Author

Jordan Kahn

Dir. Partnerships

9to5Mac / 9to5Google / 9to5Toys / Electrek.co / DroneDJ / SpaceExplored

Jordan manages the internal Partner Program for sponsorships and partnerships across the 9to5 network’s media brands including 9to5Mac, 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, Electrek.co, SpaceExplored and DroneDJ.com.

Jordan also writes about all things Apple as a Senior Editor of 9to5Mac. He covers Google for 9to5Google.com, the best gadgets and deals on 9to5Toys.com, and EV and solar news on Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series and makes music sometimes.

Contact Jordan with partnership inquiries and long-winded complaints:

Connect with Jordan Kahn

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Apple CEO Tim Cook joins Twitter, waxes on visiting Apple Stores today

Jordan Kahn Sep 20 2013 - 12:14 pm PT

8 Comments

[tweet https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/381131235247923201]

Other Apple executives have been on Twitter for a while, and today CEO Tim Cook sent out his first tweet mentioning that he visited retail stores in Palo Alto for the retail launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c. Cook has been a member of Twitter since July, but ~~his account is not yet verified by Twitter~~. Apple marketing chief Philip Schiller retweeted Cook’s tweet earlier today proving that the account is indeed run by the Apple CEO.

Earlier today Cook, along with Apple executives Phil Schiller and Eddie Cue, made an appearance at Apple’s Palo Alto retail store in California to greet customers that queued up for the launch of the new iPhones today.

Apple Marketing SVP Phil Schiller sometimes tweets about issues related to the company. For example, back in March Schiller tweeted the words “Be safe out there” along with a link to a study showing a much higher number of security threats on Android compared to iOS.
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Sen. Al Franken questions Tim Cook on iPhone 5s fingerprint sensor privacy concerns

Jordan Kahn Sep 20 2013 - 10:14 am PT

26 Comments

Image (1) Senator-Al-Franken.jpg for post 63066

U.S. Senator Al Franken, who has questioned Apple and other technology companies several times in the past, just published a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook questioning the privacy implications of the TouchID fingerprint sensor feature included in Apple’s new iPhone 5s. In the letter (below), Franken says that “important questions remain about how this technology works, Apple’s future plans for this technology, and the legal protections that Apple will afford it,” and requests that Apple explain more in-depth how it’s storing fingerprint data:

It’s clear to me that Apple has worked hard to secure this technology and implement it responsibly. The iPhone 5S reportedly stores fingerprint data locally “on the chip” and in an encrypted format. It also blocks third-party apps from accessing Touch ID. Yet important questions remain about how this technology works, Apple’s future plans for this technology, and the legal protections that Apple will afford it. I should add that regardless of how carefully Apple implements fingerprint technology, this decision will surely pave the way for its peers and smaller competitors to adopt biometric technology, with varying protections for privacy.

Franken is asking that Apple answer a number of questions related to how the fingerprint data is collected and stored, but also wants to know Apple’s future plans for the technology. For example, if it has plans to allow third-party developers access to the fingerprint sensor and how it considers fingerprint data related to government requests in legal situations:

Under American privacy law, law enforcement agencies cannot compel companies to disclose the “contents” of communications without a warrant, and companies cannot share that information with third parties without customer consent. However, the “record[s] or other information pertaining to a subscriber… or customer” can be freely disclosed to any third party without customer consent, and can be disclosed to law enforcement upon issuance of a non-probable cause court order. Moreover, a “subscriber number or identity” can be disclosed to the government with a simple subpoena… Does Apple consider fingerprint data to be the “contents” of communications, customer or subscriber records, or a “subscriber number or identity” as defined in the Stored Communications Act?

While Apple is yet to issue an official response to Franken, it has published a support document on its website outlining security features of TouchID and explaining some of the safeguards in place:
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Apple says demand for new iPhones is “incredible,” iPhone 5s in limited supply

Jordan Kahn Sep 20 2013 - 8:13 am PT

16 Comments

Screen Shot 2013-09-19 at 7.43.13 PM

Following the retail launch of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in Apple Stores and retail partners around the world today, Apple has provided a statement to AllThingsD calling demand for the new iPhones “incredible”. Apple also noted that the iPhone 5s is only available in limited supplies and sold out in many stores, lining up with what we first reported yesterday:

“Demand for the new iPhones has been incredible and we are currently sold out or have limited supply of certain iPhone 5s models in some stores,”

Yesterday we reported that many stores were getting little to no gold and or silver/white units of the new iPhone 5s, and that most retail outlets would only have the Space Grey model available for sale. We’ve heard that is indeed the case today even at Apple’s own retail stores as most locations have an extremely limited number of gold iPhone 5s units.

This morning the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple has instructed suppliers to increase production of the gold iPhone 5s by one-third, as shipping times for the device online have now been pushed back to October in most countries. That’s compared to the 7-10 days quoted for other colors of the iPhone 5s in most of Apple’s initial launch countries.

Sprint announces $65/month ‘One Up’ upgrade plan

Jordan Kahn Sep 20 2013 - 8:01 am PT

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Sprint-One-uP

Earlier this month we heard reports that Sprint was readying its own upgrade program to combat recent initiatives introduced through the other major carriers including AT&T’s Next, T-Mobile’s Jump, and Verizon’s Edge program. Today Sprint has officially announced the “Sprint One Up” plan and explained exactly how it works:

Sprint One Up, a new upgrade program that gives customers unlimited talk, text and high speed data while on the Sprint Network plus the ability to upgrade their smartphone every 12 months starting at just $65 a month – a $15 per month savings off their Unlimited, My Way standard rate plan and Sprint’s guarantee of unlimited talk, text and data for the life of the line of service. Sprint One Up is also available for smartphones on the My All-in plan as well as on tablets in combination with tablet plans starting at just $5 a month.

Sprint notes that the upgrade every 12 months will require a new 24 month instalment plan with no down payment, while cancelling your service will cost you the remaining balance on the device.

The new Sprint One Up plan becomes available starting today, lining up with retail iPhone launches around the world.

Sprint One Up Along With Sprint Unlimited Guarantee for Life Available to New and Existing Customers on Sept. 20

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 20, 2013 – In continuing its commitment to offering customers the best value in wireless, Sprint (NYSE: S) announced today Sprint One UpSM, a new upgrade program that gives customers unlimited talk, text and high speed data while on the Sprint Network plus the ability to upgrade their smartphone every 12 months starting at just $65 a month1. The new program is available Sept. 20 to new and existing customers on Unlimited, My WaySM and My All-inSM plans.

Sprint One Up offers customers an affordable option to upgrade their device more frequently. With Sprint One Up, participating smartphone customers get unlimited talk, text and data for an introductory rate of $65 per month – a $15 per month savings off their Unlimited, My Way standard rate plan and Sprint’s guarantee of unlimited talk, text and data for the life of the line of service2. Sprint One Up is also available for smartphones on the My All-in plan as well as on tablets in combination with tablet plans starting at just $5 a month.

To participate, customers simply purchase an eligible smartphone or tablet and agree to 24 monthly installment payments for the device. For a limited time, customers can enjoy no down payment for the device. After 12 consecutive payments, customers can give back their current device and upgrade to a new smartphone or tablet.

“Sprint One Up is the best value in wireless,” said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. “The new program gives Sprint customers the ability to upgrade every 12 months and unlimited talk, text and high speed data for just $65. And, unlike other carriers, Sprint guarantees the unlimited talk, text and data for life. No other plan can compare.”

Sprint One Up for Existing Sprint Customers

Existing customers meeting upgrade eligibility requirements also can participate in Sprint One Up. In celebration of this significant launch, Sprint is rewarding current customers with the opportunity to join Sprint One Up through the holidays. Sprint customers who are not yet upgrade eligible, but have had their current phone for 12 months, can give back their current eligible phone and sign up for Sprint One Up, provided they meet the credit qualifications3.

