Popular iOS Email App ‘Spark’ Expands to the iPad

Readdle’s iPhone email app Spark has proven to be quite popular since it launched in May of 2015, and as of today, it’s expanding to the iPad. Spark is now available on all of Apple’s tablets, from the 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Spark is unique because it includes a “Smart Inbox” that’s able to filter emails to show you the most unread important messages first. It’s able to tell if an email is personal, a notification, or a newsletter, processing it accordingly. It’s designed to let users check to see if an email is important at a glance.

Like many iOS mail apps, Spark uses swipes to quickly delete and archive incoming emails. It includes a pinning feature (stars in Gmail) to denote tasks that need to be completed immediately, and there’s a snooze feature for putting off emails until another day. Built-in quick replies let users reply to messages with pre-selected messages, a feature that’s useful on the Apple Watch, and there’s a smart search for finding messages based on name and time frame.

Spark’s update optimizes the app for all screen sizes, from iPhone to iPad, and it includes a revamped design. Other new features include additional languages (English, German, Chinese Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese are available) and support for watchOS 2.

Readdle is also working on a Spark app for the Mac, but the company says “it will take some time” to create “the best email client for Mac out there.”

Spark can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tags: Readdle, Spark
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Apple Grants Internship to a Developer of Encrypted Chat App ‘Signal’

Apple recently hired Frederic Jacobs, one of the developers of the secure messaging app “Signal,” which is notably known as the encrypted messaging service that Edward Snowden uses “every day.” Jacobs will be working on the CoreOS team as an intern this coming summer, where he’ll help the company beef up the safety measures and encryption of iOS devices across the board (via Business Insider).

Image via Daily Mail

I’m delighted to announce that I accepted an offer to be working with the CoreOS security team at Apple this summer.

— Frederic Jacobs (@FredericJacobs) February 25, 2016

Jacobs’ hire comes amidst a heated battle between Apple and the FBI over the latter’s attempts to gain access to the iPhone owned by Syed Farook, a shooter in the attacks that took place in San Bernardino, California in December. Apple CEO Tim Cook sees the cooperation with the FBI’s request as a potential slippery slope that could lead to a looser grasp on the privacy and security of Apple product users worldwide.

In recent interviews, Jacobs voiced his opinion on where Apple could go with its security far before the friction with the FBI began.

In an interview last year, Jacobs said that one of his goals when coding Signal was that he “wanted to bring these strong cryptography techniques to iPhone users.”

“Apple’s service is not perfect,” Jacobs told Technologist. “For example, its proprietary technology makes it impossible for the community to detect vulnerabilities and fix flaws. Signal is open, free, collaborative, and easy to use.”

Last night in a thirty-minute interview with ABC, Cook focused on a fearful precedent that the FBI’s request could make in terms of the risk of weaker smartphone encryption. He admitted that the company is in a “very uncomfortable position,” and is sympathetic with the families of the San Bernardino victims, but believes Apple is ready to take the issue all the way to the Supreme Court if it lasts that long.

Read More: Apple Working on Security Measures to Make iOS Devices ‘It Can’t Hack’

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tag: Apple-FBI
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Apple Releases Software Update for Third-Generation Apple TV

Apple today released a new 7.2.1 software update for the third-generation Apple TV. It is not clear what is new in the update, as Apple has not provided release notes, but it includes several security improvements.

The update is available for all versions of the third-generation Apple TV. It can be installed through the software update mechanism in Settings, or delivered automatically for customers who have automatic updates turned on.

The third-generation Apple TV has been available since 2012 and continues to be sold alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV. The older device does not run tvOS and does not include features like Siri support and access to the App Store, but it offers content through dozens of channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and more.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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Apple and FBI to Testify at Congressional Hearing on Encryption Next Week

Apple’s legal chief Bruce Sewell and FBI Director James Comey will both testify at a U.S. congressional hearing on encryption issues planned for March 1, the House Judiciary Committee announced today.

Comey will participate in the first panel, while Sewell will testify in the second panel alongside Worcester Polytechnic Institute professor Susan Landau and New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance. Vance last week said his office was in possession of 175 iPhones that can’t be accessed due to encryption. “This has become the Wild West in technology,” he said. “Apple and Google are their own sheriffs and there are no rules.”

