The ad ends with the "You're more powerful than you think" tagline, which was initially featured in Apple's first "Powerful" ad in April and in its "Strength" ad earlier this month.
Google today announced that it will be removing its Quickoffice app from Apple's App Store in the coming weeks. The move comes as Google looks to integrate Quickoffice into its Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps. Current users of Quickoffice will be able to continue using the app, however new users will not be able to download the app once it is removed.
Quickoffice for iOS was originally introduced in 2013 and was designed to allow users to view and edit Microsoft Office files, with its launch coming after the announcement of Apple's iWork suite for iOS. Quickoffice also featured integration with Google Drive storage, along with the ability to create .ZIP folders and view charts.
For users looking to continue using Google's web-based office suite on iOS, the company's Google Docs [Direct Link], and Google Sheets [Direct Link] app can be downloaded from the App Store at no cost. Google Slides for iOS will be released in the near future.
General Electric has unveiled its new line "Link" smart LED light bulbs, which can be controlled by an iOS device and start at $15 for individual bulbs and $49 for a starter kit complete with two bulbs and a link hub. The product is being developed in collaboration with design company Quirky, which will make the smart LED bulb accessible in a future update to its Wink [Direct Link] app.
The GE Link will be available in three variations:
- 60-watt replacement soft white (2700K) LED bulb, or A19 shape, commonly used for general lighting in table and floor lamps. - Indoor soft white (2700K) floodlight LED, or BR30 shape, installed as downlighting found in dining room, living room or other entertainment spaces. - Indoor/outdoor-rated bright white (3000K) spotlight LED, or PAR 38, used for outdoor security or spotlight.
The Wink app will allow users to adjust brightness settings and create settings for specific environments and situations. Users will also be able to turn specific lights remotely at any given time, useful for vacations or extended periods away from home.
GE's Link enters a growing market of smart LED lightbulbs that is led by the Philips Hue, which was introduced two years ago and has expanded to a wide variety of products. The Philips Hue Starter Pack retails for $199 and comes with three bulbs in addition to a connection bridge, while the GE Link's starter kit is being sold for $49.
A number of companies are also creating home appliances that can be controlled by iOS devices under Apple's new HomeKit initiative, which allows products and their apps to work with iOS services using a unified protocol. Apple itself is also rumored to be developing smart home products for HomeKit.
Interested customers can pre-order the GE's line of Link smart LED lightbulbs from Home Depot's official website.
Update: As noted by some, GE's Link smart LED lightbulbs require a link hub. The link hub and two Link bulbs are being sold as a starter kit for $49.97.
While Adobe has responded to Apple's announcement that it is ending development of its Aperture professional photo editing and management app for OS X by promising to "double down" on Lightroom, there are other players in the market. Corel is one of those competitors, and the company is hoping to attract some current Aperture users to switch to its AfterShot Pro 2 software launched last month.
AfterShot Pro 2 is normally priced at $79.99, but Aperture (and Lightroom) users qualify for special $59.99 competitive upgrade pricing. The offer was announced as a limited time promotion alongside the debut of AfterShot Pro 2, but with Apple's announcement today Corel is reminding users that it remains in effect. In addition, Corel notes that it will be looking at additional ways to help Aperture users migrate to AfterShot Pro 2.
Launched last month, the new AfterShot Pro 2 offers competitive upgrade pricing ($59) to Aperture users. We're getting ready for Yosemite now and unlike Lightroom, AfterShot Pro already supports use of a more Aperture-like file system to manage your photos. In the coming weeks, we’ll be looking for more ways we can make the transition easy for Aperture users and you can expect to see more from us with AfterShot on the Mac in the near future.
Corel promotes AfterShot Pro 2 as significantly faster than competing photo editing and management apps, with a host of advanced non-destructive editing features and pricing on par with Aperture and significantly lower than Lightroom.
There are some great deals on Apple-related software and accessories this week, as well as some decent discounts on the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and the new iMac.
The 16GB iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s are available for $29 and $99, respectively, from Walmart. Walmart's new prices are permanent, and offer $79 off the iPhone 5c and $100 off the iPhone 5s.
Following the introduction of new 16GB iPod touches for $199, Best Buy has discounted the original 16GB iPod touch with no rear facing camera to $170.99, $58 off its original price and $29 less than the new iPod touches. Best Buy is also offering a slight discount of $12.50 on the 32GB iPod touch, selling it for $237.49, down from $249.99.
