Oculus wants a VR app store for every device you can think of
When we saw the Samsung Gear VR at IFA, Oculus CTO John Carmack showed us a basic version of an app store made for mobile virtual reality. But when the headset ships to consumers sometime later this year, the VR outfit has bigger plans. It’s rebranding the current Oculus Share “store” into Oculus Platform and turning it into a launcher of sorts for apps and other experiences, as noticed by TechCrunch. Platform will act as common store across the firm’s entire platform including the Rift and mobile. Like the prototype from earlier this month, the store will exist within virtual reality and will house games, apps and stuff like the virtual movie theater, Oculus Cinema.
The plan is eventually to have it available on just about any platform you can think of: Android, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, iOS, Safari and Windows Phone. In case you were wondering just how seriously Oculus and Samsung (OcuSam? SamUlus?) were about this whole thing, that list should help erase any doubts. What’s more, when Oculus releases its own apps to Platform it’ll release them as open source as well. Want the Oculus-branded movie theater to look more like your local multiplex? You’ll be able to fix that.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Google
Source: TechCrunch
.CPlase_panel display:none;
Verizon has activated voice over LTE support for the iPhone 6
When Verizon launched its “Advanced Calling 1.0″ feature earlier this month (read: voice over LTE), it only worked with two phones: The Samsung Galaxy S5 and the LG G2. Now the company can add the iPhone to that list, well, at least the iPhone 6. Verizon customers who upgraded to Cupertino’s latest handset are reporting that VoLTE is working on both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. A user on the MacRumors forum said he had to activate the feature in his phone’s cellular menu first, but afterwards was able to make calls freely. It’s also notable that he called a landline — previously, the feature was only said to work between compatible Verizon phones. Is it working for you? Fire up your new handset (if you’re into that brand), and let us know in the comments.
Filed under: Cellphones, Apple, Verizon
.CPlase_panel display:none;
The 10 phones that fueled the big-screen revolution
It’s safe to say that Steve Jobs was off the mark when he declared that no one would buy big smartphones — they’ve become popular enough that Apple itself is now making large iPhones. But how did these supersized devices escape their niche status to become the must-haves they are today? The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took a succession of ever-bigger phones to spark the public imagination and prove that huge screens were here to stay. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most important examples — head on over to our gallery see how enormous became the new normal.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, Dell
.CPlase_panel display:none;
Apple gives PCs access to iCloud Drive before Macs
iOS 8 might working its way to iPhones and iPads, but Apple’s long-awaited desktop refresh, Yosemite, is still receiving the final tweaks before it launches to the public. One element that features prominently between both platforms is iCloud Drive, Apple’s own version of Dropbox. It’s now available to mobile users, but Mac users can’t enjoy its file-syncing features if they’re using older versions of OS X. However, and this doesn’t happen often, Windows users can get in on the action before their Mac-toting counterparts. In an updated version of the iCloud for Windows, Apple has added full support for iCloud Drive, letting PC owners interact with their files and documents from the comfort of their desktop. Mac users, of course, will enjoy additional iCloud features when Yosemite launches in the coming weeks, but for now, Windows users with iPhones and iPads can enjoy a very rare period of privileged access.
Filed under: Apple
Via: Ars Technica
Source: Apple
.CPlase_panel display:none;
Ex-NBAer Rex Chapman allegedly stole from Apple Stores by faking EasyPay
Remember when Apple introduced its EasyPay self-checkout feature in 2011, and everyone wondered “how can they really tell if a customer is buying something or just shoplifting?” According to the Scottsdale, AZ police, former college and professional basketball player Rex Chapman had the same thought and acted on it. They arrested the 12-year NBA veteran at 1:45 PM local time, after employees recognized him as a former player for the Phoenix Suns and tied him to a string of thefts. Chapman accused of committing seven instances of theft over a few months, snagging gear worth more than $14,000 and selling it at a local pawnshop for cash. All of this was allegedly done by picking up the items, pretending to use the self-checkout feature in the iPhone’s Apple Store app and then just walking out. Now Chapman is facing nine counts of Organized Retail Theft and five counts of Trafficking in Stolen Property — all of which are felonies — and we’re wondering if Tim Cook has another security issue that could use some attention.
[Image credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS]
Source: Scottsdale PD, KTAR News
.CPlase_panel display:none;
Simultaneous Voice/Data, HD Voice Now Available to Verizon iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Users
Verizon began rolling out its Advanced Calling service earlier this week, enabling voice over LTE (VoLTE) capabilities for select devices that support the service, which includes the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus.
Numerous iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users are reporting that the VoLTE service is now functional, allowing Verizon iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users to use simultaneous voice and data capabilities for the first time when connected to a 4G LTE or Wi-Fi network. MacRumors has confirmed that VoLTE is indeed working, enabling users to browse the web or access apps while on a voice call.
In addition to enabling simultaneous voice and data, Verizon’s Advanced Calling features also allow for High-Definition voice calls, which are said to be more “natural-sounding” and Verizon-branded video calls.
Advanced Calling 1.0, a first-generation service suite enabled by Voice over LTE, or VoLTE, technology, is now available on America’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network with XLTE. With Advanced Calling 1.0, there is a clear difference. You will be able to enjoy natural-sounding High-Definition (HD) Voice and a Video Calling experience that’s as simple as making a traditional voice call.
Users can enabled Advanced Calling features by visiting the Verizon website and adding the feature to their accounts. Users also need to make sure both Voice and Data are turned on in the iPhone’s Settings app. Go to Settings –> Cellular –> Enable LTE –> Tap Voice & Data.
Verizon’s Advanced Calling features are limited to the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus, the LG G2, and the Samsung Galaxy S5.
(Thanks, Will!)
.CPlase_panel display:none;
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Out-Of-Warranty Repairs Cost Up to $299/$329 [iOS Blog]
With the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus now available to customers, Apple has updated its support information to include U.S. repair pricing for the two devices. While all new devices include a standard one year warranty that can be extended with AppleCare+, the standard warranty does not cover accidental damage.
Repairs for screen damage, which includes cracked or shattered displays, will cost $109 for the iPhone 6 and $129 for the iPhone 6 Plus, along with a $6.95 shipping fee.
Accidental damage (water damage, for example) or out-of-warranty damage to an iPhone will require users to pay a fee of $299 for the iPhone 6 or $329 for the iPhone 6 Plus, along with the $6.95 shipping fee. That’s far more affordable than the cost of a new device, but it is still more expensive than iPhone 5s repairs, which are priced at $269.
Apple also quotes a $79 flat fee for a battery replacement, but devices that have a defective battery will be eligible for free repairs for the entirety of the one year warranty that comes standard with iOS devices.
Apple does offers AppleCare+, which covers two incidents of accidental damage for a $79 service fee each time, cutting down on the cost of a replacement device. AppleCare+ is available directly from Apple for $99 in the United States.
.CPlase_panel display:none;
Buyer’s Guide: List of Cases for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus [iOS Blog]
With the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus in the hands of millions of customers as of today, many users will be looking to purchase cases for their new devices. Despite the fact that the phones were just released, there are already quite a few options on the market as many case makers began preparing cases for the devices months ago.
We’ve rounded up some of the available iPhone 6 and 6 Plus cases below, with options ranging from ultra thin and light to those that offer complete protection.
Spigen – Spigen has a range of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus cases available, each offering varying degrees of protection. The Tough Armor case, for example, advertises “extreme” protection with a foldable kickstand, while the Air Skin is advertised as the thinnest case ever made at 0.4mm thick. Spigen’s cases range in price from $14.99 to $34.99, with most shipping out in 7 to 10 business days. Spigen’s range of cases can also be found on Amazon at somewhat lower prices.
Otterbox – Otterbox has a selection of cases for both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, including the ultra protective Defender series, which is a three-layer rugged case designed to offer full protection for the iPhone’s display. The Defender series is bulky, so Otterbox also offers the thinner Symmetry line and the Commuter series. Priced from $39.90 to $69.90, Otterbox plans to make its cases available soon.
Apple – Apple is selling its own line of cases, specifically designed to complement the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Cases are available in leather and silicone, in several different colors. Apple’s cases are available through the Apple online store or through its retail stores beginning today. Prices range from $35 to $49.
Speck – Speck is selling several different cases designed for the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, with prices ranging from $40 to $45. The traditional CandyShell case is available in multiple variations, including a Grip version that makes the iPhone easier to hold, an Inked version that comes with high-res graphics, and the Card version that has room for a credit card and cash. Speck also has the MightyShell case, which offers extra protection. Some variations are in stock immediately, while others are coming soon.
Case-Mate – Case-Mate has a selection of particularly flashy phones available for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, with designs ranging from gold glitter to a carbon alloy in a diamond design. Case-Mate also has a few less flashy cases available, including the Barely There case that’s designed to be thin and the Slim Tough Case that includes a shock-resistant bumper. Case-Mate’s cases are available now and range in price from $20 to $80.
Incipio – Incipio has a huge selection of cases for both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, most of which are thin and affordable. The company’s well-known Feather case, for example is thin and lightweight, constructed from polycarbonate with an EVA interior liner. Another case, the DualPro, is slightly thicker but provides two layers for extra protection. Incipio’s cases range in price from $20 to $45.
Society6 – Society6 takes a blank iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus case (in slim or “tough”) and customizes it with one of hundreds of images. Designs run the gamut from scenic vistas to abstract art to silly pictures like a panda in an astronaut suit or a llama in a taxi. Cases are priced at $35 to $38.
Groupon – Groupon has several iPhone 6 and 6 Plus cases from a variety of manufacturers that are available for pre-order at discounted prices. Custom cases that are user-designed from MyCustomCase can be purchased for $20, a $25 savings. Groupon has a pre-order for the iHome Folio available for the iPhone 6 for $12.99, and the iHome Sheer case for the iPhone 6 for $9.99.
Groupon also has the MOTA iPhone 6 Protective case available for pre-order for $9.99, down from $39.99, and it also has the Aduro BookCase Folio and Wallet Case for iPhone 6/6 Plus for $11.99. Finally, Groupon has a deal on the PRESS PLAY 3,100 mAh battery case for the iPhone 6, offering it for $39.99 down from $99.99.
MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.
.CPlase_panel display:none;
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Use 20-Nanometer A8 Processor From TSMC
Apple’s 20-nanometer A8 processor in the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus was fabricated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), according to Chipworks (via iFixit). Chipworks has been analyzing the various parts in the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 plus following its release today.
While the iPhone 5s used a 28-nanometer processor, the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus have a 20-nanometer processor, as has been widely rumored. According to TSMC, its 20-nanometer process technology can result in speeds that are much higher than its 28-nanometer chips. The 20-nanometer process also results in a physically smaller chip that draws less power.
Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, there were multiple back and forth rumors that made it unclear whether Samsung or TSMC was manufacturing the chips destined for the new iPhones. Previous generation chips, such as the A7 in the iPhone 5s, were manufactured by Samsung, but Apple reportedly entered into a partnership with TSMC in an effort to reduce its reliance on rival Samsung. The shift is also part of a larger effort by Apple to diversify its supply chain, which cuts down on potential manufacturing issues.
Though TSMC created the 20-nanometer chips for the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus, rumors have suggested that Apple hasn’t ended its relationship with Samsung entirely. The company is rumored to be producing the 14-nanometer chips that will be used in future iOS devices next year, indicating that Apple has plans to continue having both TSMC and Samsung create chips for its devices.
According to Apple, the A8 chip in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus offers a 25 percent faster CPU and 50 percent better graphics performance compared to the A7 in the iPhone 5s.
.CPlase_panel display:none;
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Successfully Survive Second Drop Test
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were subjected to their first drop test yesterday after the two devices went on sale in Australia. While the 6 and 6 Plus fared well when dropped on their backs, the screens did see significant shattering when dropped face down on the concrete.
A second drop test conducted today saw somewhat different results. Android Authority dropped the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus in several different ways, including face down, and the two devices saw little damage aside from scuffs. Even when dropped on their faces with a decent amount of force from waist high, the screens remained intact.
A similar result was seen after a genuine accidental drop. The first person to receive an iPhone 6 in Australia opened up the package on camera and immediately dropped the phone on the hard ground, where it miraculously came away unscathed.
It’s impossible to determine the overall durability of the screen in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus based on a limited number of drop tests that were conducted under different conditions, but this additional data does serve to reassure users that the devices do have the potential to survive a fall.
Still, given the increased size of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, it may be advisable for users to purchase a case. In fact, several reviews of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus conducted by tech sites suggested the devices “need” a case, and described them as slippery. The Verge, for example, said the iPhone 6 Plus “works better in a case” because it makes the phone easier to hold, hides the camera bump, and covers “the weird lines on the back.”
Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus went on sale today, and the devices are now in the hands of millions of customers around the world as customers pick up phones from the Apple Store and receive their pre-orders. New orders for the devices from the Apple Store will ship in 7 to 10 days for the iPhone 6 and 3 to 4 weeks for the iPhone 6 Plus.
.CPlase_panel display:none;
AIVAnet 