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Nike bringing new features to original Fuelband on November 6th
Worried that your first generation Nike Fuelband would be left in the cold in favor of the revamped model? The sportswear company has announced that early adopters will get a firmware upgrade that'll provide better tracking algorithms, double-tap for the time and sessions support. Of course, since the SE now comes with Bluetooth LE, you won't have total feature parity, but at least it'll save you $150 while you wait for the next one.
Windows RT 8.1 upgrade returns to the Windows Store
Give credit to Microsoft for a quick turnaround -- after pulling its glitchy Windows RT 8.1 upgrade this weekend, the company has re-released the software in the Windows Store. The new version should eliminate the (as yet unconfirmed) boot configuration flaw that forced some users to restore their PCs. If you're eager to finally update that Surface RT, you just need to check for the update on your device to start downloading.
8bitMMO reaches upgrade funding goal, moves on to stretch
Two weeks ago we learned that the retro-themed 8BitMMO launched a funding drive throughout October in order to enhance the game experience for players. With half the month still to go, the MEGA-OCTOBERBIT-FUNDRAISER has already reached its $1,000 goal and is now working on the first stretch goal. Successful funding means that the construction sandbox game will get a server upgrade before the launch of the desktop edition (which is currently in closed beta for backers only). If another $600 is raised in the next two weeks, players will get a Mac edition of the desktop client. If the funding drive surpasses that, new stretch goals will be revealed. [Source: Archive Entertainment press release]
Verizon accepts device upgrades made during glitch, lucky customers can keep unlimited data
We have bad news: Verizon didn't mean to let website visitors buy devices at upgrade prices while preserving unlimited data. The option was a momentary "software issue," the carrier says. However, we also have good news -- the company said (in the statement after the break) that it'll honor orders approved under these terms. Subscribers should be safe as long as the provider hasn't already cancelled their purchases. While many would no doubt prefer that Verizon made its glitch a permanent feature, it's good to know that at least some customers will get to take advantage of the network's accidental deal.
Verizon Wireless website reportedly allowing users to keep unlimited data plans while upgrading
Apparently, now is the time to upgrade your Verizon phone if you want to keep your grandfathered unlimited data plan in tact. According to tips we've received, along with reports from Droid-Life and Android Central, the aforementioned type of users are not being forced into a tiered Max data plan during the upgrade process. There doesn't seem to be any bit of trickery required to make it happen either -- folks just go through usual upgrade motions to get a brand new phone on subsidy, and come out with an order confirmation that has all-you-can-eat data still onboard (see above). We've reached out to Verizon to find out whether this is an issue with its website or a shift in policy, and will post an update if we hear more. Let us know your results if you're brave enough to try it out. [Thanks to Minji and everyone who sent this in.]
Next-gen upgrades won't include single-player saves
With the variety of upgrade programs offered for players to switch from current-generation to next-gen systems in the coming months, one thing they won't be able to bring to their new Xbox One or PS4 systems is their single-player save files. Representatives for EA, Ubisoft and Activision confirmed to Kotaku that each respective publisher does not have a method for porting single-player campaign save files for Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts to PS4 and Xbox One. In the case of Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts, both games will see multiplayer progress carried over to next-gen systems. EA also announced an upgrade program for Madden NFL 25 in July that not only ports your Madden Ultimate Team cards to next-gen systems, but also offers six free card packs to Anniversary Edition owners. Best Buy, Amazon, GameStop and Sony have their own $10 game upgrade programs, but none seem to save your single-player campaigns for you. Whether that impacts upgrade or current-gen purchasing plans for players remains to be seen.
