‘Apple Car’ Project Lead Steve Zadesky to Leave Apple
Apple VP of Product Design Steve Zadesky, who was believed to be leading Apple’s electric vehicle development efforts since 2014, has informed colleagues that he will be leaving the company, according to The Wall Street Journal. He remains at Apple for now.
Zadesky, a former Ford engineer, joined Apple in 1999 and has also worked on the iPod and iPhone during his 16-year career in Cupertino. His departure from Apple is said to be for personal reasons, rather than an indication of his performance at the company.
His impending resignation from Apple could be a setback for Apple’s electric vehicle plans:
Still, the pending departure marks a setback for one of the most talked-about projects in the technology field. Apple has become the most valuable company in the world making consumer electronics products, but moving into the automotive sector poses big new challenges.
Apple has aggressively recruited engineers and other talent from Tesla, Ford, GM, Samsung, A123 Systems, Nvidia and elsewhere to work on the rumored “Apple Car” project, which has allegedly been called “Project Titan” internally.
Last year, Apple also had discussions with a secure Bay Area testing facility for connected and autonomous vehicles, and met with the California DMV to review self-driving vehicle regulations. Apple prompted further speculation when it registered a trio of auto-related domain names, including apple.car, apple.cars and apple.auto, earlier this month.
Apple’s electric vehicle could be approved for production by 2020, but a lack of clear goals for the project has reportedly led some employees to believe that Apple’s internal deadlines are unattainable.
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Facebook iOS App Update Expands 3D Touch Support
Facebook has begun rolling out support for further 3D Touch actions on compatible iPhones in the latest update to its primary iOS app.
The newest iteration in the social media company’s series of weekly app updates allows iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus owners to use “peek” and “pop” gestures directly from within a Facebook timeline. A light press or “peek” on a profile, link, page, group or photo triggers a preview of the content in question, while a harder press or “pop” opens the link, photo, profile or group.
A new “Quick Action” also comes to the Facebook app icon, with a homescreen shortcut that takes users directly to their account’s profile page.
Original Quick Actions (left); a new Action takes users to their Facebook profile (right).
The introduction of new 3D Touch features follows support for several Quick Actions that Facebook brought to its app back in October. However, unlike the first 3D Touch-equipped update, the company is limiting access to the latest features to “a small group of people,” before rolling them out globally “over the coming months,” reports The Verge.
Despite the potential for frustrating some of its users, Facebook’s gradual rollout strategy is in line with last month’s muted announcement of staggered support for Live Photos, which allows Facebook users to share motion-enabled pictures taken on iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices with followers running iOS 9.
Increased support for 3D Touch comes on the heels of similar features introduced in other Facebook-owned apps, including Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp, while other third-party developers continue to implement and deploy their own support for the pressure-sensitive technology following Apple’s own encouragement to do so.
Facebook is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]
Tags: App Store, Facebook, 3D Touch
Buyer’s Guide: iPhone (Neutral)
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Tim Cook Visits Europe to Meet EU Antitrust Chief, Pope Francis and Italian Developers
Apple CEO Tim Cook traveled to Europe this week to meet with European Commission antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager in Brussels on Thursday, before heading to Rome on Friday to meet Pope Francis and Italian developers.
Cook first met with Vestager to lobby against an European tax investigation that could force the iPhone and iPad maker to pay more than $8 billion in back taxes on overseas earnings, according to Bloomberg.
European Commission headquarters in Brussels (Image: Hungary Today)
Apple is accused of operating multiple subsidiaries in Ireland to avoid paying higher taxes outside the United States, where it earns just under 60% of its revenue. Apple books its taxes in Ireland using low operating costs, allowing it to pay a foreign tax rate of only 1.8%, according to the report.
If the European Commission finds wrongdoing with Apple’s corporate arrangement in Ireland, the company’s $64.1 billion in profit generated from 2004 to 2012 could be subject to a higher 12.5% corporate tax rate — just over $8 billion in back taxes.
A decision in the probe could be made by March, but may take longer due to additional information requested by European regulators. Apple continues to deny any wrongdoing, and vows to take the European Commission to court over any negative verdict.
Meanwhile, the agenda of Cook’s meeting with Pope Francis remains private. The 15-minute discussion was held at 11:30 a.m. local time.
