Is Apple Purchasing Beats by Dre a Good Move?

Its been in the news that Apple has recently bought Beats audio. Before we get to what we think, lets go back to the very start of digital music, and what many say started it all; Apple …

Specifically the iPod was the very first true way of having your music go where ever you did. It changed the way people listened to music, and literally changed the music industry. Some would argue that the Ipod was one of the most important inventions Apple ever made. Boy did it sell, at the start nearly 400 million sold, not to mention  the millions if not billions that have been sold ever since. Then the iPod touch came out, the true start of capacitive touchscreens and what gave way to perhaps the most well known and most talked about phone ever; the iPhone

Beats isn't a company to mess with either. A privately owned company that never releases results or revenue earnings and who is known for the color red does very well for themselves. The high priced and amazing quality and portable speakers are where their main revenue comes from. Beats Music does okay, just okay with an estimated paid subscription group of just 200 000 people, but the streaming service does have some great options in terms of songs. Lets face it, Beats is one of the best known audio brands in North America and Europe where Apple dominates in not only profit but also market shares

So why now? Well with Apple getting set to launch their new iPhones very soon I'm sure they wouldn't mind having Beats Music to add to their iTunes collection, Beats has some very big contacts and experts in the music industry as well. Apple might also want some help in the headphones department, when Beats was working with HTC the made some awesome earphones that shipped with the HTC One. Now does that mean the Apple will stop including their well known while earpods? Probably not, but Beats could of course help improve them. But the biggest reason they probably would have bought Beats is to improve sound. When Beats was working with HTC they produced such amazing sound that we just couldn't get enough of it. I still personally use an HTC One as my daily driver and one of the biggest reasons is because it still has Beats. Apple already has amazing sound and having Beats on board will only help that cause.

Now nothings been officially announced but what do you think? Do you think that this will help Apple, as always leave a comment down below and follow us on social media, subscribe on Youtube and keep checking the website. Thanks for reading!

Author: Ben Smith - Twitter

iTunes on Android?

We often say that certain things will never happen such as Apple releasing Android versions of it’s applications, but every now and then we are taken by surprise. One such surprise is the prospect of iTunes being released for Android. iTunes has long been an Apple only product with the exception of the iTunes version for Windows. However that could soon be about to change if recent reports are to be believed.

Currently Apple has iTunes radio which is a free ad-supported service that allows users to listen to music and create stations based on artists, song and genre. It doesn’t however have a streaming service. Apple is reportedly in talks regarding a streaming service like Spotify though it has been stated that talks are in very early stages.

If Apple were to release iTunes for Android it would certainly shake things up. Although Google does have a music service on Android it’s music collection is quite sparse when compared to iTunes due to licensing restrictions in certain countries. Extending the reach of iTunes would give other services such as spotify a run for their money.

Steve Jobs was dead against bringing iTunes to Windows originally and felt the same about Android. However with Tim Cook at the helm it seems anything is possible as he publicly revealed that he has "no religious issues" porting its software over.

I would personally just like to be able to get iTunes radio in the United Kingdom before worrying about on-demand streaming services. What do you think of the idea of iTunes being available on Android handsets? Is this a bold move by Apple or a terrible idea? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

 

iOS 7.1 update released

Apple yesterday released the much anticipated iOS 7.1 update for all devices capable of running iOS 7 so that’s iPhone 4 and later and iPad 2 and later and both iPad mini devices. iOS 7.1 contains some significant features including the addition of CarPlay, formerly known as iOS in the Car. This allows users with a ‘CarPlay’ enabled  vehicle to use features of their iPhone using the cars dashboard touchscreen for features such as sending and receiving texts answering and making calls and interacting with Siri.

The update also fixes the issue whereby the touch ID was not very responsive for the iPhone 5S and brings stability and performance improvements to the aging iPhone 4. Having tested iOS 7.1 on an iPhone 4 I can confirm that this update has significantly improved the experience of iOS 7  and the iPhone 4 runs a lot smoother than it did prior to this update. Many iPhone 4 users have complained about the poor performance of iOS 7 on their iPhone so I would encourage anyone still using an iPhone 4 to update and reap the benefits.

Other users have complained about a ‘White Screen of Death’ since the launch of iOS 7 particularly on the iPhone 5S and 5C and this has also been addressed in the latest update with Apple claiming they fixed a bug that may cause the homescreen to crash.

There were numerous other small updates and tweaks such as those listed below:

  • CarPlay: formerly known as iOS in the Car, which supports iPhone calling, music, maps, and messaging. It also allows users to control certain functions through iOS’ in-built voice-activated assistance Siri;

  • Siri improvements: Including natural-sounding voices for U.K. English, Australian English, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese. You can also use it in push-to-talk mode by holding the Home button for the duration of your query;

  • Calendar changes: The list view has returned in month view, and the update has also included country-specific holidays added for many locales;

  • iTunes Radio updates: The radio feature, first introduced in iOS 7, has been updated with new features, including the ability to buy albums over-the-air from “Now Playing”;

  • Accessibility additions: The “parallax” motion feature option now includes Weather, Messages, and multi-tasking user interface animations;

  • Camera settings bolstered: Including a setting that allows users to automatically enable HDR mode for iPhone 5s users;

  • Touch ID improved: The software that controls the biometric reader has been improved to make fingerprint recognition better.

