Apple iPhone 5 (CDMA / global)
Opera Adds Handoff Feature to Coast Browser for iOS
Opera today announced Coast 4.0, a new version of its browser for the iPhone and iPad. According to Opera, the idea behind the new browser is to make it easier for iOS device owners to find content. For example, it introduces the Discover feature, which helps users find stories and news from all over the internet. It uses Opera Turbo Compression to reduce the size of web pages as they transit networks and deliver them to devices faster. A new sharing button makes it simple to push content in the browser to social networks. Last, the app adds compatibility with iOS 8's continuity tool, which allows Coast users to browse on one device and pick up right where they left off on another device thanks to web session syncing. Opera's Coast 4.0 for iOS is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
iOS 8.1.2 Fixes Ringtone Bug
Apple today released iOS 8.1.2, a minor update to its mobile operating system for iPhones, iPads, and iPods. According to Apple, the release includes bug fixes and addresses a problem where ringtones purchased through the iTunes Store may have removed them from devices. The update is small, but still requires WiFi to download and install.
Apple Pushes iOS 8.1.1 to Boost iPhone 4s Performance
Apple today made available iOS 8.1.1, a minor update meant to help improve the performance of the iPhone 4s and iPad 2. The update also resolves some on-going bugs for newer Phones and iPads. It is free to install.
Apple Makes iOS8 Available to the Masses
Apple today released iOS8 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (5th gen). iOS8 offers a number of refinements to Apple's mobile operating system. Some of the new features include a new word prediction engine and support for third-party keyboards; family sharing for iTunes content; Continuity for seamless messaging across devices; revised gallery and camera apps that make sharing and editing easier; improvements to Spotlight search; the ability to send audio clips within text messages; and Health for tracking fitness and health apps. iOS8 is compatible with the iPhone 4s, 5, 5s, and 5c, as well as most iPads. It comes preinstalled on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which go on sale September 19. The system update can be installed over Wi-Fi or via iTunes.
Skype for iPhone Gains Group Audio
Skype today updated its application for the iPhone. Skype 5.4 adds one core feature: the ability to host group calls. The updated app can initiate calls to groups with a single press. In-progress calls allow participants to see who's on the call, as well as add or drop participants at will. Skype 5.4 for the iPhone is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Sprint Expands Framily Wall to iPhone Customers
Sprint today said its iPhone customers now have access to the Sprint Framily Wall product. Sprint customers can use the Framily Wall to hold single and group chats, share videos and pictures, and collaborate through calendars. The basic service is free and includes 100MB of online storage. A premium version ups storage to 10GB and adds support for HD photos/videos for $3 per month. Sprint Framily Wall is already available to Android devices.
Gmail for iOS Adds Drive File Sharing
Google today rolled out an update for its Gmail app for iOS devices. The update carries over a feature given to the Android app earlier this month: the ability to share files from Google Drive. iPhone and iPad owners can now insert documents from their Drive account into emails as they compose them on their device. The app makes it easy to save email attachments from Gmail to Drive, too. Gmail for iOS allows users to change their Gmail account picture, and those with multiple Gmail accounts can choose which signed-in accounts they want visible in the app. Gmail is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Microsoft Adds More Features to Skype for iPhone
Microsoft's Skype team today announced yet another update to its mobile application for the iPhone. Skype version 5.2 adds several new features, including new support for voice messages, which are automatically added to text conversations. The app makes it easier to view contact profiles, which reveals details such as mood, name, birthday, location, and so on. Skype 5.2 also allows users to add participants to existing conversations. Skype completely overhauled its iPhone app in mid-June. Skype for the iPhone is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Apple Releases iOS 7.1.2 to Squelch Bugs
Apple today released a minor update to iOS for iPhones and iPads. The small system jump resolves several bugs and can be downloaded and installed over the air for free.
Yahoo Marries iPhone Email App with News and Weather
Yahoo today rolled out a new version of its email application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The email app continues to serve as a dedicated, mobile link to your Yahoo inbox, but Yahoo added several new features. The bottom of the screen now holds three tabs: email, news, and today. The first tab takes users to their inbox. The second tab takes users to a page full of headlines culled from Yahoo's home page. The third tab takes people to a somewhat more specific news page that includes local weather, stock quotes, and sports scores from nearby teams. Yahoo Mail is free to download from the iTunes App Store, though Yahoo said the new version will be rolled out to U.S. users over the next couple of weeks.
