Jordan Kahn

• AAPL Company
• Apple Park
• Cupertino
• spaceship
• Building

Cupertino posts Apple Campus 2 approval press conference with Peter Oppenheimer (Video)

Jordan Kahn Oct 17 2013 - 2:17 pm PT

3 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEm2fO1nz5A&feature=youtu.be&a]

Earlier this week we told you that the Cupertino City Council had voted unanimously to approve Apple’s planning application for its new spaceship campus with a final vote expected next month on November 15th. Today the City of Cupertino posted the video above of a press conference held to announce the Apple Campus 2 approval. The press conference was held yesterday and attended by Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney and Apple’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer.

Apple is expected to break ground and begin construction of the new campus later this month and begin moving in employees by 2016.

• AAPL Company
• Tech Industry
• AT&T
• GigaOM
• Chis Penrose

AT&T announces $5/day 250MB data pass for iPad users

Jordan Kahn Oct 17 2013 - 11:28 am PT

9 Comments

AT&T’s SVP of Emerging Devices Chis Penroseannounced today at GigaOM’s Mobilize conference that the carrier is introducing a new $5 a day plan for tablet users. Available for your 3G and LTE iPads (and other AT&T compatible tablets of course), AT&T’s $5 data pass will offer a cheaper alternative to expensive hotel WiFi for travellers and others that only need a day or two worth of data.

The plan will give users 250MB a day and AT&T says it will make it easy for customers to purchase the data sessions online directly on their iPad. The carrier is also offering a new plan for tablet users that offers 1GB over three months for $25.

The new plan is of course in addition to the $10/month option to add a tablet to Mobile Share plans and the 30-day 250MB DataConnect Pass for $14.99 that AT&T already offers.

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• Apple TV
• AirPlay
• Yahoo
• MLB

Yahoo Screen iOS app adds AirPlay support, push notifications, and more

Jordan Kahn Oct 17 2013 - 11:23 am PT

0 Comments

Yahoo Screen, the iOS app the company launched back in September as a TV remote-like experience for browsing content from Yahoo, gets updated today to version 1.0.2. With the update, users can now AirPlay content from the app to an Apple TV and receive push notifications for live content like “breaking news and concerts.”

The updated app also brings the usual bug fixes and performance enhancements.

Yahoo Screen is available on the App Store for free on iPhone and iPad and includes Yahoo content from Comedy Central, MLB, UFC, The Onion, Martha Stewart, and more.

What’s New in Version 1.0.2

* Now with AirPlay support! Send a video to your TV while still browsing others in the app.
* Push notifications for live and featured videos, such as breaking news and concerts.
* Bug fixes and performance improvements

• AAPL Company
• iPad
• iOS Devices
• iPhone
• Apple News

Here come the iPhone 5s ads, touting Touch ID and Gold color option

Jordan Kahn Oct 17 2013 - 10:33 am PT

4 Comments

Apple appears to be changing gears from its previous Designed by Apple in California campaign following the release of the new iPhones. Apple’s latest full page ad is appearing in this week’s edition of the New Yorker and this time around focuses on the new fingerprint sensor and Touch ID feature on the gold iPhone 5s. The text from the ad reads:

Your finger is the password.

Touch ID was created not only to protect all the important and personal information on your phone, but to be so easy to use, you’ll actually use it. Its state-of-the-art technology learns your unique fingerprint, so you can unlock your phone or even authorize purchases with just a simple touch.Touch ID. Only on iPhone 5s.

Apple’s previous Designed by Apple in California ads made a point of focusing on on its ecosystem and the people that use it rather than specific products, but it’s clear the focus has changed slightly now that it has new iPhones on the market. Interestingly, the ad specifically notes Touch ID as specific to iPhone 5s. This particular magazine issue is next week’s version, just one day before the new iPads are announced. Would Apple note Touch ID is exclusive to the iPhone 5s in the same week that the iPads are revamped if the iPads will be getting the feature?

(via @samradford & MacRumors)

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• Twitter
• Social network
• Trending and Popularity
• Direct Messaging

Twitter to launch standalone Direct Messaging app?

