New Apple TV game brings the ‘Dance Party’ to your living room
Apple’s set-top hobby has come a long way since its major refresh in 2010, thanks largely to a variety of services bringing different content to the platform. When it comes to gaming, however, the Apple TV isn’t exactly a powerhouse, despite being able to support it through AirPlay features — something similar to what Real Racing has done in the past. Another developer that’s made use of this particular second-screen kind of experience is Rolocule Games, and it just announced a new free title (with in-app purchases) dubbed Dance Party.
The game, which clearly takes a cue from Dance Central, comes in the form of an app and uses an iOS device as a motion controller, allowing players to see their virtual, groovy moves on the bigger screen by way of Apple TV. Dance Party also lets you challenge other people who have the application, even if they’re not in the same location as you. It may not be the best way to play games on the tiny box, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be fun.
Filed under: Misc, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Mobile, Apple
Source: App Store
Apple Maintains Tablet Market Share Lead Despite iPad Sales Drop
Apple’s recent earnings call revealed that iPad sales continue to decline, with the company shipping only 13.3 million iPads during the third fiscal quarter of 2014 (second calendar quarter), compared to 14.6 million in the year-ago quarter.
Despite the sales drop, Apple continues to be the world’s leading tablet vendor, with a total 26.9 percent of the market, according to new numbers from research firm IDC. Samsung retains its number two spot with 8.5 million shipments and a 17.2 percent share, but both major companies have been losing significant ground to companies putting out more affordable tablet devices.
Lenovo, for example, saw its share of the tablet market rise from 3.3 percent to 4.9 percent, a 64.7 percent jump. ASUS saw 13.1 percent growth, and the “Others” category, which is comprised of vendors not quite in the top five list, has jumped from a 37 percent share to a 44.4 percent share, an increase of 33.4 percent.
Overall, the worldwide tablet market has grown 11 percent year-over-year, with total tablet shipments of 49.3 million, up from 44.4 million in 2013.
As we indicated last quarter, the market is still being impacted by the rise of large-screen smartphones and longer than anticipated ownership cycles,” said Jean Philippe Bouchard, IDC Research Director for Tablets. “We can also attribute the market deceleration to slow commercial adoption of tablets. Despite this trend, we believe that stronger commercial demand for tablets in the second half of 2014 will help the market grow and that we will see more enterprise-specific offerings, as illustrated by the Apple and IBM partnership, come to market.”
To date, Apple has sold 225 million iPads and according to Tim Cook, the company isn’t worried about declining sales. Cook noted the tablet category is still “in its infancy,” and Apple is planning to bring “significant innovation” to the iPad in the future.
iPad sales will likely pick up later this year with the introduction of a second-generation iPad Air and a second-generation Retina iPad mini. Both tablets are expected to include upgraded processors and Touch ID integration. Apple is also expanding its presence in the enterprise tablet market with a new partnership with IBM.
Gmail for iOS Updated With Improved Google Drive Integration [iOS Blog]
Google today updated its Gmail for iOS app to version 3.14159, adding improved integration with its Google Drive storage solution.
It’s now possible to save email attachments directly to Google Drive, making them accessible everywhere and saving storage space. Users are also able to insert Google Drive files directly into messages. Google has also included new account management options and the ability to change a profile picture in the Settings menu.
– Save attachments directly to Google Drive so you can access them anywhere while saving space and bandwidth on your device
– Insert Google Drive files directly into messages
– New account management options to choose which accounts you want to have visible in Gmail without removing accounts from your device.
– Change your profile picture (in Settings)
Gmail is a universal app that can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Apple’s iWatch Already a Hit, Even When It’s a $20 Casio Watch [iOS Blog]
Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel covered Apple’s upcoming smart watch on last night’s show, airing a humorous segment that featured the team showing pedestrians on Hollywood Boulevard a $20 Casio watch with an Apple sticker on the back.
The people were told the cheap watch was Apple’s new smart watch and predictably, Kimmel’s team received some hilarious reactions. “It’s very lightweight and it’s kind of like old school, but still in style, you know?” said one woman, and a man complimented its rubber wrist band and the big numbers, which are “easy to see.”
Featured interviewees were all impressed with the watch’s ability to show the time and the date, and several noted that they were willing to purchase anything Apple made. “I just like that it has an Apple insignia on the back,” said one commenter. “If it’s Apple it’s good, right?” said another.