FreedomPop Intros Free Service Plan for iPhones
FreedomPop today announced new support for the Apple iPhone along with a free service plan. FreedomPop is selling the Phone 5 (refurbished) for $349 directly from its web site. The device has access to 200 voice minutes, 500 texts, and 500MB of data for free each month. Unlimited talk, text and data plans cost less than $5 per month. Customers may also use a compatible iPhone 4/4s if they have one to bring. In addition to the iPhone 5 and free plan, FreedomPop today announced the FreedomPop Free Voice and Text application for iOS devices, which gives any iOS device free voice, text, and voicemail. FreedomPop is pitching the app as a potential source of savings for iPhone users stuck in contracts with other providers. For example, it suggests iPhone owners downgrade their contract plan and make use of its iOS app instead. FreedomPop is an MVNO that uses Sprint's network.
Apple to Replace Faulty iPhone 5 Switches
Apple has launched a program in the U.S. and Canada to replace the power/lock button of the iPhone 5. According to Apple, it discovered the button may fail on some devices manufactured through March 2013. Customers can use Apple's web site to determine if theirs is affected. If so, the phone can be sent directly to an Apple repair facility or taken to an Apple Store where it will be examined and then sent to a repair facility. Apple says the turn around time for repairs will be four to six days. In some cases, Apple may be able to provide a loaner device while the customer's iPhone is being repaired. Owners of the iPhone 5 can visit Apple's support site (link below) for more information.
Apple Releases iOS 7.1.1 to Squash Bugs
Apple today made iOS 7.1.1 available for download. The minor system update, which applies to the iPhone and iPad, resolves a handful of ongoing issues. It further improves performance of the TouchID function of the iPhone 5s, tweaks keyboard responsiveness, and tackles a bug related to Bluetooth keyboards when VoiceOver is activated. The update marks the first maintenance update to iOS 7.1, which was released last month, and is free to download and install.
Facebook Messenger for iOS Adds Support for Groups
Facebook recently updated Messenger for iOS devices and added several new features to the stand-alone messaging app. First and foremost, Messenger now supports groups. Users can create groups, name them, tag them with photos, and save them. Second, users can now forward messages from one user/conversation to another. Facebook also said the app contains several bug fixes and performance improvements. Facebook Messenger for the iPhone is free to download from iTunes.
Ting Now Supports Apple iPhone 5
Ting, an MVNO that uses Sprint's network, is now allowing customers to bring their own iPhone 5 and activate it on Ting. The iPhone 5 must be a Sprint-compatible version. Ting offers refurbished iPhones through its partner, Glyde. Ting does not yet support the iPhone 5s or 5c, but will later this year.
Apple Releases iOS 7.1 with Bug Fixes and New Features
Apple today made iOS 7.1 available to iPhones, iPads, and iPods Touch. The operating system update resolves a significant bug that soft reset iOS devices when being used. iOS 7.1 also adds support for CarPlay, Apple's recently-announced in-car software. The update tweaks the behavior of a wide range of functions, such as the ability to control Siri manually by pressing and holding the home button. Siri gains more natural-sounding voices for Chinese, UK English, Australian English, and Japanese. iTunes Radio was improved with new placement of the search bar, and the ability to buy albums directly from the Now Playing screen. The Calendar app gains the ability to display events in the month view, as well as view country-specific holidays. Accessibility has been improved with a bold font option, and the Reduce Motion function now applies to more apps, including weather and messages. iOS 7.1 also adds new HDR camera tools, improves iCloud Keychain support, automatically clears FaceTime calls, improves Touch ID on the iPhone 5s, improves performance of the iPhone 4, and provides other UI teaks. iOS 7.1 is free to download from Apple.
