Tweetbot for Mac Updated With Scrolling Improvements, Replies From Notifications

Tapbots has updated Tweetbot for Mac to version 1.4, adding both smoother scrolling and the ability to reply to tweets or DMs directly from notifications for users who are running OS X 10.9 Mavericks.

The updated app also includes faster refreshing on lists and saved searches, as well as several different bug fixes and performance enhancements.

What's New in Version 1.4
- Smoother Scrolling (10.9 only)
- You can now reply to tweets/DMs from the notification itself (10.9 only)
- Lists and saved searches now refresh every 2 minutes instead of 4
- Fixed the issue where you'd see 'Please enable wifi' when fetching your location while composing a tweet
- Fixed the issue where searching your timeline, then scrolling to top then dismissing search field could move your timeline to the top
- Fixed a potential issue where app could hang when using secondary windows
- Fixed a few issues on 10.7
- Various bug fixes and improvements for 10.9

Tweetbot can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. [Direct Link]

Wednesday November 20, 2013 1:27 pm PST by Juli Clover - macrumors.com

Rare Recordings from The Beatles to Launch Exclusively on iTunes Next Week

A digital compilation of 59 rare and unheard recordings from The Beatles is set to be released exclusively on the iTunes Store this coming Tuesday, December 17, reports NME (via BBC).

Titled The Beatles' Bootleg Recordings 1963, the collection of music is reportedly being released in order stop the expiration of the copyright protection surrounding the records, as the tracks themselves consist of BBC sessions, alternative versions of popular hits, and studio outtakes.

EU law protects songs for 70 years after they are recorded, but only if they get an official release. Otherwise, copyright lasts 50 years.

In the case of The Beatles, that means their 1963 debut album Please Please Me is protected until 2033, but the unreleased session tapes for that album are not.

If the Beatles chose not to release the recordings before the end of the year, it would mean other record labels could theoretically put them out and profit from them.

The Beatles' music originally debuted on iTunes in November 2010 after years of speculation and prolonged negotiation between record label EMI and Apple. The group's music went on to sell 2 million songs and 450,000 albums in its first week on the iTunes Store, and eventually reached overall sales of 5 million songs and 1 million albums within in two months. Exclusive ringtones by The Beatles also were made available on iTunes in February 2012.

Saturday December 14, 2013 4:14 am PST by Richard Padilla - macrumors.com

Apple joins tech titans in calling for government spying reform and limitations

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has joined Microsoft, Twitter, Google, Yahoo!, Facebook, and other giants in the tech industry in calling for a reform of the NSA’s surveillance tactics. Earlier this year it was revealed that the National Security Agency was using information from these companies and more to monitor citizens across the nation without warrants.

The companies allegedly involved in the “PRISM” program denied turning over any user data to the government, but a leaked NSA slidedeck (seen above) seemed to imply the opposite.

The new collaborative campaign, called Reform Government Surveillance, cites five driving principles in its drive to curb excessive government spying:

1. Limiting Governments’ Authority to Collect Users’ InformationGovernments should codify sensible limitations on their ability to compel service providers to disclose user data that balance their need for the data in limited circumstances, users’ reasonable privacy interests, and the impact on trust in the Internet. In addition, governments should limit surveillance to specific, known users for lawful purposes, and should not undertake bulk data collection of Internet communications.
2. Oversight and Accountability
   
   Intelligence agencies seeking to collect or compel the production of information should do so under a clear legal framework in which executive powers are subject to strong checks and balances. Reviewing courts should be independent and include an adversarial process, and governments should allow important rulings of law to be made public in a timely manner so that the courts are accountable to an informed citizenry.
3. Transparency About Government Demands
   
   Transparency is essential to a debate over governments’ surveillance powers and the scope of programs that are administered under those powers. Governments should allow companies to publish the number and nature of government demands for user information. In addition, governments should also promptly disclose this data publicly.
4. Respecting the Free Flow of Information
   
   The ability of data to flow or be accessed across borders is essential to a robust 21st century global economy. Governments should permit the transfer of data and should not inhibit access by companies or individuals to lawfully available information that is stored outside of the country. Governments should not require service providers to locate infrastructure within a country’s borders or operate locally.
5. Avoiding Conflicts Among GovernmentsIn order to avoid conflicting laws, there should be a robust, principled, and transparent framework to govern lawful requests for data across jurisdictions, such as improved mutual legal assistance treaty — or “MLAT” — processes. Where the laws of one jurisdiction conflict with the laws of another, it is incumbent upon governments to work together to resolve the conflict.

The group’s site also includes an open letter to government officials, which chides the government for overstepping its constitutional limitations and violating the rights of the companies’ users. The letter points out that the group complies with all legal requests for information that are “reasonable in scope,” and has historically “pushed back” against unreasonable requests.

Finally, the letter requests that the United States ensure that future surveillance be confined by law and placed under the oversight of independent parties.

Dear Mr. President and Members of Congress,

We understand that governments have a duty to protect their citizens. But this summer’s revelations highlighted the urgent need to reform government surveillance practices worldwide. The balance in many countries has tipped too far in favor of the state and away from the rights of the individual — rights that are enshrined in our Constitution. This undermines the freedoms we all cherish. It’s time for a change.

For our part, we are focused on keeping user’s data secure — deploying the latest encryption technology to prevent unauthorized surveillance on our networks and by pushing back on government requests to ensure that they are legal and reasonable in scope.

We urge the US to take the lead and make reforms that ensure that government surveillance efforts are clearly restricted by law, proportionate to the risks, transparent and subject to independent oversight. To see the full set of principles we support, visit ReformGovernmentSurveillance.com

Sincerely,

AOL, Apple, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo

Whether the U.S. government will take the group’s concerns to heart and take meaningful steps to reform its spying tactics is anyone’s guess, but it seems that for the first time a concerted effort is being made by the tech industry to let the government know exactly where they stand on the issue of surveillance.

