Archive for June, 2014
Jailbreak 7.1.2 Untethered With Pangu For All iPhone, iPad And iPod Touch Models
Earlier today, ensuing both Apple’s release of iOS 7.1.1 more than two months ago and the unexpected iOS 7.1.1 Pangu Jailbreak utility that was released last week, Apple issued iOS 7.1.2 tothe public for alliPhone, iPod touch and iPad models.
How secure is your smartphone? Maybe you need a Blackphone, now shipping
Blackphone, the smartphone designed for those worried about security and privacy on their device, has started to ship to customers. Continue reading →
How Facebook conducts experiments on your emotions
Some 689,003 lucky Facebook users were unwittingly part of an experiment in which their news feed was altered to make it more or less positive. Was this ethical? Continue reading →
Awesome tech you can’t buy yet, for the week of June 29, 2014
At any given moment there are approximately a zillion different crowdfunding campaigns happening on the Web. Take a stroll through Kickstarter or Indiegogo and you’ll find there’s no shortage of weird, ambitious, and downright stupid projects out there — far too many for any reasonable person to keep up with. Continue reading →
Apple Releases iOS 7.1.2 With Mail Fixes, iBeacon Improvements
Apple today released iOS 7.1.2 to the public, more than two months after releasing iOS 7.1.1. iOS 7.1.2 is a minor update that focuses primarily on bug fixes and security improvements, repairing an email attachment encryption issue and fixing a bug with data transfer for third-party accessories. The update also includes improvements to iBeacon. Continue reading →
Awesome new tech in the iPhone 6 could be causing problems for Apple
This morning we got some good news when we learned that the actual iPhone 6models Apple plans to launch this fall will likely have a crucial difference compared to the hundreds of mockups we’ve seen at this point. Instead of having the awful plastic inserts on them that completely ruins the sleek look of the aluminum housings, they will reportedly feature glass pieces above the antennas similar to the ones on the current iPhone 5s. Continue reading →
Leaked HTC software update roadmap details Android L plans
HTC historically has not been good with software updates, neglecting updates for many phones and not meeting update deadlines, but it’s mostly changed its tune since the launch of the One M7. It has even committed to update the One M7 and One M8 to Android L promptly, and its Google Play edition models will also get the same love. Continue reading →
Moto 360 watches could get the custom Moto Maker treatment
The Moto X would have been a fine smartphone without any special custom designs: good price, solid performance, Touchless Control – there’s a lot to offer. But the wide variety of user-customizable designs offered though the Moto Maker site really sent this thing into the stratosphere, and we’ve long beenwaiting to see which future phones might get the same treatment. Continue reading →
iPhone 6 with glass borders, curved display, glowing logo and more?
Even though the web is full of photos of iPhone 6 mock-ups, we all know these are based on the leaked schematics we saw months ago, and not really something that came out of a Foxconn assembly plant. Prototypes evolve, as we learned with devices like the iPhone 5, and clearly Apple has months until the final release of the iPhone 6 in order to polish the final design. If you’re wondering what additional polish is missing, rumors already point to what to expect. Continue reading →
Google “arrogant” self-driving car plans turn off automakers
Google may be bringing self-driving cars to the public, but its “pod-car” trial is likely to remain small-scale sources claim amid ongoing tensions with traditional auto makers. Legal concerns insufficiently placated by Google’s own promises to take responsibility for self-driving accidents, along with accusations of arrogance on the part of the search giant have left negotiations cold. Continue reading →
Apple Unveils iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite at WWDC 2014
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicked off on June 2 with a flurry of announcements. The company introduced iOS 8, the next major version of its mobile operating system, featuring interactive notifications, third-party keyboards, and a new Health app. OS X Yosemite brought a fresh design with translucency and streamlined toolbars, along with Continuity features that let you hand off tasks between Mac and iOS devices seamlessly.
Apple also introduced Swift, a new programming language for iOS and OS X that promises to be faster and more interactive than Objective-C. Developers can now use Swift to build apps with less code and fewer errors. Additionally, Apple expanded iCloud with iCloud Drive for file storage and introduced Family Sharing for purchases and photos. The new features are expected to ship to consumers this fall.
Google I/O 2014: Android L, Material Design, and Android Wear Take Center Stage
At Google I/O in late June, Google previewed the next version of Android, dubbed "Android L," which brings a bold new design language called Material Design. The update introduces a redesigned navigation, enhanced notifications, and a new runtime called ART for improved performance. Google also announced Android Wear, an extension of Android for smartwatches, with support for voice commands and contextual information.
Google also unveiled Android TV, a platform for smart TVs, and Google Fit, a health-tracking platform. The company emphasized a seamless experience across devices, with Android L expected to arrive on Nexus devices later this year. Several manufacturers, including LG, Samsung, and Motorola, have already announced Android Wear watches, with the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live available for order immediately.
Amazon Unveils Fire Phone with Dynamic Perspective and Firefly
Amazon entered the smartphone market with the Fire Phone, announced on June 18. The device features a 4.7-inch display and a unique "Dynamic Perspective" system using four front-facing cameras to track the user's head and adjust the interface for a 3D-like effect. The Fire Phone also includes Firefly, a feature that recognizes products, music, and more, allowing users to quickly buy items from Amazon.
The Fire Phone runs Fire OS, Amazon's custom version of Android, and includes free unlimited cloud storage for photos. It is available exclusively through AT&T and includes a year of Amazon Prime membership. The phone's deep integration with Amazon's services makes it a compelling choice for avid shoppers, but its steep price and limited app ecosystem may be barriers for some.
Android Wear Smartwatches from LG, Samsung, and Motorola Begin Shipping
The first Android Wear smartwatches started shipping in late June. The LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live were available immediately after Google I/O, while the Motorola Moto 360, with its classic round design, was slated for later in the summer. These watches pair with Android phones to deliver notifications, voice search, and fitness tracking right on your wrist.
Android Wear emphasizes glanceable information and quick interactions, with cards for weather, traffic, and messages. Users can reply to messages by voice, set reminders, and control music playback. The platform is open to all Android 4.3+ devices, and Google has promised regular updates. With a variety of styles and price points, Android Wear aims to bring smartwatches to the mainstream.
Microsoft Announces Surface Pro 3: The Tablet That Can Replace Your Laptop
Microsoft took the wraps off the Surface Pro 3 on May 20, but it began shipping in June. The new 12-inch tablet is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and Microsoft boldly claims it can replace your laptop. The Surface Pro 3 features a 2160x1440 display, Intel Core processors, and a redesigned kickstand that can be adjusted to any angle. It also includes a new Surface Pen for precise note-taking.
The Surface Pro 3 runs full Windows 8.1, so it can run all desktop applications. It starts at $799, and Microsoft is positioning it as a versatile device for both work and play. Early reviews praised its hardware but noted that Windows 8 still has limitations when used as a pure tablet. Nevertheless, the Surface Pro 3 represents a major step forward for Microsoft's hardware ambitions.