iPad 6 Pro Rumors

The rumor mill has been buzzing, lately, with talk about an iPad 6 a.k.a iPad Pro. Reportedly, the future of Apple’s iPad may be changing. Rumors suggest bigger may be better as Apple is considering a 12.9-inch screen for the next iPad generation.

The recent release of the iPad mini Retina and Air have digitally and technologically altered the demands consumers want. Lighter is amazing, speed rocks and storage is essential. Apple is a company who heralded the need and continues to drive the desire. Could their next step move into the bigger screen realm? Rumors suggest the iPad 6 Pro will be a testament of new beginnings for the iTunes creator.

HANNSpad 13-inch tablet

Considering Samsung made jaws drop when they released the Galaxy Mega, a juggernaut of screen sizes, big is seemingly, in. Recently, a 13-inch HANNSpad Android tablet was released. There is another 13.3-inch option sold by Panasonic, which is also intended for rugged use. Running on the Windows OS, it is an older device but remains popular on buying sites like Amazon. It always sports amazing 4 out of 5 or five stars for usability. There is something to this big is in mantra.

If Apple steps into the arena by introducing a 12.9-inch screen, will that develop more interest from new consumers, or drive away dedicated customers? It could a mix of both, but the rumor mill is buzzing hot about the possibility of this new iPad, slated for a possible release in 2014.

Read the complete story HERE.

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All New Mac Pro Available Starting 12-19

Apple® today announced the all-new Mac Pro® will be available to order starting Thursday, December 19. Redesigned from the inside out, the all-new Mac Pro features the latest Intel Xeon processors, dual workstation-class GPUs, PCIe-based flash storage and ultra-fast ECC memory.

Designed around an innovative unified thermal core, the all-new Mac Pro packs unprecedented performance into an aluminum enclosure that is just 9.9-inches tall and one-eighth the volume of the previous generation. 

Read the rest of the story HERE.

iBeacon Now In Apple Stores

On Friday, 12-6, Apple Inc. began using the iBeacon technology at its 254 U.S. stores to send you messages about products, events and other information — tailored to where you are inside, provided you have downloaded the Apple Store app and have given it permission to send notices based on your location. You must have Bluetooth turned on and have the latest operating system, iOS 7.

Using the iBeacon feature, the app will notify you if the computer you ordered is ready for pickup, for example. Show a clerk your screen with the order number, and the clerk will get it for you. Walking by an iPhone table? You may get a message asking if you want to upgrade, check your upgrade availability and see if you can get money for trading in your old phone.

Even without iBeacon, the app already lets you scan and pay for some items using your phone, get customer service help and reserve products.

Major League Baseball already plans to use iBeacon next year to customize fans' experiences at its ballparks, through the At The Ballpark app. In a demo earlier this year, MLB officials showed how the app can offer special features based on users' location in a stadium, such as coupons in the souvenir shop or a video that plays near landmarks.

Read the complete story HERE.

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 9

Which iPad Should I Buy?

Assuming you decide the iPad's limitations are outweighed by its advantages (which they are), you need to make a choice. In fact, three choices.

The first is whether you want to be able to get online when you're out and about. If you do, you'll want to buy the 4G version of the new iPad (3G for older versions). It's $130 more than the equivalent model without a micro SIM slot.

Next, you have to work out how much memory you'll need. Here, the old rule 'get the best you can afford' applies. Apple charges steeply for more memory, so the Wi-Fi only 16GB version is $100 cheaper than the 32GB model, which itself is $100 cheaper than the 64GB model.

For those who want a smaller iPad there's the iPad mini to consider. This is a 7in tablet, so it's roughly the same size as an eReader. Ideal for those who wish for a more portable iPad.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 8

The Laptop Advantage - File Formats

This brings us neatly to compatibility. Laptops are great because, with the right software, they can display or play almost any file. The iPad is much more restrictive and requires videos, for example, to be in MP4 (H.264) format before they'll play. It means you might have to convert files before you can play them, which could be more hassle than you're willing to accept.

For photos and music, the iPad supports the common JPG and MP3 formats, so these aren't a problem for most people.

Transferring files to the iPad has to be done via iTunes, not Windows Explorer. This lack of drag-and-drop support is initially a bit frustrating, but it's absent for a reason: a good user experience. Filtering everything through iTunes means you won't end up in a situation where you've transferred a video, say, and you're sitting on a plane only to find that your tablet doesn't support it and you've got nothing to watch.

In Part 9 we'll discuss 'Which iPad Should I Buy?'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 7

The Laptop Advantage - Storage

Buy a new laptop today, and you'll probably get a hard drive with 10 times more storage than an iPad. It's easy to add more storage, too. External hard disks are cheap, and you can buy portable versions which will slip into a bag.

The iPad has no way of adding storage, so you're effectively stuck with the capacity you buy. The smallest has 16GB, and the largest is currently 64GB. There are ways around this limit, but none are entirely satisfactory. You can sign up for a cloud storage service such as Dropbox, Google Drive or even Apple's own iCloud, but when files aren't stored locally on the iPad itself they can be slow to load or in the wrong format, so will need converting first.

In Part 8 we'll discuss 'The Laptop Advantage - File Formats'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

Happy Thanksgiving

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 6

Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Apps

Apps is simply a new word for programs, and is short for applications. Built-in apps include a YouTube viewer, web browser, email, calendar, photo and video viewer, weather forecast, maps, notepad and reminders. Many apps, such as a calculator and timer, are freely available via the App Store.

What you don't get is a Microsoft-office equivalent, but you can download Pages (like Word), Numbers (like Excel) and Keynote (PowerPoint) for $9.99 each. Many apps, though, cost just a pound or two, including Apple's own iMovie which is great for editing videos you've taken on the built-in camera, and iPhoto, for editing photos you've taken.

There are hundreds of thousands of apps to choose between, and there's bound to be one that does the task you need. Apple's App Store is one of the most compelling reasons to choose the iPad over another tablet as developers tend to launch apps for the iPad first, then Android, and then the other operating systems. This is why it's not a great idea to buy a BlackBerry PlayBook if you like the sound of installing all these apps. Not only are they rather thin on the ground in the BlackBerry AppWorld, they're also more expensive.

In Part 7 we'll discuss 'The Laptop Advantage - Storage'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 5

Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Touchscreen Interface

If you've not used a touchscreen much, you may well think that it can't replace a keyboard and mouse. There are certainly some elements where a keyboard and mouse are quicker, but you'd be surprised at how fast you can type on the iPad's virtual, on-screen keyboard.

