic antenna strips also seems reasonable.

Features – Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner/12 MP Rear Facing Camera

The company had been granted a patent, last summer, detailing a metal composite capable of replacing the strips that was essential for the antenna of the phone to send and receive signal. The company is also said to be developing a kind of wireless charging that tends to free the iPhone from the need of being placed on a charging mat, which is presently the most commonly used format, as per Bloomberg. But this is doubtful of being incorporated in an iPhone before 2017.

Meanwhile, Apple has been preparing to send invitation to the media world ahead ofthe unveiling of the reported iPhone SE, which is a special edition 4-inch iPhone envisioned to take over from the iPhone 5s as the entry level model of the company. It has been rumoured that the new handset would feature a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and a12 MP rear facing camera, a near field communication – NFC chip which would support Apple Pay. Rumours reveal that the next flagship handset of Apple’s the iPhone 7, would feature various noticeable differences when it will be launched in September.

iPhone SE Puts the Same Engine in a Smaller Exterior

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

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

Intentions of Apple behind launching smaller iPhone variant

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

Noteworthy features in iPhone SE

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

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

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

A phone you will love to use

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

Apple's Crazy iPhone Plan: No major Update Until 2017, then a 5.8-in, OLED Beast

Apple iPhone rumors doesn’t seem to stop at all as one of rumor proclaims that next iPhone will feature a large display of 5.8 inches with curved OLED screen. This rumor has been circulated by the KGI’s Ming Chi Kuo who has asserted that given the stiff competition in the global smartphone market Apple will be making a significant change in its design language.

It is also known that Apple tends to make some outlandish and visible changes with the phone design with ‘each new’ iteration of iPhone. 2017 is assumed as the year where Apple will be launching its refreshing new iPhone having a different design language. So Ming believes that Apple will be bringing a big iPhone in 2017 with 5.8 inch size and having the coveted curved OLED glass screen which can only be found in the Samsung flagship S6 and S7 series.

Thinner iPhone to debut in 2017

Ming has even asserted that Apple will be launching the new iPhone based on the design theme of the popular iPhone 4 but it will come with a curved display technology. Apple will certainly be thinking about releasing next age iPhone to be thinner than earlier variants but it will keep the stand iPhone design language intact. In order to go thinner the best way is to get hold of the curved glass technology. Curved glass is already seen on the Samsung S6 and S7 Edge devices which have made it possible for the Samsung to please the consumers again. Samsung has even started offering its curved glass technology to the rival OEMs such Vivo has recently launched a device having the same curved glass design.

Ming expects Apple to bring some new features like wireless charging as well as biometric recognition technology on the next iPhone and having curved glass technology seems a sensible solution.

Ming insights are quite provoking in nature

Ming is a noted and reliable Apple analyst who has been offering quite true finding on the online forums for quite some time. It is widely known that Apple will certainly be revamping its iPhone lineup in 2017 in order to remain competitive and up to date with the changing scenarios of the smartphone market. Ming even strays away from his earlier insight where he stated that Apple will be making use of AMOLED screens for iPhone in 2018 but now he is stating that Apple will be opting for the curved glass technology instead.

AMOLED screens are known to offer a greater range of colors, which has made it quite popular, and more and more number of OEMs are using it on their devices. Samsung makes a bulk of its revenue through selling the AMOLED display to the rival smartphone manufacturers. Ming has asserted that Apple’s next iPhone will certainly feature a new form factor which will be made by narrowing the bezels and offering a better and comfortable grip to the users.

Compare Hostgator vs Blue Host

Online shopping can be appealing when there is customer satisfaction and reliable services rendered accompanied with attractive deals and offers on various products. Users could compare Hostgator versus blue host, provided by way of coupons. Some of these are available at Hostgator India, an Indian division of Hostgator Inc. which is based in Houston, USA.They tend to provide web hosting services for various customers. They offer all kinds of Hostgator india coupons with various types of coupons enabling consumers to benefit on their services.

