MacNN | iPhone News

IDC: Apple tripled iPhone share in China in Q1, leaps to fifth place

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:34:00 GMT

Market analysis firm IDC has <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/288074==http://www.fiercemobileit.com/press-releases/idc-chinas-smartphone-shipments-grow-6-yoy-and-exceed-460-million-units-201" rel='nofollow'>released its latest figures</a> on smartphone share in China, and reports that Apple has achieved a nine percent share of the estimated 78 million smartphones ...

Texas firm sues Apple over iPhone's call forwarding features

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:49:00 GMT

A Texas company, Bluebonnet Telecommunications, is suing Apple for patent infringement in relation to call forwarding technology. Specifically Bluebonnet says that the iPhone 4S and 5 violate US Patent No. 5,485,511, a patent that previously belonged to Siemens Rolm Communications but was picked up by Bluebonnet in June 1996. The patent describes a phone communicating with a central switch to ge...

Researchers crack auto-generated iOS hotspot passwords in 60 seconds

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:50:00 GMT

The auto-generated passwords for iOS Personal Hotspots can be cracked in under a minute, a group of German researchers claim. In a paper (<a href="http://macnn.com/rd/288059==https://www1.cs.fau.de/filepool/projects/hotspot/hotspot.pdf" rel='nofollow'>PDF</a>) out of the University of Erlangen, the people explain that iOS generates passwords based on word lis...

Schematics allegedly show dimensions of low-cost iPhone, iPhone 5S

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:42:00 GMT

Leaked schematics -- allegedly drawn by Apple, and now in the hands of a major accessory maker -- show the dimensions of the iPhone 5S and an "iPhone Lite/Light," according to AppleInsider. The 5S appears to maintain roughly the same design as its predecessor, but with a pill-shaped flash on the back that may fit dual LEDs. The iPhone Light plans ma...

LinkedIn integration could be coming to iOS 7, code shows

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Apple is considering LinkedIn integration for iOS 7, beta code references suggest. In particular the references hint that LinkedIn could be supported in the same manner as Facebook and Twitter, meaning single sign-in support, and the ability to quickly post content via a share sheet or hooks in iOS apps. Some essential code strings are missing though, preventing LinkedIn options from turning on ...

A closer look: iOS 7 Siri and iOS in the Car

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:29:00 GMT

Siri is a feature that was unveiled with much fanfare during the iOS 5 launch two-years ago, bringing with it more fully featured voice actions to the iPhone. Although Siri has received a <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/288020== http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/10/14/siri.commands.extremely.limited.outside.us/" rel='nofollow'>mixed reception</a> from criti...

Apple unveils major update to iOS mass-deployment tool Configurator

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:08:00 GMT

Apple has updated its iOS <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287980==http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/enterprise/" rel='nofollow'>mass-deployment</a> configuration and management tool, <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287981==https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id434433123?mt=12" rel='nofollow'>Configurator</a>, to version 1.3. The fre...

Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning merges Lightning, Bluetooth support

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:13:00 GMT

Soundfreaq has announced the <A href="http://soundfreaq.com/soundsteplightning">Sound Step Lightning</a>, a new speaker dock. The unit takes its name from a Lightning port compatible with the latest generation of Apple mobile devices. Significantly, though, it also accepts input via Bluetooth, a stereo cable source, or 30-pin Apple devices connected through ...

iHome debuts three Lightning-equipped FM alarm docks

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:58:00 GMT

Peripheral maker iHome has announced three new FM radio alarm docks, all equipped with Lightning docks for later-generation Apple devices. The standard model is the <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287979==https://www.ihomeaudio.com/iDL45BC/" rel='nofollow'>iDL45</a>, which also has a secondary USB port that can be used to play and charge older Apple devices with...

