Tim Cook Announces New Restricted Stock Unit Program for All Apple Employees
Apple CEO Tim Cook today informed employees of a new stock incentive program, which will see Apple making all of its employees eligible to earn Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
RSUs are normally only given to top Apple management and people from the product teams to retain talent over several years, but now other employees, including those in retail and on the AppleCare teams, will also be eligible to receive stock grants.
Tim Cook announced the new program in an email (via 9to5Mac) that was sent out to employees this morning.
This year, I’m excited to let you know that the Executive Team has created a new program for stock ownership through RSU grants. It’s designed to reach employees who were not previously eligible, including many in our amazing retail and AppleCare teams.
This new program extends eligibility to everyone not covered by other RSU programs, effectively making everyone who works at Apple eligible for an RSU grant. This is an unusual step, and very special — just like our team.
Please check HRWeb for details on this new program.
At Apple, our most important resource — our soul — is our people. Along with our many progressive benefit plans, this is another way for us to say thanks. On behalf of the Executive Team, I’d like to thank you for your many contributions to Apple. Working with all of you is the privilege of a lifetime.
Apple has long had an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) that allows employees to acquire Apple stock at a discount, but Restricted Stock Units are given as a form of compensation and do not require employees to purchase the stock. Restricted Stock Units typically vest over a period of many years, providing motivation for employees to stay at the company.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, for example, will receive a total of 1,000,000 shares of Apple stock should he stay with the company until 2021 so long as Apple performs well. Cook will earn 100,000 RSUs in August 2016, 100,000 in August 2021, and an additional 800,000 RSUs divided over 10 years so long as Apple’s total shareholder return is in the top third of companies in the S&P 500.
With the ability to earn RSUs for staying on at Apple, employees may be motivated to stick with the company until those Restricted Stock Units vest. According to Apple employees that spoke to 9to5Mac, Apple has already started distributing RSU awards to employees in grants ranging from $1000 to $2000 worth of shares.
Verizon has new DROID phones coming on October 27
On October 27 in New York, Verizon and Motorola will be unveiling new DROID phones. The invite even says “DROIDs”, so you know for sure there will be multiples.
What will the new DROID line up look like? Well, we would assume the DROID MAXX 2 and DROID Turbo 2 will be among them.
There have been tons of leaks about these two new DROID phones, mostly about them being basically the same as the other new Moto phones. The Moto X Play is said to look pretty much the same as the new DROID MAXX 2. The only difference is branding on the back. The rumours are you even get the same Snapdragon 615 chipset, 5.5-inch 1080p display, 2GB of RAM, a 21-megapixel camera, and the coveted 3,630 mAh battery.
Come comment on this article: Verizon has new DROID phones coming on October 27
AT&T announces NumberSync, allows you to have one phone number across multiple devices
AT&T announces NumberSync, this will allow you to have one phone number across multiple devices. For example, you will be able to make calls and send text from your tablet or smartwatch all using the same phone number.
NumberSync works on the carrier’s network and not on a Bluetooth connection, meaning, you can take your devices anywhere and they will always work. It will even work if your main device is turned off. All calls and messages will continue to go to your other connected devices. You will also only need to check one of them to see if you have any missed voicemails, for example, and they will all sync together. Basically, if you check a text on your tablet, you won’t have to check it again on your phone. The other devices will know the message has been checked already.
AT&T also say in the future, NumberSync will allow devices to have additional levels of mobile freedom:
- You will no longer need a fitness band and your smartphone to stay connected when you go for a run.
- Forget your phone on the way to the store? You won’t have to turn around to be able to ask your spouse if eggs should be on your list.
- Stay connected with your friends on the soccer field on Saturday afternoon even if your phone is in the car.
- And you can text your boss from across campus when your phone is sitting on your desk and she will know it is you.
Source: AT&T
Come comment on this article: AT&T announces NumberSync, allows you to have one phone number across multiple devices
BlackBerry has opened pre-registration for the Priv and release more specs
The BlackBerry Priv is coming to the public soon with pre-registrations opening today. This is basically a way for BlackBerry to see how many people are interested in the Priv and is not a pre-order to buy one.
If you sign up, BlackBerry will email you about updates about the Priv, such as, when you can actually purchase it. They have also unveiled some specs, confirming it will have a 3410mAh battery.