As far as accessories go, Best Buy is offering discounts on several different iPad mini Smart Covers. Light Gray, Dark Gray, and Pink, for example, can be purchased for $16.99, a $23.00 discount from the standard $39.99 retail price. Green and Red are available for $19.99.
New users of the Hotel Tonight app, which is designed to find deals on last minute hotel bookings can get a $25 credit by entering the promo code "TONIGHT" during account sign-up.
The Incase Hard-Shell Case for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is available for $14.99 from Groupon, a discount of $35 off the regular $50 price tag.
Before making a purchase of a Mac or iOS device, make sure to consult our Buyer's Guide to find out if it's a good time to buy. For example, since a new iPod touch variant was recently released, it's unlikely another update is in the works for the near future, making it a good time to buy.
MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.
Following Apple's announcement that it plans to cease further development on its professional photo editing software, Aperture, Adobe has released a statement encouraging Aperture users to check out its Creative Cloud plan or its standalone Lightroom app, a longtime Aperture competitor. The company says it is committed to helping former Aperture and iPhoto customers transition to Lightroom.
Put simply we're doubling down on our investments in Lightroom and the new Creative Cloud Photography plan and you can expect to see a rich roadmap of rapid innovation for desktop, web and device workflows in the coming weeks, months and years. We also continue to invest actively on the iOS and OSX platforms, and are committed to helping interested iPhoto and Aperture customers migrate to our rich solution across desktop, device and web workflows.
Known as Aperture's biggest competitor, Lightroom is another solution for professional photo editing. Adobe has a Creative Cloud subscription plan aimed specifically at photographers, offering access to both Photoshop and Lightroom for $9.99 per month. While this plan used to be temporary, Adobe recently made it a permanent addition to Creative Cloud. Adobe also offers access to its full suite of Creative Cloud apps, including Lightroom, for $49.99 per month.
Adobe has developed Lightroom mobile apps for both the iPhone and the iPad, both of which seamlessly connect to the desktop version of Lightroom, allowing users to edit and manage their library of photos on any device.
While both Aperture and Lightroom offer similar professional photo editing capabilities, Lightroom has enjoyed regular updates as part of Adobe's Creative Cloud, while Aperture has been falling behind for quite some time now. Lightroom received an update earlier this month, while Aperture was last updated in November of 2013.
After announcing plans to cease development of its professional photo editing software, Aperture, Apple is assuring users of its other professional-oriented software that it plans to continue video development with a series of new updates.
Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage Pro are all being updated today, with Final Cut Pro receiving the largest update. The update for the professional video software includes a range of new features and improvements:
- Optimized, proxy, and rendered media can be stored at any location outside of the library - Easily delete optimized, proxy, and rendered media from within Final Cut Pro X - Used media indicators for Compound clips, Multicam clips, and Synced clips - Option to show only unused media in the Browser - Apply a standard (Rec. 709) look in real time to high dynamic range and wide color gamut video from ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon, and Sony cameras - Automatically apply an ARRI embedded 3D LUT from the new AMIRA camera - Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ - Improved speed and accuracy when synchronizing clips - Audio recording improvements including countdown and automatic Audition creation from multiple takes - Fast export of cuts-only projects containing XDCAM media - Export entire library as a single XML file - Selecting a library displays key metadata in the Inspector - Adjust relative and absolute volume of a clip or range selection - Create Keywords from Finder Tags when importing media - Option to sort events by date or name in the Libraries list - Import a clip by dragging directly into the Browser - Share 4K video to Vimeo
The other apps have gained minor improvements, such as support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ in both Motion and Compressor along with improved sequence text behavior in Motion and improved performance in Compressor.
All of the apps are available from the App Store, with Final Cut Pro priced at $299, and Motion and Compressor priced at $50. According to TechCrunch, a MainStage update is also coming later today.
Apple has added two new locations to its Maps Flyover feature in iOS, including Tokyo, Japan and Zion National Park in Utah. The new additions to Flyover allow users to take a close 3D look at the areas, zooming in on buildings and landmarks.
First introduced with iOS 6 and based on technology acquired from the purchase of C3 Technologies, Flyover is now available in 88 different locations across the world.
Zion National Park in Utah
The new additions to Flyover come as Apple works to continue to improve its Maps app. Recently, users have reported significant improvements in Apple Maps data, with errors being fixed with quick turnaround and additional POI locations added in many places. Apple also made notable updates to Maps in China, Japan, and several other countries back in March.
iOS 8 is expected to bring new features to Maps, though not at release. Transit directions and other Maps improvements are in the works, but may not be available to customers until the first significant iOS 8 update, possibly iOS 8.1, in 2015. iOS 8 also includes a new "City Tours" Flyover feature hidden within the code that lets users view a city's major points of interest via Flyover, but it is not yet unlocked.
