MacRumors

ios_7_otaA week after the introduction of Apple’s new iOS 7 mobile operating system, users of iOS 6 across the internet are expressing discontent due to automatic downloads of the new software update, reports CNET.

Specifically, users who still have iOS 6 installed are experiencing self-starting over-the-air (OTA) downloads for iOS 7 to their devices when connected to AC power, averaging around 1 GB per download and occupying 3.1 GB of storage. While the update does not automatically install itself and requires user authentication, the download does not show up in the storage submenu within settings.

The issue is especially problematic for users with little space on their existing devices, as filled space can cause various problems with file management and device efficiency.

CNET confirmed the behavior on both an iPhone 4 as well as a fourth-generation iPad, both of which were running the latest version of iOS 6 before 7 arrived. For the iPad, the download began within minutes of turning on the device and plugging it into A/C power. When finished on both devices, it accounted for a little more than 3GB of space that was previously available on the device, and did not show up in the storage management settings submenu.

Last year, users reported similar behavior with the iOS 6 OTA update occurring for those on iOS 5. Earlier this week, Apple claimed that more than 200 million iOS devices are running iOS 7, making it the fastest software upgrade in history.

Related Forum: iOS 7

Major League Baseball will be using Apple's new iBeacon microlocation APIs in iOS 7 to enhance its MLB.com At the Ballpark app to create customized and interactive experiences for fans at its teams' stadiums, according to a new report by Mashable.

"We've been looking at customizing the app based on where you are within the stadium, but GPS is notorious for not working indoors, especially when you are in a building made of steel," Marc Abramson, iOS developer for MLB, told Mashable. "Instead, we are incorporating Apple's new Bluetooth and iBeacon technologies for iOS 7 and couldn't be more excited about the potential."

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The app, which has reportedly been worked on by both MLB and Apple since February, would bring up a ballpark guide with information specific to the stadium you're visiting when you're near the stadium. As the user approaches the ballpark's gates, ticketing information would be pulled up by the app and instantly displayed. In addition, once a user was within the stadium the app would display directions to their seats.

Teams can also adjust the app to react to stadium-specific landmarks and points of interest. For instance, if a user were to use the app near the New York Mets' Citi Field's iconic apple statue the app would play a video detailing the history of the stadium or the apple.

User experiences won't be the same for each visit, notes Mashable. The app will include a loyalty card-like program where teams can choose to reward multiple visits with coupons for merchandise, food or beverages. It can also direct users to parts of the stadium they haven't yet activated, Abramson tells Mashable.

While the Mets are the first team on board with the new app and its technology, Abramson tells Mashable that a lot of other teams have "expressed interested". Although there is no official timetable for a launch, the report says that the program could "most likely" launch in 2014.

iBeacon was announced as one of the new 1,500 APIs in iOS 7 during Apple's WWDC keynote. They're designed to use the Bluetooth Low Energy profile for microlocation, allowing iOS devices to attain precise locations for apps in indoor environments rather than GPS.

MLB.com At the Ballpark is a free app for both iPhone and iPad and is available in the App Store. [Direct Link]

The Federal Aviation Administration advisory committee has recommended that electronic device restrictions on commercial aircraft be relaxed. According to the committee, airline passengers should be permitted to use smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and other personal electronic devices during taxi, takeoff and landing.

The 28-member committee agreed on the recommendations during a closed-door meeting, the officials said. The recommendations will be included in a report to be delivered to the FAA early next week, they said.

Current rules prohibit the use of electronic devices such as the iPad or the iPhone below 10,000 feet, which means airline passengers are instructed to power off their devices as the plane ascends and descends. Pilots and crew, however, are allowed to use iPads during all phases of flight and many airlines have replaced pilot flight bags with iPads to reduce weight and save money.

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The ban has been in place to prevent electronic devices such as cell phones from interfering with cockpit equipment, but modern planes are designed to prevent electronic interference.

The Federal Aviation Administration began reexamining the regulations that ban electronic device usage below 10,000 feet last year, and in March, the FAA’s advisory committee reported that it hoped to loosen device restrictions by the end of the year.