If you make a mistake, the built-in auto-correct feature will likely put things right - it will even add punctuation for you. Buy the new iPad, and you'll get voice dictation so you needn't type much at all. The system doesn't require any training unlike older voice-recognition systems. You simply speak and the words (and punctuation if you dictate it) appear before your eyes. As long as you don't have a strong regional accent, accuracy is very good.

The iPad's interface is, in general, hugely intuitive. Aside from a few hidden options in apps, everything works as you expect it to, so it's easy to attach a photo you just took to an email or Facebook post, or upload a video to YouTube.

Of course some laptops come with touchscreens, but still relatively few (and in most cases you still require a keyboard and touchpad for most tasks).

In Part 6 we'll discuss 'Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Apps'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 4

Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Instant On and Connected Standby

Yet another advantage is that an iPad doesn't take minutes to boot up: it's ready to go instantly, so it's quick to check email and Facebook, or the weather forecast or TV listings.

When you press the power button, it goes into standby, but remains connected to the internet so you'll hear alerts when you receive emails, Facebook messages or when other events happen. You don't have to turn it on to find out if you've missed something.

This is something that both Windows 8 and the latest Intel processors are addressing, so again the very latest, best Ultrabooks can offer something approaching the iPad's performance in this respect. But we really are talking about the exception rather than the laptop rule. 

In Part 5 we'll discuss 'Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Touchscreen Interface'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 3

Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Portability and Comfort

A tablet is also much lighter and more portable than all but the most svelte (and expensive) laptop, so you really can take it everywhere with you. It's more comfortable to sit and use an iPad, it doesn't get too warm and there are no fans, unlike most laptops whose high-pitched fans can drive you to distraction.

In Part 4 we'll discuss 'Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Instant On and Connected Standby'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

iPad Air Receiving Glowing Reviews

The first iPad Air reviews are in from The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, and others. And the reaction is overwhelmingly positive.

Walt Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal says iPad Air is “raising the bar,” calling the redesign a “feat of design and engineering.” He notes the battery test “far exceeded Apple’s claim” and “blew me away.”

Ed Baig of USA Today declares iPad Air the best yet and “better than its already best of breed predecessors, superior still to each and every rival big screen slate that I’ve tested. Apple dominates the tablet apps ecosystem. Its tablet remains the easiest to use.”

Damon Darlin at The New York Times writes, “Compared with the other tablets on the market, Apple still holds the edge.” He highlights many of iPad Air’s key features including size, battery life, processing power, storage, and Wi-Fi with MIMO.

On his blog, David Pogue is impressed with the battery life, speed, and design of iPad Air, stating, “Somehow, Apple was able to put the iPad on such a radical diet without sacrificing any of its features.”

To learn more about the iPad Air click HERE.

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Apple.com/HotNews

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 2

Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Battery life

Chances are, your laptop needs to be plugged in most of the time as its battery lasts only an hour or two. With an iPad, you'll be freed from the mains all day, since it will last for at least eight (if not 10 or 12) hours of constant use. If you're considering an Android tablet, check the manufacturer's claimed battery life or our reviews as some tablets last for a much shorter time between charges.

There is one update to this - the latest generation of Intel 4th-generation Core processors offer much improved laptop battery life. So much so that a brand new Ultrabook could offer up to 14 hours of battery life. But this is very much the exception in the laptop world, and a new Ultrabook would likely set you back a lot more than would an iPad. See also: iPad mini vs Nexus 7 2 comparison review.

In Part 3 we'll discuss 'Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Portability and Comfort'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

Apple Rolls Out iOS 7.0.4

Apple has released a minor update to software running on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

iOS 7.0.4 includes bug fixes, security patches, and a slew of new features and software improvements. The update also fixes a major problem for some, which caused FaceTime video calls to fail. iPods that are not able to upgrade to iOS 7 have their own version to upgrade to, iOS 6.1.5.

The new update improves iCloud Keychain, which was introduced in iOS 7.0.3, and the latest version of the desktop software, OS X Mavericks. The cloud-based technology keeps the Safari browser's passwords and credit card data in sync across all your Apple devices.

Secondly, in Spotlight, the device's internal search engine, Apple has brought back the ability to search Google and Wikipedia from the results. The two services were removed when iOS 7 was first released in mid-September. 

The software update applies to the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and the two new smartphones, the iPhone 5c and 5s. It's also available for the iPad 2, the third and fourth generation iPads, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad mini with Retina Display. Fourth and fifth generation iPod touch models also receive the update.

Credit:

ZDNet.com

What Should I Buy? Laptop Or Tablet - Part 1

It's a question that's often asked, "Should I buy a laptop or a tablet". Let's compare a tablet (especially iPad) to a laptop and try to help you buy the one that's right for you.

Can an iPad replace my old desktop PC or laptop? What are the limitations of the iPad? Should I consider another brand of tablet? Remember, just like laptops, not all tablets are equal.

The iPad is not a replacement for a laptop. Tablets are good at many things, but their abilities are a subset of a laptop's. You can't, for example, burn a music CD to listen to in the car, or a DVD of your latest home movie. It isn't particularly easy to print from an iPad, either, although it is possible in some apps (you can print an email, a document or a web page if you have a compatible printer).

In short, you may still need a laptop or a PC in your life as a backup in case you find you can't do something on your iPad. But if web browsing, watching movies and Facebook are your thing, you may be okay.

In Part 2 we'll discuss 'Tablets: The iPad Advantage - Battery Life'.

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pcadvisor.co.uk

Store Evacuated After Demo iPad 'Explosion'

A Vodafone retail store in Canberra, Australia was reportedly evacuated last week after an in-store demo iPad "exploded", filling the location with smoke and sparks, reports News.com.au. While no one was harmed during the incident, the iPad reportedly emitted the sparks from its charging port as firefighters were called to the scene to handle the situation. An Apple representative reportedly visited the scene afterwards to investigate the explosion, but Apple has not commented on the incident.

This is not the first time this year that an Apple product was accused of being a safety hazard, as a woman in China suffered eye injuries from her iPhone 5 after it exploded while she was on the phone this past August. Additionally, a Chinese man was left in a coma after receiving an electric shock while charging his iPhone 4 in July, which followed the death of a Chinese woman under similar circumstances.

Both latter incidents apparently involved the use of unauthorized third-party adapters, with Apple responding to the events by establishing an international third-party USB charger "Takeback Program" offering official replacement chargers for $10 to anyone who turns in a suspect adapter.

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macrumors.com

iPad Mini With Retina Display Now Available

Apple® announced iPad® mini with Retina® display is available starting today. The new iPad mini brings all the pixels from the 9.7-inch iPad to it's 7.9-inch screen, delivering razor sharp text and detail in an amazingly thin and light design.

