‘Reserve Strap’ Debuts New Design Focusing on Apple Watch Diagnostic Port [iOS Blog]

Originally announced by third-party developers Lane Musgrave and John Arrow back in early March, one of the biggest concerns of the battery-boosting accessory “Reserve Strap” was its use of the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor as a way to provide power to the wearable. Although it was unconfirmed, there was always a possibility of the Reserve Strap obstructing normal functions of the heart rate sensor, or causing the Watch to not function altogether by interfering with skin contact completely.

Last week, after getting their hands on an Apple Watch, Musgrave and Arrow have gone back to the drawing board on the design of the Reserve Strap, coming up with a new look that acts as more of a traditional Apple-made band without blocking the heart rate sensor at all. The new Reserve Strap aims to use the 6-pin diagnostic port – hidden inside of the band port on the bottom of the Watch – as the main source of providing power to the device, shirking the heart rate sensor’s magnetic inductive charging altogether.

The Original Reserve Strap design (left) vs the new design (right)

Finally getting our hands on the Apple Watch has further confirmed the immense value of the Reserve Strap. Since release day, we’ve been executing series of tests on the Apple Watch and have some really exciting news to share today.

We’ve developed and tested a completely rethought design that takes advantage of the 6-pin port underneath the band slide of the Apple Watch. This port hadn’t been deciphered by anyone until now but we’ve been able to make significant enough observations so far to warrant shifting our development focus to this new method. We’re looking forward to sharing more design details and technical specification of this new Reserve Strap as soon as we can.

The company claims in its blog posts that its engineers have “been able to independently confirm that the 6-pin diagnostic port underneath the Apple Watch case can be used for charging.” They continue by also noting the diagnostic port will allow for not only a higher charge capacity, but faster, more efficient charging times. The blog post also notes that the new method should improve durability of the strap as a whole and eliminate “any interference with Apple Watch functionality including taptic feedback and heartrate sensors.”

Initial renderings of the new design (left) vs fully realized 3D model (right)
No word was given on the planned Kickstarter for the Reserve Strap, but those interested can still pre-order the device from the company’s official website for $249.99. Color options will include white, gray and black, and customers will be able to choose between 38mm and 42mm strap sizes to fit their preferred Apple Watch size.

12.9-Inch ‘iPad Pro’ Rumored to Feature NFC, Bluetooth Stylus, Force Touch and USB-C [iOS Blog]

The much-rumored 12.9-inch so-called “iPad Pro” will feature a built-in NFC chip, pressure-sensitive Bluetooth stylus, Force Touch and USB-C port, according to AppleInsider. The report, citing a source familiar with Apple’s future product plans, also claims that the larger iPad will have a new touchscreen with improved latency and unsurprisingly be powered by Apple’s latest A-series processor.

A purported “iPad Pro” blueprint from December 2014 with possible dimensions
The inclusion of an NFC chip will enable the iPad Pro to be used as an Apple Pay payment terminal, although it is unlikely the tablet itself will have tap-to-pay functionality, according to the report. Apple Pay contactless payments are currently limited to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s when paired with an Apple Watch, in the United States.

Meanwhile, the report corroborates well-informed KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s claim that the iPad Pro will feature an Apple-built stylus, which AppleInsider says will connect via Bluetooth and allow pressure-sensitive input. The iPad Pro’s display will also reportedly feature Force Touch, a technology that distinguish between a tap and a deep press on the screen.

The report adds that the iPad Pro’s USB-C port will either replace or supplement the Lightning connector equipped on other current iPads:

“The source also said that Apple’s new, larger iPad will also feature a USB-C input, though they didn’t indicate whether it would be a new, second port option, or if USB-C would replace the Lightning connector found on current iPads. Cases based on allegedly leaked “iPad Pro” designs have included spaces for two port openings, leading to speculation that Apple could potentially include both USB-C and Lightning, or offer docking capabilities in two different orientations.”

Many of these rumored iPad Pro features have been reported by other sources over the past year, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Kuo.

The report stops short of providing a release timetable for the iPad Pro, although The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Apple is planning to begin mass production of the device in September following some internal setbacks. Apple typically refreshes its iPad lineup in October, and it’s possible the iPad Pro could launch around that time if there are no further production delays.

Apple Watch diagnostic port: a goldmine for accessory makers

Long before it officially existed, there were rumors that the Apple Watch had disappointing battery life. It wasn’t long afterward that we started to hear companies were preparing to build external power packs to compensate. Thankfully, the folks over at Reserve Strap have discovered that you don’t have to sacrifice style in favor of usefulness, thanks to the six-pin “diagnostic” port found on the bottom of the watch case. It turns out that the feature doesn’t just transmit data, but can receive power at far faster rates than the magnetic inductive charging panel on the underside.

As Reserve Strap says, it means that accessory makers can now build more elegant straps that look a lot closer to the originals than a janky external case. It also makes us hopeful that, much like Pebble Time’s connected accessory port, companies could build straps with functions that run beyond just recharging the device. Of course, Apple won’t be happy with any of this, and will probably do everything it can in its power to hamper their progress — after all, Jonathan Ive doesn’t believe there’s even a need for you to own a battery case.

[Image Credit: Reserve Strap]

Filed under: Wearables, Apple

Comments

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Reserve Strap

How to Download, Install, and Arrange Apps on Apple Watch [iOS Blog]

One thing that makes Apple Watch stand out from other smart watches is the app ecosystem. Since there are already more than a million iPhone apps in the App Store, there were already plenty of developers ready to get to work building companions for the wrist worn device. When the Apple Watch launched, there were already 3,500 apps available, and that number grows on a day-by-day basis.

One of the best ways to customize your Apple Watch to fit your needs is to download all the apps you want and to organize them for easy access. We’ve got a tutorial that covers downloading apps from your iPhone, installing them on your Apple Watch, and rearranging them on your Home screen.

Downloading Apps for Apple Watch

At the current time, all Apple Watch apps are powered by the iPhone, which means they’re bundled into iPhone apps. Apple Watch apps are downloaded by downloading a compatible app onto your iPhone, which can be done from the regular App Store or through the “Apple Watch App Store” located within the Apple Watch companion app on your iPhone. The Apple Watch companion app has an icon that looks like a watch and is automatically installed on all iOS devices running iOS 8.2 or later.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap “Featured” to visit the Apple Watch App Store.
3. Find the apps you wish to add to your collection and download them the way you would with an iPhone app. If it is already on your iPhone, you will see “Open.” If you have previously downloaded the app, but it is not currently on your iPhone, you will see the iCloud icon.
4. Alternatively, you can open the regular App Store on your iPhone or Mac and look for apps that are tagged with “Offers Apple Watch app for iPhone.”

Installing Apps on Apple Watch

When you first set up your Apple Watch, you will have the option to automatically add all available Apple Watch apps already on your iPhone, or you can manage which ones you install manually via the Apple Watch app. Chances are, without even downloading a single app, you probably already have a number of compatible ones already on your iPhone.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap “My Watch” to find the settings section of your Apple Watch.
3. Scroll down to the list of Apple Watch compatible apps that are on your iPhone
4. Tap on an app you wish to add to Apple Watch
5. Toggle the Show App on Apple Watch switch to the On position.
6. Do the same for apps that you wish to include Glances for when available.
7. On Apple Watch, you will see a message prompting you to install the app. Select Yes.

There is a setting in the General section of the Apple Watch companion app that allows you to choose whether or not apps with new or updated Apple Watch functionality will be automatically installed on your Apple Watch. If this option is turned off, you’ll have to manually add these apps to your Apple Watch from the companion app on your iPhone.

Arranging Apps on Apple Watch Home Screen

Similar to the iPhone or iPad, you can rearrange the app icons on Apple Watch so the most-used ones are easiest to access. There are two ways to rearrange app icons on your Apple Watch Home screen.

On iPhone

1. Open the Apple Watch App on the iPhone.
2. Tap “My Watch” and then tap App Layout.
3. Touch and hold an app until it wiggles. Then, drag it to its new location.
4. You can tap “Reset” to restore the original app layout.

On Apple Watch

1. Press the Digital Crown to go to the Home screen.
2. Touch and hold an app until it wiggles. Then, drag it to its new location.
3. Press the Digital Crown again when finished.

You can also make adjustments to the settings of some installed Apple Watch apps. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, and scroll down to the app you wish to adjust the settings for.

Once you’ve added apps to your Apple Watch and arranged your Home Screen just right, you’ll be ready to use all the apps you’ve installed. You can scroll through all of your apps with a finger, using the Digital Crown to zoom in. Launch your apps by zooming all the way in with the Digital Crown or with a simple tap on the app’s icon.

How to Use the Activity and Workout Apps on Apple Watch [iOS Blog]

One of the main features the Apple Watch has to offer is the ability to track your daily activities and workout routines. The Apple Watch has a comprehensive set of health and fitness tools to help you keep track of your movement, reach workout goals, and get more activity into your life. One of Apple’s main goals with the Apple Watch was to provide users with tools to keep them healthy, and the Activity and Workout apps on the Apple Watch are part of that effort.

If you’ve been a couch potato for too long, Apple Watch might be just what you need to motivate you to get moving and get healthy. The following video and tutorial will show you how to track your daily activities and how to monitor your workouts using the Activity and Workout apps.

Tracking Daily Activities

Thanks to the motion sensors built into Apple Watch, it’s always keeping track of your movement when it’s on your wrist. Whether you are sitting around doing nothing, or participating in a decathlon, Apple Watch knows your movements and will keep you informed.

1. Open the Activity app on Apple Watch.
2. Swipe left to the “Move, Exercise, and Stand” screen and tap Get Started.
3. Enter your personal information (gender, age, weight, and height).
4. Turn the Digital Crown to set the information and tap to Continue.
5. Tap Start Moving.
6. Or, use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to enter the information, under the “Health” section of the app.

Once the information is entered, Apple Watch will do the monitoring for you. When you take a brisk walk, run, or take a spin class, your movement heart rate data will be tracked on your Activity Rings.

The Move Ring
The Move ring tracks calories you’ve burned by moving. Depending on how regularly you get around, Apple Watch will adjust your goals. So, if you are fairly sedentary, a short walk up and down a few flights of stairs will help you on your way to filling in your ring. However, if you regularly walk 12,000 steps in a day, your Move ring will be harder to fill. During the setup process, you choose your typical level of activity to get a ballpark movement goal, adjust it manually if you wish, and then let the Apple Watch tweak things over time.

The Exercise Ring
The Exercise ring tracks how many minutes of brisk activity you have completed in a day. Brisk exercise means movement that gets your heart rate up. So, a leisurely stroll to your boss’ office across the building does not count. However, if you were to skip to his or her office, you might make some progress on your Exercise ring.

The Stand Ring
The Stand ring is there to remind you that you need to move your body. Once per hour, Apple Watch will remind you to take a walk for a minute. Even if you are at a standing desk, you will be reminded. The idea is to get away from your desk for a minute, whether you are standing or sitting, and the Apple Watch wants to see you up and around in at least 12 hours of your day.

How to View Your Progress

1. Swipe up on the Watch face, then swipe to the Activity Glances.
2. Tap the Glance to open the Activity App.
3. Swipe to see individual activities.
4. Swipe up on an activity or turn the Digital Crown to see the activity as a graph.
5. Or, you can view the information on the Activity app on your iPhone. Some watch faces include Activity as a complication option, letting you see your miniature activity rings at any time and access the Activity app with a tap right from there.

How to View Activity Achievements

You will earn achievements for completing fitness goals, like working out every day of the week, doubling your daily move goal, and completing all of your activity goals for the entire week. You can keep track of which achievements you’ve earned in the Apple Watch app.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Achievement tab.
3. Tap an achievement to see your progress.

How to Manually Adjust Your Goals

Apple Watch will update your goals every Monday based on your previous week’s activities. However, you can manually change them whenever you like.

1. Open the Activity app on Apple Watch
2. Firmly press on the display screen until you see a prompt to change your move goal.
3. Adjust your goal according to your realistic ability.

Controlling Notifications

Apple Watch will send you friendly reminders about your daily activities. If you’d rather not get notifications, you can turn some or all of them off.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap My Watch.
3. Tap Activity.
4. Toggle the switches for each reminder on or off according to your desire.

Tracking Workouts

In addition to keeping track of your daily activities, Apple Watch will help you monitor your workouts. You can set specific goals based on length of time, calories burned, or distance. Once activated, Apple Watch will track your heart rate and movement and help you get through your workout.

Starting a Workout

1. Open the Workout app, then tap the type of workout you will be doing, including running, cycling, rowing, and more. As you select workouts, Apple Watch will track your preferences and put the most used ones on top.
2. Swipe left or right to choose a calorie, time, or distance goal.
3. Turn the Digital Crown to set the number.
4. When you are ready to start your workout, tap Start.

Pausing your Workout
You can pause a workout at any time by firmly pressing the display screen. Do this if you stop for any reason during your workout when you don’t want things like your heart rate tracked. Tap Resume to continue.