– Stunning 5.4” dual-curved screen
– Long lasting 3410 mAh battery
– Both touch and physical keyboards
– Schneider-Kreuznach® certified camera
– Extraordinary audio quality
Other specs we know it will have is a 5.4-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) display with curved edges, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD card slot), 18MP / 5MP cameras, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and slide-out physical keyboard. We have also already covered some camera samples, which look pretty good. I am actually pretty interested in this device. It’s very different compared to everything else out there.
BlackBerry also say the “PRIV introduces the exclusive DTEK™ by BlackBerry warning system app to provide you with the power of privacy”. I assume this means it will scan for malware on your device.
My favorite part is the little box at the end of the form that says “I am interested in purchasing 10+ devices on behalf of my organization”. I can only imagine how many people will be checking off that box with fake information just to screw with them.
Source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry has opened pre-registration for the Priv and release more specs
Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – October 14, 2015
Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. “When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?” ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We’re here to shed some light on the issue.
In this post, which will be updated weekly, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.
Before we start
The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex operation, involving Google, chipmakers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that could go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.
Just because your device is listed here as officially announced to receive Marshmallow (or worse, just rumored to get the update), it doesn’t mean your particular model will receive it in a timely manner or even at all.
Conversely, just because your phone or tablet isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be updated it. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.
Patience is advised.
See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained
Nexus Marshmallow updates
As in most cases, Nexus devices are first in line for updates. Google has released Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update. Factory images are available for:
- Nexus 6
- Nexus Player
- Nexus 9 LTE
- Nexus 9 WiFi
- Nexus 5 GSM/LTE
- Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi
- Nexus 7 2013 Mobile
The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012 (both variants), and Nexus 10 will not make the jump to Marshmallow.
If you don’t want to wait, it’s relatively easy to flash a factory image, following our guide:
You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which is the update file that would normally be pushed to your device from Google’s server. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link. OTA links via Android Police.
- Nexus 6 – not available yet
- Nexus Player – from 5.1.1 LMY48N to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 9 LTE – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 9 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 5 – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 7 2013 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 7 2013 Mobile – from 5.1.1 LMY48P to 6.0 MRA58K
Android One Marshmallow updates
Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. Factory images for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below.
- Symphony Roar A50
- Cherry Mobile One
- Micromax Canvas A1
- Karbonn Sparkle V
- Spice Dream Uno
- MyPhone Uno
- Mito Impact A10
- Nexian Journey One
To flash these images, you can follow our manual installation guide.
Samsung Marshmallow updates
Like with previous versions, Samsung has not made any official announcements concerning the Android 6.0 updates for its smartphones and tablets. We do have however, some off the record information via SamMobile and T-Mobile.
The following devices are rumored to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
- Galaxy S5
- Galaxy S5 LTE-A
- Galaxy S5 neo
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 Edge
- Galaxy S6 Edge+
- Galaxy Note 4
- Galaxy Note Edge
- Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
These are all obvious candidates for an upgrade, so we’re pretty confident that Marshmallow will be available for most versions of these devices, sooner or later. As for what to expect from the update, Samsung has an infographic listing some of the features.
LG Marshmallow updates
LG has not made any announcements regarding the devices it will update to Marshmallow. T-Mobile’s update list mentions the LG G3, LG G4, and G4 Stylo, which are all obvious choices. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We’re less optimistic about LG’s mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.
Motorola Marshmallow updates
Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It’s not that Motorola hasn’t been forthcoming about its plans; it’s the fact that those plans seemingly don’t include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).
- 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
- 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
- 2015 Moto X Play
- 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
- 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
- 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)
- 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)
- DROID Turbo
- 2014 Moto MAXX
- 2014 Moto Turbo
- Nexus 6
HTC Marshmallow updates
HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0, and even a timeline. The One M8 and One M9 will see Marshmallow by the end of the year, while the other phones listed below will get the same treatment from early next year. Plus, HTC may launch one of the first non-Nexus phones running Marshmallow out of the box, the One A9.
- HTC One M9
- HTC One M8
- HTC One M9+
- HTC One E9+
- HTC One E9
- HTC One ME
- HTC One E8
- HTC One M8 EYE
- HTC Butterfly 3
- HTC Desire 826
- HTC Desire 820
- HTC Desire 816
Sony Marshmallow updates
Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won’t bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs. As for the update itself, Sony is running a beta program with 10,000 users that we hope to learn more about soon.
