Apple Clarifies How Wi-Fi Assist Works in Wake of Claims it Eats through Your Data

Apple’s Latest Mobile Operating System – W-Fi Assist

A new page has been created by Apple’s website clarifying that iOS 9’s Wi-Fi Assist should not show a substantial drain on data allowances. Presented by Apple, in the latest mobile operating system in mid-September, Wi-Fi Assist is one of the efforts to keep Internet connection alive when Wi-Fi coverage seems to be poor.

By default, the feature tends to switch to a cellar connection when it senses weak Wi-Fi signal. The company has explained the ins and outs of the feature wherein it claims that it should affect the data usage by a minimum percentage.

The new feature had been introduced in iPhone software update iOS 9 and is developed to switch the handset connection from Wi-Fi to cellular data automatically, when in a range of poor connection.

Some users had complained that they were being tricked into using more of the data allowance than they had expected when the feature was automatically turned on and the new software had been downloaded. In some of the phone contracts since the data allowances can be low as 500MB or 1GB, having activated the feature technically, would result in higher bills for the users.

Wi-Fi Assist A Source of Debate

The new support page read - `with Wi-Fi Assist, you can stay connected to the Internet even if you have a poor Wi-Fi connection. For example, if you’re using Safari with a poor Wi-Fi connect and a webpage doesn’t load, Wi-Fi Assist will activate and automatically switch to cellular so that the webpage continues to load.

You can use Wi-Fi Assist with most apps like Safari, Apple Music, Mail, Maps and more’. Wi-Fi Assist has become a source of debate after some users expressed concern with the feature which utilises mobile data – cellular data with their knowledge. This was a matter of concern for the users whose mobile plan permits only a small amount of data like 1GB per month while others have admired the feature stating that the feature’s mobile data usage tends to be small and comes handy in area where the Wi-Fi signal tends to be poor.

Apple has explained when and how the features tend to work in About Wi-Fi Assist page recently updated stating that-

• The feature would not switch to cellular if your data roaming and so you won’t have to pay additional charges if you are out of the normal coverage area
• Wi-Fi Assist only works with apps running in the foreground and won’t download content from aps in the background
• The feature does not go into effect with certain third party apps which stream audio or video and will not download large file attachments.

Cellular Data Icon in Status Bar – iOS Device

One will get to know when Wi-Fi Assist has been activated since one will observe the cellular data icon in the status bar on the iOS device.

Apple has informed on its webpage that since one stays connected to the Internet over cellular when they have poor Wi-Fi connection, they could use more cellular data and for most users, this should only be a small percentage higher than the earlier usage.

How to Switch From Android to iOS (and Vice Versa)

It is very hard to subdue to urge to buy the new iPhone 6s or the new range of Nexus Smartphones. Both of them come loaded with some exciting specs and happen to offer a premium end experience to the end users. Both Android and iOS platform now offer high quality handsets with impressive features; build quality and great experience to the users. Here are some smart ways to make your transition either to the iOS or Android platform without losing your data.

Switch From Android To iOS

Apple has made it easier to migrate the data from the Android device to the iOS platform by launching the ‘Move to iOS’ android app. This app makes it extremely easier and simpler to facilitate the move to the iOS without much difficulty.

Step 1: Download the app

Download the Move To iOS app on your Android phone from the Google Play Store. Now take your iPhone out of the box and initiate the iPhone setup process. It should be noted that this app will work with IPhones which had not be set up earlier. IN case you had already setup your iPhone then perform a factory reset and use this app to migrate data from your android phone.

Step 2: Follow the instructions

Once the IPhone setup is initiated, you will find a “Hello screeen” and a number of prompts will follow it. Follow these instructions carefully to perform a glitch free and safe migration of data to the iPhone. You will soon be greeted with Apps and Data screen where you will find ‘Move Data from Android’ at the bottom of the list of options, select it.

Now on your Android phone fire up ‘Move to iOS app’. Agree to its terms and conditions then you will see ‘Find Your Code’ screen. This ten-digit code will be generated from the iPhone device after you select the ‘Move Data from Android’ option. Enter the code in your Android phone and begin the transfer process.

Step 3: Transfer the data

Transfer of data from Android to iPhone will require a sound W-Fo connectivity and depending on the amount of data, the time span will be determined. A huge amount of photos and entertainment files like audios and videos will mean more time while fewer data will transfer in just few seconds.

Switch from iOS to Android

There is no app available to make the transition from the iOS to Android phone but using the Google account you can make a simple and more efficient transition to Android. Android makes use of the Google account for keeping contact and calendars, sync your iPhone with a Google account by going to the Setting, Mail, Conatacts, Calendars and finally Add Account. Now just enter your Google ID and it will simply sync all your calendar and contacts data within few seconds.

Messages: Use service of iSMS2droid for transferring text messages to the Android phone.

Photos: Download Google Photos app and sign in with your Google account, turn on ‘Back up and sync’ and it will take a while to sync all the photos. Once done you can view photos from Google account on to your Android device.

Apple Patent Case: Wisconsin University Wins Huge Damages

Apple to Pay - Damages for Patent Infringement

Apple has been ordered by a US jury to pay more than $234m as damages for patent infringement. The patent licensing arm of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation had stated that the verdict was considered to be important to protect its inventions from being misused.

A decision had been taken earlier by the jury that Apple merged patented microchip technology in some iPhones and iPads without permission and Apple had stated that it would appeal for the same. It could be a bad moment for Apple to go through the court proceedings for using the microchip in their gadget without taking permission for the same from the manufacturer.

