Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Virgin Mobile to Soon Sell 'Certified Pre-Loved' iPhone 7
Virgin Mobile today said customers will be able to buy "Certified Pre-Loved" (aka, used) iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus handsets beginning in February. The company already sells the refurbished iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices. Prices for the used iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will range from $380 to $420. Virgin reiterates that Certified Pre-Loved iPhones are tested and inspected, given a new battery, and include a one-year Apple warranty. The used handsets also include new Apple EarPods and an Apple charger. The company is still offering six months of its Virgin Mobile Inner Circle service to port-ins for $1 per month for six months. After the initial six-month period ends, the Virgin Mobile Inner Circle costs $50 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.
iOS 11 Developer Beta 10 Arrives Just Ahead of iPhone Event
Apple today made iOS 11 Beta 10 available to application developers. The release fixes bugs and resolves performance issues, according to Apple. Earlier this week, Apple released tvOS 11 Beta 10. The company has sped up the release of developer and public betas over the last few weeks, pushing them every week rather than its traditional schedule of every other week. iOS 11 brings changes to the camera and messaging apps, App Store, as well as Control Center and multitasking. Apple hasn't made a new public beta available this week yet, though it likely will in the next 24 hours. Apple is widely expected to reveal the next generation of iPhones at an event scheduled for September 12. The company will likely show off the last few features of iOS 11 during the presentation, and set a final release schedule for the updated mobile operating system.
Hands On with the Miggo Pictar Camera Grip for iPhones
Miggo showed off its Pictar camera grip at IFA in Berlin this week. This accessory works with just about every iPhone from the iPhone 4 through the iPhone 7 Plus. It adds a large grip area to hold onto, as well as hardware buttons for controlling the camera application. Here's a quick look at this $100 accessory.
Virgin Extends Year-for-$1 Promo to Existing iPhone Owners
Virgin Mobile today announced a promotion that lets new customers receive 12 months of service for just $1 by bringing their number and existing iPhone from a different carrier and activating it with Virgin's Inner Circle plan. The offer was previously only available to customers purchasing a new iPhone from Virgin. After 12 months, the Inner Circle plan costs $50/month for unlimited service. Most iPhones from the 5S and newer are compatible, but potential customers should use Virgin's web site to check specific compatibility first. Through September 29th, SIM activation kits for existing iPhones are free. Virgin customers can also receive six months of service for $1 each time they upgrade to a new iPhone. The Inner Circle plan caps video, music and gaming quality, and can limit all data speeds when Sprint's network is congested. Inner Circle includes promotions for other Virgin-brand companies. Prices exclude taxes and require enrollment in AutoPay. The promotion will be available "for a short period of time".
iOS 11 Lets Users Temporarily Disable Touch ID
A new setting discovered in iOS allows iPhone owners to quickly and temporarily disable Touch ID. Pressing the power button rapidly five times activates SOS Emergency mode. The purpose of this mode is to let people bypass the lock tools to make an emergency phone call. A byproduct of entering SOS Emergency mode is disabling Touch ID. The only way to unlock the phone once Touch ID has been disabled is via the PIN or password. Because users are able to do this quickly and discreetly, it could be useful to help safeguard the iPhone in a situation when the owner might be compelled to provide their fingerprint. The feature was first spotted on Twitter and later verified by The Verge. iOS 11 is still in beta testing. It should be rolled out the general public next month.
iOS 11 Public Beta 5 Lands Right After Developer Beta
Apple today released iOS 11 Public Beta 5 to those testing the platform, mere hours after the company made the developer version available. iOS 11 targets the iPad more than the iPhone, but both devices gain expanded Control Center tools, a refreshed App Store, new camera features, Siri improvements, as well as updates to iMessage, the Keyboard, files, and more. Apple didn't immediately say what's new in this latest beta. The final version of iOS 11 isn't expected until the fall.
ITC Agrees to Review Qualcomm's Complaints Against Apple
The International Trade Commission today said it will investigate claims made by Qualcomm that Apple is infringing on its patents. Specifically, Qualcomm says the processor and baseband in the iPhone 7 are violating its patented technology. The ITC will assign the case to an administrative law judge for review. The judge will make an initial ruling that will then be reviewed by the entire ITC panel. Qualcomm hopes to ban Apple from importing the devices into the country. The ITC is a popular venue for legal complaints between tech companies. Apple and Qualcomm have traded lawsuits against one another this year over patents. Apple claims Qualcomm, which is being investigated by the FTC, charges unfair rates to license and purchase its patented designs.
