Apple Attempts to Ease Concerns Over Wi-Fi Assist Data Usage

One of the less talked about new features introduced in iOS 9 last month is called “Wi-Fi Assist,” which automatically switches a user’s iPhone to a cellular data connection when the local Wi-Fi isn’t reliable.

Many iPhone users have taken to Reddit and the MacRumors Forums to warn others about the possibility of an increased monthly data plan due to the new feature, but now Apple is getting out in front of the issue and attempting to ease the qualms of its customers with a new support document centering on the issue (via Six Colors).

According to Apple, when a user sees the switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data while browsing an internet page in Safari, for example, they should only see a “small percentage” hike in data usage. The company also detailed which apps support the feature — Apple Music, Mail, Maps, Safari, etc — and still gave those concerned a step-by-step process to turn off Wi-Fi Assist. It ended the new support doc with a bullet list of interesting tidbits about the feature.

-Wi-Fi Assist will not automatically switch to cellular if you’re data roaming.
-Wi-Fi Assist only works when you have apps running in the foreground and doesn’t activate with background downloading of content.
-Wi-Fi Assist doesn’t activate with some third-party apps that stream audio or video, or download attachments, like an email app, as they might use large amounts of data.

Wi-Fi Assist is supported on any device that runs iOS 9 or later, excluding iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), and iPad mini (1st generation). If the support document doesn’t entirely ease your concerns, go to Settings > Cellular, and scroll down to underneath the full list of apps that use cellular data to find Wi-Fi Assist’s on/off toggle.

Apple Announces New ResearchKit Studies for Autism, Epilepsy and Melanoma

Apple today announced that researchers from Duke University, Johns Hopkins and Oregon Health & Science University are launching three new ResearchKit studies on autism, epilepsy and melanoma.

“We’re honored to work with world-class medical institutions and provide them with tools to better understand diseases and ultimately help people lead healthier lives,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations. “In just six months, ResearchKit apps studying everything from asthma and diabetes to Parkinson’s disease, are already providing insights to scientists around the world and more than 100,000 participants are choosing to contribute their data to advance science and medical research.”

ResearchKit is an open source framework, launched in early 2014, that enables developers to create their own iPhone apps for research purposes, with studies available for asthma, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and more. More than 50 developers and researchers have already contributed new research modules to the open source framework.

ResearchKit apps can access data from the Health app with permission, and use iPhone sensors such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone and GPS to track a user’s activity levels, motor impairments, memory and more. The research apps, available on the App Store in the United States, are compatible with the iPhone 5 or later and fifth-generation iPod touch or later.

New ‘Live GIF’ App Turns Live Photos Into GIFs

The new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus allow users to create Live Photos, which capture an additional 3 seconds of video around a still image and play it back when a user 3D Touches the photo. Priime today launched a new app called Live GIF, letting users easily turn their Live Photos into GIFs that are viewable on all devices and the web.

When launched, the app automatically detects whether your phone has Live Photos and lists them in a grid. The user simply has to tap the Live Photo they want to turn into a GIF and the app does the rest, converting it to a shareable GIF. That GIF or a video taken from the Live Photo can then be saved to the Camera Roll, sent in a message or email, or uploaded to social networks.

While the app is fairly limited in use and sports a banner on the bottom prompting users to edit their photos in the freemium Priime photo editing app, Live GIF is the first app to enable users to convert their Live Photos to GIFs, allowing them to be shared on most social networks.

Live GIF for iPhone is available in the App Store for $1.99. [Direct Link]

Apple’s First Retail Stores in Middle East Open October 29

Apple has announced that its first two retail stores in the Middle East will open in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, October 29. The nearest Apple Stores to the UAE are currently located several hours away in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey.

The new Apple Store in Dubai will be located at the Mall of the Emirates, and will celebrate its grand opening at 4:00 PM local time, while the Abu Dhabi store will be located inside Yas Mall and hold its grand opening three hours later at 7:00 PM local time. Each store will open at 10 AM and close between 10 PM and midnight local time.

Apple has been rumored to be constructing the “world’s largest” Apple Store in Dubai since August 2014, and began hiring for the upcoming UAE store that same month. Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the UAE in February 2014 to discuss the future of the IT sector with Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other officials.

Apple Watch will be available in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on October 22 as part of the wrist-worn device’s eighth launch wave, a week in advance of both store openings. In the UAE, pricing for the Apple Watch Sport will start at 1,399 dirhams for the 38mm model, which is equivalent to approximately $380 in U.S. dollars.

Both new Apple Stores will provide traditional services such as the Genius Bar, Events, Workshops and Personal Setup.

Apple Seeds Fourth OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 Beta to Developers and Public Beta Testers

Apple today seeded the fourth beta of the OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 update to developers and public beta testers for testing purposes, just one week after releasing the third OS X 10.11.1 beta and two weeks after the public release of OS X El Capitan on September 30.

The new beta is available through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store and through the Apple Developer Center.

OS X 10.11.1, like iOS 9.1, includes support for a range of new emoji like cheese wedge, taco, burrito, popcorn, middle finger, unicorn head, and more. New emoji were introduced in the first OS X 10.11.1 beta. Subsequent betas have not included any other outward-facing changes.

It is unknown what the first update to OS X El Capitan will bring aside from updated emoji, but as a minor .1 update, it’s likely to focus primarly on bug fixes and performance improvements for issues encountered following the operating system’s official release. According to Apple’s beta release notes, OS X 10.11.1 offers stability, compatibility, and security improvements.

