Is Apple & Google Finally Playing Nice? Google Maps App Could Be Coming Back To iPhones Soon!
November 16th, 2012 by Christen
The Google gods & Cupertino chiefs have heard your cries and THEY HAVE SPOKEN. With millions of iPhone users crying foul over the Apple maps debacle, it’s being reported that Google is prepping Google Maps for the iPhone, offering a fix for customers dissatisfied with Apple’s poorly received Maps app, according to a report.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is distributing a test version of its mapping app to people outside the company. Google is “putting finishing touches” on the app before it hits the App Store. However, it’s unclear exactly when that will happen. If and when that comes to pass, consumers will have an alternative to Apple’s Maps app, which comes preinstalled with iPhones.
Apple declined to comment on the matter. A Google rep told The WSJ: “We believe Google Maps are the most comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps in the world. Our goal is to make Google Maps available to everyone who wants to use it, regardless of device, browser, or operating system.”
The introduction of Google Maps comes after Apple faced a pr crisis over its Maps app in September. The app, which came preinstalled on the iPhone 5 got poor reviews as users pointed out many inaccuracies. The outcry, exacerbated by the fact that Google Maps was not available on iOS6 or the iPhone 5, led to a rare public apology by CEO Tim Cook, an incident that was said to have prompted the resignation of mobile chief Scott Forstall.
Google’s acquiescence would signal the company’s calculation that promoting its app is more important than hurting its primary competitor in mobile phones. The complicated relationship between Apple and Google has already led to YouTube being withdrawn as a standard app on iOS 6.
Hopefully Apple makes this right for it’s consumers, if not, I’m sure to become a new Android consumer sooner than later.
Study Suggests Consumers Are No Longer Drinking The Apple Kool Aid….
November 5th, 2012 by Christen
As a former Apple “fan-girl” – I must admit, it took me some time to realize that something in the Apple Kool Aid wasn’t all natural. Maybe it began with the idea that releasing a slightly updated version of the iPhone or iPad every several months wasn’t right or maybe it was the notion of feeling tricked when Apple tried to convince me that the iPhone 5 was really something new. Since being released after the Samsung SIII – it didn’t take a genius to realize that something in the brand loyalty kool aid was going bad. Diving into what others believe was Apple’s “nail in the coffin” – Apple maps – further proves researchers latest findings. In what some could consider an eye-opening sign of the times, recent studies by Strategy Analytics suggest that Apple users are no longer as interested in sticking with the brand’s products in the future.
The survey found 88% of current iPhone owners in the U.S. were likely to buy another Apple smartphone. But just last year the study reported 93% of customers willing to purchase a subsequent Apple product.
The decline in Apple loyalty can also be seen globally. The study found 75% of Western European users were likely to purchase another Apple handset, down from 88% in 2011.
Apple says there is a market for new customers, but negative press has led to the decrease in “customer interest” for future products.
Recent reviews of the iPhone 5 claimed customers were unhappy with the lack of innovation to the hardware since the release of the iPhone 4s.
“It is the shift in the number of those who are unsure whether they will remain with the same brand for their next phone that Apple should be concerned about,” Taryn Tulay, an analyst at Strategy Analytics.
Do you consider yourself brand loyal to technology? Are you still drinking the Apple Kool Aid or have you moved onto another brand beverage of choice?
So That iPhone 5 That You Just Bought…Guess How Much It Really Cost To Create It…
September 21st, 2012 by Christen
With the iPhone 5 cultmania taking place all weekend long (or until Apple’s inventory is completely sucked dry) – it makes you wonder, of all the cash that’ll be shelved out…how much of it is really paying for the iPhone 5 device itself. Sure you know that Apple will have somewhat of a markup…but when you compare how much it cost to make the phone and how much consumers are buying it for…it may surprise you…
The gorilla glass display and touchscreen: $44.00
Memory: $20.00
Improved camera: $18.00
Battery: $4.50
Processor: $17.50…
That’s not all…
The entire cost to manufacture an iPhone 5 device is only $206.85…and eBay already has listings of the device in the thousands??? So how much did you really pay for the device and how much did you pay for the Apple logo?
So You’ve Just Powered On Your New iPhone 5… Now What?
September 21st, 2012 by Christen
…Now what?
You’ve patiently waited in line (or else you ordered online) and now you have the most coveted smartphone on the planet in your possession. Resisting the urge to rip open the box, you’ve probably racked your brain figuring out the first thing you want to do with your new Apple iPhone 5. (If you’re reading this – excited about your iPhone 5 delivery waiting on your doorstep while you’re at the office *pay attention*)
If this is your first or upgraded device, now is the time to charge & activate your phone.
