Category - IPad
Testers find unannounced features in Apple's OS upgrades
Developers and other testers have gotten their hands on the preview releases of the next major versions of each of Apple's four platforms -- the newly-renamed macOS Sierra (formerly OS X 10.12), iOS 10, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10. Beyond the announced feature set seen during the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, there have been a number of discoveries of unannounced changes, additional (minor) features, and other small tweaks and surprises. While they may change (or even be withdrawn) before the final release, here are some that caught our attention.
Pointers: making a 16GB iOS device work for you
There are, it would seem, two types of iPhone owners: those who buy their device based on price, and thus don't really consider how much storage it has, for one reason or another -- and those who write angry letters to Tim Cook every month demanding a 1TB capacity iPhone. Long-time Mac and iPhone users who have been using the devices for a long time are dumbfounded that Apple still offers a 16GB base capacity for most of its iOS devices (and still offers "anemic" base storage levels for some Macs, like the MBA), but this Pointers will lead you down the path of Zen, and the validation of all things. Even 16GB.
Apple revises iOS 10 compatibility list, re-drops older models
MacNN initially reported on the compatibility list of devices able to run the forthcoming iOS 10 yesterday shortly after the keynote presentation ended. That original article was based on a briefly-shown slide that listed the compatible devices, but was later revised when an expanded list that included older devices was published on Apple's web page promoting iOS 10. Along with other sites, MacNN has now received confirmation and clarification directly from the company's Cupertino offices that officially drops the iPad 2, iPad (third generation), the first-generation iPad mini, and the fifth-generation iPod touch off the list.
WWDC: macOS Sierra, iOS 10 to drop older devices [u]
Apple is generally good at supporting older devices with its new operating system updates, but it can't always do it. Often, older Macs and iPhones or iPads just won't get the benefit of all the new features, but sooner or later there are requirements in the newly-named macOS or iOS that preclude certain older machines. [update 10:17PM ET with some confusion on Apple pages about devices capable of running the new iOS 10]
Apple announces iOS 10 during WWDC keynote
During the WWDC keynote, Apple showed off some new features in iOS 10, expected later this year, including a redesigned lockscreen experience and greatly-expanded use of 3D Touch, announced developer access to Siri (to thunderous applause) alongside greatly expanded Siri abilities and artificial intelligence that enhances both Siri's ability for vocal queries, but helpfully offer better texting suggestions -- like a map in response to a question about your location as an option -- or more intelligent scheduling.
MacNN Deals: Four accessories to get more out of your iOS devices
Alongside our regular Daily Deals post, we are showcasing some of the offers available from our own MacNN Deals store. Today's selections are all handy accessories that can complement your iOS devices, including extra cables for charging your iPhone or iPad, a Bluetooth keyboard for easier text entry, and a way to transfer your files to or from your mobile devices and your Mac or PC.
Pointers Special: Security best practices, part two
On Monday, we covered a range of tips in our last Pointers that are designed to help keep your identity and files safe, along with a few tips for avoiding the obvious scams. This time, we'll discuss some of those in more depth, add a few new ones, and bring up the most vulnerable point of attack on your security -- anyone having physical access to your machine. As Mac or iOS device owners, we enjoy a pretty strong level of security -- but as we use our computers and mobile devices more and more for important data and secure transactions, it becomes ever more important to be vigilant. Internet freedom isn't free, to borrow a phrase.
The MacNN Podcast, episode 65: Give us our damn senior discount
Two weeks ago, we simply mentioned that the next episode (following the Memorial Day break) was going to be 65, and boom -- AARP sent us a card. Consequently, this is the first-ever episode of The MacNN Podcast to be edited entirely at a Denny's. We're pleased to be back, and there's plenty to talk about -- this week, Statler and Waldorf (Charles and Mike) free-range from old Mac Pros (and what to do with them) to all the great new technology coming out at a furious pace (still) these days.
Living with: Apple's iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Previously, I've thought that some software or hardware is immediately and obviously useful. Plus, I've thought that some other such things didn't seem so at first, yet over time become vital parts of my work. For the first time, though, Living With has a new category: the product you didn't think you'd especially like, but which instantaneously became the most useful thing you own -- and so much a part of your work that you're sure you must've written about it before.
Now AAPL Stock: 159.53 ( -0.25 )
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
