Apple Now Offering One-Week HBO NOW Trial Following April Promotion [iOS Blog]
Apple is now offering a shorter one-week free trial for new customers that sign up for HBO NOW using an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, shortly after the April 30 deadline of a previous promotion that offered customers the first month of the streaming TV service for free. A paid subscription begins at the end of the one-week trial until canceled.
HBO NOW operates similar to Netflix, allowing customers in the United States to stream all of HBO’s original series and entire movie catalog on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV for $14.99 per month. HBO NOW’s official iPhone and iPad app is free on the App Store alongside the Apple TV channel. Popular HBO series include Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Girls, and Entourage. The one-week introductory free trial is available for a limited time.
Apple Watch Faces Hydrogen Explosion, Liquid Nitrogen and More in New Tests [iOS Blog]
After being put under multiple torture and waterproof tests in the week since its official launch on April 24, the Apple Watch this week faced some of its most hardcore trials yet from YouTuber Richard Ryan. Known as “FullMag” on YouTube, Ryan this week has put the Apple Watch Sport through a series of three destruction tests – Liquid Nitrogen, Hydrogen Explosion, and a 50-caliber bullet shell – on his technology destruction-focused channel (via Cult of Mac).
First posted on Monday, Ryan began his Apple Watch videos with a test focused on dropping the Sport version of the Watch into a container of liquid nitrogen and smashing the frozen wearable with a sledgehammer. As with most of Ryan’s videos, the results are less about wondering if the Watch passed Ryan’s tests, but more focusing on exactly how badly Apple’s new wrist-worn device was destroyed.
One of Ryan’s more elaborate experiments comes from the hydrogen explosion test posted on Tuesday, and also appears to be the least destructive of the trilogy of Apple Watch videos on the FullMag channel. The Apple Watch Sport at the end of the video appears relatively unharmed, but given that Ryan doesn’t attempt to test the device’s normal functions following the experiment, there’s no telling what kind of damage was done to the wearable’s basic functionality thanks to the acidic-based science experiment.
Most impressive is perhaps Ryan’s most recent video, a short clip of the YouTuber shooting an Apple Watch Sport with a 50-calliber bullet shell. The resulting destruction is easily one of the most impressive, the cheaper Apple Watch getting cut nearly clean in half by the massive bullet shell. Ryan even promises that while the 50-caliber shell will be the biggest firearm he sets his sights on to destroy the Watch, it won’t be the last.
Ryan has performed less high-intensity tests on the Watch, according to Cult of Mac, but has yet to post them. The YouTuber found that from basic drop tests the stainless steel Watch “shattered” while the aluminum Sport was completely fine. Ryan’s channel isn’t focused solely on Apple products, however, with videos showcasing the destruction of everything from Rolex watches to destruction tests on other smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.
Apple confirms tattoos can mess with the Watch’s heart sensor
After the Internet was awash with reports that tattoos can negatively affect the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor, Apple has confirmed the issue on its website. In a page dedicated to explaining how the Watch captures your vitals, the company notes: “Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance,” adding that “the ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings.”
The issue isn’t limited to the Apple Watch, however. A device using similar hardware can also come unstuck if it meets a dark tattoo on a wearer’s wrist. There have been reports that Fitbit’s Charge HR suffers from the same issues. It comes down to how the Watch’s green LED lights and photodiode sensors penetrate the skin and detect the changes in capillaries and blood vessels. The ink in darker tattoos can impact the absorption of both light and infrared, causing the issues Apple’s describing above. It’s certainly something you’ll need to consider if you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch and have tattoos on your favored wrist, but Apple notes you can connect it to external heart rate monitors over Bluetooth (not that it really helps). It might also be worth heading to your local Apple Store to check for yourself before putting down your heard-earned for a new Apple smartwatch.
Filed under: Wearables, Mobile, Apple
Via: Trusted Reviews
Source: Apple Support
Ford explains why Sync supports Apple and Google car apps
With both Apple and Google wrangling to become the infotainment center of your next new car, Ford will be choosing neither. Or both, depending on how you look at it. During an interview with Re/code, Ford CEO Mark Fields provided some details on how his company will be leveraging its in-house designed Sync system to act as middleman between smart devices and vehicles.
Like many other carmakers, Ford will equally support both Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto services, but Sync is still the primary system. The reason is simple, Ford CTO Raj Nair explained to Re/code, “We want to make sure you are not pushed into a decision on a $40,000 car based on your $200 smartphone.” And since neither Apple’s or Google’s offerings can do everything that the other can, Sync will be able to leverage the features of either regardless which OS drivers use. As such, Ford is touting a high level of flexibility with Sync — like letting drivers navigate with Google Maps through their phone but still play Sirius stations using the in-dash receiver.
When the Sync 3 platform debuts this summer, it promises a better touchscreen than its predecessor, new apps and the ability for future updates to occur over Wi-Fi, not just via the OBD-II port or USB. Ford is also working on adding cellular capabilities to its vehicles, and has its own tech for btoh semi- and fully-autonomous driving, though there’s no word on when those features will actually roll out.
[Image credit: Andrew A. Nelles/Associated Press]
Filed under: Displays, GPS, Transportation, Internet, Apple, Google
Source: Re/Code
Some Apple Watch Users Experiencing ‘Sticky’ Digital Crown, Apple Suggests Water Rinse to Fix
With any new Apple product launch, there are always several issues that pop up in the days following release, and the Apple Watch is no exception. Thus far we’ve seen sensor issues with customers who have dark wrist tattoos and problems with bands that don’t lock. It appears there’s another minor problem Apple Watch users are encountering — malfunctioning digital crowns. The digital crown is located on the left side of the watch and is used as the primary input method on the Apple Watch, aside from touch.
A number of users on both the MacRumors forums and Apple’s own support communities are reporting issues with the digital crown of the Apple Watch becoming stuck or difficult to turn. Some users have said the stickiness causes the crown to feel stuck for a moment before loosening when turned, while others say the digital crown feels consistently difficult to turn.
I’m experiencing light stickiness every time I go to turn the crown, but it smoothens out shortly after. And this repeats itself after the crown isn’t touched for a few seconds. It wasn’t like this on day one. Mine doesn’t take considerable pressure to turn though, you just feel that it’s sticky at first as if there was a bit too much friction.
On Apple’s support communities, some users are speculating that the issue is perhaps caused by sweat getting into the digital crown resulting in crystallized particles that block movement, but there are reports of problems from users who have not used their devices while exercising. Many of the Apple Watches affected are the Sport model, but stainless steel Apple Watch owners have also reported issues.
Several users have taken their Apple Watches in to be assessed by Apple employees and were told that the stickiness of the digital crown is not normal.
Well started experiencing same issue with my sport. Bad enough that double clicking was almost impossible. Took in today to Genius and three diff people came over and tested. All said was not normal. But I decided to send back now. Will be interesting test to see how much I miss it. Bigger concern is why and perhaps the sport vs ss and possibility of it keeps happening.
Ps. We compared to four diff demo units and all had same tactile feel except mine.
Some users have discovered that the problem is resolved by a quick rinse in water, a fix that Apple recommends in a support document. According to Apple, if the digital crown gets stuck or won’t move, it could have dust or debris underneath, fixable by running the Apple Watch under fresh water from a faucet for 10 to 15 seconds.
If the Digital Crown gets stuck or won’t move, it might be because of dirt or debris. If you find substances like dust or lotion around the Digital Crown, follow these steps to clean, and repeat as needed:
1. Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
2. If you have a leather band, remove it from your Apple Watch.
3. Hold the Digital Crown under lightly running, warm, fresh water from a faucet for 10 to 15 seconds. Soaps and other cleaning products shouldn’t be used.
4. Continuously turn and press the Digital Crown as water runs over the small gap between the crown and the housing.
5. Dry your Apple Watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cleaning cloth.
Some affected users have said that a water rinse does not solve the problem, or solves it only temporarily, while others have expressed dissatisfaction at potentially needing to rinse the Apple Watch after every workout. Customers who have gone to Apple Stores for a fix for their malfunctioning digital crowns have received either repairs or replacement devices, with Apple quoting week-long wait times for a fix.
Apple Store App for iOS Updated With Apple Watch Support [iOS Blog]
Apple today updated its Apple Store app for the iPhone with support for the Apple Watch, making it possible for Apple Watch owners to get real-time order status updates, check on Genius Bar reservations, and find nearby in-store events and workshops, all on their Apple Watches.
When opening the Apple Store app on the Apple Watch, the first option lists stores that are located nearby. Swiping upwards on the first screen offers up a map with an address for finding the closest store. The second screen in the Apple Watch app displays a scrollable list of all nearby workshops (signing up for a workshop is done on the iPhone), and the third screen offers up a list of all product orders. Scrolling to the bottom of that list gives an option to view a complete list of orders on the iPhone.
At an Apple Store, additional features mentioned in the app’s description are unlocked, letting users check in for a Genius Bar appointment or get started on a pick up order.
The convenience of the Apple Store App on your Apple Watch. Get real-time order status updates, quickly get your pick up order started, check in for Genius Bar reservations and discover nearby in-store events and workshops.
Unlike with the Apple Store for iPhone app, the Apple Watch app is rather limited in scope, offering up just a few quick-glance functions that accurately represent how Apple hopes Apple Watch apps will be used.
The Apple Store app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Ford Working With Apple on CarPlay, But Won’t Give Up Control of the Dashboard
Ford has promised to bring CarPlay to its vehicles and is listed as one of Apple’s CarPlay partners, but Ford executives say the company will also focus on compatibility with Android and its own Ford SYNC in-car infotainment system to give consumers as much choice as possible. In an interview with Re/code, Ford CTO Raj Nair explained that the company doesn’t want people making car choices based on their smartphones.
CTO Raj Nair said part of the reason behind that is ensuring that car buyers have choice. “We want to make sure you are not pushed into a decision on a $40,000 car based on your $200 smartphone,” Nair said.
Ford, like the other car makers, also sees its infotainment system, known as SYNC, as a key selling point. “The data shows SYNC has been a significant draw in the showroom,” Nair said.
Ford’s focus is on SYNC, but the company says that it is planning to support Android Auto and CarPlay and will look to integrate SYNC more closely with both systems. According to Nair, a customer who wants to use Google Maps but listen to Sirius radio using SYNC will be able to do so.
Despite not wanting to hand over control of its in-car infotainment systems to Apple and Google, Ford is eager to embrace new technology. At the meeting with Re/code, Nair was wearing an Apple Watch sporting one of the apps that the Ford team built in a week. A MyFord Mobile research app that links the PHEV Fusion Energi, C-MAX Energi, and Focus BEV cars to the Apple Watch was shown off on Twitter earlier today.
Image via Said Deep, Head of Ford North America Product Communications
Ford’s upcoming SYNC 3 system is set to debut this summer with support for both CarPlay and Android Auto. Following the launch of the new system, Ford should be releasing vehicles with CarPlay support by the end of 2015.
A Few Apple Watch Users Experiencing Band Locking Issues [iOS Blog]
Less than a week after the release of the Apple Watch, a few issues with the wrist-worn device have been spotted by early adopters. The first issue involves full sleeve tattoos interfering with the Apple Watch’s heart rare sensor and skin contact registration, while MacRumors forum member Smickers has shared a new video that shows an Apple Watch with a nonfunctioning band locking mechanism.
“So, I took off my jacket Sunday and out of the sleeve comes my SS Apple Watch and drops on the floor and slides for a bit before stopping. Turns out the locking mechanism wasn’t locking the strap,” writes MacRumors forum member Smickers. “On closer inspection it requires a number of tries, pulling and pushing the strap to get it to lock. It’s just the top strap. One scratched casing, with the glass fine.”
The user claims that after he contacted Apple on Monday to have the Apple Watch replaced through AppleCare, the company requested that he ship the device to Ireland for inspection by an engineering team. Three days later, he allegedly received confirmation from Apple that the Apple Watch was indeed faulty, and the company will be expediting him a brand new device in sealed retail packaging within 24 hours.
Fortunately, this issue does not appear widespread and is only affecting a limited number of users. “I had this same problem when I first received my SS Apple Watch with Milanese Loop,” said MacRumors forum member Ryxmd. “I had it on my wrist and noticed that the top strap had some movement. I took off the watch and tried to get it to lock in. After 3-4 tries, it finally locked into place.”
It is largely unsurprising that the first-generation Apple Watch has a few isolated issues that Apple will inevitably fix, especially given that the wrist-worn device is Apple’s first new product category since 2010. Yesterday, it was reported that defective Taptic Engines from one of Apple’s suppliers has contributed to Apple Watch supply constraints, but fortunately no faulty devices were shipped to customers.
Apple and IBM customize iPads to help the elderly in Japan
The partnership between tech giants Apple and IBM, which began last year, isn’t just about working together on enterprise products. In Japan, the two companies just announced an initiative that will deliver up to 5 million iPads to Japanese senior citizens, at no cost. Apple, IBM and the Japan Post Group, a local corporation that’s also involved with the project, say the goal is to “improve the quality of life” for millions of elderly people in the Land of the Rising Sun. How so? Well, the iPads are said to feature custom-built apps by IBM, all designed with senior citizens in mind — some can be used to set reminders and alerts about medications, or to request help with things like grocery shopping.
Not surprisingly, Apple’s also touting out-of-the-box iPad services such as FaceTime and Messages, which those who benefit from the program could use to stay in touch with loved ones. There are no details on the model of the iPads being provided, but chances are these senior citizens won’t care too much about such details.
Filed under: Tablets, Software, Apple
Source: Apple
Apple TV Shipping Estimate Slips to 1-2 Weeks Ahead of WWDC [iOS Blog]
Apple TV’s shipping estimate slipped to 1-2 weeks on the Apple Online Store in the United States today, less than six weeks before Apple is rumored to announce a new version of the set-top box at WWDC 2015 on June 8-12. The shipping times initially slipped to 1-2 weeks on the Apple Online Store on late Wednesday before the set-top box returned to in stock on Thursday, only to slip to 1-2 weeks again hours later.
A number of Apple products have been given longer shipping estimates in the past few weeks, possibly because of Apple Watch congestion within the company’s supply chain and delivery channels, so this change could be nothing more than a regular fluctuation. But with WWDC set to take place in early June, and a new Apple TV set-top box expected to be announced, the timing of the shipping time slipping is worth noting.
The next-generation Apple TV is rumored to feature Apple’s latest A8 system-on-a-chip and a “dramatic increase” in internal storage, well beyond the 8GB included in the current third-generation set-top box. BuzzFeed reported in March that the new Apple TV will also gain an App Store and Siri for controlling a wide selection of HomeKit-enabled home automation devices through the set-top box.
Apple TV was discounted to $69 in the U.S. in March.
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