Record revenue for A10 chipmaker TSMC suggests strong iPhone 7 sales, say analysts

Reuters reports that analysts believe strong iPhone 7 sales are behind A10 chipmaker TSMC reporting record profit and sales in Q3, and now raising its forecast for 2016 revenue.

TSMC reported July-September net profit climbed 28 percent to T$96.8 billion ($3.08 billion) […] 

TSMC, which doesn’t disclose details of customer orders, said on Thursday it now expects revenue growth to be 11-12 percent, compared with a previous estimate of a 5-10 percent increase. “Demand for high-end smartphones will continue to improve,” said co-Chief Executive Officer Mark Liu …

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Filed under: Apple

Evidence emerges refuting Dash developer’s claim fraudulent account was not his

There was considerable speculation about what was going on when Apple pulled the popular developer app Dash from the App Store and terminated the account. The developer, Kapeli, claimed to have no idea what had led to the action, with Apple subsequently explaining that it had detected more than 1,000 fraudulent reviews on a linked account. The accounts appear to be linked by credit card, device and developer ID.

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Apple unveils redesigned Regent Street store in London, opens to public on Saturday

The Regent Street Apple Store has been closed for many months as it was undergoing major refurbishment works to modernize the interior. Apple has finally completed the work and the new store will be open to the public on Saturday, October 15. The press got an early look at the new appearance, as shown by these photos via Engadget. The glass staircase and most of the first floor have been removed to create a dramatic double-height “grand hall” replete with green trees bathed in natural light.

The redesign brings the Regent Store appearance in line with the ‘next generation’ stores already seen in some US locations, created by Jony Ive and team. Sadly, the iconic glass staircase has had to go — customers can now use one of two stairs made from Italian stone …

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Pokémon Go update offers catch bonuses, making it easier to catch rarer creatures

An update to Pokémon Go means that you now get rewarded for collecting medals, providing ‘catch bonuses’ for certain types of Pokémon that make it easier to catch rarer ones. As Eurogamer explains it:

For example, earning the bronze Kindler medal – by catching 10 Fire Pokémon – will increase your chances of capturing Fire creatures in future, with additional bonuses available when unlocking silver and gold tiers.

The update also makes training more accessible …

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Google Photos iOS app gets new AI-powered features to highlight memories, fix sideways photos

The latest update to the Google Photos app is a big one: it uses AI technology to add four new features, from resurfacing old memories to fixing sideways photos. The new features are available in the iOS app, Android app (shown above) and on the web.

While the iPhone should recognize whether you’re holding the camera vertically or horizontally, there are times when this doesn’t work reliably. The app will now automatically detect photos which appear to be sideways and offer to fix them for you with one tap.

The three remaining new feature all focus on ways to highlight memories and share moments with others …

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Filed under: Apple

Apple CEO Tim Cook visits with Nintendo executives during trip to Japan this week

Tim Cook is currently on a business trip to Japan, and during the visit he made sure to meet with Nintendo executives, including Mario-creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Apple and Nintendo shocked the gaming world when Miyamoto made a surprise appearance on stage during September’s iPhone 7 keynote. During the event, Miyamoto revealed Super Mario Run, the very first mobile phone game to star Nintendo’s most beloved franchise character in a full-fledged title. more…

Filed under: Apple