Hidden iOS 7 beta settings point to unused gesture, icon options

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:13:00 GMT

Tweaking the iOS 7 beta reveals hidden settings that hint at Apple plans and/or concepts for the firmware, reports say. These include OS-wide edge- and corner-swipe gestures, which would come on top of edge-swipe commands in apps like Safari and Messages. The edge gestures would reportedly be <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/06/17/hidden-settings-show-apple-tested-gesture-folder-enha...

Briefly: Goji Smart Lock gains strong backing, Neat iOS update

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:23:00 GMT

After only two weeks, Goji has managed to raise more than $100,000 towards the production of its Smart Lock. The Goji Smart Lock is an automatic deadbolt that can be unlocked wirelessly with a Bluetooth-enabled device. On top of basic locking and unlocking functionality, the Goji also includes several tools for monitoring who has access to a home. Every time the lock is activated the Goji Smart Lo...

Case for rumored low-cost iPhone shows thicker size, rounded edges

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:32:00 GMT

A Japanese case maker, MGM Corp., has produced what news site Macotakara claims is a case for the <a href="http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/05/29/taiwan.based.supplier.has.long.history.with.apple.rising.star.status/">rumored low-cost iPhone</a>. Compared with an equally thin case for the iPhone 5, the new one is sai...

Apple adds phone calls to Siri suicide prevention responses

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:41:00 GMT

Apple has changed the way Siri responds to suicide references, users have discovered. Until this week, the system would simply display the locations of nearby mental health facilities. In the US Siri will <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/06/18/siri-steps-up-response-to-possible-suicide-references/">now</a> ask people if they want to talk to someone at the Na...

A closer look: iOS 7 Safari mobile browser

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:56:00 GMT

While Microsoft rules the desktop browser space with IE, mobile analytics continually show that Apple <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287933== http://www.electronista.com/articles/12/03/01/netapplications.sees.apple.grow.widely.in.february/" rel='nofollow'>dominates mobile browser usage</a> with Safari. Like every other pre-installed app in the iOS 7 beta, Apple ...

Report: AT&T enabling FaceTime, Google+ video chat on all data plans

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:58:00 GMT

According to reports, AT&T has commenced the effort to enable Apple FaceTime support and Google+ video chat for all customers on its cellular network, not just those on a capped mobile sharing plan. The move starts to <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287900==http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/05/20/facetime.google.hangouts.primary.beneficiaries.of.new.policy/" rel='nofoll...

Report: 'iPhone 5S' display assembly leaked, fits new logic board

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:34:00 GMT

Shortly after the publication of what is purported to be an "iPhone 5S" <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287889==http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/17/rearranges.chip.circuitry.layouts/" rel='nofollow'>bare logic board</a> that hadn't yet had any chips attached to it, a repair company called <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287890==http:/...

Two more Apple patents challenged by anonymous parties at USPTO

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:47:00 GMT

Two <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287877==http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/04/one.patent.key.in.2012.apple.versus.samsung.trial.other.at.usitc/" rel='nofollow'>more</a> "anonymous" patent re-examination requests for Apple patents have been filed with the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO). The two patents, involving Apple's Visual Voicemail ...

Briefly: IGG Software Anniversary sale, XCOM coming to iOS this week

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:22:00 GMT

In celebration of its <a href="http://iggsoftware.com/timeline.php">tenth anniversary</a>, IGG Software is offering a $10 discount on all of its Mac apps, including iBank 4, iBiz 4, iBiz Pro, iBiz 4 Client and iPaste. The discount applies to all purchases of full versions of the software through the online store, as well as through the Mac App Store. The disco...

Skype Video Messaging emerges from preview in mobile, desktop apps

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:01:00 GMT

Microsoft-owned Skype today announced that its Video Messaging feature has left the preview stage and should now be available in most of its native client apps. Desktop support includes <a href="http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-mac/downloading/?intcmp=blogs-_-generic-click-_-skype-video-messaging-catch-up-whenever-wherever">OS X</a> and &l...

