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A look at iOS 9’s comprehensive support for right-to-left languages [Gallery]

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 6.25.51 PM

A feature that went unmentioned during Apple’s main WWDC keynote this morning was the addition of comprehensive support for right-to-left languages in iOS 9. While Apple didn’t mention the addition this morning, it detailed the support during its Platforms State of the Union address this evening. Apple also notes of the feature in the official iOS 9 changelog:

iOS 9 brings comprehensive support for right-to-left languages, which makes it easier for you to provide a flipped user interface. For example:

  • Standard UIKit controls automatically flip in a right-to-left context.
  • UIView defines semantic content attributes that let you specify how particular views should appear in a right-to-left context.
  • UIImage adds the imageFlippedForRightToLeftLayoutDirection method, which makes it easy to flip an image programmatically when appropriate.

To learn more about providing a flipped user interface, see Supporting Right-to-Left Languages.

While this feature may not seem incredibly useful for everyone, it will definitely be welcome in areas of the world where right-to-left languages are more widely used and it’s certainly nice to see Apple working to add support for features that are maybe not as headline worthy, but undoubtedly needed.

Below are some screenshots of the comprehensive support for right-to-left languages in iOS 9:


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Hands-on with iOS 9’s split-screen multitasking on the iPad [Gallery]

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During its WWDC keynote this morning, Apple announced new “Slide Over” and side-by-side features that allow users to run two iPad apps in a single window. The features, which we originally reported on more than a year ago, are similar to a feature also available in the latest Mac operating system, OS X El Capitan.


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Review: Is the added protection of the LifeProof Nüüd for iPhone 6 worth the trade-offs?

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LifeProof has become a household name in the iPhone accessory world since debuting its first ultra-protective case in 2011. The company has continued improving its waterproof cases with each new version of the iPhone. With the iPhone 5, LifeProof introduced its Nüüd series, which offers protection from water, snow, dirt, and shock while still exposing the display. We took a look at it last summer, noting that its an excellent choice for the adventurous iPhone user, albeit a bit bulky. It’s still available for $48.

With the iPhone 6, Apple presented LifeProof with a new challenge. The large, thin form factor of the iPhone 6 meant that LifeProof would have to work incredibly hard to develop a case that maintained a manageable form factor, while offering the same protection that users of the case have come to expect. We reviewed the LifeProof Fre for the iPhone 6 earlier this year and pointed out that it was a well thought out option, but that the Nüüd model would be very much welcomed. I’ve recently been testing the LifeProof Nüüd case for the iPhone 6. Here’s what you need to know:


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Hands-on: Apple’s all-new Music app in iOS 8.4

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With the release of the first developer beta of iOS 8.4 this evening, Apple gave us the first look at the oft-rumored redesign of the Music app. With the expected announcement of Apple’s streaming music service happening in June, the Music app redesign has been expected for several months now. The newly introduced Music app offers a handful of new features in the first beta of iOS 8.4, as well as a redesigned interface that’s similar to iTunes on the Mac. Let’s take a brief look…


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Sources offer hands-on Apple Watch details: battery life, unannounced features, and more

Just ahead of the finalized Apple Watch’s presentation at Apple’s March 9th “Spring Forward” event, sources with hands-on Apple Watch experience have revealed a collection of new details about the device’s features to 9to5Mac. Our sources have offered new information on the Watch’s real-world battery life, health and fitness features, apps, and experiences using Apple’s next-generation touchscreen hardware…


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CES 2015: Pinć VR headset for iPhone 6 hands-on and first impressions

Pinc VR iPhone 6

A few months ago, we visited Toronto-based Cordon Labs for some hands-on time with the work-in-progress Pinć VR headset case for the iPhone 6 and Android-based smartphones. Fast forward to CES 2015 and we’ve once again had a few minutes to check out a new and improved prototype of the headset, now 20% slimmer and closer to becoming an accessory that could actually be pocketable without protruding through your pants. Read ahead for my first impressions of the Pinć and a brief overview of where I think it is headed.
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Inbox for Gmail: hands-on and first impressions

Mail for Inbox

Google this afternoon announced Inbox for Gmail, its all-new emailing solution that is intended to coexist with the regular Gmail platform (Think Paper for Facebook?). Inbox for Gmail is available on an invite only basis for Android, iOS and Chrome. I am fortunate enough to have received an invite to Inbox for Gmail, and I have been giving the iPhone app a rundown to see how it works. For the most part, Inbox is everything that you know and love about Gmail in a sleeker package.