It features the powerful and power-efficient Apple-designed A7 chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture, ultrafast wireless with faster built-in Wi-Fi and expanded LTE cellular connectivity, iOS 7 featuring hundreds of great new features and access to all 475,000 apps designed specifically for iPad.

See pricing and the rest of the story ... HERE.

Apple Announces 4th Quarter Results

Yesterday Apple® announced financial results for its fiscal 2013 fourth quarter that ended on 9-28. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $37.5 billion and quarterly net profit of $7.5 billion, or $8.26 per diluted share.

The Company sold 33.8 million iPhones, a record for the September quarter, compared to 26.9 million in the year-ago quarter......Read the complete story HERE.

Apple Introduces Next Generation iWork and iLife

Apps for OS X and iOS

On Tuesday, 10-22, Apple® announced its groundbreaking iWork® productivity apps, Pages®, Numbers® and Keynote® and award-winning iLife® creativity apps, iPhoto®, iMovie® and GarageBand® have been completely redesigned to take full advantage of OS X® Mavericks and iOS 7. All apps have been updated to 64-bit, are integrated with iCloud®, and are loaded with hundreds of new features that let you do more than ever across your Apple devices. Apple today also announced that both iWork and iLife are now free with the purchase of every new Mac® or iOS device.

Read the rest of the story ... HERE.

OS X Mavericks Available

Free from the Mac App Store

On Tuesday, 10-22, Apple® announced that OS X® Mavericks, the 10th major release of the world’s most advanced desktop operating system, is available for free from the Mac App Store℠. With more than 200 new features, OS X Mavericks brings iBooks® and Maps to the Mac®, includes a new version of Safari®, enhances multi-display support, introduces Finder® Tabs and Tags and delivers new core technologies for breakthrough power efficiency and performance.

Read the rest of the story ... HERE.

MacBook Pro with Retina Display Updated ...

... with Latest Processors, Faster Graphics and Longer Battery Life

On Tuesday, 10-22, Apple® announced an updated MacBook Pro® with Retina® display with fourth generation Intel Core processors, the latest graphics, longer battery life, faster flash storage and next generation Wi-Fi. Starting at a new lower price of $1,299 (US), the updated MacBook Pro with Retina display features a stunning high-resolution display, an amazing thin and light design, and the latest technology to power through the most demanding projects. Apple today also announced that both iWork® and iLife® are now free with the purchase of every new Mac®.

Read the rest of the story ... HERE.

Introducing the All New Mac Pro

The Most Radical Mac Ever

Yesterday Apple® redefined pro computing with the launch of the all-new Mac Pro®. Designed around an innovative unified thermal core, the Mac Pro features the latest Intel Xeon processors with up to 12 cores, dual workstation-class GPUs, six Thunderbolt 2 ports, PCIe-based flash storage and ultra-fast ECC memory. Packing amazing performance in a stunning new design, the all-new Mac Pro starts at $2,999 (US) and will be available in December.

Read the rest of the story ... HERE.

Apple Announces iPad Air

A Dramatically Thinner, Lighter and More Powerful iPad

Apple® today announced iPad Air™, the latest generation of its category defining device, featuring a stunning 9.7-inch Retina® display in a new thinner and lighter design. Precision-engineered to weigh just one pound, iPad Air is 20 percent thinner and 28 percent lighter than the fourth generation iPad®, and with a narrower bezel the borders of iPad Air are dramatically thinner—making content even more immersive.

Apple today also announced iPad mini with Retina display, bringing all the pixels from the 9.7-inch iPad to its 7.9-inch screen, delivering razor sharp text and detail in the same amazingly thin and light design.

The new iPads feature the powerful and power-efficient Apple-designed A7 chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture, ultrafast wireless with faster built-in Wi-Fi and expanded LTE cellular connectivity, and the newly-designed iOS 7 featuring hundreds of great new features.

Read the rest of the story ... HERE.

Apple Will Hold iPad Event On October 22

Apple has a couple more new products to announce before the year is out, and it plans to unveil them in a few weeks time.

People familiar with Apple’s plans tell AllThingsD that the company will hold its next invitation-only event on Tuesday, October 22. The focal point of the gathering will be the latest updates to the company’s iPad line, but the new Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks will likely get some stage time as well.

The fifth-generation iPad is expected to feature a thinner, lighter design akin to the iPad mini’s, and an improved camera. It will run Apple’s new 64-bit A7 chip. The second-generation iPad mini will be upgraded with a retina display and also likely see the A7 incorporated into its innards. It’s not clear whether Apple’s new iPads will feature the Touch ID fingerprint sensor that recently debuted on the iPhone 5S, though that has been rumored.

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AllThingsD.com

Larger Screen iPhone 6 Touted For Sept 2014 Launch

No sooner are we past the launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C than the rumors begin to mount for the next—and this one is big. Literally. Zach Epstien on BGR reported yesterday about a research note to investors from analyst Peter Misek of Jefferies & Co. that raises his hold rating and $450 target for Apple AAPL -1.21% to a solid buy with a new target of $600. Why the big mood swing on Cupertino? A bigger iPhone.

Apple has solidly resisted any move into the palm-widening world of phablets dominated by Samsung. Whether this has been because of deeply-held notions of human factors engineering, manufacturing difficulties or a desire to not appear imitative of Samsung, the tide may be definitively turning. According to Misek, the iPhone 6 will launch with a 4.8″ screen, probably in September of 2014. He sees that approximately 50% of smartphones shipped in the second-quarter of 2013 had screens larger than the 4″ of the current iPhones and believes that “iPhone 6 will catalyze a large upgrade cycle.” The relative sales weakness of the newest iPhones could be a bonus next year. 

Forbes’ Connie Guglielmo explains: “A poor iPhone 5s/5c cycle means a bigger upgrade opportunity for the iPhone 6,” Misek wrote in a report. “We think the 85 million iPhones eligible for an upgrade when the iPhone 6 launches (we think Apple is targeting Sept. 2014) could be boosted by another 5 to 10 million from people who skipped the 5s/5c cycle. While we think a 4.8″ screen iPhone could lead to Apple regaining share versus Android, just the iPhone installed base refresh supports upside to the streets fiscal year 2015 estimates.”

The recent Samsung “Patentgate” fiasco points to an Apple confident in its claims against its arch-rival and willing to take a position in the emerging smartphone sweetspot—which seems to be larger than the current iPhone’s 4″ screen. Where exactly Apple will go with screen size and proportion is still a big guess. At the iPhone 5 line’s current 1136-by-640 resolution (326 ppi) there is room to go up anywhere from full 720 HD (1280-by-720 pixels) all the way up to the Samsung S4′s full 1080 HD of 1080-by-1920 pixels (441 ppi).

