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When the cell towers and wifi goes down in an emergency, this is your best backup. (Source: Pixabay)

Apple tells the FCC they can't enable FM radio in the iPhone 8 because it doesn't have one

In response to the FCC asking Apple to "do the right thing" and enable the FM radio in the iPhone, Apple have responded to say they can't because the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 don't have FM radio hardware.

Craig Ward, 30 Sep 2017 03:11

North American iPhone 8 models may have faster LTE modems than the international versions (Source: Apple)

The iPhone 8 in North America may have faster LTE modems than the international versions

The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X will each support 24 different LTE bands across the globe. European iPhone SKUs, however, will be shipping with slower Intel modems that could force Apple to limit maximum download speeds across all iPhone SKUs to the lowest common denominator.

Allen Ngo, 28 Sep 2017 19:54

The iPhone 8 Plus comes with an $800 price tag.

Analytic firm estimates component costs of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus to be just over a third of their retail prices

With the iPhones released a few weeks ago, analytical platform IHS Markit has released a new report on the production cost of both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, with that of the 8 Plus being 37% of its retail price.

Ricci Rox, 26 Sep 2017 12:44

Apple has released the latest version of Mac OS to its users. (Source: Apple)

Mac OS High Sierra goes live, brings VR, HEVC, Metal 2, more

Apple has released the latest version of macOS to its users. Dubbed macOS High Sierra, the new version brings the most significant system changes in decades in some instances.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 Sep 2017 05:48

Siri and Spotlight: Bing out, Google in

Apple has announced they are dropping Bing as the provider of search results for Spotlight and Siri searches in favor of Google. Bing will continue to provide the image search results on Siri.

Craig Ward, 26 Sep 2017 00:28

The pieces that make up the Apple iPhone 8. (Source: iFixit)

iFixit teardown rates iPhone 8 repairability as 6 out of 10, but glass back almost impossible to replace

iFixit have completed their teardown of the iPhone 8. They found that the screen and battery were fairly easy to replace, but that the rear glass panel was extremely difficult to remove due to large amounts of glue.

Craig Ward, 23 Sep 2017 20:51

Tim Cook says the iPhone X is "value price" for consumers

At least one analytical firm is not expecting noticeable price cuts until 5 to 12 months after launch. Cook suggests taking advantage of 24-month installment plans and other incentives as alternatives to pay for the iPhone X.

Allen Ngo, 23 Sep 2017 03:59

iPhone 8 Plus showing great dynamic range in this mixed light scene. (Source: DxOMark)

iPhone 8 Plus has the best camera on any smartphone according to DxOMark

DxOMark have put the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus through their extensive test suite, declaring that they are the best smartphone cameras they have tested to date. Strong points include exposure, contrast, color reproduction, and flash performance.

Craig Ward, 22 Sep 2017 22:21

Legacy 32-bit apps will fail to launch on iOS 11. (Source: MacRumors)

PSA | Legacy 32-bit iOS apps will fail to run on iOS 11

The iOS 11 update is just around the corner for compatible Apple devices. Users of legacy 32-bit apps need to be aware of the fact that iOS 11 will not allow execution of 32-bit apps unless they have been updated by the developer to support the 64-bit architecture. Going forward iOS, and eventually macOS, will support only 64-bit applications.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 19 Sep 2017 13:44

Apple iPhone X component costs estimated to be $412.75 USD

Samsung is making bank on the iPhone X as its OLED panel will be the costliest component by far. Meanwhile, the unique 3D sensing camera will cost about as much as the DRAM component and A11 SoC each.

Allen Ngo, 17 Sep 2017 09:33

Apple may not be able to meet iPhone X demand until the first half of 2018. (Source: Apple)

KGI: Demand for iPhone X will outstrip supply until Q2 2018

According to KGI Securities, forecast demand for the iPhone X indicates that Apple may not reach an equilibrium between demand and supply until Q2 2018.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 17 Sep 2017 06:13

Alleged A11 Antutu benchmark results. (Source: Weibo via wccftech)

Apple A11 scores 25 percent higher on Antutu than highest SnapDragon 835 result

Apple has told consumers to expect large performance gains from their new A11 SoC, and a newly leaked Antutu benchmark supports that claim.