Pope Francis is known to incorporate technology into his position and takes to Twitter fairly regularly to share messages, and his old iPad was auctioned for $30,500 last year.
On Thursday, Cook tweeted about Apple’s newly announced iOS development center in Italy, and said the company has created over 1.4 million jobs across Europe.
Apple has created over 1.4m jobs across Europe 🇪🇺 and we're announcing a center for aspiring iOS developers in Italy https://t.co/v9RLYX6u6u
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 21, 2016
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Great to meet talented Italian developers today with @matteorenzi in Rome pic.twitter.com/2DcRPMYNHD
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 22, 2016
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsCook met some of those iOS developers on Friday alongside Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding 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.
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Apple Planning Fix for Broken Twitter Links in Safari on OS X
For the past couple of months, Twitter users who click shortened “t.co” links with an HTTPS URL have noticed a frequent, irritating bug that prevents content from loading. Oftentimes, when a “t.co” link is clicked, it opens up a blank web page and hangs at a loading screen for several minutes before giving an error message.
There are threads about this issue on the MacRumors forums and the Apple Support Communities, with most people complaining that the problem started around the beginning of November.
Aside from reloading the t.co URL several times, removing the “https” from the URL, or switching to a different browser, there’s no way to fix the link loading issue. Clearing Safari’s cached files also helps, but only temporarily. Chrome and Firefox aren’t affected, nor are links that do not use HTTPS.
In a recent post on the issue, The Verge uncovered a January 14 tweet from Timothy Hatcher, a WebKit Developer Experience Manager at Apple. Hatcher says the problem is lower level than WebKit (Safari is built on WebKit) and that Apple has a fix identified.
Hatcher did not specify when the fix might be implemented, and it is unclear if it could come in a standalone Safari update or if a full OS X update will be required.
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iPad Pro’s A9X Chip Rivals Performance of Intel’s Low-End Core M Processors
AnandTech today published an in-depth iPad Pro review with detailed hardware and software analysis, including an interesting performance comparison between the tablet’s dual-core A9X chip and Intel’s Core M processors.
The test was conducted to determine to what level Apple’s custom ARM chips have caught up to the performance of Intel’s Core M lineup, given Apple’s continued advancements in architecture and manufacturing, compared to Intel’s slower rate of growth over its last few generations of Core processors.
The review pitted the iPad Pro’s A9X chip against various Core M devices, including the Broadwell-based 12-inch Retina MacBook with a low-end Core M chip and ASUS Transformer Book T300 Chi with a high-end Core M chip, and Skylake-based ASUS ZenBook UX305CA with a base-tier Core m3 CPU.
The SPECint2006† benchmark results reveal that the iPad Pro is competitive with the Retina MacBook and Asus ZenBook UX305CA in certain tests, winning half of the benchmarks against each device, but the tablet lags behind in overall performance. Meanwhile, the high-end ASUS Transformer Book T300 Chi unsurprisingly beat the iPad Pro in every category.
Evidently, Intel’s Core M lineup continues to lead in overall performance, but Apple is quickly closing the gap.
A9X can compete with both Broadwell and Skylake Core M processors, and that’s something Apple couldn’t claim even a generation ago. That it’s only against the likes of Core m3 means that Apple still has a way to go, particularly as A9X still loses by more than it wins, but it’s significant progress in a short period of time and I’ll wager that it’s closer than Intel would like to be, especially if Apple puts A9X into a cheaper iPad Air in the future.
Apple’s progress is notable given multiple rumors that suggest the company may release ARM-based Macs in the future.
In this scenario, Apple would replace the Intel chips it currently uses in Macs with custom designed A-series chips, allowing the company to better time processor upgrades with new product launches. On multiple occasions, Apple has had to hold off on updating its Mac lineup while waiting for Intel’s latest generations of processors.
In January 2015, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo projected that Apple could begin launching ARM-based Macs within one or two years based on its custom chip designs. As these A9X benchmarks show, however, the use of A-series chips in Macs would very likely be limited to lower-end devices like the 12-inch Retina MacBook at first.