Suffice to say, if the switch to iOS 7 has employed a lot of developers to upgrade everyone’s apps, a shift to a larger screen will throw app makers into a positive panic. And this is just as it seemed that one of the main goals of the (not quite) “low cost” iPhone 5C was to consolidate more of the iOS audience on the taller screen proportion. With the introduction of a larger-screened iPhone 6, all of this de-fragmentation would be out the window. It is an open question if an iPhone 6 would partake of the tall iPhone proportion or the squatter iPad proportion. At 1024-by-768 (and 2048-by-1536 for the retina versions) the iPad is more page-like, less cinema.

If I had to predict, I would say that the iPhone 6 would continue in the tall iPhone mode and that it would distinguish itself from the Samsung Galaxy series by making the screen go edge to edge on the sides and limiting the “bezel” to “bumpers” on the top and bottom that hold the home button and front-facing camera and microphone, like the current versions. This would give it a distinctly tall and elegant look, but make it more of a two-handed device for more diminutively scaled users.

One way or another, an iPhone 6 with a larger screen would need to be its own distinct screen to address. Apple will not be able to merely double the iPhone 5 proportion (as it did with the retina iPads and then in reverse for the iPad Minis.) This means that iOS 8 will possibly have even more radical changes than iOS 7 since somehow at least 4 different screen proportions (and in some cases retina resolutions of those proportions) will need to be addressed and finessed with grace. Developers, start your engines—again!

Credit:
Forbes.com

2 More Common Issues With iOS 7

Battery drain

This one has been mostly reported by users of older phones like the iPhone 4S. Simply, they say iOS 7 seems to drain their batteries faster than iOS 6 did.

One factor may be that iOS 7 expands the ability to run apps in the background while focusing on another task.

The fix? Go to "Settings" and "General," choose "Background App Refresh." From there, you can choose which apps you'll allow to run in the background and which you won't.

There are also general battery-saving steps, like dimming your screen and making sure things like GPS and Bluetooth are switched off if you're not using them.

Certain apps log you out

This one might take care of itself over time.

When Apple updates its operating system, apps that rely on parts of it (like Camera) must update as well. Until they do, they sometimes kick users out. On Apple message boards, users were mentioning apps like Snapchat and Mailbox as frequent offenders.

The fix? Some developers may have already tweaked their products, and other fixes are probably on the way. But if you're still having problems, you can go to "Settings," "General" and "Background App Refresh" again. Turn off any apps you're having problems with.

Credit:
CNN.com

iMessage Woes For iOS 7

Apple's working on a fix for that, too! 

There's no such thing as a completely smooth launch and iOS 7 is proving no exception to the rule, with scores of iUsers reporting problems with sending and receiving iMessages. 

For those plagued with the issue, the blue progress bar will almost reach the end before getting stuck and sitting there until you reset iMessage or the iPhone or iPad itself. 

Apple has released a statement on the matter, saying it's aware of the problem and will have a fix "in an upcoming software update". 

Apple has reportedly seeded an iOS 7.0.3 update to developers for final testing, which could be ready to download next week. Let's hope this is the fix Apple is referring to. 

Although it seems a lot of people are experiencing the problem right now, Apple says it's only affecting "a fraction of a percent" of users. 

For now, one workaround we're hearing of is to turn off iMessage, hit Reset Network Settings, then turn iMessage back on again.

Credit:
techradar.com

iOS 7 Is Making Users Sick

A flurry of complaints show that some iPhone and iPad users who upgraded to the latest operating system are physically feeling worse for wear. 

After upgrading Apple devices to the latest operating system, iOS 7, users have reported feeling physically ill because of navigation animations. A number of users have taken to Apple forums to complain about the new OS update, saying that zoom and motion effects have resulted in nausea, headaches, hurting eyes, dizziness and motion sickness. 

One user associated animations with car sickness, and others -- after using their Apple mobile devices for no more than a few minutes and feeling sick as a result -- chose to downgrade their operating systems.

Credit:

ZDNet.com

Apple Updates iMac

Apple® announced, on Sep 24, the updated iMac® with fourth generation Intel quad-core processors, new graphics, next generation Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options. The updated iMac brings the latest technology to the stunningly thin design and gorgeous display of the world’s leading all-in-one desktop.

“iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage.”

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation.

Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

For pricing and the rest of the story, click HERE.

7 Best New Features Of iOS 7 - part 4

6. Smart mailboxes

Another welcome Mail enhancement is the addition of predefined smart mailboxes, such as Unread, All Drafts, and Attachments. You can display any or all of these mailboxes, which show aliases to messages that meet their respective criteria, and you can order these mailboxes in the mailbox pane as you see fit. Now you can see in one place just your unread mail or find all the drafts you had saved across your mail accounts.

You can also add mailbox folders to the mailbox list, saving you the step of drilling to the Accounts section, then navigating to those folders each time. It's great for mail folders you use frequently.

7. iCloud Keychain

iCloud Keychain does two things you'll appreciate. One is that it can save credit card information entered on websites, so you don't have to keep reentering that data. (Relax: You still need to enter the CVV code, as iCloud Keychain intentionally does not retain that verification code.)

The other is that your saved passwords and credit cards are synced across your Macs and iOS devices if they're signed into the same iCloud account and have iCloud Keychain enabled. Apple has added extra verification to protect iCloud Keychain data, so another user would need more than your iCloud sign-in information to enable it. Use the Safari controls in the Settings app to manage the saved passwords and credit cards.


Credit:
infoworld.com

7 Best New Features Of iOS 7 - part 3

4. Driving directions from OS X

OS X Mavericks adopts iOS's Maps app, which can send maps and driving directions from your Mac to your iOS device. They show up in the iOS Maps app, ready for you to follow while driving or walking, and they remain in your bookmarked directions for access later if needed.


5. More email management

The Mail app in iOS 7 has several changes that make for easier use. One is the new set of options that appear when you flick to the left over a message or select messages and tap More for both iPad and iPhone. When you flick, you get the More button in addition to the Trash button, and from More you get the options in the message view's Mark and Move controls. When you select multiple messages, tap Mark to get your options. The Move to Trash option is very handy.

Also handy: When you tap Edit in the message list but select no messages, the Mark button becomes Mark All, to quickly flag or mark as read all of a mailbox's messages.


In part 4, of this 4 four part series, I'll bring you the final two Best New Features.

Credit:
infoworld.com

7 Best New Features Of iOS 7 - part 2

2. Timer in the lock screen

The timer in the included Clock app is very handy, such as to get alerts about parking meters about to expire. But until iOS 7, if your iPhone was locked, you had to unlock it and go to the app to see how much time you had left. Now, the countdown displays in the lock screen, and you can dismiss the timer alert sound there as well.

