iphone 6 plus
Latest
Chinese store makes sure that iPhone 6 Plus fits in your pocket
Let's face it: When it comes to the iPhone 6 Plus, size really does matter.
Apple releases iOS 8.1 with Apple Pay support, expanded Continuity features
Apple today released iOS 8.1, bringing the version out of beta and making it available to the public. As announced last week, the latest version of iOS brings Apple Pay to supported devices and adds Photo Library access to iCloud. It also enables Continuity features, such as Instant Hotspot and SMS relay, for users who own both an iOS device and a Mac. Instant Hotspot is a convenience feature that allows Mac owners to connect automatically to a Hotspot-enabled iPhone with minimal configuration. Another phone-centric feature, SMS relay expands text messaging, forwarding all iPhone text messages to an iPad and Mac. SMS Relay also allows owners to send new text messages and respond to existing messages from any device. iOS 8.1 brings back the Camera Roll, which had gone missing in iOS 8.0. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners can download the iOS 8.1 update over the air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Owners also can connect their iOS device to their computer and install the update via iTunes.
Dropbox's iOS 8 app adds support for Touch ID
Not to be outdone by Microsoft's recent refresh of OneDrive, Dropbox has now made its iOS app compatible with Apple's fingerprint-scanning technology, Touch ID, as well. You'll need iOS 8 in order for the feature to work, but chances are you're already running the latest and greatest software from Apple anyway. Aside from adding the ability to unlock the application by way of Touch ID, Dropbox also updated it to support the bigger screens of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus -- something that owners of Apple's newest smartphones will definitely appreciate. Now someone tell Google to hurry and do the same for Drive.
Verus case for iPhone 6 Plus gets the job done
When it comes to the iPhone 6 Plus, relatively few case options were available at launch, especially for buyers with a long list of must-have requirements. As one of the TUAW staffers put it, companies who pride themselves on making the best and most resilient cases for the iPhone were in no position to guess those new iPhone dimensions in order to have design and manufacturing completed and new cases ready for launch day. I opted on the iPhone 6 Plus because it seemed the best compromise between tablet computing and an actual phone. I must say, it's lived up to that promise extremely well. It's beautiful to read on, even if it will never really match up the full iPad air experience, and it's just small enough that I can stick it in a handbag and chat on it. And thank heavens for speakerphone! I wanted a case to support reading, video, browsing, email, and games. The Verus wallet, which was retailing over at Amazon for under $20 (the price varies by seller and availability, and is currently selling closer to $40), seemed to offer the key features I needed: a protective front, a built-in stand, a clip-in protective body, and access to all key features even when closed. After spending hours hunting for a portfolio-style unit, I plunked down my credit card, crossed my fingers, and ordered. The case arrived a couple of weeks after the phones started shipping, and quite honestly, it does a pretty good job protecting my unit. The transparent plastic insert offers a great fit to the phone, and I have no problem accessing every button, toggle, and camera. That said, the portfolio materials aren't leather (didn't expect them to be). They're barely leatherette. A self-respecting Nauga would look amiss at the stitched-pleather quality, which quickly crinkled and bent at the edges, especially at the weakest part of the case, near the back-side camera. Other than that, I've had no damage issues or fraying. The built-in stand is pretty shoddy but it sort of gets the job done. This involves bending the back along its center line to stand the phone up in landscape orientation. As I use the case more and more, this bend point is getting weaker and weaker, so the phone, which started with a nice 135 degree tilt for movie viewing, often slips down closer to 160 degrees or so. There's no natural "catch" to keep it from sliding, so you either have to push it back or prop it up. I wasn't particularly interested in the built-in storage (a bills case suitable for US currency and three card slots) but they work just fine as long as you don't put too much stuff in them. A magnet pair keeps the case closed on the side (you can see these at the picture at the top of this post) and is probably one of my favorite features. The front panel folds back well for making calls. I'm not dissatisfied by the case, especially given its relatively low cost. It's doing a great job protecting my phone, and that's my first concern, especially since regularly I stick phones into bags along with keys, tools, and other gadget unfriendly items. For what it is, the Verus isn't an amazing case, but it's a decent one and will probably suit the needs of many other new iPhone 6 Plus owners.
