How to Use iCloud Photo Library in Photos to Sync Pictures Between Devices [Mac Blog]
iCloud Photo Library was introduced with iOS 8, but with the launch of the Photos for OS X app, it’s now available on the Mac. In a nutshell, iCloud Photo Library is Apple’s newest photo service that lets you sync all of your images across all your devices and to iCloud.
iCloud Photo Library supports several photo and video formats, storing photos in their original format, and it makes all of your media available on any device that has iCloud Photo Library turned on. This how-to will walk you through how to turn iCloud Photo Library on for each of your devices and how to minimize the space your photos take up on each device.
Tips Before Getting Started
In order to fully take advantage of iCloud Photo Library, you should turn it on for multiple computers, if necessary, as well as your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It is compatible with iOS 8.3 or later and OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 or later.
You must be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi in order to begin the iCloud Photo Library upload process. Additionally, your device batteries must be fully charged, or at least connected to a power source.
Apple provides 5GB of iCloud storage for free. It is highly likely you will need more than that to store all of your pictures and videos. If you go over the 5GB limit, Apple will prompt you to upgrade to a larger storage capacity before continuing. iCloud storage starts at $0.99 per month for 20 GB of storage. The 200GB storage plan costs $3.99 per month, while the 500GB plan costs $9.99 per month and the 1TB plan costs $19.99 per month.
Be sure that all devices you wish to sync photos and videos on are signed in using the same Apple ID.
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12-Inch Retina MacBook Receives Mixed Reviews From Early Adopters
Just a few weeks after the 12-inch Retina MacBook became available to order online, a number of early adopters have shared mixed opinions about the notebook within the MacRumors discussion forums. Overall, many users agree that the new MacBook has major design appeal but with too many key compromises, as mentioned by several well-known tech pundits and websites in our review roundup of the notebook.
A handful of users within the discussion forums claimed that they regretfully returned their new MacBooks shortly after receiving one because of those compromises, including the frustration of looking for and purchasing USB-C adapters that are needed to connect various Digital AV, VGA or USB devices, peripherals and cables to the single USB-C port on the ultra-slim notebook. The new keyboard and slow performance were also areas of concern for some users. Some responses have been slightly edited for clarity.
MacRumors forum member Audiopablo:
“Took mine back. It was really a wow factor. So light, so beautiful. But in the end, it just wasn’t for me. After spending a day trying to hunt down USB-C adapters in Apple stores (weren’t available at Best Buy, where I bought mine), I got to thinking about what I loved and what I didn’t.
Could I type on my lap with it? Sure and watch the screen jiggle on my soft legs. Turns out a 13″ or even 15″ model with weight is more stable for me personally. […] Ports is an issue for a user like me. I knew that going in, but I was going to be patient with it. It finally got to me.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t for you. I wouldn’t mind one instead of the iPads we have, but I’ll wait until the price comes down. It just didn’t feel like a step into the future for me. It felt like like some steps back from my 13″ Retina MacBook Pro or 15″ MacBook Pro. Gone were the Apple touches I felt were worth the premium. I know I’ll catch flack for this, but it felt like an iPad running OS X with a great trackpad and great keyboard for light typing. But then I started trying to touch the screen.”
MacRumors forum member Newellj:
“With some regret I returned my Retina MacBook over the weekend. The two reasons I ultimately returned it were that the keyboard didn’t agree with me and, after some practical thinking, I realized that there were going to be issues managing using two laptops concurrently.
The keyboard — I expected to like it or at least to be neutral and get used to it. In the end, to my surprise, it turned out to be a lot harder to type accurately on the new keyboard than my Retina MacBook Pro or my Apple Bluetooth keyboard. This is totally YMMV (your mileage may vary) territory.
The other thing that pushed me over the line when I was thinking about returning it was managing two laptops (in addition to my Mac Mini). Not so much keeping files current, but license management issues. Most of the programs I use a lot are limited to two installations, and keeping track of what is activated on which laptop presented possibilities like taking one of them on a trip having forgotten to deactivate/sign out on the other one, which could be a real problem.”
Not all early adopters of the new MacBook have been disappointed, however, with many other users pleased with the notebook’s ultra-thin and lightweight design, high-resolution Retina display, fanless architecture, all-day battery life, Force Touch trackpad, redesigned keyboard with butterfly mechanism, portability and more. Some users also found the notebook’s performance to be good enough for everyday tasks.
MacRumors forum member Maclee2010:
“It is a staggeringly great little machine.
Virtually no heat coming from it and silent operation.
Runs a long time on a single charge.
It looks fantastic and is the most fun notebook I have ever used.
It handles everything I have thrown at it like any MacBook I have owned.
The trackpad has some really neat new tricks and feels great.
It sits very comfortable on my laptop lap cushion.
The keyboard looks amazing at night and feels great, I type faster.
I am more productive as I love using this notebook.
The performance is great for 98% of everything most users will do.
It’s easy to take anywhere you need to go, light as a feather, packs down nice.
The screen is super sharp and makes my late 2013 13″ rMBP screen look fuzzy.
12″ is just right, not to big and not to small.
Makes the 13″ Retina MBP look very outdated.
Single port is just fine, if you need many ports to use your computer today, you are doing it all wrong. I do all my backups and any necessary restorations wirelessly. I use the cloud, not just Apple, but multiple clouds.
Ultimately, the new MacBook, positioned at the lower end of Apple’s notebook lineup, paves the way for the future with its innovative new design and features. If Apple can manage to combine the performance of a MacBook Air with the feature set of the 12-inch MacBook, with a matching or lower than $1,299 entry-level price point, the notebook will be an even more attractive product for prospective buyers in the future.
New ‘LiftPro’ Electric Desk Offers Built-In Docks For iOS Devices [Mac Blog]
iSkelter has released several TechDesks that are designed specifically for Apple devices with Mac air vents and built-in slots for holding the iPhone and the iPad, and as of today, the company’s latest desk, the LiftPro, is available for pre-order on Indiegogo.
The LiftPro is an electric desk that can be adjusted to several different heights suitable for sitting or standing, and like all of iSkelter’s desks, it comes with built-in organizational components. There are display docks for the iPhone and the iPad, along with recessed felt trays for holding accessories, a stainless steel drink holder, and a built-in mousepad that sits flush against the surface of the desk.
Available in natural or hazelnut finishes, the bamboo desk can be customized with one of three leg colors: black, white, or gray. All of the available features are optional and can be chosen at the time of purchase. According to iSkelter, the LiftPro can support up to 355 pounds and its legs have been tested more than 10,000 times. It comes with a 7-year all-inclusive warranty that covers the motor, frame, and all electronics.
LiftPro includes four preset keys for adjusting the desk to different heights (between 24.5 and 49.5 inches) in just a few seconds with the press of a button. Each position is fully customizable and can be set for each user’s preferred sitting and standing heights.
The built-in docks are designed to put the iPhone and the iPad in clear view while sitting at the desk and they also hide unsightly cables. The recessed drink holder sits towards the side of the desk to avoid contact with a Mac, and the lined storage trays at the back of the desk can hold pens, coins, and other small items. Mac cables can also be hidden out of sight, and the desk ships with three cord clips for cable management.
There are a limited number of LiftPro desks available for purchase for $899 on Indiegogo, with prices that go up to $1,099 after early bird purchases have sold out. Desks will begin shipping out to customers in August of 2015, and will have a future retail price of $1,499.
MCX CEO Out After Best Buy Begins Accepting Apple Pay
Just a day after Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that MCX member Best Buy would begin accepting Apple Pay in stores later this year, MCX, the company behind Apple Pay competitor CurrentC, announced that current CEO Dekkers Davidson has left the company. He’s been replaced by former Bank of America Merchant Services CEO Brian V. Mooney on an interim basis.
“MCX was created to capitalize on a tremendous opportunity for consumers, and I look forward to taking the company through the next exciting phase of bringing CurrentC™ to the market,” said Mooney. “MCX has a talented team in place backed by the determination and resources of many of the world’s largest and most successful merchants. Building on that foundation, we’re focused on making CurrentC™ the consumer preferred mobile payments app.”
MCX spokeswoman Kristin Parran Faulder told CNET that the move had nothing to do with the Best Buy announcement. Coincidence or not, CurrentC, which is expected to launch widely later this year, will face increasing competition in the mobile payments sector from the more recently announced Samsung Pay and Android Pay as well as a growing Apple Pay. In recent weeks, Apple’s payment platform has gained the support of Discover, GameStop, NBA teams and more in addition to Best Buy.
Best Buy was the second MCX member, after Meijer, to offer Apple Pay support. Last October, former MCX CEO Davidson had said that there were no penalties or fines for leaving the MCX program. MCX exclusivity agreements with retailers reportedly end in summer 2015, which means that MCX members like Best Buy would be able to offer Apple Pay in retail stores once the agreement ends. A Best Buy spokesperson told Re/code yesterday that while the company is still invested in MCX they weren’t prepared to declare launch support for CurrentC at this time.
‘Test Model’ iPad Stolen During Robbery and Kidnapping at Cupertino Home [iOS Blog]
An iPad “test model” was one of the stolen items during a robbery and kidnapping at a Cupertino home earlier this month, reports the San Jose Mercury News. It’s unclear whether the test device was for a previous iPad model or a future one.
The robbers took the device, along with electronics, prescription drugs and cash valued at $7,500, from a Cupertino home during an incident in which a 20-year-old man was kidnapped and robbed after answering a woman’s online advertisement.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office has arrested the two suspected robbers, who took the items and forced the victim into their car before driving three-quarters of a mile and releasing him. The victim contacted the sheriff’s department five days later and the case is still being investigated. The test iPad has not yet been found.
Apple has had test devices stolen in the past, with the most famous example being the test iPhone 4 that was lost in a Bay Area bar before being found by someone and sold to a reporter for $5,000. The reporter then posted images and a breakdown of the new device before returning it to Apple. After that, the reporter’s house was raided by authorities and his computers and other property were seized.
Jimmy Fallon explores the Pros and Cons of buying an Apple Watch
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As I always say, the release of an Apple product is never a bad thing – I just see it as an opportunity for people to make some pretty funny jokes about them. Naturally, being the hottest thing at the moment, even The Tonight Show‘s Jimmy Fallon had to have a go at Apple’s smartwatch, the Apple Watch, as part of their regular segment, Pros and Cons. In it, Fallon details some humours Pros and Cons of buying the Apple Watch, and some are absolute killers. Check it out below:
My personal favourite is “Pro: It comes in a variety of colours. Con: Like ‘Please Rob Me’ Silver and ‘Walking Target’ Gold”. There’s of course no denying that Apple has jumped on the smartwatch bandwagon just at the right time, but really we shouldn’t be concerned by how many Apple Watches are being sold – after all, they only work with iPhones anyway. All the same, it’s helping to grow the smartwatch industry and its mainstream appeal, which can only be a good thing for everybody in the long run.
What do you think of Jimmy Fallon’s Pros and Cons of buying an Apple Watch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: YouTube
The post Jimmy Fallon explores the Pros and Cons of buying an Apple Watch appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
iPad App Issue Delays ‘a Few Dozen’ American Airlines Flights
Issues with an app on iPads provided to pilots on American Airline flights have delayed “a few dozen” flights, making it difficult for planes to take off and causing them to return to the gates to fix the issue, according to The Verge.
An American Airlines pilot’s iPad
“Some flights are experiencing an issue with a software application on pilot iPads,” American Airlines spokesperson Andrea Huguely later told The Verge. “In some cases, the flight has had to return to the gate to access a Wi-Fi connection to fix the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers. We are working to have them on the way to their destination as soon as possible.” Another spokesperson said that the issue affected “a few dozen flights” across the airline. “We’ve identified the issue, we’ve identified the solution, and we are working on it right now.”
Passenger Bill Jacaruso was traveling to Austin from Dallas / Fort Worth when his flight was delayed. He told The Verge that the pilot got on the intercom and told the passengers that his co-pilot’s iPad had went blank. About 25 minutes later he got on the intercom again, noting that his iPad had also went blank. At the time, the pilot said that all 737 airplanes were affected, but 45 minutes later he said the issue was affecting “random” American Airline planes. Another passenger told The Verge that “two systems” had failed and needed to be rebooted.
American Airlines received FAA approval for iPad use by pilots in the cockpit back in 2011. In 2013, the airline company began giving its pilots Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) containing the iPads, the first major commercial carrier to do so. The EFB’s goal is to use the iPad to replace the 40 pounds of manuals and maps that pilots usually carry. The iPads also come with a long-life battery that keeps the iPad powered for 24 hours.
Samsung is again the world’s top smartphone seller
Samsung has recovered the top position in the global smartphone market, according to a Strategy Analytics report covering Q1 2015.
Samsung has lost the sales leadership to Apple in Q4 2014, according to some research firms, while in Strategy Analytics’ estimation the two companies tied for the first place with a 19.6 percent market share. Blowout iPhone 6 sales have helped Apple interrupt Samsung’s years-long run at the top, but it didn’t take long for Samsung to recover.
Samsung has shipped an estimate 83.2 million smartphones in Q1 2015, compared to 74.5 million in the previous quarter. Combined with Apple’s slowdown (61.2 million, compared to 74.5 million in the previous quarter), that gave Samsung a market share of 24.1 percent, a significant lead over Apple’s 17.7 percent.
Samsung’s jump comes despite the fact that Q1 is typically slower than Q4, and despite of strong competition from Apple at the high-end, and Chinese brands in the mid- and low-end.
Coming in third in Strategy Analytics’ ranking is Lenovo–Motorola with 5.4 percent, while Huawei ranked fourth, with 5 percent. All other players are lumped in the “others” group (47.7 percent).
Looking at the shifts in market shares quarter over quarter, Samsung is the only top player that has gained share, seemingly at the expense of everyone else. That’s good news for the embattled company, though Samsung also needs the average selling price of its phones to increase in order to return to growth. Samsung just announced its Q1 2015 results today, and ASP has actually decreased, which took its toll on revenue.
All eyes are now on the performance of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Signs are very positive so far, so Samsung will likely preserve its dominance in the quarters to come. But while profits may recover as well, it’s safe to say that the days of explosive growth are over for Samsung.
Dark tattoos can throw off Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor
Here’s one factor to take into account if you’re still undecided about getting the Apple Watch: it doesn’t seem to play well with tattoos. Several users revealed online that their devices act wonky when worn on a tattooed arm. The heart rate sensor wouldn’t read their pulse, and the watch wouldn’t detect direct contact with the skin, causing apps to stop working and repeatedly ask for the passcode. To confirm if inked skin really does affect the smartwatch’s functions, iMore has decided to perform a series of tests. “[W]e’re inclined to agree with those early reports,” the publication writes, “if your tattoo happens to be a solid, darker color.”
iMore has discovered that dark colors like black and red affect readings the most to the point that the watch can’t even register being in contact with skin. Lighter colors cause some heart rate misreadings, as well, but they don’t render the watch useless. It makes sense when you think of how the sensor works. See, in order to read your heart rate, the Apple Watch flashes green LED lights hundreds of times per second. Since red blood absorbs green light, the device can detect the amount of blood flowing through your pulse when the LEDs flash. The presence of ink that blocks light can then hinder the sensor’s ability to detect skin and the amount of blood flowing underneath.
You can switch off “Wrist Detection” to prevent the device from asking for a passcode every time the screen comes on. However, that solution isn’t perfect: for one, it switches off Apple Pay, as well. Of course, you can always wear the watch on your other arm if it’s not tattooed, but you can also just wait for the next iteration if an update can’t fix the issue.
[Image credit: Michael Lovell @ YouTube]
Filed under: Wearables, Mobile, Apple
Source: Michael Lovell @ YouTube, iMore
iPad App Issue Delays ‘a Few Dozen’ American Airlines Flights
Issues with an app on iPads provided to pilots on American Airline flights have delayed “a few dozen” flights, making it difficult for planes to take off and causing them to return to the gates to fix the issue, according to The Verge.
An American Airlines pilot’s iPad
“Some flights are experiencing an issue with a software application on pilot iPads,” American Airlines spokesperson Andrea Huguely later told The Verge. “In some cases, the flight has had to return to the gate to access a Wi-Fi connection to fix the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers. We are working to have them on the way to their destination as soon as possible.” Another spokesperson said that the issue affected “a few dozen flights” across the airline. “We’ve identified the issue, we’ve identified the solution, and we are working on it right now.”
Passenger Bill Jacaruso was traveling to Austin from Dallas / Fort Worth when his flight was delayed. He told The Verge that the pilot got on the intercom and told the passengers that his co-pilot’s iPad had went blank. About 25 minutes later he got on the intercom again, noting that his iPad had also went blank. At the time, the pilot said that all 737 airplanes were affected, but 45 minutes later he said the issue was affecting “random” American Airline planes. Another passenger told The Verge that “two systems” had failed and needed to be rebooted.
American Airlines received FAA approval for iPad use by pilots in the cockpit back in 2011. In 2013, the airline company began giving its pilots Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) containing the iPads, the first major commercial carrier to do so. The EFB’s goal is to use the iPad to replace the 40 pounds of manuals and maps that pilots usually carry. The iPads also come with a long-life battery that keeps the iPad powered for 24 hours.
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