- T Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium
- Xperia Z4 Tablet
- Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet
- Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4
Huawei Marshmallow updates
Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along. Considering that the Mate 7, Huawei’s 2014 flagship, is yet to receive Lollipop, we wouldn’t hold our breath. That said, a rumor out of China suggests the Mate 7, P8, Honor 6 Plus and more devices will eventually see Android 6.0. We’ll update if any official info comes our way.
ZTE Marshmallow updates
Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.
OnePlus Marshmallow updates
OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik’s outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus’s own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team. Considering that the Oxygen OS team is still busy working on the current, Android 5-based release, the prospect of a Marshmallow release seems very remote.
Asus Marshmallow updates
All we have here is one sketchy rumor claiming Asus will bring Marshmallow to the Zenfone 2 series, including the Zenfone Laser, Deluxe, and Selfie. However, we wouldn’t put too much stock in it, as Asus is not known for fast updates.
Custom Marshmallow ROMs
When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.
For now, we know that the CyanogenMod team has started working on the Marshmallow-based CM13, though we don’t have an official announcement yet.
Also keep an eye on independent developers – for instance, Dmitry Grinberg has come up with a working Marshmallow ROM for the Nexus 4.
More info and discussion
For a discussion on all the Android Marshmallow updates, check out the dedicated thread on the Android Authority forums.
Missed something? Let us know and we will update this post. Tell us your thoughts!
OnePlus is asking you to donate your Galaxy S6 or Note 5 for a OnePlus 2
While the OnePlus One managed to take the tech world by storm last year, the company has had a harder go at it in 2015 due to a variety of issues related to the launch of the OnePlus 2, as well as increased competition in the low-cost flagship segment. This has led many to wonder how much longer the company can keep things going, though OnePlus isn’t giving up just yet.
Not only is OnePlus getting ready to release a second lower-end handset, they recently opened up the OP2 for sale to those without invites for an hour. And now the company has also launched a new ‘contest’ that it hopes will bring more attention to the OnePlus 2. Too bad contest aren’t exactly a strong point for the company.
OnePlus has had a history of creating controversial contests, including the Smash the Past contest and a contest that was deemed as extremely sexist by much of the web. Thankfully, destroying phones or taking pictures aren’t part of the deal this time, OnePlus is instead asking folks to give them their Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, or Note 5 in exchange for a free OnePlus 2. Don’t worry, OnePlus isn’t smashing the Galaxies received, but instead promise to donate the phone to Hope Phones, a charitable organization that helps bring medical technology to those in need.
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The concept here is actually a noble one, but once again OnePlus has failed when it comes down to execution. First, all the above mentioned handsets are worth more than the OnePlus 2, and newer phones like the Edge+ and Note 5 are worth almost double the price of OnePlus’ flagship. Second, they are billing this as a contest and therefore only shipping 50 phones in total (with the winner apparently being selected at random), severely crippling the potential marketing reach. Then again, they might have trouble finding more Samsung users that would actually take up this deal.
See also: 6 problems with the OnePlus 2 and how to fix them
We understand that Samsung was likely picked as a target because they are the biggest and baddest of the Android OEMs, but limiting it to just Sammy probably wasn’t a great move either. If OnePlus really wanted to reap positive PR for donating phone, while actually inciting more interest among Samsung users, we think a better approach would have been to perhaps give “two OnePlus 2s for the price of one Samsung donation”. Or better yet, opening this competition up to owners of HTC, Apple, LG, and other flagship phones of 2015.
What do you think of this contest? What could OnePlus have done to make it more appealing? For those that are interested in learning more, you can head over to OnePlus’ website.
Pre-Registration for the BlackBerry Priv has begun
Are you one of the many Android fans who values high end hardware? Are you interested in a physical keyboard? Well the new BlackBerry Priv features both of those things and is now up for pre-registration on their website.
The Priv is supposed to be released some time this year and now BlackBerry is letting you in on some of the details. On their pre-registration page you can sign up to be notified of all the details when they become available and be one of the first to know when the launch date is set. But let’s face it, due to the leak culture we live in, the exact release date will probably be leaked long before BlackBerry releases it.
