Indian Government Set to Officially Adopt Rules Allowing First Apple Retail Stores

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to finally approve a three-year extension on local-sourcing rules within the country, granted to Apple due to its single-brand retail company status selling “cutting-edge technology.” Those familiar with the matter, speaking with Bloomberg, claimed that the Indian government as a whole is gearing up to make it easier for all companies like Apple to meet a similar criteria.

Before the so-called “shift” in Modi’s government, India’s rules on foreign direct investments required 30 percent of goods sold by a foreign company to be manufactured and produced within the country. Like most companies, the law prevented Apple’s retail growth within India — leading to a handful of third-party endorsed pop-up shops — because of the fact that most of its goods are created in China.

Apple filed for a new retail application when the new shifts in India’s laws began to pick up steam, but some confusion still remained over what would be considered “cutting-edge” and “state of the art” technology, which could eventually grant a company another 5-year extension on top of the blanketed 3-year ruling being made common. It’s this “push to clarify” the country’s laws and procedures that Modi is spearheading, eventually expected to allow Apple to open its first retail stores in India.

Modi’s push to clarify those procedures will pave the way for Apple to open a retail store, according to the people [familiar with the matter]. The new rules may also impact China’s Xiaomi Corp. and Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corp., which have also asked for exemptions.

Apple has been attempting to gain a foothold in India for a while now, most recently with CEO Tim Cook visiting the country, and Modi himself, to discuss manufacturing and retail opportunities. Its Authorized Mobility Resellers program has allowed Apple to skirt the country’s restrictive retail presence rules, but still lacks the ability to bring in big sales numbers from India.

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SwiftKey Launches New Emoji-Predicting Keyboard App ‘Swiftmoji’

Microsoft-owned keyboard app maker SwiftKey today launched a brand-new iOS app, this time focused on predictive emoji suggestions. Called Swiftmoji, the app runs a crowdsourced usage data algorithm to begin suggesting its users specific emoji characters when they send text messages, with the app set to eventually learn each user’s preferences and recommend frequently-used emoji above those hardly ever sent in a message.

Image via TechCrunch
The app works by piggybacking on the written text created in Apple’s — or any other third-party’s — keyboard, showcasing a wall of emojis meant to be related to the message waiting to be sent. All users need to do is type something, tap the globe icon to switch over to Swiftmoji, and pick from the app’s proposed emoji characters. SwiftKey hopes this method is a bit more streamlined in comparison to the emoji hunt that happens in Apple’s first-party keyboard but, as TechCrunch noted, its predictive capabilities have room for improvement.

Testing the app out ahead of launch, the predictions seemed a tad tenuous and/or hit and miss at times. For example, typing ‘viva la France’ did indeed yield the French flag emoji as the first prediction. However the second prediction was the Italian flag. Which it’s hard to imagine being useful.

The app also lets users send an “emoji storm,” which shoots out emojis from its suggestion box in a random order at the tail-end of a message, if users think sending just one or two characters isn’t enough. In addition, there’s a tab for frequently used emoji, and a basic, scrollable section akin to what iOS users have been used to over the past few years. Interestingly, the Android version of the app is more robust, offering quick-access emoji suggestions above a full third-party keyboard.

Due to its ability to condense vast topics down to cartoonish characters, a SwiftKey spokeswoman is also ensuring users that the company has “worked to reduce the chances of anyone using Swiftmoji to be caused offence from the emoji predictions suggested.” All the same, she confirmed that SwiftKey wouldn’t outright censor its users, letting everyone have “the option to use whichever emoji they like and in whatever way they like,” with truly questionable outcomes from the app advised to be reported to the company.

Anyone interested can check out Swiftmoji for free on the App Store today. [Direct Link]

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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 9 With Bug Fixes and Feature Tweaks

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced on March 30, 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into the release version of Safari.

Safari Technology Preview release 9 includes bug fixes and updates for JavaScript, web APIs, MathML, Apple Pay, Web Inspector, media, rendering, and more. As of release 8, Safari Technology Preview has supported Apple Pay in the web browser, a feature set to launch as part of macOS Sierra.

The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store to anyone who has downloaded the browser. Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple’s goal with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can be run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while aimed at developers, it does not require a developer account to download.

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Razer will launch its own Pokémon Go chat app

Razer, a company best known for its gaming-focused PC peripherals, will be getting into the Pokémon Go business with a new chat app. Known as RazerGo, the app will allow Pokémon Go players to chat with other players nearby.

From The Verge:

Like Pokémon Go itself, RazerGo is location-aware — users can find and talk to other players within a radius of 3, 60, or 600 miles, although it’s probably going to be most useful at close range. Likewise, they’ll be able to either join public chat, talk only to members of the same team, or privately talk to each other. Razer is also planning a feature that will let users drop “Beacons” to open a chat room that’s only available near them.

The app will be available for iOS, Android, and on the web, with the web component set to debut around 10 p.m. ET tonight, July 20. The mobile apps should follow soon, with Razer apparently hoping to launch around July 25.