(Read about the Control Center Lockscreen Flaw two posts below.)


3. Today view in the Notification Center

The Notification Center has been expanded in iOS 7 to add two panes: Missed, showing only alerts and messages not already seen, and Today, which shows you the weather, a snapshot of your calendar, and optionally, your tracked stocks and a summary of tomorrow's day. It's a very handy way to see what's shaping up right now.


In part 3, of this 4 four part series, I'll bring you two more Best New Features.

Credit:
infoworld.com

7 Best New Features Of iOS 7 - part 1

Switching to iOS 7 is a shock. It looks really, really different, and some apps -- Photos, especially -- work very differently. It may take you a month to make the mental adjustment to iOS 7, but when you do iOS 6 will feel passé. Once you get past the new UI, you should discover some very useful capabilities. And a few stumbles, like the harder-to-find-and-use local search on Web pages.

There are a couple dozen new features worth your while, including automatic app updates, shared browser links in Safari, and more detailed feedback from Siri (which can now be male or female). Here, I'll display the 7 most compelling ones.

1. Control Center

Android's quick access to commonly used functions through its notifications tray is a boon, especially in Samsung's feature-laden version. Now, iOS 7 makes using common features easy, and it doesn't mix them with notifications. Swipe up from the bottom to open the Control Center to access Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and Rotation Lock or Mute (whichever the physical side switch is not set to). You also control playback of music, videos, and podcasts, as well as manage AirPlay.

There are also quick access buttons to the Camera and Clock apps on all iOS devices, plus the Calculator app and new LED flashlight on iPhones. If you have an iOS device with a Lightning connector, you can set up AirDrop file-sharing feature here.

(Read about the Control Center Lockscreen Flaw in the post below.)


In part 2, of this 4 four part series, I'll bring you two more Best New Features.

Credit:
infoworld.com

Apple Working On Fix For iOS 7 Lockscreen Bypass Flaw

Apple says it will fix an embarrassing security flaw on its new iOS 7 software which hackers showed can bypass the lockscreen and access personal data.

The flaw, discovered within hours of iOS 7 becoming publicly available, can be exploited on the iPhone 4S and 5 and gives access to personal data including email, photos, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr. It is exploited via the Control Center function, which is found by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. That offers access to the phone user's alarms, a calculator, and the camera, as well as frequently-used settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Airplane mode.

The flaw appears not to affect the iPhone 5S and 5C.

From the alarms screen, a hacker can use a combination of button presses to access the multitasking manager, bypassing the lockscreen. That offers access to some user data including photos, email, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr accounts. An intruder can email or delete photos, send tweets, read and make Facebook posts and messages, and send text messages, though not read email.

"Apple takes user security very seriously," an Apple spokesman said. "We are aware of this issue, and will deliver a fix in a future software update."

Typically, Apple has taken at least two weeks to fix such flaws when they have been found.

"This is yet another embarrassing example of Apple's lax approach to iOS security," says Graham Cluley, an independent security expert. "I can remember at least two or three other recent occasions where Apple has been shown to be sloppy when it comes to security in past revisions of its mobile operating system."

Security flaws have been found previously in Apple's iOS mobile operating system on both the iPhone 4 in 2010 and the iPad in 2011 that had to be fixed by a security update.

The vulnerability relies on the hacker having physical access to the phone and cannot be executed remotely.

"It's only a potential problem if your phone gets stolen," said Cluley. "It's a bit of palaver to execute, and if a hacker has access to your phone not even a secure four-digit PIN lock will prevent them getting into the phone by hooking it up to a computer, as it only takes 10,000 combinations before they can access the phone."

He added: "I don't think it's disastrous, but it's certainly embarrassing yet again."

Until Apple releases a fix for the security issue, iPhone owners can protect themselves by disabling access to 'Control Center' via the lockscreen in the Settings app.

Credit:
theguardian.com

Never Mind The iPhone, Here's iOS 7

The hoopla over the iPhone introductions may have been misplaced -- it's the release of the new Apple mobile operating system that deserves the fanfare.

iOS 7 provides a bigger change to the mobile user experience than a gold-colored shell or a fingerprint-reading Home button ever can. And uptake of the new OS has been fast and furious. In less than 24 hours after release, it already had a higher adoption rate than Google's latest Android "Jelly Bean" OS, which launched in July.

Those who have yet to make the plunge may want to have a look at the handy list of six key things to do before you tap Download (in the post below). And iPhone users who have already upgraded might be surprised by how new their favorite apps look. Galen Gruman warns that "switching to iOS 7 is a shock: It looks really, really different, and some apps -- Photos, especially -- work very differently. ... [But] once you get past the new UI, you should discover some very useful capabilities."

Some analysts have even speculated that iOS 7's new look could act initially to dampen new iPhone sales; people may be tempted to put off a new purchase because the software makes it feel like they already got a new phone. Features like iTunes Radio and enhancements to the Camera and Photos apps will appeal to consumers, but there are major advances for enterprise users as well.

But changes present a big challenge for developers, who have been scrambling to rework their apps for iOS 7. The significantly changed user interface -- in particular the "flatter" design that puts content first -- can make existing apps not specifically designed for iOS 7 look out of place.

"The biggest thing [developers] need to worry about is making sure their apps are targeted for iOS 7," advises Ravi Bhatt, CEO of software developer Branchfire. "iOS 7 is an opportunity to make pretty cool transformative changes." And the worst thing an iOS developer could do is "to just treat [the changes] like eye candy," Bhatt said. Both iOS and the Mac's OS X will eventually feel the same, he points out. "That's the direction we're headed. You can see it."

Take a look at a test-drive of the iOS 7 beta (video below), with its new folder behavior, modified search, Control Center, multitasking, and more. Note: In the final version, wallpaper and ringtone choices have been greatly expanded.

Credit:
infoworld.com

6 Key Things To Do Before Downloading iOS 7

There are endless blog posts and debates on when and whether and how to update iOS 7. Here are some steps suggested by Mike Reed, a solutions engineer who works with enterprise customers for MobileIron, a mobile device management vendor.

1. Update all your iOS apps first. Even if you don't see a badge on the app store, check it. Some users report seeing a growing flood of app updates starting Tuesday.

2. Back up your device, twice. Through iTunes or to iCloud. "If you have to restore your device, you're going to want to be able to restore the app data, which is part of what's backed up," Reed says. "Without a backup, you can get the apps but any local data is gone." Apple's web page on iOS backup and restore is HERE.

