All posts in Apple

Apple Acquires 3D Mapping Technologies

by Philippe on December 27, 2011 in Apple with No comments

apple acquires d mapping company c technologies msndc 0 Apple Acquires 3D Mapping Technologies
In a move to compete with the success of Google Maps, Apple has revealed news on its acquisition of C3 Technologies known for its forays into 3D mapping. C3 Technologies was added to Apple’s 3D mapping portfolio along with their purchase of Poly9 last year, putting speculation to rest as to who actually bought C3 within the industry.

Now eyes are on Apple as to how the company will use 3D mapping technologies as current iOS devices use Google Maps for one’s navigational needs. According to 9to5 Mac, C3′s CEO, CFO, and lead product manager are working with Apple’s iOS team to bring its realistic 3D mapping technologies to consumers. Ultra-realistic 3D renderings of maps are re-rendered on a 2D plane in order to give the user a very realistic map experience even more so than street or satellite views currently in use.

‘C3 Technologies creates incredibly high-quality and detailed 3D maps with virtually no input from humans. The 3D mapping is camera based and the technology picks up buildings, homes, and even smaller objects like trees. C3′s solution comes from declassified missile targeting methods,’ says the 9to5 Mac report.

The move by Apple is yet another maneuver to set itself apart from the competition. Acquisition of companies that can bolster iOS offerings has been the name of the game for Apple. Siri is a prime example as Apple purchased the start up last year as well to embark on natural voice recognition technology in the iPhone 4S.

Apple is known for taking the best aspects from startups such as C3 in order to release services that coincide with the company’s vision. Hence, acquiring C3 (and Poly9) for their 3D mapping technologies makes Apple in a prime position to oust Google Maps out of its native iOS devices.

Siri has Potential with Next Generation 911 and Emergency Calls

by Philippe on December 9, 2011 in Apple with No comments

iphone unlocking activationy w 50504 3 Siri has Potential with Next Generation 911 and Emergency Calls Next Generation 911 has been in the works under the FCC, Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation in an attempt to make 911 emergency calls more efficient than the current iteration. However, health policy analyst John S. Wilson feels that Siri and other voice services could usher in Next Generation 911 with emergency calls that encompass almost everything except the rescue itself.

Emergency calls made to 911 at present can only be done via phone call and emergency operators and respondents have no way to find the caller without an address. Next Generation 911 is an overhaul to our current emergency response system, allowing GPS locations to be attached to not only phone calls, but texts and video messages as well. John S. Wilson of Policy Diary penned an article at GigaOM recommending development of Siri and other natural voice recognition software to aid in emergency calls.

Siri’s popularity with new iPhone 4S owners has gotten them excited over new ways to bend the personal assistant to their will. Unfortunately, Siri cannot make emergency calls as Apple has not instituted a method to authenticate the call and ensure it is not a prank, as many Siri inquiries have been since launch.

As a health policy analyst, John S. Wilson believes ‘Siri’s particular ability to understand natural language and its deep, contextual search capabilities may change how people contact and communicate with first responders.’ He also adds the three following steps Siri could take, if allowed to make emergency calls, when someone requires help but may not necessarily know where they are or what exactly happened due to trauma or otherwise.

  • ‘First, the phone could video call 911 utilizing Skype or a similar VoIP video service. This would allow first responders to have a much better context of the emergency at hand. Armed with a live video and audio feed of the event, visual cues could assist the first responders as they deconstruct the problem.
  • ‘Second, Siri could send the GPS location of the caller.’
  • ‘Third, an app could automatically transmit critical information to the nearest hospital. First Choice Healthcare already has an app that gathers this information – primary care physician, current medications and any drug allergies – for a patient heading to the ER. Depending on the patient’s physician, it’s possible that the patient’s entire electronic health record (EHR) loaded into the app (or otherwise shared with authorized medical personnel) as well.’

Not only this, Siri could be prompted to notify next-of-kin when and where the caller initiated the emergency call and inform them as to which hospital the caller will be located.

‘Capabilities like these may shave precious minutes off first-response times and get victims to critical care faster.’

In addition to the fun and convenience smartphones bring to our lives, those concerned with health policy and technology find essential emergency aids in the form of Siri. Imagine your Apple iPhone 4S accessories as well as cell phone covers and phone cases for Android devices that may have natural voice recognition software in the future all the apps and accessories on our trusted devices may help us in a way we take for granted. Imagine Siri, perfectly nested in stylish iPhone 4S leather cases or iPhone 4S covers, responding not only to one’s appointments, questions, and whims but also assisting with emergency calls in a dire moments of need.