Audi has announced plans to integrate Apple's CarPlay system into its Audi Multi Media Interface, and new Audi models supporting CarPlay will become available to customers beginning in 2015. Audi says that its development lab in Silicon Valley is in an "intensive dialog" with Apple as it works to integrate CarPlay into Audi cars.
Our customers want to be 'always on' and use the services they know from their smartphones in cars as well," says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. "In this regard, we are working closely with leading companies like Google and Apple. In the future, customers will be able to use the functions available to them on their smartphones via the operating systems in their cars as well.
Designed to overlay an iPhone's display on a car's in-dash infotainment system, CarPlay allows users hands-free access for functions like getting directions, making phone calls, sending messages, and more, using Siri voice control. CarPlay also includes support for several different iPhone apps like Spotify, Beats Music, iHeartRadio, and MLB at Bat, among others.
Audi joins a number of other manufacturers that have partnered with Apple, including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, GM, and Honda, with the first CarPlay-supported cars becoming available later this year. Several aftermarket consoles from companies like Alpine and Pioneer will also support CarPlay before the end of the year.
Update 6/30: Audi has provided some additional details on its CarPlay plans. The company will release CarPlay enabled models in Europe in 2015 and will bring the feature to U.S. Audi cars in 2016.
Apple will no longer continue development on its professional photography application, Aperture, reports The Loop. Instead, the company is working on the Photos app for Mac that it introduced during the Worldwide Developer's Conference.
"With the introduction of the new Photos app and iCloud Photo Library, enabling you to safely store all of your photos in iCloud and access them from anywhere, there will be no new development of Aperture," said Apple in a statement provided to The Loop. "When Photos for OS X ships next year, users will be able to migrate their existing Aperture libraries to Photos for OS."
The Photos app, which was shown off only briefly during WWDC, will combine with iCloud Photo Library, replacing both Aperture and iPhoto. While Photos will allow users to store, search, and edit photos via the cloud on Apple devices, it is unlikely to include the more robust, professional-oriented tools found in Aperture.
Aperture, which has long lagged behind competing software like Lightroom from Adobe, saw its last major version update to 3.5 on October 22, 2013, and since then, the software has seen just one last minor update. One of the major complaints about Aperture has been its infrequent updates, and many users have wondered if and when Apple would release Aperture 4. With no plans to continue development, professional photographers will want to find another solution, such as Lightroom.
According to TechCrunch, Apple will continue to provide compatibility updates to allow Aperture to run on OS X Yosemite, but development will stop.
The teardown experts at iFixit have promptly torn down Apple's refreshed 16 GB iPod touch, a day after the device was announced and went on sale. The $199 iPod touch is Apple's new entry-level touch model, adopting the camera and color options of the existing fifth-generation models.
The teardown analysis of the 2014 16 GB model found no significant changes from Apple's current 32 GB and 64 GB iPod touch models, which were released in 2012. This "refreshed" device includes the same components as the existing 32 GB iPod touch variant, but with half the storage.
At least, that’s the way this camera-laden, 16 GB iPod Touch came to be. We delved inside Apple’s “refreshed” device and found the same components we’d seen in Touches of yesteryear, but with 16 GB of on-board flash memory. So it’s not really that this 16 GB variant gains a camera — instead, it loses half of its 32 GB of storage.
Apple has on occasion taken the opportunity of minor product updates to test out new components, but there is little evidence of that occurring with the new iPod touch. Several of the chips have slightly different part numbers than seen on the original fifth-generation iPod touch teardown, but it is not uncommon for such components to be tweaked at times over a product's lifetime. Overall, the layout of the logic board components on the new iPod touch appears identical to that of the original fifth-generation model, providing no evidence of any significant internal changes.
Besides hardware components, the 16 GB iPod touch also shares the same poor repairability of its higher capacity counterparts. As noted in iFixit's original teardown of the fifth-generation iPod touch, the device received a 3 out of 10 repairability score because of its non-removable battery and linked components that must be replaced in groups.
Apple's fifth-generation iPod touch is recognized for its ultrathin form factor and its bright color options, but the hardware is more than a generation behind, with an A5 processor and 5-megapixel iSight camera that put the device's internals on par with the iPhone 4s.