Jordan Kahn Oct 17 2013 - 6:34 am PT

4 Comments

Twitter has been making a lot of improvements to its messaging experience in its mobile apps in recent months. It first introduced Direct Message syncing and other improvements back in July, and in recent weeks started rolling out the ability to receive direct messages from any follower (even those you don’t specifically follow) for a select number of users after testing it internally. Today, a new report claims that Twitter is planning further improvements to Direct Messaging and could as far as launching a standalone messaging app, much like Facebook Messenger.

The company plans to significantly update its direct-messaging product in the near future, according to multiple sources, bringing the long-buried feature to the forefront for the first time in years.

But Twitter’s new vision for direct messages will go further. It has kicked around the idea of launching a standalone direct-messaging application separate from the Twitter app, according to three people familiar with the matter. It is unclear, however, what form the final revamp of direct messages will take.

The report doesn’t provide much more info on Twitter’s plans, but does say it recently met with employees from MessageMe, one of the increasingly popular messaging apps that Twitter’s revamped DM service would attempt to combat. It also adds that we could see the new Direct Messaging app by the end of the year alongside a previously reported design overhaul.

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• iOS
• Artificial Intelligence
• Spain
• Ferrari

Real Racing 3 iOS app updated w/ Ferraris, HUD customization, new tracks & challenges

Jordan Kahn Oct 16 2013 - 4:02 pm PT

1 Comment

EA’s popular Real Racing 3 app for iOS gets a nice update today that introduces Ferraris into the game for the first time. On top of new cars from Ferrari including the FF, the 458 Italia, and the V12-powered F12berlinetta, version 1.40 also brings new tracks, time trial challenges, and the ability to customize the HUD.

EA is including the Circuit de Catalunya track from Spain in the latest update, and also says AI improvements offer ” better collision avoidance and faster times through the first corner.”

A full list of what’s new in the update is below:

What’s New in Version 1.4.0

Real Racing 3’s garage is bolstered by the introduction of highly requested cars from iconic Italian manufacturer, Ferrari.

• New Cars – for the first time in Real Racing, get behind the wheel of magnificent Ferrari vehicles: the FF, the 458 Italia, and the V12-powered F12berlinetta
• New Track – experience the sweeping turns and blistering straights of Spain’s famous Circuit de Catalunya
• Time Trial Ghost Challenges – learn from the best, compete with Friends and start new racing rivalries
• Meet The Crew – hire Crew Members to earn R$, Fame, and Servicing bonuses
• AI Improvements – better collision avoidance and faster times through the first corner
• HUD Customisation – tweak new settings to personalise your racing experience
• Lap and Sector Times – precise performance comparison
—–

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEAj9cK611Q]

• AAPL Company
• Apple News
• Tips and Tricks
• Apple support
• apple.com

Apple adds redesigned iPhone support pages with iOS 7 tips to website

Jordan Kahn Oct 16 2013 - 11:00 am PT

1 Comment

This week Apple has added revamped iPhone support pages detailing a long list of new features and UI tweaks in iOS 7 with a slick new UI that allows users to easily swipe through a carousel of related tips using a layout that’s much better suited for touch screens on iOS devices.

The new design is only available for iOS 7 related tips currently, but it could be a sign of things to come for the rest of Apple’s aging iPhone support pages that force users to navigate through lists of knowledge base articles.

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• App Store
• update
• OS X
• mavericks

Apple asks developers to begin submitting apps for OS X Mavericks ahead of October 22 event

Jordan Kahn Oct 15 2013 - 3:16 pm PT

2 Comments

Ahead of its October 22nd event where the company is expected to unveil new iPads alongside other product announcements, Apple today asked developers to begin submitting apps optimized for OS X Mavericks.

Apple seeded the final Golden Master release of OS X Mavericks to developers along with the Xcode 5.0.1 GM seed earlier this month and today urged developers to download the latest builds to test and submit OS X Mavericks apps to the Mac App Store. The move is likely in preparation of public release and pricing details expected to be announced during Apple’s event on the 22nd.

