Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts

how is IOS7 Concept? Flat Design, Smarter...


We have seen our fair share of iOS 7 concept videos, and I’m sure that number will only continue to increase as we approach WWDC 2013.  There really are some talented designers out there, and when I see a concept video that showcases great work, I can’t help but want to share it with you.  This particular video caught my eye because it showcases the “flat” design we keep hearing Sir Jony Ive has been working toward.  Like it or not, there are many other aspects of this interpretation that are implemented in a way that I find very appealing.  Check it out for yourself, and let me know your opinion in the comment section below.  If your interested in what you see, check out what else SimplyZesty has to offer.





Apple plans to add even more social media integration to the forthcoming iOS 7 update. Both Flickr and Vimeo look set for Twitter and Facebook-like integration, which would see users able to tap in their credentials once within the Settings app and simply authorize any third-party movements from within the iOS infrastructure.

Of course, in the fast-moving world of social networking, any new integration is always welcome. But considering how popular the iPhone is particularly with users of the Yahoo-owned Flickr, it’s perhaps surprising this kind of integration hasn’t come along sooner.

The Cupertino company molded Twitter into iOS 5 before doing likewise with Facebook on iOS 6, and with both of those features having been well received by consumers, it effectively stands to reason that an expansion of this trend will continue through iOS 7.

Apple has long since sought to eradicate all remnants of Google from iOS, and having (admittedly unsuccessfully) removed Google Maps from the stock feature set in place of its own shocking Maps app with iOS 6, Vimeo integration would certainly help iOS 7 users refrain from downloading the Google-owned YouTube.

Bringing both Flickr and Vimeo right into the heart of iOS will also make sharing content a great deal easier, allowing users to upload their images and clips straight up to the two respective networks with relative ease.

As well as the promise of deep integration with Flickr and Vimeo, there’s also the small matter of the radical design overhaul we’ve heard so much about. Jony Ive now oversees the aesthetic elements of the fruit company’s mobile OS, and since his ideas conflicted vastly with former iOS SVP Scott Forstall, on looking tech fans are expecting a much cleaner, flatter looking iOS when the seventh edition is showcased at next month’s WWDC 2013.

The anticipated alterations to iOS 7 have certainly ramped up excitement ahead of the annual Apple developer conference, which takes place on the week commencing June 10th, and we certainly cannot wait to see what is going to be revealed in little under three weeks’ time.

Should we catch wind of any iOS 7 gossip or leaks you need to know about, we will be sure to share them with you guys, so make sure you stay tuned to our coverage here at Redmond Pie!

(source: 9to5Mac )

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Apple iOS 7 looks set to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June. What do we know about the new operating system so far ?



Apple iOS 7 looks set to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June. What do we know about the new operating system so far ?



Apple's iOS platform is loved around the world, but even the most ardent Apple fan couldn't disagree that it needs sprucing up - with the platform essentially looking the same since iOS 4.  Thankfully, that looks set to change when Apple unveil iOS 7 at their WWDC in San Francisco in June.

iOS 7 will be totally revamped with Apple putting Jonathan Ive - lead design on most  of Apple's hardware - onto the project. This has apparently led to a change in design philosophy and the development of all-new user-interface !

User-Interface


Apple's current user-interface - designed by Scott Forstall - is known and loved by users across the world. However, it's already a good few years old and could do with a major overhaul.

iOS 7 will introduce a new user-interface which is thought to be cleaner than ever and will "flatten" out the whole experience - with the WSJ suggesting it'll have a more "minimalistic" design. It'll totally move away from the old skeuomorphism design - which is when something resembles another material or technique.

iOS 7  will also be fully-optimised to take advantage of today's higher resolution displays. Precise details are thin-on-the-ground, but the Mac team has been brought in to assist development - who have a lot of software design experience.

Application Overhaul


When updating an operating systems' user-interface you also have to give the applications a new lick-of-paint. Apple are apparently doing just that to their core applications - which will be improved visually and get new features.

Applications that currently feature a skeuomorphic design - such as the Notes app which looks like a piece of paper - will be redesigned. With Bloomberg reporting that the Mail and Calendar applications will be totally redesigned - with many thought to be unimpressed by their current guises.

NFC features could also integrated across the platform - with next-gen Apple devices expected to support the contactless payment technology. iOS 7 will make new notifications and messages much clearer to the user - improving on the current drop-down system and adding support for actions (like Android).

Could we also see the minimalistic - and slightly boring - lock-screen jazzed up to bring it more in line with other operating systems ?

New Security !


The recent iOS 6.1 lock-screen hack was embarrassing for Apple , so it wouldn't be at all surprising to see everything changing in iOS 7. Finger-print sensors are long overdue and could this feature be supported in Apple's new operating system ?