Under today’s recommendation, passengers would be able to use most devices, though some, like Apple’s iPhone, would need to be switched to airplane mode. Downloading data, browsing the web, and talking on the phone would remain prohibited, though reading e-books, listening to music, watching movies, and playing games would be permitted during all phases of flight.

The recommendation will be delivered to the Federal Aviation Administration next week, but it remains up to the FAA to decide whether to follow the recommendations of the committee. The FAA created the committee and was involved in committee deliberations, so it is likely that some of the changes will be implemented, though a timeline for the change is thus far unknown.

netflixInternet streaming service Netflix has announced today that it is rolling out its Super HD video quality to all Netflix members and additional devices, including the 3rd-generation Apple TV. The viewing option is of a higher quality than a standard 1080p image due to a higher bit rate stream and reduced compression, and was previously only available on select ISPs with a direct connection to Netflix.

All Netflix members, regardless of their Internet service provider (ISP), now have access to the highest quality HD streams available on Netflix.

This means that the great TV shows and movies on Netflix will look even better on HD screens with a higher bit rate stream, Super HD, that applies less compression to the 1080p image.

We initially rolled out Super HD in January only through ISPs with a direct connection to Netflix. Based on the performance data we’ve seen, and in response to member requests, we are now expanding availability to give all our members the ability to enjoy Netflix in the best possible quality. Netflix uses “adaptive streaming” to dynamically adjust the video quality based on the available bandwidth. This means that the ability to receive Super HD depends on broadband quality and performance. Netflix members who subscribe to an ISP with a direct Netflix connection will get the best experience.

Originally added with the introduction of the 2nd generation Apple TV, Netflix has been updated on Apple’s set-top box multiple times, including the addition of personalized profiles in August. The move also comes as Apple may be planning to release an updated Apple TV box next month, and comes after the addition of Major League Soccer and Disney Junior Channels to the set-top box today.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

staplesApple and Staples have agreed to a deal to sell various iPad and iPod models on the Staples online store in the U.S., reports 9to5Mac. The deal will potentially expand to Staples' retail stores as well if the company is able to sell a certain amount of iPads per week.

The source says that if each Staples store refers one iPad sale per week in October, two per week in November, and five per week in December, Apple will be willing to sell iPads in physical Staples locations.

If Staples is able to meet Apple's sales goals it could see its brick-and-mortar stores selling iPads and iPods by early 2014, according to 9to5Mac. It would also be the second successful Apple test for Staples, as it appears that Apple and Staples' deal to sell accessories was a "testbed" to see whether Staples' customer base and Apple's products were a good fit.

In March, MacRumors revealed screenshots of training materials for Staples' sales associates that educated them on Apple's various products, including Macs, Apple TV, iPhones, iPads and more.

Currently, Staples sells iPads on its online store in Canada. Expanding into Staples' 1,500 United States retail stores would be a significant expansion of Apple's distribution chain. Staples also offers an appealing channel for businesses that already have billing accounts and existing relationships with the retailer for office supply needs.

iBooks.pngApple has updated the backend of the iBookstore, adding new features for authors like enhanced versioning, larger pixel limits for in-book images and more, according to a letter to authors from Apple obtained by AppleInsider.

Apple notes the addition of the following features and updates:

- New Catalog Reports
- Versioning for All Books
- Updated Documentation
- Pixel Limit Increased for Book Images
- How-To: Deliver Custom Samples
- New European Toll-Free Numbers
- iBooks Author Tips and Tricks: Creating Custom Samples
- Thanksgiving Deliveries

Versioning requires authors to submit a "What's New in Version" description when updating their book, alerting users to changes in a similar way to how app updates currently work. Users will then be notified when a new version of the book is available to download.

In addition, the pixel limit for in-book images has been raised from 2 million pixels to 3.2 million pixels, allowing authors to take better advantage of Apple's Retina Display-equipped devices with higher-quality images. This will include MacBooks with Retina Display as iBooks is set to appear on Mac for the first time with the release of Mac OS X Mavericks later this year.