Submit your OS X Mavericks apps today.

Make sure your app takes advantage of the great new features in OS X Mavericks when the world’s most advanced desktop operating system becomes available to millions of customers later this fall. Download OS X Mavericks GM seed and Xcode 5.0.1 GM seed, now available on the Mac Dev Center. Build your apps with these latest seeds, then test and submit them to the Mac App Store.

Mavericks offers app developers a lot of new features to take advantage of from new energy saving features like App Nap, to Apple’s new Sprite Kit game engine, enhanced multiple display support, and auto-renewable subscriptions.

Apple first showed off and announced OS X Mavericks earlier this year during its WWDC developer conference, but next week’s event will likely be the perfect venue to announce official pricing and release date info for the public.

We previously reported that OS X Mavericks will be available in late October.

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• Google
• update
• app
• video

YouTube for iOS updated with ability to choose video quality on Wi-Fi, iOS 7 improvements

Jordan Kahn Oct 15 2013 - 2:59 pm PT

5 Comments

YouTube has updated its app for iPhone and iPad today to version 2.2.0 and with it comes a few performance enhancements and new features.

One highly requested feature that YouTube is making available in the latest version of the iOS app is the ability to select video quality, much like you can on the full desktop website, while over WiFi.

The updated app also includes improvements for iOS 7 compatibility and Accessibility.

What’s New in Version 2.2.0

* Choose your video quality while on Wi-Fi
* Accessibility improvements
* iOS 7 compatibility improvements

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• Google
• Google Maps
• navigation
• Google Maps for iOS.

Google Maps for iOS updated w/ quick access to navigation, new languages, & more

Jordan Kahn Oct 15 2013 - 12:04 pm PT

1 Comment

Google updated its Google Maps app for iPhone and iPad today with a few new features as the app moves to version 2.3.4. Google says the updated app includes “Faster access to navigation,” which includes new overviews for traffic and routes.

The updated app also includes a new Tips and Tricks section available from the side menu and support for new languages, including: Arabic and Hebrew. Google also notes that the new supported languages will offer voice guidance “where available.”

A full list of what’s new below:

What’s New in Version 2.3.4

● Faster access to navigation, complete with route and traffic overview
● Tips and Tricks available in the side menu
�� Arabic and Hebrew now supported, including voice guidance in navigation, where available
● Bug fixes

• AAPL Company
• Mac Pro
• Dell
• Flextronics
• Made in USA Mac

Flextronics could be prepping for new US made Mac Pro w/ hiring spree for “next generation desktop computer”

Jordan Kahn Oct 15 2013 - 7:59 am PT

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After Apple announced earlier this year that it would soon begin assembling Made-in-the-USA Macs in Texas and later confirmed it would be the new Mac Pro, it looks like Apple’s manufacturing partner Flextronics is currently preparing for the device’s launch later this year. Austin American-Statesman (via MacRumors) reports that Flextronics recently presented plans to government officials in Austin that would see the company hire up to 1700 employees to manufacture a “next generation desktop computer.” While Apple wasn’t specifically mentioned in the report, the report speculates Apple is the likely client after confirming that Dell is no longer building PCs in the US:

In its presentation, Flextronics, which builds computers, smartphones and other products for a range of brands, specified only that the foreign trade zone designation would help it move production of a “next generation desktop computer” from China to Austin.

The presentation did little to identify an exact brand. A spokesman for Dell Inc., which at one time produced desktops and laptops in North Austin factories, said it no longer builds them in the U.S… However, Flextronics’ presentation did add fuel to the ongoing rumors that Apple Inc.’s new line of Macintosh desktop computers could be built in Austin. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in May that the company would spend about 100 million to move its Mac production to Texas, but he did not disclose a specific site.

That would put manufacturing of the new Mac Pro less than a mile away from Apple’s newly renovated Austin campus that houses mainly customer support and sales staff.