Unlikely, but MacWorld have suggested that a new unlock procedure will be introduced. Apple patented a new feature where users are given a random photo from their gallery and have to identify the person pictured. After a number of correct answers they'll get access to their Apple device - which sounds interesting , but will it be secure enough ?

Car-Mode


Apple made a right pigs-ear of their latest Apple Maps software - even going as far as recommending users to download 3rd party solutions - but they are persevering with the software. Infact, iOS 7 is expected to introduce a new mode for use in vehicles !

Navigation will play a huge part in the new car mode - as you'd expect - with Siri also sure to feature prominently. 9to5Mac is reporting that Apple have been working closely with car manufacturers to hook-up their devices to vehicles displays - which sounds like a great idea to us.

Potentially , you'd then be able to check your social networks, send text-messages , control music playback and much more. All without having to touch your iPhone - leaving your hands free to steer round hairpin bends.

Apple iOS 7 Launch




Apple will unveil iOS 7 at their Worldwide Developer Conference on June 10th and will rollout to Apple devices shortly after. We'll continue to bring you any news about the new operating system as it leaks-out including news of any new features it'll introduce. Until then you might want to checkout the iOS 7 concept video posted above !

source via 3g.co.uk 

Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case and Stand For iPad 4 with Retina Display, New iPad (3rd Gen) and iPad 2






The Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 provides a high-performance removable keyboard optimized for the touch typist. Built-in Bluetooth technology delivers wireless operation and one button set-up. A secured Velcro fastener ensures your tablet's vertical stability with viewing angles from 20 to 70 degrees. This lightweight 3-in-1 design is optimized for travel and in-case use plus protects your iPad 2 from wear and scratches. Easy port access gives you the ability to use your controls, 30-pin connector, and front and back cameras while still in the case.





Solid protection with a durable, reinforced polyurethane fabric cover. View larger
Reliable Protection


The KeyFolio Pro 2 offers solid protection with a durable, reinforced polyurethane fabric cover that protects your iPad 2 in style. The tactile, high-performance keys are optimized for the touch typist and also protect your iPad 2's screen from scratching when closed.
Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard


A Bluetooth removable keyboard built into the KeyFolio Pro 2 delivers wireless operation and includes iPad 2-specific media and setting functions such as home button, volume, and brightness.
Easy Access


The case provides easy port access to all iPad 2 controls and 30-pin connectors. Openings for the front and back cameras allow for FaceTime use without removing the iPad 2 from the case. The adjustable stand securely holds your iPad 2 in either landscape or portrait mode, with a viewing angle range of 20 to 70 degrees.


Product Description

The Kensington KeyFolio(TM) Pro 2 provides a high-performance removable keyboard optimized for the touch typist. Built-in Bluetooth technology delivers wireless operation and one button set-up. A secured Velcro fastener ensures tablet vertical stability with viewing angels from 70 to 20 degrees. This lightweight 3-in-1 design is optimized for travel and in-case use plus protects your iPad 2 from wear and scratches.

Apple accused of bricking old iPhones to boost sales

A lawsuit filed at the Superior Court in San Diego claims that Apple used the iOS4 update to effectively brick older handsets in an attempt to sell newer iPhones.
Here’s the meat of the complaint:
The true fact of the matter, as verifiable by information technology experts, is that the iOS 4 is a substantial ‘downgrade’ for earlier iPhone devices and renders many of them virtually useless iBricks.  Nonetheless, in reasonable and detrimental reliance upon Apple’s false representations, false statements and false claims of full compatibility, thousands upon thousands of iPhone 3 users were intentionally misled into installing iOS 4 on their devices.
Basically, once users installed iOS4 onto their iPhone 3G handsets there was no way for most customers to effectively downgrade the OS, leaving customers with a handset that was virtually unusable. Apple’s support forums are full of discussion relating to this issue.
The plaintiff, Bianca Wofford, is seeking reimbursement for every plaintiff the cost of the iPhone, plus an additional $5,000 in damages.

Apple Abandons the Datacenter

With its introduction in 2002, the Apple Xserve was, according to Steve Jobs, the result of listening to their customer needs. This rack-mountable sever running OS X was going to lead Apple into server rooms and datacenters around the business world, and signaled Apple taking the enterprise computing customer seriously.

How much the world has changed in 8 years. With their subtle announcement that the Xserve was no more as of 1/31/11 (an availability statement on the website and a transition guide to move users to the mac Pro or Mac Mini), Apple removes any doubt that their focus, first and foremost, is on being a consumer products company. Not that there is anything wrong with that; they make wildly successful consumer products and playing to your strengths is always a good idea.

And before Apple loyalist start yelling about how good a server a Mac Pro or Mac Mini makes, they aren’t enterprise server equipment. Period. They don’t rack mount, use multiple power supplies, offer a lights-out management scheme, offer low-power consumption video and are not purpose designed servers. This stuff all matters in the enterprise computing world. No matter how much the pimp out a Mac Pro, it’s still not a purpose built server.

I’m sure there are people who will use the Pro and Mini as departmental or special purpose servers. But the ability to work in the server role does not alone make for enterprise server equipment.

Of course, if the future of the corporate datacenter really is cloud computing, the backend hardware will rapidly become little more than a collection of commodity components, and it while it would appear that Apple was banking on that when they made the choice to end their Xserve product line the truth is that it was never a winner for Apple anyway. Apple presence in the datacenter is so minimal it doesn’t even blip the radar, and this action by Apple is more significant in showing that Apple recognizes where their future lies rather than any real comment on Apple’s vision of the datacenter future.

zdnet

Apple XServe is gone - Is OS X Server next?

Apple announced today that it would no longer be producing its XServe rack-mounted server products after January 31st, 2011. It provided detailed recommendations (PDF) for customers looking to either transition from XServes or deploy new OS X Server hardware. However, one has to wonder if this approach signals the beginning of the end for OS X Server itself as the company continues to ramp up its consumer/pro-sumer product portfolio.

So why do I care? Regular readers will know that I love my MacBook Pro, but I’m not entirely convinced of the Mac value proposition in education. The XServe, though, and the server OS that it ran (OS X Server) were somewhat unique in that they provided high-performance directory, communications, and collaboration software in an easy-to-use package that, as servers and their licensing tend to go (at least on the Windows side of the proverbial server room), were relatively inexpensive.

In fact, managing a network with the built-in tools on OS X Server is remarkably easy. Managing the Macs on the network is similarly straight-forward, with a typically Mac-ish user interface. Especially in K-12, where onsite tech expertise or direct support is often difficult to find and fund, OS X Server represents a platform that a relatively savvy teacher can use to keep a network and all of the deployed Mac clients running smoothly. File sharing, directory services, and user policies are all a few clicks away.

At the same time, that same savvy teacher could easily run wikis, websites, mail, and podcast capture/publishing for the school, again with built-in graphical tools.

While its true that both Windows and Linux offer powerful and robust solutions for schools, all of which can include graphical tools, OS X Server is particularly intuitive and the licensing (unlimited clients - period) certainly can’t be matched by the variety of Windows CALs. Obviously Linux licensing is a piece of cake (free - period), client management and media interactivity just aren’t as easy. Not by a long shot.

Apple has not said that it is abandoning OS X Server, only the rack-mounted hardware. Users can still purchase Snow Leopard Server pre-installed on Mac Pros (for high-performance needs) or Mac Minis (for small workgroups or specific tasks like file sharing or wiki hosting). However, shoehorning a server OS onto non-server hardware that needs to reside under a desk or on shelves in a datacenter hardly strikes me as a vote of confidence in Apple’s server business.

Rather, it says that Apple is a consumer company whose products will probably make their way into schools and businesses because consumers love them. Perhaps those big datacenters that Apple is building out will end up hosting cloud-based versions of OS X Server or providing similar services from the cloud. However, OS X Server is one of the highest value tools for schools that Apple currently offers and its ease of use and client management helps offset cost concerns associated with those Mac clients that people love so much.

Here’s hoping that the death of XServe doesn’t mean the death of OS X Server. I’m not taking any bets, though. Unfortunately, over and over, Apple has demonstrated that it can crank out great, popular products that teachers and students (and countless other consumers) fawn over, but rarely provides the education-centric solutions on which it built its reputation. Hey, Steve! If you’re listening, any chance you could make sure OS X Server lives on? And not just in Mac Minis? Thanks.


By Christopher Dawson 

Xserve survival FAQ, Apple mobile payments plan



COMPUTERWORLD: Strange days, on the one hand you see Apple discontinue its main enterprise product (the Xserve) in the same week as we see the company’s enterprise credentials climb a notch or two, and we also learn the company’s looking to mobile payment solutions in order to bring people without credit cards inside its future iWallet economy.

Read More

All Hail Apple’s App Store Hall of Fame



The App Store’s full of apps, thousands of them, but its still a little tricky sorting through them all, now Apple’s put together a new element to guide you to the most popular ones, the “App Store Hall of Fame”.

The Hall of Fame features the top fifty apps of all time, Apple says, describing these as the ‘best of the best’. The list includes both free and paid apps.

Top of the list? A title I downloaded the other day which I now see when I close my eyes. What is it? Angry Birds (don’t do it, it is seriously addictive.).

Go check the list people.

Some good looking Nano watches.