To update your device to the latest firmware simply go to the settings app, tap about and then check for updates. As always you can also update to the latest version of iOS by connecting your device to your computer and using iTunes which may be your only solution if you are currently running a Jailbreak on your device. Please be aware that as discussed last week if you update to this firmware you will lose any active jailbreak currently on your device.

Image Courtesy of KĀRLIS DAMBRĀNS (Flickr)

 

The evolution of the iPhone

The iPhone has been a staple in the smartphone market since Steve Jobs announced the arrival of the first incarnation back in January of 2007. Revolutionising the mobile platform from that point forward, the iPhone has generated huge interest across the world and has become the poster boy of the smartphone industry.

Here’s a little look back on the past, present and future of this iconic device.

iPhone 1 – Nov 2007

Merging the popular iPod with a revolutionary touchscreen phone and mobile web browser, the first generation iPhone unleashed a world of potential. Creating the mould for all smartphones to follow, the iPhone 1 featured a 2MP in-built camera, up to 8GB of storage and a 3.5-inch, 320 x 480 pixel resolution screen, making it the best display of its generation.

iPhone 3G – July 2008

While its predecessor didn’t support third-party apps, the iPhone 3G saw the birth of the App Store. Building the model for true multi-functionality in a slimmed-down design, the App Store helped the iPhone breed to begin gaining traction amongst consumers. Along with this exciting update, the iPhone 3G also allowed users to make use of new high-speed connectivity,allowing a smooth connection to online sites such as Facebook and Platinum Play for the first time.

iPhone 3GS – June 2009


 

The iPhone 3GS failed to bring major changes to the table, but succeeded in giving the 3G a satisfactory reboot. Although no changes were made to the screen or general appearance, this model delivered faster performances as well as an improved 3.2MP camera, an increased storage capacity and new voice control features that would pave the way for Siri.

iPhone 4 – June 2010

Apple’s flagship device was given a major transformation for the release of the iPhone 4. While its competitors had started catching up to the 3G, Apple left them in the dust when the new flat design hit the shelves in 2010. The screenwas swapped for a high-resolution Retina display along with a top-of-the-class 5MP camera and HD video recording capabilities, as well as with other internal improvements that showed why Apple still held the crown in the world of smartphones.

iPhone 4S – Oct 2011

Following in the footsteps of the 3GS, the 4S gave the fourth generation model a minor upgrade to bring it up to scratch. While the shell stayed unaltered, the inside came with a new A5 processor, 8MP camera and 1080p video recording, as well as improved graphic capabilities and the debut of Sirias an exclusive feature.

iPhone 5 – Sept 2012

Following a number of internal revamps from the 4S, the iPhone 5 focused more on reshaping the phone’s architecture. The handset became 20% lighter than its predecessor, sporting a 4-inch screen and a 640 x 1136 pixel ratio. The iPhone had never looked better.

iPhone 5S/5C – Sept 2013

Locking horns with major competitor Android, the iPhone 5C was more or less a carbon copy of the iPhone 5, but with a plastic-back, longer battery life and a more reasonable price tag.

As for the 5C, this handset made further improvements under the hood, adding a better camera feature and a fingerprint reader located under the home button.

The launch of the iOS 7 updates also bought about the most radical shake-up the operating system had seen in recent years

iPhone 6 - ?

Rumours are currently circulating over the iPhone 6, with speculation on the price, specs and release date running wild. Credible sources are predicting that the model will feature a bigger display, measuring in at a 4.8-inch form factor. Some are also stating that Apple could offer a range of smartphone devices, including a 4.7-inch and 5.6-inch model as well as their branded smart watch.

Following a $578 million deal between Apple and GT Advanced Technologies, the eighth generation iPhone will most likely contain Sapphire glass screen. Upgraded from the current Gorilla Glass, this scratch-resistant material is almost unbreakable, second only to diamond in terms of hardness, and would increase screen clarity.

Other, less plausible rumours point to a curved design and wraparound display. While the appearance of these features in concept images have gotten the media and consumers excited, the designers themselves are admitting that they stretch the realms of possibility.

“Such a design may appear on the iPhone 6 or 7, or maybe never,” said designer Nickolay Lamm.”It’s a cool design, but one which is unlikely to give Apple a sustainable competitive advantage.”

Credit: Nickolay Lamm iPhone 6 concept design

 

Apple issues iPhone and Apple TV updates

It's update time again as Apple has today released another minor update to iOS 7 that provides a fix to the SSL connection verification issues that people have been experiencing. The 7.0.6 update comes less than a month after Apple released the 7.0.5 update for iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C users that fixed network issues affecting people in china. To update your devices open the settings app and navigate to the 'software update' option. If you prefer to update your device via iTunes you can connect your device to your Mac or PC and update there too. 