Kimmel also had some quips to share about the upcoming larger-screened iPhone 6, claiming Apple was introducing the larger device so it could debut a smaller “iPhone mini” in the future. “They make the bigger phones, and then in two years they’ll release the iPhone mini, which is the size of the phones we have now,” he joked. “And we’ll wait in line for like three days for it because that’s how we are.”
Kwikset’s Kevo Smart Door Lock Adds Free Guest eKeys, Scheduling for Standard eKeys [iOS Blog]
While several high-profile smart deadbolt systems such as Lockitron and August have experienced significant delays, Kwikset has been shipping its Kevo Bluetooth deadbolt for some time now, and today the system is receiving a software update to provide new access options for users.
Similar in appearance to other electronic deadbolt locks with a relatively large housing on the inside of the door, the Kevo system allows users to lock and unlock their deadbolts with a simple touch, relying on a Kevo iPhone app or physical fob to determine whether access should be granted. After a simple set-up process, the Kevo deadbolt can determine relative positioning of the device or fob, only granting touch access when the user is outside the door. A standard key can also be used to operate the deadbolt.
Much of today’s upgrade centers around the system’s eKeys that allow users to unlock the door using the Kevo smartphone app. The new features include free and unlimited Guest eKeys that can be sent to guests to allow access for 24 hours, as well as a new Scheduled eKey type that allows to restrict the days and times a standard eKey is valid.
From giving a neighbor day-long access to keep an eye on your kids, or letting in a weekend guest who beats you home from a busy day at work, the Guest eKey provides ultimate convenience and flexibility.
The new Scheduled eKey enhances home access control by allowing users to set day and time constraints right from their phones. Ideal for house cleaners, dog walkers, nannies or others that need regular access at pre-determined times, like on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Kevo owners can schedule these eKeys to be active prior to sending, so they don’t have to remember to grant or revoke access to these users in real time.
Guest eKey management (left) and Scheduled eKey setup (right)
Kevo comes with two free Anytime or Scheduled eKeys, and additional ones can be purchased in-app for $1.99 each. The new Guest eKeys are available free of charge without limits.
Kevo is available from Apple, Amazon, and other retailers for approximately $220. The updated Kevo app for iPhone is available now through the App Store [Direct Link], and the app also facilitates a firmware update for the lock itself.
OS X Yosemite Public Beta Now Available via Mac App Store Redemption Codes
In line with yesterday’s announcement, Apple today made available a pre-release version of OS X Yosemite to consumers who signed up for the company’s OS X public beta program. Public beta program members are receiving promo codes via email that allow them to download Yosemite from the Mac App Store for free.
Early reviews of the pre-release build are favorable, with several reviewers noting improvements in Safari, Messaging and Notifications. Notably missing from the beta, however, are the highly anticipated Continuity features that allow for the integration of OS X with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 8, as only Yosemite is included in the program.
To sign up for the beta program, users must have a Mac running OS X Mavericks and need to register with an Apple ID on <a href="Apple’s website. Apple cautions members to install the OS on a secondary Mac as it is beta software and may cause unexpected errors or other issues. Enrollment in the beta program is limited to the first one million registrants.
Apple is expected to release OS X Yosemite to the general public later this year, possibly following an October event that also may be used to unveil the iWatch and new iPad models.
Apple reportedly releasing OS X Yosemite in October alongside 4K desktop and 12-inch Retina MacBook
Well, this is a timely rumor: Today is the day Apple opens up OS X Yosemite for public beta-testing, and now we’re hearing the final version of the OS will come out in late October. The report comes from Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac, who has a strong track record when it comes to Apple rumors, and he claims that in addition to OS X, Apple will release a 12-inch Retina display MacBook, and either an iMac or a standalone monitor with a 4K screen. Obviously, Apple could do a 180 and release the same old computers with minor spec bumps, but if you ask us, everything Gurman is reporting seems plausible. First of all, Apple already promised it would release a final version of OS X sometime in the fall, and surely it plans to do that before the holiday shopping season starts up in November.