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Hands-on with the new Notification Center and Spotlight in OS X Yosemite (Video)

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Two of the great updated features in OS X Yosemite are improved versions of both Notification Center and Spotlight, both of which have become staples on OS X. Both of these features have received substantial updates, dropping their old user interfaces entirely, and gaining quite a few new features.

In this video, we’ll take you on a little tour of the new interfaces and their features.

Hands-on with iOS 8 [Video]

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Today at their annual WWDC Keynote, Apple announced iOS 8, the next major version of iOS, which includes features like an all new Photos app, a much improved Messages app, custom keyboard support, Family Sharing, and more.

Here at 9to5Mac, we’re all busy trying out the new software on our phones, so in the meantime, here’s a brief hands-on look at Apple’s new version of iOS. Stayed tuned for more in depth coverage of both iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite later today.

 

Hands-on with OS X Yosemite [Video]

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Alongside the brand new iOS 8, Apple today unveiled OS X 10.10 Yosemite today at WWDC 2014. OS X Yosemite is by far the biggest change to OS X since its introduction itself, well over a decade ago. Of course, the biggest news here is the all new, iOS 7-inspired UI.

Above you’ll find a hands-on with the new software, taking a look at the new UI, feature set, and more. Stay tuned to 9to5Mac for more coverage of both OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 today and in the coming days.
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Roundup: Hands-on with the new iPad Air & iPad mini with Retina Display

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Earlier today Apple unveiled the new iPad Air as its fifth generation full-sized iPad and the new iPad mini with Retina display alongside new MacBook Pros, the new Mac Pro, and OS X Mavericks. We have a roundup of all of today’s announcements in our NewsHub here, but below is a roundup of some hands-on videos of the new iPads live from Apple’s event today:

Cnet:

AnandTech:

TheVerge:

Slash Gear:

LaptopMag:

PCMag:

LATimes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gzlRGoWcf4

Engadget:

TechCrunch:

Hands-on video: Apple’s iOS 7 for iPad

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Earlier today, Apple launched new beta releases of both iOS 7 for iPhone/iPod touch and the iPad. We have provided full screenshot tours and change logs for the need software seeds. Additionally, we have created the video below that demonstrates how iOS 7 works on the iPad. We previously posted a video of how iOS 7 runs on the iPhone.

iPad video below:


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Samsung shows off new additions to its Galaxy family including lower-cost Galaxy S4 Mini

Apple might not have any new mobile devices to show off until fall, but Samsung today introduced a number of new devices to its flagship Galaxy family. One of those devices was the new mid-range Galaxy S4 mini, which could be a competitor for the rumored low-cost iPhone and less expensive previous generation iPhones (although Samsung didn’t announce pricing) when it lands somewhere in the $400 price range in July.

Other devices announced by Samsung today include a brand new Galaxy NX camera with a 4.8-inch touch screen and Android 4.2.2., as well as Samsung’s new Galaxy S4 Zoom smartphone/camera hybrid device.

The company also showed its new ATIV Q Windows 8 hybrid device with the ability to dual-boot Windows and Android.

Head below for coverage and hands-on videos from the event from our sister site 9to5Google:

Samsung officially unveils Galaxy S4 Active, S4 mini, and S4 Zoom at London event

Samsung announces Galaxy NX Android camera with LTE, 20.3mp sensor, and 13 lenses

Hands-on with the Samsung S4 Zoom [Video]

Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy NX [Video] 

Hands-on demo of the Samsung S4 Active underwater [Video]

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TYLT’s Energi backpack charges up to three iOS devices at once, we go hands-on (Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=v9AxkNFqm6I

We went hands-on with the new ENERGI Backpack from Tylt, a company with products we’ve enjoyed in the past, in the video above. There are many power bags on the market that include built-in batteries to recharge your mobile devices while on the go, but we were quite impressed with these new backpacks from Tylt. They are hitting the market for between $150 and $200 at the end of March. They include a 10,400-mAh-lithium ion battery with the ability to charge up to three devices at once and dedicated pockets for your iPad, iPhone, iPod, and MacBook.

BBC gets a hands-on with the iPhone 4S and Siri personal assistant

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The BBC has just posted their hands-on with Apple’s new iPhone 4S. While there isn’t much to show asthetically, BBC demos Apple’s new camera application and the hit of the show, the Siri personal assistant. You’ll notice how Siri actually repeats back to you what you say, and it works pretty seamless, even with a British accent.

Check out Apple’s Siri demo below:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4D4kRbEdJw]
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