Apple today released the third beta of iOS 7, which brings a number of improvements and bug fixes to the operating system. According to the release notes, double notifications have been resolved and AirPlay issues have also been fixed. 

Several other minor enhancements have been bundled into the release, as noted by our forum members: 

Redesigned Fonts - Fonts across a number of apps appear to have been tweaked to be thicker, using Helvetica Neue Regular instead of Ultra Light. This is most noticeable in the Messages app, where text appears to be bolded, but it can also be seen in the Weather app, the Notification Center, and the Settings menu. Panic co-founder @cabel hasprovided a GIF that demonstrates the differences. 

Safari - Safari has had the .com button removed and replaced with a simple period button. The .com, .net, and .org domain extensions can be accessed by holding down on the button. 

Status Bar - The Status Bar, which provides information on cellular connection strength, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and battery life has had its size slightly increased for better readability on the lock screen. 

Lock Screen - When playing music, the lock screen will now display the time. 

Music App - The Music app has seen a slight redesign with new icons and rearranged controls. Ratings have also been re-added. 

Podcasts - Apple's Podcasts app is now functional. 

Calendar - In the monthly view, the Calendar app has been updated to display small gray dots on days where events are scheduled. 

Siri - A number of MacRumors forum members have noted that Siri’s voice now sounds more natural. 

New App Download Animation - When installing an app, iOS 7 users will see a new animation that does away with download bars in favor of a more organic circular download timer. 

Control Center - The clock located in the Control Center has seen yet another redesign, this time appearing in the original dark format that was removed during beta 2 in favor of a thinly outlined version. 

Additional features in iOS 7 beta 3 will be added here as they are discovered. Apple is likely to continue pushing regular updates for iOS 7, bringing minor performance boosts and changes ahead of the operating system's public release, which is expected to come in the fall.

Apple· Beta 3· iOS 7· iOS 7 Beta 3· iPad· iPhone· iPod Touch· Safari· Thicker Fonts

iOS 7 Beta 3 Tidbits: New App Download Animation, Thicker Fonts, Safari Improvements

Apple today released the third beta of iOS 7, which brings a number of improvements and bug fixes to the operating system. According to the release notes, double notifications have been resolved and AirPlay issues have also been fixed. 

Several other minor enhancements have been bundled into the release, as noted by our forum members: 

Redesigned Fonts - Fonts across a number of apps appear to have been tweaked to be thicker, using Helvetica Neue Regular instead of Ultra Light. This is most noticeable in the Messages app, where text appears to be bolded, but it can also be seen in the Weather app, the Notification Center, and the Settings menu. Panic co-founder @cabel hasprovided a GIF that demonstrates the differences. 

Safari - Safari has had the .com button removed and replaced with a simple period button. The .com, .net, and .org domain extensions can be accessed by holding down on the button. 

Status Bar - The Status Bar, which provides information on cellular connection strength, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and battery life has had its size slightly increased for better readability on the lock screen. 

Lock Screen - When playing music, the lock screen will now display the time. 

Music App - The Music app has seen a slight redesign with new icons and rearranged controls. Ratings have also been re-added. 

Podcasts - Apple's Podcasts app is now functional. 

Calendar - In the monthly view, the Calendar app has been updated to display small gray dots on days where events are scheduled. 

Siri - A number of MacRumors forum members have noted that Siri’s voice now sounds more natural. 

New App Download Animation - When installing an app, iOS 7 users will see a new animation that does away with download bars in favor of a more organic circular download timer. 

Control Center - The clock located in the Control Center has seen yet another redesign, this time appearing in the original dark format that was removed during beta 2 in favor of a thinly outlined version. 

Additional features in iOS 7 beta 3 will be added here as they are discovered. Apple is likely to continue pushing regular updates for iOS 7, bringing minor performance boosts and changes ahead of the operating system's public release, which is expected to come in the fall.

There has been recent reports about a redesigned 'Flatter user interface in iOS 7, 9to5Mac says the next version of the operating system will lose "all signs of gloss, shine and skeuomorphism".

Jony Ive took charge of all Apple's user interface teams last October following a management shakeup.

"While the look of the updated system may be surprising to some, iOS 7 is reportedly not more difficult to use than earlier versions of software platform. There is apparently no new learning curve in the same way there was no learning curve when the iPods went color. While iOS 7 does look different, its core apps and system fundamentals (like the Lock and Home screens) mostly operate in a similar fashion to how they do today.

iOS 7 is codenamed “Innsbruck,” according to three people familiar with the OS. The interface changes include an all-new icon set for Apple’s native apps in addition to newly designed tool bars, tab bars, and other fundamental interface features across the system.

9to5Mac also said that Apple's engineers are looking to add more at-a-glance information to ios, while keeping the system easy to use for less tech-savvy customers. The article notes that Apple has looked at ideas to implement new pa
nels with swipes from the left and the right of the screen, much like how the Notification Center currently drops from above.

Apple's industrial design is the face of the company for many customers and with Ive heading up both the software and hardware teams, there could be a closer connection between the devices themselves and what users actually see on the screen going forward.

Apple· Flat· Flat Design· iOS· iOS 7· iPad· iPhone· iPhone 5· iphone 6· iPod Touch· Jony Ive

Jony Ive's 'Very, Very Flat' Design for iOS 7

There has been recent reports about a redesigned 'Flatter user interface in iOS 7, 9to5Mac says the next version of the operating system will lose "all signs of gloss, shine and skeuomorphism".

Jony Ive took charge of all Apple's user interface teams last October following a management shakeup.

"While the look of the updated system may be surprising to some, iOS 7 is reportedly not more difficult to use than earlier versions of software platform. There is apparently no new learning curve in the same way there was no learning curve when the iPods went color. While iOS 7 does look different, its core apps and system fundamentals (like the Lock and Home screens) mostly operate in a similar fashion to how they do today.

iOS 7 is codenamed “Innsbruck,” according to three people familiar with the OS. The interface changes include an all-new icon set for Apple’s native apps in addition to newly designed tool bars, tab bars, and other fundamental interface features across the system.

9to5Mac also said that Apple's engineers are looking to add more at-a-glance information to ios, while keeping the system easy to use for less tech-savvy customers. The article notes that Apple has looked at ideas to implement new pa
nels with swipes from the left and the right of the screen, much like how the Notification Center currently drops from above.

Apple's industrial design is the face of the company for many customers and with Ive heading up both the software and hardware teams, there could be a closer connection between the devices themselves and what users actually see on the screen going forward.

Changing World of Messages

The past couple of years have seen a major change in how we communicate to each other via technology, especially within mobile messaging applications. More and more of us are now using mobile messaging apps than ever before, and now statistics are showing that we use these apps more than the traditional SMS message.

Burning a Hole in the Pocket

The research company 'Informa' stated that almost 19 billion messages were sent per day on mobile applications such as Facebook messenger and Whatsapp compared to only 17.6 billion SMS messages. Even though SMS messages still play a vital part in the communication for many people, especially in deprived backgrounds where smartphones are off the list, Smartphones have been growing in popularity, with there graphic displays, wide variety of applications and utilities and there overall versatility. The pressure has then been shown in the form of a major loss of £15bn of revenue lost during the year of 2012, all because of messaging applications.

It has projected that nearly 50 billion messages will be sent per day using these apps by 2014, compared with just over 21 billion traditional SMSs.

The reason for this is that many users now are resorting to purchasing the latest smartphone to keep up with the trend, and to get the full experience of a mobile computer anywhere at anytime, therefore messaging applications are widely available on these phones so there being used to there full potential.

Mobile Companies may have a Plan up their Sleeve

However there still seems to be life within SMS messages, despite the growing gap between the competition. Maybe this is because that even though people are now using apps more than SMS, the revenue is going down in that particular area, but mobile companies such as EE, O2 and Vodafone could resort into relying on there mobile data plans, which allows users to access the internet and apps on the go, as the main source of income.

So will we see the SMS messages grind to a halt and to the point where they simply become legacy or will they keep fighting strong against there worthy opponents?

Apple· Facebook Messenger· mobile messaging· Samsung· smartphones· SMS messages· whatsapp

Messaging Apps have Taken over Traditional SMS

Changing World of Messages

The past couple of years have seen a major change in how we communicate to each other via technology, especially within mobile messaging applications. More and more of us are now using mobile messaging apps than ever before, and now statistics are showing that we use these apps more than the traditional SMS message.

Burning a Hole in the Pocket

The research company 'Informa' stated that almost 19 billion messages were sent per day on mobile applications such as Facebook messenger and Whatsapp compared to only 17.6 billion SMS messages. Even though SMS messages still play a vital part in the communication for many people, especially in deprived backgrounds where smartphones are off the list, Smartphones have been growing in popularity, with there graphic displays, wide variety of applications and utilities and there overall versatility. The pressure has then been shown in the form of a major loss of £15bn of revenue lost during the year of 2012, all because of messaging applications.

It has projected that nearly 50 billion messages will be sent per day using these apps by 2014, compared with just over 21 billion traditional SMSs.

The reason for this is that many users now are resorting to purchasing the latest smartphone to keep up with the trend, and to get the full experience of a mobile computer anywhere at anytime, therefore messaging applications are widely available on these phones so there being used to there full potential.

Mobile Companies may have a Plan up their Sleeve

However there still seems to be life within SMS messages, despite the growing gap between the competition. Maybe this is because that even though people are now using apps more than SMS, the revenue is going down in that particular area, but mobile companies such as EE, O2 and Vodafone could resort into relying on there mobile data plans, which allows users to access the internet and apps on the go, as the main source of income.

So will we see the SMS messages grind to a halt and to the point where they simply become legacy or will they keep fighting strong against there worthy opponents?

Here is the second part of the Funny Things to ask Siri! Have fun and enjoy. 


Here is the list of 50 crazy questions and comments for Siri:
1. What are you wearing?

2. What’s your favorite website?

3. What is love?

4. Beam me up, Scotty
5. Are you married?

6. Shut up!

7. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

8. What’s your favorite color?

9. Who’s your daddy?

10. What’s the answer to the Universe?

11. Guess What?

12. What is the best computer in the world?

13. Siri, who let the dogs out?

14. Scooby Doo, where are you?

15. Sing a song

16. You’re sexy

17. Best smartphone?

18. What does Siri mean?

19. What’s the best tablet?

20. Do you drink beer?

21. Why?

22. You should go on a diet

23. Do you agree with me?

24. Are you male or female?

25. You are my best friend

26. Where are you from?

27. What are you?

28. Take me to your leader

29. Tell me a story… Tell me a story… Tell me a story

30. Why am I here?

31. How old are you?

32. Please tell me something about yourself

33. What is the meaning of life?

34. Are you drunk?

35. Are you serious?

36. Testing Testing 123

37. Did you fart?

38. Do you want to play a game?

39. What’s your problem?

40. I think you’re hot

41. I love you

42. Do you love me?

43. Are you human?

44. What’s your story?

45. Can I borrow some money?

46. You’re smart

47. Where are you?

48. Are you serious?

49. How much does Apple corp. make in a week?

50. Good morning (at night)

Apple· Ask Siri· Awesome Things Two Ask Siri· Fun Stuff· Fun Things To Ask Siri· Funny things to ask siri· Jokes· Siri

50 Funny Things to ask Siri Part 2 (2013)

Here is the second part of the Funny Things to ask Siri! Have fun and enjoy. 


Here is the list of 50 crazy questions and comments for Siri:
1. What are you wearing?

2. What’s your favorite website?

3. What is love?

4. Beam me up, Scotty
5. Are you married?

6. Shut up!

7. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

8. What’s your favorite color?

9. Who’s your daddy?

10. What’s the answer to the Universe?

11. Guess What?

12. What is the best computer in the world?

13. Siri, who let the dogs out?

14. Scooby Doo, where are you?

15. Sing a song

16. You’re sexy

17. Best smartphone?

18. What does Siri mean?

19. What’s the best tablet?

20. Do you drink beer?

21. Why?

22. You should go on a diet

23. Do you agree with me?

24. Are you male or female?

25. You are my best friend

26. Where are you from?

27. What are you?

28. Take me to your leader

29. Tell me a story… Tell me a story… Tell me a story

30. Why am I here?

31. How old are you?

32. Please tell me something about yourself

33. What is the meaning of life?

34. Are you drunk?

35. Are you serious?

36. Testing Testing 123

37. Did you fart?

38. Do you want to play a game?

39. What’s your problem?

40. I think you’re hot

41. I love you

42. Do you love me?

43. Are you human?

44. What’s your story?

45. Can I borrow some money?

46. You’re smart

47. Where are you?

48. Are you serious?

49. How much does Apple corp. make in a week?

50. Good morning (at night)

The new iMac was eagerly anticipated throughout the year of 2012, I was anticipating for what felt like several years. I am an avid Apple fan, I love the majority of things that they create, and the iMac is no different. I was an owner of  a MacBook Pro before I made this purchase, I had it for two years and I felt like I needed a change.

When I purchased my MacBook way back in February 2011, I was absolutely elated with the design, and the all round quality of the product. Back then I was not as aware of computer specifications as I am now. It only had a 250GB HDD and an Intel core 2 duo running at 2.4GHz, which for back then wasn't to bad, but then 3 weeks later Apple released an upgraded model with an Intel core i5 running at 2.5GHz with the possibly of it being turbo boosted to 3.1GHz, 500GB HDD, and Intel 4000 HD graphics. I was extremely disappointed when I found this out, and truthfully wish that I had waited the extra 3 weeks or so, but unfortunately I was unaware at the time. 

In 2012 there were rumours floating around that there was going to be a re-design of the already popular iMac and it was announced in September (along with the iPad Mini) that both the 21.5 and the 27 inch iMac would undergo a huge makeover. 

The new iMac's were announced to everybody's excitement and I think that it is safe to say that nobody was disappointed with the outcome. The new iMac's are a mere 5 mm thin with a curve at the rear of the iMac so that all of the components can fit snugly in the back. I believe that this all-in-one powerhouse is without a doubt one of the (if not THE) best non-customisable computers on the market. 

Apple have altered the screen so that it is closer to the user and it feels as if the images produced are on top of you. They have also altered the screens reflectiveness, making it 70% less reflective than the previous iMac. After using it for a month both of these adjustments come in extremely handy, especially the reflectiveness when the sun is shining into my room, it is a very nice feature indeed. One of the coolest features if the 27 inch iMac is the little button within the power socket, which you press and then the RAM slot's become available for replacement. They have also included 4 USB 3.0 ports which are fantastic if you have an external HDD with USB 3.0 capabilities.  

The performance of this machine is absolutely fantastic, and received a score of 9879 on Geekbench (a piece of software used to measure performance). I purchased the top of the range £1699 model, because I wanted to use it for some casual gaming so I believed it was better to be safe and get Nvidia's GTX 675MX 1GB graphics card, which is their newest graphics chip. It is designed for laptops and is used within the new iMac due to the all new 'fitter' design. 

Specification:

All-In-One

YES

Bluetooth Information

YES

Brand

Apple

Built-in ethernet connection Information

10/100/1000

Built-in Webcam

YES

CD/DVD/Blu-ray DriveInformation

NO

Computer Software Helpline Information

Free 90 day computer support

Dimensions

H51.6 x W65.0 x D20.3cm

Eligible for International Delivery

NO

Entertainment

YES

Gaming

NO

Graphics card Information

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX

Graphics card - video RAM Information

1GB

Hard drive Information

1TB

High Performance

YES

Included

Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse

Memory card slot Information

SD, SDXC

Model name / number

MD096B/A

Monitor Information

27 inch widescreen LED-backlit display

Operating system Information

Mac OS X Mountain Lion

Processor Information

Intel Core i5 3rd generation

Processor speed Information

3.2GHz up to 3.6GHz with Turbo Boost

Processor Type

Intel Core i5

RAM

8GB

Screen Resolution Information

2560 x 1440

Slimline

NO

Stereo Speakers Type

Built-in

Thunderbolt Ports

2

Touch Screen

NO

Tower

NO

TV tuner card Information

NO

USB ports Information

4x USB 3.0

Weight

9.5kg

Wireless networking

802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking;2 IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible

(From the John Lewis Website 'Click Here')

Overall the new iMac is wonderful piece of kit, for many people the 'Apple' name is just for exclusivity and I can understand why with the hefty price tag that comes with the 27 inch model. But if you seriously look at the other all in one competitors, Apple is without a doubt the best option to go for. The reasons are the build quality, the aesthetics, the performance, the reliability, and if anything does go wrong, the service you will receive from Apple. The fact that there is not a CD drive may put some people off, but you really need to ask yourself 'How many times do I use the CD drive on my computer?' Eventually CD's will become redundant and Apple are aware of this and they are ahead of every other competitor, so they have not included a CD drive on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and the new iMac.

I have absolutely no complaints with the new iMac, any game that I play, I can play to ultra settings (Day-Z, Left 4 Dead 2, Counter Strike GO, Team Fortress 2) and rendering videos is extremely quick. I have no regrets paying the price that I did and would not change my decision to purchase one any day of the week. Even when I play games on ultra settings the fan barely makes a sound, which is a fantastic for someone who likes their silence. I would give the iMac a 10/10, I've had it for a month and I fell in love with it from day one. It does everything I ask it to and more, at first I thought it may be a risky purchase, but I could not have been more wrong. Obviously those reading may disagree with my opinion, so if you do, feel free to comment below voicing your own opinion.

Thanks for reading, as always it is much appreciated!

27· 680GTX· all· Apple· awesome· i5· iMac· in· inch· intercore· new· Nvidia· one· stevejobs· Technology

27 inch iMac review

The new iMac was eagerly anticipated throughout the year of 2012, I was anticipating for what felt like several years. I am an avid Apple fan, I love the majority of things that they create, and the iMac is no different. I was an owner of  a MacBook Pro before I made this purchase, I had it for two years and I felt like I needed a change.

When I purchased my MacBook way back in February 2011, I was absolutely elated with the design, and the all round quality of the product. Back then I was not as aware of computer specifications as I am now. It only had a 250GB HDD and an Intel core 2 duo running at 2.4GHz, which for back then wasn't to bad, but then 3 weeks later Apple released an upgraded model with an Intel core i5 running at 2.5GHz with the possibly of it being turbo boosted to 3.1GHz, 500GB HDD, and Intel 4000 HD graphics. I was extremely disappointed when I found this out, and truthfully wish that I had waited the extra 3 weeks or so, but unfortunately I was unaware at the time. 

In 2012 there were rumours floating around that there was going to be a re-design of the already popular iMac and it was announced in September (along with the iPad Mini) that both the 21.5 and the 27 inch iMac would undergo a huge makeover. 

The new iMac's were announced to everybody's excitement and I think that it is safe to say that nobody was disappointed with the outcome. The new iMac's are a mere 5 mm thin with a curve at the rear of the iMac so that all of the components can fit snugly in the back. I believe that this all-in-one powerhouse is without a doubt one of the (if not THE) best non-customisable computers on the market. 

Apple have altered the screen so that it is closer to the user and it feels as if the images produced are on top of you. They have also altered the screens reflectiveness, making it 70% less reflective than the previous iMac. After using it for a month both of these adjustments come in extremely handy, especially the reflectiveness when the sun is shining into my room, it is a very nice feature indeed. One of the coolest features if the 27 inch iMac is the little button within the power socket, which you press and then the RAM slot's become available for replacement. They have also included 4 USB 3.0 ports which are fantastic if you have an external HDD with USB 3.0 capabilities.  

The performance of this machine is absolutely fantastic, and received a score of 9879 on Geekbench (a piece of software used to measure performance). I purchased the top of the range £1699 model, because I wanted to use it for some casual gaming so I believed it was better to be safe and get Nvidia's GTX 675MX 1GB graphics card, which is their newest graphics chip. It is designed for laptops and is used within the new iMac due to the all new 'fitter' design. 

Specification:

All-In-One

YES

Bluetooth Information

YES

Brand

Apple

Built-in ethernet connection Information

10/100/1000

Built-in Webcam

YES

CD/DVD/Blu-ray DriveInformation

NO

Computer Software Helpline Information

Free 90 day computer support

Dimensions

H51.6 x W65.0 x D20.3cm

Eligible for International Delivery

NO

Entertainment

YES

Gaming

NO

Graphics card Information

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX

Graphics card - video RAM Information

1GB

Hard drive Information

1TB

High Performance

YES

Included

Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse

Memory card slot Information

SD, SDXC

Model name / number

MD096B/A

Monitor Information

27 inch widescreen LED-backlit display

Operating system Information

Mac OS X Mountain Lion

Processor Information

Intel Core i5 3rd generation

Processor speed Information

3.2GHz up to 3.6GHz with Turbo Boost

Processor Type

Intel Core i5

RAM

8GB

Screen Resolution Information

2560 x 1440

Slimline

NO

Stereo Speakers Type

Built-in

Thunderbolt Ports

2

Touch Screen

NO

Tower

NO

TV tuner card Information

NO

USB ports Information

4x USB 3.0

Weight

9.5kg

Wireless networking

802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking;2 IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible

(From the John Lewis Website 'Click Here')

Overall the new iMac is wonderful piece of kit, for many people the 'Apple' name is just for exclusivity and I can understand why with the hefty price tag that comes with the 27 inch model. But if you seriously look at the other all in one competitors, Apple is without a doubt the best option to go for. The reasons are the build quality, the aesthetics, the performance, the reliability, and if anything does go wrong, the service you will receive from Apple. The fact that there is not a CD drive may put some people off, but you really need to ask yourself 'How many times do I use the CD drive on my computer?' Eventually CD's will become redundant and Apple are aware of this and they are ahead of every other competitor, so they have not included a CD drive on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and the new iMac.

I have absolutely no complaints with the new iMac, any game that I play, I can play to ultra settings (Day-Z, Left 4 Dead 2, Counter Strike GO, Team Fortress 2) and rendering videos is extremely quick. I have no regrets paying the price that I did and would not change my decision to purchase one any day of the week. Even when I play games on ultra settings the fan barely makes a sound, which is a fantastic for someone who likes their silence. I would give the iMac a 10/10, I've had it for a month and I fell in love with it from day one. It does everything I ask it to and more, at first I thought it may be a risky purchase, but I could not have been more wrong. Obviously those reading may disagree with my opinion, so if you do, feel free to comment below voicing your own opinion.

Thanks for reading, as always it is much appreciated!

Japanese blog Macotakara reports that Apple's plans for a lower-cost iPhone have now been pushed back to 2014, with the company reportedly planning to use a polycarbonate body similar to that seen on the discontinue white plastic MacBook. Apple is said to be targeting a price of $330 for unsubsidised models, significantly lowering the cost of entry in markets where carrier subsidise are uncommon.

the lower cost iPhone is said to include a bigger screen (4.5-inch). Apple has been rumoured to be developing both a larger and cheaper iPhone models, although most observers have expected the lower-cost iPhone to adopt a screen size in line with either the iPhone 4S or perhaps the iPhone 5 in order to help Apple save on costs. Digitimes last month was the first source to claim that the lower-cost iPhone would carry a larger screen with a launch later this year, but it later backtracked from those claims in nothing that a larger iPhone would not launch this year.

Macotakara suggests that the plastic iPhone will measure somewhat thicker than the iPhone 5 given the thicker material being used for the casing, but that the device will otherwise be very similar to the current design.

4.5 inch display· Apple· iPhone· iphone 6· Rumours

Apple's Polycarbonate iPhone with 4.5-Inch Display Arriving for $330 in 2014

Japanese blog Macotakara reports that Apple's plans for a lower-cost iPhone have now been pushed back to 2014, with the company reportedly planning to use a polycarbonate body similar to that seen on the discontinue white plastic MacBook. Apple is said to be targeting a price of $330 for unsubsidised models, significantly lowering the cost of entry in markets where carrier subsidise are uncommon.

the lower cost iPhone is said to include a bigger screen (4.5-inch). Apple has been rumoured to be developing both a larger and cheaper iPhone models, although most observers have expected the lower-cost iPhone to adopt a screen size in line with either the iPhone 4S or perhaps the iPhone 5 in order to help Apple save on costs. Digitimes last month was the first source to claim that the lower-cost iPhone would carry a larger screen with a launch later this year, but it later backtracked from those claims in nothing that a larger iPhone would not launch this year.

Macotakara suggests that the plastic iPhone will measure somewhat thicker than the iPhone 5 given the thicker material being used for the casing, but that the device will otherwise be very similar to the current design.

Probably one of the quickest updated from Apple is iTunes 11.0.1, that has just been released into the wild. The software's first noticeable update is making its way into OS X's Software Update. While only bumping it to v11.0.1, the refresh adds the ability to easily weed out duplicate iTunes in users' library's. A feature that was - for some reason removed in the original move from iTunes 10 to iTunes 11. There are other bug fixes that we have been told of. iTunes 11.0.1 solves an issue where "purchases in iCloud may not appear in a user's library if iTunes Match is turned on," makes the program as a whole more responsive when sifting though a vast music library, and solves a spanner in the works where the AirPlay button may not "appear as expected." For those eager enough, a simple refresh of Software Update should have you on your way to a little newness.

AirPlay· Apple· iCloud· iTunes· iTunes 11· Software· update

iTunes 11.0.1 update: Revives Duplicate Song Tool and more!

Probably one of the quickest updated from Apple is iTunes 11.0.1, that has just been released into the wild. The software's first noticeable update is making its way into OS X's Software Update. While only bumping it to v11.0.1, the refresh adds the ability to easily weed out duplicate iTunes in users' library's. A feature that was - for some reason removed in the original move from iTunes 10 to iTunes 11. There are other bug fixes that we have been told of. iTunes 11.0.1 solves an issue where "purchases in iCloud may not appear in a user's library if iTunes Match is turned on," makes the program as a whole more responsive when sifting though a vast music library, and solves a spanner in the works where the AirPlay button may not "appear as expected." For those eager enough, a simple refresh of Software Update should have you on your way to a little newness.

Google's awaited new maps app has finally hit the App store for iPhone. Some iOS 6 users are still unhappy because there is no way to make Google's Maps app the default maps app.

The new Google Maps also offeres a number of enhancements beyond what was offered when it powered the built-in Maps app on iOS 5 and earlier, most notably turn-by-turn directions. The absense of that feature from the built-in Maps had been a big let down for the two companies, with its absence putting iOS at a disadvantage relative to Android and Google unwilling to add the feature to Maps for iOS unless Apple made concessions such as greater Google branding within the app and integration with Google Latitude.

"Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more. Use Google Maps to discover great places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and reviews from people you trust. Sign in to save your favorite places and quickly access all your past searches and directions from your computer, right on your phone."

A number of reports had indicated that Google was working toward submission of its standalone Maps app, but some Google employees were reportedly pessimistic about its chances of approval. [Google Maps iTunes Link]

Apple· Google· Google Maps· iOS· iOS 6· iPhone· iPhone 5· Release

Google Maps Now Out for iPhone (iPad Version Coming soon)

Google's awaited new maps app has finally hit the App store for iPhone. Some iOS 6 users are still unhappy because there is no way to make Google's Maps app the default maps app.

The new Google Maps also offeres a number of enhancements beyond what was offered when it powered the built-in Maps app on iOS 5 and earlier, most notably turn-by-turn directions. The absense of that feature from the built-in Maps had been a big let down for the two companies, with its absence putting iOS at a disadvantage relative to Android and Google unwilling to add the feature to Maps for iOS unless Apple made concessions such as greater Google branding within the app and integration with Google Latitude.

"Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more. Use Google Maps to discover great places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and reviews from people you trust. Sign in to save your favorite places and quickly access all your past searches and directions from your computer, right on your phone."

A number of reports had indicated that Google was working toward submission of its standalone Maps app, but some Google employees were reportedly pessimistic about its chances of approval. [Google Maps iTunes Link]

As some of you may know, Tim Cook shared that television was an area of "intense interest" for apple, stoking the rumor mill once more that the company will come out with a TV at some point. Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty shared results from a proprietary survey that had 1,568 U.S. heads of household in the survey from September. Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt shares some of the results of the survey. 

"11% of respondents said they would be "extremely interested" in buying an Apple-branded TV set, which translates into 13 million units in the U.S. alone. 36% said they would be "somewhat interested," which could translate into another 43 million units.
The 47% who were either "extremely" or "somewhat" interested is more than twice the 23% who said they were interested in buying an iPhone and the 21% who were interested in an iPad before either of those products were released.Respondents who owned at least one Apple device were nearly four times more interested in buying an iTV that those who did not.
46% of respondents were willing to pay over $1,000 for an iTV and 10% were willing to pay over $2,000. On average, respondents were willing to pony up $1,060, a 20% premium over the the average $884 they paid for their current TV set."

Huberty also calls out three strategies for Apple to fix television. THe company could become a "full-blown virtual cable service provider"; partner with existing pay-TV carriers and replace their set-top box with its own; or Apple could even "bundle the TV set with its existing Apple TV" box.

Apple· Apple TV· Katy Huberty· Rumours

Stanley's Katy Huberty: Apple Could Easily Sell 13 Million Televisions

As some of you may know, Tim Cook shared that television was an area of "intense interest" for apple, stoking the rumor mill once more that the company will come out with a TV at some point. Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty shared results from a proprietary survey that had 1,568 U.S. heads of household in the survey from September. Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt shares some of the results of the survey. 

"11% of respondents said they would be "extremely interested" in buying an Apple-branded TV set, which translates into 13 million units in the U.S. alone. 36% said they would be "somewhat interested," which could translate into another 43 million units.
The 47% who were either "extremely" or "somewhat" interested is more than twice the 23% who said they were interested in buying an iPhone and the 21% who were interested in an iPad before either of those products were released.Respondents who owned at least one Apple device were nearly four times more interested in buying an iTV that those who did not.
46% of respondents were willing to pay over $1,000 for an iTV and 10% were willing to pay over $2,000. On average, respondents were willing to pony up $1,060, a 20% premium over the the average $884 they paid for their current TV set."

Huberty also calls out three strategies for Apple to fix television. THe company could become a "full-blown virtual cable service provider"; partner with existing pay-TV carriers and replace their set-top box with its own; or Apple could even "bundle the TV set with its existing Apple TV" box.

AllThingsD is reporting that contrary to earlier reports that Apple and Microsoft were arguing over a 30% cut of storage upgrade sales through Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage utility, instead the companies are negotiating over revenue Microsoft would bring in as part of its Office 365 subscription service.

Office has long been a cash cow for Microsoft and extending the platform to iOS will undoubtedly fatten it further. It will also bring significant benefits to Apple’s mobile platform, ones for which Microsoft feels it is owed a discount on that 30 percent cut that Apple would otherwise command on Office 365 subscriptions sold to iOS users through it. The apps are just part of a subscription that includes desktop access.
So the company has been pushing Apple to adjust the 70/30 revenue split in its developer license agreement. Predictably, Apple has refused to comply. It’s not yet clear what sort of concession Microsoft is seeking, but whatever it is, Apple’s evidently not willing to consider it. Indeed, I’m told it’s taken a “the rules are the rules” stance, which would suggest it’s not at all willing to negotiate a different split. Apple’s position: If a customer comes through its gateway, it feels it is deserved the commission outlined in 11.12 of its developer license.

Apple, for its part, says that App Store rules are fair and are applied equally to all developers, big and small.

Office for iOS has been rumored several times over the past year, but now seems closer to fruition than ever -- if Apple and Microsoft can come to some agreement. Yesterday, Microsoft leaked references to 'Office Mobile for iPhone', 'Excel for iPad', and 'PowerPoint for iPad'.

Apple· Battle· iOS· Microsoft· Monsters· Revenues· Skydrive· Subscriptions

Apple vs Microsoft: iOS Subscription Revenues

AllThingsD is reporting that contrary to earlier reports that Apple and Microsoft were arguing over a 30% cut of storage upgrade sales through Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage utility, instead the companies are negotiating over revenue Microsoft would bring in as part of its Office 365 subscription service.

Office has long been a cash cow for Microsoft and extending the platform to iOS will undoubtedly fatten it further. It will also bring significant benefits to Apple’s mobile platform, ones for which Microsoft feels it is owed a discount on that 30 percent cut that Apple would otherwise command on Office 365 subscriptions sold to iOS users through it. The apps are just part of a subscription that includes desktop access.
So the company has been pushing Apple to adjust the 70/30 revenue split in its developer license agreement. Predictably, Apple has refused to comply. It’s not yet clear what sort of concession Microsoft is seeking, but whatever it is, Apple’s evidently not willing to consider it. Indeed, I’m told it’s taken a “the rules are the rules” stance, which would suggest it’s not at all willing to negotiate a different split. Apple’s position: If a customer comes through its gateway, it feels it is deserved the commission outlined in 11.12 of its developer license.

Apple, for its part, says that App Store rules are fair and are applied equally to all developers, big and small.

Office for iOS has been rumored several times over the past year, but now seems closer to fruition than ever -- if Apple and Microsoft can come to some agreement. Yesterday, Microsoft leaked references to 'Office Mobile for iPhone', 'Excel for iPad', and 'PowerPoint for iPad'.