Best Value in Wireless

Sprint continues its commitment to offer the best value in wireless with Sprint One Up and Unlimited, My Way and My All-in plans. Sprint One Up features:

Unlimited talk, text and high speed data on smartphones guaranteed for the life of the line of service starting at $65 a month (excludes surcharges and taxes)
Annual upgrades on smartphones and tablets
0% APR monthly installment payments for the device

Single Line Smartphone Comparisons

Sprint customers also will see significant monthly savings — up to $45 a month – compared to similar plans from AT&T and Verizon4.

4G LTE

Sprint continues to bring a better wireless experience to more customers across the country as it builds out its all-new 3G and 4G LTE network and is projected to provide LTE to 200 million people by the end of 2013. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint 4G LTE, visitwww.sprint.com/network. Customers can also check www.sprint.com/coverage for updated coverage maps.

Availability

Sprint One Up is available in Sprint company-owned stores to new and eligible existing customers on Sept. 20 (program currently not available in Florida and Washington, D.C.). Visitwww.sprint.com/oneup for more information.

Google Translate for iOS adds new UI, handwriting input, & translations in 7 new languages

Jordan Kahn Sep 20 2013 - 5:56 am PT

2 Comments

Google has updated its Google Translate app for iPhone and iPad today with a few new features that were previously only available to Android users. The app also receives a brand new UI that makes it fit more in with iOS 7 and the rest of Google’s apps.

Version 2.0.0 of Google Translate includes support for handwriting input, allowing users to write words using their finger for 49 different languages. The app also adds translations for seven additional languages, including: Bosnian, Cebuano, Hmong, Javanese, Khmer, Lao, Marathi.

The updated Google Translate app is available on the App Store now.

What’s New in Version 2.0.0

• Translation is now available for 7 new languages: Bosnian, Cebuano, Hmong, Javanese, Khmer, Lao, Marathi
• A sleek and modern user interface
• Handwriting input – write words with your finger to enter text for 49 languages

Long lines forming at Apple Stores around the globe for iPhone 5s/5c retail launch

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 4:53 pm PT

29 Comments

As online sales for the iPhone 5s begin to go live in Australia, Asia, and now the UK, lines outside of Apple stores around the world are starting to grow in anticipation the September 20th, 8AM retail launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c. Shipping times for the 5c have been slipping since preorders went live last week, but Apple seems to be in even shorter supply of the iPhone 5s as shipping times are starting at 7-10 days in most countries where online orders have already kicked off.

If you’re expecting to queue up to get your hands on an iPhone 5s like the many customers pictured below, you might want to get in line soon. We learned earlier today that retailers, including Apple stores, are getting little to no Gold and white iPhone 5s units, and will mainly have just the new Space Grey model available in store. However, as we’ve seen following launches in other countries today, the 5s in all colors seems to be in shorty supply even for online orders.

@varunkrish People in line at Apple store , Apple reps saying not more than 10 pieces of gold iPhone per store.
That is pretty bad.

— SD (@sonaldeshmukh) September 19, 2013

The September 20 iPhone 5s and 5c retail launch will take place in the US, Australia, China, Canada, Germany, France, Singapore, UK, and Japan.

Head below for a look at the long lines starting to form outside Apple Stores around the globe:
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More than $15k in rewards offered to crack Apple’s iPhone 5s TouchID fingerprint sensor

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 3:23 pm PT

3 Comments

TouchID-iPhone5S-fingerprint-sensor-01

As noted by BusinessInsider, a number of security researchers and other hackers have come together to offer rewards to the first person that can “reliably and repeatedly break into an iPhone 5s” through bypassing the new TouchID fingerprint sensor feature. They aren’t looking for a software hack, however, but instead want hackers to break into the device by lifting prints, “like from a beer mug.”

