Tim Cook: Mobile Payments ‘One of the Thoughts’ Behind Touch ID
During Apple’s earnings call today, CEO Tim Cook indicated that mobile payments were one of the driving forces behind the company’s decision to introduce Touch ID with the iPhone 5s.
The mobile payments area in general is one that we’ve been intrigued with. It was one of the thoughts behind Touch ID.
Cook went on to say that people love being able to buy digital content from their iPhones using Touch ID, because it’s “incredibly simple and easy and elegant.”
He added that while Apple is not planning on limiting Touch ID to digital purchases, the company had nothing to specific to announce today, mobile payments are an opportunity that Apple has been “intrigued with” and there is a “big opportunity on the platform.”
Tim Cook’s comments on mobile payments follow a report last week that suggested Apple is currently working on developing a new mobile payment service that will allow the company to handle payments for physical goods and services in the future.
While Apple currently limits iTunes accountholders to using their stored credit card information for purchases on Apple’s online and retail stores through the Apple Store app, iTunes, and the App Store, stored information could be used in the future for other types of payments with Touch ID technology used to speed up and authenticate real world purchases.
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iPhone 5s Demand Higher Than Expected, Took Time to ‘Build the Mix’ Customers Wanted
Today’s earning’s call revealed that Apple saw lower than expected iPhone 5c sales in the United States, primarily because iPhone 5s sales exceeded Apple’s projections.
While Apple did not break down sales between individual iPhone models, the company did indicate that the iPhone 5c ended up representing a smaller mix of iPhone sales than anticipated.
According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, its iPhone sales growth in North America were not as high as that seen in other countries partially because Apple underestimated demand for the iPhone 5s, with the iPhone mix being “different than we thought.” He also mentioned changes to domestic carrier upgrade plans as a partial reason for weaker-than-expected iPhone sales in the U.S.
The company expected a more balanced demand between the flagship iPhone 5s and the mid-tier plastic iPhone 5c, but actually saw a stronger preference than projected for the 5s, possibly due to a high interest in Touch ID.
It took us some time in order to build the mix that customers were demanding. As a result, we lost some units for part of the quarter in North America.
Cook said that it took Apple the better part of the quarter to get the iPhone into supply/demand balance as a result of the unexpected demand for the iPhone 5s, which was in short supply for several months following its release.
While Apple has not revealed how many iPhone 5c devices it has sold, multiple reports suggested that the phone was seeing poor sales compared to the iPhone 5s, with the 5s outselling the 5c by a two-to-one margin. Shortly after the phones were introduced, Apple cut iPhone 5c production while ramping up iPhone 5s production to meet customer demand.
Apple today reported record sales of 51 million iPhones in the quarter, up from 47.8 million in the same time period last year.
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What folder background image do you use in Nova Launcher?
Tinkering, theming and changing our devices home screen have only become easier over the years. Custom home replacements, icon developers, creative apps like UCCW and Zooper all offer up some pretty amazing ways to make the look and feel of our devices unique. It is because of these apps and the creative genius of an ever growing community, that nearly every aspect of our devices can be toggled without hackery. While a lot of things are handed out on a silver platter to users, there are still a few things that require a decent amount of searching to find.
Over the weekend I started to play about with my set up, just a little. I figured it would be about time to make my screens look just a little different. I use Nova Launcher Prime, like many of you out there do. I installed some new icon packs, a couple new widgets to toy with and decided it was about time to change the folder icon that is on the screen. While Nova has a few basic folder background icons built in, I wanted something a bit more interesting. Not being very image creative myself, I went out looking for Nova folder backgrounds. It was a little harder than I thought it would be to find some. That doesn’t mean I came up empty handed though.
I came across a post on RootzWiki from nearly a two years ago that had exactly what I was looking for. RW member jaydotelloh created 18 various folder background images for easy download and use. There are a number of colored rings to choose from. As an added kick there are is also Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and Captain America images as well. Here, take a look;
They look pretty good don’t they? Check out how a few look on my Xperia Z.
If you like them and would like to pick them up, head over to jaydotelloh’s thread on RootzWiki. They are packed in a zip file that you will have to extract to use them. Do you guys have any others that you have picked up over the years that you use and love? Let everyone know where they can find them in the comments or on our G+ page.
In case you have no idea how to change the folder background it is pretty simple. Follow these steps –
- Go to Nova Settings
- Tap “Folders“
- Tap “Folder Background“
- Tap “Custom“
- Select where the folder image is, Album is usually the easiest.
- Select the image you want and you are done.
Samsung changes tune, a software bug did break 3rd party Compatibility
Four days ago a story spread across the web that pointed fingers at Samsung for breaking 3rd party accessory compatibility on the Note 3. The update in question was the Android 4.4 KitKat update that was pushed for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The accessory primarily in question was a flip view cover case manufactured by Spigen. Now it would seem that Samsung is fully taking responsibility.
Originally Samsung’s response to the information included this sentence:
A correlation between the Android version 4.4 and the supposed incompatibility of third-party accessories does not exist.