The congressional hearing, titled “The Encryption Tightrope: Balancing Americans’ Security and Privacy” will examine encryption technology and its impact on American citizens and lawmakers with the goal of finding a solution that lets law enforcement do their jobs without affecting the privacy protections of U.S. citizens.

“The widespread use of strong encryption has implications both for Americans’ privacy and security. As technology companies have made great strides to enhance the security of Americans’ personal and private information, law enforcement agencies face new challenges when attempting to access encrypted information. Americans have a right to strong privacy protections and Congress should fully examine the issue to be sure those are in place while finding ways to help law enforcement fight crime and keep us safe.

Head Apple lawyer Bruce Sewell is leading Apple’s legal team in its fight against the FBI. Apple plans to oppose an order that would require it to help the FBI brute force the passcode on San Bernardino shooter Farook Syed’s iPhone. The FBI is demanding Apple create a software that would both disable passcode security features and allow passcodes to be entered electronically.

In an interview yesterday, Tim Cook said that the FBI was asking Apple to build the “software equivalent of cancer,” something the company won’t do. While Apple has announced its intentions to fight the order, its official appeal is due tomorrow.

Update: In related news, Microsoft today announced its full support of Apple’s decision to stand against the FBI. Next week, Microsoft plans to file an amicus brief to back the company. Verizon has also come out in support of Apple. “We support the availability of strong encryption with no backdoors,” Verizon CEO and chairman Lowell McAdam said in a statement.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tag: Apple-FBI
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iOS 10 and OS X 10.12 to Feature Improvements to Photos App

Apple is working on enhancing the Photos app in both iOS 10 and OS X 10.12, reports Japanese site Mac Otakara. The apps will reportedly be updated with new features to put them on par with the now-discontinued iPhoto 9.6.1 for Mac and iPhoto 2.0.1 for iOS.

It is not clear exactly what features will be added to the apps, but Mac Otakara says iPhoto 2.0.1 included tools for editing EXIF information and touch-based brushes for adjusting brightness and other parameters on only specific parts of a photo. Similar editing tools could be added to the iOS version of Photos.

On OS X, the Photos app will see improvements, but Mac Otakara says Aperture-level functions will not be added to the app.

We don’t have much information about OS X 10.12 and iOS 10 as of yet, but a recent rumor has suggested Siri integration will be a headline feature in OS X 10.12. Siri on the Mac has been a long-desired feature and the personal assistant will likely be able to do things like adjust system settings, answer quick queries, and open apps.

OS X 10.12 and iOS 10 will likely be coming in the fall months, but we can expect to see a preview of the software at WWDC 2016, which is typically held in June.

Tags: macotakara.jp, Photos, OS X 10.12, iOS 10
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Apple’s ‘iPad Air 3’ to Be Branded as an iPad Pro With Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil Support

Apple’s next-generation 9.7-inch iPad has been presumed to be dubbed “iPad Air 3,” in line with the last several generations of the device, but according to a new report from 9to5Mac, Apple will instead be branding the new device as part of the iPad Pro family when it is introduced at the company’s rumored March 15 media event.

The smaller iPad Pro will have nearly identical features and specifications as the bigger model, bringing along the A9X processor and RAM upgrades from the 12.9-inch model. It will also include the 12.9-inch model’s updated display technology to support the Apple Pencil.

Other features being carried over from the larger iPad Pro include the Smart Connector and the Smart Keyboard, with the latter being made available in a smaller size to fit Apple’s mid-sized tablet form factor.

Apple is also reportedly winding down production on iPad mini 2 and original iPad Air models, allowing the company to simplify its tablet lineup to include the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 as its main devices, with the iPad Air 2 likely remaining available as an entry-level model at the middle size.

Related Roundup: iPad Air 3
Buyer’s Guide: iPad Air (Don’t Buy)
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Apple Files Official Motion to Vacate Court Order, Says FBI Seeks ‘Dangerous Power’

Apple has officially filed a motion (via Re/code) to vacate the court order that would require the company to help the FBI hack into the iPhone 5c of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook. “This is not a case about one isolated iPhone,” reads the filing, going on to say the FBI is seeking a “dangerous power” that would undermine the security and privacy interests of hundreds of millions of people.

