Camera Lab Test Scores iPhone 6s on Same Level as iPhone 6
In a new review for the iPhone 6s, DxOMark concluded that the camera on the 2015 iPhone line deserved a score of 82, equal to that of the score it gave for the iPhone 6 one year ago. The website measured seven factors (exposure and contrast, color, autofocus, texture, noise, artifacts, and flash) to determine an overall score for the camera on the iPhone 6s, giving the lowest marks to texture and noise (via CNET).
From our tests, images are generally well-exposed and for the most part colors are vivid and pleasing outdoors. However, there are occasional differences in exposure noticeable between consecutive captures in very bright outdoor scenes, typically due to the inconsistent activation of the HDR mode.
There is also a slight but consistent underexposure in extremely low light levels (5 lux); the result however is still quite usable and an improvement over the iPhone 6. White balance is reliable though inevitably some inaccuracies were noticeable at times, with a slight yellow cast visible in some outdoor scenes. Although this cast was present in captures from the iPhone 6 the cast was slightly stronger and more noticeable on the 6s.
A score of 82 is the same as the iPhone 6 in 2014, but also behind the 87 given to the Sony Xperia Z5 and the 86-scoring Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. Apple’s rivals also won in a series of similar video tests, scoring between four and six points higher than the 80 awarded to the iPhone 6s.
DxOMark’s closing statement regarding the new iPhone line is a bit similar to the overall consensus found elsewhere online regarding the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The French optics and image processing firm described the smartphone as a “good balance of performance and top-notch user experience,” but not an entirely compelling upgrade from an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, especially when considering solely the camera and video tests conducted by the firm.
Apple’s News app is disabled in China
The News app in iOS 9 is officially available only in the US, but you can still access stories when you’re traveling abroad… unless you’re visiting China, that is. A New York Times source understands that Apple has completely disabled News access in China, preventing you from reading anything new even if you’re using one of the country’s few uncensored connections on a US device. Apple hasn’t commented on why it’s switching things off, but the theory is that it would rather turn off News access altogether than deal with the many hassles of censoring individual sources and articles.
This kind of nation-specific deactivation isn’t new. Apple automatically disables Maps’ regular data when you’re in China, replacing it with government approved maps that blot out details of most other parts of the world. As software testing service head Larry Salibra notes, though, there are worries that Apple is a little too willing to automatically change features the moment you set foot in China, even if you’ve turned location services off. While the company’s current approach is arguably necessary if it wants to keep selling iOS devices in China (and it definitely wants to), the concern is that officials may ask Apple to selectively disable other apps that challenge the nation’s political status quo.
Source: New York Times
The best podcast app for iOS is now completely free
Overcast is widely considered to be the best podcast app on iOS, if not all mobile platforms. For many, its no-nonsense interface and slick features (such as cutting dead air and boosting voices) make Apple’s official app seem crude. You’ve had to pay $5 to see everything it has to offer, though… until now. App creator Marco Arment (he of Instapaper fame) has released Overcast 2, which switches to a completely free business model. As he puts it, he didn’t like seeing the majority of users (80 percent) miss out on the features he wrote — he’d rather make sure you see everything. You can still donate $1 per month if you want to help, but that contribution is strictly optional.
The new version isn’t just about unlocking existing features, as you might have guessed. You can now stream podcasts rather than downloading everything in advance, and keep tabs on your storage so that your collection doesn’t get out of control. There’s long overdue support for chapters, too, and you’ll get 3D Touch shortcuts if you happen to own an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus. All told, Overcast 2 is likely worth trying even if you passed on it the first time around — you can find out if it lives up to the hype without denting your bank account.
Via: Marco Arment
Source: App Store
Photos of a HTC One A9 dummy unit leak out, still looks like an iPhone
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We’re trying to give HTC the benefit of the doubt with their latest phone, but they aren’t making it easy. Photos of HTC’s “hero” phone, the HTC One A9, have been leaking out in earnest for the last few months – the last time we spotted it, we found out all the colours that it would be available in. The latest leak of the One A9 comes in the form of photos of a dummy unit which appears to give a 1:1 representation of what the smartphone is going to turn out looking like – and yes, it definitely looks like an iPhone. Sure, the camera module is in the middle and there’s a HTC logo at the bottom of the device, but the Average Joe could definitely mistake it for an iPhone in passing.
These photos come to us courtesy of leaker @OnLeaks which shows us the dummy unit, presumably from an AT&T store, from every angle that matters – note that the background has been removed for confidentiality. Apart from the likeness to the iPhone, the other glaring design faux pas appears on the bottom of the One A9 where the microUSB port appears off-centre – there appears to be enough space at the bottom of the device (after all the iPhone fit everything in) so we’ll have to wait and see about the reasoning of that. The One A9 is due to be announced on October 20th.
What do you think about the HTC One A9? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Photos of a HTC One A9 dummy unit leak out, still looks like an iPhone appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
iPhone 6s Now Available SIM-Free in Apple Online Store
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are now available SIM-free in Apple’s online store, allowing potential customers to buy an unlocked iPhone with no carrier attached. The new option was first spotted by MacRumors forum member Ternary. On its website, Apple explains the differences between a regular iPhone and a SIM-free one.
The SIM-free iPhone comes without a wireless contract commitment or carrier financing. It doesn’t come with a nano-SIM card for iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or iPhone 5s. And because it’s unlocked, it isn’t tied to one carrier, so you can get a nano-SIM from any supported carrier worldwide, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint in the United States.
Purchasing a SIM-free iPhone means that customers have to pay for the full price of the device upfront. It’s ideal for customers who want to avoid multi-year commitments with carriers or for travelers who want to easily be able to switch to local carriers when traveling abroad. The SIM-free iPhone 6s is model A1633 while the iPhone 6s Plus is model A1634.