TUAW's Don't Panic Guide to iOS 7
TUAW readers of long standing, this post is for your friends and family who are asking you about iOS 7. Feel free to share it with them in person, on your social networks, or randomly in coffee shops and libraries. For more info, scroll to the bottom of the post. Breathe in, breathe out. Namaste! Chances are, you're here because someone you know suggested you look us up regarding iOS 7, the new operating system for the iPhone and iPad. Thanks for reading; we're here to help. Most importantly, don't panic. We're going to run down some of the most commonly asked questions and essential tips for iOS 7, with a minimum of jargon and handwaving. If you have questions about iOS 7 that aren't addressed or linked here, drop a note in the comments, send us an email or a tweet, or hop over to our Facebook page to join the discussion there. You can also review our week one full coverage rundown, or keep an eye on our ongoing posts about iOS 7. Want to vent or inquire in person? Call into our Sunday night talkcast to connect with the TUAW team directly. What is iOS 7? Do I need it? Every so often, Apple delivers a major upgrade to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch operating system (iOS). Each new version offers some additional features, new tricks and twists, and (if everything goes according to plan) more stability, fewer security issues and less misbehavior like crashing or connectivity problems. iOS 7 is the latest big upgrade, and unlike system upgrades for your PC or Mac, it's free to download and install. You may be hearing more conversations about iOS 7 than you did about previous system upgrades; chances are, that's because it delivers a comprehensive design overhaul, turning away from the resemblance to physical objects like leather-bound address books and green felt card tables (a concept called skueomorphism) to a cleaner, more abstract visual language. Apple's legendary design chief Sir Jonathan Ive took over the look-and-feel reins of the operating system for this version, and it's his aesthetic that's at work here. Certainly your first five minutes with iOS 7 may come as a bit of a shock to the system, but that should pass. As to whether or not you need it: if your phone or iPad is working fine, you do not need to install iOS 7 right away. Waiting a few days or a few weeks is not going to cause any harm, and chances are there will be one or two small updates to iOS 7 in the coming days that will clear up some rough edges and bugs. In the longer term, if your device supports iOS 7 (some older units, including most iPod touch models and first-generation iPads, do not), it's a good idea to move up; many iOS applications will start to require the new system. If you live in an area where iPhone thefts are common, iOS 7 also adds Activation Lock, an important anti-loss feature recommended by law enforcement. If you have a new iPhone 5s that shipped with iOS 7 and the Touch ID feature, note that the fingerprint unlock option on that phone is just that: an option. If it gives you an uncomfortable feeling, don't use it. If you're the sort who enjoys reading the manual before installing the software (I know I am), Apple has posted the iOS 7 manuals online in PDF format. You can also download them for free on your device in the iBooks store. Although this should go without saying, we'll say it for the record: No, iOS 7 does not magically render your phone waterproof. I already installed it, and I hate it! Can I go back to iOS 6? Unfortunately, while this was briefly possible after the iOS 7 release, it's not anymore. Unlike a desktop computer OS (Windows or OS X) that can be installed wherever it's compatible and you have a license, iOS versions are digitally "signed" by Apple's servers to permit installation; the signing for iOS 6 was turned off the weekend of 9/21. Without those digital signatures, under virtually all circumstances it's impossible to install iOS 6 over an iOS 7 device. (There may be loopholes for iPhone 4 owners, which are still being investigated.) For the record, if you bought a new iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s, they shipped with iOS 7 preinstalled. There is no way to downgrade those phones to iOS 6, nor is one likely to emerge in the future. If you're miserable with the new visual look (as some who are on the verge of needing bifocals, like yours truly, might be), there are some quick tips to getting a bit more legibility in the main screen. Setting a dark-colored background can help, but first try turning on the Bold Text option -- it makes a huge difference! You can also improve your iOS 7 battery life with these quick tips. OK, I'm ready to install iOS 7; is there anything I should do