TRANSCRIPT FOR EPISODE 317
Welcome to the show I am your host Rob and this is the Today in iOS podcast - First up I want to thank
JEFF for sending in the music you hear in the background. JEFF wrote:
Hi Rob,
I made this song with my iphone 4s using the GarageBand app. For free downloads and more music follow me @jeffj6 on twitter.
Regards,
Jeff J
SONG_Lone_soul.mp3
Thanks JEFF for the music and folks I will put the full song at the end of the episode. I also want to thank ME for sending in the Artwork for today's show.
I made this artwork - by taking a picture of myself from Podcast Movement last weekend it shows my Well Shaved Head thanks to Harry's razors. I cropped the photo down to just me and adjusted the lighting in the Stock Photo App in iOS 8 - then I used the app Phonto to add the text including the message about today's sponsor Harrys.com and the promo code - Tii and emailed the photo to my computer. And yes - those are my Warby Parker glasses as well.
Well ZACHARY Thanks again for sending in this artwork and folks you can see MY artwork in the Tii App in the extras for ep 317
- or if you subscribe via iTunes on your computer as the album artwork and also as a stand alone post in the VIP section and at Facebook.com/todayinios.
If you have some artwork and or music you have created on your iOS device that you would like to share with the audience please email it to me at today in iOS at gmail dot com and please make sure to include which app or apps you used to create said artwork and or music.
02:10
In this segment of how wrong were they we have the following quote quote “Hands-on PlayBook demonstrations at CES showed its differentiation in multitasking and performance, which may be difficult for Apple/Android to rival.”UNQUOTE
Mike Abramsky, Royal Bank of Canada Analyst, 11 January 2011
Playbook - don't talk about Playbook are you kidding me - Playbook ?? just sayin
02:37
For Promo codes - On Ep 316 we offered up chances to win promo codes for the APPS - I LOST MY UNDERWEAR, OPTIMAL TRIP AND HOPHOPCLOCK - I will be giving those Promo codes out later this week - you can find more info about THOSE APPS at the beginning of Ep 316
This week we have promo codes for a few items - the first one is the iBook - WORD FOR IPAD - THE DEEP DIVE GUIDE.
Here is the review from the IBOOK AUTHOR - PLAY PROMO CODE WORD FOR IPAD - Thanks to ALAN for his review of his IBOOK WORD FOR IPAD THE DEEP DIVE GUIDE and for sending in the promo codes to give away. Folks if you would like a chance for a promo code for this IBOOK - send an email to todayinos at gmail dot com and put WORD in the subject line.
The Second item we have promo code for is the App - FOLDS - Here is the written review from the dev -
Folds
is a puzzle game where you try to fold all colored triangles. On the playing field you must place the triangles in a way that a couple of the same color is opposite from each other. These pairs can get folded together. But be aware in which direction you fold them together.
You always need two triangles opposite from each other.
The complex level design will always create new levels with new challenges for you. The app is suitable for families so that up to six players can save and manage their scores. To do this each player chooses it's own figure at the beginning of the game so they can manage the levels, score and high score.
It is an Universal Application for Ipad and Iphone.
Thanks to the Dev for sending in his review of his APP FOLDS and for sending in the promo codes to give away. Folks if you would like a chance for a promo code for this APP - send an email to todayinos at gmail dot com and put FOLDS in the subject line.
The Third item we have promo codes for is the App - Merlo - one word - Here is the review from the dev -
PLAY PROMO CODE MERLO - Thanks to FRANCESCO for his review of his APP MERLO and for sending in the promo codes to give away. Folks if you would like a chance for a promo code for this APP - send an email to todayinos at gmail dot com and put MERLO - spelled M E R L O in the subject line.
As Always - just send in one email for one specific ITEM. If you send in multiple emails or ask for multiple ITEMS in a single email - then well - No Soup for you.
A QUICK REMINDER if you are an App developer or an iBook Author email me if you want your app or iBook featured in the promo give away segment We Just need the 5 promo codes or more to give away. simply email me at today in ios @ gmail.com and please include a 60 sec or less audio review of your app or iBook - indicating you are the dev or author. Also when you send in the promo codes - please make sure to let me know when they expire.
07:51
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1637205
Hello Rob,
In your last podcast you stated that someone with an unlocked iPhone could not go from T-Mobile to Verizon or AT&T and Verizon. I just wanted to let you know that you are incorrect. If you purchase a Verizon Model iPhone 5S/5C, that model is unlocked out of the box and will work on ALL CARRIERS with the exception of Sprint. Yes, that is correct. The Verizon Model will work on Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile right out of the box!
Here is a link to chart. Please correct in next podcast if you can so people don't get confused. Thank you.
Regards,
Mridge23
VOICEMAIL - Rob_P_Verizon_unlocked
VOICEMAIL - Corry_answer_verizon_GSM
Ok - thanks to all and well it seems like all should all be in caps - thanks to ALL - that sent in the correction on that. Yes - The Verizon iPhone 5, 5C and 5S - are all unlocked and once your contract is up - you can use them on any carrier in the US not named Sprint or on the Sprint backbone.