In May 2014, French website MacBidouille reported that Apple has prototyped several ARM-based machines, including an iMac, Mac mini and 13″ notebook with 4-8 64-bit ARM quad-core processors, and new keyboards with large-format Magic Trackpads, but many doubted the feasibility of moving forward with such a plan.
Nearly two years later, the prospect of Apple releasing ARM-based Mac remains questionable, especially for high-end Macs, but the A9X chip is evidence that Apple’s A-series processors are increasingly rivaling the performance of Intel’s entry-level offerings. At the very least, it gives Apple options moving forward.
† SPECint2006 is a CPU-intensive cross-platform benchmark that tests processors based on a wide range of real-life usage scenarios, ranging from video compression to PERL execution to AI. For a detailed technical explanation of the SPEC CPU benchmark and its 12 sub-benchmarks, read the full review.
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Apple’s 4-Inch iPhone to Be Called ‘iPhone 5se’ With Design Modeled After iPhone 5s
Rumors suggesting Apple is working on an updated 4-inch iPhone have been circulating since the launch of the iPhone 6, but information that’s leaked out about the device has varied quite a bit between news sources. While some rumors pointed towards a 4-inch iPhone equivalent in power to the iPhone 6s, others suggested it would be a lower-end device modeled after the iPhone 5s.
New information shared by 9to5Mac and Chinese website MyDrivers [Google Translate] adds to the growing body of evidence pointing towards an iPhone 5s-style device that’s a step down from the iPhone 6s, potentially set to be called the “iPhone 5se” to denote its position as an upgraded version of the iPhone 5s.
With the iPhone 5se, Apple may be aiming to introduce a device that’s going to deliver up-to-date features to customers who prefer smaller devices while still refraining from competing with its flagship 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhones.
The 4-inch iPhone in development is rumored to look like an iPhone 5s
Recent rumors have suggested the 4-inch iPhone will have a body that’s similar enough to the iPhone 5s that the two devices will be able to share cases and other accessories, but there will be some design differences. The shiny edges that were featured on the iPhone 5s will be replaced with a curved cover glass like the iPhone 6 and 6s.
The iPhone 5se is expected to incorporate the same 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2-megapixel front camera used in the iPhone 6, along with an improved autofocusing ability, support for larger panoramas, and the ability to capture Live Photos (but no 3D Touch). As has been rumored, it will include an NFC chip to enable Apple Pay, and features like Bluetooth 4.2, VoLTE, and 802.11ac WiFi. It may be available in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold, or just three of those colors. Rumors are unclear.
According to 9to5Mac, the iPhone 5se will use the same A8 and M8 chips that are in the iPhone 6, while the report from MyDrivers suggests it could come with an A9 chip. Rumors about Apple’s 4-inch iPhone have consistently disagreed on the chip that it will use, split between the A8 and the A9.
MyDrivers supplies additional information on RAM, pricing, and battery life. In a somewhat questionable claim, the site says that Apple is sourcing 1GB and 1.2GB RAM from two suppliers. Previous rumors have said the 4-inch iPhone will include 1GB RAM.
The iPhone 5se may include a 1,624 mAh battery, which would last longer than the battery in the iPhone 5s, and according to MyDrivers, it may only be available in 16 and 64GB capacities at prices that start at 3688 Yuan or $560.
Mass production on the 4-inch screen for iPhone 5se is said to have kicked off this week, and while iPhone 6c/5se rumors have disagreed on many prospective features, all rumors have pointed towards an early 2016 release date. Apple is said to be planning a March event to unveil new products, and it’s possible that could be where Apple is planning to debut its 4-inch iPhone.
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Review: Pad & Quill’s Lowry Cuff Is a Well-Made Apple Watch Band for Large Wrists
With its lineup of Apple Watch accessories launching since the device’s debut last year, Pad & Quill has been steadily expanding its roster of made-for-Apple products with new bands and docks. I’ve previously gotten my hands on the company’s Classic Watch Band and Timber Catchall and Timber Nightstand Apple Watch docks, and while some of them appealed to me more than others — the Timber Catchall was simply too large for me at the end of the day — the company’s quality was evident in everything I saw.
