Chinese State-Run Media Labels iPhone’s Location Tracking a ‘National Security Concern’ [iOS Blog]
China’s state-run media broadcast today labeled Apple’s location tracking services found iOS 7 and the iPhone a “national security concern”, reports The Wall Street Journal. The broadcast cited researchers who said that those with access to the country’s location data could gain “knowledge of the broader situation in China” and perhaps even state secrets.
The Chinese government said that it began developing these concerns about U.S. technology companies after the discovery of PRISM last year, which is a secret intelligence program ran by the NSA. In its broadcast, China’s state run media said that Apple would need to “take on any legal responsibilities” if any data leaks harmed citizens.
Last year, a privacy lawsuit concerning Apple’s location tracking services in iOS was dismissed by the US District Court of Northern California. The suit alleged that Apple was collecting location data in violation of its own privacy laws, however Judge Lucy Koh ruled that the plaintiffs had not provided sufficient evidence.
In the U.S., Apple has made a number of privacy-related moves in the past year, choosing to notify users of information requests from law enforcement and backing congressional bills to increase transparency in government surveillance.
The news also comes as Apple has made efforts towards improving its presence in China over the past few years, which include partnering with the country’s biggest carrier China Mobile and opening new Apple Stores in populated regions. CEO Tim Cook has also visited the country numerous times, meeting with government officials and China Mobile executives to discuss market growth. Apple also became China’s fifth-largest smartphone vendor in Q4 2013, taking 7% of the total market share in the country.
Note: Due to the controversial nature of this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple Seeds New Versions of Safari for Mavericks and Mountain Lion to Developers [Mac Blog]
Apple today seeded developers with new versions of Safari for OS X Mavericks (Safari 7.1) and OS X Mountain Lion (Safari 6.2) to parallel continued work on OS X Yosemite. In particular, Apple is asking developers to test general website and extension compatibility for several reasons.
Please test general website compatibility.
– Subpixel rendering is now on by default for all web content. Web sites or in-app web views with extremely tight design constraints may render differently.
– CSS object model getters will return fractional double values based on subpixel layout and rendering metrics instead of rounded integral values.Please test extension compatibility.
Apple also documents several new WebKit features included in the new versions of Safari including support for WebGL, which allows users to view 3D content without plug-ins. WebGL has been present in Safari for OS X for several years, but is disabled by default. It’s clear, however, that Apple is looking to take WebGL mainstream, pushing development on OS X Safari and bringing it to Safari for iOS later this year with iOS 8.
Apple Forcing Users to Upgrade to Latest Adobe Flash Plug-In Due to Security Issues [Mac Blog]
Apple today posted an updated support document noting that it is now blocking older version of the Adobe’s Flash Player plug-in due to a major security issue present in older versions.
In a posting to its security mailing list, Apple notes that users must upgrade to the latest 14.0.0.145 version of Flash Player if possible. For those users running systems incompatible with Flash Player 14, Adobe has made available a 13.0.0.231 update that addresses the security issues.
APPLE-SA-2014-07-10-1 OS X: Flash Player plug-in blocked
Due to security issues in older versions, Apple has updated the web plug-in blocking mechanism to disable all versions prior to Flash Player 14.0.0.145 and 13.0.0.231.
The high-priority update was released by Adobe on Tuesday to fix an issue disclosed in a proof-of-concept exploit by Google engineer Michele Spagnuolo. A number of major sites including Google, YouTube, Twitter, and Tumblr were vulnerable to the issue, although they quickly addressed the issue on their ends. With Adobe’s update to Flash Player itself, users will no longer be vulnerable as long as they update their plug-ins, a move Apple is now strongly encouraging by blocking all older versions of the plug-in.
iWatch Mass Production Might Start in November
Thus far, rumors have pointed to Fall 2014 as the potential launch date of Apple’s rumored iWatch, with some analysts predicting September as the likely launch window for the device and others reporting mass production would begin in July. KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo had predicted that the iWatch would enter mass production in late September, but is now revising his production to late November instead, due to the difficulties of the project.
Traditional watch-style iWatch concept by Gábor Balogh
We believe developing the hardware and OS of iWatch will be a much more difficult task than for Apple’s existing products.
Kuo points out that the iWatch uses many new hardware technologies, like a flexible AMOLED screen, a sapphire crystal cover and a much smaller form factor with higher waterproof standards than other highly advanced Apple devices. Additionally, Kuo notes that redesigning iOS for the iWatch may also be proving a difficult challenge for Apple.
