Greetings_Rob,
With the opening kickoff of the NFL season at hand, it seemed appropriate for Tii to have a helmet. So I used my iPad to snag a screenshot of the KC Chiefs helmet and used the free DrawCast app to remove the Chiefs logo. A quick swipe of my finger via the DoodleBuddy app to tag the helmet with Tii branding and Vella! Tii is ready to tee it up!
Regards,
Dr. John M
Gilbert, AZ
=====================
Transcript for Episode 281
-----------------------------------
0009 - Apple sends invites for September event: iPhone 5S on deck, what we know so far | ZDNet
As expected and I think predicted way back in July on this show Apple sent out invites on Tuesday Sept 3rd to the next Apple event - which will be on Sept 10th - as also widely believed. So nothing shocking with the invite. I actually think it would have been much more shocking had it not happened when it did.
So we can now say it is official - Septembers special events torch has been firmly passed from the iPod line to the iPhone line. Well ok - it was passed last year - but still. now we can say it.
0009 - Apple To Host Special Event Sept. 10 With Invite Hinting At Colorful New iPhones - Forbes
Lets go to the email bag on this.
Hi Rob,
I know there is always special meaning behind the pictures in Apple's announcements. Many tech sites are saying their latest announcement resembles the default wallpaper in iOS 7, which will be released soon, and likely that same day.
Some say that it may be an indicator of the iPhone 5s being available in more than the standard two colors, or even the iPhone 5c being available at all.
One thing that nobody seems to have picked up on, though, is that to me the picture looks like that of a screen in landscape mode, but it has an aspect ratio that is wrong for the iPhone 5. The aspect ratio is the same as an iPad so could they be hinting at new models? Since the logo is in landscape mode, I thought about the MacBook Pro, but they aren't using that photo anywhere else for Mavericks.
Let the speculation begin, it will make sense on Tuesday.
Myron U
Hi Myron - I think the message is write in the text.
"This should brighten everyone's day."
As in a brighter flash for pictures.
Or maybe it means their is a new screen that is more readable in bright sunlight.
And if you look closely at the image and the bubbles what about the "S" you can draw between the bubbles to the right of the Apple logo - clearly that means something too? Right?
Hey and why are there only two Green, two yellow, two red, two dark blue and two orange circles - but there are 4 White, 4 purple and 4 light blue ones and why is there just one Violet and one Lime Green circles - what does that mean?
Hmmm
http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/06/apple-may-differentiate-iphone-5s-fingerprint-scanning-home-button-with-silver-ring
And well Thanks John for the heads up on this next one.
Which is about a silver ring around the home button of the 5S - which hey don't a few of those bubbles on the invite look like that. Actually Yes - Yes they do - and 4 of them to be precise - so there are exactly 4 circles in the invite that look like the silver ring being rumored for the 5S - and there are rumored to be 4 iPhone 5S's - Black, White, Gold and Gun Metal Gray. Interesting coincidence - or an Apple easter egg in the invite. I am thinking easter egg.
And lets not miss that if you flip the image - the white bubble on the left - which would then be on the right - clearly is a C - as in iPhone 5C.
Hey Folks - I would have had this episode out a couple of days ago - if I had not gotten so caught up looking for the hidden meanings in the invite.
But you know what at the end of the day there is only one thing we can say for sure - On Tuesday at 10:00 AM PT - Apple will hold an event - that will most likely validate many rumors we are confident about and kill off any from Digitimes.
0013 - September 2013 Apple Event Rumor Bingo
To the email bag.
Hi Rob,
I Just listened to the show in the car on the way to work.
I hope you are wrong with regard to /ac in the new iPhone. My hopes are pinned on the fact that the 2013 Airs have it as well as Apple’s new router. Still, I suspect it depends on whether chips exist that can do all the different wifi standards and take up no more room. I don’t know if that’s yet true or not. I have an Asus router that supports a/c purchased back in December and I’d like to use it fully.
Keep up the great work. Counting down the days till I can relegate my 4s to backup and travel phone.
Kevin
You know what Kevin - you convinced me to add in Wifi 802.11 AC to the Bingo card. I know I said no - But you know what I think I was wrong to say no. So it is on the bingo card - which I put out on Sept 5th - go to Today in iOS dot com to see the bingo card for the Sept 2013 rumors. And per past requests - I list them all in text at the bottom of the post - so they are voice over friendly.
But here are the ones I think are most likely slam dunks to be announced on Tuesday.
A 5S, An A7 processor for the 5S, 5S same size as the 5, A 5C. That gets us bingo from top left to bottom right.
Then from Bottom left to top Right. A finger Print Scanner for 5S, a 12 MB read camera for 5s - may even be 13 MP. NFC for 5S and a 128 GB version for 5S.
Then
Dual LEC Flash 5S, Multi color 5C's, Gold and Graphite 5S's and China Mobile added as a carrier.
Next group that is not a slam dunk but likely.
Improved low light photos - 5S, 12 hr 3G talk time for 5S, 2GB RAM 5S and Improved LTE 5S - actually for 5C to on that last one.
Plus New iPhones avail on Sept 20th and a New Apple TV announced.
Then the ones that fall in the 50/50 region.
iPhone 4, 4S & 5 all killed off, 5C costs <$400, and Wifi 802.11.AC.
And then the outliers I would be happy to see - but don't think they are likely.
iWatch announced, 4k Video Recording for 5S, and 4K Video out for 5S. Granted those last two were only on there because they are my rumors and not that anyone else has said them. So again I would be happy - actually very happy to see them - but considering no one else is predicting it - I think I might be a little out in front of the curve on those.
I think in the past 2 bingos on the card was the most we had - I think this year we have a legit chance for 3 or more.