Now the musical fun begins. Get your upgraded iTunes and Earpods ready… If you want to use the iTunes Store or the App Store–and you must, right? Why would you get an iPhone if you didn’t want to take advantage of its hundreds of thousands of amazing apps?–you need an iTunes account. These free accounts not only let you buy music, movies, apps, and more at iTunes, they’re also used as part of iCloud, Find My iPhone, FaceTime, and many other awesome technologies on the iPhone.
Dive into all the new features from iOS6 including Passbook, Facetime (over 3G), VIP email and even the “Do Not Disturb” functions…
Once you’ve spent a little time with the built-in apps, your next stop is the App Store, where you can get all kinds of new programs. Whether you’re looking for games or an app to watch Netflix on your iPhone, ideas on what to make for dinner or apps to help you improve your workouts, you’ll find them at the App Store–and usually just for a few dollars.
Be sure to snap a few panoramic shots with the new updated camera and iSight. The camera now has an 8 megapixel sensor, 3,264 x 2,448 pixel resolution with backside illumination, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, f2.4 aperture, is 25 percent smaller and can take panoramic photos. The video camera captures 1080p HD quality. Front-facing camera features 720p support, backside illuminated sensor, and FaceTime works over 3G with iOS 6.
Your new iPhone 5 is now ready for the weekend! What are you going to do first?
The Jury Is Out: Do You Love/Hate The Apple iOS6 Update?
September 20th, 2012 by Tech Staff
If you’ve ever been warned about downloading a new Apple update, and have heard the suggestion to “Wait, until the bugs are worked out.” chances are, you’ve been blessed with great tech advice. With the recent release of Apple iOS6 software update, there have been many praises for several app enhancements but just as the good comes to light, so does the bad. One of the major gripes Apple users are moaning about include the unreliable Apple map app. One notable expression was “Maps takes all the trust Apple has built up among its users over the years — trust that its products just work — and squanders nearly all of it in one go.” – Mashable.com.
New York addresses seem to be completely wrong, turn by turn directions are slightly off and inspite of acquiring three navagation / map companies and having a few years to perfect the iOS map – it’s still #NoBueno.
It’s even been reported that there was a parody account poking fun at the new unreliable app…
(the account has since been removed…)
You can’t expect for Apple to get it right 100% of the time can you? After all, there are some great updates as listed in yesterday’s post – however, some of my favorite discoveries include the new ‘Do Not Disturb” feature, Phone call decline/ automatic text function and a variety of new emoticons added to the animated gallery. My least favorite has to be loosing Google Maps (and transit reliability) and the send read receipts option (this isn’t BBM...).
Have you tried out the new iOS6 update and features? How long did it take to update? Which features did you try first? Which functions do you love?
You’ve Updated Your Apple Device to iOS6…Now What?
September 19th, 2012 by Christen
Instagram: Patiently awaiting my Macbook Air & iPad 2 to load the iOS6 update
If you’re like me, earlier today you couldn’t wait to begin downloading Apple’s newest operating system update iOS6. Why? Well beyond the fact that you’d hate to be the last kid on the block using outdated software – you’re probably excited about some of the nifty upgrades and treats wrapped inside of iOS6′s release. You’ve eagerly clicked on the “software update” button on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and you’ve patiently waiting through the seemingly never ending installation. Just when you thought you were finished, your device re-booted and yet another never ending “loading” timeline separates you from your fully updated device.
Finally! You have Apple’s iOS6 software update…Now What?
Since a lot of you have asked about the iPhone update (either you have an iPhone 4 or 4s with no intention on purchasing the iPhone 5) — this one’s for you!
iPhone users: (In a nutshell)
- Looking for photos? With the updated photo stream, you can share photos with select people and create your very own private photo sharing network. (Think Instagram without the creepers…)
- Facebook integration allows users to have instant access to Facebook in apps, the web browser and Siri PLUS contacts, events and birthdays can also sync with the calendar.
- Facetime will now work over cellular connections. Low iPhone battery? No worries You can choose to answer on your iPad or Mac.
- Passbook will solve all your ticketing & reward membership card needs. It collects all of your loyalty cards, ticket information and other info into one neat place for easy access. Even better, it’s location-enabled and can display your movie tickets while approaching the theater or airline ticket at the airport.
- Siri got smarter: She can Tweet & update Facebook statuses, knows much more about restaurants, movies & sports and she just aims to please…
- Say goodbye to Google Maps: The open street map looks great (w/ Yelp integration) and the 3-D satellite view for NY, SF, LA and London is phenomenal however don’t look for subway, bus or other transit information here – because it’s gone. (Be prepared to get familiar with HopStop or other 3rd party transit apps for public transit info.)
- VIP email baby! There is a new VIP feature that will highlight mail from people you really want to hear from. (no more client mail getting lost in the shuffle…praise the lord!)
Have you begun exploring the latest updates on your Apple device? What are your favorites so far? Were the updates worth the wait?
