Apple Releases OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 2
Alongside iOS 8 beta 2, Apple today released a new version of OS X Yosemite, just over two weeks after initially introducing the operating system at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
The update, Developer Preview 2, has a build number of 14A261i, and can be downloaded from the Mac App Store or the Mac Dev Center.
OS X Yosemite brings a flatter, more modern look to OS X, with an emphasis on translucency, along with a slew of new features, including improved integration with iOS 8 through Continuity.
iPhone 6 Sapphire Display Limited to 5.5″ Model as LG Struggles with iWatch Display Power Draw?
With conflicting opinions about whether Apple and partner GT Advanced Technologies will have enough sapphire crystal production ramped up for both rumored iPhone 6 models and the iWatch, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News is now weighing in [Google Translate, via G 4 Games] with its own claims that only the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 model will include a sapphire display due to production limitations.
According to the report, the smaller 4.7-inch model will continue to use Corning’s Gorilla Glass and represent the bulk of shipments for the new iPhone. From G 4 Games:
The source also claims that the 4.7 inch iPhone 6 will hit the market with Gorilla Glass in tow. The main screen suppliers allegedly are LGD and JDI, and in anticipation of the handset’s success, the company expects to ship 60 million units (we assume that by the end of 2014). […]
As far as the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 goes, it will allegedly be built in limited quantities due to low sapphire yield, leading to a limited supply in 2014, therefore contradicting a recent report which claimed that Apple will have enough sapphire for both iPhone 6 models AND the iWatch.
The report also addresses Apple’s rumored iWatch, claiming that LG Display has been struggling to meet Apple’s demand of nearly zero energy use in standby mode for the device’s display. From G 4 Games:
Reportedly, Apple has constantly pushed back the gadget’s release date because the device failed, in the past, to meet the company’s expectations. One of Apple goals with the iWatch is for the smartwatch’s display to draw almost no power when in standby, but this has proven to be a big challenge. And speaking of the display, the device will reportedly feature an OLED screen (between 1.3 and 1.6-inches in size) which will be supplied exclusively by LG Display, just as it’s been reported back in January 2014.
Sources for the report reiterate previous claims that Quanta will be handling the bulk of iWatch production, although Inventec will reportedly also be helping out.
According to today’s report, the iPhone 6 and the iWatch will be introduced at the end of the third quarter, roughly in line with rumors and Apple’s recent iPhone launch history putting this year’s introductions in the September-October timeframe.
Alleged ‘Perfect Replica’ of iPad Air 2 Shows Touch ID, Recessed Volume Buttons, New Speaker Grille
While Apple is widely expected to expand use of its Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the iPad Air and iPad mini later this year, new photos of an alleged “perfect replica” of the second-generation iPad Air shared by Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate] hint that there may be a few additional changes in store for the device.
The replica, which is making the rounds in China and Japan, unsurprisingly depicts a Touch ID home button for the device, but also shows some tweaks to physical features around the edges of the device, including a new speaker grille with a single row of larger holes on each side of the Lightning port as opposed to the current double row of smaller holes on the iPad.
Another difference lies in the volume buttons which are shown slightly recessed into the edge of the case, compared to the current design that sees buttons protruding slightly from a flush holes machines in the device’s shell. Nowhereelse.fr mentions that the mute switch is also missing, although there is a small hole where the feature is usually located. Unfinished protoype and mockup parts sometimes feature these pilot holes to guide machining of the final hole.
Updated iPads are expected to launch later this year, with October being Apple’s usual timeframe for such launches over the past couple of years. The latter part of 2014 is expected to be a busy one for Apple, with rumors of launches for the iPhone 6, new iPads, the iWatch, and perhaps some Mac updates such as the company’s rumored 12-inch Retina MacBook Air.
Automatic Gains Redesigned App, New Data on Fuel Level [iOS Blog]
Automatic today announced a major update for its Automatic app and connected driving platform, introducing a significant app overhaul with a revamped UI designed to be “lighter, faster, and more modern.”
Along with a new look, the Automatic app now provides data on fuel level and gives low fuel warnings. In supported cars, fuel level will be displayed directly in the iPhone app, along with an estimate of the miles left in the tank based on driving habits. Users are able to set an alert to be warned when they’re low on gas.
Automatic’s new fuel data is only available to approximately half of cars using the Automatic system, as many cars do not report their fuel level through the diagnostic port. Automatic recommends checking whether a car supports fuel data on its website.
With the new app update, consumers will also be able to change the speed at which Automatic delivers alerts for driving too fast. Previously set at 70 MPH, users will now be able to choose a custom speed, which is useful for states with higher or lower speed limits. Along with customizable speed thresholds, Automatic is also improving how customers are warned when driving too fast, cutting down on the number of warning chirps.
Now, consumers will only hear the chirp once when you cross the threshold. The chirp won’t repeat for the rest of the trip unless a person dips below the threshold and crosses it again.
The Automatic Link, which plugs into a car’s data port, can be purchased from the Automatic website for $99.95. The Automatic app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Garmin Launches ‘Viago’ Navigation App for iOS with Speed Limits, Lane Assist, and More [iOS Blog]
Longtime GPS navigation leader Garmin is expanding its app portfolio with its newly-announced navigation title, Viago. The maps company hopes to compete with free navigation apps such as Apple Maps by offering Viago with an affordable price tag and a robust set of core navigation features.
Viago sets itself apart from the competition with a set of standard navigation features that are not usually available in free apps, such as lane assist, speed limit display, weather information, photo-realistic junction views and more. Customers who want more than these base features can opt to purchase advanced options a la carte via in-app purchases. Additional paid features include real-time traffic with automatic rerouting, urban navigation with public transportation, downloadable maps and more.
“Garmin víago offers the best navigation technology available from Garmin, helping drivers to reduce stress and save time on the road,” said Joern Watzke, vice president world-wide mobile business at Garmin Wuerzburg GmbH. ”The comprehensive feature set goes far beyond simple turn-by-turn directions and assists drivers like no other navigation app. Premium in app purchase options allow users to fully customize their navigation experience and only choose the features they want.“
The app also features Garmin Real Directions (in-app purchase), which allows the driver to receive descriptive driving directions that include notable landmarks, traffic signs and traffic light status that make it easier to drive an unfamiliar route. Viago also is compatible with Garmin HUD, a standalone Bluetooth device that projects driving directions into the driver’s line of sight using a transparent film on the car windshield or an attached reflector lens.
Garmin Viago [Direct Link] is available now at a launch price of $0.99 (normally $1.99) until July 13, 2014. In-app purchase packages range from $4.99 to $19.99 with Maps to Go and Traffic Live now discounted 50 percent during this promotional period.
iOS 8’s Variable Touch Sizing Bringing ‘Surface Pressure’ to FiftyThree’s ‘Pencil’ Stylus
FiftyThree announced today (via TechCrunch) that its “Pencil” iPad stylus will be updated with a new Surface Pressure feature when iOS 8 debuts later this year. This feature allows users to change the thickness of the lines they create by controlling how much of the pencil tip comes in contact with the iPad screen.
Pencil’s tapered tip was inspired by the expressive richness of real pencil points, which allow creators to change the character of the line with the angle of the tip. With Surface Pressure you’ll be able to control the lines you create based on how much of Pencil’s tip or eraser is in contact with your iPad. Use the point for fine details or the angled edge for broad strokes. Surface Pressure unlocks new capabilities for each of Paper’s tools—fill faster as you draw, shade as you sketch, or carve away in varying widths as you erase.
This Surface Pressure option is made possible by iOS 8′s variable touch sizing, which lets developers interpret touch along a range of point sizes that vary from a single point to a broad circle. The ability to adjust line thickness on the fly is a significant advantage over the current version of the stylus, which delivers a single line whose thickness is controlled via an in-app setting that is changed manually.
