By and large, jailbreaking is a relatively safe affair to perform, and as long as you abide by the precautionary steps that must be taken when opening areas of the ecosystem ordinarily shut off by Apple, you're generally safe. However, given that third parties can access root files, things can sometimes go horribly wrong, and with the jailbreak scene having been afflicted by two widespread incidents in the past five months, another piece of malicious software is said to be capable of stealing your Apple ID and password to buy apps without your consent.
Apple's close relationship with U2 has been long-standing and, from an outsider's point of view, pretty harmless. Indeed, the fact that the Irish band's latest album Songs of Innocence was to be released for free as an iTunes exclusive was clearly a win for the consumer. The move, which was announced after Apple's iPhone 6 event last week, presumably meant that U2 fans could get their fill for free - excellent - while non-U2 fans could just skip the release. Much to the surprise of just about everyone outside Apple, though, the album was pushed out to just about everyone with an iOS device, much to the bemusement of those who don't happen to like U2.
Apple took the wraps off a number of great software features at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, and among them, Continuity seeks to allow users to work between devices with as few seams as possible. Incorporating OS X Yosemite as well as iOS 8, Continuity has promised to strengthen ties between Apple's two major platforms, and SMS Continuity, which allows SMS and MMS messages to be managed through the Messages app on iPad and Mac, is one of the most useful of them all. Unfortunately, though, this feature will not roll out until next month, meaning that while iOS 8 is just days away, SMS Continuity won't make the initial cut.
With iOS 8 now well on the way - it's set for release in just five days' time - now's a golden chance to stock up on apps and games ready for the new software. Alongside iOS 8, Apple will also be rolling out two new iPhones, and given the high pricing, here's a welcome opportunity to penny pinch on apps worth a total of $17.
In a fortnight that has seen Apple's iCloud slandered and deemed culpable for the spate of celebrity image leaks, it's certainly been a test of the online storage service's mettle. But with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch having all appeared during the past 48 hours, all seems forgiven - at least, for now - and so with the world completely distracted by these shiny new gadgets, the Cupertino company has taken this opportunity to bring its new pricing structure into effect.
Given the recent spate of celebrity phone compromising, allied to the fact that Apple is about to roll out its new mobile payment system with iOS 8 and the new iPhone 6 / 6 Plus, and it's fair to say that these are testing times for the company. From a security point of view, the Mac maker will want to avoid any more high-profile gaffes as it looks to win the trust of the consumer market, and although the new iOS 8 GM has fixed some vulnerabilities first highlighted by a seasoned security researchdf, a few still continue to linger.
Social network Path is a beautiful, functional and cross-platform app that is used by many, but despite its credentials and promise, has been somewhat crowded out by Facebook, Twitter et al. It's hard not to check out from time to time because it's simply such a pleasure to use, but ultimately, it's quite dormant, with users generally only checking in when they remember to. An acquisition by a big-name company could soon rejuvenate Path and turn its fortunes around, and according to a report, Apple is planning on buying the app and integrating it with its own Messages infrastructure.
Whew! It's been a bit of a roller-coaster ride today by all accounts, and as we finally catch our breath as the world reacts to the major announcements made by Apple earlier on this morning, we take a quick check back at everything that was discussed. If you missed out on the coverage due to work or other commitments, come join us after the break for a recap!
The GM release links of Apple's iOS 8 is now ready to download, and although, strictly speaking, this is not the final release, it's identical to the build that end users will be receiving in about a week's time. As ever, we've got the details and download info right here.
Even though Google's Android is a fierce rival to Apple's iOS, the search giant recognizes the value of its iPhone, iPad and iPod touch-owning user base, and as such, most of its broad range of apps and services can be found over at the iTunes Store. Today, the Play Movies & TV app has been given quite a significant update, adding a handy offline mode allowing users to download videos and play them even when a connection is not present.
















