iOS devices refer to any of Apple’s hardware that runs the iOS mobile operating system which include iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Historically, Apple releases a new iOS version once a year, the current version is iOS 10. Here is the complete list of iOS 10 compatible devices.
Update #2, Jan. 03: TechCrunch’s MG Siegler just posted a report claiming the rumor of Apple acquiring Waze for up to $750m was little more than a rumor. While citing “multiple sources close to the situation,” Siegler claimed “There is no deal is happening. At least not now or anytime soon.” A little birdie told Cnet the same thing.
That’s huge news for a few reasons: Apple rarely makes startup acquisitions — Waze is a hot startup with good buzz — the Apple Maps fiasco — the list goes on. But there’s just one little problem: the deal isn’t actually happening.
That information comes from multiple sources close to the situation. And while Mike Butcher also claimed multiple sources in his original post, you’ll note that he was quick to qualify the information as a “rumor”
Update: Butcher later updated the post to add that another source confirmed Apple is in advanced negotiations with Waze to purchase the company for a figure ranging from $400M to $750M:
Another source confirms that negotiations are advanced, but Waze wants $750M and Apple is willing to do $400M plus $100m in incentives. Waze had less than $1M in revenues last year (primarily from ads). Negotiations may take awhile.
Following rumors that Apple may partner with Foursquare to better its mapping experience, Mike Butcher of TechCrunch offers a great case as to why Apple may purchase social sat-nav smartphone app Waze. For those unfamiliar, Waze is a popular mapping solution in the United Kingdom, Asia, and Middle East (areas where Apple is having trouble with its in-house Maps). Here’s how Apple could benefit:
Because Waze maps are built on the location of moving cars, it’s far more accurate than check-in apps. Outside of Google’s project to map cities with Streetview cars – something which has taken years to complete – and the real-world mapping undertaken by volunteers on the Open Streetmaps open source project, there has been little to match Waze’s approach.
It would also cost Apple northwards of $500M+ to buy Foursquare (which has raised $71 million is known to be raising another round), and gain, what? The location of restaurants, bars and airports? Given Waze has raised $67 million, Apple could acquire far better mapping data and a real driving app.
“Our checks indicate that the next iPhone will have more choices for customers,” the analyst wrote. “This entails an expansion in both the color patterns and screen sizes with the next iPhone (i.e., likely called the iPhone 5S) that we currently believe will be launched in May/June with certain supply production starting in March/April.”
Like Misek, who expects Apple to release the next-gen iPhone in six to eight colors, White is expecting Apple to release pink, yellow, blue, white and silver, and black and slate variants of the “iPhone 5S”. Misek also claimed last month that the new device could feature an improved camera, NFC, and better battery life.
White also believes Apple could launch the new model of the iPhone in multiple screen sizes for the first time:
“Our checks are also indicating that the next iPhone will offer customers more choice in terms of screen size,” White reported. “Although Apple offers a 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5 and a 3.5-inch screen on the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, the Company has never offered multiple screen sizes for a single model. We believe this is about to change with the next iPhone offering different screen sizes that we believe will allow Apple to better bifurcate the market and expand its reach.”
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has been contracted by Apple to soon manufacture A6X chips, according to a report from Taiwan-based Commercial Times (via France24). The move, which has been speculated by media in the recent months, is said to reduce Apple’s reliance on South Korean-based Samsung, who has been responsible for many of Apple’s chips in recent years. The folks in Cupertino introduced the A6X chip in the fourth-generation iPad in October, and it is expected to go into TSMC’s hands, rather than Samsung’s, during the first quarter of this year for trial production.
For those unfamiliar, TSMC is the world’s largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundry. The trial that will be underway during the first quarter will presumably be in-place to see if the company can keep with Apple’s high demand that must be appeased with devices in stock. Past the powerful A6X chip, Apple has been rumored to make the switch to TSMC’s 20nm process for quad-core processors over the next couple of years in the iPad, “iTV” (Apple TV?), and MacBook, while iPhone’s will remain with duo-core chips.
As many iPhone owners wake up New Years Day and realize their Do Not Disturb is stuck on, they might also catch a glimpse of Apple’s new iPhone 5 commercial. Featuring the Tennis stars/sisters Venus and Serena Williams playing table tennis in a dream sequence, the ad tells the viewer that they might miss out on an awesome dream without Apple’s Do Not Disturb feature.
The ad is amusing, but the timing is oh-so painful.
