Barclays doesn’t support Apple Pay, but it’s likely to
Nearly a year after it launched, Apple Pay is coming to the UK. Most major financial institutions were included in Apple’s WWDC 2015 keynote, but there was one notable exception: Barclays. It’s a weird omission, particularly as Barclaycard, the bank’s credit card arm, is already supported in the US. After news of the launch broke, Barclays has moved to confirm that it won’t be a part of Apple’s NFC payment revolution when it goes live in July, hinting that an agreement over terms is the reason for its absence.
Barclays explains on its Twitter account that it has “been talking with Apple about how our customers could use Apple Pay in addition to our existing mobile and payment services.” It already offers a capable smartphone banking app, but also pioneered a mobile payment service that lets customers send money using only mobile phone numbers. However, it does not yet provide an NFC payment platform that customers can use to pay for goods at a retail store.
The bank notes that “talks remain constructive,” which suggests that while customers might have to wait, an agreement could be reached. We’ve contacted the bank for more clarification on the matter and will update the article should we hear back.
Thanks for your tweets this evening. We can assure you that we’ve been talking with Apple about how our customers (1/2)
– Barclays UK (@BarclaysUK) June 8, 2015
could use Apple Pay in addition to our existing mobile and payment services, and that these talks remain constructive. (2/2)
– Barclays UK (@BarclaysUK) June 8, 2015
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Apple
Source: Barclays (Twitter)
Apple WWDC 2015: the numbers you need to know
It’s Monday. The work week just started and the last thing you need is to spend two hours of it watching Apple’s WWDC 2015 keynote address. But fear not, even if you missed it, you can still get all the juicy rumors, teasers and event highlights right here. Think of it as a tl;dr but, you know, for press conferences.
Apple Merges iOS, WatchOS and Mac Developer Programs [Mac Blog]
Apple today announced that it is merging all of its developer programs into a single developer program, letting developers pay one fee to access both Mac and iOS developer tools. Before today, Apple offered a Mac developer program and an iOS developer program, accessible with separate $100 fees.
The new Apple Developer Program combines everything you need to develop, distribute, and manage your apps on all Apple platforms into one single program, making it easier than ever to bring your creativity to over a billion customers around the world. Get your apps ready for the App Store on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, by enrolling in the Apple Developer Program today.
It now costs $99 to access all SDKs and betas of iOS 9, OS X, and the company’s newest software platform, watchOS. Apple has created a support document to explain the changes and walk developers through the process of transitioning to the new membership program.
All individual and organization developer accounts have been upgraded to the new program and can access the tools for iOS and OS X. Membership expiration dates and Technical Support Incidents have not been changed. For those who had memberships to both former programs, the new single account has an extended expiration date that includes the sum of days that remained in each program.
‘Move to iOS’ App Allows for No Hassle Android-to-iOS Data Transfer [iOS Blog]
A somewhat hidden feature not spoken of directly during today’s WWDC keynote is a new app for iOS 9 called “Move to iOS,” which will allow current Android users a hassle-free migration experience from their Android phone to the iOS ecosystem.
Once downloaded on each phone, the app will help users securely transfer all of their important data: contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, wallpaper, and DRM-free songs and books.
In addition, Apple claims the app will “help rebuild your app library, too,” siphoning through any free apps used on Android and suggesting them as downloads on the iOS App Store. Simultaneously, any paid Android apps are immediately added to each user’s iTunes Wish List as future reminders.
Dedicated iCloud Drive App Included Within Settings of iOS 9 [iOS Blog]
Hidden in the settings menu of the just-unveiled iOS 9, today it was found that iCloud Drive will be getting its own dedicated app experience with the newest iteration of iOS.
The app, hidden by a “Show on Home Screen” command in the iCloud Drive section of settings, will allow users to interact and manage all of their saved files within iCloud inside of the app.
The specific setting for turning on the hidden app lies in Settings > iCloud > iCloud Drive. Once users decide to turn on the “Show on Home Screen”, the app will show up on their home screen alongside their previously downloaded apps.
Apple Confirms Activation Lock Safety Feature for watchOS 2 [iOS Blog]
Following today’s big WWDC keynote address in San Francisco, a few new details and confirmations have been made about the Apple Watch, specifically regarding a crucial security feature for the wearable. Activation Lock, previously available for iPhones and iPads, was confirmed to be coming to Apple Watch with watchOS 2. The feature lets users secure their Apple Watch with their Apple ID, preventing malicious users from wiping or activating the wearable device if it gets lost or stolen.
In the days and weeks following the Apple Watch launch, many users questioned the device’s security due to its inherent requiring of the iPhone to perform most of its tasks. With only a simple four-digit passcode protecting the wearable, it was discovered in early May that that code could be entirely bypassed with a simple settings wipe able to be performed by anyone who came into contact with your personal Apple Watch.
With today’s confirmation of Activation Lock for the Apple Watch, users concerned about losing or having the new Apple wearable stolen from them can no doubt feel a bit more at ease with the security of the device. Registered developers will be able to gain access to watchOS 2 starting today, with a wide public release coming sometime this fall.
Apple Music vs the competition: A streaming music cheat sheet
The past few years have seen a shift from owning music to accessing as much as you want on various streaming services. Why pay $9.99 for a new album each month when you can get a firehose of content for the same price? Now Apple looks to get in on the action with its newest offering, Apple Music. They made a big splash with the introduction of the iTunes store in 2003 but here in 2015 there’s a lot more competition for your listening attention. Does Apple Music have what it takes to stand out from its more established rivals? We’ve stacked up some of the bigger names to see which one can give you the most for your money.
| Apple Music | Spotify | Rdio | Google Play Music | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Individual: $9.99 Family: $14.99 |
Premium: $9.99 Family: $14.99 and up |
Select: $3.99 Unlimited: $9.99 Family: $14.99 and up |
Unlimited: $9.99 |
| Free version available | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Number of songs | Over 30 million | Over 30 million | Over 32 million | Over 30 million |
| Audio quality | NA | 320kbps | 320kbps | Up to 320kbps |
| Radio | Yes (human-driven) | Yes (automated) | Yes (automated) | Yes (automated) |
| Video content | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Exclusive content | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Curated playlists | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline listening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online media storage | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Social features | NA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop apps | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac | Web only |
| Mobile apps | iOS, Android (coming fall 2015) | iOS, Android, Windows Phone | iOS, Android, Windows Phone | iOS, Android |
Filed under: Apple
Zane Lowe traded Radio 1 for Apple’s Beats 1
When Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe announced he was leaving the BBC to join Apple, it was clear that he’d been lured away from the bright lights of London to help launch a new music platform. The logical assumption was that he’d help create curated playlists for a service formed from the acquisition of Beats Music, but as it turns out, he’s sticking with what he knows: radio. At its annual developer conference, Apple unveiled a new service called Beats 1, its first ever-live radio station. It’ll broadcast music 24/7 to over 100 countries from June 30th, with Zane Lowe fronting the show in Los Angeles, Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London. All for free.
Sure, Lowe is sharing the spotlight with two other DJs, but make no mistake, he is Beats 1’s top dog. Apple describes him as the “world’s foremost authority on emerging music” and he also detailed how the new radio service would operate during Apple’s keynote. It makes sense: In the 12 years Lowe spent at Radio 1, he gained exclusive interviews with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem and music producer Rick Rubin. He’s also credited with helping to bring acts like the Arctic Monkeys, Adele and Ed Sheeran into the public eye. Apple will hope he can do the same while heading up Beats 1, but influence many more listeners in the process.
http://www.engadget.com/embed-5min/?sid=577&playList=518873079&responsive=false
Beats 1 comes as part of Apple Music, but won’t be put behind a subscription paywall. It means that iOS and Android device owners the world over will be introduced to Lowe for the first time (for better or worse, depending on your opinion of him), giving him, and his co-hosts, the chance to share exclusive music from big name artists, but also acquaint people with up-and-coming acts representing all genres. In the UK at least, Radio 1 fans still mourning Lowe’s departure will have the chance to reconnect with him, for others it’s a complementary chance to learn about what’s new in the world of music.
[Image credit: Chris Thompson, Flickr]
Apple Music is making its way to Android devices this fall
Apple has just announced that Apple Music, the company’s newly-announced music streaming service, will come to Android devices sometime later this fall. The music service as a whole will launch on iOS, OS X and PC by the end of June, though Android support won’t be made available until a few months later.
Just announced hours ago at Apple’s WWDC event, Apple Music is a “revolutionary” streaming service that offers music from Apple’s huge music catalogue, gives you personalized music recommendations as well as access to the new Apple Music Radio service. The first station in Apple Music Radio, dubbed Beats 1, is a 24/7 live international radio station hosted by popular DJs that will play everything that has to do with music and music culture.
At launch, Apple Music will be available in over 100 countries and carry an impressive catalogue of over 30 million tracks. Individual plans will cost $9.99 per month, and family plans for up to six people will cost $14.99 per month. Apple will also give everyone a free three-month trial when the service launches.
Apple certainly has a gigantic music library, though it’s difficult to say whether or not the service will offer more value to consumers than Google Play Music or Spotify. Do you think you’ll become an Apple Music convert, or are you sticking with Google Play Music or Spotify? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today unveiled Apple Music™, a single, intuitive app that combines the best ways to enjoy music — all in one place. Apple Music is a revolutionary streaming music service, a pioneering worldwide live radio station from Apple broadcasting 24 hours a day and a great new way for music fans to connect with their favorite artists. Apple Music combines the largest and most diverse collection of music on the planet with the expertise of world-class music experts who have programmed playlists for your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, Mac®, PC, Apple TV® and Android phones.* Apple Music will be available starting on June 30 in over 100 countries.
“We love music, and the new Apple Music service puts an incredible experience at every fan’s fingertips”
“We love music, and the new Apple Music service puts an incredible experience at every fan’s fingertips,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “All the ways people love enjoying music come together in one app — a revolutionary streaming service, live worldwide radio and an exciting way for fans to connect with artists.”
“Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists,” said Jimmy Iovine. “Online music has become a complicated mess of apps, services and websites. Apple Music brings the best features together for an experience every music lover will appreciate.”
Apple Music
Apple Music is a revolutionary streaming service and app that puts the entire Apple Music catalog at your fingertips across your favorite devices. Starting with the music you already know — whether from the iTunes Store® or ripped CDs — your music now lives in one place alongside the Apple Music catalog with over 30 million songs. You can stream any song, album or playlist you choose — or better yet, let Apple Music do the work for you.
Curation is the soul of every playlist created on Apple Music. Apple has hired the most talented music experts from around the world, dedicated to creating the perfect playlists based on your preferences, and they become better curators the more you listen. The “For You” section of Apple Music provides a fresh mix of albums, new releases and playlists, which have been personalized just for you.
In addition to human curation, Siri® is also dedicated to helping you enjoy great music and have fun with Apple Music. Ask Siri to, “Play me the best songs from 1994,” “Play the best FKA twigs song,” or “What was the number one song in February 2011?”
Apple Music Radio
Beats 1℠, Apple’s first ever live radio station dedicated entirely to music and music culture, will broadcast live to over 100 countries. Beats 1 is a 24-hour listening experience led by influential DJs Zane Lowe in Los Angeles, Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London. Listeners around the globe will hear the same great programming at the same time. Exciting programs on Beats 1 will offer exclusive interviews, guest hosts and the best of what’s going on in the world of music.
Apple has also redesigned radio with human curation taking the lead. Apple Music Radio gives you stations created by some of the world’s finest radio DJs. The new stations range in genres from indie rock to classical and folk to funk, with each one expertly curated. With membership, you can skip as many songs as you like, so you can change the tune without changing the dial.
Apple Music Connect
Artists and fans now have an incredible way to connect with one another directly in Apple Music with Connect. Through Connect, artists can share lyrics, backstage photos, videos or even release their latest song directly to fans directly from their iPhone. Fans can comment on or like anything an artist has posted, and share it via Messages, Facebook, Twitter and email. And when you comment, the artist can respond directly to you.
Pricing & Availability
Starting on June 30, music fans around the world are invited to a 3-month free membership, after which a $9.99/month subscription fee will apply. There will also be a family plan providing service for up to six family members available for just $14.99/month.
Requires initial sign up. At the end of the trial period, the membership will automatically renew and payment method will be charged on a monthly basis until auto-renewal is turned off in account settings. Family plan requires iCloud® Family Sharing. Seewww.apple.com/icloud/family-sharing for more information.
*Apple Music is available on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC starting June 30. Apple Music will be coming to Apple TV and Android phones this fall.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, the Mac and Apple Watch. Apple’s three software platforms — iOS, OS X and watchOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple’s PR website (www.apple.com/pr), or call Apple’s Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.