Waterfield Designs Spinn Case for iPhone 6 Plus: Review and giveaway
We're finally starting to see a number of iPhone 6/6 Plus-specific cases appearing on the market, and today we're going to review one from Waterfield Designs of San Francisco. The Spinn Case (US$59) is the latest in an all-leather sleeve for Apple's larger smartphones, but with a literal twist. Design If you like all-natural materials, you'll love the Spinn Case. It's made of full grain leather, stitched ruggedly around the perimeter, with a flap that goes over the top of the phone that's secured by a "pin and slit" closure. The bottom is left wide open, perfect for attaching your earpods or charging your phone. The Spinn feature is the big deal here: it's a patent-pending spool made of the same leather that you simply wrap your earpods around. Spinn's great for making sure that your cables don't get tangled up while you're not wearing them - much better than just stuffing them into a pocket! Waterfield Designs also offers this case with a belt clip ($10 extra) and you can get it for either naked iPhone 6/6 Plus models (no case) or those with a thin case installed. The leather comes in three finishes: Black, Grizzly, and Chocolate. Functionality Hey. It's a sleeve. Your phone goes into it, the top flap flops over the top and can be closed with that handy little closure, and the rest is history. If you drop your iPhone, it will probably survive, although this isn't one of those three-layer TPU/PTE/Silicone mashups. In our plastic, glass and aluminum world, I really appreciate the natural look and feel of something like the Spinn Case. It's going to wear with age and look even better after a few years. Conclusion About my only complaint about the rugged Spinn Case is the price, which seems to be somewhat higher than I'd expect for a few pieces of leather sewn together. If you're in the market for a protective sleeve for an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, perhaps with a belt clip and definitely with an innovative way to keep your earbuds from tangling, this is a solid bet. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway And now it's time to give away our review sample, which is made for a naked iPhone 6 Plus and has that lovely Grizzly (dark brown) finish -- but no belt loop. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before October 14, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Waterfield Designs Spinn Case valued at $59. Click Here for complete Official Rules. If the form below is not visible, please click here to enter. Loading...
UK iPhone 6 ad features Chris O'Dowd and Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd)
Along with the release of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus came a charming pair of ads featuring Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon that showed some of the abilities of the two new phones. At least that's what happened in America. In the UK the ads are basically the same, just with one major and important difference -- their ads feature Chris O'Dowd and Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd. There are minor differences between the ads, but the most glaring example shows a major difference between our two cultures. In the UK ad Ayoade brags about eating a "massive" Arctic roll loaded with 540 calories, while in America Fallon consumes a 1200 calorie funnel cake. We suppose Americans would simply say "540 calories isn't that bad"... Currently the ads are only streaming at Apple's UK site, so head over there to see the different versions of "Duo" and "Health".
iPhone 6 siblings find their way to 36 additional territories in October
In its never-ending quest for world domination, Apple will be pushing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus to three dozen additional countries by the end of October. A press release from the company announced the rollout plans, going on to note that it will be the fastest iPhone rollout ever, reaching over 115 countries by the end of 2014. The current rollout schedule reads as follows: Friday, October 17: China, India and Monaco Thursday, October 23: Israel Friday, October 24: Czech Republic, French West Indies, Greenland, Malta, Poland, Reunion Island and South Africa Thursday, October 30: Bahrain and Kuwait Friday, October 31: Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Guam, Hungary, Iceland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macau, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, South Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine and Thailand
Big iPhone 6 launch leads to huge sales of accessories
Whenever Apple launches a new iPhone or iPad, financial and marketing analysis firms are always quick to point out just how many devices were sold in a short amount of time, and what the probable positive impact is to the company's bottom line. Well, new devices like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus also make life great for other manufacturers, particularly those who make accessories. The NPD Group Weekly Tracking Service showed that for the two weeks following the release of the new iPhones, accessories accounted for a whopping US$249 million in sales. By comparison, last year's release of the iPhone 5s and 5c only accounted for $195 million in the two weeks following the launch. That was only a 17 percent jump over the two weeks preceding the introduction of last year's phones, compared with a 43 percent increase for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The fact that the two new phones have completely new form factors accounted for a jump of 78 percent in case revenue after the launch, while screen protector revenue leaped 120 percent. Other accessory categories, like Bluetooth speakers and power products, showed only modest gains as they can usually be used with regardless of the new phone form factor.