Just 4 days later, it would seem that they were mistaken. It is now apparent that a “software bug” is to blame for the issue and they will be issuing a software update shortly.
We have currently identified a software compatibility issue with the Galaxy Note 3 update to Android 4.4 (KitKat) and select 3rd party accessories. A software update will be available shortly. We are committed to offering a diverse and reliable mobile experience for all customers, providing continued support and solutions for any issues that arise with product updates for both Samsung manufactured and third-party accessories.
Quite the turnaround Samsung. While we would fully understand why they would and still might choose to drop some of the compatibility of 3rd party companies, it isn’t necessarily good practice to do it without warning. It has been rumored for sometime that Samsung will be utilizing a proprietary chip and license out the tech to 3rd party companies to help ensure quality and user experience control. Much like Apple does.
Regardless if there was actually a software bug, or if Samsung watched how much bad press they got from it and changed their minds, it is nice to see a resolution underway.
Source: Arstechnica
Img via Spigen
A Buyers Guide To Digital TV Aerials: Indoor Or Outdoor?
As more of us choose to either dial down our TV time in favour of more ‘active’ lifestyles or migrate from traditional television, over to the glamour of Netflix, satellite and cable television subscriptions are being cancelled left, right and centre – with good reason too. Why would you want to pay more per month for channels you never have the time or inclination to watch than you do for your water and electric combined?
If you’re thinking of ‘cutting the cord’ though and moving back into the world of terrestrial television, you might have forgotten exactly what is required for a terrestrial setup. In short you’re going to need an aerial in order to pick up a Freeview, digital TV signal and if you’ve spent a significant amount of years on a satellite or cable television plan, your (until now barely used) aerial might either have stopped working or have been removed to make way for a satellite dish that will soon be little more than an expensive and ugly tumour on your homestead.
So you might need to start considering the purchase of a new aerial in order to pick up a terrestrial signal and start enjoying television on a non-subscription basis. You might need to fork out a little for the aerial itself, but depending on your current package, you could be making long term savings in the thousands!
Indoor
Contrary to popular belief, indoor aerials are actually quite common. Usually it will be installed in an attic space, so as to be as high above ground as feasibly possible. Indoor aerials are significantly easier to install than their outdoor counterparts and as they won’t be exposed to the elements (wind, rain, snow, sun etc.) they should also last quite a bit longer. There are downsides to opting for an interior aerial though. The major disadvantage is in the signal. As its being shielded by a roof, walls and insulation, the signal that actually reaches the antenna will be far weaker than it would be if the device was outside. This might result in a slightly less clear signal and more frequent problems such as freezes, stutters, static or (in some cases) loss of signal altogether.
You’re more likely to have better luck with indoor aerial installation if your home is located closer to a town or city centre, where most digital TV transmitters are located. If you wish to find out how far your home is from your nearest transmitter there are numerous websites online that will allow you to enter your postcode so you can see for yourself. This (more than anything else) should be the primary deciding factor on whether or not you even consider going with an interior aerial.
It should be worth noting that it is however, possible to purchase an ‘amplified’ interior aerial that will have been designed specifically to be used in an attic space and will more than likely require an electrical socket. You can also fit signal boosters on your digital TV receiver, which will help substantially.
Outdoor
The traditional, roof mounted aerial is generally cheaper and will result in a far clearer and more consistent TV signal but there are many obvious drawbacks. For one thing exposure to the elements could lead to occasional signal loss during poor weather and there is even the (slightly less likely) chance that a bird or rogue frisbee/football/tennis ball could strike and damage it. The one overwhelming factor that will put the majority of the DIY shy amongst us off though is the fact that it will require some relatively risky installation.
If you’re not 100% comfortable and confident with heights and have never attempted anything quite so potentially dangerous before then we seriously recommend you hire a professional to do it for you, but installing your own outdoor aerial is (in theory) not an insurmountable task, as long as you have the right tools and someone to help you and keep you safe. There are hundreds of tutorials online that you could use but you might want to be a little more thorough with your research than just checked a few web pages before you take the plunge.
You should find that with an outdoor aerial installed, tuning your digital receiver should be a lot easier and that your TV Reception should be a lot stronger. Be careful when placing it though to keep it away from trees, bushes or other potential hazards that could block the signal in any way or damage the aerial itself.
Is My Current Aerial Good Enough Already?
Though the majority of old fashioned ‘analogue’ aerials should be able to pick up a digital signal (especially if you live in close proximity to your nearest transmitter), there are still many that will struggle. If your aerial has a more ‘dish’ like look (half way between an antenna and a satellite dish) then it will have been built in the ‘post digital’ era and will be perfectly suited to picking up a clear digital signal. If it looks more like the old fashioned ‘rod’ design though, you might need to replace it. You don’t know until you try though so don’t make your decision until you’ve tried tuning your TV using whatever aerial you currently have installed. If the signal strength is less than 40%, it might be time to consider a change.
Bob Emerald recently installed his own outdoor aerial with surprisingly little bother. Though his dad might have helped a little
Samsung ‘Galaxy Glass’ will be launched in September?