Written by: Mike Beasley @MikeBeas December 8, 2013/9:46 pm - 9to5mac.com

Removal of Sharp display from Apple Store probably doesn’t mean Apple’s 4K display is imminent

When Apple started offering a Sharp 4K display in its European online Apple Store, then withdrew it shortly afterwards, some speculated that this might mean an Apple 4K display is about to be launched.

It’s possible, of course, but I strongly suspect not. As I argued in October, the launch of the Mac Pro would have been the obvious point at which to announce an Apple 4K display – and current MacBook Pros can’t drive 4K displays at decent frame-rates, so I can’t see Apple launching a display that would leave the bulk of Mac owners disappointed.

The far more likely explanation is that Apple plans to sell the Sharp displays alongside the Mac Pro once it launches – as I suggested it might in that same opinion piece in October. The displays were inadvertently made live on the store before the Pro was launched, and have been removed until the Pro is available … 

If you are interested in the display, it is available at a number of retailers like B&H in the US  or Amazon where it retails for $3200-3300. We’ve also picked up the inexpensive $405 Seiki 39″ 4K display and will have a review this week.

It’s not the first time we’ve heard speculation about Apple’s 4K display plans: it was suggested only recently that AUO panels could form the basis of a Thunderbolt 2 display.

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 9, 2013/4:01 am - 9to5mac.com

Contract-free carriers Straight Talk, NET10 picking up iPhone 5s, 5c on December 13th

Just as stock is starting to really level out and the holidays are quickly approaching, contract-free carriers Straight Talk and NET10 Wireless announced plans to begin selling both the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c starting December 13th.

Both Straight Talk and NET10 offer monthly plans which include unlimited talk, text, and data, but that of course comes at the cost of paying for the iPhone at full price. The iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c will retail for $649 and $549, respectively, for 16GB and will be sold exclusively at Walmart where each carrier is supported.

While the initial iPhone purchase may cost you a good bit more than a subsidized expense through a traditional carrier, the monthly bill may not as both carriers offer monthly plans at $50 or less.

Check the full press release below for more details and read our iPhone on Staight Talk review…

Written by: Zac Hall @apollozac December 9, 2013/7:07 am - 9to5mac.com

Apple offers free 1-hour computer science workshops for kids & teens

As part of a code.org initiative to get people started with programming, U.S. Apple Stores are offering a free one-hour computer science workshop aimed at children and teens. The workshops take place in Apple retail stores on Wednesday 11th December.

It’s a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anyone can learn the basics of programming. “The ability to code and understand the power of computing is crucial to success in today’s hyper-connected world,” says former Vice President Al Gore. Apple Retail Stores will host one-hour workshops for children and teens throughout the United States on Dec. 11 … 

You can reserve a place by using the store locator to find your nearest Apple Store, then scrolling down to the Upcoming Store Events and Workshops listing (you’ll likely have to hit the More link a couple of times).
The goal of the Hour of Code initiative is to get ten million students to have a one-hour introduction to coding. Watch the video below to find out more.
Via The Loop

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 9, 2013/7:24 am - 9to5mac.com

Apple launches 2013 “12 Days of Gifts” app on iTunes, available in U.S. for the first time

Apple has just launched its annual 12 Days of Gifts campaign for 2013. In previous years, this campaign was available only in a few select countries, but not in the United States. For the first time Apple will now allow U.S. customers to participate in the giveaway.

The 12 Days of Gifts app is available for free on the iTunes Store. Each day for twelve days the app will provide a special free item from the iTunes, iBooks, and App Stores. Each gift is only available for 24 hours, so users have to check in every day to make sure they get everything that’s offered. This year the giveaways start on December 26th and run through January 6th.

From 26 December – 6 January, you can download a gift each day—songs, apps, books, movies, and more—with the 12 Days of Gifts app. Each day’s gift will only be available for 24 hours, so download the free app to make sure you don’t miss out. Please note: Not all content is available in all countries.

Thanks, Rahul!

Written by: Mike Beasley @MikeBeas December 9, 2013/7:26 pm - 9to5mac.com

A first for iOS as Fleksy adds alternative keyboard support to apps

Since the unveiling of third-party keyboards for Android some years ago, iOS users have looked on with envy. That is, until today as Fleksy is using the simplification of iOS 7 code and adding their alternative keyboard to iOS apps. Things will kick off with four apps: Wordbox, GV Connect, Launch Center Pro and Blindsquare but where the company goes from here is still up for some debate. As an option inside each app, Fleksy still won’t work like an alternative Android keyboard which works across the board no matter which app is being run.

Fleksy actually started its iOS life as a standalone app over a year ago as an alternative keyboard for those with visual impairments. With the new iOS SDK, developers can incorporate Fleksy into any app, but this will only happen on an app-by-app basis. Therein lies perhaps the biggest problem wrapped up in all of this keyboard excitement: will users be forced to purchase the keyboard as a in-app purchase in numerous apps? That could cause a huge backlash against the process even as its news is a first in iOS history. Fleksy founder Ioannis Verdelis recognizes this is an issue as quoted to The Verge, but he’s leaving it up to developers to solve. Still, Verdelis believes this is the beginning of something great:

“With every new version of iOS the work required on our part to build a keyboard SDK has reduced significantly,” he says. “We’re [now] doing stuff on iOS that integrates the keyboard deeper than it’s ever been integrated.”

The good news is that you can try Fleksy right now in any of those apps, and I expect many of you shall to discover if this is really the keyboard news we’ve been hoping, praying and wishing for for years now. With the iOS app selection as deep and wide-spread as it is, there’s a plethora of apps that would benefit from Fleksy integration, now just has to sell developers on how to utilize it.

See also: Launch Center Pro reinvented for iOS 7

Written by: David Beren December 12, 2013/6:13 am - 9to5mac.com

Adobe (ADBE) stock rockets after announcing on-target earnings and strong subscription growth

Adobe stock climbed 10 percent to just under $60 in opening trading after announcing Q4 earnings in line with expectations, and strong growth in subscriptions as the company transitions away from one-time purchase licences.

While year-on-year numbers were poor, revenue down almost 10 percent and earnings almost halved, Adobe has been at pains to point out this was expected as it shifted to subscription-based sales.