Giz likes these iPod Nano watches and we’d have to agree. They are plastic-silicon and you just pop your Nano in and out for charging and what not. $25 is a little bit of gouging but Apple does sell its bumpers for $30 so it is hard to talk.


techbuzzblog.com

New MacBook Air review

The MacBook Air has been up there in terms of style and design. It's not perfect but it's innovative in every sense of the word. With the first model being as thin as normal laptops wouldn't although sacrificing on the power aspect. And with Apple releasing another update to this coveted device, some may have their eyebrows raised or some may applaud in sheer awesomeness. Here are some thoughts regarding the new MacBook Air.

Apple officially wants developers to submit their iPad Apps at the App Store

Apple officially wants developers to submit their iPad Apps at the App Store
Apple iPad launched is just around the corner, so as today Apple officially invited developers to start submitting their iPad Apps  for inclusion in rolling out iPad App Store dated on April 3rd. The process goes like when you submit an app for iPhone or iTouch, with the email sent to the developers Apple wants an initial review of the app before the launched simply we guess to avoid spoiling the grand release with some buggy applications.

Best and Coolest Top iPad Accessories [Updated]


Top 25 iPad games
Apple's iPad pioneered the new era of tablet computers, and hell ya, they'd make it that far even the tablet was on its early stages. We can't argue that the case of iPhone and iTouch have made the tablet even more popular. iPad is always told to be just a bigger iPod Touch, and yes it might be, with iTouch stealing some of the best part of hand-held gaming console's market --we tend to think that iPad might do as well. The list is after that continue link below, hit it.

Apple iPad deal-breaking disappointments

Apple iPad

Apple claims iPad was the future of multi-touch computing and magical to revolutionize the traditional way consumers think and experience a multi-media device could be. Then it was official, now beside the hog of attention iPad was getting right now the tablet doesn’t satisfied most of the expectations it has created. Mostly, we can give you some of the major deal-breaking things about the iPad.

Best and Coolest iPad Game Apps

Best and Coolest iPad Game Apps
After few days of stunning iPad galore we're now in the way of discovering iPad's full potential and mostly the killing-time habit might be one of that --that is --gaming. In this post we listed some of the apps rising on top to be the best and coolest gaming app for the iPad.

Once You Know, You NeweggPumped with larger screen and multitouch capabilities this was more exciting from your normal portables like the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP adding more thrill by more interactive accelerometer tilting, gestures and quite surprising loud sound effects from the device's speakers. You could get the apps with normal $9.99 apiece and some major game apps with affordable introductory prices.

Apple presents its new MacBook Air and other software

Apple presents its new MacBook Air and other software

Cupertino, California - Apple recently introduced the latest of its MacBook Air laptop line, simultaneously providing a sneak peek at the evolution of the Mac operating system. Other highlights included a new version of the multimedia software packet iLife.

The updated MacBook Air will, in the future, be sold with 11.6 and 13.3-inch displays. According to Apple, neither will employ what have, until now, been standard hard drives with rotating magnetic plates. Instead, data on these laptops will be transcribed onto solid state discs (SSD).

White iPhone 4 Delayed Until Spring

SEATTLE — Apple says the elusive white iPhone 4 will remain out of reach until spring.

Apple Inc.'s own "Apple Store" iPhone app lets people reserve products to pick up at local Apple stores. On Tuesday, bloggers posted screen shots of the app appearing to offer the option to reserve a white iPhone 4. By late afternoon, that option was no longer available.

Trudy Muller, an Apple spokeswoman, says the company is sorry to disappoint customers with another delay. She did not give reasons for the delay, but Apple said in July that the white models are "more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected."

White iPhone 4 Delayed Until Spring

White Iphone
SEATTLE — Apple says the elusive white iPhone 4 will remain out of reach until spring.
Apple Inc.'s own "Apple Store" iPhone app lets people reserve products to pick up at local Apple stores. On Tuesday, bloggers posted screen shots of the app appearing to offer the option to reserve a white iPhone 4. By late afternoon, that option was no longer available.

iOS4, ios 4 - The world’s largest app platform.

iOS 4

The world's most advanced mobile operating system.

With its easy-to-use interface, amazing features, and rock-solid stability, iOS — Apple’s mobile operating system — is the foundation of iPhone. And even as other phones try to catch up, the technologies and features built into iOS 4 keep it years ahead of the competition.

Elegant and intuitive interface.

Apple iphone FaceTime phone calls like you've never seen before

FaceTime has a picture-in-picture view: you in the lower corner, the person you're talking to in the middle.

FaceTime. Phone calls like you've never seen before.

iphone5 - 2011 iOS Preview for Apple Universe Stargazers

2011 iOS Preview for Apple Universe Stargazers



Apple will surely change the antenna design on the iPhone 5 and go back to a metal back. (Glass on both sides was like having a piece of toast buttered on both sides. No matter how it lands when you drop it, it is a bad thing.) The rumored incorporation of near field technology would turn your iPhone 5 into a virtual debit/credit card. I think LTE is more likely -- and I don't think LTE is all that likely.