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
lockhartt Junior Member Joined: Apr 11, 2000
Go figure... that's actually a reasonable, rational decision on a patent issue.
The top five reasons people buy Android phones are cost, cost, cost, perceived open-ness, and cost... in that order :)
testudo Forum Regular Joined: Aug 06, 2001
Originally Posted by lockhartt
Go figure... that's actually a reasonable, rational decision on a patent issue.
The top five reasons people buy Android phones are cost, cost, cost, perceived open-ness, and cost... in that order :)
Right, because no one would buy an Android phone because they actually like it, or like the bigger screen, or the OS, or the network, or their personal needs for support or anything at all. Nope, anyone who doesn't have an iPhone is just cheap cheap cheap.
BTW, you forgot a reason. Hatred of Apple. Isn't that always what we hear?
testudo Forum Regular Joined: Aug 06, 2001
Originally Posted by lockhartt
Go figure... that's actually a reasonable, rational decision on a patent issue.
Actually, I find it narrow-minded. "Sales lost to an infringing product cannot irreparably harm a patentee if consumers buy that product for reasons other than the patented feature," the court said. Define "for reasons other than the patented feature". Does that mean "If the product didn't have said feature, the phone wouldn't sell as well"? Or "The reason someone buys the product is because it has feature X"? Is irreparable harm only if the company wouldn't survive the infringement? One thing is for sure. A company that is infringing can sell their product for less for they don't need to either pay royalties nor do they have to cover the cost of development of the patent.
But it would all come out in the wash for the penalty an infringer would pay would theoretically cover licensing costs at the very least (so all nexus sales is money for Apple!) and/or penalties. They'd get their money. However, they might not survive as a company (OK, Apple will survive, other companies might have issues).
Charles Martin Mac Elite Joined: Aug 04, 2001
"Right, because no one would buy an Android phone because ... [of] the OS ..."
On that point, we finally find something to agree on. There's no reason to buy a cheap knock-off version of an OS when the real thing is available at the same price points, only without the malware.
If people want an alternative to iOS, they should get a Windows Phone, or Symbian, or BlackBerry. Getting "pretend iOS" is just juvenile and makes a statement about you that isn't flattering.