Apple iCloud: Your Worries Syncing Away on a Boat of Free Storage

by Philippe on October 19, 2011 in Apple with No comments

apple icloud11 Apple iCloud: Your Worries Syncing Away on a Boat of Free Storage
Coupled with the highly-anticipated release of its latest iPhone (and all subsequent iPhone 4S accessories), Apple iCloud is bringing the ease of file syncing and backup to iOS users.

Compared to its previous iterations through iTools, .Mac, and MobileMe, Apple iCloud is a free service for all iOS users allowing synchronization of calendars, contacts, and documents synced on all devices you may have. Not only does it allow cross-syncing through Macs, iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches, but even allows functionality via PCs for those of us with feet on both sides of the PC/Mac divide.

Anything purchased via App Store on said devices are automatically backed up into your five gigabytes of free space on Apple iCloud. If one wishes to beef up their storage capacity, they may do so with an annual rates for tiered storage an extra $20, $40, or $100 for 10, 20, or 50GB.

MobileMe was available to Apple enthusaists for $100 a year; however Apple iCloud allows some of the same functionality as its predecessor for free. Find My iPhone, the service previously free on MobileMe, has been included again to help you find whatever iGadget of yours is lost or, knock on wood, stolen. You are able to remotely trigger your misplaced device with a loud pinging sound (even if previously set to vibrate). The phone can be spotted remotely on a map based on its GPS triangulation and like before, you are able to remotely wipe your device should it fall into the wrong hands.

Automatic backup is perhaps one of the key features that Apple fans hold true to the company WiFi connections allow you to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch automatically via Apple iCloud. It is quick as it only backs up data changed from the last backup.

There are some features that did not make the cut, which some Apple users previously on MobileMe are missing, according to some reports. Regardless, the service is completely up to the user to sign up with as you are able to prevent certain, or all services, from syncing your devices onto Apple iCloud.

For those dreaming about the iPhone 4S, you would not want to forget about backing up and syncing your device. As you plan on purchasing some of the coolest iPhone 4S covers or classier iPhone 4S leather cases, consider Wireless Emporium’s supply of the best cell phone covers and cheap phone casesto protect your investment, as Apple iCloud does with your precious data.

Is Apple Coming Out With a “Budget” iPhone this Year?

by Philippe on July 11, 2011 in Apple with No comments



Is Apple Coming Out With a Budget iPhone this Year?
There is no device on earth that conjures more rumor mongering and rampant speculation than the Apple iPhone. The latest rumors suggest that we could be getting the iPhone 5 in September. Not too long before that, we were hearing that there will be no iPhone 5 this year, rather an upgraded version of the iPhone 4 called the 4S.

But those aren’t the only rumors. Apple executives themselves suggested that the Cupertino based company was looking into the prepaid market and budget phones.

Digesting all these rumors and trying to translate them, some are now speculating that we will see two different new iPhones this year.

So let’s examine the possibilities. First off, we aren’t even going to entertain the idea that there will only be one iPhone, because speculation is fun.

It is becoming pretty clear that there will indeed be an iPhone 5 coming out this year. That device could end up on Verizon and AT&T, at which point, the cost of the iPhone 4 would drop. At that point, Apple could add the iPhone 4 to Sprint and T-Mobile, giving them a presence on all four carriers, thus improving their chances of keeping pace with Android.

While this isn’t exactly the same thing as two new iPhones, the fact that it would be the first time either Sprint or T-Mobile have carried the iPhone is technically new. The problem is, it would be very hard for Apple to drop the price of the iPhone 4 to the point where it reaches the “budget” phone pricing. The iPhone 3G still sells for $50 with a 2 year contract from AT&T. There is no way that the iPhone 4 could hit that price point.

Another possibility is that the iPhone 4S that has been rumored will be some sort of stripped down version of the iPhone 4. Cut down the specs considerably, from memory to the camera and everything in between. A small cosmetic change from a glass back to a metal one, or God Forbid plastic, could cut production costs enough for this phone to enter the market as a “budget” phone.

At that point, the iPhone 5, which is rumored to be equipped to run on all 4 major US networks already, would be launched on the big 4 simultaniously. The budget version of the iPhone would find its way to Virgin, Boost, Metro PCS and other carriers in that same category. Regional carriers like US Cellular would even be able to get their hands on the iPhone.