As Adobe customers migrate from a legacy Creative Suite perpetual licensing model to new Creative Cloud subscriptions, revenue is recognized over time as opposed to at the time of purchase.

See below for a cool infographic of Adobe by the numbers … 

While Adobe and Apple have had occasional disagreements – most notably over Flash, with Steve Jobs refusing to allow it on iPhones and iPads – Apple customers are a hugely important market for Adobe’s creative products, with Macs pretty much the default choice for graphics professionals, photographers and videographers.

Adobe recently introduced a $9.99/month deal for Photoshop, Lightroom and Behance Pro (with 20GB storage thrown in too), initially set to expire last week but now extended until the end of the year.

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 13, 2013/7:30 am - 9to5mac.com

iOS 7.1 likely to unlock Apple’s upcoming iOS in the Car feature

In July, we reported that Apple was already at work on iOS 7.1 and that it would build in support for the upcoming iOS in the Car feature:

We also understand that Apple is already at work on a point update (perhaps iOS 7.1 or 7.2), and this new version will begin building in support for iOS in the Car. Apple says that iOS in the Car will formally launch in 2014 with several car makers.

iOS in the Car is a feature that allows customers to attach an iOS device to a compatible car center console via either wireless protocols or over a USB cable. An iOS interface for managing Maps, Messages, and Music appears on the car’s display…

Right on time, the latest beta of iOS 7.1 has added a toggle to enable or disable “Car Display” in the Restrictions Settings panel. We also understand from multiple sources that Apple has greatly increased the amount of iOS in the Car references in both iOS 7.1 beta 1 and in the new beta 2.

While it is always possible that iOS in the Car gets delayed further into 2014, it currently seems like Apple is targeting a launch for iOS in the Car alongside iOS 7.1 next year.

As soon as iOS 8, Apple plans to further enhance its mapping and car-integration functionality. Sources say that Apple is working on an updated Maps app with indoor mapping and transit directions functionality. The company is also testing ways to integrate the iPhone’s sensors with the in-car dashboard systems.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, who is not known for many video recorded public appearances outside of Apple events, spoke at length regarding equality at an Auburn University event. At the event, Cook accepted Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences Lifetime Achievement award. AllThingsD first wrote about Cook’s appearance and notes Cook’s discussion of two of his inspirations: Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy:

“They sacrificed everything, including their lives, as champions of human rights and of human dignity,” Cook said. “Their images inspire me. They serve as a reminder to me every day that regardless of the path that one chooses, there are fundamental commitments that should be a part of one’s journey.”

Cook also quotes the late Nelson Mandela (who Apple is currently honoring on its homepage). Interestingly, Cook’s quote from Martin Luther King is the same one that he sent via video to Apple employees late in November. ”The time is always right to do what’s right,” the quote reads. The video (above) of Cook is well worth a watch for the life lessons it provides. Cook also provides insight into Apple’s approach to making its technologies accessible for everyone.

Written by: Mark Gurman @markgurman 8 hours, 20 minutesago - 9to5mac.com

BlackBerry implosion generating even bigger enterprise gains for iPad, says analyst

Concerns about the future viability of Blackberry – once the default choice of mobile device for the enterprise market – have further boosted iPad penetration in businesses, according to an analyst quoted by AllThingsD.

Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair theorizes that BlackBerry’s ill-starred attempt to sell itself inflamed concerns about the future viability of the company’s platform and gave corporations good reason to migrate their employees to other devices. That opened up a significant opportunity for Apple — particularly since Android continues to struggle for gains in enterprise [...]

Said Blair, “Our recent work points to tremendous momentum for iPad in the enterprise over the last few months and we believe that this may be one of the most important trends for Apple as we move into the New Year.”

Steve Jobs said shortly after the launch of the iPad that Apple didn’t need to market the device to businesses as “it’s being grabbed out of our hands, anyways” … 

While Jobs may have considered enterprise-specific marketing unnecessary, Apple subsequently made the business market a specific target, intensifying its marketing with the launch of iOS 7.

Apple already boasts that 94 percent of the Fortune 500 companies are already “testing or deploying” iPads, with independent sources confirming the popularity of the tablet in large and small businesses alike.

Blair believes that the new iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini models, together with the decision to make the iWork software suite free, makes the product all the more compelling. In October, Deutsche Bank’s Chris Whitmore said that he expected the 64-bit A7 chip would help drive enterprise sales (though it should be noted he also expected Touch ID to make it into the new iPads).

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 3, 2013/5:42 am - 9to5mac.com

Updated report graphs Apple’s dedication to supporting older iPhones vs. Android

We hear a lot about adoption of iOS updates vs the fragmentation that Android users are forced to deal with, but just how far behind are the top Android devices compared to iPhone when it comes to getting support? To answer that question, Fidlee.com has updated a chart that it first put together a couple years back in order to see if Android has become any better in recent years. It hasn’t.

In the chart above we see that many once flagship Android devices— the Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, LG G2 etc— have still not received the latest Android 4.4 KitKat update. Most of the devices on the list have been an upgrade or two behind since launch or not long after. In comparison, only the iPhone 3GS fives years after its release doesn’t support iOS 7. We also get a look at how much longer Apple devices generally stay available for sale and continue receiving support– nearly twice as long as Android in most cases.

Not only did Apple claim iOS 7 was “the fastest software upgrade in history” with more than 200 million devices installing the OS less than a week after launch, but analytics firms also noticed adoption was much higher than previous releases. Currently iOS 7 sits at about 77% of users, according to the latest data from Fiksu’s iOS Usage Monitor. While the chart above is only for devices released last year, things aren’t much better for newer Android devices. In comparison to iOS 7 adoption, Google reports that its latest release, Android 4.4 KitKat, is at just 1.1% weeks into launch. The previous release, Android 4.3, is at just 4.2%, while the majority of users remain on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean first released in July 2012.