Cochlear Debuts iPhone-Compatible Cochlear Implant Processor
A new product from Cochlear Limited will allow iPhone owners to stream sound from their device directly to their cochlear implant. This is made possible by the Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor, a behind-the-ear sound processor that bridges the iPhone and the implant. Cochlear says the processor makes it possible for iPhone users to not only stream audio to their implants, but to also control, monitor, and customize their hearing via the associated application. The app can help people record coil-offs time, as well as time in speech environments, including time spent listening to FM radio or streaming music. It also offers a tool for locating lost processors if they happen to fall off. Cochlear says the Nucleus 7 was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month and should be available in September for those looking at new implants. The Nucleus 7 will support some of Cochlear's older implants through an upgrade beginning in October.
Apple Makes Third iOS 11 Beta Available to Public Testers
Apple today released iOS 11 Public Beta 3 to those testing the platform. The release follows closely that of a new build for developers, which was made available earlier this week. This third beta is much more stable than the first or second. iOS 11 targets the iPad more than the iPhone, but both devices gain expanded Control Center tools, a refreshed App Store, new camera features, Siri improvements, as well as updates to iMessage, the Keyboard, files, and more. The final version of iOS 11 isn't expected until the fall.
Apple Pushes Fourth Round of Developer Betas
Apple today seeded the fourth beta of iOS 11 to application developers. This build is not meant for public beta testers, though Apple typically offers new public betas shortly after it releases developer code. In this beta, Apple continues to refine iOS 11 and add features based on developer feedback. The company did not call out any specific changes concerning iOS 11 Beta 4. The final release of iOS 11 should reach all users this fall. iOS 11 targets the iPad more than the iPhone, but both platforms gain expanded Control Center tools, a refreshed App Store, new camera features, Siri improvements, as well as updates to iMessage, the Keyboard, files, and more. Apple today also released new beta builds of watchOS, tvOS 11, macOS High Sierra 10.13, and Xcode 9.
T-Mobile Clearing Out iPhone 7 Inventory
T-Mobile today introduced a limited-time offer to save big bucks on the Apple iPhone 7. The Uncarrier will give a $300 credit to those who trade in an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, or 6s Plus for an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. Trade-ins must be owned outright, with no remaining payments or commitments. T-mobile says the value of the trade-in can be applied to the purchase of a new iPhone 7 immediately, with the remainder of the $300 offer to arrive later in the form of a prepaid MasterCard. The offer requires people to finance the new iPhone on an installment plan with a T-Mobile service agreement. Sales tax is due on the full price of the new handset at the point of purchase. T-Mobile says the offer can be combined with its iPhone memory upgrade program, which knocks $100 off the price of the 256 GB iPhone for a potential total savings of $400. The balance of the $300 offer will arrive up to 8 weeks after T-Mobile customers sign up for the promotion on T-Mobile's web site. The offer cannot be combined with T-Mobile's Carrier Freedom program.
Clips, Apple's Video Creation App, Gains Disney Characters
Apple today updated its Clips mobile video application with characters from Disney movies and new graphic overlays and posters. Apple says several classic Disney characters, such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, can be added to videos complete with animations. A handful of Pixar characters are available, too, such as Wooody and Jessie from "Toy Story" and Fear and Sadness from "Inside Out." Along with the characters, new Disney-themed posters and backgrounds are available to enhance videos. Beyond the Disney content, Clips gains 10 new Apple-designed graphics, backgrounds, and animated text options so people can create more expressive and unique videos. Clips is available to more iPhones and iPads. It is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Apple Updates iPhone, Watch, AppleTV Software
Apple today pushed out updates to four of its core platforms. iPhone and iPad owners can update their devices to iOS 10.3.3, which Apple has been testing with developers for more than a month. The minor system update, likely the last for iOS 10, includes bug fixes and performance improvements. Apple also released watchOS 3.2.3, tvOS 10.2.2, and macOS Sierra 10.12.6. All the system updates are free to download and install. Apple is already beta testing iOS 11 with both developers and the public. iOS 11 brings a significant number of updates to the iPhone and iPad, and is expected to arrive in the fall.