It’s New Year’s Eve and folks are either getting ready to go out and party or assembling a junk food fest to sit on the couch and gorge the night away, but it’s guaranteed that almost everyone will have their eyes locked on Time Square’s Ball when the clock strikes midnight. Instead of watching this year’s countdown on television, however, just use an iPhone.
The Times Square Official New Year’s Eve Ball App is the official app to celebrate New Year’s Eve live from New York City, as the app’s description indicates, and it’s free. The main features include the ability to watch the co-hosted official show live, opening ceremonies, musical performances, celebrity appearances, hourly countdowns, and the midnight Ball Drop.
Users can also submit images and then vote on friends’ photos to possibly be selected for display on the Toshiba Vision Screen beneath the New Year’s Eve Ball, and they have access to tidbits related to history, news, weather, photos, map, and event schedule. The app also offers New Year’s Eve eCards and the ability to customize the Toshiba Countdown Clock with a personal photo and time zone.
In September, we noted some statistics from the NYPD that claimed Apple-related crimes were increasing 10 times the 4 percent increase other crime in the city was experiencing. Today, New York City Michael Bloomberg is once again pointing to thefts of iPhones and iPads as the cause of the increase in the city’s annual crime index (via The New York Times):
Crime in New York City inched up this year, and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Friday fingered the culprit: too many iPhones and iPads were being swiped.
As of Monday, the Police Department recorded 3,484 more crimes than for the same period last year. A full breakdown of the year’s crime statistics was not immediately available, but city officials were quick to focus on the Apple figure. The increase in Apple product thefts: 3,890.
“If you just took away the jump in Apple, we’d be down for the year,” said Marc La Vorgna, the mayor’s press secretary.
Digitimes reported that Apple is continuing talks with the struggling Sharp over its IGZO display panels. Before making a switch, the company is evaluating whether Sharp’s supply will be able to meet the demand of the iPhone, iPad mini, and 10-inch iPad throughout 2013.
The sources said Apple is in further discussions with Sharp over IGZO panel production capacity estimates for 2013 and is also inquiring about whether AU Optronics’ (AUO) L5C line could be used to produce the technology.
We previously detailed the benefits of an IGZO display when we spent some hands-on time with it at IFA Berlin. We found it to be pretty impressive, as it can be built under a 2 mm bezel, and it features a smoother touch and the ability to consume one-fifth to one-tenth of the power consumed by a-Si displays (which would lead to smaller batteries in devices). Apple reportedly wanted to use it with the third-generation iPad, but scrapped those plans at the last second. The fifth-generation iPad is now looking like a likely candidate for the new screen tech in March.
Even with Apple’s launch of the fourth-generation iPad last month, Apple is rumored to be preparing to launch yet another new iPad in the coming months. According to Macotakara, a thinner, lighter version of the iPad with 9.7-inch display is due in March 2013.
According to my inside source, iPad(5th) may be released in March, 2013. Source told that, design of this new iPad will be like iPad mini in detail, and be thinner and lightweight. (The expectation comes to have a small 4mm in height, 17mm in width, depth 2mm).
This release would be a year after the launch of the third-generation iPad. Apple’s first three generations of its tablet followed a March/April release cycle.
The report claims that this new iPad will, unsurprisingly, pick up the design elements from Apple’s iPad mini. The iPad mini inherited the iPhone 5’s black/slate and white/silver designs…
Best Buy has begun advertising its upcoming Boxing Day sale in Canada, a holiday recognized by retailers in Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia when retailers typically discount products similar to Black Friday in the United States. This year, Best Buy will offer deals on select Apple products, including savings on all MacBooks Pro, MacBook Air models, and iPad 2, 3, and 4. BestBuy hasn’t posted specific deals for those products, but it’s also advertising the iPhone 5 from $0 on the usual three-year contract. The best we’ve seen in the U.S. is around $126 through Fry’s and Walmart. The deal will be available through Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile Mall locations on Dec 26, while the other deals will hit BestBuy.ca starting 6 p.m. EST Dec. 24 (sale officially starts at 8 p.m. EST). Best Buy’s FutureShop locations in Canada will offer the same discounts.
As always, we have the best deals on Apple products from around the web for all our readers from the 9to5Mac product pages.