It’s not exactly a legit contest, as the creators of the site are only claiming responsibility for their own bounty offers. Their bounties come out to around just $200 of the approximately $20k in pledges listed on the site.

In order to collect, you’ll have to have video proof of the process. The site’s creator explained in the “terms and conditions,” which is actually just a series of tweets:

All I ask is a video of the process from print, lift, reproduction and successful unlock with reproduced print. I’ll put money on this… Enroll print, Place it, lift it, reproduce it, use the reproduction to unlock the phone without being locked out… satisfactory video evidence of the print enrollment, lift, reproduction and successful application of the print without locking out will do.

While there’s no way of telling if most of those offering bounties will actually payout, the largest pledge comes from IOCapital for $10K:

https://twitter.com/Arturas/status/380748248589148161

Apple said at the introduction of the iPhone 5s that “all fingerprints will be encrypted, stored securely and never uploaded to iCloud or its own servers,” but there have been a few questions surrounding how Apple’s new TouchID fingerprint sensor works. Earlier this month Apple addressed security concerns and noted some features to prevent hacking of the fingerprint sensor:

Only that passcode (not a finger) can unlock the phone if the phone is rebooted or hasn’t been unlocked for 48 hours. This feature is meant to block hackers from stalling for time as they try to find a way to circumvent the fingerprint scanner.

You can check out all of the bounties being offered and learn more through the istouchidhackedyet.com site.

Logitech & ClamCase tease new MFi iOS game controllers

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 2:43 pm PT

3 Comments

Above and below we might be getting a look at teasers for the first gaming controllers that will take advantage of Apple’s new MFi game controller frameworks. The first, above, comes to us from ClamCase. The company posted the teaser above for what appears to be a new controller, dubbed “GameCase”, that would attach to both an iPhone and an iPad (an iPad mini, at least). We spoke with the company who told us that the new controller would indeed follow Apple’s new MFi standards for game controllers.

The second teaser comes to us from Logitech (below). While we don’t actually see the controller in Logitech’s teaser, it appears to hinting at the controller that the company first showed off to developers during WWDC.
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Target matching Walmart’s $79 iPhone 5c deal, preorders start today

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 9:38 am PT

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iPhone-5c

While the iPhone 5c will begin selling in stores tomorrow starting at $99 on contract through most retailers, we’ve just learned that Target will be matching the $79 offer that Walmart recently announced for preorders of the iPhone 5c. It will also throw in an extra 5% off for those with a Target REDcard.

Target will begin selling the iPhone 5s in its stores tomorrow as well (as will Apple and many other retail stores), but it doesn’t seem to be matching the $189 offer Walmart announced for that device.

Preorders for the $79 iPhone 5c are available starting today through Target Mobile centers. Like Walmart, it will still be charging the full $199 for the 32GB model of the 5c.
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iPhone 5s & 5c get first teardowns revealing fingerprint sensor assembly & new components

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 9:08 am PT

1 Comment

iPhone5s-5c-teardown-04

With Australia, alongside other countries in Asia included in the initial September 20 iPhone launch, the first to get their hands on the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, a repair company in the country has just posted the first teardown of the two new iPhones. The iExperts Team out of Australia has taken apart both devices, revealing new components but not yet giving us a look at what we expect will be a Samsung made A7 chip.

The first thing noticed in the teardown was a new connector for the TouchID fingerprint sensor assembly. Lining up with leaks leading up to the launch of the iPhones, it also found a 5.92Whr battery in the 5s (up from 5.45Whr in the iPhone 5), and a 5.73Whr battery in the iPhone 5c. Internal layouts for the two new iPhones also seem to line up with part leaks we seen in recent months. Interestingly, the site notes that the batteries are stamped with “Apple Japan.”

Many of the teardown shots below also include an iPhone 5 next to the 5s and 5c for comparison.

iExperts notes that Apple has fixed an issue from previous generation devices by adding an extra coating to switches “that should help hold them together to prevent the failures prevalent in the other models.”