FiftyThree released the Bluetooth Pencil stylus last November as a companion to its popular Paper drawing app. It is available in either a brushed aluminum (US$50) or walnut ($60) option for consumers who live in the US or Canada. Surface Pressure will be included in a free Pencil software update, which will be released this fall following iOS 8.
FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus set to level up with pressure sensitivity on iOS 8
Even though FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus can’t completely replace a proper digital pen and tablet, it’s at least getting better over time. For instance, the arrival of iOS 8 will finally give it pressure sensitivity — bad news is, you’d have to wait for the mobile OS before you can take advantage of the new feature. Once you get the update for Apple’s latest platform, you’d have greater control over your lines: you can draw thin, mechanical pencil-like sketches by using only the very tip of the device, or shade objects using its thicker side. Depending on how much you’ve been using Pencil, these lines might not be as precise as anything you draw using a Wacom tablet. But you might be able to get pretty close, so long as you maneuver the stylus with expertise. It’s a shame you’d have to wait till fall to try it out, but note that a new iOS 8 beta’s rumored to come out soon. We don’t know whether this beta update will enable Pencil’s new capability, but keep an eye out if you absolutely can’t wait.
Apple Settles State and Consumer Class Action E-Book Price Fixing Lawsuit [Mac Blog]
According to a letter filed in the Southern District Court of New York, Apple has reached an out-of-court settlement with both class action lawyers and state district attorneys over e-book price-fixing, reports Bloomberg.
Settlement details remain sealed and must be approved by the court. If approved, this agreement will end litigation ahead of a potentially costly damages trial that was slated to begin July 14. Apple faced more than $800 million in damages in this class-action antitrust lawsuit involving both consumers and states.
Steve Berman, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, said by phone that all the U.S. attorneys general and consumers settled the case. Berman said he filed a memorandum of understanding with the court under seal, which prevents him from describing the agreement.
In an earlier decision, Apple was found guilty of conspiring to fix e-book prices in a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. As part of its preparations for launching the iBookstore alongside the iPad in 2010, Apple sought to weaken Amazon’s hold on the industry and change the business model that governed the sale of e-books, an effort that resulted in higher prices for consumers. Apple filed an appeal in that case earlier this year.
Apple Retail Announces 2014 Summer Filmmaking, iBooks Author Camps for Kids
As it has done in prior years, Apple will once again be offering free summer camps for kids 8 to 12 at its retail stores, with this year’s sessions focusing on filmmaking with iMovie and interactive storytelling with iBooks Author. The classes will run for three days with each class going for 90 minutes.
The iMovie workshops will provide lessons on filmmaking with iMovie on the Mac and creating an original soundtrack in GarageBand for iPad. Meanwhile, the iBooks classes will teach kids how to draw illustrations using an iPad and how to add sound effects as well as Multi-Touch features using iBooks Author for Mac. The third day of each camp will also end with an Apple Camp Showcase so campers can share their finished projects.
The first sessions begin in mid-July and go through early August. While some stores have already filled their slots for both workshops, others have many spots remaining.
Interested parents can register for sessions on Apple’s U.S. and Canadian retail websites, while parents in China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom can register to be notified when registration opens in their countries. Apple Camp sessions for Australia’s Apple Retail Stores will return in 2015.
‘Nest Protect’ Smoke Detectors Back On Sale After Safety Recall, Now Starting at $99 [iOS Blog]
Nearly three months after it was pulled from shelves over safety concerns, Nest has restarted sales of its Nest Protect app-enabled smoke detector with a lower price tag of $99, reports The New York Times.
The company, which was acquired by Google in January for $3.2 billion, stopped selling its smoke detector after testing revealed that the Nest Wave feature could be disabled unintentionally. The Nest Wave allows users to silence alarms by waving at the detector as opposed to pressing a physical button. While the glitch hasn’t been fixed, the company noted that it will issue a software update to do so in the near future.
The Nest Protect is available to purchase from Nest’s official website for $99, and comes in colors of black or white.
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