3. List all of your passwords, for apps and services. "You're likely to get prompted for passwords for some apps and services again," says Reed. "Make sure you know them or that you can get to a web site for the app and be able to check your email for confirmation to change them if needed."

4. Have the latest version of iTunes. You should have the newest iTunes software if you plan to back up your iOS device to iTunes or decide to install iOS 7 from iTunes. The latest version is 11.0.5.

5. Be ready to go without your iOS device for a day. If you start the update and it fails, you may get "stuck in a restore and it could take quite a while to resolve," Reed cautions. If you're going to need your iPhone or iPad, hold off on the update for a while.

6. Be ready for a slow download. "Everyone in the world will be hammering Apple's akamized server to get updates," Reed says. "It's likely to be slow going immediately after the release..."

Credit:

text - infoworld.com

Can I Update My iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch To iOS 7?

The new iOS 7 can be installed for free on some older devices.

At a recent press event, Apple CEO Tim Cook said there were 600 million devices running iOS. Just because you have a year-old iPhone 5 doesn't mean you can't freshen it up with the latest operating system. Look for your device below to see whether it is eligible.

• iPhone (original): No

• iPhone 3G: No

• iPhone 3GS: No

• iPhone 4: Yes. Does not include AirDrop, Siri or camera filters (you can add filters later in the photos app).

• iPhone 4S: Yes. No AirDrop.

• iPhone 5: Yes. Includes all new iOS 7 features.

• iPod Touch: Only the 5th-generation iPod Touch can upgrade but will include all new iOS 7 features.

• iPad (original): No

• iPad 2: Yes. No AirDrop, Siri, camera filters or square format, or Photos app filters.

• iPad 3rd generation: Yes. No AirDrop or camera filters.

• iPad 4th generation: Yes

• iPad Mini: Yes

Some of the cooler new features you may have heard about, like the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and the new camera tools -- slow-motion, burst mode and image-stabilization -- are available only on the new iPhone 5S.

Can You Do This With Your iPad?

During the Sept. 18 Computer Club meeting Alan Marcus displayed an amazing 3min and 24sec video.

You'll want to move to Stockholm after you see this ingenious presentation. Two magicians use iPads and illusions to plug the Swedish capital.

Credit:

some text and video link - Kim Kamando

iOS 7 Available Starting Wednesday, 9-18

On Tuesday, 9-10, Apple® announced that iOS 7, featuring a completely redesigned stunning new user interface, will be available starting Wednesday, September 18 to iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch® users as a free software update.

iOS 7 has hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop®, enhanced Photos, Safari®, Siri® and introduces iTunes Radio℠, a free Internet radio service based on the music you listen to on iTunes®. In addition, iOS 7 has been engineered with deep technical and design integration with both iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.

“iOS 7 is completely redesigned with an entirely new user interface and over 200 new features, so it’s like getting a brand new device, but one that will still be instantly familiar to our users,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Next month we’ll be shipping our 700 millionth iOS device, and we’re excited about what our hundreds of thousands of iOS developers are doing to bring great new features to their apps.” Read more HERE.

Apple Introduces The iPhone 5c

Yesterday, 9-10, Apple® introduced the iPhone® 5c, featuring an all-new design, packed with incredible features in five gorgeous colors—blue, green, pink, yellow and white. 

iPhone 5c is built on a foundation of features people know and love like the beautiful 4-inch Retina® display, blazing fast performance of the A6 chip, and the 8 megapixel iSight® camera—all while delivering great battery life. 

iPhone 5c comes with more LTE bands than any other smartphone in the world, a new FaceTime® HD camera, and iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone. Read more HERE.

iPhone 5s Announced Today

Apple® today announced iPhone® 5s, the most forward-thinking iPhone yet, featuring an all-new A7 chip, making iPhone 5s the world’s first smartphone with 64-bit desktop-class architecture for blazing fast performance in the palm of your hand. 

iPhone 5s redefines the best smartphone experience in the world with amazing new features all packed into a remarkable thin and light design, including an all-new 8 megapixel iSight® camera with True Tone flash and introducing Touch ID™, an innovative way to simply and securely unlock your phone with just the touch of a finger. 

iPhone 5s comes with iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone, engineered for 64-bit technology and featuring hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop®, enhanced Photos, Safari®, Siri® and iTunes Radio℠. Read more HERE.

New iPad Owner

During tax free weekend I purchased a new iPad. I already own an iPhone so didn't expect any problems. But I don't get any text messages on my iPad. Why is that?

Apple To Unveil New iPhone September 10?

That's what sources tell All Things Digital. 

Come September 10, the current iPhone rumor season will end and a new one will begin. That's because that's the day Apple will unveil the next incarnation of its iconic device -- that is, if All Things D's unnamed sources have it right. 

ATD's Ina Fried reported the date late Saturday, August 10, adding that the unveiling of Apple's Mac OS X, aka Mavericks, isn't expected at the purported September 10 event, and that there's no indication that an Apple television or smartwatch project is "close to debuting".

Credit:

Cnet.com

Obama Vetoes Ban On Older Apple Products

The Obama administration has vetoed a product ban on older Apple devices that was proposed by the U.S. International Trade Commission in June. Apple was found guilty of infringing a Samsung wireless patent, and the ITC declared a sales ban on iOS devices older than the iPhone 4S and third-gen iPad.

 Trade Representative Michael Froman issued the veto for the executive branch today, marking the first time a presidential administration has vetoed a product ban by the ITC since 1987. 

The only devices that were truly affected by the ban were the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4, since Apple still sells those models. They likely won’t be sold for much longer anyway, but the president’s decision to veto supports Apple’s argument that the ITC’s proposed ban was unjustified.

 “We applaud the Administration for standing up for innovation in this landmark case,” said Apple in a statement to AllThingsD. “Samsung was wrong to abuse the patent system in this way.” Samsung said it was “disappointed” in the veto and that Apple was unwilling to license the patent.

Credit:

cultofmac.com

Delicious Monster!!!

Do you have an large book, or movie collection?  How about keeping track of all your gadgets, tools or basically anything that Amazon carries? Do you like exciting new gadgets? Well do I have a program for you!!

I have used Delicious Library for years to track my Blu-Rays, DVD's , Books and more!  This powerful program has it all!

Video Barcode Scanning, Generation 4

Delicious Library pioneered the technology for scanning barcodes with a computer’s built-in camera. We have spawned a raft of imitators, but do not be fooled! Our barcode algorithm, derived from an algorithm developed by Belgian astronomers, works through image deconvolution, using the vector processor to re-focus the out-of-focus image. Yup, you’ve seen image deconvolution in Photoshop’s “unsharp mask,” but that filter suffers from aliasing artifacts that make it unusable for barcode scanning. Lame! Gen 4 is multi-threaded, uses GCD, runs on iOS devices, and is precisely one bazillion times faster and more accurate.