A couple more charts below from Fidlee showing just how bad things are on Android:

Written by: Jordan Kahn @JordanKahn December 3, 2013/7:29 am - 9to5mac.com

This is what the 5c ‘Crocs’ case would look like for the iPhone 5s

When Apple launched the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c earlier this fall, the company also debuted accompanying cases. To match the plastic colors of the 5c, Apple launched a “Crocs-like” case for  the phone with holes on the back.

The iPhone 5s launched alongside a leather case in multiple colors. Now, technology writer Michael Andrew shares photos of what he claims to be a prototype version of the 5c case for the 5s.

There are, however, two crucial differences between the iPhone 5C version of the case that was meant for the iPhone 5/5S and the actual, official iPhone 5C case that was released to the public:

• Instead of the seven-by-five grid of holes that is on the back of the released iPhone 5C case, the case for the iPhone 5/5S sports a subtly different six-by-five grid of holes.
• Unlike on the iPhone 5C case, the top and bottom of the iPhone 5/5S is not protected by the silicon case.

We can’t verify that these photos represent an actual Apple prototype, but they, nonetheless, show what the 5c case would look like if designed for the 5s’s body. Another photo is below:

Written by: Mark Gurman @markgurman December 3, 2013/11:40 am - 9to5mac.com

Imaginative use of iBeacon gives bar patrons free access to Newsstand magazines

A London-based digital publishing company is trialling use of Apple’s iBeacon technology to provide bar patrons with free access to digital versions of two magazines in Newsstand, reports TechCrunch.

The way it works is that the bar buys a subscription, and one or more iBeacons (each little larger than a quarter) unlock the content for customers within range. On iOS devices, the whole process is completely automatic. Once the customer leaves the location, the content is locked again and becomes available for purchase as normal … 

“As this is very much new technology we are showcasing it for the first time at Bar Kick in Shoreditch, London,” Exact Editions‘ Daniel Hodgkin explained about the first real world use of the tech. “When in this bar, the soccer magazine ‘When Saturday Comes’ and the fashion and culture magazine ‘Dazed & Confused will be available.”

The company hopes the trial will prove a win-win: customers get free access to magazines, and some of them will then choose to buy a copy or subscription to have continued access to it after leaving the location.

If you’re not up to speed on iBeacon, check out our briefing. The technology is going to be pretty mainstream by early next year, with the possibility of it becoming a new payment platform later.

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 4, 2013/5:43 am - 9to5mac.com

WSJ: Apple and China Mobile strike a deal, iPhone finally headed to world’s largest mobile carrier around Dec. 18

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has finally reached an agreement with China Mobile to carry the iPhone. China Mobile is currently the world’s largest mobile carrier with well over 700 million subscribers. Yesterday a subsidiary of the carrier started taking pre-orders for the smartphone, though the page was quickly pulled from its website.

Hong Kong stocks fall, but China Mobile climbs

—
  (@MarketWatch) December 05, 2013

In September the advertisment above leaked to the media. The image is a promotion for the iPhone 5s and 5c running on China Mobile’s network. The Chinese government, which controls China Mobile, confirmed that the phone would be available on December 18th last month, although neither Apple nor China Mobile would actually confirm the rumor.

Written by: Mike Beasley @MikeBeas December 4, 2013/5:52 pm - 9to5mac.com

AT&T launches ‘Mobile Share Value Plans’ with notable monthly savings for BYOD customers, 18-month Next option

AT&T has launched a new initiative called Mobile Share Value Plans that is designed to save customers money on their monthly AT&T mobile phone service bills. The following changes are specifically for the Mobile Share program, which allows devices to work under the same AT&T account and share data, talk, and text plans. Similar to T-Mobile’s “un-carrier” approach, the new AT&T plans separate the cost of the device hardware completely from the monthly service charges:

With the ‘No Annual Service Contract’ options, smartphone customers can save $15 a month on Mobile Share Value plans.² Customers can receive these monthly savings when they: Get a new smartphone for no down payment with AT&T Next; bring their own smartphone; purchase a smartphone at full retail price; or when their smartphone is no longer under contract and they switch to the new plans. All Mobile Share Value plan customers will benefit from shared data plus unlimited talk and text on their phones. Consumers will have the ability to connect up to 10 devices, including tablets and other wireless devices, while business customers will be able to connect up to 10, 15, 20 or 25 devices, depending on the plan.

So, if you do not want your AT&T phone on a contract with a hardware subsidy, you will save $15 a month off the top. This applies to both new and existing customers (if they inquire) and supports devices brought to the network by a customer, AT&T Next devices, and phones bought at their full retail price. The most notable part of the new plans are the additional monthly savings. Depending on the plan you pick, you will be saving between $10 and $115 per month for one device or between $20 and $105 on an account with two devices.

For instance, the 300MB/month data version for one device currently costs $70 per month, but the new plans will drop this down to $60. At the high end, the $530/month 50GB plan will become $415. AT&T is also adding a new 8GB/month data tier for $130/month (1 device) and $170/month (2 devices). With the new approach of separating the phone cost from the monthly charge, the savings are even more significant if your phone is not subsidized. For instance, one phone on the 300MB/monthly plan will be $45 per month, and two phones on the 4GB plan will be $120/month.

In addition to the Mobile Share Value Plans, AT&T has announced a new tier for its AT&T Next program. AT&T Next allows a customer to pay (at minimum) $0 down for a device and roll the price of the phone into the service bill over the course of a 12-month period. The new tier allows a customer to pay over 18 months, and this means lower payment installments per month. This plan is meant for people who feel like they would be better suited to upgrading their device every year-and-a-half, rather than annually.

The Mobile Share Value Plans and new 18-month AT&T Next program become available on Sunday, December 8th. Full press release below:

Written by: Mark Gurman @markgurman December 5, 2013/5:00 am - 9to5mac.com

Review: Castro for iPhone is a modern approach to an iOS 7 podcast client

Castro is a brand new podcasting app for the iPhone (available in the App Store for $2.99). It’s not an update to an existing podcast client. It’s a new app. It doesn’t have any legacy to anchor it down because it really is a fresh start.