IMO: The Days Of Apple’s Surprising Advances Died With Steve Jobs
September 17th, 2012 by Christen
Sorry Tim, but I don’t believe you…
Is it me, or are the days of surprising technological and mobile advances from Apple long gone? It’s taken me a few days to figure out the right way to express not only my disappointment with the new Apple iPhone 5 but with execution of the entire announcement lineup of Apple iPhone, earpods and ipods at last week’s event. What happened to the glitter, the magic & the pizzaz? Could it be that almost every single announcement made by Tim Cook and friends had already been leaked online within the last 6 months? Sure, that’s partial blame for my disappointment, but there’s so much more.
Not only was the iPhone 5 announcement lack-luster in pomp and circumstance, it’s also came up considerably short when compared to the latest releases from Windows & Samsung. I can remember like it was yesterday, as each iPhone 5 feature was announced I kept thinking to myself (and tweeting) “…but doesn’t the SIII do that AND MORE?” Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with that opinion. It’s been announced that Samsung is launching a rather snarky ad campaign directly targeting the “Genius” of Apple and the iPhone 5. As well they should (in my opinion) – the Samsung Galaxy SIII blows the iPhone 5 away note for note in comparison. Check out the ad below…
Which brings me to my point. If you know that your product is not going to outperform the competition, at least you can present it as if it will cure world hunger, repair the ozone layer & fix the economy in one fail swoop. What I mean to say is, if your phone isn’t technologically the best on the market, you better put lipstick on that pig & convince me that it is!
I fondly remember the days where Steve Jobs would parade across the stage in his fancy black turtleneck and wrangler jeans expressing how Apple’s newest advancement would change the world. The way he expressed each new function of the iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBooks & iTunes truly made me believe that Apple’s computing machines were made of mystic, magic and were indeed the greatest inventions known to man. But now, with the competition running neck to neck with features & tech advancements – Apple more than ever needs to revive it’s mystery (maybe via a Steve Jobs hologram at the next keynote perhaps) and reclaim it’s glorious spot as the beloved lifestyle brand that could do no wrong. Sure, I got a kick out of the iPhone news leaks prior to the event, but if Apple doesn’t keep those lips tight & create major improvements right – their future grip on the mobile market may not be tight enough, leaving another mobile brand to take the top spot.
That’s (I)n (M)y (O)pinion… What’s yours?
Dumb Criminals: Thieves Drive BMW Into Apple Store For iPhone 5
September 14th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Impatient thieves eager to get their hands on the new iPhone 5 cell phones rammed a BMW into a Temecula, California Apple Store last week. Police arrested 22-year-old Equonne R. Howard, who they say was at the wheel of the BMW when he smashed through the Apple store’s iconic storefront windows.
Once inside the store, Howard’s accomplices jumped out and began picking up iPads that were sent flying when the car collided with display tables at the front of the store. (see video below)
Howard attempted to back out of the store but his hasty departure was impeded by the same tempered glass windows he just drove through. The damage to the pricey BMW included 2 flat tires and the license plate fell off the car, which made it easier for the police to track Howard down.
The keys to the BMW — which Howard abandoned near the Apple store — were still in his pocket. The damage to his parent’s BMW will certainly exceed the price of the stolen merchandise. Howard pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple felony charges,Slate.com reports.
Everpurse Wirelessly & Fashionably Charges Your Smartphone
September 14th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Everpurse - A new Kickstarter project aims to take frustration out of the equation for female iPhone users thanks to a series of stylish wristlet and clutch purses with built-in wireless power. Called the Everpurse, its internal 2500 milliamp battery will keep you going all day and throughout the night, whether you have an iPhone 4, 4S or the latest 5 model. (Note: The company plans to develop an Android-compatible Everpurse, as well).
The device starts charging when you place it into one of the purse’s pockets. Everpurse owners will have to eventually charge its battery pack with an AC adapter, which is typical for most charging packs.
“You shouldn’t have to decide between fashion and function,” the company says on its Kickstarter page. “You can leave home early in the morning, go through a full day of work (Facebooking, Instagramming, games, calls and web surfing) and still have hours and hours left of battery when you go out to dinner or party into the early morning.”
Although the project launched earlier this week, it has already accumulated more than $60,000 from backers. But it’s still about $40,000 shy of its target goal. All orders — which start at $99 for fabric and $129 for leather — come with a charging mat.
Now the REAL question is… which fashion designer would opt for the Everpurse technology first? Will it be tech-forward brands like Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors or Vivienne Tam?
Top Five Apple iPhone 5 Predictions, Keynote & Live Blog
September 12th, 2012 by ChristenWell, after a year – what we’ve referred to as the iPhone 5 will finally be unveiled today! What has been as elusive as a unicorn, this redesigned iPhone 5 will finally be solidified as Apple’s sixth generation mobile device filled with faster speeds, better connectivity & a host of bells/whistles that will undoubtedly make it the best selling Apple device yet. So what should you expect to see unveiled later today?
