Saturday, April 20, 2019

Deal: Apple Watch Series 3 price drops below $200 at Walmart

Deal: Apple Watch Series 3 price drops below $200 at Walmart

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Deal: Apple Watch Series 3 price drops below $200 at Walmart



The previous generation Apple Watch is back on sale, and for a very good price we might
 add. The cheapest Apple Watch Series 3 usually sells for $280, but it lacks cellular connectivity and, of course, comes in a smaller size (32mm). 

Well, Walmart now offers the Apple Watch Series 3 (32mm) for just $199, so you'll be saving $80 if you buy it during the promotion. The larger 42mm model is on sale as well, but you'll have to come up with $230 upfront to get one, exactly $80 off the MSRP.

Both Apple Watch Series 3 models come in two color versions – Space Gray/Black and White for the 32mm version, as well as Black Gray and Silver/White for the 42mm variant. The deals are available online and at Walmart's brick and mortar stores, but you'll have to check whether or not you'll find it at the nearest store.

Despite the fact that Apple has already released a new smartwatch, the previous model is still a solid choice for those who want to own one, especially now that it's on sale more often than not. Don't forget to check out our full Apple Watch Series 3 review for in-depth details about the wearable device.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

 Mom destroys her kids' Apple iPhone 5c by blasting it with a gun and crushing it with a sledgehammer

Mom destroys her kids' Apple iPhone 5c by blasting it with a gun and crushing it with a sledgehammer

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Remember when parents would punish their kids by grounding them, or cutting their allowance? Modern times call for new plays in the parental punishment playbook. For example, one Southern mom was really ticked about a few things that her kids did, and was obviously determined to teach them a lesson. While someone records the whole thing, this mother verbally attacks that online Satan known as social media. "I hereby denounce the effects that social media have on my children. Their disobedience and their disrespect." 

So Annie Oakley takes aim at her kids' Apple iPhone 5c , perched on top of a tree stump. One quick blast from dear sweet-old mom's long gun, and that handset is history. Her kids, understandably, are upset. We can only imagine that their iPhone was the only thing that allowed them to communicate with the civilized world. And now, their mom took that away from them. So the kids flip off their mother on camera. "I refuse to be cursed," she says. "I refused to be disobeyed. I take back my role as your parent." She fires at the iPhone again, and scores another direct hit.


An emasculated male, the guy who has been filming the whole frightening mess, picks up the pieces of what was once a working smartphone and gathers them on the tree stump. And this time, mom's firearm has been replaced by a sledgehammer. Holding it up to the sky as though she was getting it powered with the divine strength of the almighty, she bellows out, "My children's lives are more important to me than any electronic on this earth."

Here we learn about some of the transgressions committed by her offspring. They contacted people that mom doesn't know (no doubt asking to be taken away from this nut house they live in), they got involved in drama that they didn't need to be involved in, and were getting in trouble at school for having their phones out. And she effectively uses her new weapon to smash the iPhone into little pieces. "I'm done," she says as she walks away, either unconcerned or unaware about the ten tons of psychological damage she just inflicted on her kids.



Kids look on as mom destroys their Apple iPhone 5c

1. Momma carries a big gun

2. This iPhone 5c is a sitting duck

3. Ow! That has gotta hurt

4. The leftover pieces are gathered...

5. ...as the kids mourn the loss of their iPhone

6. The firearm is replaced by a sledgehammer

7. The iPhone is crushed into little bits

8. I'm done
source: DailyMail via CNET
 ome of the rumored new features for iOS 10 include new emoji and hideable apps

ome of the rumored new features for iOS 10 include new emoji and hideable apps

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Apple has yet to announce the dates of this year's WWDC conference. Based on the scheduling of events at the usual venue, San Francisco's Moscone West, it would appear that this year's conference could take place from June 13th to June 17th. And we should see the unveiling of iOS 10 during WWDC.

One of the apps in iOS 10 expected to receive a major refresh is the Photos app. There is some talk that iOS users will be able to edit EXIF data and specific areas of a photo directly from within the app. And Face Detection could also be making its way to the app. While that might be exciting to some, more important to others is an agreement with Unicode that will allow Apple to add 74 more emoji in the new build of Apple's mobile OS. 


One exciting new feature might have been foreshadowed by Apple CEO Tim Cook last September. Back then, Cook hinted that certain apps that come pre-installed on iOS could be hidden or uninstalled by users. Seven months ago, Cook said that some apps, if removed from iOS, could negatively impact other important apps. Other apps aren't like that, he noted. "So over time, I think with the ones that aren't like that, we'll figure out a way." Apple might have discovered a way. Just the other day, the topic came up again when code was discovered in iTunes that mentioned hideable apps.

We should see a beta version of iOS 10 released right after the new iOS build is announced at WWDC in June. Release of iOS 10 should take place in September.







New emoji is rumored to be coming to iOS 10

source: RedmondPie
 Update to Lookout's iOS app makes sure that you never leave your iPhone behind

Update to Lookout's iOS app makes sure that you never leave your iPhone behind

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You know that sinking feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you can't find your smartphone? An update to the iOS version of mobile security app Lookout could prevent this from happening to an iPhone user. The update adds Apple Watch support with a feature that will keep an eye out on the specific iPhone that is paired to the Watch.

With this feature, your Apple Watch can show a visual on its screen showing how close or far away you are from your iPhone. And you can arrange to have your iPhone make a loud "scream" to help you find it once it drops out of the range of Lookout's Apple Watch app. Both the watch and the handset must be sharing the same Wi-Fi connection. If the worse case scenario happens and you misplace your iPhone, your Apple Watch can reveal to you the last known GPS coordinates of your phone. 


These are pretty useful features for the Lookout app since they really can prevent you from losing your iPhone, or finding it once it is gone. Make sure that you have the latest version of Lookout installed on your iOS flavored handset, and load up your Apple Watch with the Lookout app as well. Do this and you won't be worried about leaving your iPhone behind again.


view as slideshow »
With the update to the Lookout iOS app, the Apple Watch can keep tabs of your iPhone

1. New Apple Watch feature from Lookout can keep track of your iPhone

2. The latest GPS coordinates of your iPhone can be displayed on your Apple Watch (on right)
source: Lookout (iOS) via RedmondPie

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

 Apple exterminates Siri lock screen bug with server side fix

Apple exterminates Siri lock screen bug with server side fix

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Yesterday, we told you about a Siri search bug that allowed someone borrowing an Apple iPhone 6s or Apple iPhone 6s Plus, to break into the Contacts or Photos apps. This would be accomplished by asking Siri to do a Twitter search. If Siri is enabled to integrate with Twitter, and you use 3D Touch, breaking into the Contacts app is as simple as tapping on "Add to existing contacts." From there, getting into the Photos app is a snap. Following this process keeps the hacker from having to unlock an iPhone by punching in the passcode.

Instead of sending out a software update to fix the issue, Apple has already made a server-side fix that shuts the door on this exploit. Now, those following the process that allowed them to break into the Contacts and Photos apps of a vulnerable iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, will be prompted for information that will verify their identity, or stop them from advancing any farther.


We imagine that Apple decided that after rolling out iOS 9.3 and quickly following with iOS 9.3.1, that it would look better from a public relations standpoint not to send out another software update so soon. After all, iOS 9.3.1 was sent out just six days after iOS 9.3 to fix a problem that caused app links to freeze, hang or crash. And a new update to iOS 9.3.2 would have been sent out just seven days later. 

Instead, Apple went with the server side fix. The most important thing though, is that the Siri search bug has been exterminated. For Apple, the fact that it was able to do this without alerting the public is just an additional plus.

source: RedmondPie
 Watch a Marvel and DC Comics illustrator do what he does best with an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil

Watch a Marvel and DC Comics illustrator do what he does best with an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil

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There's nothing like starting things off with some fine art! And as far as we're concerned, it can't possibly get better than having mr. Jim Lee himself – a comic book illustrator of Marvel, DC Comics and Image Comics fame – test-drive his iPad Pro and Apple Pencil by drawing Batman and the Joker! Needless to say, the photos and videos he published on Instagram are nothing short of awesome! If they don't put iPad Pros in the hands of budding comic book artists, we don't know what else will. Anyway, Jim Lee used Procreate, a $6 drawing app available in the Apple App Store. What you're seeing came straight out of the app.


While we aren't artists or anything, we're quite impressed with how the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil bridge the analog and digital drawing domain. Yes, tablets for drawing aren't anything new and never seen before. But the iPad can be taken anywhere, the stylus works like an actual drawing tool, and the device's power and connectivity let you share and collaborate on your work in real time! No wonder design houses around the world have been picking these up like hot cakes!

So, there you have it – Mr. Lee, an iPad Pro, and the results – a sight to behold! The Procreate app can be downloaded here, and the videos are available on Jim Lee's Instagram.



 

1. Batman

2. The Joker


via iMore

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Siri search bug allows others to get into your Contacts and Photos without knowing the passcode

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A flaw has been discovered on the iPhone's virtual voice-activated personal assistant Siri. With this bug, someone in possession of your iPhone could get into your Contacts or your Photos without having to punch in a passcode. The bug affects Apple iPhone 6s and Apple iPhone 6s Plus models that are set up to allow Siri to search their Twitter account and Photos app.

To see the flaw in action, open Siri and ask Siri to do a Twitter search. If the search results contain data found in contacts, like an email address, use 3D Touch to click on "Add to Existing Contact." Not only does that bring up the Contacts list, that list can also be used to access the Photos on your phone.


You can prevent this from happening to you by disabling Siri's Twitter and Photos integration. All you need to do is go to Settings > Twitter and turn off Siri. Once that is done, go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and again, disable Siri. 

We should point out that the first time you use Siri to search Twitter, you will have to verify that you own the phone via a correct passcode entry, or by using Touch ID. Once that has been completed, those knowing about the bug will be able to break into Contacts and Photos using the flaw as seen in the video below.
source: videosdebarraquito via AppleInsider

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Siri's response to "I was raped" has been changed to a more helpful response

Siri's response to "I was raped" has been changed to a more helpful response

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Siri will now give a rape victim information on where to get help
Siri will now give a rape victim inform
ation on where to get help

Last month, we told you how Siri, S Voice,  Google Now and Cortana were woefully lacking when it came to their responses during a medical crisis. For example, when Siri was told in a test run for a JAMA article that "I was raped," the virtual voice-activated personal assistant responded by suggesting an online search. That was also the response from Google Now and S Voice. Only Cortana provided a phone number to a sexual abuse hotline.

Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Google were contacted by the authors of the study. The tech titans were given suggestions on how to improve the responses of their virtual personal assistants to statements about domestic violence and sexual assault. Experts suggest that victims have their feelings validated and be given resources to use. Apple says that since March 17th, two days after we told you about the JAMA article, it reprogrammed Siri's response to rape.

Now, when someone says to Siri "I was raped," the voice-activated virtual personal assistant will respond with the following: "If you think you have experienced sexual abuse or assault, you may want to reach out to someone at the National Sexual Assault Hotline." Siri then adds, "Go to online.rainn.org," which is the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

Dr. Eleni Linos, an associate professor with the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, said that Apple's response shows that it is listening and paying attention. Samsung said that it is taking the issues raised by JAMA seriously, and has already made changes to S Voice. "We are constantly improving our S Voice feature and will continue to update the service on an ongoing basis," a Samsung spokesman said.

"It shows [that Apple is] listening and paying attention and responding. We're excited about the precedent this sets for companies to respond to public health needs. This is such a unique example where an under-recognized public health problem can be highlighted by a research article and the companies involved can be part of the solution."-Dr. Eleni Linos, associate professor, University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine

source: CNN
Apple expects to discover the FBI's new method to unlock the iPhone

Apple expects to discover the FBI's new method to unlock the iPhone

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Now that the FBI has discovered a way to unlock Syed Farook's Apple iPhone 5c without Cupertino's help, the law enforcement agency has become the belle of the ball. As we told you last week, numerous police agencies are asking the FBI to help them open an iPhone that they feel might contain evidence. For example, the Conway Police Department in Arkansas is going to use the resources of the FBI to unlock an Apple iPhone and Apple iPod touch related to a double murder.

Regardless of whether the FBI responds to Apple's request to spill the beans over how it unlocked Farook's handset, the smart money says that Apple will soon figure out the FBI's magic trick and quickly put the kibosh on it through a software update. Apple needs to issue a fix to close the vulnerability used by the FBI. If this code becomes public, every iPhone owner on the planet will be in danger of having personal information stored on the device hacked. Ironically, this is the exact reason why Tim Cook was so adamant against developing a special version of the iOS for the government to use to unlock the San Bernardino terrorist's iPhone.


Apple might have a chance to learn how the FBI unlocked the Apple iPhone 5c through a court case in New York involving an Apple iPhone 5s belonging to a drug dealer. If the case continues, Apple is expected to use the discovery phase of the trial to demand that the information be turned over to its attorneys.

Some believe that Israeli software company Cellebrite, the manufacturer of machines used to move contacts and other data from one phone to a new one, is behind the FBI's new found powers. The day that the FBI announced that it had unlocked the deceased terrorist's phone without Apple's help, a $15,000 contract between Cellebrite and the FBI was discovered online.

source: Reuters

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

7 basic smartphone features that the iPhone does better than Androids

7 basic smartphone features that the iPhone does better than Androids

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7 basic smartphone features that the iPhone does better than Androids


So I recently switched to an iPhone 6s after several months spent between the Sony Xperia Z5 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. There's no particular reason for the switch, other than I wanted to check with Apple and see how things are going with its latest flagship. The more compact form factor was also welcome.

Now, it's important to understand that, at heart, I'm an Android guy. I've been using Androids for years, and while I've obviously switched to iOS in the past, it's always been for a quickie or two, rather than a permanent switch. I always came back. So my last real touch to an iPhone was my 3Gback in 2010. That's a long, long time in tech years. A lot has changed.

In any case, the switch is full of revelations. You find some stuff you like, others that you don't, and some that you feel Apple or team Android has implemented better. It's a highly personal process in that we all have our idiosyncrasies, which is also why I'm calling this an editorial. It's personal opinion. That said, I still consider the below examples of superior iPhone functionality to be fairly objective in that they offer a better user experience. And by the way, lest I step on anybody's toes, I'll be doing the reverse next week and talk about stuff that Apple could learn from its competitors.

Let's begin.


LG G5 (LG UX) vs Samsung Galaxy S7 (TouchWiz) vs Apple iPhone 6s (iOS 9): how they differ visually

LG G5 (LG UX) vs Samsung Galaxy S7 (TouchWiz) vs Apple iPhone 6s (iOS 9): how they differ visually

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LG G5 (LG UX) vs Samsung Galaxy S7 (TouchWiz) vs Apple iPhone 6s (iOS 9): how they differ visually
A smartphone's design and build quality are unquestionably important. Nobody wants a phone that feels awkward and gets damaged easily. But at the heart of each and every unit is the user experience, which can quite literally make or break a device. The interface completes a manufacturer's vision for what its product is supposed to mean to you. It's also the mediator between all that amazing hardware packed inside your smartphone and your intentions. If the interface is lacking – unsightly, confusing, jittery, and otherwise unreliable – you simply won't bother using the device in your hand, no matter how perfectly polished of a rectangle it seems to be.

SMARTPHONE INTERFACES HAVE MATURED QUITE A BIT, BUT THEY STILL HAVE WAYS TO GO.

Thankfully, this isn't the case with any of the three top-shelf smartphones we've lined up here – the LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7, and Apple iPhone 6s. Not only are they among the finest-looking, best-handling handsets available on the market, but each one is pretty much a breeze to use thanks to the combination of fast hardware and a polished user experience. Different as they are in terms of graphic design and organization, LG UX, Samsung TouchWiz, and Apple iOS 9 do share a common goal, which is presenting a wealth of functionality in a straightforward fashion. Featuring plenty of eye candy and being easy to get around, each is a delightful example of modern-day mobile computing.

To give you an idea of how they compare with each other, we took matching screenshots from each smartphone and put them side-by-side. This way, you can easily see what they have to offer in terms of graphics and basic organisation. We won't be making any judgement here, although you can read our user experience impressions in the smartphone reviews that we've published.