Yesterday, it emerged that Samsung, a partner of the 2014 Moscow Winter Olympics, was giving away free Galaxy Note 3 handsets in goody bags handed to each and every participating athlete. Only, instead of being a genuine gift with the hope of a little ad coverage if the Olympian was snapped using the device, it was also reported that the Korean company was trying to exercise some kind of jurisdiction over what the athlete could then use (or indeed, not use) with regards to rivaling devices during the opening ceremony. However, official correspondence from the IOC (via MacRumors) has refuted the claim, so while it did make for an entertaining (and strangely plausible) story, Samsung's give away looks a genuine, no-strings gift to the stars after all.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak may no longer work at Apple, but he has acquired something of a reputation for scrutinizing products released by the company he helped to build - and not always in a good way. But while the Cupertino outfit can usually take on board the musings of the Woz with an element of seriousness, his latest suggestion will perhaps go down as the most bizarre idea Apple has ever heard. For Wozniak believes that Apple could benefit from creating a smartphone running on - wait for it - Google's very own Android OS, and while Woz's position as a co-founder means that whatever he says re Apple is going to make the headlines, it's quite staggering that he would make such a suggestion.
Apple has just rolled out iOS 7.1 beta 5 download, which carries the build number 5B103i. Details on how to update / download iOS 7.1 beta 5 on your iPhone or iPad are given below. As ever, it contains a number of fixes and general enhancements, and we've got all of the info right here.
Apple, like most companies at the top of their game, is always seeking ways to expand its business. Recently, we've seen a concerted effort from the Cupertino-based outfit to capitalize on emerging markets like China and India, and just this week, CEO Tim Cook has been spotted sizing up some of the major shopping malls in the United Arab Emirates. As well as checking out authorized resellers such as the Virgin Megastore at Al Wahda Mall, Ciij also took a mosey on down to Jacky’s electronics store at the Dubai Mall, which has naturally fuelled speculation that the company plans to build a retail store of its own in the notably affluent region.
"Love is in the air" is a famous phrase, and one that you're probably going to be hearing ad nauseam as we close in in Valentine's day halfway through next month. Apple has, quite naturally, sought to latch onto this brief period of gift-buying, and with the iPad Air being among its marquee products, used that trusty old saying to its advantage. But while, as the company states on the promotional landing page, "love is in the Air" (like, the iPad Air.. geddit?), the feel-good vibe doesn't extend to any sort of price-cut for the new, and highly sought-after device. Still, there are plenty of gifts lovingly hand-picked by the fruit company, (see, we can all do bad puns), and if you feel like treating yourself (or that special someone) this Valentine's, Apple is looking to reel you in.
Apple's earnings call conferences tend to be of general interest to the wider on-looking tech community, particularly Q1, which covers the lucrative October-to-December holiday sales period. With the iPhone 5s having sold in unprecedented numbers for a new Apple smartphone (or any smartphone, for that matter), and the likes of the Retina iPad mini and iPad Air having debuted, this Q1 earnings call was always going to be impressive, and in actual fact, it was record-busting.
A report from The Wall Street Journal is suggesting that Apple is becoming increasingly interested in exploring the ever-important world of mobile based payments. Research and future projection has suggested that proliferation of mobile devices into every corner of the globe will mean that mobile payments could account for more than $90 billion worth of annual transactions in the United States alone by the end of 2017. As one of the most important providers of smartphones and tablets in the world, Apple Inc. is said to be laying the foundations that could see the introduction of its own mobile payments solution.
A short while ago, we reported on the news that today marks the 30th birthday of the Mac, and in celebration of this momentous occasion, Apple pieced together a short video clip. But considering how integral the Mac has become not only to Apple's product range, but also to its identity as a company, there was always going to be more to today than just a video clip. Three of Apple's head honchos, including the Cupertino's CEO Tim Cook, have sat down for an interview for ABC News, and although we've only a short preview of the full-length piece set to air tonight, it'll surely be a must-watch for any ardent Apple fan.
Apple may have enjoyed a successful 2013 with the iPhone 5s in particular, smashing first-weekend sales records for a smartphone, but even with the impressive number of units shifted, the Cupertino company only has to look at BlackBerry or Nokia for a reminder of where complacency can lead. Thus, with the dust having settled on that major smartphone release, Tim Cook's men are out to discover how iPhone buyers feel about their purchase, specific features like Touch ID, as well as rivaling products like Android. Taking the form of a rather long survey, it looks as though the fruit company is seeking thorough, enlightening feedback in its quest for an even more fruitful 2014.
When it comes to the online world, pretty much anything is possible, which is why we need to be extremely careful and vigilant when enjoying the spoils that the cyber world offers. Unfortunately not everyone is as ethical or as moral as we would hope, which is why we need to be on the lookout for Internet scams and those trying to take advantage. The latest malicious plan that Internet users need to be aware of is an Apple ID phishing attempt that looks deceptively realistic.