Apple have also been releasing beta versions of iOS 7.1 to developers over the last few months and is currently at 7.1.4 as of last week. Unlike today's minor update iOS 7.1 is a more feature rich release with major improvements to Mobile Device Management mass deployment system and possibly a new 'volume services' web client. It is expected that iOS 7.1 will be out of beta and available to the public towards the end of March. 

Alongside the iOS 7.1.6 update Apple also released an update for older devices by way of a 6.1.6 release which is available for iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch fourth generation which are unable to run iOS 7. 

Update:

Alongside today's updates for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, Apple also released an update for Apple TV. The 6.0.2 update has been classed a stability and performance updates and can be downloaded via the devices settings menu. 

Three Great Smartphone Gadgets

There is no denying that smartphones and smart-devices are taking over the world, in a good way. Just about every person nowadays has this magnificent object sitting in their pocket. The smartphone in essence is a miniature super-computer, photo gallery, camera, arcade, calculator as well as the holder of all knowledge, although, for some, it is simply a device used to laugh at pictures of cats doing funny things on the internet. Along with the rise of smart-devices, an almost infinite range of wonderfully interesting gadgets and accessories has emerged. Your smart-device can be magically transformed into just about anything, from a heart rate monitor to a DJ’s turntable. Here are three of the coolest gadgets out there today.

Rokono BASS+ Mini Speaker

This fantastic miniature speaker is the perfect gadget needed for turning your one-man-party into something much more social. Thanks to its portability, this speaker is the perfect edition to anyone’s gadget collection. Easily clip the speaker closed, making it smaller, slip it into your pocket, and you’re ready to make the world dance. It works perfectly with any 3.5 mm audio jack, playing great sounding music for 10+ hours of continuous playback from a single charge.

iPhone Slot Machine

Thanks to this fantastic docking station for Apple products, charging of your phone will never again be a boring, tedious process. Slide your device into the miniature one-armed-bandit slot machine, and watch as the screen springs to life. There is nothing greater than hearing that glorious sound of victory. Although this device does not work with many online gambling websites currently, that is about to change. Spokesperson of the popular online gambling site, JackpotJoy said recently that they are thrilled with the concept of this gadget, adding that you can definitely expect to see more of these gambling-related gadgets popping up.

Hone for iPhone and iPad

Ever since the first lock was invented, people have been misplacing their keys. Luckily, thanks to this nifty little gadget, that is now an issue of the past. Simply attach the small device to your keys (or any valuable, easy to lose object), press the “find” button on your phone, and listen. Using Bluetooth, the device attached to the lost object will light up and create a sound. All that’s left now is a quick game of hide-and-seek.

By Jason 

Apple's 'iWatch' Said to Arrive in October 2014 with Wireless Charging

According to Chinese site C Technology, Apple is planning to release its long-rumored iWatch alongside the next iPhone in October 2014, with the company having tested two iWatch prototypes. However, the report also states that Apple has not decided on the final screen size of the device, with the prototype units being powered by a 100 mAh battery. The iWatch is also said to include wireless charging capabilities which will allow the device to charge from up to a meter away...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

Apple Supports 'Hour of Code' Campaign for Students with Free Workshops in U.S. Retail Stores

Apple today announced that it will be participating in the "Hour of Code" initiative this Wednesday by offering free workshops in its U.S. stores introducing students to computer programming. Apple is setting aside the 5:00-6:00 PM hour at all of its retail stores for its workshops, and reservations are required. 

The broader initiative is sponsored by the non-profit Code.org with the backing of a wide variety of political, corporate, and personal supporters. The goal of the campaign is to introduce 10 million students to computer programming, with the ultimate goal of every student learning a basic level of programming...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

iTunes Match Expands to Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Apple has recently expanded iTunes Match availability to several Nordic countries, according to both reports on Twitter and tip from a MacRumors reader. 

iTunes users in Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden now have access to the service, which has a yearly price of 249 kr in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway and €24.99 in Finland. In comparison, iTunes Match is $24.99 in the United States and £21.99 in the U.K...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

MacRumors Roundup: What We Expect for iPhone 6

The iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c have only been out for a few months, but attention is already turning to Apple's plans for the next generation of iPhone, likely to appear in late 2014. Rumors have indicated that a larger, perhaps curved, display may be one of the key features of the next iPhone, which is generally being referred to as the "iPhone 6" by the rumor community. Rumors about the iPhone 6 and a potential successor to the iPhone 5c will undoubtedly escalate in the coming months, so MacRumors has put together a new iPhone 6 roundup to help readers stay on top of the latest reports...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

Apple Offering 32-Inch 4K Sharp Displays in European Online Apple Stores

In its European Apple Online Stores, Apple has begun offering a 32-inch Sharp “4K” Ultra HD LED monitor. Retailing for £3,499.00 or approximately $5,700, the monitor has been available in the U.K. and other European countries since on or before November 30. 

The 32-inch IGZO display, which has a resolution of 3840 x 2160, is not available in the United States and it is not clear why Apple has decided to offer it solely in Europe for the time being...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours