9/20/2013

iDownloadBlog.com

iDownloadBlog.com


New in iOS 7: Motion Activity

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 04:25 PM PDT

iPhone 5s keynote (M7 specs slide)

Apple’s iOS 7 software includes a new privacy section nested inside the Settings application. It exists to explicitly cater to next-gen fitness apps specifically designed with Apple’s new M7 chip in mind. As you know, the M7 motion coprocessor is iPhone 5s-exclusive (actually a rebranded NXP LPC18A1 chip – that’s the power of marketing to you)…(...)
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U.S. Senator Al Franken challenges Apple on Touch ID privacy implications

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 01:45 PM PDT

iPhone 5s first look

What are the privacy implications of the iPhone 5s fingerprint sensor? U.S. Senator Al Franken wants Apple CEO Tim Cook to answer that question and more. In a published letter to Cook, Franken writes that “important questions remain about how this technology works.” In addition, the senator wants the Apple chief to explain how the Touch ID sensor may be used in the future.

In response, Apple published online a document explaining that fingerprints obtained by the new iPhone 5s are walled-off from the iOS software and application developers…(...)
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Loyalty: almost all iPhone 5s buyers apparently own an iPhone

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 12:52 PM PDT

iOS 7 teaser (iPhone 5s ad 002)

Remember the days when Apple or Android hoped to snag a customer from the rival camp? You can file that dream alongside winning the Super Ball lottery, because nearly all of the people lined up Friday to buy one of Apple’s new iPhones already owns an iPhone.

According to one Apple observer, 90 percent of people lined up in New York, San Francisco and Minneapolis are upgrading from an older iPhone. The finding reflects both the loyalty of Apple users as well as a U.S. smartphone market where few consumers switch from one handset brand to another.

The 90 percent upgrade figure tops that of the iPhone 5, when 83 percent of those purchasing the handset in 2012 said they already owned an iPhone…(...)
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Review: iPhone 5s Slo-Mo video capture

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 11:25 AM PDT

120 fps iPhone 5s

Slo-Mo video capture is what all of the cool kids are doing these days, and if you happen to own a shiny new iPhone 5s, you can now join the fun.

The slow motion effect is the result of video that’s captured at a very high frame rate, and then slowed down. This allows you to have video with reduced speed without any herky-jerkyness. The end result is a professional quality slow motion effect that you and your friends will love.(...)
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Internal Apple doc reveals non-serviceable iPhone 5s/5c issues

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 11:15 AM PDT

iPhone 5s (white, smashed screen)

So you stood in the line, maybe even battered the storm, and you’ve finally gotten your hands on a brand spanking new iPhone 5s (let me guess, they didn’t have a gold variant?) or one of the colorful new iPhone 5c models? As much as you’re going to protect your investment by handling your device with care and thinking twice before letting others play with it, accidents unfortunately happen.

And while Apple will cover factory faults and issues that may arise with your new handsets, many other issues won’t be covered by Apple’s standard one-year warranty. A leaked Apple document highlights some of the issues that might incur a charge and ones that aren’t serviceable at all…(...)
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Apple TV 6.0 is out: iTunes Radio, AirPlay from iCloud, iTunes music purchases, more

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 11:03 AM PDT

Apple TV 6.0 update (teaser 001)

Following today’s launch of the new iPhone 5s/5c and Wednesday’s public release of iOS 7, Apple on Friday issued a major new software update to its “hobby project,” the $99 Apple TV streaming set-top box. The company’s been testing a companion Apple TV update since announcing iOS 7 at June’s WWDC.

We previously caught glimpses of some of the new features such as AirPlay enhancementsautomatic device configuration over Bluetooth, custom subtitles and Conference Room Mode for presenters. All of these goodies – and then some – are now readily available to Apple TV owners.

Go past the fold for the full details on iCloud Photos and Videos, iTunes Music Store purchases, Podcasts, AirPlay from iCloud and other Apple TV enhancements…(...)
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As expected, the iPhone 5s is way faster than the iPhone 5

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 10:54 AM PDT

Geekbench iPhone 5s

We knew it would be faster, but there’s something to be said about running benchmarks and confirming it for yourself. That’s just what I did a few seconds ago. I fired up the new Geekbench 3, which now comes with 64-bit processor support I might mention, and compared the two devices head to head.

What I found wasn’t very surprising, given Apple has stated in its press materials that the 5s is two times faster than the incumbent both in terms of CPU and GPU speed. Check past the break for the full breakdown of the results.(...)
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iPhone 5s chips: Samsung-made A7, NXP-made M7, Bosch accelerometer, Sony CMOS

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 10:37 AM PDT

iPhone 5s promo (A7 chip closeup 002)

After conducting its ritual teardown analysis of the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, both of which went on sale earlier today in the United States, China and an additional nine major global markets, the repair experts over at iFixIt teamed up with Chipworks for a high-tech analysis of the iPhone 5s’s innards.

Putting the Apple-designed 64-bit A7 chip under a microscope, deep scans reveal the new iPhone engine is still being made by Samsung…(...)
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Sprint launches $65 a month One Up upgrade plan

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 10:13 AM PDT

Spint One Up

As rumored, the U.S. wireless carrier Sprint on Friday launched its $65 a month upgrade program, just in time for the double iPhone 5s/5c launch. By the way, the new iPhones have gotten off to a great start as Apple cites “incredible demand” for the handsets. Akin to similar offerings from rival telcos AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, Sprint customers can now get a brand new smartphone every 12 months with no downpayment for a limited time, by signing up for the $65 a month One Up plan for unlimited voice, text and data. Jump past the fold for the full reveal…(...)
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The launch: “incredible” demand, Tim Cook & Co. at Palo Alto store, line vids the world over

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 09:26 AM PDT

iPhone 5s launch in munich

If it is Friday, you must be standing in line for the new iPhones. As the iPhone 5c officially hits stores and the iPhone 5s opens for both pre-sales and retail customers, Apple describes the rush to own the new smartphones as “incredible.” From a Silicon Valley appearance by CEO Tim Cook to Hong Kong’s own gold rush, talk of a down-and-out Apple is forgotten amid the lines and excited iPhone fanatics.