Oh and if you get the program don't forget to get the iPhone app!  With that you can use your phone to scan the barcodes on your movies and books right on the SHELF!!! 

Delicious Library allows you to categorize pretty much your entire life and keep a running inventory of virtually anything you own. This can include books, movies, music, games, gadgets, and more. With built-in Amazon support, you can find virtually anything to add to your library or just scan bar codes in order to add items. Friends that use Delicious Library can view your library and you can use it to track who you've loaned things to and when you'd like them back.

A lot of us have extensive collections of something or another. Delicious Library can help you not only keep a running inventory of everything but also track who you've loaned things too. There have been too many occasions that I've loaned out box sets or books and then forgot who I've loaned them to and more often than not, don't get them back. Delicious Library solves that problem.

When it comes to sharing libraries, you can either add friends solely for the reason of keeping track what you've loaned or to view other Delicious Library user's libraries. In order to share your library you'll have to publish it somewhere. For most of us, that'll probably be to Dropbox. Once it's in your public folder, you can then share that URL with your friends to view your library.

If you ever have items that you own get stolen, Delicious Library can also help you generate forms for insurance claims that you can easily print based on their value. As far as value goes, Delicious Library can give you an overview based on what your entire library is currently worth and what you paid for it. You can then also break it down into subsections to view worth for individual categories. You can also change attributes on individual items based on new, used, rare, and other options.

Try it for free, if you love it buy it!  Thats what I did YEARS ago (version 1)  They are now on V3 and it requires OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. 

Check it out here :  http://www.delicious-monster.com/

I don't think you will be disappointed!  By the way, I use to own a Windows computer before I found this little gem a few years ago.  It helped me decide to switch to a Mac!!!!

If you try it and love it, post a comment. Heck if you hate it post that too.

True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.

Apple Reports Third Quarter Results

Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2013 third quarter ended June 29, 2013. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $35.3 billion and quarterly net profit of $6.9 billion, or $7.47 per diluted share. 

These results compare to revenue of $35 billion and net profit of $8.8 billion, or $9.32 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 36.9 percent compared to 42.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 57 percent of the quarter’s revenue. 

The Company sold 31.2 million iPhones, a record for the June quarter, compared to 26 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple also sold 14.6 million iPads during the quarter, compared to 17 million in the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 3.8 million Macs, compared to 4 million in the year-ago quarter. 

Apple’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $3.05 per share of .... read more HERE.

Apple could integrate projectors directly into iOS devices

Your future iPhone or iPad could come with its own projector.

Granted to Apple on Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a patent called "Projected display shared workspaces" envisions a technology that would integrate small projectors into iOS devices and give users the ability to control their presentations with gestures.

The technology would rely on the built-in camera to detect the shadows and silhouettes created through gesturing at the projected areas. The projector technology also could work among multiple displays from multiple devices. Again using gestures, users could share and swap images from one projected display to another.

As the patent describes it:

In one embodiment, electronic devices each may include a projector that produces a projected display and a camera that detects gestures made with respect to the projected displays. The electronic devices may interpret gestures on the projected displays to identify image sharing commands for sharing images between the projected displays. The electronic devices may be connected through a communication link that allows the electronic devices to share image data for producing images on any of the projected displays included within the shared workspace.

There are gadgets on the market right now that can turn your iPhone into a mini projector. But Apple's integrated invention could take the technology a few steps further with its gesture-based image-sharing features.

Isn't technology amazing! 

Safari And Secure Websites

I was asked a question today about doing online banking from your iPad, "How do you know it's secure since the 'https' doesn't show in the address bar. Here's the answer.

When you go to a secure (encrypted) website the Safari browser tab will show a tiny lock symbol to the right of the site's name. If the text and lock icon are gray then the site has a standard digital identity certificate. If the tab text and lock icon are green then the site has an Extended Validation (EV) certificate.

The EV certificate requires more extensive identity verification from the website so it's better, more secure, when you see the green.

iPad Digital Audio/Video Adapter

The item we use during our classes to project the screen of the iPad onto the Big Screen is called a Digital A/V Adapter. This device will "mirror" exactly what you see on the iPad. With the adapter you can connect to a projector or your wide screen TV.

Your TV needs to have one available HDMI port and you'll have to buy an HDMI cable of the proper length. The adapter will also allow you to hook up your charging cable if the battery is low on your iPad.

The adapter we use in class is part number MD098ZM/A and works with iPad2 or iPad3. The iPad4 uses a different connector (called lightning) and requires a different adapter. That part number is MD826ZM/A. Both devices support mirroring!

Apple sells these adapters for $39 and $49. You can view more info on the first one HERE and the second one HERE. You should also be able to find them at Amazon, Best Buy, Staples and Walmart, to name a few. The HDMI cables vary widely in price. At our local stores they are very expensive. I shopped on Amazon and got one for less than half the local price.

Besides class, I also use the adapter to stream TV shows, play movies, look at photos and display any other content I wish from my iPad onto my 60 inch HDTV. You can too!

iPad, Moving Photos From One Album To Another

In the Photos app you don't really move photos between albums. What you have to do is copy the photos to the new album and then delete them from the original album. Here's the procedure:

 1. Open the Photos app
 2. Tap 'Albums'
 3. Tap the Album where the photos are currently located
 4. Tap 'Edit'
 5. Tap the photos you want to move (blue check mark shows)
 6. Tap 'Share'
 7. Tap 'Copy'
 8. Tap 'Albums'
 9. Tap the destination Album
10. Tap on a blank area
11. Tap 'Paste'
12. Tap 'Albums'
13. Tap the original Album
14. Tap 'Edit'
15. Tap the photos you just moved (blue check mark shows)
16. Tap 'Remove'
17. Tap 'Remove from Album'

As is often the case when computing, there is another way to move photos. I will show you that method, which is similar, at our next class. For now, learn and practice the above method. It helps you develop skills required to do other tasks on your iPad.

iPad, Rename An Album In The 'Photos' App

On the iPad you can rename an album in your Photos app quite easily. Here's how:

1. Open the Photos app

2. Tap 'Albums'

3. Tap 'Edit'

4. Tap the name of the album

5. Choose either method:

• To correct a name, tap within the name and use the keyboard backspace X to delete the unwanted letter/s. Then type the new letter/s and tap the keyboard done.   -OR-
• To delete the whole name, tap the X next to the name. Then type the new name and tap the keyboard done.

6. If you have no more albums to rename tap the blue 'Done'

There's Not Really An App For This!

Here's a little humor from a friend's blog, Chatty Crone.