Secondly, a Retina display MacBook Air has been rumored for ages now, and the way the laptop market is going, it seems Apple is going to have to release a Retina-grade Ultrabook sooner or later; it’s already getting tough for us reviewers to make excuses for the Air’s 1,440 x 900 screen when you can easily find Windows machines with 2,560 x 1,440 or 3,200 x 1,800 screens. As for the 4K all-in-one? That seems inevitable too, though we’ve admittedly heard less scuttlebutt about that one.
Both computers are expected to be available in late Q3 or early Q4, according to the report, but constraints having to do with Intel chipsets — among other possible delays — could push the on-sale date to early 2015. If Gurman is correct, we’ll find out more at a fall media event — again, very typical of Apple. The one thing we’re not sure of? Whether the mythical iWatch will be there, as Gurman says. Because we’ve been hearing about that thing forever now. We’ll believe that one when we see it.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software, Apple
Source: 9to5Mac
Swatch Denies Report it is Working With Apple on iWatch Wearable
Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group today denied a recent report that it was working with Apple to develop a smartwatch product, reports Reuters. VentureBeat first reported this joint venture, citing an unnamed source with knowledge of Apple’s plans.
A spokeswoman for Swatch told Reuters that the Apple rumor was “unfounded,” adding that Swatch’s only relationship with mobile phone manufacturers is as a supplier of integrated circuits and other electronic components. Swatch Chief Executive Nick Hayek reiterated in an interview with Reuters that “he was not interested in teaming up with a tech group to develop a smartwatch.”
The original VentureBeat rumor claimed Swatch and possibly Timex would build a smartwatch based on Apple’s iWatch specifications. These third-party manufacturers would release their watches alongside Apple’s own iWatch, providing “a family of smart watches to suit all tastes “from geek to chic.”
This type of agreement would be unusual for Swatch, whose CEO has publicly expressed skepticism about the future success of the iWatch, saying he doesn’t believe “it’s the next revolution.” Earlier reports also indicate that Apple is working alone on the iWatch, hiring a variety of medical, fitness and fashion experts to help develop the wearable product.
Apple is rumored to unveil its wearable device later this year with reports indicating its will be available in different materials at various price points in order to appeal to a range of consumers. The smartband may have a fitness focus with sensors that measure vitals such oxygen saturation, hydration status and heart rate. This data may then be shared with iOS 8′s new Health app in order to generate a comprehensive health profile.
Apple Seeds New Builds of Safari 7.1 and Safari 6.2 to Developers [Mac Blog]
Apple has seeded developers with new versions of Safari 7.1 for OS X Mavericks and Safari 6.2 for OS X Mountain Lion as works continues on OS X Yosemite. In its release notes for both betas, Apple is asking developers to test AutoFill for passwords and credit cards as well as general website compatibility and extension compatibility.
Focus Areas
– Please focus testing on the following areas:
– Please test password and credit card AutoFill.
– Please test general website compatibility.
– Please test extension compatibility.
Apple also once again touts support for WebGL, which was included in prior seeds and allows users to view 3D content without the use of plug-ins. Safari 7.1 for OS X Mavericks and Safari 6.2 for for OS X Mountain Lion are expected to be released in the near future. Meanwhile, the company’s public beta for OS X Yosemite launches tomorrow, July 24.
Apple Launching 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 After 4.7-Inch Version to Avoid Competition Between Two Models
Apple will launch the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 several months after the 4.7-inch version to avoid competition between the two models, according to a new report from DigiTimes citing supply chain sources.
The different timetables have been set as Apple does not want to repeat the mistake it made in 2013 when it launched the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c simultaneously, said the sources.
Prior rumors have pointed out that production issues with the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would cause Apple to delay its release a few months after 4.7-inch version, however this newest report claims that isn’t the case for the launch delay. A report from Bloomberg last month suggested that Apple would be launching both versions of the iPhone 6 simultaneously, noting that the company had begun preparing the 4.7-inch model and 5.5-inch for manufacturing.
4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockups compared to iPhone 5s
Apple is expected to unveil the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 at a September event, although a report yesterday noted that the company is unsure as to whether it will show off the 5.5-inch version at the same time. The company is said to be preparing between 70 and 80 million iPhone 6 units to meet anticipated customer demand, as the larger screen could cause a massive spike in upgrades from both iPhone upgraders and those switching from Android.
In addition to a larger screen, the iPhone 6 is expected to feature a faster A8 processor, a thinner profile, an improved camera, and Apple’s new iOS 8 mobile operating system.
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