Apple Looking to Boost Safari JavaScript Performance with New Accelerator Upgrades
Apple is apparently working on significant improvements to JavaScript performance for its Safari browser, as shown by the inclusion of accelerator upgrades in recent builds of WebKit, reports InfoWorld.
WebKit is the open source browser engine created by Apple and which serves as the basis for Safari, and the new upgrades to WebKit’s “Nitro” JavaScript engine are known as “FTLJIT”. With the upgrades, WebKit’s JavaScript engine would become more competitive with Google’s V8 and Mozilla’s SpiderMonkey engines.
FTLJIT is still considered experimental, so although it’s being made available in the OS X port of WebKit by default, it’s not actually turned on yet — it has to be enabled through command-line flags.
One attribute that could make FTLJIT stand out from the pack all the more is how well it runs JavaScript code that is not specifically optimized for [Mozilla’s] asm.js. Every JavaScript engine will run asm.js code, but only Mozilla’s SpiderMonkey honors asm.js-specific optimizations, and right now no other browser maker has elected to follow Mozilla’s lead.
The report notes that speed tests are showing WebKit with FTLJIT enabled outperforming Chrome, while Firefox still tops the charts when using asm.js-optimized benchmark tests.
JavaScript has been a key technology for web browsers for many years, facilitating a variety of user interactions with web pages such as dynamic loading of content without reloading pages and handling page animations and other media. Because JavaScript code embedded on a website is run inside the user’s browser when the page is loaded, the efficiency of the browser’s JavaScript engine can have a significant impact on the user experience as JavaScript implementations become increasingly complex.
It is unclear whether Apple is targeting OS X 10.10 for these JavaScript improvements, but with them only being enabled in the OS X version of WebKit, it appears that there is still substantial work to be done.
Apple Reduces Refund Times in Effort to Boost Online Sales and Customer Satisfaction
Apple has improved its return policy, offering faster refunds for customers who purchase items online, reports Reuters. Apple was able to shorten the refund processing time from 10 days to less than a week by using an expedited shipping method to send devices back to the company for return.
According to retail-intelligence firm StellaService, Apple switched to FedEx 2Day service last November during the holiday shopping season and has continued to use the service, despite the greater upfront cost associated with the faster shipping method. Customers will not incur any additional costs for Apple’s decision to use FedEx, notes a source “with knowledge of the new procedure.”
StellaService researchers first noted the improvement in refund processing times in November, but chalked it up to a temporary measure for the busy holiday season. The company, which orders items from Apple’s website several times a day for research purposes, also discovered that packages were stamped with FedEx 2Day, rather than a Newgistics prepaid label.
Apple is going against the grain by investing in the returns process, an area that companies often trim because it does not help their bottom line. CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly said Apple does not have a profits-first policy, but instead prides itself on delivering a quality experience to its customers.
This focus on the overall experience benefits Apple’s brand reputation among consumers as the company routinely leads its competitors in customer satisfaction. Apple recently reclaimed its spot as the highest ranked tablet manufacturer in J.D. Power’s latest U.S. tablet customer satisfaction study, earning a 5-star rating and edging out rival Samsung.
Samsung Becomes Apple’s Top iPad Display Supplier in Q1 2014
According to a new report from market research firm DisplaySearch (via CNET and ZDNet Korea), Samsung claimed the top spot as Apple’s biggest iPad display panel supplier in the first quarter of 2014, shipping 5.2 million units of the high resolution 9.7-inch panels that were used in the iPad Air and the reintroduced 4th generation iPad.
Samsung’s panels accounted for 62% of Apple’s 9.7-inch displays, while longtime partner LG Display shipped 3.2 million displays to account for 38% of the total. Apple was said to have chosen Samsung as a primary iPad display supplier last August, and reportedly turned to the Korean company in October to produce displays for the Retina iPad mini as Sharp and LG Display struggled with low yields.
Apple has been reported for quite some time to be seeking to reduce its reliance on Samsung as a component supplier due to tensions between the two companies as they have become top competitors in the mobile device market. However, Samsung’s technological advantages and production capacity as a display supplier have proven valuable to Apple’s needs over the years, as the two companies are likely to continue that partnership for the foreseeable future.
Apple Reportedly Integrating NFC Technology into iPhone 6
Apple is gearing up to incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in the iPhone 6, according to a report from BrightWire citing sources familiar with the matter. The report also notes that Apple has struck a deal with China UnionPay to integrate the banking company’s services into Passbook and elsewhere.
Apple is likely to incorporate a Near Field Communication (NFC) payment function in the next generation iPhone and has reached an agreement with China UnionPay on a mobile payment service, according to a source close to the matter.
