Apple to Discontinue Newsstand, Launch Free Flipboard-Like App to Feature News Content [iOS Blog]
Apple is planning to do away with Newsstand, its central app that stores newspaper and magazine subscriptions for users, according to sources who spoke with Re/code. In its place, the company will introduce a new Flipboard-style aggregation experience that will showcase curated lists of articles and content for individual customers. The partners for the new app will include ESPN, The New York Times, Conde Nast and Hearst, with the new app focused on providing “samples” of content.
Since magazines and newspapers were required to be located within the Newsstand app, many of Apple’s partners complained of buried content with the introduction of Newsstand. With the new structure in place, individual magazines and publications will sell their own app experiences within the App Store, allowing companies to push their content directly to a user’s device without having to navigate through Apple’s Newsstand app. While Apple is said to be adjusting its revenue cut for some types of subscription content, the company will reportedly continue to take its traditional 30 percent revenue cut from subscriptions within these services currently available in Newsstand.
MacRumors had previously heard Apple was meeting with publishers about the upcoming discontinuation of Newsstand, but was unable to obtain corroborating information.
Those supporting Apple’s supposed Flipboard-like app will also keep 100 percent of the advertising they each sell within the app. In exchange, Apple will help its partners sell unsold inventory and take a cut of the profit of each sale at a rate that one of its publishing partners detailed as “very favorable.” Although not stated directly, Re/code alludes to the confirmation of the Newsstand rumor happening today during the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
Imagination and TSMC team up to speed up Internet of Things development
Imagination Technologies and semiconductor manufacturer TSMC have announced a collaborative effort to bring a new family of subsystems designed for the internet-of-things to market. By working closing with TSMC, Imagination’s platforms can be brought to market by third party developers quickly and for a lower cost than before, even on smaller manufacturing processes.
The energy and performance improvements offered by smaller manufacturing nodes is beneficial for low power, small form factor IoT devices, but smaller nodes are more difficult and time consuming, and therefore more expensive, to design for than larger nodes. It can be up to twice as expensive to develop a 16nm FinFET chip compared with a 28nm chip. To help developers combat these costs, Imagination has worked with TSMC to optimize its IP portfolio for processes ranging from 55nm all the way down to 10nm in the future. 
Imagination’s IP platforms ranges from tiny smart sensors, through to audio and video processors, all the way up to higher performance compute notes. Partners can build on these IP platforms according to specific use cases, adding their own IP and know-how to create dedicated solutions. The range of options available here is quite impressive.
The other essential half of empowering IoT developers is secure access to cloud networks. As such, all of Imagination’s IoT IP subsystems support its FlowCloud software framework for connecting online and its newly announced OmniShield security platform. OmniShield separates hardware into eight different security zones to prevent tampering or breaches in security, which is important to secure IoT devices out in the wild.
Of course, Imagination isn’t the only company working to speed up IoT development. ARM has been trying to facilitate easier development with its mbed OS and client and wide range of development boards, as well as pushing its Trustzone security platform. Samsung also recently unveiled its own ARTIK family of chips and SDK, which makes use of both ARM and Imagination processing technologies within the range. Imagination is looking to set itself apart with the best support for customizable hardware.
Imagination and TSMC’s close working relationship and wide range of manufacturing options could result in a wider adoption of Imagination’s MIPS, PowerVR and Ensigma processor designs in future internet-of-things products.
AT&T announces the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active – 3500mAh battery, Quad HD display, Exynos 7420 SoC
After teasing the imminent release of the device over Twitter just a few days ago, AT&T has finally announced the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active. The carrier has just posted a YouTube video showcasing the new device and some of its notable features.
Much like Samsung’s Active variants in the past, the Galaxy S6 Active boasts similar specs to the S6 proper while offering a much more durable chassis. The new device features a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, a 64-bit octa-core Samsung Exynos 7420 processor, 32GB of on-board storage, a 16MP rear-facing camera, a 5MP front-facing camera and runs Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. Samsung has also included a massive 3500mAh battery in the device, which features both wireless charging and fast charging technology.
On the aesthetic front, the S6 Active features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which means it’s submersible in up to 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes. It also meets MIL-STD-810G standards for shock resistance. There’s a shortcut button on the left-hand side of the device that brings you to the “Activity Zone”, which gives you quick access to information and tools like the weather, a stopwatch, a flashlight and an S Health overview.
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active will be available through AT&T this Friday, June 12th in Camo White, Camo Blue and Gray color options. The device can be yours for $199.99 with a two-year contract, or for $28.96 per month for 24 months with AT&T’s Next plan. For consumers who aren’t fans of the significantly less-durable design of the Galaxy S6 proper, this new Active variant might be a great option. Be sure to check out the promotional video below to get a closer look!
So, is anybody going to buy this device? If so, let us know in the comments!
OnePlus One now from $249 permanently, partners with Dropbox for promo
At the beginning of the month ,OnePlus began a special flash sale promotion, offering up the OnePlus One for just $250 for the 16GB model or $300 for the 64GB version. For those that were considering picking up the phone but missed out on the flash sales, the good news is that the new price is now permanent!