5 Best Phones to Take On Summer Vacation
Summer is here, which means it's time to go on vacation! Whether you prefer to make day trips to local points of interest, or plan far-flung adventures that span the globe, you're going to want your trusty smartphone by your side. Here are our top smartphone picks to help you get the most out of your summer sojourns.
Apple to Offer Official Screen Repairs At More Places
Apple plans to make it easier to repair damaged or broken iPhone screens by distributing its proprietary fix-it machine to third-party stores. Apple Stores use a custom device called the Horizon Machine, which is about the size of a microwave oven, to replace cracked iPhone screens. The device contains a suction cup for loosening the display, the needed screw drivers, and other precision parts to complete each repair. Apple has agreed to make this device available to its authorized resellers, including Best Buy in the U.S. Apple has some 500 Horizon Machines already in use at its own stores and mail-in repair centers. It expects to seed about 200 of the Horizon Machines to its reseller partners over the next couple of months and reach a total of 400 by the end of the year. This will almost double the availability of Horizon Machines by the holiday season and should make it much easier for consumers to have their iPhone given a fully compliant repair. "We've been on a quest to expand our reach," said Brian Naumann, senior director of service operations at Apple, in a statement provided to Reuters. Naumann said repair times at its own stores have increased. Apple hopes providing more Horizon Machines will cut down on those repair times. The news from Apple comes as "right to repair" laws gain strength around the U.S. Kiosks and other small shops in malls offer screen repairs, but often do so without official parts or coverage from Apple and other OEMs. An aggressive law moving through the New York State legislature would require Apple to provide such shops with its genuine parts at a minimum. Though many small shops perform perfectly adequate repairs with third-party glass, Apple's official screen part includes the fingerprint sensor and only the Horizon Machine can repair damaged sensors.
First Look: Apple iOS 11
Apple debuted iOS 11 during the June 5 keynote of its annual developer conference. The refreshed mobile operating system is primed to hit iPhones and iPads later this year with improvements to the App Store, Apple Maps, the camera, Control Center, Files, keyboard, iMessage, Live Photos, Siri, screenshots, and much more. iOS 11 is only available to developers, but here is a first look at the initial beta from Apple.
iPhone 5 and 5c Won't Run iOS 11, 32-Bit Apps Going Away
Some older iPhones will not be part of the iOS 11 party scheduled to arrive this fall. According to Apple's web site, the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5c, and the fourth-generation iPad cannot handle iOS 11's 64-bit app requirements, so they will not be receiving the updated operating system. Devices that can run iOS 11 include the iPhone 5s and SE, 6 and 6 Plus, 6s and 6s Plus, and the 7 and 7 Plus. On the tablet front, iOS 11 is compatible with the iPad Mini 2, 3, and 4, the iPad Air and Air 2, the newer iPad, as well as the big and small iPad Pros. The older iPhones in question use 32-bit processors, while every iPhone and iPad released since 2013 uses 64-bit processors (with 32-bit backward compatibility built in.) One of the under-the-hood changes in iOS 11 is dropped support for 32-bit apps, moving all apps to 64-bits. Since the iPhone 5 and 5c can only run 32-bit apps, iOS 11 simply won't work as intended. Apple has been warning developers to update their apps with 64-bit compatibility for some time. Starting some point later this year, Apple will entirely drop 32-bit apps from the App Store. Such apps have likely not been updated by their developers in years. iOS 11 is available to developers in beta. The final version for consumers isn't expected to arrive until the fall.
iOS 11 to Let Developers Access the iPhone 7's NFC Radio
Apple is about to let iPhone owners use their handsets' NFC radios for more than just Apple Pay. Apple today introduced the CoreNFC API, which will permit the iPhone's NFC radio to detect NFC tags and read the information contained therein. Though several iPhone models include NFC radios (6, 6 Plus 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus), functionality is restricted to Apple Pay. The new API gives developers access to the NFC radio so their own apps "can read tags to give users more information about their physical environment and the real-world objects in it. For example, your app might give users information about products they find in a store or exhibits they visit in a museum." Based on the documentation published on Apple's developer web site, only the iPhone 7 and Phone 7 Plus will gain the ability to interact with external NFC tags. Android devices have long been able to use NFC radios and tags for varying purposes. The CoreNFC API is part of iOS 11, which dictates that the expanded NFC functionality for the iPhone 7/7 Plus won't arrive until later this year when Apple releases the final version of iOS 11.
Apple Targets Augmented Reality
Apple says its new mobile platform will soon become the biggest augmented reality platform with the adoption of ARKit, a new way for developer to take advantage of existing iOS hardware and software to generate AR experiences. Apple is already working with game and other content developers to bring AR to the iPhone and iPad. Augmented Reality merges real-world views with computer-generated content (think Pokemon). Like all iOS 11 features, the new AR content is expected to arrive later this year.
Apple Announces iOS 11 with Person-to-Person Apple Pay
Apple today debuts iOS 11, its next-generation mobile operating system. Starting with messages, iOS 11 introduces improved discoverability for stickers and emoji. iOS 11 will automatically synchronize conversations across devices (iPhone, iPad, macOS), including deleted messages and threads. Apple says most iMessage content is stored in the cloud, which means it uses less storage on mobile devices. Apple Pay gets a boost in iOS 11, too, with the addition of person-to-person payments. The idea here is to make it easy to send money from one person to another when cash isn't available. Apple was sure to upgrade Siri. Apple used deep learning to create a new voice for Siri, both female and male. The app interface now displays multiple results, and can handle translation. Translations works between English and Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. SiriKit, for developers allows developers to push Siri deeper unto their own applications. The camera application takes advantage of new compression techniques in order to use less on-device storage. The camera roll gains more tools for Live Photos, which allows for video looping and other effects such as bouncing. The Depth API lets developers take advantage of the iPhone 7 Plus's dual-camera array for portrait-style photos The camera roll takes advantage of machine learning to identify the subjects within photos and tag them accordingly. Live Photos now support trimming, shortening, and more. iOS 11 redesigns the Control Center, as well as the lock screen and notifications center in order to make vital controls and data as easy to reach as possible. Apple Maps gains indoor map data, such as mall and airport floor plans, for navigating around within large buidings. A new tool called 'Do No Disturb While Driving' will essentially silence the device and prevent notifications from reaching your iPhone when it senses it is driving. AirPlay 2 brings with it playback controls for multi-room speakers. A separate API will help developers add AirPlay 2 and multi-room functionality to their own speakers. Apple Music lets people see what their friends are listening to. The new MusicKit API for developers will target social sharing for music, too. Apple is offering iOS 11 to developers in beta starting today. Apple expects to kick off the public beta for iOS 11 later this summer. The operating system won't reach all users until the fall.
Amazon Integrates iCloud Calendar with Alexa
People who own an Alexa-enabled device can now interact with their iCloud calendar. Amazon added support for Apple's iCloud calendar service to Alexa this week, making it possible for iPhone owners to access and use their calendar through devices such as the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and more. In addition to iCloud, Alexa also supports email from G Suite, Gmail, Office 365, and Outlook. Setting up iCloud requires users to use the smartphone-based Alexa app. Two-factor authentication through Apple iCloud is required. Once the link is established, Apple users need only say, “Alexa, what’s on my calendar today?” or “Alexa, add lunch with Sarah at noon to my calendar" in order to interact with their iCloud calendar. The feature is available to Alexa-support devices in the U.S., U.K., and Germany.
Apple Releases iOS 10.3.2 with Bug Fixes
Apple today made iOS 10.3.2 available to the iPhone and iPad. The minor system update primarily resolves bugs, patches security holes, and improves performance. Apple has been testing the update for the past month through its developer and public beta programs. iOS 10.3.2 is free to download and install over the air. Apple also distributed watchOS 3.2.2, macOS Sierra 10.12.5, and tvOS 10.2.1 — all of which focus on security and performance.
Apple to Invest $200 Million in Corning
Apple today said it plans to invest $200 million in its business partner Corning. Corning makes the Gorilla Glass used on iPhones and many other modern smartphones and tablets. Apple said the funds will support Corning's research and development efforts, as well its equipment purchases, and manufacturing facilities. Apple is targeting Corning's facility in Harrodsburg, Ky., which has supplied Apple with glass since the first iPhone in 2007. The Harrodsburg facility employs about 400 people. Earlier this year, Apple committed to spending $1 billion through its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to foster innovation among American manufacturers. Corning is the first recipient of these funds.