…In addition to NFC payment, the two companies will also work together on another mobile payment solution that can be used for purchases in Apple Stores, added the source.
Integrating NFC into the iPhone 6 would be a bit of a surprise move by Apple, as the company’s head of marketing Phil Schiller stated in 2012 that the technology was “not the solution to any current problem.” Notably, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted last month that Apple would integrate NFC chips into the next-generation iPhone alongside a host of other features.
The news also comes as Apple is pursuing plans to develop a mobile payment solution, which will be possibly tied to the Touch ID fingerprint sensor currently found in the iPhone 5s and reportedly headed for the iPhone 6 and next-generation iPads. It is also possible that Apple combines its existing Touch ID fingerprint scanner and NFC technology into the home button, as the company filed for a patent detailing such a system last September.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6 in two sizes of 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches later this year, with the smaller version of the phone launching ahead of the larger model. Aside from a larger display, the iPhone 6 will likely feature a thinner profile, a faster A8 processor, and an improved camera in the form of image stabilization. Apple is also said to be negotating with carriers for a $100 price increase on the iPhone 6.
Google Play Music for iPad found lurking inside iPhone app
If you’re a Google Play Music fan and have been limping along with the iPhone version on your iPad, you may already have the big-screen version without knowing it. That’s because the iPad bits are already baked in to the iPhone app, according to 9to5 Mac. In fact, you can even activate it now just by changing a setting called “UIDeviceFamily” from 1 to 2, though your iPad will need to be jailbroken (which is currently impossible on iOS 7.1.x). Google Play Music has been a success since it launched on the iPhone in November — likely helped by a month of free music — so a pending app redesigned for the iPad’s larger screen wouldn’t be a surprise. In fact, when contacted by 9to5, a Google rep thought the app was already out, meaning it might just be awaiting the nod from Apple.
Filed under: Tablets, Software, Apple, Google
Source: 9to5 Mac
Renders of 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Allegedly Sourced from Foxconn Surface
New alleged renderings of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 said to be sourced from primary Apple supplier Foxconn have surfaced on Chinese site Feng [Google Translate, via AmongTech].
The renders, which show measurements of 138 x 67mm for the device, appears to be consistent with drawings published in Japanese magazine MacFan last month, and in line with precise measurements of a mockup done by Taiwanese blog AppleCorner last week. Similar to details in other reports, the new renders also show a number of design changes on the iPhone 6, including rounded corners, rectangular volume controls on the left, and a relocated power button on the top right hand side.
The drawings also show two antenna breaks cut out on the rear of the device, which seems to suggest that Apple will incorporate a three-stage aluminum design on the back of the iPhone 6. A report from Mac Otakara last month claimed that Apple would be doing away with the glass breaks currently found on the iPhone 5s, although it is unsure how Apple will change its overall antenna design to accommodate the new look.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6 later this year, with a recent report stating that the company will launch the 4.7-inch version in August and the larger 5.5-inch version in September. Aside from a large display, Apple’s next-generation iPhone will likely include a thinner profile, a new A8 processor, and an improved camera in the form of either optical or electronic image stabilization.
Beats Co-Founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine Expected to Take on Senior Roles at Apple
Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and musician Dr. Dre are both expected to take on senior roles at Apple following Apple’s acquisition of Beats Electronics, reports The Wall Street Journal. The two may not take on full time positions, but will commute from the Los Angeles area, where Beats is based, to meetings in Cupertino and elsewhere as necessary.
Citing people familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal suggests that specific roles for Iovine and Dre remain unclear, but Iovine will be leaving his role as chairman of Interscope Geffan A&M records, a division of Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group. Both Dr. Dre — real name Andre Young — and Iovine could help Apple secure deals with record labels and attract younger customers.
While Mr. Iovine’s rock-star temperament could still ruffle some feathers in tech-centric Cupertino, it may help Apple broker deals in the music industry and appeal to the younger consumers who gravitate to Beats headphones.
Apple is said to be working on an overhaul of iTunes in order to boost declining music sales. The addition of the Beats Music streaming service along with a thriving hardware business and two seasoned veterans of the music industry may help the company achieve the drastic revamp it’s aiming for while introducing new revenue streams.
Today’s report follows a report from the New York Post suggesting Iovine will join Apple as a “special adviser” to Tim Cook on creative matters. While Apple’s $3.2 billion acquisition of Beats Electronics has yet to be completed, Dr. Dre seemingly confirmed the acquisition in a video posted this morning, where he alluded the merger would make him the “first billionaire in hip-hop.”