0014 - Why There Won't Be Any Surprises at Next Week's iPhone Event | Mac|Life
Which kind of leads us into this next article titled - Why there won't be any surprises at next weeks iPhone event over at Mac Life dot com. Which basically is about how the rumor mill has gotten to the point where we are no longer surprised at Apple events. And well that means for those of us following apple for years and apple events in particular - those days of the one more thing or big surprise - well they are over. The Big reveal at Apple events is no more. It is almost like watching a movie that ends and leaves you asking that's it as you shake your head and walk towards the exit sign. You know like Promethus or Sucker Punch or the Abyss. So it is likely after Tuesdays event those looking to be surprised - wanting to be surprised - needing to be surprised - will be well anything but surprised and that will lead to some PED - Post Event Depression - which will be followed by Blog posts about how Apple has lost the magic.
So I say don't go into the event looking for any surprises - go into the event looking for confirmation on the details we think we know and how apples plans to integrate and use those new features.
That said - for the next episode - I would like to get your feedback. The next episode I am going to get out late in the evening of September 10th real late. But in time for the east coast drive time. What I would like is your thoughts from the event.
I will of course give my color and look for feedback on inter webs. But I really want your feedback for that episode. 206-666-6364 - thats 206-moon-dog or email it to today in iOS at gmail dot com - and please let me know if you plan to purchase anything announced on Tuesday.
Apple to livestream California’s iPhone event in Tokyo, Berlin and Beijing
One thing that is a little different this time around - is that Apple has confirmed it will be holding stand alone press conferences in China, Tokyo and Berlin shortly after the San Fran event. These are supposed to be video replay's for the earlier events. And it is rumored that the China and Tokyo events will be used to talk locally about the launch of the iPhone on China Mobile and NTT DoCoMo - which are the largest carriers in China and Japan respectively. So it is possible in one day Apple will add 2 of the biggest carriers in the world that do not yet have the iPhone. With China Mobile also being the biggest in the world period.
If true - this should help the iPhone with regards to Globally market share. We shall see.
0010 - Apple to Pay up to $280 Credit for Used iPhones - Digits - WSJ
The Long rumored Apple Trade in Program has finally kicked off. And well it is not all that exciting. This is at US retail stores and it is their Reuse and recycling program. Which is where you bring in your old iPhone and Apple gives you credit towards a new iPhone. To get credit you have to show said old iPhone still works by powering it on. How much you will get will depend on which version of the iPhone you have. To find out - bring your iPhone to Apple and see what they will give you. Then if you accept that amount - you will get credit towards another iPhone - that you can purchase as long as you get it on a carrier plan before leaving the store.
As you might expect - Gazelle and others like them will be offering more - as they need to compete. So if you want top dollar - get a prices from Gazelle and Next worth - first and then go to Apple and see what they offer. Or better yet sell it on Craigslist after you get the Apple quote - again meet at the parking lot of your local police station for your own safety - if you go the craigslist route.
And if you do decide to go through Apple - remember you will want to wait until after the new iPhone is launched before doing this - because anyone buying an iPhone 5 right now - yeah - what are you doing listening to this show? Just Sayin.
Now while it may sound like I am down playing Apples buy back program - that is one because I never sell my old iPhones - they are like family to me. And two - If I did - I would sell it on my own. That said - I would guess the majority of Apple owners - fall in the category - where they want Apple to do it all for them. And feel much more comfortable giving up a few bucks for the ease of going to an Apple store plus the trust of going to an Apple store with their old device and walking out right then with their new device. So I do think over all this program will be successful - it is just not something I would recommend to anyone trying to get the most out of their iOS device - especially if you have more time than money. I am going to guess quite a few iPhone 4S owners will be taking advantage of this offering.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57600276-37/what-happens-to-used-iphone-prices-before-and-after-an-apple-event-chart/
Thanks to John M for this next one - which is a link to a chart about what happens to iPhone prices offered from Gazelle 30 days prior to an apple announcement an 30 day post the Apple Announcement.
Interestingly - the iPhone 4S - had a much better resell value than the iPhone 4. And also better than the iPhone 5. well at least where they predicted for the iphone5. But the lesson learned - is back in August when I said if you wanted to sell your old iPhone then was the time - well - then was the time and if you did not do it then - you better do it prior to the event on Tuesday - as after the event the values drop a bunch. If you looked at 30 days before and 30 days after the event - the iPhone 4S dropped about $90 in value, and the iPhone 4 dropped about $120 dollars.
I want to thank today's sponsor which is Audible. If you go to audible podcast dot com forward slash tii - you can get a free audio book of your choosing.
Audible is the internets leading provider of audio books - with over 150,000 titles to choose from. Wow - 150,000 titles - when I did my first ad for audible back in early 2007 - Audible had 35,000 titles to choose from if memory serves. Today they have over 150,000 titles. Sweet. So no matter what your tastes - Audible has some Audio goodness for your ears.
And if you go to the url audiblepodcast.com/tii - you can get a free audio book download to keep even if you cancel the service and pay nothing. And the book I am going to recommend this week is the book Kenobi Star Wars - It is over 13 hours of unabridged audio gold. If Star wars is not your thing - well shame on you - but Maybe Star Trek is - and if so then there is Star Trek Spock vs Q narrated by Leonard Nimoy and John De Lancie. This one is just 54 minutes - but come on look at who is narrating it. Either one could be your free audio book download. Or you can choose from over 90 different Star Trek titles, and over 130 Star Wars Titles, and he why not look at the over 290 Doctor Who titles.
If you like Sci-Fi or really any other genre - Audible has you covered - and if you wanted to get Kenobi Star Wars or any other story - well you could do so on us by going to audible podcast dot com / tii - thats audible podcast dot com / T i i for your free audio book download - offer good to just those in the US and Canada. Thanks Audible for sponsoring the show. And folks - please send in any audible book recommendations you have. And as they say May the Force be long and prosper.
19:39.156
PLAY VOICEMAIL - Answr_iclean_JB
Rob, regarding the question you got about using the iPad mini as a phone: I do this via theTalkatone App. I set up a Google Voice account and then tied it to my Talkatone App. I went into the in-App purchase portion of the Talkatone and purchased a premium account for $20 a year. It allows me to make calls just as with my regular iPhone. It works great!
Regards
Sterling
Hi Rob:
Although I do make an occasional call with my iPad mini using talkatone, I did use my iPod Touch for 2 years like a wifi iPhone. It worked out great for me. I actually wish I had stuck with that arrangement instead of getting an iPhone 5. My best arrangement was to subscribe to Skype for $3/mo for making calls. For text messages I used Pinger for free texting. Pinger gives you a phone number for free. You can receive calls for free with your Pinger number. I seriously considered a iPad mini as a phone. After experiencing my iPad mini for the last 6 months I definitely liked using and the feel of an iPod Touch for phone calls. I do the majority of my testing with family and friends using my iPad mini as oppose to the iPhone.
Regards,
Jim N
East Lansing
Hi Rob,
To help answer the caller on ep. 280 about using an iPad mini as a cell phone. I plan to do the same thing once my iPhone 5 contract is up. I plan to use the app Talkatone with Google voice for voice service. It will do voice and text, but texting isn't as fluid as iMessage.
I use the Google voice app for texting. I've been using this app long before iMessage was available to save money on a texting plan.
One of the downsides that I can think of is that you'll need to use some type of headset. Either wired or Bluetooth.
As for use at the gym, I would recommend a "bombproof" case with Bluetooth headset.
Moving over to an iPad mini or iPad maxi with cellular, could save you money each month. I currently pay $68 for 450 minutes of voice and unlimited data (I have grandfathered data) and pay as I use text. But with iMessage, my non iMessage text at most is 10 a month.
For the iPad data plan through AT&T, it's $30 for 3GB of data and $10 for each GB after. So in theory, you could cut your cellular phone bill in half by using the iPad maxi or iPad mini with cellular.
I like the Talkatone app. It's free to use with ads and it only supports the use of one google voice number. The in app purchase $1.99 for 1 month, $10.99 for 6 months and $19.99 annually removes the ads and allows multiple Google voice accounts.
Regards,,
Tim
Sacramento, CA
PLAY VOICE MAIL - Dan_Answr_slipstick
Rob,
Thoughts on guys with birthdays wrong date. Seems long ago issue with either his computer or device having the wrong date or time. Either in settings or from actual location or time. I seem to remember the issue with Location settings. Perhaps the solution is going to say Google Maps and having search his location. Whereby it will now set his time and location correctly. Then sync his Birthdays correctly. Try that.
I too like the idea of 80211.ac introduced sooner than later and the introduction of Gigabit Chip setsFor faster operation for AirDrop and better Battery power consumption in idle.
Regards,
Chris in London
Hi Rob,
For the issue mentioned by user with the birthdate off by one day error. Have him check time zones on all devices and dates.
Regards,
Jeff
Hi Rob:
A few years ago, I had a similar problem to the caller with Birthdays and Full Day Events showing up 1 day early on the iPhone. I solved the problem by getting my online services, Microsoft Outlook, and iPhone all on the same time zone setting.
Kind Regards
Brad
PLAY VOICEMAIL - KAREN_Birthdate_issue
Hi Rob,
On ep 280 one of your listeners asked for a camera app that would allow you to take pictures with both cameras at this time I have used the app dblcam - D B L C A M It does exactly what they're looking for.
Regards,
Paul K
Also from Paul H - he points out a few other apps that will do this.
phoTWO - P H O T W O - one word.
Double Camera - two words
DoubleSnap - one word
CamON - C A M O N
Double Photo Fun
DoubleShot Photo
and
DuoCam - D U O C A M
Thanks Paul's
PLAY VOICEMAIL - DECLAN_Answer_DBLCAM
28:22.656
How Big Is Apple's China Mobile iPhone Opportunity? - John Paczkowski - Mobile - AllThingsD
So how big of an Add would China Mobile and NTT Docomo be for Apple with regards to subscriber base.
Well right now with 280 carriers partners in more than 100 countries that carry the iPhone - Apples has access to close to 4 Billion Subscribers - according to John P at All things D. Which seems high. But ok - we will go with it. Considering there are 4 Billion people in the world and not all have cellphones - that seems to cover most of the market - I mean how more is out there?
Well China Mobile has about 700 Million Subscribers and NTT Docomo - had over 60 Million subscribers as of March 2012 and as of August 2013 - over 15 Million using LTE.
So with those two carriers - Apple would increase their addressable subscriber base by almost 20%. Which would be great is all 700 million China Mobile subscribers were addressable - Most however are on cheap feature phones with neither the resources or desire to upgrade to even a cheap Android phone. I am guessing quite a good percentage of the 4 Billion subscribers of the 280 aforementioned carries also fall in that category as well. So if you cut that in half to 2 Billion potential current subscribers - and drop China Mobile down to about 200 Million - you are now really looking at increasing Apples addressable market base by about 13% - which really is quite good when you are talking about adding just 2 carriers to a group of 280.
And remember when the iPhone enters a carrier it is not at today - it has a double effect on market share - as not only does Apple pick up Market share - it also takes it away from Android. And in China - If Apple gets in place the same deal for access too the App store it gets with all other carriers - it is an even bigger win - as most Android smartphone - read basically all Android smartphones in China do not access the Google Play store.
And where I was going with all this - yes I was going somewhere - is that for those developers out there - these pick ups by Apple relate in even more users to sell apps to and even more reasons to stay with Apple first for development of Apps. Dang that was a long way to go for that. In summary - Adding China Mobile and NTT Docomo is a good thing for iOS devs. Note to self learn definition of Pithy.
http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/02/apples-iphone-grows-to-43-share-among-us-smartphones
Yo Rob,
Great international and domestic data for you.
Dr. John M
Gilbert, AZ
And John is talking about the latest report out from Kantar WorldPannel which goes over Market share for Mobile OS's in the US and globally for Smartphone Sales for the 3 months ending in July.
In the US - The iPhone captured 43.4% of Smartphone sales - up about 8% from the year early period. Android dropped about 8% from the year early period down to 51.1%. And again - this is the 3 month period Ending in July - where no new iPhone was launched since September - and there were New Android galore including the Galaxy S4. Still iOS and Android combined for 94.4% of the US market - leaving scraps for Blackberry, Windows Phone and Symbian to fight over. Oh in the Fight for the bronze metal it does appear that Windows Phone is winning that with 3.5% vs 1.2% for Blackberry - ouch.
Globally - well the iPhone 5C can't get here quick enough and by Here I mean China Mobile and other carriers in BRIC countries.
http://www.tuaw.com/2013/09/02/apple-facetime-fix-not-working-out-for-many-unhappy-users/
Hi Rob,
I rarely use FaceTime but when I have, it was always "spotty" in connectivity. So I can't say that I noticed a problem of late. Perhaps your audience can share their experience.
Dr. John M
Gilbert, AZ
And John is referring to the article titled - Apple FaceTime Fix may not be working out for some unhappy users - via TUAW. This comes back to Patent trolls - The folks that I say are simply a waste of human existence. This time it is per the Patent troll - VirnetX - which one a case against Apple and FaceTime. Seems Apple had to reconfigure how FaceTime works to get around the Patent - and that jerry rigging - well you guessed it - means not as clean an enduser experience. Again I can't say enough bad things about Patent trolls especially this one - and I can't wait for the US legal system to wake up and do something about these leaches of society. They not only make the things we buy more expensive - they also now make them less usable - Thanks - Thanks a whole Fracking lot VirnetX - I wish upon you many a kidney stones and inflamed hemorrhoids and oh yeah Erectile disfunction and IBS. Yup that should do it for now. Oh and all the things wished upon by the guys with the french accents at the top of the castle wall in Search for the holly grail - yeah what they said too.
Apple Hits Back At Report Alleging Long Hours And Low Pay In Chinese iPhone 5C Factory - Yahoo! Finance
China Labor Watch released a report about working conditions in one of Apples suppliers Jabil Wuxi - and this time - Apples said enough is enough - and is fighting back - claiming the claims by the CLW are basically CRAP. Ok - that is not exactly what Apple said - but I am sure it is what they wanted to say. Instead Apple said Quote As part of our extensive Supplier Responsibility program, Apple has conducted 14 comprehensive audits at Jabil facilities since 2008, including three audits of Jabil Wuxi in the past 36 months. We take any concerns about our suppliers very seriously, and our team of experts is on-site at Jabil Wuxi to look into the new claims about conditions there. Jabil has a proactive auditing program of their own and they have an excellent track record of meeting Apple's high standards. unquote.
Jabil - in this case is not an Asian based company - it is actually headquartered now in Florida - and is a company I used to do work with - and visit a few of their plants in the past - including their Florida headquarters. They actually do quite a bit of assembly work in the US for military electronics. That said - they had this to say.
Quote We are troubled by recent allegations related to excessive overtime, unpaid overtime, and working conditions at our Wuxi, China site. An audit team is en route to Wuxi to thoroughly investigate these claims. While we are aware of the desire of many employees to work overtime, our goal is to regulate overtime to achieve a consistently high level of compliance with Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) standards. Other allegations, such 10-minute unpaid meeting times, were surfaced during Austermann’s audit in August and corrective action was begun. unquote
I bring up the point that Jabil is US based - and a lot is being made of employees in China being limited to 60 hours of work in a week - why because some in the US think it is wrong for those in China to work more than that - even if they want to.
Because you know in the US - we have those same rules - Right. Well actually umm no. Here is what the US department of Labor has to say. Quote There is no limit in the Act on the number of hours employees aged 16 and older may work in any workweek. unquote.
You heard that right in the US if you are 16 and working a factory job and want to do a double shift every day and work 80 hours in a week - the US government says go for it.
US human rights groups however feel the rules in the US should be ignored when putting their values on others outside the US.
But I guess those working in the coal mines in China - yeah those people we really don't care how many hours they work or the working conditions. My point is this - the press makes a big deal about the workers in China with some of the best working conditions in China - and who want to work more hours to make more money to send home to their families - but some in the US elite media put some wholier than thou standards out there - when if they really looked at the situation - they would see Apple has done more than any company in the world to help the workers in China - and I am glad Apple took a stronger stand this time. Soap Box I do now step down.
Walmart reduces the prices of iPad 4, iPad 2, iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S - Mobile PC - iTech Post
OK - lots of posts and reports about lower priced iPhone 5 at Walmart and elsewhere - heck you would be hard pressed to find an iPhone 5 with 16 GB at the $199 price - that said - don't buy the iPhone 5 - wait and get the 5S.
Thanks to all sending in reports of lower priced iPhone 5's
CIVC warns Apple over ‘Champagne’ iPhone
You know the reports that said that the gold iPhone might be called Champagne - and not gold - well not so fast says CIVC - which stands for Comite inter professional du Vind de Champagne - Seems they are ready to fight Apple in a legally battle if Apple tries to use the word Champagne to describe the color of the iPhone. Which hey if there is even a chance of a lawsuit with regards to Apple these days you can almost lock it in as a done deal - so looks like the Gold iPhone will be called Champagne - if history is any indicator on how things have playing out at Apple.
About all I will say on said lawsuit if it happens - is yup . I hate all these lawsuit stories.
iPhone 5C Pictured with Color Matched Packaging [u]
Lots and lots of new pictures the past week with iPhone 5C's in their packages.
Essentially nothing new from the images - just more validation on what we already expect to be announced on Tuesday. Multicolored iPhone 5C's with plastic backs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6_FZOm6Cv8
Thanks to nathan for the link to the gold iPhone 5S video - which is from Detroit Bork and it shows the case for the iPhone 5S in gold color. So if you can't wait until tuesday to see the gold iPhone 5S - you can got the link titled - iPhone 5S gold - Youtube in the show notes for ep 281 at today in iOS dot com.
What will you learn from it - Nothing you don't likely already now - but it just drives home that on Tuesday there is likely going to be a gold iPhone 5S announced.
Leaked iPhone 5S Home Button Confirmed to Include Fingerprint Scanner | MacTrast
Last Episode one of the listeners mentioned and I also pondered that there have not been any pictures of the front of the iPhone 5S and the finger print scanner. Well still no pictures of the Front of the iPhone 5S - but there were a bunch this past week of what is supposed to be the 5S's finger print scanner / home button. Seems a similar picture was up on iMore back in Mid august - so there was something out there before - but again - it was not the front of the iPhone 5S - it was just the alleged internal components.
What it does look like from the latest pics is that the iPhone 5S - will still have a physical click - so you can still push down on the button. And it may not be convex as originally rumored.
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/03/new-photo-of-alleged-iphone-5s-home-button-flex-cable-could-point-to-fingerprint-sensor-support/
Thanks to Chris in London and all others that sent in links to the home button / finger print scanner assembly pics.
http://www.slashgear.com/iphone-with-6-inch-display-tipped-for-testing-at-apple-05296664/
Can someone tell me why the WSJ piece about Apple testing out iPhones with larger screens sizes is such big news. The story reports that Apple is testing 4.8 to 6 inch screens for iPhones. Ummm - Ok - So what - I am sure Apple tests many many different sizes. Testing / playing with / tinkering with in the lab - is not really news. I would be shocked to hear Apple was not testing out lots of sizes. And past other rummors / reports - have said Apple was testing larger screens for both the iPhone and iPad - as well as smaller screens. Again Reports of Apple testing different screen sizes are not news - they are at best common sense. News would be Appel has never tested any sizes other than 3.5 inches and 4 inches for the iPhone - that would be news. And when I just said that - did it not sound crazy - I mean it felt crazy when I said Apple has never tested any size screens other then 3.5 Inches and 4 Inches for the iPhone - not once - not ever - Yup still feels crazy to say it - so again - To me it is not news that Apple is testing larger screen sizes. As we saw from the Apple V samsung trial exhibits - Apple does lots of different testing with prototypes of all shapes and sizes. and most never see the light of day. So sorry folks don't let this get your hopes up for a larger iPhone - not this year - not at least for 12 more months.
http://www.techinasia.com/breaking-china-telecom-reveals-iphone-5s-5c-real-coming-china/
It looks like one of the carriers in China - China Telecom - may have confirmed the iPhone 5S and 5C names - as if we really needed any more confirmation - when someone with a China Telecom Weibo account sent the following message quote China has been chosen as [the/a]* first country where the iPhone 5S/5C will be shipped! Weibo preorder time! If you want to be one of the people who gets a handset on day one, click: . Those who successfully preorder will also enjoy a high-end gift bag. (Because the iPhone products haven’t actually shipped yet, detailed numbers and actual shipping information [may change]. unquote.
Nothing really shocking about this if true - I think the 5S and 5C are slam dunks.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-iphone-sept-20-verizon-no-vacation-20130830,0,6571590.story
And speaking of slam dunks - More evidence of a September 20th launch of the iPhone comes from supposed black outs for vacation on September 20th by AT&T and Verizon employees. So yeah now when you take the alleged vacation black outs of T-mobile / AT&T and Verizon and overlay them - looks like all hands will be on deck for September 20th.
0033 - Apple Sourcing Components for 17-Watt Power Supply, Speculation Focuses on Rumored 13-Inch iPad - Mac Rumors
Lets talk October or beyond rumor - seems there is word that Apple is sourcing a 17 Watt Power Supply - and why is that significant you ask. Well the Mac Book Air is a 45 Watt supply - and the iPad Maxi 4th Gen is a 12 Watt power supply. The 3rd gen iPad Maxi was a 10 W power supply. So what would Apple need a 17 Watt power supply for? Well if Apple wanted to do a 13 Inch iPad - then a 17 Watt Power supply seems to be just what the doctor would order. Or at least some electrical engineer in Cupertino.
This could be nothing or it could back up the past rumors about a larger iPad. So far the lack of any larger iPads surfacing mean it is very very unlikely we would see a larger iPad any time in 2013 - but something to think about come late November when the rumor mill starts back up in force.
BINGO CARD - Apple Rumors: iPhone 6 early 2014, iWatch release 2013, $250 iPad Mini
Speaking of rumors for 2014 products here are a few more you may hear about.
iOS may be getting 3D gestures - this one is based on an Apple Patent - I always am very leery about Apple Patents and future features - it seems if Apple plans to use a feature in a patent - they have already implemented it prior to the patent being made public. This does not mean never - but again past history does not bode well for this rumor.
iPad Mini Retina is slated for early 2014 - according to a few different rumors - I find it not so likely - I think it is more about hopeful wishing or those that just think a retina iPad mini is needed more than it is. I would be surprised if we see an iPad Mini with a retina display anytime in the next 12 months.
And then there is the iPhone 6 rumor with a larger screen for mid 2014 launch. Is it possible and even likely that the iPhone 6 will have a larger screen - Yeah - sure - is it likely it will be mid 2014 - i.e. June - nah - I think the iPhones yearly refresh is now in the September time frame - just like the iPods used to refresh in early fall each year when that was Apples bread and butter - so to do the iPhones now and likely for the foreseeable future.
New iPad 5 Parts Leaked! (First Look + Comparison) - YouTube
Now if we want to talk a little about October products - what we are likely going to see is an iPad Maxi 5th gen - which looks more like an over sized iPad Mini - i.e. - same screen size as all other bigger iPads - but with a narrower bezel on the side - so essentially like you photo shopped the iPad mini to stretch the screen to the size of the iPad 4th gen.
If you want to see how the 5th and 4th gen compare - there is a video titled - New iPad 5 parts leaked - youtube - in the show notes for ep 281 at today in iOS dot com. Thanks to all that sent that one in.
The Science of the Apple Rumor Mill - Rebecca Greenfield - The Atlantic Wire
Interesting article from The Atlantic wire titled The science of the Apple rumor Mill - and it basically goes over that rumors come from two source with regards to apple product - either from someone at Apple or someone in Apples supply chain. And that basically today that really means the Apple supply chain - once you drop out the accidental left in a bar type goofs. They mention Tim Cooks - vow to double down on Secrecy on products. But essentially apple and Tim cook can only control what Apple owns and operates. And when you have such a vast supply chain as Apple does - and you limit overtime - well some people are going to do what they need to do to make a few extra bucks to send home - and there in comes the opportunities for those running rumor sites and youtube channels - they are paying for pictures.
Add in the ubiquitous nature of phones with cameras and you can see how it is basically impossible at this point to stop leaks in the supply chain. There is motive and there is opportunity and the is means. Not a good combo for mr cook and his doubling down on secrecy. All it really means is that those inside apple that should get access to prototypes are probably not getting access or the access they need to fully vet products. Of course the article did miss the 3rd source of rumors - the rumor mongers making up the rumors - i.e. - Digitimes, BGR, this is my next, and others - that just guess and say it is from a source familiar with the matter. or unnamed source. I guess at the end of the day I just hope Apples doubling down of security on their own folks does not get in their way of properly vetting new apple gear.
http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-finally-unpacks-galaxy-gear-smartwatch-by-the-numbers-7000020240/?s_cid=e589&ttag=e589
So Samsung as expected this week unveiled their smartwatch - and well based on what they unveiled - it is now clear that Samsung did not pick this week to show up apple - they picked this week to be shown up by apple.
If they unveiled this on a slow new week - ouch - they would have been flogged in the bored tech press. Well maybe not - since lately the google fanbois think Sammy can do no wrong - but still looking at their timing it seems pretty clear they hoped to be ignored - how else do you explain what they launched - which only works with a small number of devices - as in two.
Which leads us to this email.
Hi Rob,
You tweeted
quote Samsung timed their smartphone watch announce not to upstage apple but in hopes of being upstaged by Apple. Yikes it is bad.unquote
Where is your Proof? It's a crazy assertion .
John T
Ah speaking of Samsung / Android fanbois - aren't they so cute. You just want to squeeze them.
John - lets look at this disaster of a smart watch.
First up it just syncs with the Note 3 and Note 10.1 - eventually if it will likely support the S4 and S3 - if they get updates for Android to 4.3 for each carrier - who then puts their spin on the updates. Still all the devices it syncs with are large screen devices.
They added in a Video camera on the wrist band? So that means no changing of the bands. And who is going to be using that video camera?
Lets talk battery life - less than a full day. Yikes.
And size - the thing is huge. Ok for guys wrists - but even there it looks big - for women this is not going to be something they pick for any fashion reasons. If you are women and you shave your legs - this is probably not the smart watch for you.
There are 70+ apps available at launch with more coming soon they say. Lots more - except you can only put 10 on the watch at any one time. Yes constantly having to remove some apps and add others depending on what you are doing that day - Yummmy - Fun.
It does seems like Samsung Engineers sat around a white board and wrote down everything they could think of to cram into a smart watch - and then built this. Which is not a good thing. Because at the end of the day the $300 sales price of this is well crazy. For $29 more you can get an iPad mini that does much much more. Or for $150 less you can get a pebble that works with your phone and the battery lasts for days.
Reports so far are the UI is lagging - and that may just be because they are still working on the OS. Or it could be because it is laggy.
Either way - it just seems very big, very expensive and very complicated - for a device that really what most people just want is a device that lets them know who is calling, what texts or emails they just got and what those messages said - and oh yeah - what time it is.
I am not saying the Sammy Gear can't give that - but it gives so much more - with so much shorter battery life and for such an expensive price - it just does not seem like it was well thought out - and for this price and use case - it really looks like a bad option for pretty much everyone.
At the end of the day - I think this shows what happens when Samsung tries to design something they did not slavishly copy from Apple. Just Sayin
Samsung hopes to restore confidence with its concerned investors at strategy meeting
Into the email bag we go on the Gear.
hey Rob,
Hope alll is well. Have you seen the smart watch by Samsung? It really looks ugly and I'm not just saying that because I'm an avid apple fan. I guess they should have waited for Apple's iWatch to launched first so that they could have copied it to the T. Looking forward to a new episode soon.
Stephen M.
A shocker from Microsoft - they are buying Nokia's phone business - Ok - Shocker as in 1 and 1 is two. As in Ex- Microsoft Executive became CEO of Nokia that would be Mr Elop - and now the phone business and Mr Elop - are coming to MS - with Mr Elop being the likely successor to Mr Balmer.
I think if you go back and find the episode I talked about Elop heading up Nokia - you will hear I mentioned about this very likelihood. So yeah nothing shocking here.
I am sure the whole process of breaking off the phone business and moving under MS will go off with out a hitch and it will not distract anyone from either side of the acquisition. Because you know that is how all acquisitions go.
Wonder how long before MS also goes after Blackberry. I mean why the heck not - if you are going to in for a penny go in for a pound - at least then there is no more fighting for 3rd place - just sayin. Note to self - start looking around for some good how wrong were they elop quotes.
Hi Rob,
I don't recall how I discovered your podcast. Before I started listening (and now on your Tii app), I was considering possible changing from my iPhone to an Android someday (not soon, but maybe someday). Never going to happen now. Thanks for all the wonderful information, it is so educational. Fantastic show!!
Cheers,
Earl in Auburn, CA
Hi Earl - thanks for that email - I hope your don't mind I sent it to Apple and said - hey what does it take to get on the invite list for Apple events.
First case of Android Trojan spreading via mobile botnets discovered | ZDNet
And speaking of reasons not to go to android - and that is Kaspersky labs is reporting that the Obad.a Trojan - they previously reported on May as the most sophisticated mobile trojan to date back then - which we also mentioned on the show - yeah - well it seems it is even more sophisticated and advanced then they thought. After studying it these past few months they found that quote the Malware owners have developed a technique which we have never encountered before. For the first time malware is being distributed using botnets that were created using completely different mobile malware. unquote.
See and here all along I was telling you all devs are developing for iOS first - clearly that is not the case - there is a whole group of devs that seem very dedicated to the Android platform - sadly for Android users this is the malicious developers - but still developers non-the-less - so Android Fan-bois - next time I say Devs don't develop for Android first - you remind me what I said on Ep 281.
Ok - so essentially what this is so important according to Kaspersky - is now Malware can quickly be spread on the Android side via MMS messages. Not just by downloading Apps from bogus Apps stores. Ah nice to see it brought to the masses.
So Kaspersky labs finishes up the article saying essentially as long as you upgrade to Android 4.3 you should be ok. Which as of September 1st according to Google was about less than 0.1% of all Android users. Ouch.
And now you know why the US government back at the end of July warned about the issues with Android.
57:03.062
PLAY VOICEMAIL - Chris_answr_CPU
Hey Rob.
This goes out to the question about an app for car maintenance. I use the "remember the oil app"
You can plug in car repairs as you go, from oil changes to gear oil and others.
I have used this app for approximately 3 months now. It has helped me keep track of my mileage and my needed repairs..
I can't remember I there was a cost to the app or not .. If there was it was well worth it..
Chris
I don't think you covered this yet in your podcast.
I'm torn between keeping my IOS 6 jailbreak and upgrading when the new IOS 7 is officially released. Although many of the tweaks I have are now built into the new version, I find it difficult to have to give up these:
- Smartwatch+ for Pebble (The Smartwatch Pro on the App Store is not the same).
- Orientation lock on iPhone
- f.lux for nighttime viewing
- five columns and five in dock
- WiFi Analyzer
I don't believe you've mentioned IOS 7 jailbreak yet. Is that because the links I see are fake? Or, are they not wanting to jump the gun about which exploit they will use so that Apple won't plug up the hole?
Thanks,
Mike in Oakland
Hay Rob,
I have had a couple of apps in iOS 7 beta that I have launched ask quote app name would like to access the Microphone unquote. Why would a game need to connect to my Microphone. Here are some screen shots.
Regards,
Don't use my name
Well DUMN - It looks like from the screen shots you are using an iPad - and I think these devs are doing a trick to see if you have a new or old iPad - as the original iPad did not have a microphone. So I think they are looking for the microphone so they can make sure the app is running on a fast enough device. I am not condoning what they are doing - just at why they might be doing this that is not evil. We had something like this mentioned recently with regards to asking for the front facing camera. Maybe these devs felt asking for the microphone was less creepy then asking for the front camera.
Per the Caller a few episodes back that asked about getting 15,000 photos off his 64 GB 4S and on to his PC he had this to say per listener feedback.
Hi Rob,
The app called PhotoSync that was mentioned on your show a couple of weeks back it worked like a charm.
I was able to transfer via wifi... over 15,000 pics on my 4s to my PC in about 2 hrs.
Thanks so much!
Regards,
Rel
So thanks to those that recommend PhotoSync.
PLAY VOICEMAIL - AppleTV_thoughts_JB_illegal_DB
01:03:02.425
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/304157069/meet-circle
Thanks to those that sent in this next one - which is a kickstarter project that is DOA - It is the Meet Circle - no not m e a t as in dead meat - but m e e t circle. This one has a goal of 250,00 - shame on you. And has raised so far $30,000. It has until Sep 20th at 1:15 PM ET to get funded and well it is dead meat.
What is Meet Circle - that it matters - but it is a device that helps family balance their lives by managing how much time devices get on line. It adjust filter settings based on device - so if you 5 year old uses the iPad 1st gen - it gets one set of filters - but if Dad uses the 3rd gen - then well Keith and the Girl get through just fine.
Quote - Circle is not a router. It is a smart network device that “talks” wirelessly with your router and each household device continuously to filter and manage content based on the settings you desire. unquote
I think this project has some really nice features and as a parent I would love to have it - but the goal they set is as I said - shame on them. Maybe they will get some VC funds for this - but really with such a small percentage of their goal raised - I think this one is dare I say it a 3rd time - Dead meat.
But hey if you want an idea on what to develop over at indie go go and can do it for 30k - go look at the Kickstarter project called meet circle - with meet spelled M E E T.
Thanks to Chris in London for the heads up on this one.
http://www.tuaw.com/2013/08/29/authorities-seize-hundreds-of-counterfeit-apple-products-in-marl/
Thanks to Tim and others for this next one. It is about a bunch of counterfeit apple products getting seized not in China or some foreign country or even some back alley in NY - but rather in a mall in Maryland. Essentially it was a bunch of conversion kits for making iPhones a different color - problem was many of the parts had apple logos on them - and that well is not a good thing - at least not for the person that purchased that inventory and now is looking at legal bills.
So for anyone thinking of bring over components from china and reselling them be careful.
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id652817470?ls=1&mt=8
PLAY DEV REVIEW - Today in iOS Sugar Glider
1:06:45.125
PLAY VOICEMAIL - Steve_Jobs_Movie_thoughts
Hi Rob,
I was wondering if there was an app that auto sends emails to VIP members when they email you and you are unable to respond because you are at work etc.....
Please let me know thanks
Regards,
Jonah
Hey Rob
Do you or any one know if there is a way to avoid tolls in apple maps or set any type of "avoidances"?
Regards,
Richard M
PLAY VOICEMAIL - Fred_quest_finding_app_order
01:10:59.152
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sIWez9HAbA&feature=player_embedded#t=70
PLAY Audio - Introducing the iPhone 5S
When Games Pretend to Be Games They Aren't | Overthinking It
Any Candy Crush addicts out there. There is a great post titled - When games pretend to be games they aren't. And what it is is post about Candy crush and how - when you start paying for power ups and other items - the game actually gets harder. And if you get stuck at a level - if you go away and come back some time later - the goals for that level may go down. In other words - they rig the game to keep you playing if you don't pay for power ups - and make it harder if you do pay for power ups so that you will pay for more power ups. Some of this is alleged - others they say they observed. Again if you are a candy crush addict - this is a post worth checking out.
Hence why I have no quams at all - about changing the time ahead 3 hours to get more lives right away. Hey if they don't want to fix that easter egg - I am going to use it. If I was playing that game and on level 130 - that is.
Busted! McCain plays iPhone poker during Syria hearings — MSNBC
Speaking of games you should not be playing - How about when you are sitting in a senate meeting going over the pros and cons of going to war with a country that has no qualms of gassing its own people. You would think in such a debate if you were a US senator - playing Poker on your iPhone would well not be a good thing - and hey guess what 99 senators not named John McCain would agree with you - ahhh - but that 100th Senator - oh well at least Senator McCain was not sexting during the hearings.
1:15:00.367
PLAY VOICEMAIL - Scott_quest_save_photos
Hi Rob!
I was wondering if you know how to stop iMovie from zooming in on my photos. I like to make stop motion animation and this hinders me from actually making that type of movie. I have an iPad and an iPhone and they both do the same thing
Regards,
Jonah R
Hi Rob.
I had an issue with my iPhone 4S yesterday and had to call Verizon for a replacement, just wanted to know if you'd heard of this before. My speaker sounds distorted and broken, with all sounds including music and podcasts, when I called Verizon they said it was a known issue. I had never heard this before so I was just curious if you had, thanks for your time, have a great day.
Shannon H in Fountain Hills AZ
Here is an email string I had recently with a listener.
Hi Rob,
Would it be safe to think an iPhone 5 case would work for the 5s ?
Regards,
Mike
I responded,
Hi Mike,
Define "safe"
Is it likely that the iPhone 5S case will work with the 5S - YES.
However - the 5S will likely have a dual flash - so if your opening on the case for the 5 is very small for the flash - that could be an issue.
I have seen a few that get really close to the flash on the 5. However I think most will be ok.
And he responded
Hi Rob,
Thanks for the answer - I was just starting to review cases (look at them) I've been loyal to Speck - the fact that nothing has been announced for new cases has sparked my interest. I'm a 4s user right now for the last two years, looking forward to the new release.
*** Possible something for your show
My credit card was comprimised - thus causing me to contact AT&T to update my payment - the customer service person then opened the flood gate - how pleased are you with our service, I advised her that when I'm not home my service is great -
I've been fighting for a free tower for home use with no success. - to push the conversation into a positive note, I asked if I was able to update my 2 iPhones to the new 5s - With a bubbly voice the answer was YES!, Great my response -
It seems to me that when I updated my phones two years ago, I paid some type of update fee, she said yes you did $36 per phone - and I responded that I didn't want to do that again - she used that empathetic sales training stating that since you do not have quality service at home - and no resolve to a free tower at home - I will now remove the upgrade fee from your next purchase. WOW $72 saved.
Not to develop a wave of complaints to individuals carriers - something your listeners may want to investigate for being loyal customers - who could enjoy some savings.
Kind regards.
Mike
PLAY VOICEMAIL - Seigart_quest_coverage
One last item and thanks to all that sent this one in.
I know I usually say when you hear about an Apple patent for something that is not already announced it most likely will never be announced - I think this next one clearly is an exception to that rule. It is about a very recently discovered Apple Patent for a fingerprint scanner in a home button. Now I guess we could say that by the time this one was discovered there were already leaked photos of the home button assembly - so I guess from some perspective - this one really is not an exception to the rule - as well the home button scanner was already consider pretty much a slam dunk -prior to this patent being found. Per the patent - it talks about a capacitive ring around the button / scanner to tell when a finger is over it - so you can rest your finger above the home button and get scanned without your know actually pressing the home button - which on iOS devices means quitting out of the app you are trying to get scanned into for. There is also other talk in the patent about NFC with the sensor. But rather than speculate any more about what is in that patent - lets just wait until Tuesday and find out for sure.
And Before we go today I want to remind you to send in your feedback to the show - 206-666-6364 - that 206-moon-dog - or record your feedback and email it to the show at today in iOS at gmail dot com - The feedback can be a question or comment per something someone said on this episode or it can be a question or rant you have about something else. An App or product review - good or bad - as long as it is iOS related - it is welcomed. I am always looking for new Artwork to feature that you created on an iOS device - just put some Tii branding on it and send it in. And of course we are always looking for more music created on an iOS device to play on the show. This is your show and your feedback is greatly desired. If you want to know when new episodes go up - look at the Tii app - not just the best way to consume the show - but also a great way to get a push message when a new episode goes live or there is other iOS breaking news. Just $2.99 in the app store - it helps you get the most out of the show and it helps support the show at the same time - plus it makes it really easy to email or call the show with your feedback. Again just search for Tii in the iTunes app store.
Finally - Thanks again to our sponsor Audible for supporting this show - please visit Audible podcast dot com slash T i i for your free audio book download.
And that folks is going to do it for us today.