Reported acquisition of big data analytics firm Acunu highlights Apple’s push to improve cloud services
Apple reportedly acquired U.K.-based big data analytics firm Acunu back in 2013, with the company’s tools said to bolster back-end data infrastructure for services such as iCloud.
News of Acunu’s acquisition comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement that Apple acquired database software company FoundationDB, a move aimed at improving server-side technologies for Apple’s digital content distribution services such as the App Store and iTunes.
Acunu’s database technology was likely retooled to provide analytics for services such as iCloud, with Bloomberg stating:
Acunu produced technology to provide analytics on databases. Its technology can work with and improve other tools, like the free Cassandra database, which Apple runs on several thousand computers.
With an iTunes Radio revamp planned for later this year along with the launch of a new 25-channel TV streaming service, it is no wonder that Apple is focusing on improving the back-end architecture for its cloud-based services.
Source: Bloomberg
BT will offer cheap wireless 4G service to UK broadband customers
BT is one of the UK’s biggest broadband companies, but they left the consumer wireless market several years back. Today, they’ve announced they’ll be jumping back into the market with a very aggressive £5 plan for current broadband customers.
For non-broadband customers, the package jumps to £10 per month, which is still pretty affordable. It offers 200 minutes with 500 MB of 4G data, but both options are SIM-only deals. If you don’t have your own phone, you’ll have to shell out a little more to purchase one to use BT’s network.
BT is using some of its own wireless spectrum, plus some spectrum owned by EE, which BT is planning on buying. Between the wide amount of available spectrum between both companies and aggressive pricing, BT might have a winning combination on their hands.
source: BT
via: BBC
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Apple Secretly Acquired Data Analytics Firm Acunu [Mac Blog]
Just a day after Apple acquired database company FoundationDB, Bloomberg reveals Apple had previously acquired U.K.-based data analytics company Acunu. The acquisition appeared to have happened in late 2013.
The purchase of the Vienna, Virginia-based software maker follows a deal for closely held Acunu Ltd., a U.K.-based data analysis company, Apple said.
Acunu creates technology that provides analytics on databases, and its technology can be used in conjunction with other tools, improving their performance. Bloomberg notes the company’s tools work well with free Cassandra databases, which Apple runs on several thousand computers.
It’s likely that the Acunu acquisition will be used for iCloud and its various services, like iTunes Radio, the upcoming reimagined Beats Music streaming service and Apple’s over-the-air TV service. Acunu Chief Technology Officer Tim Moreton began working in Apple’s iCloud division in December 2013, and other Acunu employees made the jump to the Cupertino company in early 2014.
Apple’s streaming music plans may include a revamped iTunes Radio, exclusive albums
Apple’s rumored music streaming plans may include a revamped iTunes Radio, as well as exclusive album launch deals for the upcoming service.
While a new report from The New York TImes largely focuses on a number of previously rumored details about Apple’s streaming music plans, it does point to some new details in the form of a revamped iTunes Radio headed up by former BBC Radio DJ and recent Apple hire, Zane Lowe. From The New York Times:
Mr. Lowe is expected to play a role reconfiguring iTunes Radio. Among the ideas that have been floated for iTunes Radio are a more geographically targeted approach that would bear some resemblance to a traditional radio station, with Mr. Lowe as the voice, music executives said.
Additionally, the report notes that former Beats Music exec Jimmy Iovine is heading up efforts to secure exclusive album releases for the service:
Mr. Iovine has set the tone of the transformation of Apple’s music plans, according to music executives. Mr. Iovine, who reports to Eddy Cue, Apple’s head of software and Internet services, has been leading aggressive talks to secure prominent album releases that will be exclusive to Apple, akin to what Beyoncé did when she released her self-titled album on iTunes in December 2013. One music executive involved in the negotiations described this part of the new iTunes as “Spotify with Jimmy juice.”
The report goes on to note that the streaming service, which is part of a larger redesign to the music app headed up by Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, is currently being tested under a new version of iOS codenamed “Copper.” It’s unknown which upcoming version of iOS Copper refers to, but it was recently reported that the music service could debut as soon as WWDC with an iOS 8.4 update.
iPhone trade-in program reported to launch in China, Foxconn to buy and resell used devices
The program in China will reportedly involve Apple selling traded-in iPhones directly to Foxconn, who will then refurbish and resell the devices via its own channels.
According to Bloomberg:
Under the China program, retail staff at Apple outlets will assess an iPhone’s condition before offering store credit for those originally bought in Greater China, the person said. Foxconn will buy the phone directly without Apple ever taking ownership, according to the person.
Foxconn will repair the devices if needed and then sell them through its e-commerce sites eFeihu and FLNet, and through Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s Taobao online store, one person said. Foxconn also is in talks to sell the iPhones through physical stores and may take the trade-in program online in the future, the person said.
For now, the trade-in program in the country will reportedly be applicable only to iPhones, unlike other markets where Apple is said to roll out similar offers for Android smartphones.
The program is set to launch as early as March 31 in China, and is the latest of many initiatives targeted at expanding Apple’s presence in the region. Earlier this year, the Cupertino giant opened five new stores in the country.