In my defense - I did read directly from the Apple website - in my prosecutions Defense - We have mentioned this a half dozen time plus in the past - so I should have remembered.
To the email bag.
Hi Rob. I have listened to TodayinIOS for several years and really enjoy your show. In the past several episodes, there has been discussion about moving iPhone5s's from one US carrier to another. The discussion seems to be focused on the contract issues (like unlocking) more than IOS hardware compatibility. I have an on-contract Verzon iPhone5S. If I have read the attached CNET article correctly, it seems that, once my Version contract expires, I could move my phone to T-Mobile and the hardware would be compatible Is this correct?
Regards,
Michael R.
Yes - Michael - that is correct - once your contract is over - you could migrate that phone to t-mobile
12:09
http://www.loksak.com/products/aloksak
A quick little product review and really a thank you.
So some background - not last weekend - but the weekend before - my Sister her husband and my niece and nephew came out from NY for a visit - and we went to Schliterbahn water park so we could ride Verukt. The worlds tallest water slide. Taller than niagra falls. It is actually a really cool waterside. But I wanted to take my iPhone to the top with me to take pictures and that meant keeping it water proof. Initially I was just going to put it in a zip lock bag or two. But then I remembered a product I was given at CES aloksak - spelled a l o k s a k - of course. Well aloksak claims it is waterproof to 60 meters or 200 feet - which I was actually going 200 feet up and not down. so I figured it would be ok. I put my iPhone in the aloksak right before I went down - and then kept it in my pocket in the sack for the rest of the day - going through other tubes and often being waste deep in water with my iPhone under the water. That was in my left pocket - in my right pocket were my car keys and wallet - inside double ziplock bags. Well lets just say I am really really really happy I had the Aloksak - because my wallet and car keys including the remote got all wet. But my iPhone - not a drop of water - so I just want to say thanks to the folks at Loksak for the free sample of aloksak - it saved my iPhone.
Link in the show notes for this. I guess they can put on their website now - that aloksak survived the worlds tallest water slide.
14:01
http://news.yahoo.com/official-carrier-pushing-buy-
samsung-phone-over-iphone-154001900.html
It’s official: Your carrier is pushing you to buy a Samsung phone over an iPhone - those are the words from this next article.
And well Shocker - it is something we said and reported on some time ago. As many of you have been pestered and given bad advice to get an android phone when you walked into a Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or T-mobile store.
Seems the carriers are doing this pushing to Samsung because they don't want Apple to get too much power. What the article said that is not clear is why the push to Samsung vs Nokia or HTC - seems - there might be some kickback going on - or maybe Sammy has some sort of covert spiff program they are offering to Carriers employees - if anyone listening works at one of the four main carriers in the US and can let me know if there are any Spiffs or special enticements for each time you sell a Samsung phone - privately and off the record of course - I would love to know.
Let me know what the details are as well.
It could just be that all the carriers are evil. And you know that is the simplest explanation and most likely answer.
15:12
https://plus.google.com/u/0/100192733487237394115/
posts/G4FZDgKVues?cfem=1
I don't usually talk about bugs with iOS 8 - but this next one is really a conflict and for anyone using Onavo - you need to know right now for at least one listener - Robert Finnegan - He had major issues with iOS 8 - Onavo and AT&T - so if you are an Onavo user - you can either hold off updating to iOS 8 - or take your chances - but if you see your 4G / LTE not working at all or slowing way down to nearly Zero - that is the issue - and you will need to un-install Onavo from your iPhone. Or you can just stay at iOS 7 and continue to use it until it is reported back all is ok. Your call - but just be warned Onavo users - you may see serious issues with LTE on iOS 8.
Installed ios 8 beta 5, worked well for a day or so. Now my 4g/LTE doesn't work at all. It slows down to nearly zero. Tried resetting network settings, toggling on/off airplane mode, and restoring to ios 7 and reinstalling ios 8. No luck. Guess I wait for official release? Any other suggestions?
16:11
http://www.tuaw.com/2014/07/31/every-ipad-ad-reviewed-and-ranked/
Thanks to Tash for this next one - and it is not just for the Apple Kool-aid drinkers - this is for those that also gargle with the kool-aide and bath in the kool-aide and pour it on their cereal and add it to their pancake mix and well you get the picture - this is an article on TUAW that has a review of every iPad ad ever and has them ranked.
Spoiler Alert - They rank them from 1 to 24 - 1 being the best and 24 the worst - as there were 24 iPad ads to date in the US.
I don't like when you start with the best and work down to the worst - but maybe in this case it is more fun to see the worst ads then the best. The best by the way was the iPad Air Pencil ad from 2013 - and the worst - well I will not ruin it for you - go check out the link to see them ranked from first to worst.
Link in the show notes at today in iOS dot com for ep 317 - look for the one titled - Every iPad ad, reviewed and ranked
17:11
http://www.tuaw.com/2014/07/31/a-few-reasons-why-
ipad-sales-are-slumping/
Thanks to also Tash for this next article about iPad sales - which had lots of reasons or explanations or logic to explain away last quarters sales and peoples over expectations about iPad sales. But it got me thinking what if we looked at iPad sales charted by the last 4 quarters on a quarterly basis - meaning for last quarter you add up iPad sales for Q2 14, Q1 14, Q413 and Q313 - and then do the same going back one quarter at a time - making sure you have 4 quarters for each segment of the graph - to me this shows how yearly sales look and should be smooth trend line. And when You do that - it paints a different picture.