© 2015 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Music, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple TV, iTunes Store, Siri, Beats 1 and iCloud are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Apple Music heads to Android this fall
The day has come where Apple brings a service to a competing mobile platform, unofficially returning the favor that Google has been doing for years. At WWDC 2015 today, Apple announced that its new music streaming service will be heading to Android later this year. Apple Music combines on-demand music, a live radio station, and social networking in one package.
On June 30, Apple Music goes live with two pricing options that will look familiar to anyone that has ever subscribed to a music streaming service. For $9.99, the same amount Spotify requests, a single user gains access to everything the service has to offer. Families, though, will need to pay $14.99 per month to support up to six people. The first three months of Apple Music will be free for all customers.
Apple Music launches first with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, and PC. Android, in addition to Apple TV, will see it arrive this fall.
Do you plan on subscribing to Apple Music? Let us know in the comments.
Introducing Apple Music — All The Ways You Love Music. All in One Place.
Worldwide Debut June 30
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today unveiled Apple Music™, a single, intuitive app that combines the best ways to enjoy music — all in one place. Apple Music is a revolutionary streaming music service, a pioneering worldwide live radio station from Apple broadcasting 24 hours a day and a great new way for music fans to connect with their favorite artists. Apple Music combines the largest and most diverse collection of music on the planet with the expertise of world-class music experts who have programmed playlists for your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, Mac®, PC, Apple TV® and Android phones.* Apple Music will be available starting on June 30 in over 100 countries.
“We love music, and the new Apple Music service puts an incredible experience at every fan’s fingertips,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “All the ways people love enjoying music come together in one app — a revolutionary streaming service, live worldwide radio and an exciting way for fans to connect with artists.”
“Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists,” said Jimmy Iovine. “Online music has become a complicated mess of apps, services and websites. Apple Music brings the best features together for an experience every music lover will appreciate.”
Apple Music
Apple Music is a revolutionary streaming service and app that puts the entire Apple Music catalog at your fingertips across your favorite devices. Starting with the music you already know — whether from the iTunes Store® or ripped CDs — your music now lives in one place alongside the Apple Music catalog with over 30 million songs. You can stream any song, album or playlist you choose — or better yet, let Apple Music do the work for you.
Curation is the soul of every playlist created on Apple Music. Apple has hired the most talented music experts from around the world, dedicated to creating the perfect playlists based on your preferences, and they become better curators the more you listen. The “For You” section of Apple Music provides a fresh mix of albums, new releases and playlists, which have been personalized just for you.
In addition to human curation, Siri® is also dedicated to helping you enjoy great music and have fun with Apple Music. Ask Siri to, “Play me the best songs from 1994,” “Play the best FKA twigs song,” or “What was the number one song in February 2011?”
Apple Music Radio
Beats 1℠, Apple’s first ever live radio station dedicated entirely to music and music culture, will broadcast live to over 100 countries. Beats 1 is a 24-hour listening experience led by influential DJs Zane Lowe in Los Angeles, Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London. Listeners around the globe will hear the same great programming at the same time. Exciting programs on Beats 1 will offer exclusive interviews, guest hosts and the best of what’s going on in the world of music.
Apple has also redesigned radio with human curation taking the lead. Apple Music Radio gives you stations created by some of the world’s finest radio DJs. The new stations range in genres from indie rock to classical and folk to funk, with each one expertly curated. With membership, you can skip as many songs as you like, so you can change the tune without changing the dial.
Apple Music Connect
Artists and fans now have an incredible way to connect with one another directly in Apple Music with Connect. Through Connect, artists can share lyrics, backstage photos, videos or even release their latest song directly to fans directly from their iPhone. Fans can comment on or like anything an artist has posted, and share it via Messages, Facebook, Twitter and email. And when you comment, the artist can respond directly to you.
Pricing & Availability
Starting on June 30, music fans around the world are invited to a 3-month free membership, after which a $9.99/month subscription fee will apply. There will also be a family plan providing service for up to six family members available for just $14.99/month.
Requires initial sign up. At the end of the trial period, the membership will automatically renew and payment method will be charged on a monthly basis until auto-renewal is turned off in account settings. Family plan requires iCloud® Family Sharing. Seewww.apple.com/icloud/family-sharing for more information.
*Apple Music is available on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC starting June 30. Apple Music will be coming to Apple TV and Android phones this fall.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, the Mac and Apple Watch. Apple’s three software platforms — iOS, OS X and watchOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.
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