Imagination to Divest Biz Units In Wake of Losing iPhone Contract
Imagination Technologies said it plans to sell two of its business units and strengthen its balance sheet before its years-old partnership with Apple expires. Earlier this year Apple told Imagination Technologies that it will no longer need the company's GPUs for the iPhone in 15 to 24 months time. Apple is Imagination Technologies' largest customer and the loss of the iPhone maker's business will result in a transformative change for Imagination Technologies. The company has already begun a legal dance around Apple. "Imagination has been unable to make satisfactory progress with Apple to date regarding alternative commercial arrangements for the current licence and royalty agreement [and] has therefore commenced the dispute resolution procedure under the licence agreement with a view to reaching an agreement through a more structured process," said the company. Imagination contends that Apple will not be able to design and manufacture its own GPU without violating Imagination's patented technology. At the same time, Imagination is preparing to sell its MIPS and Ensigma businesses. Imagination will hold onto its PowerVR businesses unit. Imagination Technologies did not spell out a timeframe for making these changes.
Google Gives Enterprise Admins More Control Over iPhones
Google today expanded the security features Google Mobile Management administrators can enforce on corporate iOS devices. The new tools will let businesses that rely on Google's device management service to ensure iPhone and iPad users conform to corporate security policies. For example, G Suite admins can now sync managed corporate contacts to iOS devices and revoke access when needed. This is particularly helpful when using global address lists, which are now compatible with the native iOS email, calendar, phone, and contacts apps. G Suite admins can also now configure Google account on iOS to sync contacts and calendars, manage Safari browser settings, manage photo sharing, and set permissions with respect to screenshots, screen recording, Siri, and Apple Watch. The new tools are rolling out to all G Suite admin users over the next few weeks.
Qualcomm Countersuit Says Apple Hobbled Its Chips
Qualcomm filed a retaliatory lawsuit against Apple and accused the iPhone maker of bad behavior. The filing is in response to one Apple made against Qualcomm earlier this year. It that argument, Apple accused Qualcomm of abusing its market position to unfairly charge for chips and licenses. Qualcomm's response points out five major grievances with Apple, suggesting the company has not negotiated in good faith to license Qualcomm's patents. Specifically, Qualcomm says Apple "chose not to utilize the full performance of Qualcomm’s modem chips in its iPhone 7 [and] misrepresented the performance disparity between iPhones using Qualcomm modems and those using competitor-supplied modems." Qualcomm also accused Apple of breaching and mischaracterizing agreements with Qualcomm, interfering with Qualcomm's licensees, encouraging regulatory attack around the world, and threatening Qualcomm to go public over disparities in chip performance. Qualcomm is seeking damages from Apple for "reneging on its promises in several agreements" and it wants Apple to cease interfering with Qualcomm's partners. Qualcomm has come under fire from several governments, including that of the U.S., that allege Qualcomm uses predatory and unfair licensing practices.
Apple Releases iOS 10.3.1 to Fix Bugs
Apple today pushed a minor system update to iPhones, iPads, and iPods that's primarily meant to fix bugs. iOS 10.3.1, which clocks in at under 50 MB, also improves device security. The update is free to download and install over the air.
T-Mobile Adds Free AppleCare to Its Device Insurance Plan
T-Mobile today improved its monthly insurance program by offering AppleCare at no additional cost. Customers who subscribe to T-Mobile's Premium Device Protection and Jump! with Premium Device Protection insurance plans will have access to T-Mobile's insurance benefits as well as those offered by AppleCare. T-Mobile's plans cover loss, theft, accidental damage, hardware coverage, and security. AppleCare is available for the newest iPhones and iPads, including the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and iPad 9.7. AppleCare includes 24/7 technical support from Apple and low fees for certain repairs at Apple Stores and certified Apple repair facilities. For example, screen replacement deductibles cost just $29, while battery replacement service is free. T-Mobile's Premium Device Protection and Jump! with Premium Device Protection insurance plans cost $12 per month.
Apple Announces (Product) Red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Apple today debuted (Product) Red versions of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The devices are identical to the iPhones released last year, the only difference is the color. A portion of the proceeds from (Product) Red iPhone sales will contribute to the Global Fund to help fight AIDs. The red-colored iPhones will only be available in 128 GB and 256 GB capacities. The 128 GB (Product) Red iPhone 7 costs $749 and the 128 GB (Product) Red iPhone 7 Plus costs $869. The special edition (Product) Red iPhones will be available online and in stores beginning Friday, March 24.