Well it paints a picture of rapid growth right until a peak of 68.5 Million units for the 4 quarter period ending with Q1 2013. And since then it has been between 64.8 Mil on the low to 69.3 Mil on the high. Or in other words - a mature market. Not really a declining market just one that has flattened out.
I think this is fair to look at this way from the perspective that the iPad is a device with a long long active life - 4+ years and counting based on the daily use my original iPad is still getting.
So I don't see iPad sales slumping as much as flattening out after a long period of hyper growth.
18:42
http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/08/12/ios-holds-88-
share-of-enterprise-apps-ipad-90-of-tablets-in-
goods-business-activations
Thanks to Dr. John and others for this next one. And it is one of those Numbers articles - this time the numbers are about Enterprise activations of mobile devices - and again this comes from Good Technology. When looking at activations - the iPhone was at 51% of activated devices, the iPad at 15%, All Android phones at 30%, Android tablets at 3% and Windows Smartphones at 1% - and this is all pre the Apple IBM deal.
It should be pointed out that Good Technology does not support Blackberry - so this is just a comparison between iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
When looking at just those three platforms - iOS had an 88% share of Enterprise App activations. Again all pre the Apple / IBM deal.
19:35
Thanks to our newest sponsor and that is Harrys.com - if you go to harrys dot com - that is h a r r y s dot com and use the promo code t i i - you will save $5 on your first order.
Lets face it guys one of the worst parts about shaving is tracking down that person to unlock to the display case so you can get your razors - the other worst part is the price you pay for said razors when you get to the check out counter. Harry's helps on both those fronts - no need to go to the store - you just order on line and get the razors delivered right to your door with free shipping. The starter kit they sent to me is amazing - for $15 you get a razor - Moisturizing shave cream and 3 razor blades - all in a great package that screams GIFT ME GIFT ME - are you listening ladies. Actually what my Wife said when she saw it - is that this would make for great gifts for my Brother and father for this christmas.
The blades are high quality - german blades - from a 93 year old factory that Harry's liked so much they purchased it outright.
If you look at today's artwork - you will see I have a little bit experience shaving as I shave not just my face but my whole head. And I have been using the Harry's razor since the end of July - and it has been wonderful. Previously I used the most expensive blades I could get - Schick Titaniums and the like. So I was definitely a little worried on how Harry's blades would measure up - and I have been sooooo happy with the results. No cuts or knicks - which I usually get with new blades. A very close shave even better then from my expensive blades at a much lower price. And I am still on my first blade 20+ days in.
It made me realize I was really just paying for Marketing with my old blades - but with Harry's your money goes to getting great blades and at a fraction of the cost of those so called high end blades.
If you look at my picture in my Artwork you will see me wearing my Warby Parker glasses on my well shaven head. And it just so happens that Jeff the co-founder of Harry's also co-founded Warby Parker. That means you know you are getting the same great quality experience as you get with Warby Parker - and they also have a good social mission where 1% of sales and at least 1% of their time is donated to organizations to help prep people for personal and professional success. With Harrys.com You get a shave that feels good from a company you can feel good about.
Once again go to Harrys.com now and save $5 off when you enter the code - t i i with your first purchase. That is h a r r y s dot com and enter the coupon code T I I at check out to save $5 on your first purchase and start shaving better today or at least as soon as your new shave kit arrives at your door step.
22:31
VOICEMAIL - JEFF_ANSWR_PASSWORD_ISSUES
Hi Rob my iPhone 5C speaker is not as loud as it used to be. And when I'm on speakerphone of some people sounds muffled is there anything I should to do to fix it or should I take it Apple Store sincerely Zach
I then sent back an email a week plus later to Zach suggesting that he run the iPhone down on power until it completely dies and let it stay dead over night before recharging.
He replied back that he did run it down and out of power since his original email and now it is back working again.
So folks if you do have a situation where your iPhone or iOS devices speakers start acting weird and have much lower volume levels - just run it all the way out of power in the evening - let it stay dead all night long and then re-charge it the next morning - that seems to do the trick.
Hi Rob,
So I the past you have stated that you didn't think the iphone should be any bigger. I think you have expressed doubt in the past that it ever would be any bigger. I gotta ask, will you upgrade? I know you love your 5s. I'm curious if you plan to upgrade and to which model? Also, if that watch comes out will your pebble be retired?
Regards,
Rob S
Hebron ky (pronounced he-brun)
Hi Rob - you are correct - I do like the one handed usage of the iPhone 5S - but as I am getting older - I find myself tromboning more and more with my iPhone 5S trying to read the screen - Now don't get me wrong - I still think there is a healthy and active market available for the 4 inch version - especially among tweens, teenagers and early 20 year olds - whom have great vision and small pockets. But clearly there are a lot of people - especially in China - that are looking for a larger phablet style phone. So that is why I am thinking the 5.5 inch iPhone is coming and coming soon. Per why specifically I want the 5.5 inch iPhone - well I already have the 4 inch version - so I want to get the biggest version possible to see how it compares and also so I hopefully can read on it and not have to trombone or where my glasses on the top of my head just to see the screen.