As noted by AppleInsider, the new features won't be noticeable to users right away, but will lead to "an easier and richer shopping experience" once content providers begin using them. It's also possible that Apple could show off new iBooks features at their rumored iPad media event in October. Along with the iLife and iWork suite of iOS apps, iBooks has not yet received an iOS 7 makeover.

iBooks is available for free for both iPad and iPhone on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Evernote and Adonit today announced a partnership that will see the latter producing the new Jot Script Evernote Edition Stylus, which has a tip that measures just 1.9mm. The large, inaccurate tip of current capacitive styluses is a common complaint that the Jot Script aims to overcome.

The stylus uses Adonit’s newly developed Pixelpoint technology, which utilizes the accelerometer, Bluetooth, and Adonit’s SDK to communicate the location of the stylus tip to compatible apps like Evernote’s Penultimate.

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In a first for any active stylus, Penultimate’s digital inking features pair with Adonit’s Bluetooth-enabled Pixelpoint technology for accuracy previously unattainable on any touch screen. With Penultimate’s new Zoom feature, the interaction between app and stylus becomes dynamic. As the Jot Script’s fine tip approaches the screen, Penultimate responds by enlarging the writing space for better visual feedback. And as the user writes, the digital paper drifts along with them mimicking the natural feeling of handwriting.

In addition to a fine point, the Jot Script features a metal finish, ribbed grip, and a weighted hand balance designed for taking notes. It is powered by a standard AAA battery and uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to iPads and iPhones. It is compatible with the third-generation iPad and later, the iPad mini, and the iPhone 5 and later.

The Jot Script can be pre-ordered from either Evernote or Adonit for $74.95 and has an estimated ship time of three to four weeks.

Evernote has also introduced a number of other products in its Evernote Market, including backpacks, scanners, t-shirts, and other accessories.

Apple today updated its System Status page (via 9to5Mac) to include iOS Device Activations, allowing users to check whether or not the iOS Device Activation servers are online and functional.

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These servers are responsible for the setup and activation of new iOS devices, such as the iPhone 5s, and have experienced some outages in recent weeks. The System Status site tracks the majority of Apple's services, stores, and iCloud features, giving users a way to track which products might be experiencing difficulties at any given time.

The site has also recently ceased tracking Photo Journals for unknown reasons, though the feature remains active within iPhoto.

U2 singer Bono, who heads up the (Product) RED charity Apple has collaborated with since 2006, today announced (via TechCrunch) Apple has raised more than $65 million to fight AIDS in Africa.

Since it first debuted a special edition (Product) RED iPod nano in 2006, Apple has released a number of (RED) devices, including several iPod nanos and shuffles. The company has also produced a (RED) iPad Smart Cover, iPad mini Smart Cover, and an iPhone Bumper, along with a new (RED) iPhone 5s case. For every (RED) product bought, Apple donates a portion of the purchase price to the charity.

productred

(RED) works with companies like Apple to fight for an AIDS-free generation by 2015 by creating (PRODUCT) RED merchandise. A percentage of gross profits from the sale of those products goes to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS programs in Africa.

(Product) RED is affiliated with several other companies in addition to Apple, including Starbucks, Nike, and American Express, raising more than $200 million to date.

Apple today added a new page to its website featuring reviews of the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c from a number of prominent publications and sites. Carrying the tagline "It seems we've given people a lot to talk about," the review page is currently being featured on Apple's main iPhone page.

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The feature page contains quotes from and links to reviews from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time, CNET, USA Today, Esquire, Engadget, Daring Fireball, AnandTech, and TechCrunch. Most of the quoted and linked reviews cover the iPhone 5s, although several address the lower-cost iPhone 5c as well.

Most of those reviews for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c were published on Tuesday, September 17, several days before the devices launched to the public. Apple introduced the devices at a September 10 media event, and provided review units to several publications in advance of the public release, allowing them to publish their reviews in a coordinated release late on the 17th.