CarPlay Lets Drivers Access Their iPhone Via Siri
Apple today announced CarPlay, a bridge that will let drivers user their car's infotainment center to access and interact with their iPhone. In order to work, CarPlay must be installed by the car manufacturer and a separate app must be installed on the iPhone. Drivers can use the car-based controls, such as steering wheel buttons, to launch Siri (Apple's voice-activated assistant), which can then access contacts, make calls, and listen to voicemails. Siri will read incoming messages aloud at the user's request, as well as dictate spoken messages for replies. CarPlay ties into Apple Maps, and can access recent trips, or addresses buried within emails or text messages, as well as plan and route turn-by-turn directions. Apple Maps will appear on the car's built-in display. CarPlay also gives drivers access to all their music, audiobooks, iTunes Radio, and podcasts with on-screen navigation or through Siri. According to Apple, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo will be the first to add CarPlay to their vehicles. Other car makers, including BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota, will follow down the road. CarPlay will be enabled in iPhones through a system update.
Apple Updates Pages, Keynote, and Numbers
Apple recently published updates to its core productivity applications for the iPhone and iPad. Pages, Apple's word processor, has a significant number of new features. The app now lets users share password-protected documents via iCloud or export them to .docx files. The app supports charts with date, time, and duration values, and makes it easier to start lists with new characters. The app also improves support for bidirectional text, ePub export, and compatibility with Microsoft Word 2013 documents. Keynote, Apple's presentation app, includes many of the same improvements and also adds a new remote feature to control slideshows on other devices, adds new transitions, improves presenter display options, and adds custom number formats. Numbers, Apple's spreadsheet app, now permits spreadsheets to be viewed and edited in landscape orientation, adds iCloud sharing and .xlsx file export for secure documents, and improves compatibility with Microsoft's Excel program. Each app costs $9.99, but the update is free for customers who've already purchased the apps.
Apple's iBeacon to Track Shoppers, Offer Recommendations
Apple plans to launch its iBeacon service at 254 of its U.S. stores today, reports the Associated Press. iBeacon uses Bluetooth transmitters inside Apple Stores to track the exact location of shoppers. Customers must download the most recent version of the Apple Store application, and turn their Bluetooth radios on in order for iBeacon to track them. When shoppers move about the Apple Store, iBeacon can sense if they are standing next to a table of iPhones, for example, and will send a message to ask if the customer is interested in an upgrade. The app can also direct shoppers to the check-out counter, or alert them when purchases are ready for pickup. Apple Stores will also be able to send alerts concerning sales or deals to shoppers in the vicinity. iOS device owners need to agree to allow Apple to track them in order for iBeacon to work. Apple has not updated the Apple Store application since early November, and it is unclear exactly when iBeacon will come online.
Foursquare Overhauls iOS App with New Design
Foursquare today made version 7.0 of its application available for iPhones. The newest rendition of the popular location-sharing social network takes on iOS7's design language with new themes and colors throughout. Foursquare 7.0 now makes more real-time recommendations to users. For example, it will suggest food orders when users enter a specific restaurant based on the feedback provided by other users. The app also changes constantly, updating as users move about, offering information on as many of the nearby venues as it can. Foursquare also refreshed the news feed, making it easier to keep tabs on friends through Foursquare. Foursquare 7.0 is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Apple Releases iOS 7.0.4 to Resolve Facetime Bug
Apple today made iOS 7.0.4 available to iPhones and iPads. The minor system update fixes a bug that caused Facetime calls to disconnect. The update is small and can be downloaded over the air.
Google Hangouts for iOS Gains Voice Calls
Google updated its Hangouts app for iOS devices and added the ability to place free voice calls from the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch to other lines in the U.S. and Canada. Google Voice users can also receive calls through Google Hangouts. The app also improves visibility of who's online, makes it possible to send animated GIFs, and turns down music volume when incoming calls arrive. Hangouts for iOS is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Skype Updated for iOS 7
Microsoft today made a new version of Skype available for iOS devices. The application has a refreshed look to better match the design language of iOS 7. It also has improved accessibility features, as well as speed improvements and other fixes. Skype for iOS is free to download from the iTunes App Store. It is compatible with both the iPhone and the iPad.
