by MacNN Staff
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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
wrenchy Forum Regular Joined: Nov 03, 2009
ZOINKS! Apple admitting they "made a mistake"!! Me thinks hell just froze over!
Love Wrenchy
reader50 Administrator
Joined: Jun 01, 2000
That would be twice. Hell froze over when Apple released iTunes for Windows.
Charles Martin Mac Elite Joined: Aug 04, 2001
I love how you ignore the actual content (and facts) related to this story.
Apple didn't suddenly stop making products that MEET or EXCEED all known federal environmental specifications. They still haven't (even the RMBP is still recyclable).
Bob's "we made a mistake" (which is refreshing to hear a company just come out and say that -- take note, politicians and other companies!) refers to the PR mistake rather than anything Apple actually did wrong. Because they didn't do anything wrong.
But, since you appear to like it when companies apologise for their mistakes -- and I agree that's a good thing -- I assume you're going to be calling for Google to issue a public apology for stealing code from Apple?
lpkmckenna Addicted to MacNN Joined: Jul 04, 2004
It appears to me that Apple's brief walkout was a way to pressure EPEAT to modernize their standards in line with Apple's current design goals. Read between the lines in this:
"We look forward to Apple’s strong and creative thoughts on ongoing standards development. The outcome must reward new directions for both design and sustainability, simultaneously supporting the environment and the market for all manufacturers’ elegant and high-performance products," EPEAT CEO Robert Frisbee wrote.
"An interesting question for EPEAT is how to reward innovations that are not yet envisioned with standards that are fixed at a point in time. Diverse goals, optional points awarded for innovations not yet described, and flexibility within specified parameters to make this happen are all on the table in EPEAT stakeholder discussions. And of course, timely standards development, as with newly created Imaging Equipment and Television standards, and the current refresh of the PC/Display standard, is critical as well."
See: http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/07/apple-leaving-green-product-registry-epeat-was-a-mistake/
In other words, Apple was ready to return once EPEAT would commit to "ongoing standards development" that Apple expected. While so many are ready to see this as egg on Apple's face, this is really a win for Apple behind the scenes.
Charles Martin Mac Elite Joined: Aug 04, 2001
I fully concur with lpkmckenna's view on this issue, though I would add that I think Apple DID miscalculate the way the media would overplay the story and how much governments/institutions would over-react (without even waiting to hear Apple's original explanation). Seems like they both overplayed their hands a bit, but in the end they got it worked out -- and EPEAT is actually likely to benefit from Apple's pushing them to upgrade their standards.
testudo Forum Regular Joined: Aug 06, 2001
Just a bunch of PR bunk. Not all products, just all 'eligible' products, whatever that's supposed to mean (I guess any product that would get a good grade is 'eligible'). And it's just Apple trying to force their will on an organization that doesn't do eveyrthing in their power to agree with Apple. Good luck, Apple, getting the IEEE to change their standard anytime soon!
But in the end, Apple didn't realize how important it was to have EPEAT certification, even if it isn't "top of the line". I guess all the complaints from large customers and governments made them realize it was a mistake?