to prepare? There is! First of all, please backup your device. You can do this either via the iCloud service or by connecting your device to your computer and backing up in iTunes. We've got a full rundown here; Apple even explains how you can choose between the methods, or use both. Although an iOS backup should save the photos on your Camera Roll, you may also want to make sure that your device's photos are backed up to iPhoto, a pictures folder or a cloud service like Dropbox, Google+ or Flickr. You also need a reasonable amount of free space on your phone (about 3.1 GB) before attempting to install iOS 7. If you're short on space, consider removing apps, music or books you don't need right now. You can check which apps are chewing up the most room via the Usage pane inside Settings: General on your device. (You backed up first, right?) All the preamble steps are covered in this post. Once you're ready to go, you can install from the Settings app on your device, or by connecting to iTunes. Don't forget to update iTunes to the latest version available, as well. Once I've updated, how do I do the things I used to do? Although there's an enormous list of new and improved features in iOS 7, here are a few key changes that may be particularly tricky if you don't know how they work in the new world order: Quitting/closing applications. Just as in iOS 6, you can double-press the home button quickly to bring up an application switcher, allowing you to quickly swap your active app without going back to the home screen. (You can also use a four or five-finger swipe on the screen to switch between apps.) Unlike the older system, you aren't presented with a small row of icons across the bottom of the screen; now you've got full views of the app's active state, and an easier swipe back and forth to navigate. But what if you want to close out an app? No more long-press and little red X; now it's a swipe up through the app's miniaturized image. Steve's video walkthrough may help. Notification Center. iOS 7's alerts and reminders now get sorted into three buckets: Today, All and Missed. You can also easily dismiss notifications at the top of the screen by just tapping on the little bar in the center of the notification. Search. To search, just swipe down slightly from the middle of any home screen. The search field has moved from its own homescreen pane to the top of the screen. Folders. They can now contain more than just a few apps -- go nuts! Swipe left and right to see additional icons. Control Center. Frequently tweaked items that previously required a dive into the Settings app? They're now accessible with an upward swipe from the bottom of the screen. Quickly set a timer, turn Bluetooth/WiFi on or off, pull up camera or calculator, adjust brightness and volume -- even turn on a flashlight! Control Center is also the new home for the AirPlay mirroring controls; you don't get to them via a double-press of the home button and a rightward swipe anymore. Legibility and looks. Most of the aggravation and anxiety around iOS 7 involves the visual changes, and whether or not they actually reduce the legibility of the user interface. While the jury may still be out on that question, you don't have to wait to adjust the system to fit your own visual acuity. Simply open the Settings app, scroll down to General, then Accessibility. You can use the aforementioned Bold Text option to emphasize the icon labels, or adjust the text size in applications like Mail to make them easier to read. If the zooming, panning and parallax "wobbles" are giving you uncomfortable feelings, the Accessibility settings are also the place to find the Reduce Motion setting. Siri. In addition to some new commands and data sources, Siri's got a new voice -- and it's a man, baby! Adjust your settings in the Settings app, General, Siri. You can ask "What can I say?" at Siri's prompt to get a rundown on the new capabilities. Where can I go to get help? Apple's support site and user community are certainly good places to start. You can also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store, or check out your nearest carrier outlet for the iPhone. Of course, sites like our own, Macworld, iMore, the Loop and many others are going to be posting scores of iOS 7 tips and recommendations over the next few days and weeks -- we'll link our favorites here, and we'll add suggestions based on your input. To our regular readers: Thanks for sharing this guide with your friends and family who haven't necessarily been following along with every moment of the iOS 7 saga. If you want to give them a handy reminder card, just download our printable version here. Towel image courtesy of ThinkGeek; you can buy your own Don't Panic towel there.