This distinction is important. My favorite stock apps on iOS 7 are the ones that feel like they weren’t built by the same people who designed their iPhone OS counterparts. Weather is a good example of an app that doesn’t look like a derivative — flatter — work of its equivalent on iOS 6.

Castro gives off the same impression, with full-bleed backgrounds and a focus on typography. Castro hasn’t been dragged through the metaphorical bushes of a skeuomorphic world. It is has been built alongside iOS 7′s design philosophies of context and clarity.

Like any App Store app, my first impressions of Castro came from the app icon. Castro follows the stereotype set by almost every other podcasting client on iOS, with the icon incorporating a radio tower silhouette on a gradient backdrop.

I don’t really know why this aquamariney-green color was selected for the icon because the app’s main UI revolves around a stark black and white theme, but it does look stylish on my home screen. It’s a relatively-dull shade of green, but I mean that in a good way — too many iOS 7 icons oversaturate their colors.

T-Mobile eliminates down payment on new 16 GB iPhones for holiday shoppers

T-Mobile has announced that they will no longer require a down payment on certain iPhone models during the holiday season. Specifically, customers will no longer have to pay anything when purchasing a 16 GB iPhone 5s or 5c. Several iPad models—the 16 GB Air, mini, and Retina mini—are also available for no money down, though that seems to be their regular price. Monthly payments on these devices ranges from $17-$26.

This deal is available both in physical T-Mobile stores and through the carrier’s online store starting on December 11th. This special price is only available for a limited time, though the carrier hasn’t given an official ending date. The full press release is below:

Written by: Mike Beasley @MikeBeas December 10, 2013/2:20 pm - 9to5mac.com

Bloomberg launches on Apple TV globally with 24/7 live news stream, on-demand content, iOS integration & more

Following Apple’s steady release of new content and features for its existing Apple TV platform in recent months, this week it adds yet another as Bloomberg becomes the first channel to live stream business news 24/7 to Apple TV customers. We spoke with Bloomberg’s head of mobile Oke Okaro who told us all about the new Apple TV app.

The majority of the content you’ll find in the new app is the same Bloomberg TV content you’ll find on its website and in its mobile apps but specifically optimized for the larger screen. That includes a live stream of business news, on-demand content with a mix of full TV show episodes and clips, and a special live stream that will appear only for events and breaking news. While there is similar news programming already on the Apple TV through apps like The Wall Street Journal and SkyNews, Bloomberg will be the first to have a 24/7 live stream of business news. That’s compared to the WSJ app which often only live streams content on certain hours throughout the day. It’s also going beyond the other news apps by offering all of its content for free in full-length form in addition to integration with its iOS apps coming in a future update.

While it won’t be available in the initial launch this week, in the coming weeks an update to the app will bring a playlist feature that’s integrated with Bloomberg’s iOS apps. You’ll be able to sign-into your Bloomberg account on any device (including the Apple TV), create playlists, and quickly pick up where you left off on another device by signing-in and accessing your playlist. There isn’t a sign-in or account creation process needed to access Apple TV content, but when playlists roll out users will have the option to create an account and sign-in to access the feature.

Another feature it’s working on is notifications. Bloomberg will allow users to opt-in to alerts for specific shows or events right from on the Apple TV. Users will receive the notifications on their iOS device, but there will eventually be a way to display notifications on the Apple TV itself. It’s also toying with the idea of a second screen experience for Apple TV via mobile devices, interactive ads, and an iTunes Genius-like feature that recommends content. Currently the app has pre-roll video ads on some of the content.

After success with video content in its iOS apps and a 113% YOY of growth of video streams consumed online, Apple TV is Bloomberg’s first move into connected devices, set top boxes and smart TVs, but the company hinted that it’s considering bringing its content to other similar devices in the future.

The app is launching globally, just about everywhere Apple TV is available, and users will automatically get a live stream depending on their location. Users in the UK visiting the app will automatically be served Bloomberg TV’s UK stream, for example.

Apple has been adding new content partners to the Apple TV just about every month ahead of what many rumors suggest will be a refresh to the hardware in the near future. Since pushing out an update back in June that included HBO Go, WatchESPN, SkyNews and more, it’s added channels from Vevo, The Weather Channel, Disney, Yahoo, PBS, and Major League Soccer.

In addition, Apple has added a number of its own services including iTunes Radio, the iTunes Music Store, iMovie Theatre, and new features such as the ability use your TV as a second display through its wireless AirPlay Mirroring feature on the Mac.  Apple is expected to soon introduce integration with Time Warner to bring its TV shows to the platform.

In addition to Bloomberg, Apple TV picked up Crackle, Watch ABC, and more.

Written by: Jordan Kahn @JordanKahn December 11, 2013/7:23 am - 9to5mac.com

Get your subsidized iPhones while you can – AT&T says the deals can’t last

AT&T’s CEO Randall Stephenson told investors yesterday that with smartphone penetration approaching 90 percent, the existing business model – where carriers sell highly-subsidized smartphones to drive demand – will have to change.

When you’re growing the business initially, you have to do aggressive device subsidies to get people on the network. But as you approach 90 percent penetration, you move into maintenance mode. That means more device upgrades. And the model has to change. You can’t afford to subsidize devices like that.

Many U.S. iPhone buyers don’t realise the true cost of their handsets, as carrier subsidies mean they typically pay no more than $200. The full retail cost of those handsets, however, ranges from $549 for a 16GB iPhone 5c to $849 for a 64GB iPhone 5s. The balance is paid by the carrier, then clawed back through the contract payments … 

Carrier business models are changing, with T-Mobile the first to separate monthly fees for device and phone service with its Uncarrier program back in March. AT&T seems to be thinking along similar lines, with CNET reporting that the company saw the future in financing, rather than subsidizing, devices.

Stephenson also acknowledged that breaking customers of their habit of upgrading to a new phone every 18 months to two years is not an easy task. But he said a business models focused on financing rather than providing a subsidy would be “transformative” for the industry. He said the company’s new AT&T Next program, which offers no-money down and 0-percent financing, drives smartphone penetration in a way that is more sustainable over time.

It’s not all bad news for consumers, however. In the UK, where subsidies are much more visible, all carriers offer the option to pay full price for the phone in order to get much cheaper monthly service fees. As an example, I bought my iPhone outright at full retail, and as a result pay just £15 ($24) a month for unlimited voice calls, texts and data. Upgrading every other cycle means I typically save $3-400 over the course of two years.

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 11, 2013/4:57 am - 9to5mac.com

GTA: San Andreas rolling out across the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

Update: The game is now available on the App Store worldwide.

After announcing that the iconic game would come to iOS last month, Rockstar is releasing  GTA San Andreas today. The game is live in certain countries already, and will be available globally in the coming hours at this link. If the link does not work for you currently, it will do when the clock turns midnight in your region’s timezone. The game costs $7 and is compatible with iPhone 4s and later, iPad 2 and later and the fifth generation iPod touch.

The game is a port of the original PlayStation title, but Rockstar says it features remastered graphics. This consists of improved models, expanded color palette and higher resolution textures across the environment.

Gameplay will mirror the original game — including all the classic car heists and gun fights the game is known for. Three different touch control schemes are available to choose from as well as compatibility for iOS 7 MFI game controllers.

In fact, this game is a perfect complement as a token gift for anyone receiving an iOS gamepad accessory for the holidays.

Written by: Benjamin Mayo @BenjaminZAMayo December 11, 2013/11:04 am - 9to5mac.com

iPhone 5c goes on sale for just $27 with a two-year agreement this Friday at Wal-Mart

Update: Best Buy is currently taking $75 off all iPhone 5s models.

Update 2:  Starting today MacMall Retail Stores will offer the iPhone 5c for $19.99 and the iPhone 5s at $119.99.

The holiday deals just keep getting better for Apple fans. Wal-Mart shoppers will be able to get the new iPhone 5c for only $27 with a new two-year contract starting this Friday. The phone typically goes for $99, putting the total discount at $72. Following the 5c’s launch earlier this year, we noted that its higher-end counterpart, the 5s, was outselling it two-to-one. It seems Wal-Mart is quite interested in moving some stock to try to even those numbers out.

Special deals on other Apple devices will be available the same day, including the iPhone 5s at $127 with a contract, a savings of—you guessed it—$72. The retailer is also planning to offer a $50 gift card with the purchase of a new iPad mini. And of course no Apple sale would be complete without discounted iTunes gift cards. A $30 card will only set you back $25 during the sale.

To keep up with all of the latest holiday sales on Apple gear and more, be sure to check out our sister site 9to5Toys, and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature to make sure you’re always up-to-date with the latest deals.

Written by: Mike Beasley @MikeBeas December 11, 2013/4:23 pm - 9to5mac.com

iPhone market share in China more than doubled following 5s and 5c launch

Data from smartphone market intelligence specialist Counterpoint shows that iPhone market share in China more than doubled between September and October even before launching on the country’s biggest carrier, China Mobile.

Apple’s market share rose from just under 5 percent to 12 percent, taking it from 6th place to 3rd place, behind Samsung and Lenovo … 

Apple had previously seen its share fall from 9 percent in early 2012 as the market was flooded with relatively high-spec Android phones at low prices.

With wildly-varying estimates of the likely effect of the China Mobile deal, there will be huge interest in the numbers following the iPhone’s official launch on the carrier on the 18th.

Pre-orders start today, and Fortune noted that the reservation page was notching up website visitors at the rate of one every two seconds.

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 12, 2013/5:11 am - 9to5mac.com

iPhone 5s undisputed king at all four major U.S. carriers ever since launch

The iPhone 5s has retained its status as the best-selling smartphone at the four tier-1 U.S. carriers for the third month running, with the iPhone 5c taking third place after the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Data from Canaccord Genuity showed that the iPhone 5s has topped the sales charts at AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile every month since launch, reports AllThingsD.

“Our surveys indicated continued strong sales of the iPhone 5s, as it was by far the top selling smartphone at all four tier-1 U.S. carriers and at most channels where the smartphone launched globally,” analyst T. Michael Walkley explained in a note to clients. “Our surveys also indicated steady iPhone 5c sales with the smartphone’s color options and more affordable price point proving popular with its intended audience” … 

Prior to the launch of the new iPhones, Apple held the top slot at only one of the four carriers, AT&T, with the iPhone 5 sitting in second place behind the Samsung S4 at the others.

On the basis of these numbers, Canaccord Genuity has increased its forecast shipment numbers for Q1 2014 from 52M to 54M. Supplies of the iPhone 5s have been a limiting factor until recently, but a store survey just a few days ago showed that supplies now appear to have caught up with demand.

The news comes just a day after the iPhone market share in China was reported to have doubled since the launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c.

Written by: Ben Lovejoy @benlovejoy December 13, 2013/4:22 am - 9to5mac.com

iOS 7.1 beta 2 adds Button Shapes, improves usability at the cost of aesthetics; Do you like it?

Apple seeded iOS 7.1 beta 2 to developers of its iOS developer program yesterday, with a number of changes, one of which was an option to enable “Button Shapes” that adds a border around text-only buttons.

Text-only buttons were introduced in iOS 7 as a part of the drastic redesign from the skeuomorphic design traits of iOS 6. It was one of the many design choices that was criticised from a user-experience perspective, since it was hard to distinguish text-only buttons from other, non-tappable labels. From the UX Critique tumblr:

The word “Trim” appears twice on this screen. One of them is a label, and pressing it does nothing. The other one is a button. Which one is which? How is anyone supposed to know? You have to do some guesswork. The “Trim” at the top is centered on the screen, so it is probably a title. To make sure, tap on it and see if anything happens.

After enabling Button Shapes, from Settings > General > Accessibility, the Trim and Cancel buttons have underlines below them. Apple has also changed the text of the label at the top to say “Trimming” rather than trim.