One thing is for certain. Apple has been losing ground to Android for the better part of the last year. In order to even keep pace, let alone close the gap, Apple needs to make itself more available. At the very least, the next iPhone will very likely be available on all four major networks. Even then, the iPhone is one of the most expensive smartphones out there, limiting the market. A second, stripped down iPhone definitely makes sense. It just flies in the face of what Apple typically does.

Massive Security Flaw Found in Apple’s iOS

by Philippe on July 8, 2011 in Apple with No comments

 

1188151 apple virus Massive Security Flaw Found in Apples iOS
Not too long ago we wrote up a blog on the best antivirus apps for the various mobile platforms. Unsurprisingly, Android has the most options as their open source policy has opened the door for several malware attacks in the app store.

Also unsurprisingly, Apple had no antivirus applications available to their users. The belief has always been that Apple is invulnerable to viruses and cyber attacks.

That belief has been turned on its head. Apple has acknowledged that there is indeed a hole in their iOS software that allows hackers to steal personal information from people’s phones. This could include anything from a user’s location via GPS, passwords and mobile banking accounts, to simply intercepting e-mail, phone calls and text messages.

In other words, it’s a massive security concern.

The security breach was discovered by JailbreakMe.com, a site that offers tutorials for users to jailbreak their phones. In addition to other “enhanced” features, a jailbroken iPhone gives users access to third party apps not approved by the App Store.

Ironically, the only way to patch the security breach is by downloading a third party app on a jailbroken phone. The app is called PDF Patcher 2

Apple has confirmed that they are working on a fix themselves which will be available in a future iOS update, but that serves as little solace to customers who have been convinced by Apple marketing that their Apple devices are impenetrable.

It isn’t in dispute whether or not Apple devices are more secure than their Android counterparts. They are. But recent attacks against Apple by the hacker group Anti-Sec and this security flaw illustrate that Apple users need to be more careful. For Apple, switching to a more proactive philosophy, rather than a reactive philosophy might be in their best interests as well. That would mean developing an antivirus app of some sort for the App Store that would detect malicious software before someone downloads it to their device.

The simple fact of the matter is that as Apple products become increasingly popular, and the use of smartphones for everyday activities, like banking, becomes more commonplace, Apple products will become a more juicy target for hackers.

New Apple Patent Could Have Dramatic Effect on All Mobile Devices

by Philippe on June 22, 2011 in Apple with No comments

Touch screens on mobile devices aren’t nearly as fascinating today as they were 4 years ago. They’ve pretty much become ubiquitous in our daily lives. So for me to sit here and say that there is some major news breaking today regarding touch screens would be a pretty bold claim. But it is a claim that I intend to fully back up.

I’ll start with the biggest news of all. Today, Apple was granted a patent that they filed three years ago regarding how a user navigates a capacitive touch screen. Capacitive touch screens comprise pretty much every touch screen in every mobile device on the market right now.

The patent covers multi-touch functionality and is written with enough broad language so that it can be interpreted to cover virtually any mobile device from phones to tablets to mp3 players.

This is very good news for Apple and very bad news for everyone else. Should apple choose to flex their muscle (and there is no reason to think that they won’t), they can basically use this patent to force other manufacturers to develop a new touch screen technology or pay Apple a boatload of money for the right to include capacitive touch screens in their devices.

Those costs would most likely be passed along to you and me, the consumers.

Apple Patents Non-Exploding Cell Phone Batteries – Yes, Really

by Philippe on June 1, 2011 in Apple with No comments

In one of the more unusual patent filings we’ve come across from Apple, the one they recently filed for non-exploding cell phone batteries has to be one of the strangest. You’d think that would be something that was a given and wouldn’t need a patent, but hey, its Apple.

This is news to me, but apparently if Apple’s batteries are exposed to extreme heat, they have a tendency to generate a gas build up and explode: Which is bad news for anyone who doesn’t want things exploding next to their face.

Thankfully a group of researchers are working on a natural way to charge cell phones. They are studying a microbe that expels electricity though “wires” that stick out from their cells. The microbes live in oxygen free environments, making them a viable candidate to live out their lives inside of a cell phone.

dn9526 1 650 Apple Patents Non Exploding Cell Phone Batteries Yes, Really

The scientists are trying to develop conductors that would collect the electricity produced by these organisms and in turn act as cell phone chargers for mobile devices.

