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Did Apple pay more than $20 million for Swiss clock design?
Apple's iPad has a gorgeous Swiss-inspired clock that may have cost the company millions. According to a report in the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, Apple paid the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) 20 million Swiss francs (US$21 million) for the rights to use the iconic clock face in iOS 6. The brouhaha over the clock emerged in September when the SBB criticized Apple for using the railway clock, which was designed by Hans Hilfiker for the SBB and has become a symbol of Swiss innovation and reliability. The SBB met with Apple, which signed a licensing deal to use the clock face. Details of the agreement were not disclosed, and the SBB has refused to comment on this latest report. [Via AllThingsD]
DevJuice: Ray Wenderlich releases new iOS 6 learning book
Ray Wenderlich is a really nice guy and a good instructor. His site RayWenderlich.com offers a huge number of tutorials suitable for new and experienced iOS developers, written by his in-house team of experts. (Update: Ray just wrote me and asked me to emphasize that, so I bolded it.) Now, he's releasing a self-published e-book called iOS 6 by Tutorials. A 1500-plus-page PDF, this book compiles all those tutorials into a single reference. At $54, it's not exactly cheap, but if you already love the tutorials on his site, this reference is worth the price compared to the work you'd have to put in to figuring it all out yourself. The full source code is included.
Tumblr for iOS goes native: now with redesigned Dashboard, improved notifications and more
Just as Facebook did a while back, Tumblr, too, has decided to rebuild its iOS application from the ground up. Inside this new version (3.2), daily users of the blogging service will find a completely redesigned Dashboard, which displays larger pictures and offers faster overall speeds when loading posts. In addition, Tumblr's also added "spiffy" notification previews to its iOS application, allowing folks to see when other users reply, like or reblog their posts -- oh, and better yet, GIFs now automatically play on the all-new Dashboard. The new Tumblr app's now live on Cupertino's App Store -- all you have to do is either hit the source link below or snag it directly via your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.
Evernote 5 now available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
It was just a few days ago that Evernote proudly teased us by saying it's fifth major release on Cupertino's mobile platform would be "coming soon," but the good news is the revamped note-taking application didn't take too long to officially arrive on iOS. Starting today, Evernote 5 will be available for folks using an iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, bringing with it a completely redesigned experience, a more accessible home screen (with quick access to notes, notebooks and more), as well as new features tailored specifically for Apple's slate and Premium users. Evernote 5 is up for download now, so those of you looking to try the new app should give the App Store link below a quick tap or download it straight from your device.
How Yelp's flaws affect Apple Maps
It's been clear from the start that Apple Maps isn't perfect. In fact, in some instances it's proven to be downright broken. And while the blame ultimately lies at Apple's feet, it turns out that you -- yes, you -- might have played a roll in the new app's less-than-stellar debut. You see, Apple Maps relies on data from Yelp for location information on certain businesses, and Yelp relies on everyday users to provide that data. Google also leans on crowdsourced data to flesh out its location services, but as Dave Greenbaum of GigaOM points out, details about a business location on Google Maps must be confirmed by the owner of that business before it becomes gospel. Yelp doesn't have such a safeguard, which is why at times a store might actually be located across the street -- or across town -- from where it appears on Apple Maps. Yelp relies on its local community managers to ensure that duplicate entries for venues are promptly deleted and to help sculpt the user-created information into an accurate picture of each city. Unfortunately, much of the information appears to be too inaccurate to be considered reliable, especially in locations without a vibrant Yelp userbase. Apple's official stance on the app's issues is that the service will continue to improve as more users jump on board. However, it's going to be tough to convince most consumers that it's their responsibility to fix a broken system rather than be able to rely on it from the start.
Apple reportedly to remove emoji apps from App Store
Now that iOS has provided default support for emoji icons for over a year, the company finally appears to be taking action to remove the seemingly endless number of third-party emoji apps on the App Store. TechCrunch obtained an email sent by Apple to one particular app store developer, letting the seller know that their previously approved emoji app would be removed from sale. The email cites App Store guidelines that prohibit the sale of apps that "are not very useful." It's hard to argue with the logic here, and if a feature is already supported by iOS, the need for a third-party app is indeed non-existent. Apple first introduced emoji support in iOS 5 which launched in October 2011.
iOS 6.1, Xcode 4.6 betas arrive in Dev Center
In addition to rolling out iOS 6.0.1 today, Apple has released a beta build of iOS 6.1 to developers. The update supports legacy devices dating back to the iPhone 3GS and newer products including the iPhone 5 and fourth-generation iPad. A build is not yet available for the iPad mini. Apple has also introduced a developer preview of Xcode 4.6 to coincide with the iOS 6.1 beta. No major new features have been detailed by Apple in the 6.1 beta changelog, but interested developers can do some digging for themselves by downloading the firmware and Xcode 4.6 from the iOS dev center.