After receiving tons of positive feedback over the ultra-aggressive price tag, OnePlus said they took a “hard look at the numbers to make sure [they] were maintaining [their] commitment to users.” With dropping component, assembly, and engineering costs, OnePlus now feels comfortable with passing down the savings to its customers. n reality, the fact that the
In reality, the fact that the OnePlus 2 is likely just around the corner and newer devices like the ZenFone 2 and Idol 3 are increasing the competition in the low-end price segment probably have just as big as a role to play here. Regardless of OnePlus’ motivation, the new asking price is very welcome and certainly makes the OnePlus One stand out as one of the best values on the market today. OnePlus isn’t just dropping the pricing on the OnePlus One though, they are also introducing a new pricing option.
While you can get a 16GB OPO for $250 and a 64GB OPO for $300, a new $350 bundle will net you a 64GB OnePlus One and an entire year of Dropbox Pro. With the Dropbox Pro offer, you’ll get 1TB of secure 256-bit AES and SSL encrypted storage. While the option extends the amount of storage for accessing files on your phone, Dropbox Pro also will play nicely with your other mobile devices, Windows, Linux, and even Macs. Considering that Dropbox Pro normally costs $99 a year, this adds up to a saving of $50.
What do you think of the new OPO pricing, as well as the Dropbox Pro bundle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Runtastic’s new Leg Workout Trainer app review
Like many people, I don’t really consider myself in “shape”. I don’t have the 6 pack abs, bouncing pectorals, or buns of steel. I do however; have a need to improve my health. So when the opportunity came up to review Runtastic’s new Leg Workout Trainer app, I jumped at the opportunity.
The app’s user interface follows the Android design language. I found that the app was very intuitive and easy to use.
There are 3 ways to use the app.
| The first is a dedicated training plan. The plan spans approximately 3 months and has 15 pre-planned training sessions that start off pretty easy, but increase in difficulty over time.Even though I said they start of easy, to someone who is out of shape like myself, they will still prove challenging.3D avatar “Angie” demonstrates the workout, while a male voice guides you through it.If you download Runtastic’s Music app, you can create playlists to play in the background as you workout. This adds a nice element of customization.This is the ideal mode for beginners. |  |
| The second way to use the apps is though the my workouts section. This section allows you to select from either the 5 pre-programmed workouts, or you can create your own.When you create your own workout, you must select from the exercise videos in the library, how many sets, repetitions, and how long of a rest before the next video.Like the training plan, you can listen to music through Runtastic’s music app, but it must be changed through the training plans interface.People that work out on a more regular basis will appreciate this mode. |  |
| The third way to use the app is by watching the individual workouts. The videos seamlessly loop non-stop.They can be filtered by the muscle groups that will be worked out or your favorited videos. |  |
What they got right:
In a word, simplicity. This app is dead simple to use. If your familiar with Android’s UI, then you won’t have any problems navigating the application.
What could be improved:
I find myself having to stretch to find improvements for this app. If there was anything that could be improved, it would be customization within the app. I’m not referring to the workouts. As you read earlier, there is a high degree of workout customization available within the app. I’m referring to being able to change the avatar or the voice that guides you though the workout. I would also love to see this app on Amazon’s Fire TV.
Overall this app has a broad appeal. Whether your a beginner or en experienced athlete, this app has something for you.
The post Runtastic’s new Leg Workout Trainer app review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Blocks customizable smartwatch shown off at Computex
Wouldn’t it be great if you could customize your smartwatch beyond just the apps and build materials? How awesome would it if you were able to choose hardware specifications, too? If you answered yes to these questions then Block Wearables might be for you.
Blocks is a modular watch that gives you ability to customize your watch. At Computex Taipei 2015, the head of variables at Qualcomm in collaboration with Block Wearable revealed the first ever modular smartwatch.
The wearable will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400 processor and will run a customisable version of Android Lollipop, which will be compatible with both Android and iOS. The first Block smartwatch will use a circular touchscreen; the “core module” will include processor, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, motion sensor, microphone and battery. The “core block” will be necessary to attach any other modular block and will be made available soon by the company.
“The wearables market is in an incredibly exciting phase and will see a diverse range of forms and functionalities. Their one commonality is that all will require ultra-low power intelligence to ensure battery life is attractive to end users. Blocks’ modular approach is a great example of the creativity and innovation that is possible on the ARM architecture.“
The things that makes this watch more unique is the swappable modular parts. The functionality of this watch can be increased by using the swappable modular parts such as e-ink display block, battery block, motion sensor block, location or GPS block, block for contact less payment, even a flashlight block and there are much more to choose.
In my opinion, the only thing holding the wearable industry back is battery life. With modular battery blocks, however, this problem conceivably goes away.
Block will be able to do all the basic function that a regular smartwatch does but should offer considerably more functionality. Blocks will be released in a crowdfunding campaign later this summer. You can Sign-up on their website to get an early bird discount on launch.