Hi Rob,
a caller had a foreign language problem with iTunes - if you go to iTunes and Go down to the bottom and log out of iTunes and then log back in to iTunes it should help - I had a similar problem and doing that fixed my problem
Regards,
RCCKW72
26:50
https://plus.google.com/communities/
105412562215997292912?cfem=1
We are now well over 1,100 members in our Google+ community and growing.
Thanks to everyone that has joined and thanks for the great posts.
One new popular post in the G+ community this past week came from -
Shannon Holden - he asked quote
Question, I use NoteMaster on my iPhone and I'm pretty happy with it but I'd like one that I can use on my Mac as well, that would sync back & forth. The stock app doesn't cut it for me & Evernote is way too expensive, does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
unquote
And the suggestions mentioned one of the Apps I use all the time - Evernote - It has a mac and iOS version and they sync together - and it is what I put the show notes together with this show - well at least since Episode 192 that is. I tried other methods before that - but ultimately - Evernote was what I found to be the most flexible for my needs - sync'd well - and is easy to add notes from Safari on my Mac. And I love being able to search back through my notes back to ep 192 for when questions come up on what I said before. And Evernote is free - with a premium upgrade if you need it. But so far the free version has worked wonderfully for me. Thanks Shannon for that question.
- And this past week there were also dozens and dozens of other new posts in the Tii Google+ community - which is an Android bois free zone and spammer free zone. Yup it is the most civil Google+ community covering iOS.
Folks Go to today in iOS dot com slash community to join in.
And thanks to all 1100+ of you already in the community and contributing.
28:39
http://www.stuff.tv/apple/apple-tv-beta-gets-shiny-new-interface/news
Thanks to all that sent in this next one. Seems there are a few of you that like Apple TV out there. As that is what this next one is about - or more specifically about the new UI or updated UI of Apple TV - or at least the beta of Apple TV OS.
In a nut shell the UI of Apple TV is getting more of an iOS 7 look feel to it. Still with the same grid look - but flatter icons with the same font as in iOS 7.
Speaking of the Apple TV we have this email -
Hi Rob
If you are thinking of buying an Apple TV, now is a good time as Apple are currently throwing in an iTunes gift card with any Apple TV purchases. I have seen this deal valid for the US, UK, Canada & Australia. Those outside these locations, check on the Apple Store website for your country to see if the deal is valid where you are. The deal is valid until the end of September.
Regards
Steve
in Brisbane AU
Hmmm Steve - I wonder what is happening after the end of September.
29:47
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/
mobile-phones/iphone-6-leaked-photos-in-retail-box-1260901
Seems People putting up fake photos for iPhone 6 are getting really lazy - take the horrible attempt that Techradar did for their link bait - they did a post titled - iPhone 6 leaked photo in retail box. ummm no - It is a fake 100% - The new box will show the iBooks App and the Podcasts App on it - and likely will be 5 apps across - all they are showing is the same apps as what is on the iPhone 5S box - just photo shop - nothing to look at here. Next time the person that did the Photoshop should do some research - they would have discovered all the new apps that are going to be native in iOS 8 - Which in addition to the iBooks App and the Podcasts app also includes the new Tips and Health apps. So missing at least 4 in this photo. Techradar sadly did get others just as lazy as them to re-report it as fact rather than point out the glaring omissions on the front of the box. Nice work guys and by work - I mean Link bait.
31:05
http://seekingalpha.com/article/2389245-apples-
iphone-6-event-a-turning-point
As we get into the Rumor part of the show - I do want to let you know over the next couple of weeks you will see some slashing and burning of iPhone 5c and 5S pricing at places like walmart and target and others - Don't do it - there is a new iPhone coming - be strong - wait for the new iPhones - users are always glad they waited.
Speaking of the iPhone 6 and rumors - Seems the site Re/code has reported that Apple will unveil on September 9 its new iPhones, which will feature larger screens and faster processors, but probably no sapphire.
Huh? Ok - I will go this far out and say if the iPhone 6 does not have Saphire - I will not upgrade - regardless of the other features or size. To me that is something different and we know that the plant in AZ will soon be cranking out Sapphire - so if Apple and GTAT are not able to get Sapphire screens for the iPhone 6 - then I will wait for the iPhone 6S - where in that case the S really would be for Sapphire.
32:15
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2014/08/10/
apple-factory-mesa-ramps-sapphire-production/13881233/
And speaking of the Sapphire glass - here are some comments and a heads up on an article.
Hi Rob, Here’s a local account on the GT Advanced Technologies factory. I heard on the news a week or two ago that they were fully operational and ramping up production. Interesting from the text they said they hired hundreds of workers who had to be trained and absorbed into a four-shift, 24/7 operation” I wonder What’s the hurry? Regards,Dr. John M Gilbert, AZ
Thanks Dr. John. Yeah - seems like they are turning and burning at that factory. So with a month to go - if they are in full production mode - then it is likely we should see Sapphire on the next iPhone.