Craig Ward, 16 Sep 2017 20:46

Beats by Dre urBeats3 with inline controls. (Source: Apple)

Apple reveals new Beats By Dre 'urBeats3' earbuds

Among all the fuss over the new iPhones, Apple revealed their new urBeats3 wired earbuds. They feature inline music and phone controls, secure-fit wing tips to hold them in place, and promises of fine-tuned acoustic design.

Craig Ward, 14 Sep 2017 23:48

Craig Federighi of Apple during a live demo of the iPhone X. (Source: Apple)

Apple iPhone X Face ID demo fail explained

The iPhone X keynote featured a lot of cool new tech, including Face ID. Unfortunately for Apple's Craig Federighi, things didn't go to plan when demonstrating it live in front of an audience of millions. Or did they?

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 Sep 2017 14:41

Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus flagships now official (Source: Apple)

Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now official

The new 4.7-inch iPhone 8 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus come with a new processor, upgrades to the camera system, augmented reality features, louder speakers, wireless charging, and a new glass and aluminum build.

Codrut Nistor, 13 Sep 2017 14:10

Apple showed off the LTE calling capabilities of the Watch Series 3. (Source: Anandtech)

The Apple Watch Series 3 is now official, starts from US$329

Apple has officially launched the Watch Series 3 during its September 2017 keynote. The new Watch now sports LTE connectivity with a host of new fitness features and will be launching on September 15 with prices starting from US$329.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 13 Sep 2017 06:59

The iPhone X features an full-body OLED display. (Images: Apple)

This is the iPhone X: Apple's flagship, reimagined

The iPhone X brings a complete overhaul to the iPhone's design language. Featuring a 5.8-inch full-body display, the iPhone X brings new innovations to Apple's flagship line, including improved camera optics, facial recognition, and a new CPU tuned for AI-driven tasks.

Sam Medley, 13 Sep 2017 00:15

The iPhone X could pack a hexa-core punch. (Source: iDrop News)

iPhone X could pack a hexa-core processor

Apple seems intent on making sure that its next flagship iPhone packs a performance punch. Leaked code from a Gold Master build of iOS 11 indicates that it will feature a hexa-core processor.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 11 Sep 2017 09:46

Production glitches with iPhone 8 OLED screen could hurt holiday sales, claims Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has reported that they were informed of "production glitches" by a source close to the issue. The problems have apparently caused a shortage of completed products and this shortage could continue into the Christmas period.

Craig Ward, 07 Sep 2017 23:59

Apple's Siri is vulnerable to ultrasonic voice hacks.

Siri and Alexa are vulnerable to ultrasonic voice commands

Chinese researchers have been able to launch malicious voice command attacks on every major voice assistant including Siri and Alexa. Using ultrasonics, the researchers were able to hack devices with any victim completely unaware that their device had been compromised.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 07 Sep 2017 13:15

The "above 12 MP" improved camera modules will begin production in October 2017. (Source: Apple)

Apple could up the megapixel count and the screen size for the iPhone 9

Apple plans to include camera modules with more than 12 MP in the iPhone 9 models. The company has already booked the Largan Chinese facility and will roll out the new camera modules that could feature dual or multiple lenses, large apertures, and 3D sensing functions starting October 2017.

Bogdan Solca, 06 Sep 2017 12:26

The VMI document offers an insight as to how Apple classifies the service eligibility of a device. (Source: MacRumors)

Leaked VMI document offers an insight into Apple's warranty repair rules for the iPhone

Apple's Visual/Mechanical Inspection (VMI) guide details how Apple Care centres handle in-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs. The leak of this guide is not exactly path-breaking but definitely offers an insight into how Apple honors warranty and decides the service eligibility of a device — in this case, the iPhone.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 04 Sep 2017 15:34

Apple's Special Event keynote will be live on September 12, 10 am PDT. (Source: Apple)

It's official: Apple's iPhone 8 event will be held on September 12

Apple has sent invitations for its iPhone 8 launch event, which will be held for the first time in the Steve Jobs Theater inside Apple's 'spaceship' campus.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 01 Sep 2017 12:24