In other apps, the buttons have an actual shape around them rather than an underline:

Steve Aquino says the Button Shapes option is great for vision impaired users. From Steven’s blog:

From a [accessibility] perspective, what the new Button Shapes do is restore a sense of explicitness to iOS 7′s interface. These types of visual cues are so important to many visually impaired users, myself included. Whereas previously I struggled in identifying whether a label was an actionable control or simply a label, iOS 7.1′s Button Shapes hearken back to the iOS 6-style, This is a button. Tap me!, level of usability. And therein is the point: usability. As I stated, it’s perfectly valid to wince at and decry the visual design of the new buttons, but make no mistake, the addition of this feature is a tremendous improvement for visually handicapped users such as myself. These buttons will make iOS 7 infinitely more usable than it is today, and Apple absolutely should be applauded for addressing a serious issue — not only for me, but even for the normal-sighted as well.

Let us know what you think about Button Shapes in the comments below.

Posted by Jason on Dec 14, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

Retina iPad mini supply constraints ease as units land in stores, shipping estimates drops to 1 to 3 days

As noted by CNET,  Retina iPad mini supply is starting to improve with units landing in stores and ship times improving in the Apple online store. With less than two weeks left before Christmas and eager holiday shoppers looking for iPads,  the timing is perfect for inventory to become more abundant. 

As noted by CNET, AT&T is now stocking select Retina iPad mini models in stores across the country. Verizon, too, is receiving shipments into its stores for the first time since the iPad mini launched in November. Apple’s online store is also showing improvements with a shipping time of 1-3 days.

This is an across the board improvement from last week when AT&T was backordered three weeks, Verizon shipments were 10 days out and Apple’s online store was listing ship times of 5-7 days. The new iPad mini is a powerhouse, packing an Apple A7 processor and a 7.9-inch display with a 326 pixels per inch, 2,048×1,536-resolution display. It’s this smaller-sized retina display that some analysts believe is the bottleneck in production that lead to shortages at launch.

Posted by Kelly on Dec 14, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

pod2g dismisses rumors of iOS 7 jailbreak being stolen, says evad3rs progressing slowly

Stefan Esser, aka i0n1c, notorious for trolling the jailbreak community, recently claimed that “someone around the evad3rs stole a jailbreak from them and sold it to a private buyer.”

He didn’t say if this was an iOS 7 jailbreak, but nonetheless made a pretty serious allegation, which, if true, could impact the progress of the evad3rs team.

iDesignTimes spoke to Cyril Cattiaux, aka pod2g, who was quick to dismiss i0n1c’s claim, saying that it was “complete bullshit.”

So apparently someone around the @evad3rs stole a jailbreak from them and sold it to a private buyer.

— Stefan Esser (@i0n1c) December 12, 2013

Hehe some desperate JBers accuse me of trolling because they fear that the stolen and sold jailbreak exploits mean no iOS 7 jailbreak.

— Stefan Esser (@i0n1c) December 13, 2013

The only way the @evad3rs could be sure that no one stole their JB exploits is if they have nothing at all to steal.

— Stefan Esser (@i0n1c) December 13, 2013

As for the progress on the iOS 7 jailbreak, pod2g said that “the jailbreak stuff is moving on, but slowly.” iDesignTimes adds that the longest you’d have to wait for an iOS 7 jailbreak will be February 2014, and the earliest — the end of this year. It also adds that there’s a high likelihood that iOS 7.1 is released publicly. Take that with a grain of salt of course, since the writer herself admits the timeline is “complete supposition” on her part.

To keep a close eye on iOS 7 jailbreak related news, stay tuned here at iPhone Hacks or join our Facebook Fan page, follow us on Twitter, add us to your circles on Google+ or subscribe to our RSS feed.

[via iDesignTimes]

Posted by Jason on Dec 14, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

The first official iOS 7 Game Controller is now out, be prepared to sell out $99 to own one

When it comes to mobile gaming, nothing beats iOS. Not even the dedicated systems from Nintendo and Sony offer the wide assortment of games found in Apple’s App Store. There’s just one problem, however, and it’s input. Touch screens are great for lots of things, even gaming, but sometimes you just need an analog stick and a few buttons to get the most out of a title. Luckily, with the release of iOS 7, Apple added support for game controllers. The first product to take advantage of these new APIs is now available.

Now the MOGA Ace Power might look weird, but there’s only one question worth asking: Should you buy it? According to Eli Hodapp from TouchArcade, the answer is a resounding no. His review of the controller is highly critical. For $99, he says the device is built terribly, and that while yes, the buttons do work, iOS games still show on-screen buttons, even when the controller is plugged in. The one word he repeatedly uses to describe the controller in his review is “disappointing”.

So what’s a gamer to do? We feel that if Apple went through all this trouble to add game controller APIs to iOS, then they’re also probably working on their own controller. When will they release said controller and how much will it cost? Time will solve the answer to both those questions, assuming such a controller even exists.

Posted by Stefan Constantinescu on Nov 19, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

Apple finally updates Find My Friends with new design for iOS 7

Just a few days after updating iBooks and iTunes U for iOS 7, Apple has updated the Find My Friends iPhone app with a new look in line with the iOS 7 design language.

Find My Friends, the app that lets users share their location with family and friends, was one of the few apps that was characteristic of the Scott Forstall design era, with its fake leather and paper textures. Now the app features a “flat” look with a yellow tint.

The app version number has been bumped to 3.0 and here’s what the release notes say:

Find My Friends has been updated with an all new design for iOS 7.

If the app hasn’t been automatically updated, you can download the update via the Updates tab in the App Store app or use the iTunes link below.

Download link:

➤ Find My Friends – free

Posted by Jason on Nov 19, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

WhatsApp’s upcoming redesigned iOS 7 app update shown in video

While WhatsApp is a very popular messaging app, its look has started to look quite dated, especially after iOS 7 was released. The company had its iOS 7 update ready in early October, but its beta testing seems to be taking very long, as the update hasn’t showed up on the App Store yet.

Today, WhatsApp’s iOS 7 redesign got shown in a German YouTube video.