The streams crossed: Mixpanel shows iOS 7 adoption rate now surpasses iOS 6 (Updated)
There you have it: Mixpanel's data is showing that the number of iOS devices running iOS 7 just surpassed the number running iOS 6 after only three days. What do we have to say to the Android world at this juncture in history? This: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7wtNOkuHo The rapid adoption of iOS 7 vividly demonstrates the advantages of having a "closed" ecosystem in which the hardware manufacturer also controls the operating system. Not only are Apple's devices uncluttered with bloatware from carriers and manufacturers, but everyone in the ecosystem can get an update at pretty much the same time, delays caused by overworked servers or having really old equipment notwithstanding. We're sure that there's going to be some debate about whether or not this is an accurate figure. Chitika delivered some updated numbers that showed the adoption rate to be more like 32 percent after just 48 hours -- still an amazingly fast uptake of a completely new version of a major mobile operating system. Just remember those figures for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean which, after 14 months, is only showing a paltry 45 percent share of the Android operating system world. Can you say "fragmentation"? Of course you can! Updated: Reader PKFC notes that the figures for all of Android "Jelly Bean" include versions 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, with a total of 43.39 percent of the total Android operating system share. Previous versions include 4.0.x "Ice Cream Sandwich" (26.1 percent of the total), and 2.3.x "Gingerbread" (27.07 percent). And by the way, as of this update at 4:46 PM ET on 9/21/13, Mixpanel is now showing iOS 7 adoption at 52.35 percent compared to iOS 6 at 43.66 percent. Older devices running earlier versions will remain at about 3.98 percent. Boo-yah!
How the PS3-PS4 upgrade program works for retail, digital games
To play the digital PS4 version of an eligible, retail PS3 game, players must redeem a code on the PlayStation Store and then insert the PS3 disc into the PS4. Retail PS3 games that participate in Sony's PS4 upgrade program will come with a code in the box, as previously reported. Codes are one-time-use and can be redeemed before the player actually owns a PS4. Digital PS3 games won't require a code to upgrade to PS4, but they will require the actual next-gen console. On the PS4 PlayStation Store, next-gen versions of that account's PS3 games will appear discounted to $10. Sony previously said the upgrade price would be determined by publishers. Check here for a step-by-step rundown of the retail and digital redemption processes. Games enrolled in the upgrade program are Battlefield 4, Watch Dogs, Call of Duty: Ghosts and Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag.
iOS 7: Block iOS updates on your office network, avoid first-day upgrade overload
For those businesses or educational institutions with limited bandwidth and lots of iOS devices on their Wi-Fi infrastructure, a blast of iOS 7 updates -- each with its own hefty, lingering download -- could be a bit of a problem. Tomorrow it should be easy to spot the network admin: he or she will be the one with the extra-large coffee and the expression of rage verging on uncontrollable weeping. Over at the Enterprise iOS site, Tekserve's resident uber-geek and CTO Aaron Freimark has a sneaky suggestion for avoiding this sudden impact. Since Apple's update server (mesu.apple.com) has to be reachable in order for iOS devices to see and download the update, the temporary fix is simple: adjust your local DNS servers to redirect or block the update server until the fever passes. Freimark mentions Apple's upcoming Caching Server 2, a component of the OS X Mavericks Server package that will provide local instances of Apple downloads to reduce network load caused by iOS devices and Mac App Store purchases. Unfortunately, in a bit of a cache-22, you can't use the beta of Caching Server 2 to cache the iOS 7 update surge; iOS 6 devices don't see the server.
Sprint offering free iPhone 5c to carrier switchers
Now that the latest iPhones have debuted, it's time for the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas -- it's cellular providers undercutting each other for market share! Sprint is the first one out of the gate, with a new promotion launching September 20 with the iPhone 5c. Customers who switch their phone number over to Sprint will get US$100 off any new phone, including the new iPhone 5c and 5s. Given the 16 GB 5c model comes retails for $99 with a two-year plan, iOS fans looking to upgrade might want to start picking out their color. Here are the details. Get up to $100 off any phone when you bring your number to Sprint. Save up to $100 on any phone when you switch your number to Sprint. That's right, save an extra $100 on your favorite devices. Close this window to start shopping. All prices reflect the Bring Your Number Savings. Upgrades are not eligible for Bring Your Number Savings. The final price of your phone will be reflected on the device details page and in your cart. Unlimited available on select plans. Excludes international and roaming. Prohibited network use and other restrictions apply. Activ. Fee: $36/line. Credit approval req. Early Termination Fee (sprint.com/etf): After 14 days, up to $350/line. Phone Offers: Offer ends 10/10/2013. Taxes and svc charges excluded. No cash back. While supplies last. Port-in Instant Credit: Offer ends 10/10/2013. Up to $100 instant credit applied towards purchase of qualifying Sprint phone or smartphone. May require port-in from an active number (wireless or landline) and activation at time of purchase. Excludes tablets, upgrades, replacements, and ports made between Sprint entities or providers associated with Sprint (i.e., Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Sprint As You Go and Assurance), all Corporate-liable and plans $10 or less. Other Terms: Offers and coverage not available everywhere or for all devices/networks. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details.