NY Mayor Bill de Blasio with NYPD deputy commissioner for IT, Jessica Tisch. (Source: NY Post)

NYPD contemplating on replacing 36,000 odd Windows Phones with iPhones

In the continuing habitual setback for Microsoft in its mobile endeavors, the NYPD will soon be scrapping its 36,000 odd smartphones running Windows Phone 8.1 for iPhones. The department is taking the decision in the wake of Microsoft halting updates for the ill-fated mobile OS.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 29 Aug 2017 08:20

The nearly bezel-less iPhone 8 could soon be upon us. (Source: iDrop News)

The iPhone 8 could launch on September 12

Apple has scheduled a product announcement event on September 12 and all expectations are that this could very well be the event that the Cupertino giant would announce the new iPhones and the Watch Series 3 to the world.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 28 Aug 2017 19:07

Wouldn't you be all smiles too if you only had to pay $1 for monthly mobile service? (Source: Virgin Mobile)

Virgin Mobile announces a steal of a deal for iPhone users

$1 a month gets you unlimited everything for the next 12 months. All you have to do is bring your iPhone to Virgin Mobile, or buy one directly from them, and sign up for the biggest wireless service deal the company has ever offered.

John Garcia, 23 Aug 2017 17:55

Fighting game classic Tekken is coming to Android and iOS

An adaptation of one of the most successful fighting game franchises is coming to mobile. BANDAI NAMCO recently announced Tekken Mobile, which should be arriving on iOS and Android devices soon.

Sam Medley, 20 Aug 2017 22:28

TAITO Famicom "classic" Takeshi's Challenge now available on Android and iOS

Ever wanted a game where you play a middle-aged Japanese businessman experiencing a midlife crisis? The infamous Famicom title "Takeshi No Chousenjou" ("Takeshi's Challenge" in the West) is now available on Android and iOS.

Sam Medley, 17 Aug 2017 23:28

Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures is one of 42 titles the suit alleges to collect personal information of children without parental consent. (Source: Disney)

Disney sued for allegedly illegally collecting data on children with smartphone apps

Disney is being sued along with three software companies for creating software targeted at young children that collect personal information and send it to advertisers without the consent of parents. Disney has signaled it aims to face the suit in court.

Douglas Black, 10 Aug 2017 05:45

A case manufactuers render showing what is claimed to be the iPhone 8 with an all-screen design. (Source: Evan Blass)

New iPhone 8 case render adds support to all-screen design

A render made by a case manufacturer showing an iPhone in their rugged case appears to show the iPhone 8 will have an all-screen design and an on-screen button. The location of the fingerprint scanner isn't shown, but it could be under the screen, on the back, or completely absent in favor of an IR scanner.

Craig Ward, 08 Aug 2017 15:22

Samsung ramping up OLED production to meet Apple demand

The South Korean manufacturer will dedicate at least seven of its manufacturing plants to OLED production just to satisfy Apple.

Allen Ngo, 08 Aug 2017 02:41

Having an Apple watch could become much more than the status symbol it currently is with the addition of its own cellular connection. (Source: Apple)

New Apple Watch will pack an LTE modem, eschewing the need for an iPhone

A Bloomberg report referencing trusted sources claims that Apple is getting ready to release an LTE-enabled Apple Watch towards the end of the year. The addition of an LTE modem in the Watch would mean the device could operate completely independently, increasing its appeal.

Douglas Black, 05 Aug 2017 05:15

Traditional light mode with color customization (left) and new dark mode with color customization (right). (Source: Own)

You can now send money using Skype and set the interface to dark mode

Microsoft has released two feature updates to their Skype iOS and Android apps in quick succession. The first brought PayPal integration to iOS and Android apps, while the second adds a dark mode option to the Android app which helps reduce eye strain eye strain during night use.

Craig Ward, 04 Aug 2017 23:38

For the first time in years, the iPad saw a resurgence — likely due to the new price options and unique 120Hz displays. (Source: ArsTechnica/Andrew Cunningham)

Apple's third quarter results beat expectations, reveal challenges

Apple's third quarter financial reports show strong performance of the iPad and online Services. Meanwhile, revenue in the Greater China region dipped by 10%, highlighting one of the company's future challenges.