Next-gen iPhone logic board hints at redesign, larger processor

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:14:00 GMT

A Japanese parts company, Moumantai, says it has obtained a logic board for Apple's next-generation iPhone, commonly expected to be called the iPhone 5S. The board is similar in design to the one for the iPhone 5, but <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287882==http://blog.moumantai.biz/?eid=980175" rel='nofollow'>shows</a> some significant differences in the layout ...

Photo shows alleged Logitech iPhone/iPod game controller

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:16:00 GMT

A new photo shows what is claimed to be one of Logitech's <a href="http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/13/could.ship.in.fall/">upcoming MFi-certified game controllers</a>. The image, obtained by Kotaku, depicts a gamepad with a D-pad and four action buttons; a fifth button's purpose is unknown. The hardware appears...

A closer look: iOS 7 Multitasking, AirDrop and the Share widget

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:54:00 GMT

If you've read Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, you will know that iOS is built off the same UNIX kernel as Mac OS X. This means that, like Mac OS X, Apple could have given the iPhone more fully featured multitasking than we have previously seen. In Mac OS X, multitasking and fast app switching in the form of Expose and Mission Control have been very popular. Thi...

A closer look: iOS 7 Control and Notification Centers

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:35:00 GMT

In addition to a wide-ranging design overhaul of iOS in the <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287813== http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/12/sir.jony.ive.remakes.ios.with.a.new.design.language.features/" rel='nofollow'>iOS 7 beta</a>, Apple also highlighted that iOS 7 also contains a number of feature enhancements as well. This is no mean feat. The resource...

iPad, iPad mini coming to Rogers and Telus

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:28:00 GMT

Canadian customers of Rogers and Telus will soon be able to pick up LTE-connected versions of Apple's iPad and iPad mini. The two carriers have announced that Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads will be arriving "in the coming weeks," though they've offered no additional details on when to expect them. The emergence of Apple's tablets on the two networks will mark the first time that Canadian custome...

AT&T now pushing iPhone update to add Wireless Emergency Alert

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 03:00:00 GMT

An FCC mandate for a <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287796==http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/safety/index.cfm/AID/12082" rel='nofollow'>Wireless Emergency Alert</a> system implemented on mobile devices is now being <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287797==http://blogs.att.net/consumerblog/story/a7790136" rel='nofollow'>delivered to iPhones b...

Icons from iOS 7 briefly appear in 'rough draft' form with grid

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:20:00 GMT

For a brief period on Friday, a set of what appears to have been "unfinished" or "rough draft" icons for iOS 7 appeared on a <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287793==http://www.apple.com/ios/ios7/design/" rel='nofollow'>mobile version of the page</a> promoting the new beta instead of the icons that are actually included in the current beta. Thi...

Study: 0.22 percent of all US iPhones devices already on iOS 7

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:53:00 GMT

Mobile advertising and analytics firm <a href="http://chitika.com">Chitika</a> has noted that some 0.22 percent of the iPhone and iPod Touch US userbase is already running the iOS 7 beta, just a few days following its debut. While reports of iOS 7 testing were seen on most Mac, iOS and technology sites for weeks before its first developer release, the sheer gr...

Briefly: Blue's Nessie now available, Yahoo! Sports for iOS updated

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:57:00 GMT

First announced at this year's CES, Blue Microphones' <a href="http://bluemic.com/nessie/">Nessie</a> is now available for purchase through Apple's retail and online stores. Priced at $99 the USB microphone features a built-in pop filter and shock mount that can help reduce harsh plosives and other vibrations. Nessie uses a single condenser capsule for recordi...

Pegatron seen shipping low-cost iPhone, second-gen iPad mini in Aug.

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:23:00 GMT

Pegatron has won a contract to assemble a low-cost iPhone with a plastic back, as well as the second-generation iPad mini, and will start shipping both to Apple in August, say supply chain sources in Taiwan. Parts for both products are <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130614PD207.html">expected</a> to emerge from suppliers in July. One company, Case...