Here are our Top five predictions in a nutshell:
5. The name? No trickery here. Last year, what was thought to be the iPhone 5 was actually introduced to us as the iPhone 4S but this time? It’s definitely the iPhone 5 (as eluded via the Apple press event invitation (pictured above).
4. Taller. Thinner. Lighter. (NYFW models aren’t the only ones with a height & weight requirement…) It’s been long rumored that the size of the iPhone 5 screen will be larger/taller than the current iPhone screens. Many suspect it will be about 4 inches diagonally compared to the existing 3.5-inch display. Meanwhile, according to The Wall Street Journal, the iPhone 5 will tout a thinner screen, which would allow the device to be lighter in weight than ever before.
3. More apps at your fingertips. A consequence of the larger screen — which is rumored to have 640 x 1,136 resolution — it’s expected that we will see five full rows of apps.
2. New connector? Rumors indicate that Apple will be switching its 30-pin dock connector for one with only 9 pins. This would make existing speakers and chargers useless when used with the new device. However, it’s likely that Apple will introduce an adapter that will convert it back to its original 30 pins.
1. Super Small Sim Card. According to 9 to 5 Mac, the SIM card slot may be a lot smaller. This could mean Apple is switching to newer, nano-SIM card, which is even smaller than the current micro-SIM in the iPhone 4S.
These are just a few of the unveiled ideas that’ll come later today. We’re expecting iPad/Sprint news, redesigned iPod details as well as a September 21st release date for the new iPhone 5. What do you think will be unveiled later today? Check back with us throughout the day as we update this post & live blog the Apple unveilings one-by-one later today.
::: CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES SOON ::: LIVE ::: APPLE UPDATES :::
1:01PM – The Apple event has begun with Tim Cook discussing Apple retail locations, upgrades, etc… 380 stores in 12 countries, 13 coming on Friday with the first Swedish store. 83 million visitors in the last quarter, April – June. Mac news: ”We’ve had a very busy summer for the Mac. We launched Mountain Lion in July. Mountain Lion is the ninth major release of the best OS on the planet.” Seven million Mountain Lion upgrades have been sold! Our notebooks now rank #1 in the US in Market share in the last three months. iPad news: Last quarter, 17 million iPads were sold April – June. That’s another new record. ”We sold more iPads than any PC manufacturer sold of their entire PC line.” Pad is 91% of all tablet web traffic! Tim says “I don’t know what these other tablets are doing! They must be in warehouses or store shelves or maybe in peoples’ bottom drawer.”
Let’s talk pricing first…$199 16G…$299 32G & $399 64 G! You can pre-order September 14th. Apple senior vice president Phil Shiller took the stage to introduce the iPhone 5. “It’s an absolute jewel,” Shiller said. For the most part, the iPhone 5 looks like previous models, but taller and thinner.
The phone has a 4-inch 1,136 x 640 pixel display, 4G LTE connectivity, A6 chip, weights 112 grams – 18 percent thinner and 20% lighter than iPhone 4S. It’s available in white (silver) & black (slate).
The larger display allows for widescreen display. Apps designed for the previous operating system will not be stretch, but will have black borders. One of the biggest updates is to the camera and iSight. The camera now has an 8 megapixel sensor, 3,264 x 2,448 pixel resolution with backside illumination, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, f2.4 aperture, is 25 percent smaller and can take panoramic photos. The video camera captures 1080p HD quality. Front-facing camera features 720p support, backside illuminated sensor, and FaceTime works over 3G with iOS 6. The iPhone 5 will also get a new dock connector called Lightening, which is 80 percent smaller, have an adaptive interface, improved durability and is reversible. Apple will also release an adaptor to make the transition. Let’s talk battery life. The iPhone 5 exceeds the battery life of the 4S at 8 hours of 3G talk time, 8 hours of LTE or 3G browsing, or 10 hours of WiFi browsing, 225 hours of standby time. To make room for its latest iPhone, Apple announced new prices for the rest of the line — and it appears the iPhone 3GS isn’t part of the mix. Cupertino followed asimilar strategy to what it used last year, with the 16GB iPhone 4S dropping to $99 with a two-year contract, and the 8GB iPhone 4 now available for free when subsidized by a mobile carrier. It’s an improved value over last year’s price drop, however, whether both of the two low-cost models were stuck at 8GB of storage. PRICING: $199 16G | $299 32G | $399 64G
PRE-ORDER Sept. 14th, Shipping Sept. 21
OLD STUFF iPhone 4 FREE
iPhone 4S 16G $99
iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, new iPad, iPad 2, and 4th gen get iOS 6 on September 19th.