iOS 6.0.1 now available, iPhone 5 users need to download installer (Updated)
iOS 6.0.1 was just pushed to iPhones and iPads running 6.0. The update is 34.7 MB and contains various improvements and bug fixes, including: Fixes a bug that prevents the iPhone 5 from installing software via over-the-air updates. Fixes a bug where horizontal lines might be displayed across the keyboard Fixes an issue that could cause the camera flash not to fire Improves reliability of the iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch when connected to encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi networks Resolves an issue that prevents the iPhone from using the cellular network in some cases Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from the lock screen Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings The update is available via Software Update on your iPhone or iPad or the next time you connect your iOS device with iTunes. Note that iPhone 5 users will have to download an updater app first, which will then prompt them to update iOS. The FIRST updater will appear in General > Software Updates as normal updates would appear. It will then prompt you to launch it, send you back to Software Updates and the update to 6.0.1 can continue. There is no need to search the store for this app. Update: It seems Verizon iPhone 5 users will need to reboot after the iOS Updater app is installed, whereas we can confirm AT&T iPhone 5 users do not. Update 2: Apparently some AT&T users might have to reboot for phase one (the iOS Updater app). Your mileage may vary, apparently. Further, Sprint customers will also reboot.
Using the iOS 6 panorama photo feature
iOS 6 surprised many iPhoneographers with the inclusion of an unexpected panorama photo feature. Panorama photography using the built-in Camera app on iOS 6 devices has quickly become one of the favorite features of Apple's newest mobile operating system. TechHive's Derrick Story has provided a post today covering tips for using the feature for exciting photos and iPhoto products. Unlike rival apps like Debacle Software's Pano (US$1.99), iOS 6's panorama feature takes photos in one continuous shot -- almost like shooting video. And unlike Occipital's 360 Panorama ($0.99), the panorama is taken in one horizontal or vertical plane instead of in a virtual sphere. iOS 6 assembles the image as one big photo (up to 28 MP and averaging about 16 MB, says Story) covering up to 240 degrees, and that image can then be opened and viewed in iPhoto for iOS ($4.99). Story notes that Retina iPads and the iPhone 5 both have enough horsepower available to let photographers view or zoom in and out of them. But the real trick is to use the panoramic shots in iPhoto (iOS or Mac) slideshows, where they are automatically panned in a "Ken Burns"-like effect, or in the Origami slideshow effect. The latter effect shows the panorama unfolding -- very effective for a slideshow. Horizontal panoramas can also be used in iPhoto books, spanning two full pages for a stunning effect. Have you personally used the panorama feature of iOS 6? Let us know in the comments how you like it. If you haven't used the feature yet, be sure to check out Story's post and then give panorama photography a workout.
Apple executive shakeup: Scott Forstall and John Browett are leaving the company
Huge news out of Apple today, as its senior vice president of iOS software, Scott Forstall, will leave the company next year after putting in some 15 years. Furthermore, John Browett -- head of Apple retail -- is also on his way out. The memo was delivered late today, on a day that is littered with other news that the company may hope will bury the bulk of it -- and, on a day where trading on the New York Stock Exchange is halted due to Hurricane Sandy. It's practically a given that Forstall is taking the brunt of the impact from its decision to forge ahead with an obviously subpar Maps application, all while trumpeting it as one of the pillars of iOS 6 during his keynote speech at WWDC 2012. The introduction of Siri as a beta product is also on Forstall, and we all know what happens to executives who flub something related to iPhone.... As the shakeup unfolds, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will add more responsibilities to their roles. In other words, Tim Cook isn't about to usher in new help who may thwart the company's efforts to continue at its breakneck pace. Curiously, Mansfield will be heaping more on his own plate just months after he had originally planned to retire. As for Ive? He'll be responsible for providing "leadership and direction for Human Interface (HI) across the company in addition to his role as the leader of Industrial Design." Eddy Cue will be gifted burdened with Siri and Maps, while also keeping an eye on the iTunes Store, the App Store, the iBookstore and iCloud. Needless to say, he probably won't be seeing too many walls outside of Cupertino for the foreseeable future. Federighi is being tasked to lead both iOS and OS X, while Mansfield chairs a new Technologies group that bundles Apple's wireless teams across the company. (Of note, Dan Riccio -- who was scheduled to take over for Mansfield prior to his retirement retraction -- isn't among those who are gaining duties.) Just months after Browett was brought in from Dixons in order to lead up Apple's retail efforts, he's on the outs as well. Of course, he's also responsible for the branch having to tell stores that it "messed up" when he fiddled with staffing levels back in August. A search for a new head of Retail is underway and in the interim, the Retail team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. Update: The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Forstall was asked to resign after refusing to sign his own name to Apple's Maps apology, leaving Tim Cook to sign his name instead. Yikes. %Gallery-169590%
Nexus 10 vs. the competition: fight!