We don’t learn much more from the teardown, which is likely still in progress as the site analyzes new internal components, but we’ll be learning a lot more as others pry into their new iPhones in the hours ahead. The teardown also gives us a good look at Apple’s new home button/fingerprint assembly:
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Google releases Google Wallet app for iPhone

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 8:18 am PT

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Following the launch of an all new Google Wallet app for Android that brought the service to all Android devices in the US and customers on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, today Google has launched an official Google Wallet app for iOS devices.

Since in-store payments are still limited to a handful of Android devices in the U.S. with NFC, the new app, available on the App Store now, includes many of the new features that Google announced in its latest Android update. That includes the ability to send money to any friend in the US with an email address, support for adding loyalty cards, and integration with Google Offers for redeeming discounts based on location using the app. The app will let iOS users in the U.S. scan to add debit and credit cards for sending money and making purchases online.
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Apple’s Jony Ive and Craig Federighi talk removing skeuomorphism in iOS 7, chasing megapixels, and the future

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 8:14 am PT

15 Comments

JonyIve-CraigFederighi-01

It appears Apple has decided to let Jony Ive and Craig Federighi make the rounds with media today ahead of tomorrow’s official launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c. Apple’s head of design and software chief joined CEO Tim Cook for a wide-ranging interview this morning published in Bloomberg Businessweek, USA Today has now published its own interview with the pair that mostly focuses on Apple design guru, Jony Ive.

In the interview, Ive expands on his thinking behind design changes in iOS 7 and the removal of skeuomorphism, noting that, “there was an incredible liberty in not having to reference the physical world so literally”:

“When we sat down last November (to work on iOS 7), we understood that people had already become comfortable with touching glass, they didn’t need physical buttons, they understood the benefits,” says Ive. “So there was an incredible liberty in not having to reference the physical world so literally. We were trying to create an environment that was less specific. It got design out of the way.”

Ive continued by showing off iOS 7’s new translucent Notification Center: “Look at that,” says Ive. “The lovely thing about translucency is you’re not sitting there going, ‘Where have I just been taken?’ because your world is still there.” Federighi added: “Before, the shadowing effect we used was a great way to distract from the limitations of the display. But with a display that’s this precise, there’s nowhere to hide. So we wanted a clear typography.”

Ive and Federighi also discussed the new camera system in the iPhone 5s with Federighi pointing out that other “companies are chasing megapixels” while Apple is focused on delivering a better photo taking experience. Ive agrees, noting, “This is terribly important and at the heart of what we do. We care about how to design the inside of something you’ll never see, because we think it’s the right thing to do.”

What would Jony be doing if he was no longer needed at Apple? Designing cups perhaps? Ive avoids giving a direct answer but tells the publication that “It feels like we’re just getting started”:
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Apple Stores in Asia/Oceania go down ahead of iPhone 5s launch, 5c shipping times slip again

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 7:20 am PT

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Screen Shot 2013-09-19 at 10.14.05 AM

Ahead of the iPhone 5s launch tomorrow morning in Apple Stores around the world at 8AM local time, Apple appears to be preparing for online orders with its websites for China, Hong Kong, Australia, and Singapore currently experiencing downtime. Orders from Apple’s online store are about to kick off in the coming hours in Australia, while China and Hong Kong opened up reservations for the device earlier this week and also plan 8am retail launches. In the U.S. and most other countries online orders will start at 12am (PST in the US) and local time in other locations. Word has it the iPhone 5s will be in short supply at launch, but it’s taken Apple’s iPhone 5c over a week before experiencing any significant shipping delays.

Shipping times for certain models of the iPhone 5c began slipping over the last week, but most models in the initial launch countries remained available for delivery by the expected September 20 launch date. Today that has started to change with many more models of the iPhone 5c experiencing delays in several countries.