Second Wave iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Launch Kicks Off in 40 Countries Around the World
Apple’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are now available for purchase in Taiwan, marking the start of the second wave iPhone launch. Beginning October 9, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus availability is expanding to more than 40 countries, the bulk of which are in Europe. In each country, Apple retail stores, Apple Authorized Resellers, and local carriers will begin offering the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus as retail locations begin opening in the morning.
A full list of countries where the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will be available as October 9 rolls around is below:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan
Locations in Taiwan recently began selling the new iPhones, with some customers that having waited in line for more than 60 hours to get one of the first available phones in the country (via TechBang).
Customers line up for the iPhone 6s in Taiwan, via TechBang
In several of the countries where the iPhone 6s launch is still a few hours off, customers are already lining up. In Copenhagen and Sweden, customers are waiting outside Telia stores to get an iPhone. In Russia, customers have the option to get their iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices delivered via taxi, and in Italy, customers are waiting in line at the Apple Store in Campi Bizenzio as a fundraiser for a pediatric hospital.
#iPhone6s launch queue in Copenhagen. Photo taken with my iPhone 6s today… 😐📱🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/eRA7blYZDO
— *•Ꭶhैāmु•ᏔًُᎡًّ८hू•* (@Sham_WRcH) October 8, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Following today’s launch, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus availability will also be expanding to additional countries as part of third, fourth, and fifth wave launches set to take place on October 10, October 16, and October 23.
– October 10: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates
– October 16: India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey
– October 23: Belarus, Guam, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine
In a recent press release announcing opening weekend iPhone 6s and 6s Plus sales of more than 13 million, Apple said the company will bring the new iPhones to more than 130 countries by the end of the year.
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Launching in Belarus, Guam, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine on October 23
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus sales will expand to several additional countries on October 23 as part of a fourth wave launch, with the device becoming available in Serbia, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine, and Guam.
There are no Apple retail locations in those countries, but various Apple Reseller Stores and carriers will begin offering the two new iPhones on that date.
Starting tomorrow, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus sales are expanding to more than 40 additional countries around the world. Currently, the devices are only available in first wave launch countries that include Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, and the United States.
Launches in various countries will happen on the following dates:
- October 9: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan
- October 10: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates
- October 16: India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey
- October 23: Belarus, Guam, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will continue to expand to additional countries throughout 2015, as Apple has said it plans to make the two devices available in more than 130 countries by the end of the year.
Can you brag about a dolphin saving your phone? This Miami Heat cheerleader can!
I definitely say dunking your hand into the toilet to retrieve a smartphone is a much more exciting feat, but I guess getting some help from a dolphin is pretty cool too! This is exactly what happened to Miami Heat cheerleader Teressa Cee.
After taking a trip to the Bahamas to “swim & shake” with dolphins, Cee’s phone managed to end up deep inside the dolphins’ residence (inside the water). The trainer then asked the dolphin to retrieve it, a request to which Cacique (the dolphin) was happy to oblige.
Truly, it’s fascinating to see, but a geek will do much more than just witness the beauty that these creatures are. Did you notice that was an iPhone? It surely didn’t survive the few seconds underwater! Even Teressa said: “Oh my god! So cute… thanks! It’s never gonna work again, but thanks!”.
Sure enough, the phone seems to have been deemed unusable, something that wouldn’t be the case if she had one of those awesome waterproof phones we find more often in the Android side of things. Someone has to go tell this girl about them Sony Xperia smartphones! Especially if she will continue playing around in the water. And seeing that these are Miami Heat cheerleaders we are talking about, this is very likely.
Here are some devices that are waterproof:
- Sony Xperia Z5
- Sony Xperia Z4
- Sony Xperia Z3+
- Kyocera Hydro Elite
- HTC Desire Eye
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Active
And just in case you are curious, here is a video of everything that went on during this trip to the Bahamas!
Engadget giveaway: win an iPhone 6s courtesy of Spigen!
Live and learn, right? While having a bare-bottomed phone looks great, with one or two catastrophes under your belt, you may not be going commando again any time soon. This is especially true if you have a high-end handset like Apple’s iPhone 6s. That’s where companies like Spigen come in, to wrap your precious pocket computer in a slim, secure shell. The Neo Hybrid line of cases boasts upgraded polycarbonate frames with extra protection where it’s needed. Both the classic version and the Carbon offer military-grade protection, while the Ex provides a clear, flexible shell to show off your phone’s styling. This week’s giveaway pairs both an iPhone 6s (16GB, GSM, T-mobile) with a collection of Spigen’s protective cases to keep it safe and sound. Just head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning.
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) Apple iPhone 6s (Space gray, 16GB, MKQX2LL/A – GSM T-mobile), and six (6) Spigen cases (two of each: Neo Hybrid, Neo Hybrid Carbon and Neo Hybrid Ex).
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email or Facebook login. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Engadget and AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until October 7th at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Apple already blocked the first malware for non-jailbroken iPhones
With certain exceptions, most iOS-focused malware targets jailbroken devices whose compromised security makes them easy prey. However, there’s been concerns that a recent strain of malware, YiSpecter, can attack even ‘pure’ devices running stock iOS. Do you have to worry about catching a bug online and losing control over your device? Probably not, if you ask Apple. In a statement to The Loop, the company notes that it not only fixed the vulnerability with iOS 8.4, but blocked the apps handing out the offending code. The victims downloaded apps from “untrusted sources” (that is, outside of the App Store) Cupertino adds. In short, Apple believes this is a non-issue as long as you install updates and stay cautious — and given that more than half of its users are already running iOS 9, it might be right.
Via: AppleInsider
Source: The Loop
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