Google Makes Wallet App Available to iPhone
Google today released a version of it Google Wallet service that is compatible with Apple's iOS devices. Previously, it was only available to Android devices. Google Wallet for iOS lets users send money to others via an email address; add credit/debit and loyalty cards that can be used in stores; and see nearby offers/sales based on location. The app uses a PIN for security and the app can be disabled remotely if the phone is lost. Since iPhones do not have NFC radios on board, Google Wallet cannot be used to make mobile payments at retail locations where Google Wallet is accepted. The app mostly allows Google Wallet account holders to manage their account. Google Wallet for iOS is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Facebook and Twitter Deliver Major iOS Updates
Facebook and Twitter today both welcomed Apple's iOS 7 update with significant updates of their own mobile applications. Facebook took to its blog to describe the changes it made to its app for iPhones, noting that it borrowed heavily from iOS 7's new design language. Facebook added a new navigation dock to the bottom of the screen that makes it easier to jump to different sections of the app. Additionally, it has a translucent bar at the top of the app that will change dynamically as you scroll through different photos and posts. Twitter also made changes to its app based on iOS 7's new features. For example, Twitter can now be searched by Siri, and Safari will display links shared in the user's Twitter feed. It also ties Twitter's music discovery feature to iTunes Radio via its own station. Further, Twitter makes it easier to share web pages and photos from within select iOS 7 apps, and adds Twitter handles to the iOS 7 contact application. Both Facebook and Twitter for iOS will be available later today and are free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Chrome for iOS Updated with Better Search Tools
Google today made available an updated version of its Chrome browser for iOS devices. Chrome 29 for the iPhone and iPad makes it easier to return to search results with an improved "back" function. The app also supports the use of pronouns in voice search, so users can ask more direct questions such as "Who is the...?". Other changes include a bandwidth manager to help control mobile data usa, and improved single sign-in with Google Apps. Chrome 29 for iOS will hit the iTunes App Store later today.
Apple Kills Off Cards App
Apple on Tuesday discontinued its Cards application for the iPhone. The app let iPhone owners create greeting cards directly on their phone and then place orders for physical cards that would be delivered by mail. Apple said orders placed with the Cards app up until 1PM September 10 will be fulfilled. After that point, it ceased accepting new orders. Apple suggests that people use iPhoto on their Mac computer, instead.
Google Drive for iOS Gains Card User Interface
Google today updated the Google Drive application for iOS devices with a refreshed user interface. The app now makes use of the card-style UI that Google has spread to a number of its mobile apps. The cards present files in a more attractive grid of thumbnails rather than a list. The app also gains the ability to edit in landscape mode (on the iPhone), copy file URLs, and more easily share files with others. Google Drive is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Apple to Accept iPhone Trade-Ins at Stores
Apple today confirmed the launch of a trade-in program that will be available at its retail stores. iPhone owners will be able to take their functioning iPhone to an Apple Store and trade it in toward the purchase of a new iPhone. "In addition to helping support the environment, customers will be able to receive a credit for their returned phone that they can use toward the purchase of a new iPhone," said an Apple spokesperson. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple will award up to $280 for old iPhones that are swapped for new ones. However, in order to buy a new iPhone customers will have to sign a new contract with a wireless network operator. The program gets under way today, according to CNBC.
Google Maps for iOS Makes Location Sharing Easier
Google today rolled out a small update to its Maps app for iOS devices. Google Maps for the iPhone and iPad now lets users share their location details with their Google+ circles. The update also contains bug fixes.
Google Brings Chromecast App to iOS Devices
Google today published a version of its Chromecast application for Apple's iOS devices, including the iPhone and iPad. The Chromecast app for iOS allows users to set up their Chromecast to work with their Wi-Fi network, as well as manage their Chromecast settings (password, device name, etc.) Chromecast for iOS is free to download from the iTunes App Store and supports most iPhones and all iPads. Chromecast is already available to Android devices. Chromecast is an HDMI dongle that allows people to push online video content to their HDTV.
Apple Not a Fan of FCC's 700MHz Interoperability Plan
Apple has indicated that it opposes the Federal Communications Commission's mandate for interoperability in the 700MHz spectrum band. The FCC is weighing whether or not it should require all devices that use 700MHz spectrum to support all or most of the bands therein. AT&T and Verizon Wireless operate their LTE networks in Band Class 17 and Band Class 13, respectively, and Apple's iPhone works in both. The iPhone does not, however, support Band Class 12 in which smaller, regional operators, such as U.S. Cellular, operate. Smaller carriers have banded together and requested the interoperability measures, but the FCC has yet to act upon it. Apple's lawyers recently spoke to FCC representatives about the interoperability proceedings and called them unnecessary, problematic, and cost-inducing. AT&T also opposes the interoperability proposal. AT&T and others point to television channel 51 as the reason behind Band Class 17's creation in the first place, citing interference problems. A handful of interested parties met with the FCC to discuss the issue last month, but the FCC has not indicated when it may make a final ruling on the matter.