Screen Shot 2013-09-19 at 10.15.08 AM

In the U.S. and Canada, all models of the device are currently listed as shipping in 1-3 business days, while France and Germany are now listing “5 working days” for most models and “7-10 working days” for others. Of course, shipping times could easily change again tomorrow when the iPhone 5c officially hits Apple retail stores alongside the 5s. We’ll keep you updated if they do.

iOS 7 downloads causing network outages at several school campuses, activation server failures

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 1:44 pm PT

30 Comments

iOS-7-download-network-outage

As noticed by BusinessInsider, Apple’s release of iOS 7 today is causing havoc for the networks of several college campuses and other schools where a large number of iOS device users are attempting to download the new OS. Some schools, including Ohio University, is even urging students to delay upgrading to iOS 7 as the network experiences network problems due to the high amount of traffic.

Others having WiFi issues today include New York University, Michigan University, and Western Connecticut State University. Those three schools haven’t confirmed iOS 7 is the cause of network outages today, but students on Twitter have noted that iOS 7 is likely the culprit…
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Report: Apple could use sapphire crystal for home button on new iPads, cover glass on 2014 iPhones

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 1:06 pm PT

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With Apple utilizing a new laser cut sapphire crystal in its redesigned home button that now includes a capacitive fingerprint touch sensor on the iPhone 5s, it’s not that surprising that rumors of a sapphire home button on future iPads are starting to pop up. We’re certainly not taking this one as fact, as it comes to us from the not-so-reliable DigiTimes, but a new report from the publication says new models of Apple’s full-sized iPad and iPad mini will also utilize the hard sapphire crystal material. The rumor apparently comes from “Taiwan-based sapphire makers.”

The report adds that Apple could also be looking to utilize the material for entire touch screen covers for new iPhones coming in 2014, but that price could be a factor, as sapphire crystal is reportedly still around 5 times more expensive than alternative materials.

In it’s latest promotional video for the new iPhone 5s home button and TouchID feature (below), Apple says the Sapphire crystal button protects the the new touch sensor and also “acts as a lens to precisely focus it on your finger.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJkmc8-eyvE

Facebook updates iOS app with new look for iOS 7

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 12:47 pm PT

9 Comments

Facebook announced on its blog today that it’s rolling out a new update for iOS 7 (alongside just about every other developer today) that brings a brand new iOS 7 style design to the app. On top of a lighter color palette and the new iOS 7 translucent top bar, you’ll also now be able to “swipe from left to right to get back to News Feed” after tapping a story.

There are some other tweaks included in the update as well. The iPhone app, for example, now includes a new tab style menu along the bottom of the screen. The new menu design is something Facebook has actually been testing with many users in recent months, although not with the new iOS 7 design included in today’s update. Facebook is hoping the new menu makes it “easier to switch from News Feed to your friend requests, messages or notifications.”

The new Facebook app for iOS has begun rolling out to the App Store. A video of the new design in action is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnXggjgWC3U&feature=youtu.be

Direct download links for iOS 7 & 7.0.1

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 12:39 pm PT

30 Comments

iOS-7-091

Following Apple’s release of iOS 7 earlier today as an almost 1GB OTA update, direct download links have now made their way online. iOS 7.0 (build 11A465) is available now for your iPhone 4, 4S, 5, and iPad 2 and up, but Apple also has iOS 7.0.1 (build 11A470a) available for the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C as we noted earlier today. If you are having trouble with the over the air update, or just want to do a completely fresh install, you’ll be able to use the direct download links above to do so.

If you are going that route, you’ll want to make sure you are updated to the latest iTunes 11.1 released earlier today with iTunes Radio, Genius Shuffle, Podcast Stations, and, of course, support for iOS 7 devices.

iPad:

iPad2(wifi) (iPad2,1) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad2(at&t) (iPad2,2) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad2(vz) (iPad2,3) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad2,4 (iPad2,4) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad2,5 (iPad2,5) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad2,6 (iPad2,6) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad2,7 (iPad2,7) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad3,1 (iPad3,1) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad3,2 (iPad3,2) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad3,3 (iPad3,3) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad3,4 (iPad3,4) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad3,5 (iPad3,5) 7.0 (11A465)

iPad3,6 (iPad3,6) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone:

iPhone4 (iPhone3,1) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone3,2 (iPhone3,2) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone4(vz) (iPhone3,3) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone4S (iPhone4,1) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone5,1 (iPhone5,1) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone5,2 (iPhone5,2) 7.0 (11A465)

iPhone5,3 (iPhone5,3) 7.0.1 (11A470a)

iPhone5,4 (iPhone5,4) 7.0.1 (11A470a)

iPhone6,1 (iPhone6,1) 7.0.1 (11A470a)

iPhone6,2 (iPhone6,2) 7.0.1 (11A470a)

iPod touch:

iPodTouch(5G) (iPod5,1) 7.0 (11A465)

BlackBerry announces BBM for iPhone arriving on September 22

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 11:41 am PT

6 Comments

BBM-for-all

After first announcing that its popular BBM messaging service would be arriving on iOS and Android sometime during the summer, BlackBerry finally confirmed in a blog post today that the app would be released on Sept. 21 for Android followed by a release on iOS on Sept. 22.

BBM will be available as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.x) beginning at 7AM EDT on September 21. BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will become available for each market on the App Store schedule of 12:01 AM local time on September 22. For more information, or to download BBM for Android or iPhone, visit www.BBM.com.

BBM for iPhone and Android will initially include chat, photo and voice note sharing, multi-person chats with up to 30 people, and the ability to post status updates and personal messages. However, BlackBerry says the apps will get BBM Channels in a future updates:

BBM will continue to evolve quickly. Later this year, BBM Channels will provide a forum for active, real conversations between you and the people, brands, celebrities, artists, service providers, communities and more, that matter to you. By creating a Channel, individuals and brands can engage their friends and communities in conversations sparked by their thoughts, ideas and passions. Subscribing to a Channel will let you join conversations with people who share your interests. In addition, BBM Video calling and BBM Voice calling are planned for availability for Android and iPhone in a future version.

Gmail iOS app gets new icon, full-screen mode for large images & better integration w/ Google apps

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 7:19 am PT

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A ton of apps are getting updated today, many of which include support, new features and revamped looks for iOS 7. Google isn’t listing iOS 7 related features in its update of the Gmail iOS apps today, but it has refreshed its icon and added some new features.

On top of the new icon, Version 2.4.1 of the app includes an “enhanced attachment experience,” which really means that a larger image attached to an email will now open in a new full screen viewing mode when tapping its thumbnail.

The update also includes improved integration with other Google apps:

Better integration with Google apps – Google Drive and Google+ links go directly to the app, if installed. You can turn this off using the in-app settings.

Gmail version 2.4.1 for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store now.

Digg iOS app gets full iOS 7 support w/ Background App Refresh & Dynamic Text

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 7:14 am PT

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Digg-iOS-app The Digg iOS client has been updated today to version 5.2.1 and with it comes full support for iOS 7 in addition to the usual performance enhancements and bug fixes.

While the design of the app hasn’t been dramatically overhauled like many others, the update brings a few new features made possible by iOS 7. Among them is support for Apple’s new Dynamic Type and Background App Refresh features.

Digg version 5.2.1 is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store now.

What’s New in Version 5.2.1

◆ Full iOS 7 support, including Dynamic Type & Background App Refresh.
◆ Performance enhancements & bug fixes.

AAPL Company

Apple starts updating its App Store apps for iOS 7, starting with Apple Store & AirPort Utility apps

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 6:55 am PT

5 Comments

On top of our running list of apps being updated for iOS 7 today, Apple too is preparing for the release of iOS 7 later today with updates to its own apps. The latest to get support for iOS 7 is Apple’s AirPort Utility app, which allows users to manage their Wi-Fi networks and AirPort Base stations such as AirPort Express and AirPort Time Capsule.