Don’t go throwing out that battery just yet though. Researchers say they are probably a decade away from coming up with the technology to actually harvest enough electricity from these organisms to make it a practical application in cell phones and other portable electronics. Until then, keep your phone out of extreme heat and don’t leave your battery baking on the sidewalk just before you put it into your phone to make a call. We don’t want to have to say we told you so.

Would a “Budget” iPhone Help Apple Close the Gap on Android?

by Philippe on May 10, 2011 in Apple with No comments

Apple enthusiasts have long debated with PC enthusiasts over the pros and cons of each. And while Google, and by extension Android, aren’t PC, they certainly have captured that audience. One of the biggest cons that continually gets slapped on Apple is cost. Whether it’s fair or not, Apple is considered to be “elitist”.

The iPhone has been yoked with that same label, and Android fans can point the numerous devices at various price points that fit virtually any budget. By contrast, when a new iPhone comes out, it is typically prices at the high end of the cell phone spectrum (not that that has stopped people from buying it in droves despite the economy).

But when the Verizon iPhone 4 came out, AT&T did something it hadn’t done before. In an attempt to attract more customers, and fight an exodus to Verizon, the carrier offered the previous iPhone 3GS at $49.99.

The move worked, as the discounted iPhones flew off the shelves. Which begs the question – could Apple create budget iPhone to be released alongside its flagship phones? According to insiders, the Cupertino, CA based company has been working on a lower end iPhone to try and break into emerging markets abroad. Apple execs have even stated that they are exploring prepaid cell phone options. But there are quite a few steps between the drawing board and actual implementation.

A smaller screen with a slightly slower processor could be two ways to cut costs. A less impressive camera in terms of megapixels could also be doable. But what is doable and what sorts of compromises Apple would be willing to make remain to be seen.

Whether a budget iPhone every makes it to store shelves remains to be seen, but it definitely is worth a long look by the folks at Apple.

Big Brother is Watching You and His Name is Steve Jobs

by Philippe on April 22, 2011 in Apple with No comments

If you always feel like somebody’s watching you, then you have a lot in common with Rockwell, and with good reason if you own a smartphone. That someone watching you is named Steve Jobs and he is fascinated at how many trips to Starbucks you are taking each and every day.

It was recently revealed that devices equipped with iOS 4 have been using the GPS feature on your phone to keep a log of everywhere you’ve been. The data can go back months and months, and is stored in a “consolidated.db” file. The translation to that basically goes a little something like this. Every time you sync your phone with a computer, the stop by stop tracking your phone has been doing of your whereabouts is backed up on that computer.

The same group that figured out that Apple devices were tracking people’s movements have also found a similar feature in Android. They have determined that this data is being collected intentionally.

Why this data is being tracked is unclear, but has caught the interested of the Government. Sen. Al Franken (MN) has already sent a letter to Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, to inquire about the privacy breach.

Consumer privacy has been a hot button issue on Capitol Hill as both houses of congress are trying to pass consumer protection legislation that would give cell phone users the option to opt out of ad targeting campaigns. Ad targeting tracks a users web browsing habits as well as their age, race, sex and location. That information is then sent to advertising agencies who can then send advertisements specifically targeted to the user.

So yes, the next time you feel that big brother is watching you just watch Rockewell’s video and know that you aren’t alone. Somebody is tracking your every move.

Apple Coming Out With Cheaper Phones In Near Future

by Joseph on March 1, 2011 in Apple with No comments

One of the biggest knocks against Apple is that there products are so much more expensive than their competitors. Those complaints haven’t fallen on deaf ears. According to Apple’s COO, Tim Cook, the company wants to be ‘for everyone’ not ‘just for the rich’.

In a recent interview, Cook revealed that cheaper iPhones were on the way and that Apple may even come out with no contract phones available on a pre paid basis.

That would be great news for third party cell phone accessory makers who are already making millions off of the popularity of the iPhone. If pricing makes Apple phones available to more of a mass market, then there are several companies who could reap a windfall of cash, not just Apple.

Of course nothing concrete has been set, or a timeframe set for when we can expect to see these cheaper devices. But rumors have definitely been swirling the past month or so. It started with the rumor than an iPhone nano was on the way that was ½ the size of the current iPhone. Those rumors were quickly debunked, but clearly the electronics giant is looking towards more budget friendly phones in the future.

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