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.

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.

CBS CEO Again Says Network Will ‘Probably’ Reach Streaming TV Deal With Apple

CBS CEO Les Moonves says the network is still in negotiations with Apple over its inclusion in Apple’s upcoming streaming television service, reports Bloomberg. In an interview with Bloomberg TV this morning, Moonves said CBS has had conversations with Apple and will “probably” ink a deal with the Cupertino company.

“Apple is having conversations with everyone about doing their own streaming services,” Moonves said in an interview Wednesday on Bloomberg TV. “We have had those conversations, as have the other networks. Do I think something will happen? Probably, but I do not know when.”

Moonves made similar comments five months ago at Re/code’s Code Conference, saying CBS would “probably” sign a deal with Apple for its rumored streaming television service. “We’re very excited about it,” he said, and at that time, he confirmed he had met with Eddy Cue to discuss the plans as part of an “ongoing conversation.”

Given the similarity between the statement given in May and what Moonves had to say today, there is little evidence of any progress in the talks between Apple and content owners, but it’s clear there is still interest in reaching a deal.

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Apple’s web-based television service was initially rumored to be launching in 2015, perhaps alongside the new Apple TV, but a continued failure to secure all of the necessary deals has reportedly delayed its debut until 2016. Apple is said to be having trouble with content negotiations, with pricing being a sticking point.

Apple’s plan is to offer a selection of popular television channels at a price of $30 to $40 per month, a price tag that undercuts most cable television services. While Apple’s streaming television service is still in the works with a launch date unknown, the company’s new set-top box will be launching at the end of the month.

The new Apple TV is already in developer hands and will be available to the general public in late October. The device includes a full App Store, universal search, deep Siri integration, and a touch-based remote for navigating the interface and playing games.

August Announces New Smart Lock With HomeKit Integration

August, the company behind the popular August Smart Lock, today announced a second-generation product that includes support for Apple’s HomeKit home automation platform. The new HomeKit-enabled August Smart Lock lets customers use voice commands to lock, unlock, and check the status of their door.

The August Smart Lock can be used with other HomeKit products to create scenes that might unlock the door while also turning on the lights inside the house. August has also revamped the design of its Smart Lock, adding a new magnetic faceplate to improve the grip and rotation of the lock, and an indicator at the top so users can visually tell whether the door is locked or unlocked.

Along with the new HomeKit-enabled August Smart Lock, August is also debuting the August Smart Keypad and the August Doorbell Cam. The August Smart Keypad works alongside the August Smart Lock, allowing for entry without a smartphone. Unique one-time use access codes can be generated for friends and family.

The August Doorbell Cam also works with the August Smart Lock, letting users see and speak with visitors at their door from anywhere. It has a one-way 140 degree HD video camera and two-way audio. Motion detection capabilities capture movement even when the bell is not rung, sending a notification, and a livestream of activity can be viewed using the August app.

All three products connect to the August Access platform, which is available today in beta form. It’s designed to offer secure home access to the August products for trusted partner companies like Sears, Postmates, Pro.com, Handy, Fetch, Shyp, BloomNation, Envoy, Rinse, HelloAlfred, Wag!, Pillow, and Doorman. Customers will be able to allow these trusted partners to enter their homes with the August Smart Lock, alleviating the need to be home for deliveries.

The HomeKit-enabled August Smart Lock, priced at $229, is available for pre-order from the August website. The Smart Keypad is priced at $79 and the Doorbell Cam is priced at $199.

iPhone Upgraders: Apple Offers Partial Refunds for AppleCare+

As carriers move away from two-year contracts, and towards financing programs that break down the full price of an iPhone into equal monthly payments, it is worth a reminder that Apple offers partial refunds for unused AppleCare+ coverage, minus the value of any service already provided.

Since many carrier financing programs enable customers to upgrade to a new iPhone after a minimum of 12 months, whereas the AppleCare+ coverage period is 24 months, some customers will inevitably have at least half of their warranty period remaining, for which they are entitled a pro-rated refund.

Macworld recently noted that Apple has a longstanding support document on its website that outlines how to request a refund for an AppleCare plan. The process involves phoning Apple and providing them with your AppleCare agreement number and covered device serial number, and an original sales receipt is often required.

The refund policy may vary depending on the country, but in the U.S., Apple stipulates that customers who cancel their AppleCare+ plan more than 30 days after the date of purchase will receive a pro-rated refund of the original purchase price, minus a cancellation fee of $25 or 10% of the pro-rated amount, whichever is less.

Here is the exact verbiage from the AppleCare+ terms and conditions:

ii) If you cancel more than thirty (30) days after your receipt of this Plan, you will receive a pro rata refund of the original purchase price. The pro rata refund is based on the percentage of unexpired Plan Term from the Plan’s date of purchase, less (a) a cancellation fee of twenty-five ($25) dollars or ten percent (10%) of the pro-rata amount, whichever is less, and (b) the value of any service provided to you under the Plan.

AppleCare+ for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus costs $129. Assuming that you do not make any accidental damage claims, and upgrade your iPhone after 12 months, the plan would have $64.50 in value remaining. After a 10% cancellation charge of $6.45, the refund would be $58.05 — enough for one or two monthly payments on your next iPhone.

AppleCare+ for iPhone extends both the smartphone’s limited one-year warranty and 90 days of complimentary phone support to two years from the original date of purchase, and provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for a $79 or $99 service charge each time. It also covers defective hardware and depleted batteries.