When Apple ushered in the Lightning cable with the iPhone 5, millions of folks groaned collectively. A new connector means new accessories and outdated doodads, but in this particular example, it also represented a serious shot against piracy. As it turns out, Apple detests knockoffs… even when it comes to cabling. So, with Lightning, the company included a chip inside of each plug that would be next to impossible to reverse engineer and ape. Moreover, Apple added yet another expense to reproducing the cable, which would no doubt cut into the profit margins for would-be knockoff artists.
Today, a three meter Lightning cable from Apple is priced at $20. Which, by all measures, is firmly in Monster Cable territory on the ripoff meter. Thankfully, quite a few “Apple certified” options do exist, including a smattering of $14 versions available across the web.
But, being the stubborn knucklehead that I am, I just couldn’t be bothered with paying such outrageous rates for a couple of spare cables.
lightning-black-white
I needed a few to toss into various travel bags and to have hanging around in vehicles. When you need a charge, these Lightning cables are tough to come by.
As one would, I hopped on eBay and found a bundle of four knockoff “iPhone 5 compatible” charging cables for the seductively low price of $9, all shipping included.
Apple Lightning Cable Error
Whatever you do, do not do this.
The cables themselves look and feel exactly like the ones that Apple itself sells, but they simply don’t work. Every so often, they’ll charge my device for a few minutes, but without fail, the dreaded alert shown above will eventually appear. Once that happens, all charging ceases.
I’ve even lowered myself to blowing on both sides, NES style, in hopes of convincing my phone that it’s hooked to a genuine tether. Regrettably, it all ends in tears.
Thursday, 22 May 2014
People want most in the iPhone 6
There are plenty of rumors surrounding the iPhone 6, but there is one thing we can be sure of: following its debut later this year, it will be one of the most popular smartphones of all time. In fact, it will almost certainly be the best-selling single smartphone model yet. According to reports from many solid sources, Apple’s iPhone 6 will feature a huge redesign with rounded sides, a thinner case and a larger 4.7-inch display. It may also feature Apple’s new A8 processor and NFC.
Of course, we can’t be completely sure of what we’ll see on the iPhone 6 until Apple unveils the phone in the coming months. That doesn’t mean we can’t hope for certain things in the meantime, and a new survey sheds light on the most desired new features in Apple’s next-generation iPhone.
Mobile discount aggregator WalletHero recently conducted a survey in which it asked more than 1,500 people what new features they want to see most in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6.
Not surprisingly, almost everyone polled in this survey — 97% of respondents — said they want the iPhone 6 to include longer battery life. 85% said they want a bigger display, which is good news for Apple since a 4.7-inch screen is almost assured at this point, and 73% said they wanted a better camera.
43% of respondents said they wanted the iPhone 6 to include a faster processor, 37% wanted expandable storage from a microSD slot, 35% wanted the phone to be less expensive and 8% were hoping for a dual SIM option.
Among those who said they planned to purchase the new iPhone 6 following its release, 34% said they intend to purchase it on launch day but only 3% said they would wait in line.
63% said they planned to buy the iPhone 6 but had no set time frame in terms of when.
Finally, 84% of respondents who said they planned to purchase the iPhone 6 would be upgrading from a current iPhone model. 11% would be switching over from Android phones and less than 1% each said they would be switching from either Windows Phone or BlackBerry.
Apple’s next-generation iPhone 6 is widely expected to launch in late September this year.
Of course, we can’t be completely sure of what we’ll see on the iPhone 6 until Apple unveils the phone in the coming months. That doesn’t mean we can’t hope for certain things in the meantime, and a new survey sheds light on the most desired new features in Apple’s next-generation iPhone.
Mobile discount aggregator WalletHero recently conducted a survey in which it asked more than 1,500 people what new features they want to see most in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6.
Not surprisingly, almost everyone polled in this survey — 97% of respondents — said they want the iPhone 6 to include longer battery life. 85% said they want a bigger display, which is good news for Apple since a 4.7-inch screen is almost assured at this point, and 73% said they wanted a better camera.
43% of respondents said they wanted the iPhone 6 to include a faster processor, 37% wanted expandable storage from a microSD slot, 35% wanted the phone to be less expensive and 8% were hoping for a dual SIM option.
Among those who said they planned to purchase the new iPhone 6 following its release, 34% said they intend to purchase it on launch day but only 3% said they would wait in line.
63% said they planned to buy the iPhone 6 but had no set time frame in terms of when.
Finally, 84% of respondents who said they planned to purchase the iPhone 6 would be upgrading from a current iPhone model. 11% would be switching over from Android phones and less than 1% each said they would be switching from either Windows Phone or BlackBerry.
Apple’s next-generation iPhone 6 is widely expected to launch in late September this year.