Now here is one quote from the CEO of GT AT about the AZ plant quote
The build-out of our Arizona facility is nearly complete, and we are commencing the transition to volume production, The company expects to reach "full operational efficiency" in early 2015. Progress has admittedly been slower due to some of the startup challenges that we've faced
unquote
Hmmmm - so maybe what Apple does this year is only the highest end version of the iPhone gets sapphire - say the 128 GB versions - assuming the new top end iPhone is 128 GB. The Adder Apple get for the extra storage will more then offset the higher cost for the Sapphire glass.
So as a betting man right now - I would bet there will be a version of the new iPhone 6 that has sapphire as a min - and all iPhone 6's as an unlikely but best case scenario - given the comments of the GTAT CEO - It just seems like there will be shortages for Sapphire this fall.
34:31
http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/iphone-6-ram-
still-up-in-the-air/
One of the other rumors coming up since the last episode - is that the iPhone 6 would not go to 2 GB of RAM - seems this rumor comes from the blog site G for Games and they misread a tech diagram to come to that conclusion.
Some sites are also reporting that the iPhone really does not need 2GB of RAM per how iOS works. It is likely going to be one of those specs that even after the iPhone 6 is announced - we really will not know the answer to - until iFixit gets a new iPhone 6 and does a dissection on it.
Right now I would be surprised if the next iPhone does not have 2GB of ram - not so much for the features of iOS 8 - but rather for features in iOS 9 or 10.
Again - this is a question that will not be answered until some time in late September.
35:24
http://9to5mac.com/2014/08/20/new-photos-
claim-to-show-5-5-inch-iphone-6l-shell-compared-to-smaller-model/
Per the sizes of the iPhone 6 - as mentioned here - there and everywhere - there is likely going to be a 4.7 inch version and a 5.5 inch version.
That means we will need two names. iPhone 6 and iPhone Air or iPhone 6 and 6L - with the 6L being the new rumor de-jur
One thing that we are starting to see now are more reported photos of the 6L or the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 - or at least pictures of its case and internals.
To me the 6L branding does not seem very Applish - so I am not buying the 6L name at this time.
Some code found in Xcode also seems to indicate the screen resolution will be 828 x 1472 - that would be the same ratio as the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S screens - which are currently at 1136 x 640 pixels.
36:24
http://www.cityam.com/1407337036/apple-iphone-
6-bigger-screen-faster-and-new-camera
Hi Rob. I just can't see Apple coming out with a 5.5 inch iPhone. Am I crazy?
Regards,
Mike from Vegas
Well Mike I can't tell you if you are crazy - but most indications right now are a 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch iPhone are both coming this fall for the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6L or iPhone Air or iPhone Max or what ever they are called.
I think at this point come September 9th - I would be very shocked if Apple does not announce both a 4.7 and a 5.5 inch iPhone. I would also be shocked if the 5.5 inch went on sale at the same time - well ok not shocked - but at least pleasantly surprised.
I do also feel there will still be a 4.0 inch iPhone - just not sure if that is simply just the iPhone 5C and 5S or if there will also be an iPhone 6 at 4.0 inches.
We can also pretty well bet the next camera will be the 13 Mega pixel camera from sony.
37:32
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2014/08/check-out-
the-iphone-6-lightning-cables-reversible-usb-connector-in-this-video
Thanks to Michael for this next one. Which is about a short 10 sec video tweeted out from Sonny Dickson. This video shows a revisable USB connector on the big USB side. So this is something that might come with the iPhone 6 as well.
Reversible USB to Reversible Lightning.
Thus helping drunk college students to be able to plug in and charge their iPhone regardless of how they orient the plug or how drunk they are.
This connector is one that is supposed to be backwards compatible to USB ports on computers and chargers and southwest airline lounge chairs.
38:11
http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/08/20/rumor-apple-
to-bump-ipad-air-2-ram-to-2gb-keep-second-
gen-retina-ipad-mini-at-1gb
Thanks to all that sent in this next one.
And this is that the iPad air 2nd ten - would get a bump to 2GB of RAM - but that the new iPMR2 or iPad Mini Retina 2 - will stay at 1GB,
I am a little skeptical there - I could see the iPMR2 getting a slightly slower clock speed on the A8 processor. But not getting the extra RAM when the iPhone Air does - seems off.
After all if the iPad Air 2 does get the extra ram - that could signal - true multi-tasking is not far away - maybe even in iOS 9.
One new add I think that is a no-brainer is Touch ID for all iPads.
Especially since Apple is pushing the business sector. This would make the iPad more secure.
39:07
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/
2014/08/11/why-surveillance-companies-hate-the-iphone/
Thanks to Hany in Egypt and John M and William P and a few others for this next one. Don't you just hate it when you hear there is something that can be done in Android but not iOS.