Microsoft debuts Office Mobile app for iPhone

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:21:00 GMT

Microsoft has released <A href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/office-mobile-for-office-365/id541164041?mt=8">Office Mobile</a>, a companion iPhone app for Office 365 subscribers. The app lets users access and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents hosted on SkyDrive or SharePoint, or else attached to email messages. Documents can also be created wholes...

New York cell summit results in 'Secure our Smartphones' initiative

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:04:00 GMT

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon today announced the formation of a nationwide "Secure Our Smartphones" initiative aimed at encouraging the cell phone industry to adopt technologies that would deter theft by drying up the secondary market on which stolen devices are sold. The pair of officials announced the formation on t...

Google+ updates with better mobile, desktop notifications

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:02:00 GMT

Google has announced plans to update the web, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google+/id447119634?mt=8">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.plus">Android</a> versions of Google+ with better notifications. Google's Vic Gundotra says that notifications should b...

Briefly: LINE for iOS gains in-app browser, RationalPlan update

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:15:00 GMT

LINE, a mobile messaging client designed for iOS, has been updated with an in-app browser and extended language support. Unlike previous releases, web links are now opened directly within the app's own browser which features a minimal interface to maximize the display of content. Also new in this release are coloured themes. While currently limited to two options, the default theme and an all pink...

Suppliers running 'intensive delivery' of parts for low-cost iPhone

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:42:00 GMT

Apple suppliers are now engaged in "intensive delivery" of a "large number" of parts for a low-cost iPhone, says the Commercial Times. TSMC is reportedly delivering 28nm processors, while Largan Precision is supplying an 8-megapixel camera. Foxconn is providing a battery module and most of the inner frame, while Taiflex Scientific is handl...

Reuters sources say Apple considering larger iPhones for 2014

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:31:00 GMT

Apple is considering a range of possible options for expanding its iPhone lineup in 2014, say four sources for Reuters, some of which are said to be with Asian suppliers. The people claim that Apple is considering two bigger iPhone sizes, including 4.7- and 5.7-inch dimensions. Suppliers have reportedly been approached with plans for the bigger screens, but w...

Google changing algorithm, penalizing poor mobile implementations

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:44:00 GMT

Noted in an official <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287621==http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2013/06/changes-in-rankings-of-smartphone_11.html" rel='nofollow'>blog post</a> earlier this week, search engine giant Google is altering its search algorithm to better address the current needs of smartphone and other mobile device users. Most notably, the sea...

Mac OS icon designer Kare: iOS 7 icons 'generally a good direction'

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:30:00 GMT

While much has been said on the reaction by iOS users on the new look that will be found throughout <a href="http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/12/sir.jony.ive.remakes.ios.with.a.new.design.language.features/">the updated iOS 7</a> when it is released later this year, one element that doesn't get enough attention is that the icons and designs shown at ...

Apple releases new video on global impact of iOS technology, apps

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:43:00 GMT

Apple has made a 10-minute promotional film that was released today on <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287616==http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PGtP6ZQ6Lt8#!" rel='nofollow'>its YouTube channel</a> highlighting a number of real-world uses for its iOS technologies and apps that are making a difference in the lives of people around the...

Briefly: ITV ad-free streaming subscription, MySpace iOS update

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:26:00 GMT

ITV is introducing a new subscription fee into its <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287600==https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/itv-player/id446079916?mt=8" rel='nofollow'>iOS app</a> that will allow users to watch the last 30 days of ITV content without advertising. Priced at £4 per month, the new subscription covers content across ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CIT...

iOS 7 includes game controller, 'inter-app audio' support

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:51:00 GMT

iOS 7 includes new support for game controllers, and something called "inter-app audio," reports observe. The controller support was referenced briefly in a slide during Apple's <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287590==http://www.macnn.com/articles/13/06/10/first.solid.glimpse.at.new.ios/" rel='nofollow'>WWDC keynote</a>, listing "MFi game controll...

iOS 7 beta pops up warning for non-certified Lightning cables

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:36:00 GMT

The <a href="http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/12/sir.jony.ive.remakes.ios.with.a.new.design.language.features/">iOS 7 beta</a> is popping up a brief warning for people trying to connect unauthorized third-party Lightning cables, various accounts say. "This cable or accessory is not certified and may not work reliably with this iPhone," an ...