Related Forum: iPhone

Apple has just released iOS 7.0.2, a minor new update delivering several changes including a fix for a lock screen passcode vulnerability. The new version arrives as Build 11A501 for all devices.

- Fixes bugs that could allow someone to bypass the Lock screen passcode
- Reintroduces a Greek keyboard option for passcode entry

ios_7_0_2
Apple has detailed the two passcode issues fixed in this update in a new support document.

The iOS 7.0.2 release follows the launch of iOS 7 on Wednesday, September 18. That day also saw a special release of iOS 7.0.1 specifically for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, which launched on Friday, September 20.

Related Forum: iOS 7

While numerous leaks have shown that the next-generation iPad will be adopting smaller form factor based on that of the iPad mini, a new piece of evidence pointing to a launch in the relatively near future has surfaced in the form of a video from Unbox Therapy showing new Smart Covers in a variety of colors designed to fit the new form factor.


The video shows the new Smart Covers in gray, black, red, pink, orange, blue, white, and green. The video also shows the new Smart Covers attached to a fifth-generation iPad assembly of the rear shell and front panel, demonstrating how they fit the new design.

With the upcoming iPad measuring significantly narrower than the current-generation model, Apple will be shifting from the current four-panel Smart Cover to a three-panel design similar to that used for the iPad mini Smart Cover. As with existing Smart Cover products, the cover can be folded behind the iPad to act as a stand.

Apple is expected to launch its redesigned iPad and a Retina iPad mini in the near future, perhaps at a media event as soon as next month. Apple also has several updates to its Mac products still to come before the end of the year, and they may make an appearance at that same event.

Update: 9to5Mac has discovered that the alleged Smart Covers are actually being offered for sale on Chinese marketplace Alibaba for just $5 each, strongly suggesting that these are fake/knockoff Smart Covers not from Apple or its official suppliers.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Continuing its expansion of content offerings on the Apple TV, Apple today rolled out two new channels for the set-top box: MLS (Major League Soccer) and Disney Junior.

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The MLS channel offers scores, standings, and video content from Major League Soccer, while also offering access to the MLS Live subscription program for live video of matches. MLS Live is priced at $24.99 for the season and a subscription can be used not only on the Apple TV but also on iPhone and iPad.

The new Disney Junior channel is similar to Disney Channel and Disney XD offerings added last month. All three channels require authentication through a participating cable provider for access to live and on-demand content.

Today's additions are the latest in a long line of new channels introduced to the Apple TV in recent months. In June, WatchESPN, HBO GO, Sky News, Crunchyroll, and Quello were added, and last month Apple debuted channels for Vevo, the Smithsonian, and the first two Disney channels. Deals with TWC and The CW are also said to be in the works.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Back in June, Apple announced that it had been awarded a $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Unified School District to supply 35,000 iPads to students in the district. That program was announced as a pilot effort that was projected to lead to all 640,000 students in the district receiving iPads by the end of 2014.

ipad_for_education
However, a report from the Los Angeles Times indicates that the school district is experiencing difficulties with students bypassing content restrictions on the devices, thus forcing the school district to halt the home use of the tablets and jeopardizing the full rollout of the program.

It took exactly one week for nearly 300 students at Theodore Roosevelt High School to hack through security so they could surf the Web on their new school-issued iPads, raising new concerns about a plan to distribute the devices to all students in the district.

"Outside of the district's network ... a user is free to download content and applications and browse the Internet without restriction," two senior administrators said in a memo to the Board of education and L.A. schools Supt. John Deasy. "As student safety is of paramount concern, breach of the ... system must not occur."

Specifically, the students simply deleted personal profiles from the district-issued iPads, which then enabled them to browse websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Pandora, all of which had been blocked on the devices.