Google undoubtedly upset the tablet market almost overnight with the Nexus 10: that record-setting 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, Exynos 5 Dual, Android 4.2 and all-important $399 starting price just tilted price-performance balance in a different direction than we'd seen even a week ago. But how does it stack up against its competition? We've included full details of the devices in a chart after the break; initial appearances suggest that pure performance hounds may like the Nexus 10 the most, although it doesn't have the most diverse options for cellular data or storage. We'll know the real tale of the tape once the Nexus 10 reaches our hands.
The iPad mini vs. the competition: fight!
The traditional trail of inventory listings, leaked casings and internal components have teased us enough: it's finally time to get down to the nitty gritty specs, and see how Apple's latest (and daintiest) iPad shapes up to the competition. We've collected a trio of like-sized slabs to pit the device against, just for the fun of it. Read on to see how it stacks up against its peers. For more coverage, visit our Apple Special Event hub!
Apple announces 7.9-inch iPad mini with a 1,024 x 768 display, A5 CPU and optional LTE for $329
Well, hello there, the worst-kept secret in tech. Apple's iPad mini is the company's newest device, a 7.9-inch tablet that's designed to go toe-to-toe with Google's Nexus 7. For now, it'll sit alongside the iPad 2 and fourth-generation iPad, and as it packs the same 1,024 x 768 display as the second-generation slate, apps will carry across without any resizing. While Phil Schiller didn't mention Google or the Nexus 7 by name, the rival slate (and Google's app library) was compared to the newest iOS device. On stage, he claimed that the screen, which is .9-inch larger than the Nexus 7, gives the iPad mini 35 percent more display area than Google and ASUS' collaboration. On the hardware size, the 7.2mm thick, .68 pounds device has been manufactured with an "all new" process that gives it the same anodized edges as you'll find on the iPhone 5. If you were hoping for equal specifications to the big-daddy iPad, you may be mildly disappointed. While it will pack a 5-megapixel camera and an LTE modem (if you opt to buy a cellular model), it's running the last-generation A5 CPU. However, the slower internals and less potent display may account for how the company has been able to squeeze out a claimed 10 hours of use despite the constrained space for a battery. Pre-orders for the $329, 16GB WiFi-only model begin on Friday (October 26th) and will begin shipping on November 2nd. The cellular-equipped models will begin shipping a few weeks afterward on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, with the 16GB base model costing $459, running all the way to $659 for the 64GB unit. %Gallery-169066% For more coverage, visit our Apple Special Event hub!
Apple: 200 million devices already upgraded to iOS 6
Citing this as the "fastest upgrade rate in history -- that we're aware of," Tim Cook has announced on stage in San Jose that 200 million iOS devices have been updated to iOS 6. If you're still on the last version, are you feeling the peer pressure? For more coverage, visit our Apple Special Event hub!
The challenges of jailbreaking iOS 6
Since iOS 6 arrived on September 19, the jailbreak community has been hard at work trying to achieve the ultimate goal -- an automated, untethered jailbreak that works on all devices that can run the newest version of iOS. Yet according to a new article by Mathew Schwartz of InformationWeek, a full iOS 6 jailbreak may be an elusive goal. Schwartz talked to a number of security experts, coming up with a list of six reasons why the untethered iOS 6 jailbreak may be difficult. First, security researcher Charlie Miller of Twitter noted earlier in the year that "finding sufficient vulnerabilities takes smarts." That's not to call the jailbreak community dumb, but that it's incredibly hard to find "known, exploitable vulnerabilities" in an advanced operating system. The next challenge for would-be iOS 6 jailbreakers is time -- it takes a lot of time to find those vulnerabilities, with the first untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 taking a full 10 months to accomplish thanks to the A5 chip that was new to those platforms. Third, Schwartz notes that "website-based untethered jailbreaking is insanely difficult." He describes jailbreaker Comex's JailbreakMe.com website, and notes that Comex has interned at Apple. Perhaps Comex has divulged some of his legendary tricks to Apple, which would make it even more difficult for a lesser hacker to accomplish a jailbreak. Fourth, any jailbreak has a very limited shelf life. As soon as a jailbreak is announced, Apple goes to work to patch the vulnerabilities that were exploited. After version 2.0 of JailbreakMe.com appeared, it took Apple only two weeks to release patches to negate the exploits. In his fifth point, Schwartz notes that an early iOS 6 kernel exploit described earlier this month -- it allowed Cydia to be installed on an iPhone 5 -- couldn't be used alone to jailbreak iOS 6 devices. Finally, Apple has done a much better job of locking down iOS 6. Azimuth Security researchers Mark Dowd and Tarjei Mandt, who described the iOS 6 kernel exploit, noted in a presentation in Kuala Lumpur this month that Apple has hardened the iOS kernel, provided better protection against memory or heap corruption errors, and improved stack overflow prevention. In addition, some APIs that had been used to execute exploits have been zeroed out, and Apple has further randomized address space layout randomization (ASLR) to make it more difficult to circumvent. Still, the jailbreak community is persistent, and it may be just a matter of time before a full untethered iOS 6 jailbreak is announced. Whether that happens before iOS 7 is widely adopted remains to be known.