We all love Google Glass, don’t we? It’s a great innovation by Google, and a gadget of future. Recently, we learned that Samsung will launch their very own wearable glasses, and it seems it’s getting closer. Now according to Korea Times, Samsung will launch the ‘Galaxy Glass’ in September at the IFA trade show. 
This design is of a type [of glasses] with earphones integrated, allowing [users] to take phone calls and listen to music during workouts,” the October patent filing revealed. It will have the ability to connect with smartphones and display notifications through the eyepiece, and the lens is transparent or translucent, the filing further stated.
We learned that Samsung and Google signed a global patent license agreement, hence they will have access to each other patents. Also, Samsung will have access to Google’s Glass patents, which means that we can expect the Galaxy Glass to be something like the original Glass. Back in October, Samsung also filed for a patent for wearable glasses.
If Samsung is jumping into this, I am sure we will see several other technology brands launching ‘smart glasses’ as well. What do you think about it? Tell us in the comment box below.
Source: Korea Times
The post Samsung ‘Galaxy Glass’ will be launched in September? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
whitelabel SoundDew speaker review
Are you an adventurous singer/music lover? Do you sing in the shower? Would you like to, perhaps, literally drown your musical musings? This is the speaker for you.
Features & Use
The SoundDew by whitelabel is a waterproof Bluetooth speaker for your active lifestyle. IPX4 Rated Rugged/Waterproof Housing built to go anywhere the adventure continues.
You can make and receive phone calls with this Bluetooth speaker with the built-in microphone. Out for a hike, singing in the rain, or trapped in a dungeon, the SoundDew can survive the trip.
Design
The design of this Bluetooth speaker is really intriguing, the inspiration comes from nature’s rain/melon dew drops, well crafted and aesthetically pleasing. You can hook the top with any clasp, shower holder, carabiner clip, etc.
Audio Quality
From this unit I had nice crystal clear loud booming music for my kitchen, bathroom, camping, etc. It’s a lot like other smaller Bluetooth speakers with great sound such as the HMDX Jam Speaker, but it has call functionality and is waterproof.
Overview
If you love singing in the shower, connect to this speaker, select a playlist and sing your heart out. And, really, don’t be afraid to get this speaker wet like I was at first. As long as you seal the port covers your speaker will survive splashing and a bit of soaking. You can purchase the Whitelabel SoundDew in a variety of colors for $49.99.
The post whitelabel SoundDew speaker review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple reports record iPhone and iPad sales with fiscal Q1 2014 results
Apple’s earnings are in, and as expected the company got a nice boost in sales over the holidays. We’re talking 51 million iPhones sold — an all-time quarterly record — up from 47.8 million during the same quarter last year. It’s unclear just how the iPhone sales break down between the iPhone 5c and 5s models, as Apple didn’t offer those numbers. iPad sales reached a record quarterly high as well, at 26 million up from 22.9 million during the same year-ago quarter. Profit, meanwhile, comes in at $13.1 billion, showing no change year-over-year.
Mac sales are also up; with a jump to 4.8 million from 4.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Also record-setting was Cupertino’s reported quarterly revenue of $57.6 billion. Apple’s board of directors has also announced that shareholders will receive a $3.05 cash dividend per share early next month.
If Apple took a huge hit anywhere, though, it’s with iPods. Year-over-year sales are down a whopping 52 percent, with revenue down 55 percent. Those figures suggest that the more expensive iPod models took the hardest hit. That ugly stat aside, there are plenty of positive numbers this time around. As always, we’ll be listening in on Apple’s earnings conference call, so stay tuned.
Filed under: Apple
Government set to declassify information requests, paves the way for more transparency
Insight into the NSA’s surveillance activities is about to get a bit less murky for US citizens. Following President Obama’s speech on NSA reform this past month, comes news that the government will now allow for “more detailed disclosures” regarding its data-gathering requests. The statement, jointly issued by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence today, means a good portion of this data will now be declassified, giving communication providers (e.g., Verizon, Time Warner Cable, etc.) the ability to publish transparency reports. The obvious benefit to this being that these companies, which trade on customer loyalty, can ease their subscribers’ privacy concerns and highlight exactly what number of requests were made by the US government and the resulting number of customer accounts affected by those requests. It appears this change of policy stems from the fact that “public interest … now outweighs the national security concerns” and the government’s belief that release of this data will “resolve an important area of concern” for communication providers.
Filed under: Internet
Source: DOJ
Seidio offering FREE domestic shipping through February 2nd
Starting today accessory manufacturer, Seidio, will be offering free domestic shipping on everything in their store. The promotion runs through February 2nd at 11:59 p.m. CST.
As for what they offer, well, the list is pretty extensive. The offer everything from cases to cases with holsters, to power accessories, screen protectors and cables. With various accessories for the Samsung Galaxy line, the Nexus 5, Moto X and more. We were able to take a look at the new OBEX at CES. That is the waterproof case for your device. The new design is slimmer and looks much nicer than the first edition. Take a look at some shots of it in the gallery below.
Go take a look around and see what they might have for your device at SeidioOnline.com.
AIVAnet 