Hostgator India is different in providing services to all types of businesses wherein the customers tend to range from an individual person company to an e-commerce firm which may have over a million website visitors each month. Hostgator India, unlike the other hosting companies serving the Indian market tend to have its own data centre in the country and the pricing is in Indian National Rupee and the services is provided by the local Indian nationals. Hostgator Inc. had started the Indian division with only one data centre in Nashik, Maharashtra in 2011 and now the company has expanded to various data centres and offices with hundreds of employees all over the country.

Bluehost – Local Web Hosting Services 

As the saying goes `shop till you drop’, this can be fulfilled with Hostgator India offers wherein users can save money if they tend to navigate their way to the right place. The Hostgator coupons help the customers to save while indulging in purchases which come with attractive discounts and deals. Bluehost india is a hosting company based in the USA which can be accessed via bluehost.in, providing all types of web hosting services particularly to Indian consumers.

It is very popular for various BlueHost India coupons to the customers in lending support with savings on their hosting packages. Bluehost India had begun as a standalone web hosting seller in 2014 by Bluehost. Bluehost tends to sell hosting services all across the globe and being aware of the massive demand from Indian market for hosting solutions with local support and Indian pricing, it utilised the opportunity of launching bluehost.in that became Bluehost India, It became the local web hosting service which the market had long been waiting for.

Provides Linus/Windows Powered Hosting Service 

The services seem to range from modest web hosting like shared hosting for humble websites to hosting on virtual private servers, dedicated server hosting and much more. Bluehost India also tends to sell other associated products as well as services like domain registrations that could be utilised with BlueHost domain coupons together with web security products. These could be sitelock tools together with digital security certificates which one could install on their website.

Moreover it also provides both Linux as well as Windows powered hosting services. The site also tends to provide an easy shopping knowledge for its customers wherein all its products as well as the services are assembled into different categories for easy navigation and checkout. To take advantage of Bluehost hosting coupons is very easy wherein programmers could go to the committed server category; configure their server with the preferred processor, RAM, Operating system, making the payment with a few clicks.

Apple Pay coming to mobile websites later this year

Apple Pay has been widely accepted by the users all across the globe and it is going in the mobile based payment solutions category. Apple devices have sold at a great percentage in the last year which has helped Apple in increase the use and popularity of the Apple Pay as it comes preinstalled in the devices. Now an inside report has suggested that Apple is gearing to improve the compatibility of the Apple Pay by debuting it on the mobile websites later this year.

Apple Pay has been hugely accepted by the consumers as it offers a simple solution of completing the purchases on mobile apps by simply reading the finger print rather than going the tedious task of entering the credit card details. Apple Pay network is getting more and more partners which are accepting its payment solution in order to improve their business growth and stability in this modern age.

Apple Pay going strong just after a year

Apple has given out advisory to its partners stating its aim of expanding to the websites will be enabled by later of this year. This expanding strategy shows that Apple is taking the mobile websites seriously which seems to have dwindled in the recent past due to the rise of mobile based applications popularity.

This report was given by the Re/code which has trusted sources and it is too be believed that Apple has even told its partners that the Apple Pay expansion to the mobile websites will be completed well before the holiday season at the end of this year. This will give ample chance to the Apple Pay network users to bolster their sales in an unimaginable manner during the holiday sales period.

How Apple Pay expansion for mobile websites will work? 

Apple Pay service is expected to be made available in the last quarter of this year. Users will be able to use Apple Pay service by going to the Safari browser on their iPhone and iPads having the Apple’s TouchID fingerprint technology. However Apple is also considering making Apple Pay service available on its laptops and desktops devices in the future but at the moment users will have to settle with the handheld devices only.

Apple’s expansion move challenges PayPal

Apple Pay so far has not threatened any established online payment network but Apple’s move to expand to the mobile websites will bring it head on with PayPal. PayPal has been extremely popular among both the consumers and business network as a payment method on the websites. PayPal also offers a mobile based payment product which helps in facilitating payment transaction both on the websites and apps through its One Touch.

But Apple Pay happens to be quicker, simpler and easier to use payment method and expanding on the mobile websites will certainly give it an edge against PayPal services and products. Apple officials have however declined to comment on the expansion move.

Closing Apps to Save on Your iPhone Battery is a Myth

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

Inquisitive iPhone users compel Apple to answer this myth

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

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

iOS is smarter than you think

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

Some of the smart ways to prolong iPhone battery life

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

How to Unlock iPhone Without Password

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

Steps to unlock the device

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

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

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

A glimmer of hope for thousands of iPhone users

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

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

iPhone Owners Receive Ghost Emails From January 1, 1970

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

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

Reason behind iOS showing 1970’s dated emails

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

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

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

The world’s first electronic message was sent in 1971 

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

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

Free Android Apps Everyone Should Have

The first thing that you use during the day and the last thing you use before you go to sleep is your smartphone. To make your life easier, productive and organized, we use certain apps. These services are a great way to manage your daily schedule. If you are an android phone user, you can get these apps without paying a cent. Here are the must have apps for this year.

1.Google Translate-

Speak, scan, type or draw to translate in 90 languages using this app. It instantly translates text and web pages. You can even use your camera to translate it in 26 different languages without taking a picture. It can be used to translate anything ranging from a street sign to an ingredient list. It has made real -time voice translations a lot faster and easier. People can now experience the world in their own language. You can translate from English to Hindi or French using this app. You can download a small language pack for the languages you want to learn. Also, you can run this app on even a slower mobile network. Translate community will also get you better each day.

2.Hangouts-

Google hangouts app is a communication platform that can be used to text, call and video chat.It allows you to text two or more users at the same time. Chat histories can be easily saved online and are allowed to sync between devices. You can perform a group chat for up to ten users at a time. Not just this, users can send their GPS location to other contacts. You can even make free hangouts calls to other users whether the other person is in India or UK. Photos can be shared using this app and they are automatically uploaded on private Google+ album.

3.Gmail-

Access your mails with simplicity whether you are using a laptop or a phone. Gmail app has made our life much easier. You get an organised inbox. You have social and promotional messages sorted into categories so that you can read your family and friend’s messages first. It has 15 GB of free storage so that you need not delete your messages to save some space. Your inbox remains space and clutter-free as the spam message that hits your inbox is blocked. Have access to multiple accounts at the same time using this amazing application on your android device. Also, you can access both your Gmail and non-Gmail accounts like Hotmail, Outlook, etc. using this app. Because you require internet for this app, you can always get internet packs on your phone. Use freecharge coupons to avail discounts on your internet pack.

4.Whatsapp-

This is a kind of popular messaging application, now acquired by Facebook. You can send text messages, images, videos, audio messages or even to place a call to a friend. It has approximately one billion users and is the crown of apps. People share up to 42 billion messages and for about 250 million videos. It routes all your messages like a normal text system via your mobile number. You can even use Whatsapp on web. And you can make free Wi-Fi calls but charges may apply if the calls are made in absence of Wi-Fi. So, you can always use mobikwik coupons to avail discounts on your internet plans.

Reinvent yourself with these applications on your android phones. Tackle this year with a sound mind and body. Be smarter and get your work done in a much organised manner.

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

Predominant Software Myth Dispelled by Apple

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

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

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

Preserve iPhone Battery Life – Disable Background App Refresh

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

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

Launch of Latest Version Smartphone/Tablet Software iOS 9.3

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

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

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

Intel's new Optane memory technology could lead to 1000 times faster MacBook storage

Optane Launching New Ultra-Fast Memory Technology

In 2017, Intel and Micron branded as Optane would be launching a new ultra-fast memory technology which would overlay the way for a much faster storage on Apple’s MacBooks. Optane is said to be compatible with the NVMe storage procedure which Apple tends to use in some of the MacBook, known by Macworld, which means that it can be relatively easy for Apple to change and benefit from the new technology. Optane is considered to provide speeds 1,000 times faster as well as more durable than the common flash storage on using 3D Xpoint technology which is due to its 10 times denser than DRAM.


The Non-volatile Memory Express support in new 12-inch MacBook had been launched by Apple enabling it with a software update to OS X last April. NVMe is destined to replace old AHCI technology that had been designed for maximum performance in systems utilising spinning hard drives. NVMe is adjusted for operation of lower latency provided by solid state media or non-volatile memory. NVMe, when compared to AHCI tends to reduce latency by around 50%. Intel for instance puts latency overhead in SCSI/SAS systems at 6 nanoseconds at 19,500 cycles though quotes NVMe at 2.8 nanoseconds at 9,100 cycles – PDF link.

NVMe – Designed to Scale over Next Decade

Moreover, NVMe is designed to scale over the next decade, a lifecycle which is comparable to AHCI that had been introduced in 2004. Since 2011, Apple had been using the PCIe transport procedure; the company seems to be in a good position to expeditiously extend support over the complete line-up of Mac. Regarding the super-fast Optane memory and SSD products, Intel had been silent, though some emerging details could hit at how they could be utilised in products such as Apple’s MacBooks. Optane is said to be a brand name for the latest kind of memory and SSD based on 3D Xpoint, which is a jointly developed technology by Intel and Micron that is 10 times denser than DRAM and 1,000 times faster as well as more durable than flash storage. The 3D Xpoint technology is likely to be released soon would be compatible with NVMe, which is a super-fast storage protocol that could be helpful for Optane in attaining its intense speeds.

Apple – First to Implement The Latest Laptop Technologies

Some of the MacBooks already tend to have NVMe based SSDs with Optane providing a further speed enhancement. Among the first vendors in implementing the latest laptop technologies is Apple and it could take the opportunity of putting Optane in its MacBooks. Apple had been the first to implement Thunderbolt as well as processor technologies from Intel. The first products of Optane would be SSDs; reaching supporter’s PCs next year and later would spread to the other desktops as well as mobile products. Optane memory DIMMs that can be plugged in prevailing memory slots would also be coming along. Optane products would first be based on Intel’s Skylake architecture and if Intel tends to ship memory DIMMs, they would need to be compatible with the DDR3/4 DRAM bus which is in most of the present PCs. Some of the Windows laptops also tend to have NVMe storage though most of them depend on the older and slower SATA interface. Fanatic desktop users like the gamers tend to be early adopters of the new technology and several of them would probably move over to Optane.

Device Makers Planning 'True VR Experiences' on Apple's Iphone This Fall

Virtual Reality Headset for iPhone – Fall of 2016

Piper Jaffray, investment firm held sequences of virtual reality panel recently comprising of 13 companies and one of them, IonVR, showed that they expected to have a VR headset for iPhone launching in the fall of 2016. These devices would be somewhat like the Samsung Gear VR headset that utilises Samsung smartphones as the display.

 IonVR, a privately held company that specializes in third-party VR hardware, hopes to have a headset in the fall which would enable the iPhone to be utilised for VR and according to Munster, would come at a price of $100 and $200. Gene Munster, analyst stated that the IonVR product is estimated to be very much advanced than the prevailing iPhone based VR accessories like Google Cardboard and Mattel View-Master.

He is of the belief that those basic products which tend to use IPhone’s Retina display for stimulating VR do not provide `true VR experiences’. However comments from IonVR at the recent panel, recommended that the iPhone could in fact do appropriate VR, with the help of third party hardware, according to Munster. He hopes that those kinds of iPhone connected accessories would start taking off later in the year.

MotionSync – Proprietary Optics System

The Idaho-based IonVR had developed a proprietary optics system known as `MotionSync’ which it claims would reduce motion sickness greatly when utilised with mobile devices like Apple’s iPhone. Unified hardware in its headset is also considered to offload some of the processing from the phone, enabling it to last longer as well as simplify the software development process.

IonVR products are also considered to be modular which means that parts could be replaced or changed out as technology progresses.Virtual reality is talked about much as a hot new technology with concerns that it could follow the boom and bust of 3D TV. Munster states that VR would not flop like 3D in part, due to the larger level of investment in VR with its augmented reality.

He adds that Facebook which owns Oculus VR is firmly dedicated to its success.He informed that, Apple, Google and Sony are expected to be making substantial investment in VR/AR for the next five years. He believes that these investments would lay the groundwork for VR/AR to be the next computing prototype.