Apple has long had a heavy focus on the educational market, entering a new phase with the introduction of the iPad in 2010. The company has also often discounted its product lineup for students with its yearly back-to-school program, and has pushed its initiative to bring iPads to classroom on an international scale, as evidenced by its efforts to land educational deal in Turkey that would see the country purchasing more than $4.5 billion worth of iPads.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

After announcing a refresh to its line of iMacs earlier this week, Apple has quietly increased the prices of all Mac mini configurations in multiple countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Malaysia, reports 9to5Mac. In Australia, the prices of the standard Intel Core i5 2.5GHz, Intel Core i7 2.3GHz, and Mac mini with OS X Server models are now A$749, $A999, and A$1249 respectively, up from their previous prices of A$699, A$899, and A$1099.

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Apple has tweaked pricing on some accessories as well in other countries. For example, UK customers have seen price increases on the Apple Wireless Keyboard (£2), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (£4), and Cinema Display VESA Mount Adapter Kit (£4). More significant prices increases have come on replacement MacBook and MacBook Pro batteries (£8), and the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (£15).

Earlier this year, the Mac Mini's shipping estimates increased to 5-7 days on the Apple Online Store, leading to hope for a potential refresh, but they returned to normal a few days later without an update. Notably, the Mac Mini is still using Intel's last-generation Ivy Bridge processors, with the 2013 MacBook Air and recent iMac refresh using Intel's new Haswell processors, which contain features such as lower power usage, better performance, and increased battery life for laptops.

If Apple is to refresh the Mac Mini this year, it would potentially be a part of a number of updates to various products in its line, including a new line of iPads, a new Apple TV, and a new MacBook Pro with Intel’s Haswell processors, as well as the company's dramatically redesigned Mac Pro. All products are expected to be refreshed in the following months before the end of the year.

Update: Contrary to the original report, Mac mini prices have not increased in Portugal.

Related Roundup: Mac mini
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Mac mini

Apple has been hit with a judgment for ¥330 million ($3.3 million) in a Japanese court case over infringement of a patent by the company's click wheel system used on a number of past iPod models and the current iPod classic, reports Dow Jones Business News.

The Tokyo District Court on Thursday ordered Apple Inc. ( AAPL ) to pay Y330 million in damages to Japanese inventor Norihiko Saito in a patent infringement case involving the U.S. firm's iPod music player, Kyodo News reported.

The patent that Mr. Saito's company applied for in 1998 covers a technology for the Click Wheel controller that Apple has adopted for the music player in Japan since 2004, Presiding Judge Teruhisa Takano said in the ruling.

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Saito had filed an injunction request against Apple back in 2007, and as settlement negotiations failed to result in any agreement, he eventually increased his damages request to ¥10 billion ($101 million). The court ruled, however, that Apple's infringement warranted the much smaller judgment.

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

Vesper, a note-taking app developed by a team led by Apple blogger John Gruber, has launched an update that features a complete redesign in-line with the “flat” design principles of iOS 7, as well various other enhancements such as 64-bit support on the iPhone 5s, new typography settings and improved text rendering. The update also includes brand new gestures for photo management and performance improvements.

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Originally released in June, Vesper offers a simplistic user interface that focuses on quick input and customizable organization, using a “tags” based system to easily group items into collections. The app also supports photos in addition to text along with an in-app browser, and drag and drop functionality for organization.

Vesper can be downloaded from the App Store for $4.99. [Direct Link]

carl_icahnActivist investor Carl Icahn, who recently purchased around $1-2 billion in Apple stock, has a date for his meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook to discuss the company's stock buyback plans and other issues, according to CNBC. The two will reportedly meet in New York City next Monday, September 30.

Activist investor Carl Icahn will meet with Apple CEO Tim Cook in New York City next week, where the billionaire may discuss the company's prospects, and the possibility of adding to his sizable stake in the technology giant.

Apple announced a stock dividend and buyback program in March 2012 as part of an effort to boost shareholder return as the company's cash and investment holdings have rapidly grown in recent years. Apple increased and accelerated the stock buyback program earlier this year, issuing debt to take advantage of a drop in the company's stock price.

Icahn believes that Apple should accelerate its buyback plans even further, arguing that it is a prudent move given the company's financial position and his belief that the company's stock remains undervalued.