Apple Rumoured To Enhance AppleCare
Apple is looking to enhance AppleCare for iPhone, iPad, and iPod repairs. Apple employees will now attempt to repair the devices themselves and return a customer’s fixed-up device to him or her. This is done instead of exchanging with a new product. These in-house repairs will reportedly allow Apple to save approximately $1 billion each year. Apple is also rumoured to extending its free phone support for Apple devices from its current policy of 90 days to one year
GMail App Bypasses Apple iOS Linkages
Google update GMail app on the iOS devices to link from third party app to Chrome and back again with a simple tap. Google uses a new OpenInChromeController module which bypasses Apple’s restrictions. Once developers incorporate the new module, it will open links from the app in Google Chrome, provided that the user has Chrome for iOS installed.
Acer’s 7 Inch Iconia Cheap $169 Tablet
Acer has announced a cheap 7-inch Android tablet that starts at $169. The newly announced Acer Iconia A1 has a white back with 4:3 IPS display (1,024×768 pixels). It features a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and either 8GB or 16GB onboard storage, built-in 3G option, b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Front and rear-facing cameras are 0.3 megapixel (640×480, 30 frames-per-second video) and 5 megapixels (1080p 30fps video). Other features are expandable microSD slot that supports an extra 32GB of memory, a Micro-USB and HDMI ports, Gyroscope and GPS.
Barnes & Noble Adds Google Play App Store
When your tablet can’t beat Google Nexus, join in. And that is what Barnes & Nobles has done adding Google Play App Store to Nook tablets. Suddenly the apps increased from 10,000 to 750,000. This in return made the Nook more appealing to consumers and hoping this will generate interest in the device that has made little headway against Amazon.com Inc’s Kindle and Apple Inc’s iPad.
Apple iOS 7 Will Get New Design
Under Apple’s Jony Ive, iOS 7 will have a new look and feel mobile OS, and the interface will have a more flatter and simpler look. Apple is expected to unveil the next major version of their mobile OS at their World Wide Developer Conference in June.
Samsung Unveils 7-Inch Galaxy Tab 3
Samsung’s has released the new 7 inch Galaxy Tab 3. The new tablet comes with 1.2GHz processor, 8GB or 16GB of storage, a 3- and 1.3-megapixel camera and a substantial 4,000mAh battery.
The Tab 3 will feature screen of 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600 pixel screen) TFT display. Galaxy Tab 3 will have Android 4.1 OS. No information about price but the WiFi version will be available in May, and the 3G model in June.
Apple Worldwide Developers Conference On June 10 In San Francisco
Apple is launching WDDC 2013 at San Francisco’s Moscone West from June 10 for five days. The event will feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by more than 1,000 Apple engineers. Tickets for this year’s conference will go on sale Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern.
The full list of activities at the 2013 conference:
- More than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers on a wide range of topics for developing, deploying and integrating the latest iOS and OS X technologies
- More than 1,000 Apple engineers supporting over 100 hands-on labs and events to provide developers with code-level assistance, insight into optimal development techniques and guidance on how they can make the most of iOS and OS X technologies in their apps
- The latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS and OS X, and how to enhance an app’s functionality, performance, quality and design
- The opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iOS and OS X developers from around the world—last year more than 60 countries were represented
- Engaging and inspirational lunchtime sessions with leading minds and influencers from the worlds of technology, science and entertainment
- Apple Design Awards which recognize iPhone, iPad and Mac apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design
LinkedIn Revamps iOS and Android Apps
LinkedIn announced a major revamp to its iPhone and Android apps, which includes iPhone, iPad and Android devices. New features include letting users view updates and read news, share updates, browse and chat, and build networks while looking out for jobs on the site.
Apple Apologises To China
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, issued a public apology to Chinese consumers for any “concerns or misunderstandings” they might have had due to poor communication over Apple’s warranty policies. Also he added that there is a need to boost communication with Chinese consumers and strengthen oversight of authorized resellers.
The apology from Apple came about after CCTV and People’s Daily, had led the charge against Apple. They accused Apple of arrogance, greed and “throwing its weight around” and portrayed it as just the latest Western company to exploit the Chinese consumer.
Flipboard 2 Let You Create Your Own Magazines
Flipboard app for iOS iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 2.0 which allow users to curate articles and placed them on their own magazine. Users click on a new plus icon to add into their personal magazine. You can then share your magazine with your friends or leave it private. Android users will be able to read magazines iOS users create, but won’t be able to create their own.
Here is what is new:
★ You can now collect and save content into your own magazines, tap the new “+” button to get started.
★ Your magazines are public, but can be made private (viewable only to you).
★ Use the new bookmarklet to add items to your magazines from your browser.
★ Get Flipboard notifications when people like, comment or subscribe to your magazines.
★ Easily email or share magazines to Facebook, Twitter, G+, etc
★ Personalized recommendations for more to add to your Flipboard.
✓ Search is now front and center on your Flipboard, with new improved results.
✓ Faster page-loading and faster flipping performance.