Skype Updated with HD Video Support for iPhone 5
Skype for the iPhone was updated today. The new version of the app adds the ability to perform HD video calls on the iPhone 5. It also makes other performance enhancements and fixes several bugs.
New Version of Google Maps Available for iPhone
Google has made an updated version of Google Maps available to iOS devices, including the Apple iPhone. The update, which has already been released to Android devices, makes a number of changes to the app. It offers improved navigation features thanks to live traffic updates and real-time re-routing when problems occur on a navigation path. It also adds a new tool called Explore, which can be used to perform searches for nearby places without typing, and builds in reviews for places such as restaurants and other businesses. Last, it populates maps with Google Offers that are nearby. Google Maps 2.0 for iOS is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
Sony Adds Offline Playback to iOS Music App
Sony today announced that a new version of its Music Unlimited application is available to iOS devices, such as the Apple iPhone. The new version of Sony's music app adds support for offline playback, higher quality audio streams (320Kbps), and a new menu system. The application itself is free to download and install, but the service requires a monthly fee.
Microsoft Brings Office to the iPhone, But Not for Free
Microsoft today released Office Mobile for Office 365 subscribers. The software allows iPhone owners to create Microsoft Office Word and Excel documents, as well as open and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, but it requires a subscription to Microsoft's Office 365 service. Office Mobile allows iPhone owners to open Office documents embedded in emails, and syncs documents changes back to SkyDrive or SharePoint automatically. It also supports collaboration tools, such as adding and viewing comments, and sharing documents with others via email or SharePoint. The application supports more than two dozen languages. Office Mobile for Office 365 is optimized for the iPhone 5, but also works with older iPhones, the iPod Touch, and the iPad. It requires iOS 6.1 and up.
Verizon Cloud Now Available to Apple iPhone
Verizon Wireless today made Verizon Cloud, its backup and storage service, available to the Apple iPhone. Verizon Cloud lets customers sync their smartphones and tablets to Verizon's servers. It offers 500MB of storage for free, and up to 125GB of storage for $9.99 per month. Verizon says the free option should be enough to backup settings, calls, messages, and contacts. Verizon Cloud was made available to Android devices last month. The application is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
U.S. Cellular to Sell Apple Products this Year
U.S. Cellular may soon offer its customers the Apple iPhone, according to CEO Mary Dillon. Dillon was coy about actually naming the iPhone, but said the company will sell "Apple products later this year." U.S. Cellular is one of the few major carriers that doesn't offer the iPhone. "By further strengthening our device portfolio, we'll give consumers another great reason to switch to U.S. Cellular, and enable our existing customers to choose from an even wider variety of iconic smartphones, and enjoy the outstanding U.S. Cellular customer experiences they deserve," said Dillon. Dillon did not provide any more specifics about its plans. U.S. Cellular offers CDMA-based 3G service and has its own LTE 4G network in the 700 and 1700MHz bands. The company also reported earnings today and outlined its network plans moving forward. It expects to cover 87% of its existing 3G base with LTE 4G by the end of the year, which will include some 3,800 cities and towns in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The company lost 51,000 customers during the most recent quarter and now claims to have 5.73 million subscribers.
Vine Update Adds Support for User-Facing Camera
Vine today pushed out version 1.1 of its iPhone application. The most significant new feature is the ability to toggle between the front and rear cameras, making self-Vines easier to capture. The update also makes it easier to search for and mention other Vine users in posts, and fixes several bugs. Vine 1.1 for the iPhone is a free download from the iTunes App Store.
Google Search 3.0 for iOS Adds Google Now
Google today added its Google Now service to the Google Search application for the iPhone and iPad. In order to use Google Now, iOS device owners will need to download and install the newest version of Google Search. Users can then sign into their Google account and activate Google Now, which offers personalized information, such as local weather, sports scores, and the time it will take to commute home, in a card-like format on the screen. Google Search with Google Now is free to download from the iTunes App Store.