Adobe's Lightroom App Adds RAW HDR Shooting for Android and iOS Phones
Adobe today updated its Lightroom Mobile application and added the ability for Android and iOS devices to shoot in RAW HDR mode. Adobe says the new HDR mode automatically scans each scene to measure the best-possible exposure range and then takes three photos that are merged to deliver the widest exposure and contrast range. The result is a 16-bit floating point DNG image that Adobe claims can rival the quality of images captured by today's dSLR cameras. The new HDR RAW capture mode is available to the Apple iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, iPhone SE, and iPad Pro 9.7. The iOS version of Lightroom also gains the ability to export original files and RAW images, as well as a gesture-to-rate tool, Force Touch actions, and sleep prevention. As for Android devices, the new tool works with the Samsung S7, S7 edge, Google Pixel, and Pixel XL. Adobe says this is because these are the only devices capable of capturing DNG images on their own. More devices will be given access to the HDR RAW capture feature over time. Adobe Lightroom Mobile is free to download from the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
T-Mobile Brings Back Free iPhone 7 Offer
T-Mobile today resurrected its offer of a free iPhone 7 to people who switch to the Uncarrier, though there are lots of requirements and caveats to the offer. To start, customers must port their number in from another carrier, sign up for the T-Mobile One plan, and trade in an eligible device to score the free iPhone 7. Moreover, T-Mobile is requiring people to purchase the new iPhone 7 (or 7 Plus) on an equipment installment plan. T-Mobile will provide instant credit toward the new device based on the value of the trade-on. The devices eligible for trade in are limited to the most recent iPhones (6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus) and Galaxies (S7, S7 edge, S7 Active). T-Mobile will then send a MasterCard gift card in the mail for the balance of the new iPhone 7. That gift card can be applied to the remaining monthly EIP payments on the account, but it doesn't have to be. The offer is only available from March 3 to March 16 in T-Mobile stores.
5 Best Unlocked Smartphones
Unlocked smartphones let you use your device on the carrier of your choice, whether at home or travelling overseas. Though unlocked phones tend to be pricey, you can't really put a price on the freedom they offer. Here are our picks for the five best flagship-class unlocked phones available right now.
Sprint Flips On 3-Channel Carrier Aggregation for iPhones and Galaxies
Sprint gave some of its high-end smartphones a speed boost this week. The company added 3-channel carrier aggregation to the Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, and the LG V20 and G5. The HTC Bolt already supports 3xCA, and Sprint plans to update a half dozen more phones soon. The update, which binds together three spectrum bands, boosts potential top download speeds from 100 Mbps to more than 200 Mbps. Sprint says 2xCA is already available in some 250 markets and that it has added 3xCA to about 100 markets. The 3xCA technology will serve as the base for Sprint's forthcoming HPUE network technology. Combining HPUE, 3xCA, 256 QAM, and MIMO can deliver 1 Gbps speeds, according to Sprint. Sprint will begin deploying HPUE in its 2.5 GHz spectrum (Band 41) later this year. The company said 55% of its post-paid phones will support HPUE by the end of this year, with the rest to follow in 2018.
Chrome for iOS Gains QR Scanning Tool
Google today updated its Chrome browser for iOS devices and added a novel tool: a QR and barcode scanner. iPhone owners can scan a QR code or barcode by using 3D Touch on the app logo or by searching for "QR" in iOS's Spotlight search bar. Google says it also redesigned the tab switcher layout for the iPad to make it easier for people to access open sites. Chrome 56 is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
iOS 10.3 Beta 1 Adds 'Find My AirPods' Tool
Apple today released a slew of new beta builds for its various operating systems. iOS 10.3 beta 1 for the iPhone and iPad adds one significant new feature called Find My AirPods. With it, people can locate their AirPod headphones by forcing the ear buds to emit a loud, high-pitched sound. Apple didn't call out any other new features within iOS 10.3 other than a few minor tools for developers. Apple also released first beta builds of macOS Sierra 10.12.4, tvOS 10.2, and Xcode 8.3. These builds are for developers and not public testers. Apple typically makes public betas available a day or two after releasing the developer builds.