Source: Bloomberg
Nyrius Smart Outlet review: transforming the ordinary
“Unlock Your Home’s Potential”
Currently being funded on Kickstarter, Nyrius Smart Outlet is a simple yet highly effective device that aims to turn your ordinary electronics and appliances into smart devices connected to your phone or tablet. It’s affordable at only $30, it’s easy to set up, and in many ways makes more sense than individual smart home devices, such as Hue and other “smart lights”. But does it work?
Within no time at all, I was able to plug Nyrius into a wall outlet and get started. The way it works is you plug any electronic into Nyrius, and with the Nyrius app installed on your Android or iPhone, you can toggle the electronic on and off with your phone (or tablet). For example, I plugged in a string of my living room ceiling lights into Nyrius, and was then able to toggle them on and off with the easy to use Nyrius app. While the app could definitely look a lot better, as it’s about as basic and ugly as an Android app could get, it gets the job done and will hopefully get a makeover in the future (the product is still in Kickstarter, anyway).
Nyrius claims that this device will save home owners money on their electric bill. While that’s debatable, I can absolutely see why they say that. The Smart Outlet has a couple nifty features besides simply being able to turn it on and off with the app. Near-field proximity control allows the Smart Outlet to automatically turn off if the owner is out of range. The actual range will vary from device to device, as it will turn off simply when you lose Bluetooth connection. This feature will surely be loved by those using Nyrius for lights and maybe music for parties and don’t have to worry about turning them off when they leave the house.
Another feature is the ability to set schedules for your Smart Outlets to activate and deactivate. Don’t have a super smart coffee maker that brews coffee when you wake up? Nyrius makes this possible, assuming you already have water and coffee grounds ready to go. This feature worked perfectly when I set my trusty desk lamp to turn off late at night after I fell asleep.
Nyrius is onto something with the Smart Outlet. Right now, this is the best option for those looking for smart home devices, but don’t want to fork over hundreds of dollars. I am happy with the fact that the Nyrius app supports control of 7 devices in your home, as I will definitely buy a couple more of these in the future.
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Google Play Newsstand adds support for Austria, Belgium, Ireland, and Turkey
Content offered in the Play Store can be limited depending upon which country you reside in. Anyone in any country can access free content offered by Google in its digital store; however, only certain countries can make purchases. Today, four new countries received support for Play Newsstand. People in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, and Turkey can purchase and subscribe to magazines and newspapers from their mobile devices.
Source: Google Play (Google+)
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Google Keep updates to v3.1 with labels and recurring reminders [APK download]
Google Keep, the note taking/list making app from Google, has received a rather useful update today that moves the app to version 3.1. The update packs in two particularly useful new functions for those that need to keep their life organized. First up is labels. Much like Gmail, Google has issued a set of labels […]
The post Google Keep updates to v3.1 with labels and recurring reminders [APK download] appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and 4-Inch iPhone 6C Rumored for 2015 Release
Apple is planning on releasing three new iPhone models in the second half of 2015, according to a new report from DigiTimes. The site claims that a 4-inch iPhone model will join the 4.7-inch iPhone 6s and 5.5-inch iPhone 6s Plus.
Apple will release three different iPhones in the second half of 2015, the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and a 4-inch device currently being referred to as iPhone 6C, according to industry sources.
A new 4-inch iPhone was also rumored in December 2014, with a report claiming that the device would be aimed toward female users. However, even if a new 4-inch iPhone isn’t introduced, Apple will presumably have the iPhone 5s to offer for free on a two-year contract once the current models slide down.
DigiTimes notes the 4-inch iPhone 6c is likely to be manufactured by Wistron while both the 6s and 6s Plus will be manufactured by Foxconn. In January, a report from Chinese site Feng.com claimed that Apple had not made any orders in its supply chain for a 4-inch iPhone.
Earlier this year, CEO Tim Cook said the new, larger iPhone models had brought the highest Android switcher rate over the past three years and that they brought in more newer customers than previous iPhone models. It’s possible that Apple believes offering more sizing choices to customers could allow Apple to reach more customers, as Cook also mentioned different regions preferred different sizes.
Apple is expected to announce new iPhone models in September, with new additions to both the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus rumored to include 2GB of RAM and Apple’s new Force Touch technology, which has already made its way into Apple Watch, the new MacBook and new 13-inch MacBook Pros.
Which iCloud services are you using?
iCloud offers numerous services, including mail, contacts, and calendars, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photo Library, Backup, iCloud Keychain, and Find my iPhone.
If you have an Apple ID, including an iTunes account, you have an iCloud account. You just have to use it. Since you can toggle each and every iCloud feature on or off on in your iPhone or iPad Settings, or your Mac System Preferences, the question then becomes, which iCloud services are you using?
Is iCloud handling your mail and syncing your contacts, calendars, reminders, Safari bookmarks, notes, Passbook passes, and other personal data? Is iCloud Drive storing your files and making them available on all your devices? Is iCloud Photo Library keeping all your photos available on every device? Is iCloud Keychain handling your passwords and credit card information? Is Find my iPhone tracking your iPhone, iPad, and/or Mac in case you lose it or it gets stolen?
Vote in the poll above and then let me know the details in the comments below. Which iCloud services are you using and why? And if you aren’t using some, why not?
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