Sprint early upgrade program in the works, promises to 'One Up' the competition
The Now Network is finally ready to join the early upgrade party, and plans to launch its own smartphone installment program later this month. According to CNET, Sprint One Up will launch on September 20th, giving consumers the option to split the cost of a new device into 24 monthly payments. Partaking in the program puts customers on a slightly discounted version of one of Sprint's new Unlimited, My Way or All-in plans -- a savings of up to $15. It's not a bad concession, considering the fact that a $649 device tacks an extra $27 on your monthly bill. A chart uncovered by CNET pits the program against Sprint's competitors, literally illustrating how the upgrade deal "One Ups" the competition. Cheesy, but effective marketing. Take a gander at the pricing table above, or see CNET's full report at the source link. [Image Credit: Roger Cheng, CNET}
A look at iPhone upgrade math
With two new iPhone models launching, Macworld has put up a handy guide detailing all of the options available for folks looking to upgrade to either the iPhone 5c or 5s. For a lot of folks, upgrading to a new device is no problem, assuming of course that they're at the end of their two-year phone contract. If you happen to be stuck in an existing phone contract, however, there's no reason to fret. There are still a few ways you can get the latest and greatest from Apple without breaking the bank. Without question, buying an unsubsidized (read: full-price) iPhone can set you back a few hundred, but if you already own an iPhone, or any other smartphone for that matter, you might want to consider selling it for cash. You'd be surprised as to how much some websites like Gazelle are willing to pay for old devices. A 32 GB iPhone 4S on Sprint, for example, could net you $155. Even a broken 32 GB iPhone 4s can get you $55. If you're tired of your current provider, Macworld reminds us that you can simply bite the bullet, pay an early termination fee and simply sign up for a new two-year contract with an entirely new carrier. Termination fees vary from carrier to carrier and are based on how many months remain on your current contract. That said, make sure to find out exactly how much your termination fee is before jumping ship. The Macworld piece has some more info detailing ways you might be able to make an iPhone 5c or 5s upgrade a reality, so check it out to make sure you're ready come next Friday.
Battlefield 4 PS3-to-PS4 upgrade done via in-box code
Specially marked retail copies of Battlefield 4 for PS3 will include a one-time use voucher allowing you to upgrade to the PS4 digital version of the game for a small price. This is how the "discounted" upgrade scheme will work, first announced by Sony president Andrew House last month during the company's Gamescom keynote. Presumably this is how other eligible PS3 games can transition into their PS4 counterparts, though we've followed up with Sony for confirmation. Only four games are participating in this promotion as of right now: Call of Duty: Ghosts, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Watch Dogs and Battlefield 4. The pricing to go from PS3 to PS4 version for each game is determined by the publishers.
Microsoft Store also offering 360-to-Xbox One game upgrades for $10
The Microsoft Store is offering select Xbox One games for $10 when players trade in their Xbox 360 copies. Similar to deals available through Best Buy and Amazon, the list of Xbox 360 titles eligible for the offer includes Madden NFL 25, Battlefield 4, Need for Speed: Rivals, Call of Duty: Ghosts, NBA 2K14, FIFA 14 or Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Players will need to bring their games in to a Microsoft Store to receive the respective Xbox One copy of the game for $10. Unlike the deals offered by the other retailers, Ubisoft's Watch Dogs isn't listed. The offer is valid through the end of the year.