Even with the relatively dated hardware, however, it is unclear when we should expect a more substantial upgrade for the line. Apple traditionally uses its September event to unveil new iPod hardware, but with iPod sales in decline and this recent refresh and price drop to rekindle interest in the device, it is unlikely that Apple will make further changes to its iPod touch lineup in the immediate future.
Apple has added a section for the "Best New Game Updates" on the App Store, allowing users to view recently updated titles from a number of developers. Notable updates to games were previously included in the "Best New Games" section which now includes more recently released titles.
Titles listed under the new section include Plants vs. Zombies 2, FarmVille 2, and Maleficent Free Fall, which recently received updates that added new enemy types, new animals, and new stages, respectively. Apple also appears to be showcasing a mix of titles from both major developers such as EA and smaller indie developers.
Last month, Apple rolled out a new monthly App Store section highlighting the best apps, games, and updates, joining the other highlighted sections for "App of the Week" and "Editor's Choice". Apple also debuted an "Indie Game Showcase" section on the App Store in March which showcases the best games from independent developers.
Walmart will begin selling the 16 GB iPhone 5c for $29 and 16 GB iPhone 5s for $99 with two-year contracts starting tomorrow, according to Engadget.
The retailer says that the price drop is permanent, unlike similar price drops the company has made for both the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. Walmart has discounted the phones before, dropping the price of the iPhone 5c from an initial $79 to $49 and the iPhone 5s from $199 to $149. The new price cuts discount the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s $20 and $50, respectively, from Walmart's current prices.
Pricing will also be reduced for the 32 GB variants of both phones, but it's not yet known how much they could be discounted. Walmart price cuts will take effect tomorrow at 9 am local time.
Update: Walmart has confirmed to MacRumors that the 32 GB variants of the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s will be on sale for $129 and $199 respectively, offering a $20 savings on the iPhone 5c and $50 savings on the iPhone 5s. It's unclear at this time whether the 32 GB price drops are permanent.
Apple's Podcasts app appears to be malfunctioning for many users, crashing directly after being launched on both devices running iOS 7.1.1 and devices running iOS 8 beta 2. Multiple reports of the crashes have surfaced on Twitter, and MacRumors' own testing also revealed the same crashing-after-launch issue.
While the app will temporarily open after being tapped, it closes automatically just seconds later. The Podcasts app was last updated to version 2.1.2 with minor bug fixes on May 29, so it is unclear what is causing the app to crash.
Podcasts is one of Apple's most poorly rated apps and has been widely criticized for performance issues, with users complaining about syncing problems, podcasts being deleted, and more. Apple attempted to resolve some of these issues with Podcastsversion 2.1, which introduced improved episode browsing, Siri integration, and syncing fixes, but the app continues to have a two star rating in the App Store.
As of iOS 8 beta 2, Podcasts is a default iOS app that comes pre-installed on iOS devices, meaning it can no longer be deleted. This change is expected to make its way into the public release of iOS 8, coming later this year.
The crashing issue appears to have begun this morning and it is unknown when a fix might be available.
Update 2:30 PM PT: Some users have had success turning on Airplane Mode and then opening the Podcasts app. This prevents it from crashing, and the app appears to stay open for some users after Airplane Mode is turned off, allowing it to function normally.
Update 10:00 PM PT: Users are now reporting that the Podcasts app is functioning normally once again.
Update 7/1 11:00 AM PT: The Podcasts app appears to be experiencing crashing issues once more, but the Airplane Mode fix continues to work for some users.
MOS Reach is a simple new power solution from MOS, a company that has previously released products like the magnetic MOS and MOS Menos, designed to organize cables in an intuitive way.
MOS Reach combines a three-prong power outlet and dual USB ports with a three-foot cable and a slim profile that is easy to mount on walls and surfaces, relocating power outlets that are inconveniently placed behind and under furniture.
Using adhesive, the MOS Reach can be stuck to a wall or on top of a desk, making it easier to charge iOS devices, Macs, and other electronics. It is designed to be flexible, bending and twisting around "any kind of furniture or obstruction" and it also includes magnets and MOS cable ties to keep cables attached when not plugged into a device.
Features:
- Reach gives you easy access to power outlets that are otherwise obstructed by furniture--no more crawling under desks or shimmying behind dressers to charge your devices.
- Reach has been designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and its compact size ensures that it's never in the way whether you use it on your desk, your nightstand, or your wall.
- Reach consolidates your power outlets and USB wall adapters into an attractive moveable all-in-one power solution.