This is Especially true when you are a surveillance company and your spy tools work just great on Android - but can't be used to Hack iOS devices. And that is exactly what is reported from leaked documents from Surveillance company Gamma. The Leaked documents provide quote illuminating details about the capabilities of Gamma’s many spy tools, perhaps the most surprising revelation is about something the company is unable to do: It can’t hack into your typical iPhone. unquote
Or put another way - Hacking Android - No Problem - Hacking Blackberry - Check - but when it comes to hacking your iPhone - sorry no can do. That is essentially what Gamma said per their ability to hack mobile devices.
Yup don't you just hate hearing all the thing Android does but iOS does not.
40:09
http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/15/gyrophone-
eavesdropping-hack/
Hey Rob, Here's an interesting article for your popular Android bash...ehm, security advice segment:
This is an article in Engadget about how hackers could use the gyroscope on Android phones to record audio around it.
I like how they point out why that's not possible on the iPhone, or at least not useful for eavesdropping.
Regards,
Sebastian
Seems from the article that there are no permissions needed for an app to access the gyroscope - and that the ones in Android phones can pick up vibrations in the 80 Hz to 250 Hz range. Which just happens to cover human voice.
The article mentions that the iPhone's sensor only allows detection of 100 hz and lower - and is therefor useless for eavesdropping
Please note this is all theoretical and there is no known use of this method - just those college researches trying to show what could be done - not what is being done.
41:14
http://www.businessinsider.com/xiaomi-miui-6-looks-
like-apple-ios-7-2014-8
Thanks to Dr. John for this next one - which is about a company that likes to copy Apple and its products - nope Not Samsung - but rather the Chinese company Xiaomi has just updated their Android based Mobile OS to MIUI6 - and it is essentially the look and feel of iOS 7.
Many apps looks very very similar to iOS native apps.
But this is not a shocker when you consider that Xiaomi's CEO - goes on stage wearing blue jeans and a black shirt and says one more thing at the end of the presentation of the last big surprise.
These guys don't even try to hide they are copying.
Surprised they don't just put an Applish logo on their devices.
42:06
VOICEMAIL - JEFF_OVERCAST_PODCASTS_APP_FDBK
Hi Rob,
I am using downcast. I want to use stock podcast app but too many times it randomly wants to load all episodes or worse download to my Mac and I don't went them there. Maybe I will give it another shot in iOS 8. I just want the podcasts loaded to my phone so I can here them when offline in planes, which is at least twice a week sometimes 6.
Regards,
Edgar
Hi Rob,
Per Podcatching apps - I was surprised to see my favorite icatcher so far down on the list.
I'm a heavy podcast listener with lots of windshield time in the big rig.
I started with stitcher but was using so much data, I moved most podcasts to icatcher. There are a couple podcasts like NPR science that work better on stitcher. I've been on stitcher since 2011 with 3800 hours logged according to the start up screen.
Pluses-
It's easy to archive shows you might want to listen to again.
It's easy to use.
If your into news or current events, the front page news feed is a plus. One pet peeve on the news feed however is they may take a slice of a 30 min show and I wonder if your paying data for the full 30 min or just the slice.
Negatives-
The skip forward and back icons are tiny and require accessing the drop down menu.
All the audio commercials . You can pay a ransom fee to get relief!
The better apps now have a skip forward when starting for podcast that always have a commercial at the start and stitcher doesn't that I'm aware of.
I still use stitcher for about 10 podcasts and the front page on AT&T but use icatcher and wifi with some AT&T for another 60 podcasts to pass the 3000 miles a week in the big rig.
NOTE - UPDATE - I haven't noticed any audio ads lately so maybe they are gone?
Per iCatcher
I suppose customer service can make you or break you so let me say Joe is always timely with a response if needed and you can email him directly from the app.
I really like the iCatcher app.
Pros-
Large text
Data counter on download screen for data used by app and more important available space remaining on you device.
In adittion to typical 30 sec skip forward and back there are programmable 1 and 2 finger swipes forward and back. I only use the 1 finger swipe. There is also a Leo Leap for 2minute forward. I have mine set for 15sec back and 60sec forward 1 finger swipe and rarely use the standard 30 sec ones. 15 sec back is handy if you skip forward too far.
Programmable start point and end points to rid yourself of ads or long intros.
Ability to add RSS feeds not in iTunes.
Cons- I have none that concern me. There are a lot of features that have been added and might be a little overwhelming at first.
Regards,
Mike R
Texas
Hey Rob -
Just a quick note about Podcast apps… I tried out Overcast and I really liked the audio features and was willing to pay $5 - but I just couldn’t give up the touch controls of iCatcher. Double tap starts and stops, swipe up or down changes the rate, sideways swipe jump forward and back. The individual controls over what to do with each podcast might be a differentiator too - but honestly mine are often set wrong anyway.
Thanks for the great show
Regards,
-Dan
Hi Rob,
I wanted to respond to your request for which podcast app we use and why. I personally use Downcast. I have used it for over a year now. I like it because it will allow the use of podcasts that require login. I have 2 regular podcasts that are part of a subscription service. And Downcast works well with them. I tried the new one, Overcast I think. But, deleted it once I found that it does not allow for password protected podcasts. I did confirm this with the developer. I was disappointed about this as the app did have one feature that I have not yet seen anywhere else. (and maybe you can help me with this one). Overcast will download new podcasts in the background as they become available. I don't know of any others that will do this. Downcast will not (again, confirmed with the dev). That feature would have gotten me to switch to Overcast had it also handled login podcast.
Also, one nice feature I have seen is the "car mode" in Stitcher. I listen alot in the car. And this feature is close to perfect. But, I wish someone should make a true car mode feature. I am looking for a podcast app that would utilize the whole screen for large buttons to allow for play/pause, skip track, +/- 30 sec, etc without looking. They all have these. But, the buttons are so small, you have to take your eyes off the road to hit them. I don't need to be able to see album art in the car. It's just wasted space.
I am looking forward to seeing what the results of your survey are.
Regards,
Tim in Atlanta
Hi Rob,
On ep 316 you discussed podcasts apps, and per your question, I use the Apple podcast app. I have tried other podcast apps, Stitcher, Overcast, but the Siri integration always brings me back. You also talked about Apple's purchase of another podcast app that was focused on discovery, which leads me to my question.
What podcasts do you listen to? I am always in search of something new to listen to, and it would be interesting for the listeners to hear what you find interesting.
Thanks for the show, it is one of my favorite podcasts!
Regards,
- Joe
Hi Joe - The show I have listened to the longest - over 9 years - is Daves lounge - It is the best trip hop down tempo music out there. Great for coding or attacking spread sheets or just chilling .
For Apple info - I listen to Mac OS Ken.
And for entertainment / education - I listen to Revolutions by Mike Duncan - and Hardcore History by Dan Carlin.
Those 4 are in my solid rotation. Thanks for asking.
VOICEMAIL - TIM_REVIEW_STITCHER_APP_FDBK
52:41
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/143547447/gripsnap-
the-coolest-multi-use-monopod-with-a-magn
PLAYVOICEMAIL - Matt_Grip_snap
Thanks Matt - for the voice mail message.
And also congrats on your project - it has passed the initial goal of 16k - with over $20k of pledges.
Pricing for the Grip snap is $29 which just a few left at that price - then it goes to $39.
And Matt did add a stretch goal of $25k - and if that is reached - there will be a GripSnap Car Mount.
Folks you have until Sept 10th at 2:51 PM CT to fund this project - search for Gripsnap - one word at kickstarter dot com or in the show notes for ep 317 at today in iOS dot com.
54:10
http://ztylus.com/collections/ztylus-camera-kit-for-smartphone
Hey Rob, I searched your posts and couldn't find anything about this one yet. It's an iPhone 5/5s case from Ztylus (pronounced like stylus with a Z) with an interchangeable 4-in-1 lens attachment. They list at $99 for the case/lens package. I'm so getting one of these.
http://ztylus.com/collections/for-apple/products/zip-5s-case-rv-2-lens-combo-for-apple-iphone-5-5s-black-edition
Also on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/AUTHENTIC-SMARTPHONE-KICKSTAND-REVOLVER-ATTACHMENT/dp/B00LG623LG/ref=sr_1_2 Regards, Aric B
Regards,
Aric B
Hi Aric - thanks for the heads up - and essentially this is a case that has a bigger rotating center piece where different lenses can be extended out of and over the iPhones own camera - those improving the image reaching your lens and improving photo quality of your pictures.
55:07
https://plus.google.com/u/0/111997505699134096248/
posts/UotaN4JtFii?cfem=1
Hi Rob
It appears the Facebook settings for video auto play have now changed. You used to only be able to disable video auto play on a cellular connection by selecting wifi only. You now have the option to turn it off completely. Go to Settings/Facebook/Settings/Auto-Play/Off. Hope that helps.
Regards
Steve
Brisbane
Steve very nice - thanks for the heads up on that.
55:36
VOICEMAIL - Gil_quest_cellular_data_turned_off
Hi Rob,
Is there an app that can track which apps or settings are using the most battery on the iPhone?
Regards,
Mike
Hi Mike - Yes - it is called iOS 8 - that is one of the new features added to iOS 8. Just go into Setting - General - Usage - and find it there. This is one of my favorite new features in iOS 8.
But in iOS 7 - you would need to jailbreak the device to get the same feature.
Rob W
Hi rob
The total download app has been mentioned on your recent podcast
I tried it but got the message.
quote - As requested by google, downloads from youtube has been disabled unquote.
Any comments?
Keep up the good work
Regards,
Jim from Lakewood Colorado
Well Jim the person recommending it did say he had not updated the old version - and that sounds like a good decision. Seems Google did to them what it did to Zamzar - the service I used to use to get downloads from Youtube to play clips for this show.
Hi Rob,
Is there an app that will allow me to mark my location via GPS, then help me navigate back to that location? I'm a hiker/boater and I want to be able to mark my starting point and a few other points along the way as I travel, like dropping breadcrumbs, then I want to be able to use the phone to navigate back to any of those points. Is there an app for that?
Regards,
Ben U
Hi Rob,
One huge problem for me and many others is no option to bulk move emails to trash. There is a procedure on the net which claims to do this function on the iPhone and iPad. It works on my iPad but won't work on my 5S. I seldom look at emails on my iPhone any more - a real negative. Why Apple hasn't fixed this is beyond belief. Maybe the next update?
Regards,
Michael A
Good news Michael - in iOS 8 - you can select all - and then delete all the selected emails.
VOICEMAIL - REVIEW_WORDHACK
01:00:47
http://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/08/13/dont-like-
instagrams-icon-this-app-lets-you-change-it-and-any-
others-on-your-phone/
Thanks to all that sent in links on this next one which is an article titled quote Don't like Instagram's icon? This app lets you change it and any others on your phone unquote
Which ok to start with is not actually what is happening - what you are able to do with this app called Cocoppa - c o c o p p a
Is you can create shortcuts to other apps - so what you are doing is creating an icon on your home screen which when tapped then launches which ever app you want - it is the short cut icons that you can make look however you like - and per the original icon for the App - it stays as is - you just hide that app in a folder somewhere first.
Some people get creative and have an image created on their main home screen. Once screen shot showed icons when grouped together made a bears head.
The App Cocoppa is free and link is in the show notes for ep 317
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cocoppa-japan-kawaii-
cute/id533055738?mt=8
1:02:08
http://touch.sun-sentinel.com/#section/-1/article/
p2p-81073235/
Thanks to all that sent in this next one. Which was about Six Apple store employees that were arrested in an iPhone theft ring. Essentially how it worked was like this - stolen iPhones were brought into to the Apple store employees who then exchanged them to new in the box iPhones.
Because you know none of this is traceable at all.
Each Apple store employee was supposedly paid between $45 and $75 per phone.
Another person charged worked at Best Buy and he would get ID's of iPhones from Best buy to use with the activations of the new iPhones.
The Stolen phones exchanged at the Apple stores were then sent into Apple in California - which figured something was wrong - and started and investigation.
All in All some really stupid people doing some very illegal activities were brought down by the man.
Clearly the testing to get a job at an Apple store is not quite the same as getting a job in Cupertino.
1:03:27
VOICEMAIL - Conrad_quest_messages_iPhone
Hi Rob,
I just listened to Episode 316 regarding AT&Ts best ever promotion, 10 GB Mobile Share Value Plan. This new plan pricing is based on a 4 person family for $100 + $15 per user = $160. (We were paying $203). I think that this is an AWESOME DEAL and we let go of mine and my wife's grandfathered unlimited data plans, all the while wondering WHAT THE CATCH was. Well it wasn't a few weeks until I found the catch.
AT&T boasts that you can add a new line for only $15, okay good it's expandable.
Well it was my older son's birthday and we upgraded his old iphone to a 5S......"BELLS AND WHISTLES."
Well from now on his line costs $40, not $15. So, after my other 3 lines are all upgraded within the next year or so, to iPhone 6's and the like, we'll be paying $260 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARGGGGGHHHHHHH
What genius ???
What a fricken scam ???
Spread the word !
Your Friend,
Ron
"ronscopes"
Hi Rob,
Been with Apple since iPhone 4. I decided that my iPhone 5 screen was too small and tried to see if the grass was greener with the Samsung Galaxy s5. At first I enjoyed my large screen but the more I used it, the more I realized that was the only good thing about it. The android OS/TouchWiz made my OCS rage. It was absolutely terrible. 3 apps to do one thing and you can't delete them. The voicemail was on a separate app. Everything lagged because of bloatware. Got fed up after 3 months and sold it. Now I'm back using the iPhone 5 which is superior to the gs5 and ready to get the iPhone 6!
Regards,
Tha Raging Asian
Hi Rob.
Do u think there might be a hardware surprise for the iPhone event such as wireless charging or anything
Regards,
Yes I do think there will be some surprises announced on the 9th. What they are - I am not sure.
Random note - looks like Apple just updated their iWork apps for iOS and OS X - most of it looks to be bug fixes and improvements for iCloud compatibility. If you are using the iWork apps and iCloud and we having issues with your docs - you will want to update those apps. Probably want to update them either way.
1:05:41
http://freewillpost.com/2014/08/tom-hanks-app.html
Hi Rob,
The Hanx Writer is really very cool and a fun throwback app. I highly recommend it to your Tii podcast listeners.
Regards,
Dr. John M
Gilbert, AZ
And that message was sent to me from the Hanx writer app - with hanx spelled H A N X
And the message does look like a it came from an old typewriter.
The app itself has a keyboard and look of that of an old typewriter and is for your iPad. The name Hanx Writer is in reference to Tom Hanks - not spelled the same - but yes this is an app from Tom Hanks - well not likely coded by him - but by him or more accurately with his name behind it.
The App is free - and in the description it does say it was created by Tom Hanks - but again - I am guessing he was not coding this.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hanx-writer/id868326899?mt=8
1:07:53
Thanks again to Harry's for sponsoring this episode and please go to Harrys.com now and save $5 off when you enter the code - t i i with your first purchase. That is h a r r y s dot com and enter the coupon code T I I at check out to save $5 and start shaving better today or well at least as soon as your new shave kit arrives right to your door step.
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. And don't forget to check out our Moderated Google Plus community by going to todayinios dot com slash community.
And that folks is going to do it for us today.
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