Apple-Store-app Apple has also updated its Apple Store app today with optimizations for iOS 7 and “a refined user interface.” Not only has the app been given a new iOS 7 style icon, but the UI has also been refreshed to offer a cleaner, flatter design that fits in with iOS 7 (as pictured in the screenshots above). The updated app continues to offer free content in form of app and iBook downloads as part of Apple’s retail sales push that we reported last month.

Although Apple announced that its biggest apps– Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iPhoto, and iMovie– would become free for new iPhone customers starting this month, it has yet to update the apps for iOS 7 with refreshed user interfaces. Other Apple apps that haven’t received a makeover for iOS 7 yet include: Garageband, iTunes U, Find My Friends, Remote, Podcasts, and iBooks.

Version 2.8 of the Apple Store app is available on the App Store now alongside Version 1.3.2 of Apple’s AirPort Utility for iPhone and iPad.

iBooks has also been updated with iOS and iCloud-related compatibility fixes, but it has not been redesigned (yet.)

Pandora introduces version 5 of iOS apps w/ new look for iOS 7 on iTunes Radio launch day

Jordan Kahn Sep 18 2013 - 6:01 am PT

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With Apple’s new iTunes Radio launching today alongside iOS 7, it’s not that surprising that Pandora is using today to launch version 5.0 of its apps, which also happens to include a brand new experience on iPad and refreshed branding for the entire service.

The company has published two blog posts this morning. The first outlines the company’s new branding strategy, which includes what Pandora calls “refinements to our logo, our app icon, and our visual design.” The tweaks to the app icon and logo, according to Pandora’s Chief Marketing Officer Simon Fleming-Wood, is to honor the company’s past “while looking to the future with a bolder, more modern identity.” You’ll see some of the branding changes carried through both the new iPhone and iPad apps released today, which also get a refreshed look for iOS 7, but also coming soon to Pandora’s website and Android apps too.

The visual design language, which we refer to simply as “lights,” is meant to evoke the interplay of lights from a live show while symbolizing the flow of music from artists to listeners. To introduce our new direction, we created a short video. It is intended to be a declaration of who we are, what we believe, and why we do what we do.

While both apps get visual tweaks today to line up with the new branding, Pandora also published an article on its blog describing some major changes for version 5.0 of its iPad app.
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Watch the full Burberry London fashion show shot entirely with an iPhone 5s (Video)

Jordan Kahn Sep 17 2013 - 8:15 am PT

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Apple announced last week that Burberry would be capturing its London fashion show that took place yesterday entirely with its new iPhone 5s, and today Burberry has posted the full video of the event. There’s no mention whether or not the full 15 minute long video above has been retouched after being shot on the iPhone, but Apple and Burberry say the entire show, including photos and video, was “shot exclusively on iPhone 5s.”

We’ve seen a few shots leak throughout the week already, but Pocket-Lint has an inside look at how Burberry’s photographers shot the show using 14 different iPhones and an interview with Burberry’s creative director Christopher Bailey:
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Google Play Books for iOS updated with Single Sign-On support

Jordan Kahn Sep 16 2013 - 10:44 am PT

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Google has been adding Single Sign-On support to lots of its iOS apps in recent months, making it easier to sign into Google apps on their iPhone or iPad. With Single Sign-On, users can sign in once in any Google app supporting the feature and will automatically be signed into all the other apps. The idea is to eliminate having to sign-in multiple times to the same Google account for different apps. The latest app to get the update is Google Play Books, which was updated today to version 1.6.1 with support for Single Sign-On and copying selected text.

Google also recently added Single Sign-On support for its Chrome, YouTube, and AdSense iOS apps.

What’s New in Version 1.6.1

Added support for Google Single Sign-On, so that you only need to sign in once to access all of the Google apps on your device.
Added support for copying selected text, if copyright allows.
Stability improvements.