Further comments were declined by the company. The amount was said to be less than the foundation had claimed and had initially sought as much as $862m. The amount was reduced in part since the judge had ruled out that Apple had not deliberately infringed the patent. Professor Curindar Sohi of the University of Wisconsin-Madison computer sciences one of the inventors of the microchip technology that had been created to enhance the performance of computer processor had been in the federal court for the decision, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Apple Refrained from Agreeing to Licencing Conditions

The university had mentioned in court that it had made efforts in dealing with Apple, however was swiped away when the company had refrained from agreeing with any licensing conditions. It would probably come to regret for doing so.

There were other reports though unconfirmed that the damages were set at $862bn and figures indicate that Apple had earned $4,540 a second and giving it a couple of minutes, there could be some way there.The annual revenue of Apple for the year 2014 was $182bn.

The managing director of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Carl Gulbrandsen had stated that this seems to be a case where the hard work of the university researchers and the integrity of patenting as well as licensing discoveries had prevailed and the jury had recognized the seminal computer processing work which had taken place on the campus.

 The situation was connected to the usage of the technology in iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus and an added lawsuit which made the same claim against Apple’s latest models, the 6S and 6S Plus was also filed.

Severe Battles – Patents – Fought in Courts Worldwide

Intel was sued by the University of Wisconsin for the same patent in 2008 and the case had been settled out of court for an unknown sum.

Inspite of the latest revealed truces between some of the big tech firms, severe battles with regards to patents still tend to be fought in courts worldwide.

Recently a judge had tossed claims by graphic card specialist Nvidia that Samsung together with the others had infringed three of its patents.

University of Wisconsin had successfully demanded that Apple had utilised its microchip technology without any permission in some of its iPhones and iPads. It is said that the patent filed in 1998 is to improve the power efficiency of microchips. The case is related to the use of the technology in the iPhone 5s. 6 and 6 Plus

YouTube Gives its iOS App a New look and in-App Editing Tools

YouTube has brought in an extensive update for its iOS app, which makes it much more similar to the Android version. This update has been introduced in the Material design style of the app, which is very much noticeable and quite divisive in nature. Google is simply trying to provide a consistent look for its products across the platform and devices by using the Android friendly material design. YouTube also gets in-app editing tools, which allow users to edit videos as per their choice before uploading it.

Changes brought about by this update

YouTube now has three tabs on the top of the main page, which includes Home, Subscription and Account. Home is usually filled with number of videos and channels available on the YouTube, Subscriptions showcases all the recent updates from the subscribed accounts and Account gives a summary of user’s account. YouTube app happens to be more vibrant in color, offers enlarged space and requires a lot of navigation for moving around the app, which might not be liked by some users.

A new in-app editing tool has been integrated in the app, which allows users to polish the videos before uploading on the network. A refreshed version of the Creator Studio App is also given to the users which offer enhanced Analytics section.

YouTube iOS update gets one star reviews

Google had introduced these dramatic and wholesome changes in the YouTube iOS app with the aim of making it more interactive than before. However, the early adopters of this app with its comprehensive redesign have stated that this new layout is simply garnish and happens to wastes space. The navigational changes brought about by this update require users to perform more swiping and tapping to get content. In simple words, this redesign of layout is not at user friendly and makes it difficult to move across the app.

A large number of reviewers of this update have complained of removing the left sidebar for better. The left sidebar has made it difficult for the users to access simple but essential things like history, subscriptions and playlists. One of the iTunes reviewers was quite upset with the need of pressing back button each time one has to move to different channel. To be true the iOS users feels that latest update has simply done away with the easier functionality and navigation support with YouTube app had earlier and it has been replaced with bigger pictures and vibrant pictures.

YouTube misses on bringing integration with iOS 9 features

Users with iOS 9 were quite let down by this new update, as it didn’t provide any support for the new iOS features. YouTube has missed on the great opportunity to integrate the support some new rich features of iOS 9 like plus SlideOver, Picture-in-Picture and Split View. Video editing tools and features included in the app are fairly basic at this point of time. But it still offers a way to perform few of the essential video editing tasks within a quick time directly from the app.

CAF – Delivering Technological Inventions

Chelsea App Factory – CAF, was established in 2010 when the release of iPad came up and is positioned to offer solutions enabling consumers to succeed in the mobile world. Established in London, CAF has created a niche for themselves as a leading UK mobile app expansion company and is the largest specialist mobile consultancy in the nation for consumers as well as enterprise apps.

This is due to their creation of cutting edge environments delivering tangible and impressive returns.Chelsea Apps Factory one of the fastest growing tech firm has been ranked 16th of the topmost 100 quickest growing private tech companies and is linked with well-known group of UK firms which tends to deliver technological inventions.

Companies tend to be ranked based on their compound annual growth rate – CAFR with regards to sales over a period of three years. Since its establishment in 2010, this seemed to the first opportunity that the business mobility experts Chelsea Apps Factory were entitled to enter along with the Tech Track 100 needing four years of account, to be considered to be included. Their Innovation Labs are `always on’ powerhouses which efficiently tends to drive business resolutions together with productivity and profit.

Delivering Industry Leading Mobile Solutions/Services 

CAF’s widespread and recognized armoury of Strategy, Consultancy as well as delivery besides the Innovation Lab makes sure that the businesses stay on. Created to manage planned urgencies of CEO’s worldwide in 2015 inventions, their labs have been offering perceptible ROI by aiming on customer involvement and achievement.

Since its launch, the company has been making great progress year after year, developing reputation in delivering industry leading mobile solutions together with services to Ladbrokes, KPMG and Waitrose and last year the company had gained profits which has doubled its turnover with the employment of additional 80 staff at its London and Edinburg App Factories and a third Factory opened at Belfast in 2015.

They have embarked on transformational programmes of work with a share of great confidence in supporting enterprises at various stages all through their mobile journey with them. They have built up relationships with renowned consumers across retail, professional services, pharmaceutical, telecoms and legal sectors.