YouTube Find: Bicyclist pits iPhone 6 Plus OIS against the iPhone 5s in handheld video test
Apple's iPhone 6 Plus is set apart from earlier iPhone models and even the iPhone 6 with the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization. How much of a difference does the stabilization make when shooting video, especially when you are in less than steady conditions like riding a bike? If you are curious about the answer to that question, then you should check out this video from YouTube member orbitalpunk, who rode his bike with an iPhone 6 Plus and an iPhone 5s in hand. The differences are definitely discernible when you compare the two videos side-by-side.
DODOcase VegTan Slim and Durables Wallets for iPhone 6/6 Plus
Are you carrying the extra size of an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus? Then it might be a good idea to read this review, since the two products I'm reviewing here are designed to let you do away with carrying a wallet since they provide that functionality in addition to protecting your phone. What I'm looking at today are the DODOcase VegTan Slim Wallet for iPhone 6/6 Plus (US$49.95/$59.95) and the Durables Wallet for iPhone 6/6Plus ($49.95/$59.95). Specifications VegTan Slim Wallet Weight: 0.7 ounce (19.8 grams) for iPhone 6, 1.0 ounce (28.3 grams) for iPhone 6 Plus Material: American-made vegetable-tanned Logger's Leather from Pennsylvania, with exterior slash pocket for cards and cash Durables Wallet Weight: 1.7 ounce (48.2 grams) for iPhone 6, 6.4 ounce (181 grams) for iPhone 6 Plus Materials: Waxed canvas exterior, cotton twill interior liner, recycled felt for padding, mahogany leather accents, two pockets for cards and cash. Colors: Sage, midnight, navy Design DODOcase is known for its durable and beautiful book bound iPad cases, and has been stretching its flightless wings recently with some different leather goods and other designs that do everything from protect your iPhone to turn your iPhone into a virtual reality viewer. The VegTan Slim Wallet is a minimalist iPhone 6/6 Plus sleeve that's stitched together of thin vegetable tanned "Logger's Leather". Slide your iPhone or iPhone 6 into the sleeve, and it's protected from the outside world. On the outside of the sleeve is a "slash pocket", basically a nice little pocket into which you can stuff ID, credit cards, even some cash. The Durables Wallet uses a similar design, except that the materials are different. Rather than leather, DODOcase uses waxed canvas for the main sleeve, with two mahogany leather exterior pockets for the cards and cash. Plain? Somewhat. Durable? Definitely. Better looking with age? You can be sure of that - I have other accessories made of both the thin, pliable leather used in the Slim Wallet and the waxed canvas, and they get a nice, worn-in, comfy-shoe look to them after a while. Function Um, not much to say about function here, other than your iPhone will slide comfortably in and out of the sleeves and you'll be able to carry cards and cash at the same time. It just works™. Do understand, though, that these sleeves are not going to provide the same level of protection as some of the dual/triple layer polyurethane/silicone MIL-STD cases that we review. But if you treat your iPhone with the respect that it deserves, the Durables Wallet and VegTan Slim Wallet can help keep your iPhone looking new. Conclusion They're a bit pricy, but DODOcase's VegTan Slim Wallet and Durables Wallet will last for a long time - probably for much longer than you'll own your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. And if they keep you from needing to carry a traditional wallet, you can still wear your not-too-skinny jeans without having bulges in all of the pockets. That's a win anyway you look at it. Rating (for both products): 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway All of our favorite reviewed items get new homes here at TUAW, and that's the case with the two VegTan Slim Wallets (one for iPhone 6, the other for iPhone 6 Plus) and the iPhone 6 Durables Wallet we're giving away. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before October 11, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected in a random drawing. One will receive a DODOcase VegTan Slim Wallet for iPhone 6 valued at $49.95, one will receive a VegTan Slim Wallet for iPhone 6 Plus valued at $59.95, and one will receive a DODOcase Durables Wallet for iPhone 6 valued at $49.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. If the entry form is not visible below, click here to enter. Loading...
