iOS 6 Maps alllows for wider range in offline navigation
- updated 11:44 am EDT, Fri October 5, 2012
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by MacNN Staff
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
simdude Fresh-Faced Recruit Joined: Jun 01, 2004
Cool We don't have to be online to get wrong data!
just kidding. I have only used the new map feature locally and it's generally been pretty good where I am. I did find a local BJs was misplaced by a few blocks though and submitted a correction through the map program. Checked today (about a week later) and it's still wrong. Not sure how much time they need to verify inaccuracies before they correct. would love to see corrections getting in quicker. I think Apple will fix this and it will be a nice map app.
But for GPS driving, it's hard to beat Motion X. For $10/year you get the latest maps, lane guidance, great integration with ipod controls etc. Very nice app. Doesn't give you the pretty flyovers but it gets you to the right place and works great on my 3GS and original iPad too.
marcstreeter Fresh-Faced Recruit Joined: Jul 16, 2010
I guess I am glad I live in Texas for once. That doesn't happen too often. I have had a great experience with the iOS maps service. I had previously been using [slow] Motion X and I must say the difference is night and day with how I use to view traveling with the iPad. Before I had to wait and wait and wait for Motion X to load its maps (which take up 2 gigs of space on my iPad) after picking where I wanted to go on its confusing interface. I have owned the app for the longest time and each time I need it to help me get where I am going I have an issue with the spaghetti interface it has. It is hard to get simple features to work properly. Even when it does get the map I am lost by how it presents where I am. Oddly enough before apple made their own maps service I would actually use the maps app provided before the upgrade and just hope that the cache would hold for the location i am going. I will say though that I keep the Motion X app installed on my iPad though just to wait for the updates in hopes that they too try to use their own app now and again and find it as annoying as I do.
Until they get there act together I am really enjoying Apple's map service. I especially love the voice guidance provided as you drive. MotionX wants to charge a yearly or monthly fee on top of the price of the app to access that service after your free month is up.
That's not to say that I believe that apple's offering is superior to google's. The one feature that I hope apple goes after, which google has already been actively pursuing is indoor maps.
I guess I am naively happy or , at least, waiting for the map bliss that is iOS6 maps to crumble beneath me because of what other people have said on the forums. Then again they could just be planted there by google..... nah, I'm not that paranoid.