- Reach helps you cut down on cable clutter by making clever use of Neodymium magnets in conjunction with MOS cable ties to keep out-of-use cables out of the way until you need them.
MOS Reach is able to charge laptops with its power port, and its two USB ports have enough capacity (3.1 amps) to charge the iPad and the iPhone. The cable is encased in a soft-touch TPE jacket that is softer than the PVC typically used, according to MOS.
The MOS Reach is available in both black and white for $25 for the first 800 backers, with prices going up to $30 after that. The MOS Reach is expected to ship in January of 2015.
POM, short for Peace of Mind, is a new Kickstarter project offering Bluetooth and GPS-based tracking tag solutions. The basic POM is a tracking device that connects to the iPhone via Bluetooth LE and attaches to all manner of things -- pets, kids, valuables, and more.
Much like similar tracking products such as Tile and Duet, the small, square-shaped Bluetooth POM tag tracks people, pets, and objects over short distances up to 300 feet. For tracking things over longer distances, there's also the Total POM, which utilizes Bluetooth, Cellular, and GPS.
POM and Total POM is a small, square tracking tag, smaller than a key fob that attaches to your dog's collar, can be worn on the wrist, or attached to your key ring or handbag. Hide it inside your purse, your computer case, your golf club bag, your suitcase, your guitar. Wear it as a bracelet for children and at-risk adults.
Both the POM and the Total POM use replaceable batteries, with the POM offering a three year battery life expectancy and the Total POM offering up to one year of battery life depending on how frequently it is used. The trackers connect to a complementary iPhone app, which offers features like sound alerts when a tagged item goes out of range and a "Last Location" option that marks the last known location of an object. The tags also include functions like leashing, an accelerometer to know if an item moves, and a temperature gauge.
There's also a POM Link, which connects to home or office internet and acts as a constant monitoring beacon to create a "protection zone" letting users know when an item goes out of range, which is particularly useful for the shorter-range Bluetooth tags.
The standard Bluetooth-based POM will retail for $25, but is available at $15 for the first 250 Kickstarter backers, and $20 for the first 500 backers. Total POM, with GPS, is available to the first 500 Kickstarter backers for $99, with one year of service included, or $120 with two years included. After the free service has ended, Total POM costs $20 per year to use.
POM Link, the base station able to keep track of POM tags, is available to backers for $249. A bracelet will also be available if a stretch goal of $250,000 is reached.
A limited number of POMs are expected to ship in December of 2014, with the rest shipping in March of 2015. The POM Link will ship in April of 2015.
Details on the devices under consideration are scant, although the company is said to be beyond the exploratory stage of product development. Apple already sells one household product in the form of the Apple TV, which Macworld's Chris Breen argues is the logical hub for HomeKit, but Apple's smart home ambitions allegedly extend beyond the living room.
The sources say that Apple is unlikely to move forward with devices to compete directly with Google’s Nest as the Cupertino-company feels it can build products that can gain usage wider than that of thermostats and smoke detectors. It is likely that Apple is building advanced speaker systems or control panels for homes, the sources say. It is possible that Apple’s recent acquisition of Beats Electronics and the audio company’s existing speaker systems play into this vision.
While Apple is expected to expand its product lineup with the iWatch, perhaps a 12-inch Retina MacBook Air and possibly a revamped Apple TV this year, the company's HomeKit-integrated hardware is thought to be further down the roadmap in Apple's future product lineup.
The third beta release of iOS 8 will not occur until Tuesday, July 8, according to a report from BGR. That timeframe would mark a three-week interval following the release of the second beta last week.
Apple commonly begins seeding versions of its major new iOS versions on roughly two-week intervals, moving to three-week intervals later in the testing period as work progresses. For example, with iOS 7 last year, the second and third betas arrived two weeks after their predecessors with the fourth beta shifting to a three-week interval. Apple did, however, then follow that with several intervals of around a week as it pushed out an urgent bug fix.
iOS 6 followed a similar pattern without the interim bug fix, seeing a two-week interval leading up to the second beta before quickly shifting to three-week intervals for the third and fourth betas.
BGR has a good, but not perfect, track record in predicting iOS beta releases, so it seems likely that there will be no iOS 8 beta release next week.
Apple will no longer continue development on its professional photography application, 
Apple's Podcasts app appears to be malfunctioning for many users, crashing directly after being launched on both devices running iOS 7.1.1 and devices running iOS 8 beta 2. Multiple reports of the crashes have 
Following a 
The third beta release of iOS 8 will not occur until Tuesday, July 8, according to a 