Monday, 19 May 2014
What iOS looks like running on a 4.7-inch iPhone 6
We’re still several months away from seeing Apple unveil its next-generation iPhone 6 handset, but the leaks and rumors have already kicked into high gear. There are plenty of purported new iPhone 6 details that pop up each day, but we also see bloggers constantly finding new ways to use the many supposed iPhone 6 mockups currently circulating. Rumor has it that these mockups were created using actual schematics for Apple’s iPhone 6 that were leaked from Foxconn and used by third-party case makers to get an early jump on producing cases for Apple’s new iPhone.
Now, one blogger has found an entirely new way to use an iPhone 6 mockup, and it may give us our first glimpse of what it will be like to actually use a larger iPhone handset.
Working with 9to5Mac, YouTube user “macmixing” has created a simulation that shows iOS 7.1 running on a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 mockup. Apple’s new iPhones will launch with iOS 8, of course, but the new version of Apple’s mobile software isn’t expected to feature any huge visual changes. As such, the simulation seen in this video could be almost exactly what using iOS on Apple’s upcoming larger iPhone 6 will be like.
The video also shows the iOS simulation running on an iPhone 6 next to an iPhone 5s, so we can see how using iOS on a larger display might differ from Apple’s current iPhone experience.
It should be noted that Apple may make some key changes to iOS for its larger devices that are not shown in this simulation. For example, some apps may be tweaked in order to make better use of the additional real estate.
A report from reliable Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities recently stated that the iPhone 6 will feature a brand new design with a 4.7-inch display, as well as a new Apple A8 processor and NFC. The analyst also said that the iPhone 6 will launch in either September or October, and a second new iPhone model with similar specs and a 5.5-inch full HD screen will launch sometime later in the year.
In the meantime, macmixing’s video follows below.
Now, one blogger has found an entirely new way to use an iPhone 6 mockup, and it may give us our first glimpse of what it will be like to actually use a larger iPhone handset.
Working with 9to5Mac, YouTube user “macmixing” has created a simulation that shows iOS 7.1 running on a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 mockup. Apple’s new iPhones will launch with iOS 8, of course, but the new version of Apple’s mobile software isn’t expected to feature any huge visual changes. As such, the simulation seen in this video could be almost exactly what using iOS on Apple’s upcoming larger iPhone 6 will be like.
The video also shows the iOS simulation running on an iPhone 6 next to an iPhone 5s, so we can see how using iOS on a larger display might differ from Apple’s current iPhone experience.
It should be noted that Apple may make some key changes to iOS for its larger devices that are not shown in this simulation. For example, some apps may be tweaked in order to make better use of the additional real estate.
A report from reliable Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities recently stated that the iPhone 6 will feature a brand new design with a 4.7-inch display, as well as a new Apple A8 processor and NFC. The analyst also said that the iPhone 6 will launch in either September or October, and a second new iPhone model with similar specs and a 5.5-inch full HD screen will launch sometime later in the year.
In the meantime, macmixing’s video follows below.
10 Best iPad, iPhone, iOS Games
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM is a rework of the successful 90s strategy game called X-COM. Set in the future with humanity strugalling against an alien invasion, XCOM is turn-based alien-hunter strategy game. Your goal is to put recruiting a team of heroes to fight back the ever-growing force of alien invaders. XCOM offers real time bas building and tech research together with tactical turn-based battles. On the graphics front, XCOM might not be as great as its console or PC counterparts but the gameplay is the same.
Real Racing 3
Following in the footsteps of the original game, Real Racing 3 improves upon its predecessors by taking mobile racing on a new level. Real Racing 3 offers races against 6 to 16 cars across 15 locations. You can also choose between career, quick race, time trial and multiplayer game modes. If your iPhone/iPad comes with a retina display, Real Racing 3’s graphics will make good use of it.
Tiny Wings
Tiny Wing is a charming side-scrolling game with very basic controls. Touching the device will make the little bird fold its wings and hurl downwards to gather momentum. At the release of your touch the bird will flap its wings and soar upwards it gathered enough speed. Your obstacle is to get to new islands and the goal is to fly for as long as possible while you race against the sun. When the sun sets, the little bird goes to sleep and the game ends. The design of the game is simplistic, beautifully drawn and very atmospheric. Tiny Wings offers a split screen, knee-to-knee multiplayer mode that’s a great addition to this charming little game.
Machinarium
Machinarium is a classic point-and-click adventure game with wonderful cartoony visuals. Like in any other adventure game, you will look for items, combine objects and solve puzzles. You will encounter many different brain-teasers to solve while you’re looking for your ladyfriend and stopping a thug clan of robots from carrying out their dastardly plan. The soundtrack blends really well with the hand drawn graphics by bringing jazz and dubstep into the mix. Machinarium is not a long game but the time you will spend on it will be worth it.
Limbo
Limbo is a puzzle-platform game with some very macabre visuals. The game is in black and white giving a hunting and scary look to the game. Limbo’s world is cruel. You will face circular saws, brain worm, rising flood water and a huge spider in your quest to retrieve your lost sister. Limbo is a challenging game and you will die a lot, if you make a mistake or you’re not reacting quickly enough the game will punish you accordingly. Limbo is one of those games that will stick with you for a long time.
Angry Birds Star Wars 2
The success of the Angry Birds series is undeniable, and Rovio is always trying to come up with new ideas to make the series fresh. Angry Birds Star Wars 2 is a funny and memorable adaptation of the original Angry Birds game. The game offers 30 playable characters and lots of iconic places from the Star Wars saga. Angry Birds Star Wars 2 makes the series even better and more enjoyable set in our favorite galaxy far far away.
Infinity Blade 3
Infinity Blade 3 is an action RPG game developed exclusively for iOS. Infinity Blade series always offered superb graphics with highly detailed backdrops and Infinity Blade 3 is no exception, it even manages to surpass its predecessors. The game will mach you against formidable opponents in one-on-one boss battles. Controls are suited for the mobile environment. You will tap the screen to attack and swipe to parry. To cast magic spells you will have to use gestures. Infinity Blade 3 is all about fighting, dying, and trying again. Learn from your mistakes, get up and try it until you succeed.
Dead Space
Like its PC and platform counterpart, Dead Space is a horror shooter game set in space. Using only mining equipments as weapons and scrambling all the ammo you can find you must defeat hordes of Necromorphs to stop another infestation. The mobile game is set between the timeframe of the original Dead Space and Dead Space 2, showing the Necromorph outbreak on Titan station. If you are a fan of the series and want to know more about the story, you must try this game.
Monument Valley
A strategy game that combines Zombie killing with gardening, Plants vs. Zombies is a fun tower defense game with great humor. At first glance, the game might look simple enough but it will get hard quite fast. You will need to plan ahead where you will place your next plant to use the unique properties of each in the best way. Plants vs. Zombies series will prove an enjoyable title no matter which one you’ll pick up.
XCOM is a rework of the successful 90s strategy game called X-COM. Set in the future with humanity strugalling against an alien invasion, XCOM is turn-based alien-hunter strategy game. Your goal is to put recruiting a team of heroes to fight back the ever-growing force of alien invaders. XCOM offers real time bas building and tech research together with tactical turn-based battles. On the graphics front, XCOM might not be as great as its console or PC counterparts but the gameplay is the same.
Real Racing 3
Following in the footsteps of the original game, Real Racing 3 improves upon its predecessors by taking mobile racing on a new level. Real Racing 3 offers races against 6 to 16 cars across 15 locations. You can also choose between career, quick race, time trial and multiplayer game modes. If your iPhone/iPad comes with a retina display, Real Racing 3’s graphics will make good use of it.
Tiny Wings
Tiny Wing is a charming side-scrolling game with very basic controls. Touching the device will make the little bird fold its wings and hurl downwards to gather momentum. At the release of your touch the bird will flap its wings and soar upwards it gathered enough speed. Your obstacle is to get to new islands and the goal is to fly for as long as possible while you race against the sun. When the sun sets, the little bird goes to sleep and the game ends. The design of the game is simplistic, beautifully drawn and very atmospheric. Tiny Wings offers a split screen, knee-to-knee multiplayer mode that’s a great addition to this charming little game.
Machinarium
Machinarium is a classic point-and-click adventure game with wonderful cartoony visuals. Like in any other adventure game, you will look for items, combine objects and solve puzzles. You will encounter many different brain-teasers to solve while you’re looking for your ladyfriend and stopping a thug clan of robots from carrying out their dastardly plan. The soundtrack blends really well with the hand drawn graphics by bringing jazz and dubstep into the mix. Machinarium is not a long game but the time you will spend on it will be worth it.
Limbo
Limbo is a puzzle-platform game with some very macabre visuals. The game is in black and white giving a hunting and scary look to the game. Limbo’s world is cruel. You will face circular saws, brain worm, rising flood water and a huge spider in your quest to retrieve your lost sister. Limbo is a challenging game and you will die a lot, if you make a mistake or you’re not reacting quickly enough the game will punish you accordingly. Limbo is one of those games that will stick with you for a long time.
Angry Birds Star Wars 2
The success of the Angry Birds series is undeniable, and Rovio is always trying to come up with new ideas to make the series fresh. Angry Birds Star Wars 2 is a funny and memorable adaptation of the original Angry Birds game. The game offers 30 playable characters and lots of iconic places from the Star Wars saga. Angry Birds Star Wars 2 makes the series even better and more enjoyable set in our favorite galaxy far far away.
Infinity Blade 3
Infinity Blade 3 is an action RPG game developed exclusively for iOS. Infinity Blade series always offered superb graphics with highly detailed backdrops and Infinity Blade 3 is no exception, it even manages to surpass its predecessors. The game will mach you against formidable opponents in one-on-one boss battles. Controls are suited for the mobile environment. You will tap the screen to attack and swipe to parry. To cast magic spells you will have to use gestures. Infinity Blade 3 is all about fighting, dying, and trying again. Learn from your mistakes, get up and try it until you succeed.
Dead Space
Like its PC and platform counterpart, Dead Space is a horror shooter game set in space. Using only mining equipments as weapons and scrambling all the ammo you can find you must defeat hordes of Necromorphs to stop another infestation. The mobile game is set between the timeframe of the original Dead Space and Dead Space 2, showing the Necromorph outbreak on Titan station. If you are a fan of the series and want to know more about the story, you must try this game.
Monument Valley
A simple, yet amazing puzzle game where you will have to manipulate
the landscape to guide prices ida trough the maze of monuments. The game
plays with optical illusions, making it difficult sometimes to line up
walkways. After you get the hang of it tough, it will prove fun and
visually delighting. It’s not a long or hard game so enjoy it while it
lasts.
Plants vs. Zombies 2A strategy game that combines Zombie killing with gardening, Plants vs. Zombies is a fun tower defense game with great humor. At first glance, the game might look simple enough but it will get hard quite fast. You will need to plan ahead where you will place your next plant to use the unique properties of each in the best way. Plants vs. Zombies series will prove an enjoyable title no matter which one you’ll pick up.
iOS 8, iPhone 6 and new Macbook Air
Apple is restricting retail employees time off in September.
This could be a hint of an iOS 8 announcement in WWDC 2014 and an iPhone announcement and launch in September. Included in this launch pattern are new iPads coming out in October.
A September launch for a smartphone is what Apple has been doing in the past, launching its new flagship models in last month of the third quarter, which some call "iPhone month", and it seems it will do the same this year.
iPhone 5 was launched in September 2012 and iPhone 5s in September 2013. There is much anticipation for the next flagship smartphone, the iPhone 6. Many are hoping that Apple will join larger screen trend. Many speculate it will come in two screen size variants – 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch models. The upcoming iPhone is set to be thinner than its predecessors, faster with the A8 processor chip and launch in the fall of 2014.
Aside from iOS 8, iPhone 6, and a rumored 12-inch MacBook Air Retina, Apple is also expected to release a new Apple TV, new OS X for Mac and the "iWatch" wristwatch.
If all these launches push through, the iPhone maker indeed needs to have enough staff for a busy second half of 2014.
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Advantages of iPhone 5S
This device comes with various new advantages compared with previous-generation iPhone, ie in terms of the camera and also the processor.
1. Processor 64-bit. iPhone 5S be called the world's first smartphone that comes in the form of a 64 bit processor chip Apple A7. Apple claims that this processor has a data processing and graphics performance two times faster than its predecessor, the Apple A6 on the iPhone 5.
Apple's iOS operating system also prepares the following 7 applications that are able to take advantage of 64-bit architecture of the iPhone 5S. The phone is also capable of running titles 32-bit software designed for its predecessor.
2. Processor companion to monitor motion sensor. In addition to the main A7 processor, Apple has also contributed to a processor companion named M7. His job is specifically to handle inputs from a variety of sensors on the iPhone, including the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass.
Prosor companion reduces the processing load on the main processor and open the possibility of utilization by navigation applications and health, for example the Nike + Move.
3. Camera "iSight" new. The unit has a camera on the iPhone 5S sensor size is 15 percent larger than its predecessor. The larger sensor also increases the size of each photodiode (pixel), which in turn improves the quality of the resulting image.
This concept is similar to the technology "Ultrapixel" from HTC. However, Apple does not cut or increase the resolution of the camera, but still retains the figure at 8 megapixels.
Completeness is not less interesting is the two-color flash light that is able to automatically adjust the white balance of flash output in order to comply with the environmental light conditions.
In addition, there is also the ability to record slow-motion video with a frame rate of 120 FPS at 1280 x 720.
4. The fingerprint scanner. This one feature related to security. iPhone 5S able to take advantage of the user's fingerprint instead of a password to login, including the lockscreen to unlock the iPhone.
Services such as Apple's iTunes also supports user authentication through fingerprint scanning.
Fingerprint sensor integrated on the iPhone 5S in the "Home" on the front. Now the button is made of a material that is scratch-resistant sapphire, and is able to scan the user's fingerprint from various directions.
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