Chinese pre-orders of iPhone 6 handsets: Two million in six hours
After having to wait for the iPhone 6 launch due to a regulatory kerfuffle, Chinese citizens are apparently hyper-excited about the launch of the new handsets, pre-ordering over two million in just six hours. What's funny about this is that the phones weren't even supposed to be available for pre-order until Friday, October 10, with initial retail sales coming a week later on October 17. All three of the major Chinese cellular carriers -- China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom -- began taking orders today, piling up most of the pre-orders for the 64GB iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models. The price tag for those devices in China is around US$1,000. Apple had previously released a press statement about iPhone 6 availability on Tuesday, September 30, with CEO Tim Cook stating that "We are thrilled to bring iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to our customers in China on all three carriers at launch. With support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers will have access to high-speed mobile networks from China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom for an incredible experience." The launch numbers for the iPhone 6 handsets have been very impressive, so the company's upcoming earnings call on October 20 should be full of good news for investors.
Video shows iPhone 6 Plus Wi-Fi speed compared to iPhone 5s
As if we didn't already know that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are awesome, here comes proof from iClarified (via MacRumors) that the devices offer extremely fast Wi-Fi throughput compared to the iPhone 5s. How fast? The iPhone 6 Plus was able to rip through a download at 278.5 Mbps, while the iPhone 5s was limited to 101.1 Mbps. What's the difference? The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus come with the ability to connect to 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which can offer connection speeds of up to three times faster than the 802.11n Wi-Fi found in the iPhone 5s. To test the relative speeds, iClarified restored the devices to iOS 8.0 and connected them to a 2013 Apple AirPort Extreme. That version of Apple's Wi-Fi base station supports 802.11ac. While your ISP connection to the Internet is usually the limiting factor in just how fast you'll be able to surf your favorite sites, anyone using one of the new iPhones on an 802.11ac network should be able to see an improvement.
iPhone 6 models to go on sale in China on October 17
Apple early on Tuesday issued a press release announcing that both new iPhone 6 models will go on sale in China beginning on Friday, October 17. Pre-orders will naturally begin one week earlier on Friday, October 10. "We are thrilled to bring iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to our customers in China on all three carriers at launch," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook. "With support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers will have access to high-speed mobile networks from China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom for an incredible experience." Apple's press release comes hot on the heels of a Reuters report which relayed that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus just recently received the requisite regulatory licenses. Apple Inc's iPhone 6 can now be sold in China, after the firm received a license for the device to be used on China's wireless networks. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said on its website on Tuesday that it had approved the iPhone 6 after Apple addressed potential security risks that could allow personal data to leak. This is unquestionably good news for Apple's financial picture. While Apple clearly has no difficulty selling millions of iPhones across the globe, China still remains the company's largest and fastest growing market. Recall that Tim Cook, during an earnings conference call this past July, noted that year-over-year iPhone growth in China checked in at 26% compared to a 6% growth rate in Europe. Additionally, consider that Apple, without China on board, still managed to sell 10 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models during the 3-day launch weekend. By way of contrast, the 2013 iPhone 5s and 5c launch moved 9 million units during the same 3-day period, China included. It certainly stands to reason that this year's 10 million figure could have easily been much higher had the iPhone received regulatory approval in China earlier.