Douglas Black, 02 Aug 2017 08:16

A glyph representing the iPhone 8 found in the firmware seems to confirm the validity of earlier design leaks. (Source: MacRumors)

iPhone 8 to have infrared face-detection

Developers have found hints inside Apple's early HomePod firmware that point to the iPhone 8 making use of infrared facial recognition. The entries were found in the BiometricKit framework, which is where TouchID also resides.

Douglas Black, 31 Jul 2017 10:17

This is the second time this year that a broadcom WiFi chip has caused security issues. (Source: Business Insider)

Broadcomm WiFi can be hacked on iPhone and several modern Android phones

A Black Hat researcher has found a vulnerability with Broadcom wireless chips used in various phones including iPhone, Nexus, and Galaxy S phones. This bug allows a hacker to overflow the memory in the wireless chip and execute code in the device memory. Apple and Google have patched the flaw, but will third party manufacturers push the update to their devices?

Craig Ward, 30 Jul 2017 23:13

Apple is not the only company forced to either cooperate with the Chinese government or face losing access to the market, but they are the largest. (Source: Shutterstock)

Apple pulls VPNs from Chinese App Store

Apple has pulled a number of censorship-defeating tools from their App Store in China, citing Chinese law. The move to accommodate the Chinese government deprives many in the country of access to information.

Douglas Black, 30 Jul 2017 09:48

Foxconn assembly line workers. (Image source: Foxconn)

Foxconn to open new LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin

Foxconn, the electronics manufacturer largely responsible for building components used in the iPhone, has announced their intention to construct an LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. In return, the state of Wisconsin will pay the Taiwanese company US$3 billion in taxpayer subsidies.

Sam Medley, 27 Jul 2017 05:41

Qualcomm and Apple have been locked in a legal battle since January. Now Intel has joined by throwing their support behind Apple. (Source: recode.net)

Qualcomm hits back at Intel's claims of anti-competitive behavior

Qualcomm has responded to Intel's claims that they are an "anti-competitive bully," by asserting that they aren't specifically targeting Intel's products, just those that infringe on their patents.

Craig Ward, 26 Jul 2017 15:58

The SilentEchoBot allows natural interaction via text using Amazon's APIs. (Source: TechCrunch)

'Silent Echo' uses slack to allow text communication with Amazon Alexa

This Slack bot gives users the ability to silently interact with Alexa using the same commands they would speak out loud. It allows users to communicate when the room is noisy, or when voice communication isn't appropriate. Not all commands are available, but it is a neat alternative to using the smartphone app.

Craig Ward, 24 Jul 2017 12:02

TSMC's first generation 7nm process will be based on older printing technology

TSMC will be basing their first generation of 7nm chips on the DUV lithography, instead of the more advanced EUV lithography. This is likely due to production constraints associated with EUV.

Craig Ward, 23 Jul 2017 03:41

Android market share rising at the expense of iOS

Android has been chipping away at iOS in terms of smartphone activations as Apple fans patiently wait for the megaton iPhone refresh coming towards the end of the year.

Allen Ngo, 21 Jul 2017 08:39

iOS 10 gets a new update, labeled 10.3.3, delivering improvements and fixes to iPhone and iPad

iOS 10.3.3 now official

After quite a few public beta releases, Apple iOS 10.3.3 is finally ready to deliver multiple bug fixes and improvements to all iPhone and iPad users who own one (or more) compatible device(s).

Codrut Nistor, 20 Jul 2017 22:00

Samsung to supply Apple with 7 nm A12 SoCs for next year's iPhone

Samsung may supply Apple with 7 nm A12 SoCs for next year's iPhone

The South Korean manufacturer has purportedly struck another deal with Apple to provide both OLED panels and A12 SoCs.

Allen Ngo, 20 Jul 2017 07:15

Sequent is a self-charging smartwatch on Kickstarter

By using a kinetic charging system, the Sequent smartwatch promises to be the world's first fitness tracker and smartwatch with an "infinite" battery life.