Like last year, Apple is also advertising a Boxing Week sale for Canadians on the iTunes store. This year, Apple has a selection of new albums from artists, such as Coldplay, Pink, Mumford & Sons, Rihanna, Drake, Skrillex, and Justin Bieber, starting at around $6.90. While Boxing Day is recognized as a holiday on Dec. 26 in Canada, retailers usually hold Boxing Week sales from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2:
Apple successfully defended itself against a Motorola lawsuit over an accidental hang-up sensor on its iPhone line. Bloomberg reported this evening that U.S. International Trade Commission judge Thomas Pender ruled in Apple’s favor, as he has before, declaring Motorola’s patent invalid. The ITC’s commission still has the power to review the ruling, but that hasn’t stopped Motorola from releasing an official statement on the matter.
Jennifer Erickson, a Motorola Mobility spokesperson, told Bloomberg in a statement: “We’re disappointed with this outcome and are evaluating our options.” Motorola is a part of Mountain View-based Google, which was acquired last August for $12.5 billion in a patent defense move.
Motorola’s collective lawsuit was filed in August with a claim that Apple violated seven patents with its iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and iOS products, and even Macs. The suit was filed during the same time Apple worked to defeat Samsung in a historic patent case that played out during the better part of August. Samsung was ultimately ruled to pay damages of more than $1 billion.
Just after releasing iOS 6.1 beta 4 to developers yesterday, Apple has released iOS 6.0.2 to the masses this afternoon. The update is only for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini and seems minor, as the folks in Cupertino said the update simply addresses bugs including a Wi-Fi bug that has plagued many users. You can grab the updates from iTunes, your device, or by directly downloading them from the links below. After initial OTA problems, the update looks to now be installing.
iPad Mini (Wi-Fi) (iPad2,5) version 6.0.2 (Build 10A550), Download
iPad Mini (GSM) (iPad2,6) version 6.0.2 (Build 10A8500), Download
iPad Mini (CDMA) (iPad2,7) version 6.0.2 (Build 10A8500), Download
iPhone 5 (GSM) (iPhone5,1) version 6.0.2 (Build 10A551), Download
iPhone 5 (CDMA) (iPhone5,2) version 6.0.2 (Build 10A551), Download
Google has launched YouTube Capture for iOS on the iTunes App Store this afternoon, allowing users to upload video “in as few as 3 clicks.” The folks at YouTube released the app to make it easier for users to film and upload video to YouTube, as the app allows for video to be filmed from right within the app, uploaded, and shared to Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. Besides the speed, the app is also welcomed because it offers an easier way to upload videos than iOS’ finicky uploader does. We have to wonder why this feature was not just included into the YouTube for iOS app—but, hey, we’ll take it. [iTunes] Expand Expanding Close
With the highly anticipated Google Maps for iOS now among us, Google SVP of Commerce Jeff Huber shared some interesting download numbers this afternoon. In just 48 hours, Huber said that a whopping 10 million users downloaded the Apple Maps alternative from the iTunes App Store. Also, as the app climbs up the charts to the top free app, the number of downloads is likely rising quick. Google Maps for iOS was well received, garnering positive reviews and ratings, with even Google admitting that its iPhone version of Maps is better than its Android version. Additionally, things look to get even better: Google shared last week that iPad support and offline mode are launching soon.
Business Insider pointed us to an interview on OpenForum with the Guess? CIO Michael Relich. The clothing retailer implemented iPads for merchandising in 2010, and it has since installed iPads in stores, started accepting credit card payments via iPod touch, and even started supplying extra iPods instead of cash registers to stores during the busy holiday seasons.
Well our buyers saw an improvement immediately. Instead of just seeing a number on a spreadsheet, our iPad app allowed them to see the specific coat, pant or dress accompanied by a photo and where it was selling. Suddenly, they were going into stores with a lot better idea about what to do and how to act to improve the store.
For shoppers, our engagement went through the roof after we installed iPads in the stores. People instinctively go up to the device and use it to find out-of-stock merchandise or track their loyalty program points. We’ve gotten great feedback.
Well I believe that cash registers will go away and will be replaced by iPads or iPod touches. We currently use an iPod touch in stores for credit-card transactions, similar to the Apple store…
The deal is $1 less than Walmart’s current sale, and it is the lowest price 9to5Mac has seen so far. Fry’s also discounted the 32GB and 64GB capacities to $226 and $326, respectively.
Some iPhone users who’ve tried the new Google Maps already will want to use the app instead of the often-criticized Apple Maps. Sadly, Apple doesn’t yet offer a way to make Google Maps the default application to allow iOS users to choose which mapping app opens when map URLs are clicked or using Siri.
As expected, the crafty folks in the jailbreak community have already cooked up a new tweak called “MapsOpener” that will make Google Maps the default. You can check out the tweak courtesy of Hashbang Productions and available via Cydia’s Big Boss repo. As we told you earlier this week, jailbreak tweak FullForce will also make Google Maps scale to the iPad’s large screen. Check out MapsOpener demoed below.
Google announced on its official blog today that it would do some “winter cleaning” by discontinuing a number of services in the near future. Among the services shutting down as of Jan. 30 is Google Sync, which allowed users to get access to Gmail, Calendar, and Contacts using the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol. As an alternative, Google recommended IMAP for mail and the recently launched CardDAV and CalDAV protocols. Google also confirmed it would continue offering the service to existing consumers and Google Apps for Business, Government, and Education customers.
On Monday, we told you that T-Mobile was enhancing its 4G network in Atlanta, Seattle, and Minneapolis to provide access to its iPhone-compatible 1900 MHz spectrum for more users. Chief Technology Officer for T-Mobile USA Neville Ray announced more enhancements to the network today, including the roll out of more iPhone-compatible 4G HSPA+ to five major metro areas, such as: Chicago; Reno, Nev.; and Fresno, Sacramento and Southern Calif.
A spokesperson confirmed to us that the launch of the enhanced network in these new areas brings T-Mobile’s total covered for iPhone compatible 1900 MHz PCS spectrum to 100 million people.
Internal tests of unlocked iPhone 4S devices running over 4G (HSPA+) on our 1900 MHz network recorded on average 70% faster download speeds than iPhone 4S devices on AT&T’s network. Savings based on comparison of T-Mobile $69.99/month Unlimited Talk, Text and Data plan against AT&T Unlimited Talk, Text, and 3GB Smartphone Data plan.
T-Mobile also said more enhancements to the network are on the way to “Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, the New York metro area, Philadelphia, and San Diego,” with many customers already experiencing unlocked iPhone “speed sightings.”
A full list of areas included in the rollout is below:
MIT Technology Review published an interview today that introduces us to Young Sohn, Samsung’s chief strategy officer, and by his own admission, currently a Mac, iPad and iPhone user. You’d of course expect a Samsung executive to stick to the company’s Galaxy smartphone and tablet lineups for obvious reasons. However, speaking with MIT Technology Review, Sohn said he now uses a Mac, iPhone, and iPad at home, noting that Apple’s devices win out due to the ecosystem:
…I use a Mac, actually, at home. I’ve always used Mac, an iPhone, and an iPad. I also have the Galaxy… If you look at the strengths of Apple, in a way it’s not the product per se. It’s that consumers like their ecosystem such as iCloud. I like that my family 6,000 miles away in Korea is able to see my schedule and see all of my contacts and photos… At work I’m using Samsung devices; Apple at home, mainly because all of my systems and files are done that way. That’s sticky, you know? However, I did figure out how to sync all of my contacts and all of my schedules between the two different systems. You can do it. It’s a bit of work, but it is possible.
Sohn also said the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, in his opinion, is actually a better phone than the iPhone, but he noted Apple’s ecosystem is critical to the overall experience: Expand Expanding Close
Apple Maps icon compared to Google Maps iPhone web app icon
According to AllThingsD, Google plans to release its long-rumored Google Maps for iOS application tonight. The report does not share any details about the application’s features, or which Apple devices it will work with. However, previous rumors point to the application including the turn-by-turn navigation support that Google would not offer in Apple’s Google Maps app in iOS versions prior to iOS 6. Additionally, rumored screenshots of the application reportedly leaked out a couple of months ago, but those images have yet to be confirmed or corroborated as legitimate.
Apple’s iOS devices included a Maps app with a Google backend up until version iOS 6. Apple’s in-house Maps application includes a 3D Flyover mode, turn-by-turn directions, and Yelp integration. However, even with those helpful features, the application has been filled with controvrsy over unreliable data, broken satellite imagery, and other errors. Apple’s former iOS Senior Vice President and a Senior iOS engineer, Scott Forstall and Rich Williamson, have even both been pushed out of the company in connection to the iOS 6 Maps app.
The keyboard sports the familiar Mac layout with access to Mission Control, and it mimics Apple’s style with a “sleek aluminum design” and backlit key characters. Logitech touted the Easy-Switch function as a streamlined way for users to type on their Mac and toggle over to an iOS device with just the touch of a button.
The wireless trackpad offers multi-touch control and supports the full range of Mac OS gestures on a smooth glass surface that is engineered with “embedded precision sensors and resistance to fingerprints and scratches.” The most unique feature, however, is that both the trackpad and keyboard are rechargeable through a USB cable. Logitech specifically said the trackpad could net one full month of power that is manageable via an On/Off switch.
The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard and the Logitech Rechargeable Trackpad will launch in the United States and Europe in January 2013 with a suggested retail price of $99.99 and $69.99, respectively.
Promo videos and press release are after the break.
Twitter announced yesterday it is bringing Instagram-like photo filters to its iOS application—and now the touted features, complete with editing capabilities, are finally live.
Apply one of eight different filters to instantly add a new look and feel to your photos
Choose a filter by comparing all your options in a convenient grid view or by swiping through each version
Make your photos pop with balanced light and colors by tapping the auto-enhance wand
Crop and scale to frame the action the way you want
The micro-blogging service mentioned Aviary, which, according to Aviary’s website, provides developers with “a robust, customizable photo editor that can be plugged into apps,” will power the photo filters.
The Android version of the new Twitter app went live on Google Play yesterday, while today’s iOS update also includes unspecified tweaks and fixes.
Perfect for any iPhone toting gamer, ThinkGeek offers the iCade Jr. Mini Arcade Cabinet for iPhone 4/4S for just $19.99 with free shipping. That’s $30 off the $50 list price and the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this awesome little game controller. From the manufacturer:
Miss the days of hours long marathons of Tetris, Pac-Man, or Space Invaders? Nostalgic for feeding your hard-earned quarters into arcade games as your friends gathered around to watch you try for a new record? Remember those sweaty, cramping, aching hands frozen in position on that shiny red joystick? We bet you 50 cents you do.
Ion Audio and ThinkGeek have collaborated to adapt their popular iCade, designed for the iPad, to fit your iPhone. With the iCade Jr., you can take your newest most favorite-est toy, your iPhone, and turn it into your oldest most favorite-est toy, an arcade game. Designed specifically to fit your iPhone or iPod Touch, the iCade Jr., allows arcade-like game play of hundreds of games using that shiny red joystick and buttons. No quarters needed.
Product Specifications
Miniature playable arcade cabinet for your desk. Just add iPhone!
It’s the iCade, scaled down!
Sized for safe, secure fit for iPhone 4/4S or iPod touch 4th Generation
Fits iPhone 5 if you leave the top lid hinged back
Features arcade-style joystick, four front and rear buttons
Works with hundreds of game including iCade Jr. compatible games from the App Store
Rotating cradle allows for landscape and portrait viewing
Connects using wireless Bluetooth technology (set up once and you’re good to go!)
True control with eight action buttons and two-axis directional pad
Safety & Warranty Manual and Quickstart Guide included
Batteries: 2 x AA (included)
Games!
Numerous iOS developers have built in iCADE support. In all, over 150 apps have announced support for the iCADE standard.
Here is a list of some of the best iCade games. Search keyword “iCade” in the app store to find more. [ iCADE Games List ]
iOS: If you’ve taken the step of Jailbreaking your iPhone, the iMAME4all app adds MAME awesomeness to your iCADE gaming stack. While we can’t recommend jailbreaking or unlicensed ROMs, we can certainly confirm that it does indeed work and it works quite well. :)
After confirming a partnership with Apple to bring products to market in 2013 last week, T-Mobile today announced plans to bring its enhanced iPhone-compatible 4G network to even more areas. Chief Technology Officer for T-Mobile USA Neville Ray announced on the company’s blog that the carrier’s enhanced network will now be available in Atlanta, Seattle, and Minneapolis. T-Mobile will also continue to enhance its network in Oakland, San Francisco, and the Silicon Valley:
Continuing our fast-paced work to strengthen our already competitive 4G experience in major metro areas across the country, we’ve just announced technology advancements in three additional major metro areas, including Atlanta, Seattle and Minneapolis. Additionally, we have continued to expand on enhancements made last month in Oakland, San Francisco and the Silicon Valley to cover more surrounding cities.
T-Mobile also pointed out: “Internal tests of unlocked iPhone 4S devices running over 4G (HSPA+) on our 1900 MHz network recorded on average 70% faster download speeds than iPhone 4S devices on AT&T’s network.”