As a more masculine alternative to the Classic Watch Band, Pad & Quill has also started offering the $129.95 Lowry Leather Cuff for the Apple Watch, exclusively for the larger 42mm models. The design of the band extends slightly beyond the case of the Apple Watch itself, adding a stocky look to Apple’s already thick wearable device. The Lowry Cuff has a few minor quibbles that resurface on a daily basis (mainly centering around the accessory’s overall size), but they never overshadow Pad & Quill’s quality aesthetic, especially for anyone looking for a larger band like this.
March Event Could See Launch of iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 and New Apple Watch Bands
Apple is rumored to be planning to host a March event to unveil new products, but exact details on what will be shown off at the event have been in flux. An early December rumor from 9to5Mac suggested Apple would use the event to unveil a second-generation Apple Watch, but a report from TechCrunch indicated that rumor was false – no Apple Watch 2 is in the works for an early 2016 launch.
Instead, TechCrunch shared information indicating something smaller but still watch-related could be introduced in March, perhaps a minor update to add a FaceTime camera or new bands and partnerships similar to Apple’s collaboration with Hermès. In a new report on what may come out at the March event, 9to5Mac backtracks on earlier claims of an Apple Watch 2 and instead agrees with TechCrunch, pointing towards a new Apple Watch lineup with new bands but no hardware changes.
At its September 2015 event, Apple introduced its Hermès partnership and debuted new colors for several Apple Watch bands, and we may see the same kind of update at the March event. New colors for existing bands and bands in new materials may be in the works. Apple is also planning to release watchOS 2.2 at or shortly after the event.
Apple’s March event may also see the debut of the rumored 4-inch iPhone, now thought to be called the “iPhone 5se” to reflect its position as a successor to the iPhone 5s. The device is said to have an iPhone 5s-style exterior with iPhone 6-style curved cover. Internally, it will feature an A8 or A9 processor, NFC support for Apple Pay, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and while it won’t have 3D Touch, it will be capable of taking Live Photos.
Previous rumors have suggested we could also see the next-generation iPad Air at the March event, as it is said to be debuting in the spring of 2016.
Though no Apple Watch 2 update is planned for early 2016, a second-generation update is undoubtedly in the works. It’s possible Apple could be planning to release a new Apple Watch in the fall months alongside the iPhone 7.
Apple’s plans for a March event remain tentative, and should products not be ready for release, there’s a possibility that it could be canceled in favor of an online-only unveiling and announcement for the 4-inch iPhone and new Apple Watch bands.
Buyer’s Guide: iPad Air (Don’t Buy), Apple Watch (Neutral)
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Google paid Apple $1 billion to be the default search on iOS
$1 billion. That’s how much Google paid Apple in 2014 to be the default search app on the iPhone, according to court transcripts obtained by Bloomberg. As you might imagine, neither company is too happy about their business deal being made public, and as the publication notes, the court transcript “vanished without a trace” late yesterday. But whether that was because the court in the ongoing litigation between Google and Oracle eventually bowed to the whims of Cupertino and Mountain View’s requests for redaction isn’t clear.
One of the witnesses narrowed the revenue numbers down further, saying that the split between Apple and Google was 34 percent, but which company received which side of that figure wasn’t revealed before one of the search juggernaut’s lawyers made the request to have it sealed. Why? It wasn’t a publicly known number. Until now. Whoops.
Perhaps the big takeaway here, as Bloomberg notes, is that even though Apple is quick to call out Google for questionable privacy practices, so long as the money keeps flowing its way, Tim Cook and Co. will keep doing business with their rival. Talk is cheap, but a billion dollars is still a billion dollars.
[Image credit: ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images]
Source: Bloomberg
Japan Display reignites rumors of an OLED iPhone
OLED displays are better than their LCD counterparts, thanks to their lower power draw and much greater picture quality. Despite this, Apple is one of the few companies that’s remained staunchly in the LCD camp, but that may change in the near future. One of the firm’s suppliers, Japan Display, has told Reuters that it’ll begin mass-producing OLED panels by 2018. That dovetails nicely with rumors saying that Apple will abandon LCDs in the same year. It makes plenty of sense, especially if the company maintains its two-year device refresh cycle, with a spec bump model released in between. That would make an OLED screen the headline feature of the iPhone 8, should all of these theoretical notions become reality in time.
Source: Reuters
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