Apple to use Passbook at retail stores
With Passbook popping up on every iPhone running iOS 6, Apple will soon let you use the feature at its retail stores. The company will begin rolling out an update to its EasyPay point-of-sale software later this month that allows store employees to scan Passbook-based Apple Store cards for payments. Apple teased this during the original Passbook announcement this summer, but the store was missing among Passbook-ready apps when iOS 6 came out. We've heard from an unnamed Apple Store source that the company just finished replacing the cases on EasyPay-enabled iPod touches to allow use of the rear-facing camera. Previously, the EasyPay add-on blocked the lens, making it impossible to use the devices to scan something such as a Passbook card. The feature looks to be limited to prepaid gift cards, at least for the time being, so those hoping to load and reload their own virtual Apple Store card still have some waiting to do. The company likely already has a solution in mind, so don't be surprised to see the ability to add funds appear in the near future. I mean, if Starbucks can do it, it should be small potatoes for Apple, right?
Apple agrees to licensing terms over Swiss clock design
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Apple have reached a licensing agreement that'll let Apple use the SBB's iconic clock design in iOS 6. Last month, the Swiss national railway criticized Apple for copying the look of the classic clock face without permission in the clock app on the iPad. Engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker designed the railway station clock in 1944. It has since become an icon for Swiss innovation and reliability, and its design is present in train stations throughout Europe. Rather than ban Apple from using the clock, the SBB decided to seek "an amicable agreement and compensation" with the Cupertino company. Details on the amount of money Apple had to pay to continue using the design were not revealed. [Via The Verge]
Apple agrees to license for Swiss railway clock in iOS 6, knows what time it is
When Swiss federal railway organization SBB and the Mondaine Group pointed out that the iOS 6 clock face looked remarkably like theirs, they weren't so much upset as clearing their throat politely -- it would be nice to get credit, if you don't mind. That kindness has been met with some reciprocity, as SBB has confirmed a licensing deal with Apple that gives the iPad builder rights to use the iconic timepiece in its mobile OS. Exact terms aren't forthcoming, although it's likely not a princely sum when SBB is better known for punctuality than wheeling and dealing. All we know is that Apple can at last live with a good conscience when it checks the time in Geneva.
iPod touch review (2012)
When last we got a new iPod touch, the fourth-generation from 2010, it was so thin relative to other devices of that era we said it looked like "a toothpick." Its 7.2mm thinness was unparalleled -- at the time. But now, just two years later, the iPhone 5 is less than a half-millimeter thicker, and that is of course packing a lot more wizardry inside. Suddenly, that toothpick is looking a little portly, which means it's time for the touch to lose a little weight. Enter the fifth-generation iPod touch, the 2012 model that has slimmed down to a mere 6.1mm in thickness. It's also about 10 percent lighter -- despite being grafted with a new 4-inch Retina display. Not only is it bigger and thinner, but it's far faster and has hugely improved cameras on both the front and rear. The perfect PMP package for $299? Click on through to find out.
Google+ app updates bring iPhone 5 support, new widget on Android and more
Google's social networking efforts are getting a boost with new versions of its Google+ apps for Android and iOS alike. While both platforms are now sporting the ability for managers of pages to post and comment on items on the go (expect quicker "We're at CES 2013" check-ins on the Engadget G+ page) there are some individual changes for each. For Android there's a redesigned home screen widget, one-click access to photos in posts and a new 'Find People' function. Meanwhile on Apple hardware it gains iOS 6 / iPhone 5 support, as well as the ability to edit posts, save photos to the camera roll and search for people and posts on the iPad. We tried out the page management feature which is nice to have, but appears to only be accessible by actually signing out and signing back in again. Hit the links below to grab the updated apps at their respective stores and give them a try.