There’s no solid proof that Flextronics new hiring spree is for the Mac Pro, but it looks likely as Apple is expected to begin shipping the redesigned Mac later this year. Latest rumors have it that Apple will show off the new Mac Pro once again at its upcoming iPad event on October 22, while a report this morning claimed it could become available to customers as early as November 15.

• AAPL Company
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• AT&T
• Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless will begin carrying iPhone 5s & 5c on October 25

Jordan Kahn Oct 14 2013 - 6:33 am PT

2 Comments

A number of regional carriers in the U.S. previously announced October 1st availability of Apple’s new iPhone 5s and 5c, and today AT&T-owned prepaid carrier Cricket Wireless becomes the latest.

The carrier announced today that it will begin carrying both the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c later this month on October 25:

Cricket Communications, Inc. today announced Cricket Wireless will offer iPhone 5s, the most forward thinking smartphone in the world, and iPhone 5c, the most colorful iPhone yet, to customers beginning on October 25, 2013. Customers may pre-register interest today at www.mycricket.com/register. For more information please visit: www.mycricket.com. For more information on iPhone, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone.

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• iOS
• iPad
• iPhone
• Reviews

Yelp iOS app replaces Home tab w/ new toolbar for quick access to reviews, photos, and check-ins

Jordan Kahn Oct 11 2013 - 1:50 pm PT

1 Comment

Yelp updated its iOS app today with a slightly tweaked UI that makes it easier for users to quickly post reviews, photos and check-in at locations. The app is getting rid of its old Home tab and now by default loads up the “Nearby” tab. In addition, the the tab in the middle along the bottom of the app now launches quick access to Check In, Review, and Photo buttons (as pictured above).

The updated app also includes “larger notification photos, better scrolling performance, updated icons and animations.”

What’s New in Version 7.2.0

New in v7.2
– We said goodbye to our homepage and hello to a beautiful new navigation that makes it even easier for you to discover great places nearby, add photos and reviews, and check in to your favorite businesses.
– We also added tons of polish to our app, including larger notification photos, better scrolling performance, updated icons and animations, and a whole lot more!

• AAPL Company
• Apple News
• Apple Retail
• retail
• Turkey

Apple’s first retail store in Turkey set to open in Istanbul in January

Jordan Kahn Oct 10 2013 - 8:16 am PT

7 Comments

As previously announced by Tim Cook earlier this year, Apple is preparing to open its first retail store in Turkey with a new store currently under construction in Istanbul. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has picked up around 21,000 square feet of space inside the Zorlu shopping center between Burberry and Louis Vuitton stores.

The store is expected to open in early 2014 and would make for the 13th country that Apple currently operates at least one retail store in. Apple now has over 400 retails stores worldwide and previously announced plans to open 30 new stores this year along with relocating 20 stores to bigger properties to accommodate customers.

(via donanimhaber)

• AAPL Company

iTunes Radio begins sporadically rolling out in Canada

Jordan Kahn Oct 10 2013 - 1:02 am PT

12 Comments

Earlier this month we reported that an iTunes Radio launch in at least Canada was on the way and today the service has officially started arriving for some users. While we’ve only been able to confirm availability in Canada first hand, others are reporting that iTunes Radio is also starting to roll out in the UK:

https://twitter.com/applefortytwo/status/386284633157300224

[tweet https://twitter.com/mmkhalifaa/statuses/388306372041125888]

Bloomberg reported earlier this week that Apple was targeting an iTunes Radio launch in several new countries for 2014. According to the report, Apple was expecting to rollout the new radio service in The United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia by early next year.

Apple officially launched its iTunes Radio streaming service in the U.S. alongside the launch of iOS 7 late last month. Not long after the company announced that it recorded 11 million unique listeners in just a few days and confirmed the service will soon expand into other markets.

iOS 7 doesn’t require an update to enable access to the service in new countries, but a quick restart of your device or the Music app should make iTunes Radio appear if it’s available in your location.

Update: It’s unclear if the service is actually beginning to roll out in Canada or if there is a server side issue causing iTunes Radio to appear in the Music app. Shortly after appearing in Canada the service stopped functioning: