Apple unviels its first reality TV show; Planet of the Apps

Earlier this year, Apple announced it was working on an unscripted reality TV show about app developers. Now, that show has a name : Planet of the Apps. An open casting call launched this week is asking for "100 of the world's most talented app creators," with the show's creators requesting that would-be participants send in information about their prospective app as well as a one-minute video profile of themselves and their team.

We don't yet know the exact format of the show, but it given it's a competition about apps, it can't hold too many surprises. Think Shark Tank with fewer sharks and more viable product pitches. Or an episode of The Bachelor, where instead of wooing an eligible young beefcake, contestants will compete to impress Eddy Cue. (Disclaimer: There's no indication that Cue is going to appear on the show, and whether or not he can be deemed a 'beefcake' is entirely a matter of taste.)
Contestants are competing for mentorship, VC funding, and free marketing

Planet of the App's website bills it as more than just a show, but also "a launch pad and accelerator for exceptional developers." Contestants will be competing for mentorship from "some of the world's best experts in tech and entertainment," says the site, as well as funding from "top-tier VCs investing up to $10 million" and marketing in the form of "featured placement in the App Store." All that is certainly worth fighting for.

In a press statement (via 9to5Mac), the co-CEOs of Propagate, the production company co-producing the show, said: "Over 2 million apps are available on the App Store, with new apps published every day. Planet of the Apps will give app creators the chance to break through and share their ideas with the world. This is an exciting format that taps into what is driving culture today. We can't wait to see the groundbreaking ideas accepted for the show grow into viable businesses."

It's not clear when the show will air yet, but the casting call stipulates that contestants have a functioning app in beta by October 21st. Filming is expected to begin later this year in Los Angeles and run through early 2017, so don't expect to see any trailers yet. The show will reportedly be available through Apple's own platforms (so, Apple TV, iTunes, etc), but there's no word on whether Planet of the Apps will be picked up by traditional TV or cable networks, or from streaming services like Netflix. Applications for would-be contestants end August 26th.



Source: The Verge

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Apple just released the first iOS 10 beta to the public

It’s here. The first public beta of iOS 10 is now available to download. You can download it, even your neighbor can download it. And the good news is that you won’t have to pay $99 a year for a developer account. But remember, this is a beta.

If you can’t wait to see iOS 10 in action, Apple’s public beta program is for you. The company wants you to try out its new operating system before releasing it in the fall. The developer beta lets developers take advantage of all the new APIs, while the public beta is all about ironing out the bugs. As Apple just released the second developer beta a couple of days ago, it’s safe to say that the first public beta is the same one as the second developer beta.

But remember, you shouldn’t install an iOS beta on your primary phone or iPad. Some things won’t work while others might crash your phone altogether. It’s a beta, after all. But if you have an iOS device lying around, backup your device first. Make sure your iCloud backup is up to date by going to the Settings app on your iPhone, or plug your iOS device to your computer to do a manual backup in iTunes (or do both, really).

Then, here’s how to download it. Head over to and enroll your compatible iOS device. Then you have to install a configuration profile and update iOS. In September, your device should automatically update to the final version of iOS 10.

iOS 10 features a massive Siri update with third-party integrations. While it’s going to be hard to see the end result during the beta as third-party developers haven’t released iOS 10 apps yet, it could have a big impact on the way you use your iPhone.

Apple has also unveiled a completely redesigned lock screen with rich notifications that can display tiny live widgets and a huge Photos app update with face recognition, deep learning categorization and intelligent photo albums. Apple Maps, Apple Music, HomeKit and the Phone app are also receiving updates. Finally, the company is overhauling the Messages app with many, many new features — an emojify feature, message effects, Slack-like feedback on messages, rich link previews and third-party extensions.

While you’re downloading the beta, why don’t you head over to our early look of iOS 10. This way, you’ll learn everything you need to know about iOS 10 so you can impress your friends with the new features.

 Source: Techcrunch

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Zeiss takes mobile photography to the next level with this powerful new iPhone camera lenses

Looking to improve your smartphone photography game? A new iPhone accessory from ExoLens and Zeiss promises to do just that by strapping a professional quality lens over your smartphone’s camera.

The ExoLens with Optics by Zeiss is available now for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus. It includes a metal mounting bracket, a wide-angle lens and a carrying pouch for $199.95. The companies also plan to offer swappable macro and telephoto lenses later this year.

The wide-angle and telephoto lenses both feature a spherical design typically reserved for high-end DSLR cameras. Each bracket is machined to perfection with a cool webbed design and an interior lining so it doesn’t scratch your smartphone. It also includes a tripod mount and support for other accessories like a microphone or extra lights.

ExoLens already offers a variety of smartphone accessories designed to improve mobile photography. By teaming up with Zeiss the company can bring professional equipment to iPhone users who might not be ready to buy a dedicated camera.

“The collaboration represents a truly pivotal step in the development of accessory lenses for mobile phones,” said John E. Fellowes, CEO of ExoLens’ parent company Fellowes Brands.

You can grab the new iPhone accessory now from Apple via the source link below.

Source Apple, ExoLens

Via : TechnoBuffalo

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Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2016

 

Apple kicked off its annual developer conference today in San Francisco on a somber note, as CEO Tim Cook asked attendants to stand up in silence to commemorate the shooting victims in Orlando.
Then, the company launched into a two-hour keynote detailing the changes coming to iOS, OS X (now macOS), watchOS, and more. Lots of updates and no new devices — that sums up this year’s WWDC.

Here’s a rundown of everything Apple announced.

Meet iOS 10

iOS 10 includes major upgrades to iMessage, Photos, Siri, Maps, and Apple Music, and a brand-new Home app to control all of your HomeKit devices.

The iOS 10 developer beta is available now, with a public beta coming in July. Anyone can sign up to test the public beta for free, though beta software can be annoying and bug-ridden. Check out the beta sign-up details here. iOS 10 launches publicly in September. 

macOS Sierra

 

Goodbye, OS X. Hello, macOS. The next-generation Mac operating system has a new name, macOS Sierra, but most of the same great features, with some extras to boot—everything from Siri and Apple Pay integration to iCloud Drive desktop access and picture-in-picture (an iPad feature we love and can’t wait to use on the Mac).

Like iOS 10, macOS Sierra officially rolls out in September, but developers can beta test the software starting now and a public beta launches next month. 

watchOS 3

The Apple Watch was in desperate need of an upgrade, because everything about it is slooooow. It sounds like watchOS 3 will fix most of those speed issues, with an instant app launcher, background refresh, an app-switching dock, new fitness features like activity-sharing with friends and a meditative app called Breathe, and easier messaging thanks to a handwriting-to-text tool called Scribble. Apple even made the Apple Watch more accessible with fitness features for people who use wheelchairs, recognizing that some Apple Watch owners need settings that go beyond traditional workouts and stand notifications.

Like iOS 10 and macOS Sierra, watchOS 3 is now available for developers to beta test, with a public launch this fall. No public beta will be available. 

Apple hits refresh on Apple Music

 

Apple VP Eddy Cue announced the refresh today during the company’s WWDC keynote. He described the upcoming Apple Music update as “redesigned from the ground up,” and it’s been streamlined to make the experience less confusing.

Apple TV gets smarter

Apple is updating the streaming box with Siri improvements, single sign-on, and a dark mode.

Apple didn’t announce an unbundled live TV streaming service, but the Apple TV is getting a big update with tvOS 10. The biggest feature is single sign-in, so you can enter your cable subscription information one time instead of per app, but there are tons of improvements like live tune-in, dark mode, HomeKit control, and YouTube search. 

tvOS 10 is now available in developer beta and will roll out this fall to the public. No public beta will be available.

Siri is coming to Macs, finally

 Siri for macOS will let you send text messages, watch videos picture-in-picture, and summon files that you’re looking for, among other things.

Apple Pay is coming to the web

The integration will feature payment authentication using TouchID, an iPhone, or an iPad.

Redesigned Apple News

 Along with bringing “subscriptions” to the over 2,000 publications available within the app, the update also delivers breaking news notifications.

Siri is now open for developers

Apple today finally did what it should have done years ago: release an application programming interface (API) that will enable third-party developers to tightly integrate their applications with Apple’s Siri virtual assistant.

Swift Playgrounds app will teach kids to code

Apple chief executive Tim Cook announced the launch of Swift Playgrounds, an iPad app that’s designed to teach people how to code — specifically with Apple’s open-source Swift programming language.

Xcode 8

 Hidden in a slide during Apple’s WWDC developer conference keynote today was a reference to “Xcode editor extensions.” The presentation style of this information suggests that this is a minor update. But in fact, it’s a major addition to Xcode.

Apple’s App Store hits 130B downloads, soon $50B paid to devs

 Apple announced that its App Store has surpassed 2 million apps and 130 billion downloads, resulting in nearly $50 billion paid out to developers.

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What to expect at Apple’s 2016 WWDC keynote

 


Apple is about to kick off its annual developer conference in San Francisco on Monday. As usual, the company will get things going with a good old keynote filled with secret and not-so-secret announcements. Here’s what we expect to see.

A good chunk of the conference should be about iOS and OS X updates. Usually, Apple showcases some of the most significant features at WWDC. Developers then get access to beta versions, and the final versions ship in September.

Let’s start with iOS 10. Rumor has it that Apple could unveil a new dark mode for default apps as well as a way to hide built-in apps. There could also be a new Home app to control all your HomeKit-enabled apps (like the Health app for HealthKit-enabled apps).

Following Apple’s fight with the FBI over the iPhone encryption system, Apple wants to avoid other cases like that. In order to do that, Apple could increase the security of iOS so that Apple wouldn’t even be able to help the FBI when it comes to unlocking iPhones.

Among other changes that would make sense, Apple could improve the Phone app as it basically hasn’t changed for years now. Maybe there could be a way to see if your contacts are available and didn’t activate ‘Do Not Disturb’. Maybe Apple is looking at ways to sync your voicemails with your other iOS and OS X devices.

Talking about communication features, a recent rumor has suggested that Apple could bring iMessage to Android. That could be a big deal for families that want to create iMessage groups but one or two people are using an Android phone. It’s long overdue if Apple wants to stay relevant against Facebook’s messaging apps, Messenger and Whatsapp. Also, please Apple, I’m begging you, we need previews in the Messages app for links, tweets, YouTube URLs and more.

Now that we got all the low-hanging fruit out of the way, let’s talk about the big changes, starting with a brand new Siri.

If you have an Amazon Alexa at home or have been playing with Google Now, you know that Apple has been lagging behind on this front. Apple was the first company to introduce a personal assistant in its phones, but it hasn’t changed much since then.

First, with iOS 10, Siri should be much more capable than before when it comes to understanding what you’re saying, answering quickly, and using context as much as possible. The company has bought a promising tech company called VocalIQ to power its next generation Siri. And Siri should now be able to remember what you were looking for five minutes ago and use that to refine its answers.

Second, third-party developers will finally be able to build Siri integrations using an SDK. Imagine asking Citymapper for directions, paying back your friend on Venmo and buying a concert ticket.
In other big changes, Apple is supposedly working on a big Apple Music redesign. Apple unveiled Apple Music last year at WWDC. While there are millions of subscribers, the interface is confusing as hell.

Nobody uses Connect, it takes too many taps to do something, you can like songs but you can also add them to your library. And I could go on and on. If Apple wants to convince another tens of millions of people to subscribe to Apple Music, it needs to be redesigned.

Let’s switch gear and talk about OS X 10.12, or macOS 12. Yes, you read that right. Releasing iOS 10 and another version of OS X was starting to be confusing. So Apple will drop the X, and unify its naming conventions.

Other than that, we don’t know much. Apple should be adding Siri version 2 to macOS. It could live in your menu bar for example.

Rumor has it that Apple finally wants to do a big iTunes update. The good old iTunes hasn’t aged well and is now crippled with bugs. So the new iTunes should come this Fall and be unveiled at WWDC.

Finally, Apple will let you unlock your Mac using TouchID on your phone. Why now? Because Apple could be working on a MacBook Pro with a TouchID sensor…

Talking about the MacBook Pro, Apple is working on something interesting. The new laptop will get the latest Intel processors, but that’s not all. Apple could use this opportunity to make the MacBook Pro slimmer and lighter. Most of the ports should be replaced with USB-C ports as traditional USB, HDMI and MagSafe ports are too thick.

But don’t get your hopes up as the MacBook Pro shouldn’t be ready for WWDC. Similarly, the Mac Pro and the Mac Mini badly need updates but WWDC should be all about software this year.
So if you were also waiting for an updated external display with a retina resolution and an integrated graphics cards, it’s not for now.

Let’s mention tvOS 10 and watchOS 3 for a minute. Don’t expect an Apple Watch 2 just yet, but Apple could unveil a new version of watchOS with a refined interface and more powerful native apps. watchOS 2 was supposed to make the Apple Watch an app platform. But let’s be honest, watchOS still needs more work. Raise your hand if you still use the side button to call up the Friends screen.




Source: Techcrunch

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TIME Magazine Crowns iPhone As Most Influential Gadget Of All Time

 

TIME Magazine came out with a list of history’s 50 most influential gadgets on Tuesday and it’s a pretty fun read. Apple grabbed the top spot for the iPhone, which helped pave the way for the current app era and made smartphones mainstream.

“It fundamentally changed our relationship to computing and information,” the magazine argued, “a change likely to have repercussions for decades to come.”

Apple also claimed a few other spots on TIME’s list of various devices. The Macintosh came in third for its graphical user interface. The iPod was ranked ninth for perfecting the MP3 player, while the iPad came in 25th place. Finally, the iBook showed up at 38th for being the first Wi-Fi laptop and offering a cool design.

Android doesn’t get much love from TIME’s list. However, the 2009 Motorola DROID does show up in 20th place for pushing Android into the spotlight in 2009 as Apple’s biggest smartphone competition.

Google Glass last came in dead last. That might actually be a little generous for the headset, which never even got a consumer launch. Still, Google did help predict the rise of augmented reality gadgets like Microsoft’s HoloLens, and that’s definitely worth something.

For a fun tour through the history of electronic gadgets, check out the full list via the source link.

Source: TIME

Via : Techno Buffalo

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Apple sees its first year-over-year decline in 13 years

 


Apple today reported a $10.51 million profit, or $1.90 per diluted share, on $50.55 billion in revenue for the second quarter of its 2016 fiscal year, which ended on March 26. Analysts were expecting $2 in earnings per share on $51.97 billion in revenue.

Apple’s guidance for the quarter was for $50-53 billion in revenue, which is well below $58.01 billion, which is what Apple actually came through with a year ago.

Last quarter was a whole lot better for Apple; it announced the largest profit of any public company ever — $18.36 billion — and $75.87 billion in revenue.

The big news today, ultimately, is that while Apple remains the world’s most valuable company, its very long run of constant year-over-year revenue growth has finally come to an end.

Of course, lackluster iPhone sales have a lot to do with this. Revenue from the iPhone dropped 18 percent, from $40.28 billion to $32.85 billion. Meanwhile, iPad revenue slid 19 percent, going from $5.42 billion to $4.41 billion. Mac sales also went down, from $5.61 billion to $5.1 billion, amounting to a decline of less than 10 percent. (Apple still has not disclosed revenue or unit sales for the Apple Watch, which has been available for a year now.)

On a geographical basis, much of Asia was particularly disappointing for Apple. Revenue from greater China decreased by 26 percent. Japan was a bright spot, with revenue jumping 24 percent. The thing is, Apple’s business in greater China is almost three times as large as it is in Japan.

But hey, services revenue has gone up by 20 percent, to $5.99 billion. That’s more than what the company brought in from Mac sales or from iPad sales.

“We are very happy with the continued strong growth in revenue from Services, thanks to the incredible strength of the Apple ecosystem and our growing base of over one billion active devices,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook said in the company’s earnings press release.

And Apple has plenty of cash to work with — $21.51 billion in cash and cash equivalents.
Finances aside, this quarter was particularly rocky for 40-year-old Apple because of its battle with the U.S. government over iPhone encryption.

Apple also released the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. And its OS X operating system for Macs turned 15. The company said it would be shutting down its iAd App Network, as well as iTunes Radio.

Apple gave guidance of $41-43 billion for the third quarter of its fiscal year. That would be below the $49.6 billion figure that Apple came up with for its most recent third quarter.

Apple stock was down 8 percent in after-hours trading.




Source: Apple
Via: Venture Beat

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FBI paid at least $1.3M to get San Bernardino iPhone unlocked

FBI Director James Comey said on Thursday the agency paid more to get into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters than he will make in the remaining seven years and four months he has in his job.

According to figures from the FBI and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Comey's annual salary as of January 2015 was $183,300. Without a raise or bonus, Comey will make $1.34 million over the remainder of his job.

That suggests the FBI paid the largest ever publicized amount for a hacking technique, given the most previously paid was $1 million by U.S. information security company Zerodium to break into phones.
Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in London, Comey was asked by a moderator how much the FBI paid for the software that eventually broke into the iPhone.

"A lot. More than I will make in the remainder of this job, which is seven years and four months for sure," Comey said. "But it was, in my view, worth it."

The Justice Department said in March it had unlocked the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone with the help of an unidentified third party and dropped its case against Apple Inc (AAPL.O), ending a high-stakes legal clash but leaving the broader fight over encryption unresolved.

Comey said the FBI will be able to use software used on the San Bernardino phone on other 5C iPhones running IOS 9 software.

The FBI gained access to the iPhone used by Rizwan Farook, one of the shooters who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California on Dec. 2.


The case raised the debate over whether technology companies' encryption technologies protect privacy or endanger the public by blocking law enforcement access to information.




Source: Rueters

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Siri reveals Apple's WWDC 2016 will be held June 13 to June 17

Apple has yet to update its website, but we now know the dates of the next Worldwide Developers Conference. When you ask Siri “when is WWDC,” Siri already has an answer for you. Apple will hold its annual developer conference from June 13 to June 17. This is in line with Apple’s previous conferences. The company will very likely present a bunch of new stuff during its inaugural keynote on Monday June 13.

Apple usually books the Moscone Center for its conference. While WWDC doesn’t appear on the Moscone Center schedule, the conference center is still “available” around this time. In the past, Apple has sold tickets on a first come first served basis. But, more recently, the company has switched to a lottery system.

When the website is live, developers will be able to register for a chance to go to WWDC. You need to enter your credit card information and your card will be charged if you’re selected. Apple won’t ask you twice to confirm you want to go. This way, Apple is sure you’re serious about going to WWDC.

Apple’s WWDC keynote usually focuses on software more than hardware. In the last few years, the company has unveiled the new features in iOS and OS X — and maybe Apple will even rename OS X to ‘MacOS’.

But we haven’t heard about Macs in a while. So Apple could use this opportunity to launch some updated MacBook devices — and, let’s be crazy, why not an external retina display. But first, let’s wait for Apple’s official WWDC announcement and see how the conference is going to work.








Source: Techcrunch

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Apple SaysYour iPhone Is Not Expected To Last Longer Than 3 Years

Apple has revealed that the iPhone has a limited lifespan of just three years. 
The Apple Watch and iPhone are both only expected to last for three years, according to the Cupertino giant, while Mac computers and the Apple TV should last for four years.

In a new question and answer section published on Apple's site this week that outlines the company's environmental push, Apple released the life expectancy for various devices, along with the amount of greenhouse gases they are expected to contribute in that time.

Apple analyses the greenhouse gas life cycle for products by looking at the hardware components, size and weight, daily usage patterns, shipping methods and disposal practices.

"Years of use, which are based on first owners, are assumed to be four years for OS X and tvOS devices and three years for iOS and watchOS devices," said Apple in the report.

Is your iPhone built to die?

Conspiracies about whether Apple builds its products so that they die within a few years have circulated for years.
In 2014 Laura Trucco, then a PhD economics student, analysed the number of Google searches for "iPhone slow" across the world over the last seven years and found that the search term spiked whenever a new model was released.
In an attempt to prove the theory, iPhone users have carried out tests involving phones running older software and updated versions to prove that Apple self-sabotages its out-of-date hardware, possibly to encourage users to upgrade sooner.

Apple's environmental push

As part of its new environmental awareness push Apple overhauled the app store this week with a range of Apps for Earth, created in partnership with the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) to raise money and support for conservation.
Apple helped build custom content for 27 apps that promote the WWF's mission, which includes conservation of wildlife, forests, oceans and fresh water. It will donate 100 per cent of the profits to the charities they're associated with from April 14 to 24.
Similar to Apple's Campaign for (RED) in 2014, Apps for Earth involves updates to popular apps such as Kendall & Kylie, Enlight, and Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes.


Source: Telegraph

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