Sam Medley, 08 Jul 2017 06:17

Qualcomm has faced legal challenges in the past, particularly anti-trust charges by the Federal Trade Commission. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm seeks ban on iPhone sales in the USA

Qualcomm has escalated an ongoing dispute with Apple by filing a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC), asking for a ban on import and sales of iPhones in the USA. Qualcomm claims that Apple is using non-standard intellectual property of theirs without fair compensation.

Douglas Black, 07 Jul 2017 02:57

From its completion in 2004 until 2009, Taipei 101 was awarded the distinction of being the world's tallest building. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Apple opens first store in Taiwan at base of landmark skyscraper Taipei 101

Apple has opened its first store in Taiwan at the base of one of the world's tallest buildings, Taipei 101.

Douglas Black, 02 Jul 2017 08:35

Ungrip, the gimmicky smartphone accessory that works

It looks rather gimmicky but admittedly does a good job of not letting gravity introduce your phone to your face while using it in bed.

Ricci Rox, 01 Jul 2017 18:32

Beat 'em up, retro style. (Source: Sega Forever)

Relive the games of yore with free Sega classics — now available on mobile

The Sega Forever Collection brings five of the best classics to relive the good ol' days.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 22 Jun 2017 04:35

iPhone

Apple tells the FCC they can't enable FM radio in the iPhone 8 because it doesn't have one

The iPhone 8 in North America may have faster LTE modems than the international versions

Analytic firm estimates component costs of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus to be just over a third of their retail prices

Mac OS High Sierra goes live, brings VR, HEVC, Metal 2, more

Siri and Spotlight: Bing out, Google in

iFixit teardown rates iPhone 8 repairability as 6 out of 10, but glass back almost impossible to replace

Tim Cook says the iPhone X is "value price" for consumers

iPhone 8 Plus has the best camera on any smartphone according to DxOMark

PSA | Legacy 32-bit iOS apps will fail to run on iOS 11

Apple iPhone X component costs estimated to be $412.75 USD

KGI: Demand for iPhone X will outstrip supply until Q2 2018

Apple A11 scores 25 percent higher on Antutu than highest SnapDragon 835 result

Apple iPhone X and Face ID: revolution of the smartphone?

Apple reveals new Beats By Dre 'urBeats3' earbuds

Apple iPhone X Face ID demo fail explained

Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now official

The Apple Watch Series 3 is now official, starts from US$329

This is the iPhone X: Apple's flagship, reimagined

iPhone X could pack a hexa-core processor

Production glitches with iPhone 8 OLED screen could hurt holiday sales, claims Wall Street Journal

Siri and Alexa are vulnerable to ultrasonic voice commands

Apple could up the megapixel count and the screen size for the iPhone 9

Leaked VMI document offers an insight into Apple's warranty repair rules for the iPhone

It's official: Apple's iPhone 8 event will be held on September 12

NYPD contemplating on replacing 36,000 odd Windows Phones with iPhones

The iPhone 8 could launch on September 12

Virgin Mobile announces a steal of a deal for iPhone users

Fighting game classic Tekken is coming to Android and iOS

TAITO Famicom "classic" Takeshi's Challenge now available on Android and iOS

Disney sued for allegedly illegally collecting data on children with smartphone apps

New iPhone 8 case render adds support to all-screen design

Samsung ramping up OLED production to meet Apple demand

New Apple Watch will pack an LTE modem, eschewing the need for an iPhone

You can now send money using Skype and set the interface to dark mode

Apple's third quarter results beat expectations, reveal challenges

iPhone 8 to have infrared face-detection

Broadcomm WiFi can be hacked on iPhone and several modern Android phones

Apple pulls VPNs from Chinese App Store

Foxconn to open new LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin

Qualcomm hits back at Intel's claims of anti-competitive behavior

'Silent Echo' uses slack to allow text communication with Amazon Alexa

TSMC's first generation 7nm process will be based on older printing technology

Android market share rising at the expense of iOS

iOS 10.3.3 now official

Samsung may supply Apple with 7 nm A12 SoCs for next year's iPhone

Sequent is a self-charging smartwatch on Kickstarter

Qualcomm seeks ban on iPhone sales in the USA

Apple opens first store in Taiwan at base of landmark skyscraper Taipei 101

Ungrip, the gimmicky smartphone accessory that works

Relive the games of yore with free Sega classics — now available on mobile

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