Acknowledging to AllThingsD that some models of iPhone 5s are “sold out or in limited supply,” Apple reportedly is asking its suppliers to increase production by a third.

Gold is in – particularly when it comes to Apple’s just-released iPhone 5s…(...)
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Review: Touch ID fingerprint sensor

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 09:09 AM PDT

Touch ID

Far and away, the most compelling upgrade worthy feature on the new iPhone 5s is the new Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It was a feature that was rumored for many months, and today the general public can finally see what all of the fuss is about.

I’ve been putting the Touch ID sensor, which rests inside of the iPhone 5s’ redesigned Home button, through its paces all morning. I’ve come away extremely impressed — not only with its ease of setup, but with its uncompromising accuracy.

After using it for a while, it’s readily apparent that this is not something that Apple hastily put into the iPhone 5s. This isn’t your father’s fingerprint sensor. Touch ID is a feature that Apple has meticulously meshed into the iPhone to make one transparent and cohesive experience. And it just works.(...)
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iOS 7.0.1 fixes iPhone 5s Touch ID issue

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 08:06 AM PDT

Touch ID hardware

As new iPhones launch today, Apple has flipped the switch on an iOS 7 0.1 update to fix a minor issue with the iPhone 5s’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor while delivering “bug fixes and improvements”. The maintenance firmware update is exclusive to the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c and users will be prompted to install it upon booting up their brand spanking new device. The software isn’t available for iPhones other than the new ones. I’ve included additional tidbits after the jump..(...)
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First look: iPhone 5s

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 07:49 AM PDT

iPhone 5s first look

I was so angry when I woke up this morning, because I woke up late, and I just knew that meant I wasn’t going to get an iPhone 5s. Much to my surprise, my local Verizon store had plenty in stock, albeit, none were gold.

I was able to walk in, say I wanted an unlocked iPhone 5s, and walked out in less than 15 minutes. It was an overall uneventful experience, despite my tardiness.

I decided to go ahead and go with the 32GB Space Gray iPhone 5s. While initially I kind of dismissed this color option, it’s not half bad when you see it in person. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that this is the best looking iPhone ever, outside of maybe the Gold model if that’s your thing.(...)
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iFixIt tears apart the iPhone 5c

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 05:17 AM PDT

iPhone 5c (blue, iFixit teardown 004)

Just a few hours ahead of the iPhone 5s/5c launch in the United States and an additional ten major international markets, the repair wizards over at iFixIt gave the flagship iPhone 5s its usual teardown treatment. But wait, these guys are really quick – they’ve also posted their ritual teardown of another new iPhone, the gorgeous plastic iPhone 5c. I’ve included the most interesting tidbits and a nice video right after the break…(...)
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Gestrument LE review: make beautiful music without being a musician

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 04:43 AM PDT

Gestrument LE 1

In the current age of technology, a person doesn't have to be a musician to play music. From fake guitars that play chords when you tap the screen to deeply technological wave table synthesizers, the iPhone has made it possible for anyone to write, record, and perform songs like a pro.

Gestrument LE is a music app that lets you create interesting and beautiful songs just by dragging your finger across the screen of your iPhone. We go hands on as we review the app…(...)
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MAXHASH helps you find the best of the internet

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 04:00 AM PDT

Maxhash 1In a world where every big event is followed by a hashtag and every news story is retweeted around the world, finding exactly what you are looking for can be an arduous task on the Internet.

MAXHASH is a social networking filter that aggregates every tag from every social site around the web in one visually appealing stream…(...)
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Shipping dates slip for most iPhone 5s models, gold models showing October

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 12:36 AM PDT

october

It’s only been about 45 minutes since the iPhone 5s became available for online orders here in the US, and the initial stock for most models has already been depleted. Shipping estimates for all gold-color configurations now show ‘October.’(...)
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You can now order your iPhone 5s

Posted: 20 Sep 2013 12:03 AM PDT

iPhone 5s side by side gold in front

Ok folks, the time has arrived. Those in one of the 9 initial launch countries can now order your iPhone 5s handset. Just as promised, the Cupertino company began accepting online orders for its new flagship smartphone right around midnight this morning.

It appears that some users are still seeing Apple's 'We'll be back' poster on Apple.com, but the Apple Store app is up and running. Remember that carriers are also accepting online orders, so it's worth checking out their websites if you have trouble getting in…(...)
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Apple takes US store offline ahead of iPhone 5s launch

Posted: 19 Sep 2013 09:46 PM PDT

store down

Apple has taken its US web store down as it prepares to begin selling the iPhone 5s. The handset will be available for online order starting at 12:01 am Pacific Standard Time tomorrow morning, and in stores at 8 am.

AT&T also seems to have taken a majority of its site down, and replaced it with a countdown splash page. Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile sites seem to be working fine though, and they will all be selling the 5s online…(...)
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iFixit gives the iPhone 5s the teardown treatment

Posted: 19 Sep 2013 09:03 PM PDT

ifixit 5s 1

Though we've still got a good 10 hours or so before the iPhone 5s officially goes on sale here in the US, the handset has already landed in Australia and other countries. And from what we’re hearing , stock is extremely limited.

But wouldn’t you know it, the folks over at iFixit managed to snag one, and have already started their teardown ritual. And you know what that means: hi-res photos of the new A7 chip, Touch ID sensor and more coming up…(...)
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