Ending your Workout
To stop a workout early, or if you’ve gone past your goal and still wanted to do more, but now it is time to stop, firmly press on the display screen. Then, tap End. Turn the Digital Crown to view your result summary. Tap Save to keep the information or Discard to delete it.

Apple Watch’s Activity and Workout apps are great for getting you motivated and keeping you on track. The Activity app on Apple Watch will show you your progress and allow you to fine-tune your daily activities in order to ensure that you keep moving and stay healthy.

Samsung Debuts Apple-Like Design Video for Galaxy S6 Edge

Earlier today Samsung debuted a new video on its YouTube channel called “Designing Possible”, detailing the design process of the brand new Galaxy S6 Edge (via iMore). However, the video bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s video on how the company designed the gold Apple Watch Edition.

Both videos feature men with English accents talking about the design process of the companies’ devices while showcasing the manufacturing processes. The two videos also share similar cinematography, with both of them including almost identical images of lined up components in a dark area as a light zooms over them. The intent for both ads also appears to be the same, making sure people understand the kind of thought and detail that goes into the design of these devices.

While both ads are similar in tone, intent and content, there are a few differences. Samsung’s ad, for example, seems to be a little more focused on Samsung as a design company. Apple’s ad, on the other hand, seems slightly more focused on the product. Additionally, Apple’s Jony Ive speaks in the Apple ad while the voice in the Samsung ad sounds similar to British actor Richard Ayoade.

The ad does potentially signal a shift in Samsung’s marketing strategy, which had largely focused on attacking Apple products and poking fun at its customers. The shift could be the result of Samsung devices losing key differentiators that the iPhone could not boast, like screen size, user-replaceable batteries and a waterproof design, with the new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. While Samsung hasn’t been accused of copying Apple’s ads in recent years, the Korean company has been accused of copying Apple in other areas.

Buyer’s Guide: Deals on MacBook Air, Retina MacBook Pro, Apps, Apple Accessories, and More [Mac Blog]

Happy May! Heading into the first of the month, deals on Macs continue to be good, while deals on iPads are less impressive. It’s a good time to buy a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air (either one of the new models or the older 2014 models — discounts on both are solid), but if you’re looking for an iPad and can hold out for a few weeks, you might be able to get a better price.

Along with the discounts on Macs and iOS devices that we share each week, we’ve also rounded up this week’s best app deals and we’ve hunted down some discounts on useful Apple accessories.

iPad Air 2

Best Buy continues to offer the lowest prices we’ve seen on a single iPad Air 2: the 16GB Cellular iPad Air 2 in silver is available for $499.99, $130 off its regular price.

B&H Photo is offering a small discount on all of its iPad Air 2 models, dropping prices by $30 to $50. With the discount, the 16GB WiFi only iPad Air 2 is priced at $459 and the 64GB model is priced at $569.

MacMall is also offering some discounts on iPad Air 2 models, dropping the prices by $30 to $50. With the discount, the 16GB entry-level Wi-Fi only iPad Air 2 is priced at $459, while the Wi-Fi-only 64GB iPad Air 2 is available for $539.

iPad Air

Best Buy has a couple of original iPad Air cellular models available at low prices. The 16GB Verizon iPad Air is available for $379.99, and the 32GB Verizon iPad Air is available for $429.99.

Both Best Buy and B&H Photo have deep discounts on some remaining stock of now-discontinued higher-capacity iPad Air models, as listed below.

– iPad Air Wi-Fi Space Gray 128GB – $549
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 128GB (AT&T) – $499
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 128GB (AT&T) – $499
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 64GB (AT&T) – $429
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $449
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 64GB (Verizon) – $566.99
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 64GB (Verizon) – $449
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 128GB (Verizon) – $579
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 128GB (Verizon) – $549

iPad mini 3

B&H Photo is offering some modest discounts on various iPad mini 3 models, dropping the price by up to $60. The 64GB Cellular iPad mini 3 in gold is priced at $549, while the 16GB Cellular gold version is priced at $479. The Wi-Fi only 128GB iPad mini 3 in Silver is $549, while the 64GB version is priced at $439.

Discounts for each model and and color vary, but most models are being offered at a lower price than you’ll find at the Apple Store, and buying from B&H, you won’t have to pay sales tax unless you’re in New York.

iPad mini 2

Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Amazon have remaining stock of now-discontinued higher-capacity iPad mini 2 models, which are a good deal if you’re looking for an iPad mini. Compared to the iPad mini 3, the iPad mini 2 only lacks Touch ID.

– iPad mini Cellular Silver 128GB (AT&T) – $449
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 128GB (AT&T) – $449
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $399.99
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 128GB (Verizon) – $434
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 128GB (Verizon) – $534.99
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 64GB (Verizon) – $429.99

iMac

– 21.5-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,189, $110 off
– 21.5-inch 2.9GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,389, $120 off
– 27-inch 3.2GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,689, $110 off
– 27-inch 3.4GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,794, $205 off
– 27-inch 3.5Ghz/8GB/1TB Retina iMac (Adorama) – $2,329.99, $170 off

Mac mini

– 1.4GHz/4GB/500GB (Amazon) (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $464.99, $34 off
– 2.6GHz/8GB/1TB (MacMall) – $658.99, $40 off
– 2.8GHz/8GB/1TB (MacMall) – $934.99, $60 off

MacBook Air

– 2015 11-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (B&H Photo) – $799, $100 off
– 2015 11-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/256GB (Best Buy) (Amazon) (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $1044.99, $50 off
– 2015 13-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $949.99, $50 off
– 2015 13-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/256GB (Best Buy) – $1,099.99, $100 off
– 2014 11-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (Adorama) – $719.99, $180 off
– 2014 11-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $899, $200 off
– 2014 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (B&H Photo) – $819, $180 off
– 2014 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (Amazon) (Adorama) (B&H Photo)- $1,029, $170 off

Retina MacBook Pro

– 2015 13-inch 2.7Ghz/8GB/128GB (Amazon) (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,234.99, $64 off
– 2015 13-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB (B&H Photo) (MacMall) – $1,424.99, $74 off
– 2015 13-inch 2.9GHz/8GB/512GB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) – $1709.99, $90 off
– 2014 15-inch 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB (B&H Photo) (MacMall) – $1,799, $200 off
– 2014 15-inch 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) (MacMall)- $1,799.99, $200 off
– 2014 15-inch 2.5GHz/16GB/512GB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) (MacMall) –$2,249, $250 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/128GB (B&H Photo) – $1,129, $170 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/256GB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,249, $239 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB (B&H Photo) – $1,529 $270 off

Apps

There are quite a few apps that are on sale at discounted prices or available for free for a limited time. We’ll highlight a few here, but make sure to check out our sister site AppShopper for a complete list.

MoneyWiz 2 is available for $0.99, down from $4.99. 360 degree photo taking app Cycloramic for iPhone 6 is available for free, down from $1.99. Flick Kick Field Goal is available for free, down from $1.99.

Adventure game Swordigo is available for free, down from $2.99. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is available for $2.99, down from $9.99. Worms3 is available for $0.99, down from $4.99. Alto’s Adventure is available for $1.99, down from $2.99. Hours Time Tracking is available for free, down from $6.99.

Mighty Switch Force! Hose It Down! was named Apple’s App of the Week, so it will be free to download until next Thursday when a new app is picked.

Apple Accessories

Groupon is selling a single set of Apple EarPods for $12.99 or a set of two for $24.99, a decent discount off the regular price of $29. Groupon has the Apple Bluetooth keyboard for $63.99, down from $79. Groupon also has the OtterBox Defender Case and Holster for the iPhone 6 available for $29.99, down from $59.95.

StackSocial is offering the Satechi Aluminum 4-port USB Clamp Hub for $19.99, down from $29.99. Woot is selling a Lightning cable 2-pack for $15.99 until tomorrow, a good deal because one cable is normally priced at $19.99. Beats by Dre Solo HD Drenched headphones are available from Target for $129.99, down from $169.99.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Vaja is offering 10 percent off all of its premium leather device cases. Just enter promo code MAMA when checking out. TwelveSouth is offering 12 percent off site wide with the promo code LOVEMOM though May 10.

Groupon’s still running a big Apple event and selling a range of Apple products and accessories at discounted prices, including the LifeProof Fre case for the iPad Air, Apple EarPods, Speck MacBook cases, MagSafe chargers, Mophie battery cases, and more.

Groupon is selling the Griffin Survivor Case for iPhone 5/5s for $11.99, down from $49.99. The MyCharge Hub 9000 Power Bank is available for $64.99 from Amazon, down from $139.99. Incase is offering a free Portable Power 2500 USB battery pack with a $150 purchase using the code POWERONUS15.

MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.