Sony – Best Position to Capitalize on VR

Munster has commented that Sony is in one of the best position to capitalize on VR. It has the content, user base and distribution to enable VR to expand rapidly. He added that they have also been impressed with the demos of Sony on `London Heist’ and `Walk The Wire’ and the company is said to have a slate of around 80 games that would be made available at the time of the launch later this year. Oculus Rift is said to be shipped in 20 countries on March 28 including the U.S. It would also be made available at select retailers in April and would cost $599. It would need a high-end PC with graphic card. Bundles of Oculus Rift headset together with Oculus-ready PC is priced at $1,499. Samsung, in the meanwhile is endorsing its smartphone-based Gear VR that tends to use Oculus technology and the Gear VR will cost $99 which needs a new Samsung Galaxy phone.

How to verify checksums when you download an app for your Mac

Open Source Transmission BitTorrent Infected with Malware

Some of the Mac users seemed to have received a surprise last week when they discovered that a latest version of the open source Transmission BitTorrent client had infected their computer with malware, a condition which had been avoided with suitable securities. Most of the computer savvy are aware of the vigilant about where the download software are from though few of them pause to verify that the files received are the file which they are supposed to receive.

 This could be a grave last step in the prevention of malware infection seen in Transmission. Often, developers tend to post checksums or hashes together with the download links for their projects in order to simplify this type of verification. Generally, a checksum is the outcome of a mathematical calculation that tends to run a certain file, if the file has not been changed. The checksum calculated will tend to match the checksum provided by the developer.

It has not been made known how the infected download made its way on the Transmission’s website, though those who seemed to have received it first in the processhave informed that the checksum of the bad file does not seem to match the checksum given by the Transmission team.

Checksum Validator – Easy to Use Utility – Calculating/Validating Checksum

Checksum Validator is an easy to use utility for calculating and validating checksum – SHA-1 or MDS digests, for files which one downloads or uploads. On comparing a site’s published checksum with one’s calculated checksum one can verify that the download matches with the official copy of the site, which is free from corruption or tampering, unless of course the site’s checksum is also tampered.

All that is essential to calculate checksum is in MAS OS X which is quick and easy and the quicker and easier, the more possibility of actually verifying downloads. If the checksum is verified prior to installing, they would be aware of something being inappropriate. It is worth being aware that this is not a reliable process and if a website is compromised, the attacker can easily change the checksum also.

 Users can learn to verify checksum or SHA-1 which is a software update, provided on Apple software updates for those who intend to verify the authenticity of an update and is optional. Users need to note that for updates that are delivered by Automatic software Update, SHA-1 digest verification is accomplished automatically for you.

SHA-1 Secured Checksum for Data File

In order to verify a manually downloaded software update form Apple Downloads, that seems to comprise of SHA-1 digest, the following steps need to be done:

• Open Terminal which is located in/Applications/Utilities
• Type the following at the Terminal prompt
• About SHA-1

SHA-1 is a secure checksum for a data file which is based on a cryptographic average and for a given file; SHA-1 creates a 160 bit encrypted output which is known as a `message digest’. It is unlikely that a modified data set would create the same message digest. If a file seems to have changed at the time of transit, its message digest also tends to change.

Users can download manually-installable updates from Apple Downloads. Apple tend to use SHA-1 digest on definite Apple Downloads in order that users can verify with great amount of possibility that the software downloaded is the same software one intended to download. When the SHA-1 digest for the file downloaded seems to match the digest for the file displayed on Apple Downloads, one can be assured that the file is reliable. For security purpose, users can utilise the secure https download page for manual updates.

Why You Need Recovery Software

Admit it. One time or another in our life we have lost important files on our computers, and if you haven’t already, chances are you most definitely will sometime in the future.

Data loss is a sad reality of technology these days and can happen for any number of reasons, ranging from accidental deletion to virus attacks.

Whatever the reason though, it’s not the end of the world and can easily be recovered by recovery software, ensuring you will never lose important data again.

Like we said earlier, if you haven’t experienced data loss before, you will most definitely encounter it someday, that’s why even if you don’t need recovery software now, it’s always good to know what to do incase of emergency.