As noted by The Wall Street Journal, Apple’s hiring of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine represents Tim Cook’s willingness to step out of the spotlight. Earlier this month, the company welcomed former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts as the new retail chief and other Apple executives, like Jony Ive and Craig Federighi, have been stepping into the limelight more often than they did under Steve Jobs.
Apple Launches In-Store iPhone Upgrade Event to Boost Sales
Apple’s iPhone upgrade event has officially begun, as the company has started to send out emails encouraging upgrade-eligible older iPhone owners to trade in their phones for newer models. iPhone 4s users started receiving emails on May 8, with the headline “It’s a beautiful time for an upgrade.”
The emails nudged iPhone 4s owners to “recycle” their phones to receive up to a $199 credit to put towards the purchase of an iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c under Apple’s iPhone trade-in program, which the company first launched in August.
As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple Store employees have also received a memo instructing them to encourage iPhone 4 and 4s to trade in their phones with more attractive trade-in values. Apple is offering iPhone 4 users up to $99 towards the purchase of an iPhone 5s or 5c, while iPhone 4s owners can get up to $199, making an upgrade to a subsidized iPhone 5s essentially free.
Apple’s retail stores are also displaying signs with the same “It’s a beautiful time to upgrade” message, but it appears those signs may have pre-dated the kick off of Apple’s upgrade initiative, having been spotted last week.
“It’s a beautiful time for an upgrade. You may be eligible for upgrade pricing on a new iPhone. And if you bring in your old iPhone to be recycled, you could get credit toward a new one. Ask us for details.”
First highlighted earlier this week, Apple’s upgrade initiative is designed to boost in-store sales of the iPhone. The event will see Apple heavily pushing its iPhone trade-in program and launching improved trade-in options in an effort to get customers to upgrade their phones.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has noted his desire to increase in-store iPhone sales multiple times over the past year, saying Apple will improve sales through a variety of promotional tactics and incentive programs. Currently, 80 percent of iPhones are sold at third party locations while Apple sells just 20 percent, a ratio Cook would like to improve.
As Apple kicks off its trade-in initiative, Best Buy is also offering an up to $200 trade-in value for customers who bring in an older iPhone and upgrade to an iPhone 5s or 5c. Phones must be in working condition without a cracked display to receive a Best Buy gift card through May 11. An iPhone 5 is guaranteed $200, while an iPhone 4s gets $150 and the iPhone 4 gets $100.
Facebook Discontinues ‘Poke’ and ‘Camera’, Pulls Apps from App Store [iOS Blog]
Facebook today removed its long defunct Facebook Poke and Facebook Camera apps from the App Store, quietly pulling the apps with no notification to users. A Facebook spokesperson confirmed the removal to The Verge, but declined to comment further.
First introduced in December of 2012, Facebook’s Poke app was the company’s answer to Snapchat, allowing users to send ephemeral photos, videos, messages, and “poke” notifications to their friends. Each message only lasted a few seconds before expiring, much like Snapchat‘s temporary messages.
Poke quickly floundered following its release as it failed to gain popularity amid competition from Snapchat, and it received no updates.
Facebook’s Camera app was slightly more popular when it launched in May of 2012 as a way to make sharing multiple photos on Facebook “faster and easier.” The single function app, which also let users browse photos, saw several updates during the first year it was released but later fell to the wayside as Facebook integrated Camera features into its main Facebook app. At the time of removal, the Facebook Camera had not been updated since August of 2013.
Despite the failure of Facebook Poke and Facebook Camera, Facebook has continued with development of standalone Facebook apps under its Creative Labs initiative. Paper, the first product to come out of Creative Labs, has been lauded for its design and has thus far enjoyed moderate success.
Engadget Daily: a guide to Japanese toilets, Apple eyes Beats for $3.2 billion and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
What does hip-hop’s ‘first billionaire’ have that Apple wants?
Nothing’s official yet, but according to the Financial Times and a (since pulled) video of Dr. Dre himself, Apple intends to buy Beats for quite a bit of greenback. Hmm, what could the maker of iTunes want with another music app?
A Westerner’s guide to Japanese toilets
Popping a squat on your first “fancy” toilet can be a scary experience. Lucky for you, we put together a guide to help you navigate the buttons, symbols and seemingly uninterpretable stick figures on Japan’s finest and most expensive potties.
Netflix begins raising prices, but current users get a two-year freeze
We knew it was coming, but the Netflix price hike is now official. New users will pay one dollar more a month while existing customers will enjoy a two-year grace period before receiving the same treatment. Yay?
Smartphones for hire: Which personal assistant is right for you?
Android, WP and iOS: each has its strengths and weaknesses, but which one packs the most capable personal assistant? Read on as our own Brad Molen dissects all the features of Google Now, Siri and Cortana.
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Filed under: Misc