Apple Sues Qualcomm Over Royalties, Qualcomm Bites Back
Apple has filed a lawsuit against partner Qualcomm, alleging the mobile chipmaker used its monopoly power to push for "onerous, unreasonable and costly" licensing terms. Moreover, Apple says Qualcomm prevented it from seeking chips from other suppliers between 2011 and 2016. Apple uses Qualcomm's baseband chips in the iPhone and iPad. Apple is seeking $1 billion in rebate payments that it says Qualcomm has withheld since Apple met with Korea's fair trade regulatory body last year. Apple's lawsuit arrives just days after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued Qualcomm over what it called aggressive and unfair business practices. The government, in particular, said Qualcomm had taken advantage of Apple and others with its licensing terms. Qualcomm denied the allegations. "While we are still in the process of reviewing the complaint in detail, it is quite clear that Apple's claims are baseless. Apple has intentionally mischaracterized our agreements and negotiations, as well as the enormity and value of the technology we have invented, contributed and shared with all mobile device makers through our licensing program," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel, Qualcomm. In addition to the FTC complaint, Qualcomm was recently sued by the Korean government over similar claims.
Apple's GarageBand Scores Alchemy Synthesizer
Apple today announced a major update to GarageBand, its music creating and recording app for iOS devices. Chiefly, GarageBand now includes the Alchemy synthesizer, which adds more than 150 new patches from Apple that span myriad styles like pop, rock, EDM, and hip hop. Apple says Alchemy's on-screen tools let musicians merge up to eight patches at a time to create their own, unique sounds. GarageBand includes a new sound browser, too, which should make it easier to find Apple's Touch Instruments. A multi-take recording tool makes it possible for people to record several takes and then compare them to see which is best. Last, the audio recorder has been redesigned with one-tap vocal effects, such as pitch correction, distortion, and delay. Singers can take advantage of visual equalizers to fine-tune their sound, as well as use third-party plugins for even more vocal sound options. GarageBand is free for most modern iPhone and iPad owners.
App Store Antitrust Case Against Apple Allowed to Proceed
An on-going lawsuit accusing Apple of holding a monopoly on the market for iPhone apps has been given new life today thanks to an appeals court ruling. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Apple's sole distribution method of mobile apps for the iPhone may be anticompetitive. The original lawsuit was filed in 2012. It charged that Apple's policy of allowing only apps distributed via the app store onto iPhones violates federal law. Apple's legal argument centered on the idea that the App Store serves only as a platform for end users to buy apps from developers, the iPhone maker sees the App Store as shelf space that is rented out by app writers. However, app developers pay a 30% portion of revenues for the ability to sell via the App Store. Moreover, people pay Apple directly for apps via iTunes; they do not pay developers. Initial rulings in the case sided with Apple, but today's decision reversed lower courts, as iPhone owners cannot buy or install apps via any method other than the App Store, lest they jailbreak (or hack) their device. Apple maintains that this policy protects end user security, but a collection of iPhone owners contend it leads to less competition and higher pricing for mobile apps. It's not clear what the next steps in the case are, nor where they may lead.
Google's Motion Stills App Gains Moving Text and Smoother Loops
Google updated its Motion Stills app for iOS with several new features. First, users can now apply text to their GIFs. The Motion Text feature lets people position text anywhere they want in the GIF. It can then follow or move with a subject for the duration of the GIF. Google says it is using motion tracking technology and machine learning to make this function properly. Motion Stills also gains a new looping tool. Motion Stills is able to freeze the background of an image and analyze the movement to create the perfect loop transition. The result is GIFs that loop with fewer obvious cuts. Motion Stills takes advantage of Live Photos as captured by the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, and 7 Plus and turns them into shareable GIFs. Motion Stills is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Apple's Wireless Headphones Reach the Apple Store
Apple today began accepting orders for its AirPod wireless headphones. The AirPods instantly turn on and connect to nearby iPhones when the carrying case is opened. The AirPods can automatically switch from iPhone to Apple Watch based on what the owner is using. The AirPods provide up to 5 hours of battery life and the case has a built-in battery that can provide a total of 24 hours of play time. The devices rely on the W1, Apple's first wireless chip. The pods include a battery, antenna, accelerometer, and proximity sensor. The AirPods will automatically halt music playback if the pods are removed from the owner's ear. They are compatible with most iPhones and iPads. The AirPods cost $159 and are available online. The headphones were originally expected to debut in October, but Apple delayed the launch. Orders placed online should arrive before Christmas.