Consumer Reports bend tests show the iPhone 6 Plus is stronger than the iPhone 6
In what is likely the end of #Bendgate, Consumers Reports on Friday published the results of its bend tests that compared the iPhone 6 Plus with the iPhone 6 and several competing phones. According to Consumer Reports, both the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6 land in the middle of the pack, with the larger 6 Plus slightly outperforming the iPhone 6. The iPhone 6 Plus, the more robust of the new iPhones in our testing, started to deform when we reached 90 pounds of force, and came apart with 110 pounds of force. With those numbers, it slightly outperformed the HTC One (which is largely regarded as a sturdy, solid phone), as well as the smaller iPhone 6, yet underperformed some other smart phones. The consumer products testing company used a "three-point flexural test" that secures the phones on both ends and then applies a force at the center of the unit. The company then measured both the amount of force needed to deform the handset casing and the force require to separate the case. The results show that the iPhone 6 Plus withstood 90 pounds of force before it started to deform and 110 pounds before it separated, while the iPhone 6 handled a lower 70 pounds and 100 pounds, respectively. The results of these tests make it clear that the iPhone 6 Plus is engineered to be resistant to bending. Any reports of bent iPhone 6 Plus handsets are an anomaly and not the expected result of everyday usage. As Apple noted in a recent statement, only nine customers have complained of a bent phone since the two phones went on sale on September 19.
Barely Related: Hoaxes and True Detective cast lists
Happy weekending, folks! Welcome to Barely Related, a conversational Friday column that presents the non-gaming news stories that we, the Joystiq staff, have been talking about over the past week. And no, we're not stopping our focus on industry and gaming news. Think of this as your casual weekly recap of interesting (and mostly geeky) news, presented just in time to fill your brain with things to discuss at all of those weekend shindigs. Grab a fresh drink, lean back in your armchair, and get ready to talk nerdy with us.
Fastest way to remove the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus' protruding camera
Some iPhone owners can't stand the new protruding camera on the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Not only does it disrupt the flat aesthetics of the phone, it also makes it impossible to lay the phone flat on a desk and type without wobble. If you are bothered by the new camera design, then check out PeripateticPandas -- they have a permanent solution that'll make Apple's good design even better. [Via Petapixel]
Apple opens the door to its secret iPhone testing facility
Photo Credit: The Verge If there's a benefit to media uproars similar to what we're seeing now with the whole "bent iPhones" saga, it's that Apple is forced to lift up their curtains of secrecy ever so slightly. Earlier today, Apple addressed "bendgate" and said that they've only received 9 customer complaints on the matter thus far. What's more, Apple assured users that the iPhone 6 Plus met Apple's high quality standards to "endure everyday, real life use." For those still not convinced, Apple took things a step further and invited Josh Lowensohn of The Verge into their secret this-place-didn't-officially-exist-until-now iPhone torture chamber. Yep, some frenzied media outlets might have you believe otherwise, but Apple puts each new iPhone model through a series of extremely rigorous tests to ensure that it can withstand all types of extreme and bizarre conditions. Apple's answer today, both in a statement and now in these testing facilities, is that the iPhone 6 is tough. It's made with steel / titanium inserts designed to reinforce potential stress points, a special blend of aluminum Apple formulated itself, and ion-strengthened glass. But more important, Apple says, is that the iPhone 6 has been put through hundreds of tests, as well as tested in the pockets of thousands of Apple employees before consumers ever get their hands on it. What's the exact number of devices Apple went through before it was done? About 15,000 for each the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, according to the company. "The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus are the most tested," Dan Riccio, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, told us today. "As we add more and more features, we have to find out a way to break them before customers do." And among the myriad of tests Apple runs on the iPhone before a mass market release are tests designed to simulate the impact on the iPhone when users accidentally sit on their device when it's nestled inside their back pocket. And of course, this is in addition to all sorts of medieval stress, press, and torque tests that really put the iPhone through the ringer. The Wall Street Journal, which was also invited to the facility, adds: Apple pointed to five different tests that new iPhones go through in the development process, including what is known as "pressure point cycling test" when it applies substantial force on the display and enclosure hundreds of times while the phone is held by the sides. Apple said this process bends the enclosure repeatedly to ensure that the iPhone can be bent and pressed at reasonable force throughout its life. Another test, according to Apple, is called the "sit test." This test simulates sitting on a hard surface with the phone in the back pocket of a pair of tight jeans. Apple said it runs the phones through thousands of cycles testing the phone in different positions. Be sure to check out the full post at The Verge for a full assortment of photos taken at Apple's iPhone testing facility.