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Argos will stock Anywhere SIM cards that let you ‘hop’ between networks

Argos and Anywhere SIM have teamed up to start selling SIM cards through the retailer in the UK. These SIM cards are unique by the fact they switch between O2, Vodafone and EE depending on which offers the strongest signal. The company plans to work hard at eliminating so-called “black spots” — locations where signal is hard to come by on specific networks. Should you travel to locations where it’s difficult to enjoy a stable connection with your chosen UK network provider, you may wish to take a look at the Anywhere offering.

As reported by Engadget:

“It’s handled by a clever bit of business and partnership engineering: the company is working with Manx Telecom, an operator based on the Isle of Man, and has a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreement with O2 in the UK. That deal is what allows you to have a UK mobile number. The other two networks — as well as countless others scattered across Europe — are handled with international roaming agreements. So apart from O2, you’re always being treated like a holidaymaker abroad.”

Once you’ve purchased an Anywhere SIM and are ready to rock and roll, the company will offer three different PAYG (Pay As You Go) plans. On Home you’ll be able to place calls on O2, but are able to receive calls from all other networks (works just like you’re with O2 itself). The UK plan will unlock access to Vodafone and EE to place calls, though the price of both a call and MB of data is 10p. Finally there’s EU, which offers all roaming agreements signed by Anywhere, but bumps the price of calls up by a further 2p per minute.

4G, monthly plans and access to Three’s network are in the pipeline. Even with these additions yet to be added to the company’s solution, it’s still worth the consideration. Be sure to be on the lookout for Anywhere SIM cards at your local Argos outlet or online.

Moto X Pure Edition now receiving its May security patch

Motorola is now pushing out the May security update to the Moto X Pure Edition. The phone has not received an update since around February, so while this isn’t the newest patch available, it is still great to see it get more secure. As for the release notes, Motorola only mentions the Android Security update, though it is likely that a few bugs have been squashed, or the performance of certain things will improve.

If you haven’t already received a notification for the update, you can check manually for it now. To do so, head into Settings, About phone and finally check for update. Once you’ve installed the update, be sure to hop in the forums and let us know how it is working out for you.

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7 things to know about the Sony Xperia X Performance

Get to know the latest high-end phone from Sony.

The Sony Xperia X Performance isn’t exactly blowing everyone away with its amazing quality or value, but every time a Sony phone comes to the U.S. it’s at least an intriguing proposition. This time we’re looking at a whole group of Xperia X phones, with the X Performance leading the pack as the super-high-end version, with a price to match.

And while the Xperia X Performance can be better described as a mixed bag than a smash hit, it’s still one that people are looking at and trying to learn more about. If you’re in that camp, you’ll want to see these 7 things to know about the phone. Read on.

Small, but powerful

Most high-end phones nowadays are rather large, but the Xperia X Performance most definitely is not. Coming in at 143 x 70.5 x 8.6 mm and 164 grams with just a 5-inch display, it’s downright compact, almost the exact same size as the Galaxy S7.

That doesn’t mean that it’s come up short in terms of specs, though — you still get a Snapdragon 820 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (plus an SD card slot) inside that nice metal and glass body.

No fingerprint sensor in the U.S.

For some reason we’ve yet to figure out, Sony has decided to remove the one-touch fingerprint sensor from the Xperia X Performance it’s selling in the U.S. Models sold elsewhere around the world have the sensor integrated into the large power button, and even though the power button has kept the same size and placement in the U.S., you’ll have to stick to a PIN or pattern on your phone for security.

This is a bit of a throwback, but you’ll also want to consider using Smart Lock to keep your phone unlocked when in range of known Bluetooth devices and locations … otherwise it’ll be quite a shock to go back to a phone without a fingerprint sensor if you used one before.

Water resistant

Sony didn’t necessarily make as big a deal about it as some other manufacturers, but the Xperia X Performance is actually dust and water resistant. Sony says you can get it dirty and even wash it off in a sink, so long as you don’t fully submerge it in water. So whether you happen to have your phone out when a drink is spilled on the table or it takes a splash by the pool, you don’t have to worry about it.

And as is the case on most modern phones with water-resistant coatings, there aren’t any annoying flaps or covers on the ports here — you get full access to everything, and it still keeps its water resistance.

Small battery, but good battery life

When you first see that the Xperia X Performance has just a 2700 mAh battery it’s understandable to be worried about battery life. But fortunately for any possible buyers, the battery life on the phone is actually surprisingly good even with its high-end specs and great display. Sony still offers great performance on the Xperia X Performance, and that’ll also last you through the day with double-digit percentage of your battery left.

Now this isn’t a “two-day device” like Sony often claims with its phones (any phone can last that long if you … don’t use it), but that’s not really an expectation most people have — the important thing is the Xperia X Performance can handle a full day until it hits the charger at night. Speaking of chargers, that small battery gets topped up very quickly thanks to Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 speeds with the included charger.