Unlike other apps, WhatsApp has chosen to stick with the standard iOS look, without many custom UI elements, and its iOS 7 update is no different. The 4-minute video embedded below is in German, but you should be able to understand what’s new in the update just by looking.

As you might have noticed, the redesign isn’t radical, and the app preserves the same structure, just with the icons, navigation bar and tab bar changed. The black keyboard you saw in the video isn’t enabled by WhatsApp, but is instead a new accessibility setting in iOS 7.1 beta.

For screenshots of WhatsApp’s iOS 7 update, you can head over to this post from early-October.

[via Cult of Mac]

Posted by Jason on Nov 21, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

Honda confirms Siri Eyes Free is coming to 2013 Honda Accord, Acura RDX and ILX models

After announcing support for Siri Eyes Free earlier this year, Honda is finally ready to deliver on its promise and bring the technology to select vehicles in its 2013 and 2014 lineup.

Honda confirmed that Apple’s Siri Eyes Free technology will be available in the Honda Accord, the Acura RDX and the Acura ILX. It will be installed at Honda dealerships as an aftermarket add-on. It’ll tie into Honda’s proprietary HondaLink and AcuraLink connected vehicle software, which provides access to the automobile’s speakers and microphone.

Siri Eyes Free will allow users to send messages, compose emails, create reminders and more without taking their eyes off the road. The iPhone display is turned off and drivers use only the car to interact with their phone.

Honda will announce the full list of vehicles eligible for Siri Eyes Free update during a Google Hangout on December 3.

[Via MacRumors]

Posted by Kelly on Nov 26, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

Android vs iOS: State of Software Updates

Apple’s rollout of iOS updates is known to be much better than Android, which involves layers of intermediaries  that delay or prevent rollout of new updates. A new chart by Fidlee.com highlights the disparity between the time an iPhone and an Android device receive software updates.

The chart shows how even flagship Android devices like the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy Note 2 are many versions behind the latest Android release despite being into just the second year of existence. Similarly, the HTC One X is two major versions behind while the Galaxy S2 is 3 major versions behind in its third year of existence. Notably, just one phone, the Nexus 4, in the chart is green until the end.

This is in stark contrast to the iPhone, which has enjoyed the latest updates for as long as 4 years. Apple dropped support for the 4 year old iPhone 3GS only with iOS 7, and continues to support the 3 year old iPhone 4. Moreover, iOS updates are delivered to everyone at the same time irrespective of country, carrier resulting in high adoption rates as seen shortly after iOS 7 released. Apple does, however, strip many features from older devices to ensure that iOS continues to run smoothly on them.

Despite many efforts to improve adoptions rates of new Android releases, Google hasn’t succeeded at ensuring Android phones get updates on time, if at all, thanks to the involvement of third-parties like manufacturers and carriers. It has however attempted to address the issue by selling its Nexus and Google Play Edition line of devices, as well as releasing new features as apps to address fragmentation.

Do you think not getting the latest and greatest software update is a deal breaker? Let us know in the comments below.

[Fidlee via 9to5Mac]

Posted by Jason on Dec 03, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

iBeacon Technology used to offer free location-based Newsstand magazines

iBeacon in a new addition to iOS 7 that wasn’t highlighted much during keynotes, but holds a lot of promise due to its ability to deliver extremely precise locations indoors, where GPS usually fails. Exact Editions, a UK based company, is using this technology to let users download select magazine titles for free in certain areas.

Exact Editions is a digital publishing company that helps publishers bring their magazines to platforms like Newsstand on iOS. From TechCrunch:

The tech is very handy in a number of scenarios, as in a coffee shop for instance, where the establishment could subscribe and enable access to full magazines to patrons who come in. It’s made even more convenient with the addition of iBeacons on iOS, as the whole digital handshake can happen automatically, providing the user with the best possible and most frictionless experience. Another possible use is in modernizing the doctor’s office, offering up publications in the waiting room that are more useful and more current than five-year old issues of Good Housekeeping.

The first implementation of the program will go live at Bar Kick, London, with soccer magazine When Saturday Comes and fashion magazine ‘Dazed & Confused being part of the promotion. Of course publishers won’t be giving away their content for free, they’ll be paid by the owners of places like Bar Kick.

To create this experience though, business owners will have to deploy tiny iBeacon triggers throughout their location, which will let iPhones and iPads locate themselves to a high degree of precision.

Apple’s looking to integrate iBeacon technology into its own Apple Store app, that’ll let customers get easy access to location-based information and services. The technology has already been implemented by MLB and Macy’s.

Posted by Jason on Dec 04, 2013 - iphonehacks.com

Siri accuracy increases considerably with iOS 7

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, who had last year assessed the accuracy of Siri, has today followed up with another round of his Siri “report card”, noting that with iOS 7, the virtual assistant has become a lot more reliable.

From Munster’s note:

The primary improvement between Siri in iOS 6 and iOS 7 came from its performance in noisier areas, where Siri was able to translate better through a noisy environment (94% vs. 83% correct in Aug iOS 6). Based on our testing, iOS 7 Siri’s net ability to answer questions (factors in questions not correctly understood) improved to 79% from 77% in August with iOS 6.

Along with accuracy, a number of users have also reported performance improvements in Siri after updating to iOS 7.

Munster notes that Siri directs its queries to Google a lot less than it did on iOS 6, with Apple using Bing instead for queries which don’t have a direct response. Totally, just 4 percent of Siri queries relied on Google as compared to 17 percent in August this year, and 27 percent in December last year.

In his tests, Munster also observed that Google Now and Siri are tied in effectiveness, scoring a “C+”. Google Now was better than Siri in commerce, local and information, while Siri was better at controlling the OS.

Apple hasn’t just worked on improving Siri’s accuracy and performance in iOS 7, but has added a number of new features. Here’s a post listing out all the new things Siri has learnt in iOS 7.

Have you noticed the improvements in Siri with iOS 7? Let us know in the comments below.

[via MacRumors]

Posted by Jason on Dec 10, 2013 - iphonehacks.com