I was visiting my niece last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper. "This is the 21st century", she said, "I don't waste money on newspapers. Here, use my iPad." 

I can tell you this ……… that fly never knew what hit him.

Apple Unveils iOS 7

Apple® today unveiled iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone®, featuring a stunning new user interface. iOS 7 is completely redesigned with subtle motion, an elegant color palette and distinct, functional layers that make it feel more alive. The typography has been refined for a cleaner, simpler look, and the use of translucency and motion makes even simple tasks more engaging. iOS 7 has hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop®, enhanced Photos, Safari®, Siri® and introduces iTunes Radio™, a free Internet radio service based on the music you listen to on iTunes®.

“iOS 7 is the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “To create it, we brought together a team with a broad range of expertise from design to engineering. With what we’ve been able to achieve together, we see iOS 7 as an exciting new beginning.”

“There is a profound and enduring beauty in simplicity, in clarity, in efficiency. True simplicity is derived from so much more than just the absence of clutter and ornamentation—it’s about bringing order to complexity,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “iOS 7 is a clear representation of these goals. It has a whole new structure that is coherent and applied across the entire system.”

iOS 7 is completely redesigned with an entirely new user interface, but will be instantly familiar to the hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad® and iPod touch® users around the world. The new interface actually makes your phone appear bigger because everything is designed to take advantage of the entire screen. The redesigned fonts look amazing on the Retina® display, creating even sharper text.

Read the rest of the story .... HERE
See how iOS 7 looks .... HERE

"iPad Email and Photos" Class, 6-21

The "iPad Email and Photos" class will be held Friday, 6-21, at 3PM in the Orchid Club. You must be registered to attend this class. Registration instructions are on the ORHA website HERE. Please read ALL the information and then register by email.

If you registered for or attended any of the previous iPad classes you will have gotten an email notification for the 6-21 class by now. Please reply to the email if you plan to attend the class.

If we don't have enough responses we will have to postpone or drop the class. Reply no later than  6-17.

Computer Club June Meeting

On Wednesday, June 19th, at 9:00AM our very own Apple Users Group guru, Richard Bambridge, will be the guest speaker at the Oak Run Computer Club's June meeting.

Richard will discuss "All Things Apple", iPads, iPhones, iTunes, Macs, etc. Generous time will be devoted to answering questions about Apple products. Mark your calender.

App Store Marks Historic 50 Billionth Download

Apple® today announced that customers have downloaded over 50 billion apps* from the revolutionary App Store℠. Customers are downloading more than 800 apps per second at a rate of over two billion apps per month on the App Store. The 50 billionth app was Say the Same Thing by Space Inch, LLC, which was downloaded by Brandon Ashmore from Mentor, Ohio who received a $10,000 App Store Gift Card to commemorate this historic milestone.

“Apple would like to thank our incredible customers and developers for topping 50 billion apps downloaded,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “The App Store completely transformed how people use their mobile devices and created a thriving app ecosystem that has paid out over nine billion dollars to developers. We’re absolutely floored to cross this milestone in less than five years.”

The App Store opened in July 2008 with 500 apps. Since its introduction, Apple’s incredible developer community has created an app for doing almost everything imaginable on an iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®. 

Read the rest of the story HERE.

iPad Class Photos

Here's a few photos from one of our recent iPad classes.

(select any image to enlarge)

  

  

iTunes U Content Tops One Billion Downloads

On Feb 28, 2013, Apple® announced that iTunes U® content downloads have topped one billion. iTunes U features the world’s largest online catalog of free educational content from top schools and prominent libraries, museums and organizations helping educators create courses including lectures, assignments, books, quizzes and more for iOS users around the world.

“It’s inspiring to see what educators and students of all types are doing with iTunes U,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “With the incredible content offered on iTunes U, students can learn like never before―there are now iTunes U courses with more than 250,000 students enrolled in them, which is a phenomenal shift in the way we teach and learn.”

More than 1,200 universities and colleges, and 1,200 K-12 schools and districts host over 2,500 public and thousands of private courses encompassing the arts, sciences, health and medicine, education, business and more. Leading universities including Duke, Yale, Cambridge, MIT and Oxford continue to extend their reach by enrolling more than 100,000 students in single iTunes U courses, with Stanford University and The Open University each surpassing 60 million content downloads. The Ohio State University’s Matthew “Dr. Fus” Stoltzfus’ General Chemistry course enrolled over 100,000 iTunes U students in the first year it was offered.

“The interest my iTunes U course receives from non-college students is overwhelming,” said Professor Stoltzfus. “I’ve been working with high school teachers who use my iTunes U material to prepare to teach their own classes, high school students all over the world who are leveraging the course to tutor their fellow classmates, even retirees who download my iTunes U course to stay intellectually active.”

Story continues HERE.

"iPad Apps & Safari" class

The "iPad Apps & Safari" class will be held Friday, Mar 22, at 3PM in the Orchid Club. You must be registered to attend this class. Registration instructions are on the ORHA website HERE. Please read ALL the information and then register by email. Be sure to bring your checkbook (preferred) or cash if you have not already paid your tuition or are not a 2013 Computer Club member.

If you registered for or attended the previous iPad class you will have gotten an email notification for the Mar 22 class by now. You don't have to email me, just come to class.

Apple Updates Processors And Prices Of MacBook Pro

Apple® announced on February 13, 2013, that it is making the MacBook Pro® with Retina® display faster and more affordable with updated processors and lower starting prices. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now starts at $1,499 for 128GB of flash, and $1,699 for a new 2.6 GHz processor and 256GB of flash. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features a faster 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, and the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook comes with a new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of memory. Apple today also announced that the 13-inch MacBook Air® with 256GB of flash has a new lower price of $1,399.

The MacBook Pro with Retina display features the world’s highest resolution notebook display. Whether you’re reading emails, writing text, editing home movies in HD or retouching professional photography, everything appears vibrant, detailed and sharp, delivering an unrivaled viewing experience. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features flash storage that is up to four times faster than traditional notebook hard drives, and delivers improved reliability, instant-on responsiveness and up to 30 days of standby time.

Read the entire story HERE.

Statement By Apple, 2-7-13

By early last year, Apple’s cash balance had built to a point beyond what we needed to run our business and maintain flexibility to take advantage of strategic opportunities, so we announced a plan to return $45 billion to shareholders over three years. As of next week we will have executed $10 billion of that plan.

We find ourselves in the fortunate position of continuing to generate large amounts of cash, including $23 billion in cash flow from operations in the last quarter alone.

Apple’s management team and Board of Directors have been in active discussions about returning additional cash to shareholders. As part of our review, we will ......... story continues HERE.