First look: Can iOS 7 give Apple back its mojo?

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:20:00 GMT

Back in <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287544== http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/02/06/is.ios.really.in.need.of.a.complete.revamp/" rel='nofollow'>February this year</a> I wrote, ìA new design and look for iOS will be nice (as will the banishment of skeuomorphism), buy in many ways it is not essential from the perspective of pure functionality.î...

Forums: new Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks, iOS 7

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:39:00 GMT

With the announcements at WWDC yesterday, the forums are alive with discussions about the announcements made. Forum-goers quickly started debating the practicality of the <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287510==http://forums.macnn.com/65/mac-desktops/501319/upcoming-mac-pro/" rel='nofollow'>upcoming Mac Pro</a> in a thread started by Administrator "reader50&...

Briefly: NextWorth iOS device trade-in promo, Moxtra iOS update

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:32:00 GMT

For the month of June NextWorth will be offering a 20 percent bonus on all <a href="http://www.nextworth.com">Apple device trade-ins</a>. By entering the coupon code BONUS20, customers will instantly receive an extra 20 percent on the trade in value of any iPhone, iPod, or iPad, regardless of condition. NextWorth offers free, fully-insured UPS shipping service...

Briefly: RunKeeper gains new social features, Yelp updates Nearby page

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:36:00 GMT

FitnessKeeper has released the latest update for its <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287471==https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runkeeper-gps-track-running/id300235330?mt=8" rel='nofollow'>RunKeeper- GPS Track Running Walking Cycling</a> app, available on iTunes. RunKeeper tracks workout statistics such as pace, distance and time while exercising. Users are able to ...

iOS 7 apps to require permission for microphone access

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:21:00 GMT

<a href="http://www.macnn.com/articles/13/06/10/apple.radio.activation.lock.siri.car.integration.key.features.of.update/">iOS 7</a> apps will have to ask user permission before tapping into a microphone, users of the developer beta say. Short of a theoretical backdoor, the <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/06/11/apps-have-to-ask-for-permission-to-a...

iOS 7 'Activation Lock' feature sets tone for NY cellphone theft talks

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:11:00 GMT

Apple's new "activation lock" feature has not escaped notice by the attorneys general of New York City and San Francisco. The pair, <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287407==http://www.electronista.com/articles/13/06/05/sf.nyc.attorneys.general.hope.to.stem.tide.of.violent.robberies/" rel='nofollow'>scheduled to meet</a> later this week in New York City w...

Apple unveils iOS 7, brings changes to user interface, Safari [U]

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:50:00 GMT

[Updated with tweet from Sen. John McCain] In parallel with the hardware announcements at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference, Apple announced the availability of an <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287393==http://www.apple.com/ios/ios7/" rel='nofollow'>iOS 7 beta</a> for the iPhone. Calling it "the biggest ch...

Apple premieres iTunes Radio streaming service

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:17:00 GMT

As a part of <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287395==http://www.macnn.com/articles/13/06/10/apple.radio.activation.lock.siri.car.integration.key.features.of.update/" rel='nofollow'>unveiling iOS 7</a>, Apple today confirmed the existence of a new streaming service, <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/287394==http://www.apple.com/itunes/itunes-radio/" re...

Briefly: Enhanced Push-to-Talk for iOS, iSkin launches new cases

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:20:00 GMT

AT&T has launched an iOS version of its Enhanced Push-to-Talk service, that allows customers to chat instantly with large groups. Limited to the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, the new app can be used to make calls on compatible WiFi networks, including more than 32,000 AT&T hotspots, as well as over the company's 3G and 4G networks. On top of basic calling features, the app also includes ...