Sony: PS3 to PS4 upgrade pricing set by publishers
During Sony's Gamescom press keynote, president Andrew House revealed a program that would allow consumers to upgrade from select PS3 titles to their PS4 counterparts for a "significantly discounted price." UK managing director Fergal Gara told Digital Spy that the pricing will be dictated by publishers. "What will happen is, the PS4 digital file will be made available on the PlayStation Store - as it would be anyway - at launch, and the PS3 discs will be sold through retail. What the consumer can then do, for a premium to be defined by the publisher, is access the PS4 digital game and then provided they still have the PS3 disc, they will be able to play the PS4 version when they decide to buy the next gen." Call of Duty: Ghosts, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Watch Dogs and Battlefield 4 are the first games eligible for this promotion. GameStop and Amazon both announced they will offer similar upgrade options for Xbox 360 to Xbox One games, though nothing has been announced from either retailer regarding PS3 to PS4 upgrades.
Call of Duty: Ghosts upgrade from PS3 to PS4 costs $10
Players that own Call of Duty: Ghosts on PS3 will be able to purchase the PS4 version for $10, €10 or £10 for a limited time, Activision announced today. This follows Sony's announcement last night that PS4 games will be offered at a "significantly discounted" price – also for a limited time – to those who already own the PS3 version. Sony didn't mention a specific price at the time, but the $10 point lines up with retailer next-gen upgrades. Ghosts, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Watch Dogs and Battlefield 4 – and specifically the publishers Activision, Ubisoft, EA and Warner Bros. – will participate in the PS3-PS4 upgrade program. Player stats from Ghosts will transfer from PS3 to PS4, Activision previously announced.
AT&T lowers Next device pricing, just happens to trump Verizon
Competition can be a beautiful thing. AT&T's Next upgrade pricing hasn't looked good when compared against Verizon Edge in the weeks since launch, but today is a different story: the carrier has quietly lowered the monthly payments for some devices. While the company hasn't said which hardware is cheaper, the Galaxy S 4 and iPhone 5 have dropped from $32.50 per month to $27. Prices are down for BlackBerry and Nokia devices as well, a tipster says. As MacRumors notes, the bargains are rather convenient. While AT&T isn't offering as good a deal as T-Mobile, a 16GB iPhone 5 now costs $1 less through one year of Next payments than it does with a similar Verizon Edge plan. You'll want to act soon if you like what you see, too. AT&T tells us that this is a promotion; although there's no firm end date for the discounts, we wouldn't count on these rates lasting forever. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Google Play Edition smartphones start receiving Android 4.3 (updated)
If you were wondering just how long it would take the Google Play Editions of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4 to get Android 4.3, we can now tell you: not long at all. Owners of both devices report that they're receiving over-the-air updates to the new OS. There isn't yet word of any GPE-specific additions, but we'll let you know if there are surprises in store. Update: AnandTech has noticed a few GPE-specific changes. Most home screen icons appear larger, infrared now works on the HTC One, and Bluetooth-based internet tethering is now an option for the Galaxy S 4.
EA offering Ultimate Team incentives for next-gen Madden 25 upgrades
Those looking to play Madden NFL 25 will likely pick the game up for either Xbox 360 or PS3 when it launches on August 27. Though some may opt to wait a few months for the PS4 and Xbox One versions, those that plan to own both current and next-gen versions are entitled to a few perks in the form of bonuses for Madden Ultimate Team. Players will be able to perform a one-time transfer of up to 1,100 items in Madden Ultimate Team (45 players, 55 items from the active roster and up to 1,000 reserves) from either Xbox 360 or PS3 to either Xbox One or PS4. Ultimate Team fans can still use the items in their current-gen copies of the game, but MUT cards cannot be auctioned or traded after being transferred. Additionally, Anniversary Edition owners will receive an extra six All Pro card packs once they create their team in the mode in a next-gen version of the game, which will be helpful for those looking to create teams with high chemistry in this year's Ultimate Team mode.