The post Blocks customizable smartwatch shown off at Computex appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Android Pay will not collect transaction fees
Android Pay has been a popular topic of conversation in the days following its unveiling at Google I/O 2015. Designed to provide a seamless transaction option over credit cards and payments, it plays on the same field as Apple Pay. While the two services have similarities there are also unique selling points for each.
Apple’s deal with banks sees them collecting a small fee for transactions made through Apple Pay. For transactions made through credit card, Apple get 0.15% of the value; for debit cards, Apple gets a better 0.5%. It doesn’t sound like much, but when we consider the number of Apple Pay users, it amounts to really big money over time.
Android Pay, on the other hand is free from such fees thanks to the standardized tokenization security features of Visa and MasterCard. Tokenization is a method that swaps card and transaction data with unique sets of numbers that validate a purchase. In short, it protects your data, as merchants never get access to any sensitive data eliminating any and all chances of data theft.
The dominance of Visa and MasterCard and credit and debit card market may force Apple to renegotiate the terms if they wants to continue to be a competition to Android Pay. At least that is a theoretical way of looking the situation.
In short, Google won’t be earning any money from Android Pay with tokenization in place. Although, it may prove fruitful at a later time in the market when Google expands to other markets pushing for global acceptance of Android Pay. Then again, Google doesn’t directly collect for all that much.
Can mobile payments via Android devices force Apple to adapt or adopt new strategies? How long until average customers are even considering this as a payment option on a regular basis? I would love to hear your thoughts below.
Via PhoneArena
The post Android Pay will not collect transaction fees appeared first on AndroidGuys.
T-Mobile preparing multiple promotions for customers this week
T-Mobile is prepping a few new promotions for Uncarrier customers this week that include extra data allowance for hotspots and some free trials to the carrier’s music streaming service, among other things.
The earliest promo to be announced will relate to the carrier’s Rhapsody UnRadio streaming service. A select amount of customers will be given a free 30-day trial of the service, after which they’ll be charged $4 per month for access, as usual. There’s no clear directive on what makes customers eligible, but if you’re on T-Mobile, keep an eye out for a text with the invite.
The carrier is also going to be pushing a photography campaign with a website dedicated to helping customers squeeze the most of their smartphone cameras, complete with instructions and tips on picking the best settings for different kinds of shots. There’s also supposed to be some kind of contest with this promo that should go live on June 11th.
On June 12th, T-Mobile will be launching the biggest promotional offering in the group by upping the hotspot data allowance for customers on the Simple Choice plan. Anyone that’s paying for an extra 5, 7, 9, or 11 GB of data will get an extra 2 GB for free, and the throttled data after the cap will only be slowed down to 128 kb/s. This change will only affect customers on unlimited LTE plans that are paying for mobile hotspot access.
There are also a few more promotions that T-Mobile is saving for later in the summer, although there are no clear details on what those promos will be bring. We’ll keep you updated as we move further into the summer.
source: T-Mo News
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile preparing multiple promotions for customers this week
In Case You Missed It: We’ve got a new daily show!
In Case You Missed It is a quirky clip show hosted by Kerry Davis, debuting on Engadget Tuesday, June 16th, 2015.
If you’re like me, there’s never enough time to read the things I saved to Pocket, catch up on cat memes and peruse all those shade throwin’ campaign tweets. Some social media platforms I’ve had to straight give up on, despite having a Snapchat friend who creates marvelous fruit headdresses with the paint function.
There’s just not enough time for all my connected interests and I know I’m not alone.
That’s why I’m stoked to host Engadget’s new daily clip show, designed to bring you the quirky, interesting stories that get buried by the biggest headlines. (Unless it’s a cool robot. We will always show the cool robot.)
Join us daily (and you should!) and you’ll get the most entertaining internet lifestyle funk, space and tech news there is. We’ll round out each week’s show with a headline blast to bring you the big stories you would have noticed, had you not been living your life / getting drunk in Mexico.
Our first show premieres on June 16th and we want to hear what you think! So get at us on Twitter @engadget or @mskerryd and let us know.
Filed under: Announcements
Showtime’s cord-cutter service will come to Roku and Sony devices
We already know that Showtime’s internet-only service is coming to Apple TV, but that’s not the only home entertainment platform that’s been invited to the party. The company has revealed that if you own a Roku device, one of the TVs with the hardware built in or Sony’s PlayStation Vue, then you’re all good, and it will launch for all three on the same day. The outfit also mentions that Showtime (yes, that’s what it’s called) will be the only “premium” offering that broadcasts its live East and West Coast feeds to its users, just like its Anytime apps on various platforms. No matter what device you use, you’ll be asked to cough up $10.99 a month for the privilege of catching the forthcoming Twin Peaks revival. The system is due to launch “early July,” although given that the new seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex premiere on July 12th, we’re gonna say July 11th is a good guess.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source: CBS
AIVAnet 