The NFC antenna is… on the front

This is more of a warning for anyone who happens to buy or use an Xperia X Performance: because of the all-metal back, the NFC antenna is actually on the front of the phone instead of the traditional placement around back. The antenna is placed to the left of the front-facing camera above the screen, which makes things a little awkward when you want to tap to someone else’s phone for a file transfer, and is particularly odd for using Android Pay.

Either way, you’ll get used it — just save yourself the frustration of trying to put the back of the phone on things to use NFC.

Unlocked and good for U.S. GSM networks

If you do want to pull the trigger and buy an unlocked Xperia X Performance in the U.S., you can know that it’s ready to go with the right radio bands for the popular GSM networks here. So while Verizon and Sprint are out, you’ll be able to use AT&T or T-Mobile, as well as most of the popular prepaid carriers out there, without any extra hoops to jump through. If you’re curious, here’s the full list of network bands:

• LTE: Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/19/20/26/28/29/38/39/40/41
• HSPA+: 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
• GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

The one thing you miss out on, which should come as no surprise to unlocked phone users, is advanced carrier features like Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi calling. You just get the regular setup of features, without the extras from the carrier.

Expensive

Get ready for some sticker shock: Sony is charging $699 for the Xperia X Performance, which will immediately be cause for a double take for most people. Even if you’re used to buying unlocked phones, you may not be up for spending over $700 after tax for a Sony Xperia X Performance. Be sure to read our review first, and see how it stacks up against other high-end phones, before making a decision.

If you like the Sony look and software from the Xperia X Performance but can’t swallow the price, you can also consider the lower-end models in the line … the Xperia X is a solid step down by a couple hundred dollars, and the XA and XA Ultra are further below that as well.

More: Where to buy the Sony Xperia X series in the U.S.

Walmart launches new online shopping app for Canadian customers

Walmart has launched a new online shopping app for Canadian customers. The Walmart Canada Online Shopping app allows you to buy what you need wherever you are, and you’re able to save your favorite products, get alerts when items are on Rollback, and more.

Here’s what you’ll get with Walmart’s new shopping app:

• Shop online: The easiest and fastest way to shop Walmart.ca
• Rollback Alerts: Get notifications when your favourite products are on Rollback
• Your favourites: Save time with quick access to your favourite products
• Scan: Quickly scan items for prices, ratings, and reviews
• Grocery PickUp: Order your fresh and frozen essentials and choose when to pickup
• Flyer features: Check out our weekly flyer items available online

You can grab Walmart’s online shopping app from the Google Play Store now.

Swiftmoji: The new predictive emoji keyboard from SwiftKey

Keyboard app maker SwiftKey has released a new predictive keyboard for Android and iOS that will predict which emoji are best used to “pepper up” your emails or messages.

Available from today, the new keyboard, called Swiftmoji, works in conjunction with your current keyboard offering, but like the original keyboard product from the company did with words, will predict the best emoji to use.

“With over 1,800 emoji to choose from on your phone and more added regularly, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the right emoji,” explains the company. “Swiftmoji removes the frustration of playing hunt-the-emoji – and helps you discover new emoji you may have never even seen before – with its spot-on predictions.”

Emoji, which are becoming more and more popular, are also becoming more and more harder to remember given the huge number of them now available. 

‪The app works by using the context of what you’re typing coupled with worldwide emoji trends to give you the best and most topical emoji predictions so you don’t have to remember each and every one of them.

“The emoji predictions are designed to help find a specific emoji you’re after, or give you some ideas if you’re short of inspiration. The second use case is interesting as we found that most people just continually use the same small subset of emoji and don’t know about many of the 1,800 that exist,” a spokesman for the company told Pocket-lint.

Rather than just suggest you add a football when you’ve typed the word football, it could suggest a number of other possibilities around the game. 

Emoji keyboards are all the rage at the moment with even Apple confirming it will offer an auto-suggesting emoji feature on its keyboard in iOS 10.

Pocket-lint

Where the new keyboard differs from Apple’s new auto suggesting emoji tech in iOS 10 though is that rather than automatically offer to highlight and replace based on specific words, it will recommend a number of suggestions. You will also have to switch keyboards for the effects to take place when using the Swiftmoji keyboard on Apple devices. 

A quick play of the app on the iPhone ahead of the official launch shows that the implementation suffers from the same problems many keyboards do on iOS; you have to switch between keyboards to get the emoji predictions.

If you are happy to do that the predictions are spot on though, as long as there is text to analyse.

That might force people to either forget they have the keyboard installed or find it frustrating to have to go in after the fact. Android users should find switching to the new SwiftKey powered keyboard a lot easier. 

In comparison, Apple’s iOS 10 emoji keyboard interplay is much more intuitive and flowing.

One feature we do like however is the ability to “emoji bomb”. The feature allows you to ado up to 18 related emoji in by pressing a single button.

Swiftmoji is currently only available in English on both iOS and Android devices. However Swiftmoji on iOS is an emoji keyboard, whereas Swiftmoji on Android is a full keyboard replacement.‬ ‬