Apple says only 9 customers have complained about bent iPhones
Jon Fort of CNBC is reporting that Apple has responded to inquires regarding all those reports of people forcefully -- and accidentally -- bending their iPhone 6 Plus models. As one might expect, the story -- which has needlessly taken on a life of its own -- is overblown. According to Apple, only 9 customers have thus far complained about bent iPhones. And considering that Apple has already sold well over 10 million units, it's fair to say that "bendgate" will be forgotten as quickly as it emerged. Apple: w normal use a bend "extremely rare & through ... 6 days of sale, a total of 9 customers" said they had a bent phone @CNBCtech - Jon Fortt (@jonfortt) September 25, 2014 And besides, people should remember that iPhones aren't indestructible. They're subject to the same limitations as any other product on the planet. Lastly, we're not trying to say that Apple is always blameless. On the contrary, the embarrassingly buggy release of iOS 8.0.1 and the recently reported security vulnerabilities in iOS prove otherwise.
DxOMark: "Apple sets gold standard for smartphone image quality"
Another voice has been heard from in the chorus of those praising the cameras built into Apple's newest smartphones. DxO Labs, a French-based software company that maintains a website of technical measurements of lenses and cameras, has given the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6 cameras the top ratings of all mobile devices. The DxOMark scores of 82 for both phones bested the competition, with Samsung's Galaxy S5 and Sony's Xperia Z3 and Z2 in the third through fifth spots with a 79 score. Apple's iPhone camera technology has improved drastically since the iPhone 4, which is in the 25th spot on the list with a score of 50. The new, faster autofocus on both phones captured the attention of the DxOMark Mobile team, which referred to the video autofocus as "very fast, accurate and repeatable. Best ever tested by DxOMark Mobile team, at the time of testing." Other pros for the iPhone 6 cameras include "attractive color rendering", "good detail preservation outdoors and indoors", and "good performance with flash." On the negative side, DxO noticed some noise in low light conditions, and ghosting and fringing with the iPhone 6.
LAPD warning iPhone owners not to microwave their handsets
A hoax viral marketing scam advising iPhone owners to microwave their phones is ubiquitous enough that the communications department of the Los Angeles Police Department has decided to publicly debunk the advertisement. As reported by the LA Times, the department tweeted the ad with the word "Hoax" written across the front in giant red letters. This #Wave capability is a #hoax. Don't be fooled into microwaving your #iPhone6. #Apple #Smartphone pic.twitter.com/jIncZE81Cy - LAPD Communications (@911LAPD) September 23, 2014 The convincing-looking advertisement promotes a new fake feature called, "Wave." Wave is claimed to be a new iOS 8 option that allows an iPhone to charge wirelessly in a microwave oven. All the details on the promotion are obviously false, but they are presented in a way that potentially could fool inexperienced iPhone owners. If you are curious about what would happen if you tried to microwave your iPhone, don't dare try it yourself at home. Head over here and watch the results from someone else who was foolish enough to film the event from the start to flaming finish.