As expected, Apple argues that the All Writs Act, which the FBI is using in the case, does not give the government a pass to “conscript and commandeer” the company. “No law supports such unlimited and sweeping use of the judicial process,” Apple writes. “And the Constitution forbids it.” Apple believes setting a precedent for allowing the All Writs Act to be used in this way could lead to more insidious demands in the future, such as turning on the microphone or camera to aid in surveillance.

Apple says FBI’s demand for new code would violate its First and Fifth Amendment rights, as it is the equivalent of compelled speech and is contrary to Apple’s core principles. Apple also points towards the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, using it as evidence Congress limited the assistance companies must provide to law enforcement.

In addressing the twin needs of law enforcement and privacy, Congress, through CALEA, specified when a company has an obligation to assist the government with decryption of communications, and made clear that a company has no obligation to do so where, as here, the company does not retain a copy of the decryption key.

Apple says the government “sought to cut off debate and circumvent thoughtful analysis” by taking the case to the courts and invoking terrorism instead of pursuing new legislation. Once again, Apple says the FBI’s demand to create new software that would allow it to brute force the passcode on the iPhone in question is “too dangerous to build” because it could fall into the hands of criminals and foreign agents.

In short, the government wants to compel Apple to create a crippled and insecure product. Once the process is created, it provides an avenue for criminals and foreign agents to access millions of iPhones. And once developed for our government, it is only a matter of time before foreign governments demand the same tool.

While the government insists the software would be used for a single phone, Apple points out that there are already multiple applications for similar orders. Assisting the FBI could quickly lead to additional orders using the case as a precedent should Apple be ordered to comply.

According to Apple, creating the software the FBI wants would necessitate between six and 10 Apple engineers dedicating a “substantial portion of their time” for a minimum of two weeks and up to four weeks.

It would require new code, detailed documentation, the development of encryption procedures, and rigorous quality assurance testing with the entire development process carefully logged. If the need should arise to respond to multiple demands, Apple would need to create “full-time positions” in a new “hacking” department.

Apple ends its motion by calling for the decision on security to be made by American citizens through the democratic process rather than through a court order.

Society is still debating the important privacy and security issues posed by this case. The government’s desire to leave no stone unturned, however well intentioned, does not authorize it to cut off debate and impose its views on society.

Now that Apple has filed its official opposition, it will need to wait for a response from the courts. Should the motion to vacate be denied by the district court, Apple has pledged to take its fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tag: Apple-FBI
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Apple Adds Multiple New App Categories to tvOS App Store

Apple today updated the tvOS App Store to add several new app categories to make it easier for Apple TV 4 owners to find content on their devices. As outlined by AfterPad, a site that showcases Apple TV apps, the new categories are rolling out to Apple TV users and may not be available to everyone just yet. Some users may only see the new categories under Purchased Apps until the rollout is complete.

New categories are as follows:

• Business Apps
• Weather Apps
• Utilities
• Travel Apps
• Social Networking Apps
• Reference Apps
• Productivity Apps
• Music Apps
• Finance Apps
• Book Apps
• Medical Apps
• Catalogs

At launch, the tvOS App Store did not include a Categories section like the iOS App Store, making app discovery difficult early on. App Categories were added at the beginning of November. Available categories were initially limited to just Games and Entertainment, but they have expanded since then.

The tvOS App Store now closely mirrors the iOS App Store when it comes to content discovery, with Categories, Top Charts, and featured apps available.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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New ad shows how the Samsung Galaxy S7 is more than just a smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is an impressive handset which was officially announced by the company at MWC. This generation of Galaxy also brought back some features, including water proofing, microSD expansion, as well as applying a stronger emphasis on virtual reality.

Samsung has highlighted this and more in a new ad, showcasing just how the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are more than just smartphones. The video is a neat presentation, but it doesn’t quite do the sheer amount of new features justice. Be sure to check out our Galaxy S7 and S7 edge coverage for more details on both handsets.

Source: YouTube

Samsung Galaxy S7

• Galaxy S7 and S7 edge hands-on
• Galaxy S7 and S7 edge specs
• Where and when you can buy the Galaxy S7
• Details on the Galaxy S7’s camera
• The SD card is back on the GS7
• Join our Galaxy S7 forums

Huawei and Leica team up to ‘reinvent’ smartphone photography

Huawei has announced that the company is teaming up with German photography giant Leica to kick of a strategic partnership to “reinvent” smartphone photography. The Chinese manufacturer is currently enjoying success in China, as well as supported markets, but now aims to ramp up development of more advanced experiences.

Oliver Kaltner, CEO of Leica Camera AG, commented on today’s announcement:

“The strategic alliance between Huawei and Leica Camera demonstrates the desire of two rapidly growing and globally active brands to continuously push the envelope of the technologically possible. In addition to innovative strength and premium standards, our two companies are united by the commitment to uncompromising quality. The technology partnership with Huawei offers Leica Camera an excellent opportunity to introduce its proven optical expertise into a new product segment and to unlock exciting business areas in the field of mobile devices. Smartphones make a very important contribution to the world of photography and open an important door for Leica to new target groups and fields of application.”

It’s stated that the partnership between Huawei and camera maker Leica will span research and development, design, co-engineering, user experience, marketing and retail distribution. More details will be shared at a later date, but we’re excited to see what the pair can come up with.

Press Release

HUAWEI AND LEICA CAMERA ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP FOR THE REINVENTION OF SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Leaders in the smartphone and photographic worlds come together to create a premium visual world renaissance

[London, 25th February, 2016] Today Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) and Leica Camera AG are delighted to announce the start of a strategic partnership, a co-operation with shared premium ambitions and spirit, which will see both technology and photography brands combining their shared ethos in a long-term commitment to the art of craftsmanship, meticulous engineering and the spirit of winning collaboration, to create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography.

In 2012, Huawei became the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer and was the first Chinese company to sell more than 100 million mobile phones in one year in 2015. The first Chinese brand to appear on the prestigious Interbrand Best Global Brands list in 2014, Huawei soared to number 88 in 2015 whilst launching the globally critically acclaimed Huawei Watch and Huawei P8. In 2016, Huawei looks to build on its success with Leica Camera: a mutually beneficial collaboration with the most iconic name in the photographic world to bring joint superior excellence to consumers.

For over 100 years, premium iconic camera manufacturer Leica Camera has been creating lightweight cameras favoured by street photographer pioneers and world-class optical lenses, fulfilling the passions of its community. With ingenious optical engineering and formidable craftsmanship, Leica cameras, recognisable by their ‘red dot’ branding, are German engineering at its best, and continue to attract new generations of consumers who aspire to achieve “the Leica look” and own these masterpieces of design. In addition to making precision-crafted masterpieces, Leica supports prominent photographers and emerging new talent around the world.

Richard Yu, CEO of the Huawei Consumer BG said: “We choose our partners carefully, and with this extraordinary collaboration we are offering our wide customer base and consumers the best elements of two expert brands in harmony: combining innovation and design, enhancing the user experience and continuing to inspire amazing advancement in human technology through exceptional premium imaging quality. Leica is a legend in the world of photography; we believe no other manufacturer has revolutionised the industry as much as them. We, Huawei, take the utmost pride in exceptional quality and Leica is in a class of its own in its sector.”

Oliver Kaltner, CEO of Leica Camera AG said: “The strategic alliance between Huawei and Leica Camera demonstrates the desire of two rapidly growing and globally active brands to continuously push the envelope of the technologically possible. In addition to innovative strength and premium standards, our two companies are united by the commitment to uncompromising quality. The technology partnership with Huawei offers Leica Camera an excellent opportunity to introduce its proven optical expertise into a new product segment and to unlock exciting business areas in the field of mobile devices. Smartphones make a very important contribution to the world of photography and open an important door for Leica to new target groups and fields of application.”

“The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of innovation, highest precision and craftsmanship. I’m pleased and convinced that the traditional German medium-sized company Leica Camera will bring its values and comprehensive expertise in optical engineering to the long-term partnership with Huawei in order to achieve the best possible imaging results in the field of smartphone photography – and to take it to the next level of quality”, emphasizes Dr Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera AG.

More details on the culmination of Huawei and Leica’s partnership, which will span research and development, design, co-engineering, user experience, marketing and retail distribution, will be shared as the partnership continues.