Also on the page we’re getting some confirmed specs. The BlackBerry Priv will have a 5.4″ dual curved screen, 3410mAh battery, on screen keyboard as well as a physical slider keyboard, Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera (Schneider-Kreuznach is a company is known partly for its many innovative lens designs) and premium audio quality, although no details were given on exactly what that means.
Also, according to BlackBerry, the Priv will have a DTEK security system to keep your phone safe. We’re going to assume that this is going to be much like Samsung’s Knox that allows personal and business content to exist securely on the same handset. BlackBerry has long been a corporate favorite due to their security features and physical keyboard, and they’re not leaving those folks in the past. Interestingly enough, there’s actually a tab to indicate whether you’re interested in buying 10 or more devices on the sign-up page.
While there will be a big push for business users, interest among Android enthusiasts remains high. For many it will come down to price with some users even going as far as to say that they’ll be cancelling their Nexus 6P pre-orders to pick up a Priv, if the price is right.
Source: BlackBerry
The post Pre-Registration for the BlackBerry Priv has begun appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Video Review Roundup: Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2
Apple introduced a trio of new keyboard and mouse accessories in the Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 this week, and the first hands-on unboxing videos of the new products are now available.
YouTube reviewer Michael Kukielka has uploaded an unboxing and video review of the Magic Mouse 2, $79, providing a closer look at the mouse’s new bottom-facing Lightning port for charging, minor design changes, what’s included in the box, Bluetooth and Lightning to USB pairing processes and more.
Magic Mouse 2 has improved tracking and moves across surfaces with less resistance, as the mouse’s weight was reduced from 3.9 ounces to 3.5 ounces, and because it has an optimized foot design and fewer moving parts.
Kukielka concludes that the Magic Mouse 2 looks and functions similarly to the original Magic Mouse, with the inclusion of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gains 9 hours of usage from a 2-minute fast charge, and lasts approximately one month on a full two-hour charge.
YouTube reviewer Dave Cryer shared an unboxing and mini review of the Magic Keyboard, $99, and Magic Trackpad 2, $129, in addition to a quick comparison with the existing Apple Wireless Keyboard and original Magic Trackpad.
The video provides a closer look at the Magic Keyboard’s slimmer wedge-like design, rear-facing Lightning port for charging, power on-off switch and slightly larger keys with a reengineered scissor mechanism. Cryer found typing to be more precise, but said the slightly shorter key travel will take getting used to.
Cryer also went hands-on with the Magic Trackpad 2, showing off its matching wedge-like side profile, rear-facing Lightning port for charging and power on-off switch. The new Magic Trackpad 2 features Force Touch and has a larger edge-to-edge glass design with 29% more surface area, which is noticeable in the side-by-side comparison.
The video also shows what’s in the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 boxes, including a Lightning to USB cable, quick start guide and regulatory information.
6 flying cars that let you soar over traffic
By Cat DiStasio
The dream of flight has entranced humans for centuries, and modern innovators won’t quit until the flying cars of sci-fi movies are realized. Although today’s traffic jams still happen on the ground level, plenty of engineers have their eyes and minds on the sky. It’s fascinating, if not intoxicating, to dream of the day when we might one day be able to take to the skies in a vehicle of our own, but until then, we can revel in prototypes built by dreamers with the capital to turn their high-flying ideas into a reality. Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.Slideshow-329306
Google is killing Chrome’s notification center for Mac and Windows
In 2013, Google added a full-fledged notification center to Chrome for Windows, Mac and Linux that combined rich notifications from web pages with Google Now info. However, it seems that almost no one ever used that notification center, so Google’s killing it in the next version of Chrome. In its Chromium blog, Google admitted that “few users” visited the notification area, so it would be removed to streamline the desktop experience.
Notifications will certainly still stick around Chrome — earlier this year, the browser started supporting a new web standard for push notifications from web sites. But it sounds like there won’t be an easy way to see what you might have missed while away from your computer, and it also looks like there won’t be any way to get Google Now info on your desktop, either. On ChromeOS, Google recently moved Google Now info out of the notification center and into a new app launcher that combines search, Google Now, and your frequently-used apps. Whether or not there will be a new way for Mac, Windows and Linux users to get to Google Now remains to be seen.
Source: Chromium
AIVAnet 