Apple has reportedly been aiming to debut the iWatch at an October event, and has recently hired former Nike FuelBand team members and TAG Heuer’s sales director leading up to the expected launch. While there aren’t any reports on what the actual device may look like, there have been reports that there could be “multiple versions”, which could include watches with up to 10 sensors and a 2.5-inch screen. Apple has also been meeting with athletes to test out the device’s fitness capabilities.
With Apple aiming to debut the iWatch in October, it’s likely the Cupertino company launches the device well after its debut when production is in full swing, similar to the launch of the Mac Pro. Alternatively, Apple could launch the iWatch in limited quantities and increasing them once production fully ramps up.
Apple Cuts Some iTunes Song Previews From 90 Seconds to 30 Seconds
Back in 2010, Apple extended iTunes song previews from 30 seconds in length to 90 seconds on songs longer than 2 minutes and 30 seconds, to give users a longer listening period before making a purchase.
It appears that some songs have now reverted to 30 second play lengths rather than 90 seconds, with many popular songs offering previews that are only 30 seconds in length on both the mobile and desktop versions of iTunes.
For example, previews of all songs on Sia’s new album are only 30 seconds despite all of the songs being longer than the 2 minutes and 30 seconds, a length that used to result in a 90 second preview. Many other popular albums are also demonstrating the same short 30 second previews. Coldplay’s entire discography, for example, has only 30 second previews instead of the 90 seconds of preview time that was previously available.
According to one MacRumors forum user, some songs that are only available for 30 second previews were available in 90 second lengths just hours ago. User complaints on Twitter also suggest that the shift is recent.
As early as a few hours ago these were all 90 seconds! If you remember, Apple made a big deal about switching to extended previews, now a lot of songs are reverting back. Seeing more 30-second previews now than 90-second on most albums I’ve checked.
Though most songs at the current point in time seem to be limited to 30 second previews, there are some exceptions. Certain albums continue to offer 90 second previews, as do all of the songs listed on Apple’s Top Charts. For example, Leela James’ album “Fall for You” continues to offer 30 second previews, suggesting the shift may be limited to certain artists or labels.
Back when Apple first made the switch to 90 second song previews, it experienced some delays due to licensing agreements, and it is unclear if licensing has once again become an issue. It is unknown at this time if the shift to 30 second previews is a simple glitch or a more permanent change.
(Thanks, MichaelSD!)
iTunes Extras now available on Apple TV, will launch with iOS 8 in the fall
Apple’s iTunes Extras feature has offered customers a behind-the-scenes look at rented movies for some time, but up until now it only existed on the desktop. Thanks to an update that went out today, you’ll now be able to view iTunes Extras on your Apple TV. To get the additional content, your device must be running software version 6.2, which was released last week. The iTunes Extras material, including deleted scenes, images and director’s commentary, will automatically be added to your previously purchased HD movies. Additionally, movie studios will now be able to add more content to extras at any time. This update is good news for film buffs who use Apple’s set-top box, but it still leaves iPhones, iPads and iPods devices out in the cold. That will change when the company releases iOS 8 this fall, though, so iTunes Extras is slowly making its way to every important platform.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Apple
Source: iTunes Extras
‘Minecraft’ for iOS Gets Major Update With Infinite Worlds, New Blocks, and Tons of Other Content [iOS Blog]
Minecraft – Pocket Edition, a game that has managed to stay on the App Store’s top charts for several years running, has received a major update that Mojang calls “the biggest update to Minecraft – Pocket Edition so far.”
Today’s update introduces infinite worlds and caves for the first time, plus it includes new blocks and items like Monster Eggs and mushroom blocks. It’s now possible to tame a companion with the addition of wolves, and the game also includes new flowers.
New monsters, like spooky endermen and Mooshrooms have been introduced, and the iOS version now offers biomes from the PC version of the game including mesas, jungles, swamps, and more.
0.9.0 – biggest update EVER!
Infinite worlds!
Caves!
Loads of new blocks and items including Monster Eggs and huge mushroom blocks.
Wolves! Tame a loyal companion.
Loads of new flowers! So pretty.
New mobs, including the spooky endermen and less spooky Mooshrooms.
New biomes from the PC version, including mesas, jungles, swamps and extreme hills.
Abandoned mineshafts, villages, and many other cool places to explore.
A brand-new “interaction” button. Never accidentally punch a sheep again!
New feature generation, including lakes, vines and monster rooms.
Many bugs fixed, and possibly a few added.
First released for iOS devices in 2011, the initial version of Minecraft – Pocket Edition was highly limited, lacking online play and devoid of animals and creepers. Since its debut, though, the game has been updated countless times, adding a slew of features that put it more on par with desktop versions of Minecraft.
Minecraft – Pocket Edition can be downloaded from the App Store for $6.99. [Direct Link]
Claimed iPhone 6 Front Frame with LCD Shielding and Home Button Bracket Shown in New Photo
Purported parts for the iPhone 6 are continuing to surface, with Apple.club.tw sharing a new blurry photo [Google Translate] of what appears to be the front LCD frame of the device, complete with metal shielding that would separate the LCD itself from the remainder of the internals, as well as a metal bracket covering the home button.
While it is not confirmed that this part is indeed from the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, it is consistent with similar parts seen on previous iPhones. Apple.club.tw claims that it is the proper size for the larger iPhone 6, and that certainly appears reasonable based on how it looks in the hand.
The front panel seen in several recent photo and video leaks would attach to the opposite side of the frame shown in the new photo, covering the LCD and providing the smooth look of the device’s front. That entire assembly would be fitted to the rear shell also seen in recent leaks, sandwiching around the battery, logic board, and other internals of the iPhone 6.
Apple’s App Store Turns Six, Developers Discount Apps in Celebration
Today marks the sixth anniversary of the App Store, which first debuted on July 10, 2008 in an iTunes update. App Store access came to original iPhone and the new iPhone 3G the next day with the July 11 introduction of iOS 2.0.
Since its introduction, the App Store has grown by leaps and bounds. As of June 2014, the App Store had seen 75 billion total app downloads, a massive number compared to the 1 billion apps downloaded milestone Apple hit in 2009. Apple is seeing 300 million visitors to the App Store per week. To date, Apple has paid out more than $15 billion to app developers, and in 2013, App Store sales topped $10 billion.
According to app tracking site AppShopper, 1.7 million total apps have been approved, with 1,188,063 apps available for download (a number also confirmed by Apple during WWDC). One million of those are iPhone apps, while nearly 600,000 are for the iPad. There are also a total of 20,801 Mac apps, a solid number given the fact that the Mac App Store has only been around since 2011.
In celebration of Apple’s sixth App Store anniversary, several developers are offering steep discounts on popular apps. Some of the best deals can be found below:
– Monument Valley $1.99, down from $3.99 [Direct Link]
– Threes $0.99, down from $1.99 [Direct Link]
– The Room 2 $0.99, down from $1.99 [Direct Link]
– Kiwanuka $0.99, down from $1.99 [Direct Link]
– Tengami $1.99, down from $4.99 [Direct Link]
– Eliss Infinity $0.99, down from $2.99 [Direct Link]
– Out There $1.99, down from $3.99 [Direct Link]
– Blast-A-Way $0.99, down from $4.99 [Direct Link]
– Lost Toys $1.99, down from $3.99 [Direct Link]
– Drafts for iPad $2.99, down from $4.99 [Direct Link]
– Blek $0.99, down from $2.99 [Direct Link]
To find even more apps on sale, make sure to check out AppShopper.com, which keeps track of all App Store changes, including price drops.
With iOS 8, set to be launched to the public later this year, Apple will offer several App Store improvements, including a new “Explore” tab to make it easier to discover content, improved searches, app bundles, and integrated beta testing.
‘Assassin’s Creed Pirates’ Named App of the Week, Available for Free [iOS Blog]
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Pirates has been named Apple’s app of the week, and as a result, it’s available for free for the first time since it debuted on the App Store back in December of 2013.
While Assassin’s Creed Pirates is not a full-fledged Assassin’s Creed game, it lets players take on the role of Alonzo Batilla, a young pirate captain on a quest to complete missions, attack ships, gather booty, and defeat fearsome enemies.
Pirates features real-time naval battles on the Caribbean sea with iconic boats from the Golden Age of Piracy. Players can upgrade their ships, their crews, and learn new pirating techniques.
EXPLORE THE IMMENSITY OF THE CARIBBEAN
Sail throughout a vast array of islands as you explore a Caribbean huge map
Enjoy more than 50 story and side missions, search for nearly one hundred treasures and lost parchments and compete with your friends for the highest bounty.EMBARK ON AN EPIC QUEST FOR A LEGENDARY TREASURE
Live an adventure that will reveal the truth about La Buse’s mysterious lost treasure.
Cross paths with Assassins and Templars and take part in their age-old struggle.
Meet the most notorious and colorful pirates of the era, including Sam Bellamy, Ben Hornigold and Blackbeard!
Our sister site TouchArcade reviewed Pirates when it was released, and found both the ship upgrade system and the visuals to be impressive, though gameplay can be a bit monotonous.
As Apple’s App of the Week, Assassin’s Creed Pirates will be available as a free download from the App Store for the next seven days. [Direct Link]
AIVAnet 