Most people reading this though has probably encountered data loss and want to know what to do know…
It might seem like the end of the world, but to recover lost data is not all that hard. All you have to do is download recovery software, scan your device, preview the files and choose which files you wish to recover. That’s it.

It doesn’t matter if your data loss occurred due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, OS crashes or any other unknown reasons, recovery software will be able to help.

Now for the important part. What recovery software to use. Sure you can use any recovery software that comes up in your Google search, but that does not mean that they will be able to recover all of your lost data. You might even end up with a few unwanted viruses.

The most recommended recovery software by multiple Tech and PC Websites, is from EaseUS, and with reason.

EaseUS has a few different recovery software on offer, from free to $499. (Don’t worry, the paid options are for companies wishing to offer data recovery for their clients).

If it is good enough for the pro’s to use for their clients, it’s certainly good enough for you, and what’s even more, you can recover data from literally any device. Windows, Mac, hard drives or what have you.
And just like the supported devices, you will be able to recover any file format, from images to video, and even emails.

Sure, there are some drawbacks, but they are minuscule, like you can only recover 2gig with the free version. This can easily be remedied by buying an upgrade.

Even if you don’t need recovery software right now, it’s nice to know there are steps you can take to get your data back.

For those who’ve encountered data loss, Download EaseUS recovery software or android recovery as soon as possible, and get your files back as soon as possible.

Neato adds Apple Watch control to robotic vacuum in new app update

Neato’s Latest App Release – Botvac Connect

According to Neato’s latest app release, the $699 Botvac Connect is the first robot vacuum which has the capabilities of being remotely controlled by an Apple Watch or Android Wear device. The app that runs on Apple Watch enables users to issue start and stop commands to the vacuum and monitor clean-up progress straight on their wrist. Different from the full-fledged iOS app, the small screen Watch version does not permit users to take full manual control on the movement of the robot.

Last year Botvac Connect as Neato’s first vacuum to sport anon-board Wi-Fi for communication with iOS as well as Android smartphones, providing owners remote setup together with one-touch control directly from a committed app.On-board Wi-Fi support means that Botvac Connect has the capability of receiving commands as long as it tends to be connected to a known network. Moreover the devices also has laser navigation, two cleaning modes as well as LCD screen with associated capacitive buttons intended to select various user settings. From the iOS App Store, the new Neato app version is made available at no cost.

Can be controlled with Smartwatch

Neato’s robotic vacuum now can be controlled with a smartwatch due to an app update announced recently. The update which is automatic enables smartwatch users to receive notifications from Neato’s Botvac Connected vacuum, a Wi-Fi connected Roomba competitors which tend to use laser scanning to map and clean spaces, besides the start and stop commands.

As per Neato, the latest update makes the Botvac Connected, the first robot vacuum to provide smartwatch functionality. The Botvac Connected owners can also monitor the progress of its cleaning on their smartwatches and receive a notification when it is finished. For added analysis of the Botvac Connected and how it tends to stack up against the competition, one could check on the last year’s review. With each passing generation, robot vacuums are getting smarter as well as easier and some of the new models tend to join the Wi-Fi network. Neato has been influencing that feature of its Botvac Connected vacuum in order that one can control and monitor the device with the Android Wear smart watch or Apple Watch.

New Feature Delivered Through Automatic Update

The new feature is said to be delivered through automatic update and would enable Botvac Connected owners to control the various process. While Roomba manufacturer iRobot tends to also offer an app, it does not support smartwatches while other competitors such as Samsung, bObsweep, PowerBot and the Miele Scout do not seem to have apps at all.

Nancy Nunziati, Neato marketing chief had commented in a press release that with the smartwatches, individuals tend to do several things from their wrist like checking for a flight, obtain directions, play music, and answer the phone and added that they are happy to be the first to add this new task of cleaning to the list. Botvac Connected is not an inexpensive way of getting into robotic vacuums, priced at $700. Neato expects that the features like the laser floor plan mapping, a larger brush together with higher capacity dirt storage would win over the customers.