PieMessage open-source project brings iMessage to Android using your Mac as a server
A new open source project called PieMessage enables cross-platform iMessage support, allowing Android users to communicate using Apple’s iPhone messaging platform.
In the video below, we get a short look at the PieMessage app in action with a still unreleased prototype version of the app.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Android, app, client, GitHub, iMessage, Mac, Open source, PieMessage, server, web, Windows
Nintendo claims non-Mario games chosen for mobile launch to broaden appeal of brand
Many Nintendo fans were disappointed when the company chose to launch a new game Miitomo for its first move into mobile, rather than the popular Super Mario series. The company later revealed that it will be bringing existing Nintendo game franchises to iOS later this year, but again, no sign of Mario. Instead, we can expect Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem.
Filed under: Apps Tagged: animal crossing, Animal Crossing iPhone, fire emblem, Fire Emblem iPhone, Miitomo, Nintendo, Nintendo iPhone
Purported iPhone 7 component leak disagrees with previous rumors, suggests 3.5 mm headphone jack will stay
The iPhone 7 had been rumored to be dropping the analog 3.5 mm headphone jack, in favour of wireless Bluetooth or Lightning cable headphones for audio output. However, a new iPhone 7 component leak posted on Weibo disagrees with previous reports, depicting a board that includes a 3.5mm jack (in the top right of the photo above).
The 3.5mm jack is large (relative to the thinness of the phone), dates back more than a hundred years and has been superseded in terms of signal quality by the modern digital solutions, so it is plausible that Apple would want to abandon it. However, the idea of removing the port has been controversial (with complaints about existing accessory compatibility). This Chinese leak indicates it is sticking around …
Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: Apple, Bluetooth wireless, future iphone, iOS, iPhone 7, Lightning
Smartwatch report forecasts that Apple Watch will represent 40% of $350+ watch category by 2020
A Business Insider report on the smartwatch market is forecasting that the Apple Watch will by 2020 account for around 40% of sales in the luxury watch market, which it defines as watches costing at least $350.
As evidence for this, it cites a consumer survey showing growing interest in the Apple Watch among owners of traditional watches, 27% of those who already wear a watch saying that the added functionality of Apple’s wearable appeals to them. The report also notes a trend away from simpler fitness bands toward full smartwatches …
Filed under: Apple Watch Tagged: Apple watch, Apple Watch sales, Apple Watch sales forecast, Fitbit, iPhone
Opinion: Smart Connector is the future but Apple & accessory makers need to work together
Alongside the iPad Pro last November, Apple introduced a new connectivity option for users with the Smart Connector. Originally, Apple only touted the connection as being good for easily pairing things like keyboards to the iPad. We’ve since learned a little more about the capabilities of the three-pin connection, but overarching details are still vague.
Last month, I had the chance to try out the LOGI Base dock with Smart Connector support. Prior to using it, I was totally unaware that the Smart Connector was capable of charging the iPad Pro, albeit it at a slightly slower pace. Using the LOGI Base, however, intrigued me. What are the actual capabilities of Smart Connector?
Filed under: iOS Devices, Opinion Tagged: Apple, iPad Pro, Smart Connector
Tim Cook calls Wall Street response to Q2 earnings a ‘huge overreaction’ in CNBC interview
As expected, Apple CEO Tim Cook this evening appeared on CNBC’s Mad Money with Jim Cramer to discuss the recent news surrounding the company’s second quarter earnings results. The company reported $50.6 billion in revenue and $10 billion in profits, but its stock was sent into spiral. Speaking to Cramer, however, Cook defended Apple’s future and called Wall Street’s response a “huge overreaction.”
Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: AAPL, CNBC, interview, Tim Cook
Opinion: MacBook owners, it’s time to consider a 4K display
If you own a MacBook Pro with Retina Display and desire extra screen real estate, then a 4K monitor can be a good investment, especially as the price of such monitors continue to dwindle.
Why should you consider a 4K display instead of a cheaper monitor with lesser resolution? It all boils down to image fidelity. more…
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 4k, 4K Monitor, 4k monitors, BenQ, Dell, Dell 4K, HiDPI, MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro with Retina display, Monitors, Opinion, Retina Display, Samsung 4K
Quitter: a new Mac app from the creator of Instapaper [Video]
Marco Arment is well known for working at Tumblr, creating Instapaper and Overcast, and for being a fairly prolific podcaster. Needless to say, he’s dabbled his toes in lot of different areas. One area that has remained virtually untouched by Arment is, oddly enough, the Mac.
As someone whose name is so synonymous with iOS development, it’s surprising that Quitter, a brand new app based around auto-quitting distracting apps after a set period of inactivity, is Arment’s first app release for the Mac. more…
Filed under: Apps, Mac Tagged: Mac App, Marco Arment, Quitter
Apple CEO Tim Cook to appear in interview on CNBC’s Mad Money tonight
Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to appear on CNBC’s Mad Money program tonight following Apple’s Q2 earnings earlier this month where the company reported declines across the board.
Filed under: iOS Devices
More Coach designer Apple Watch band photos + details leak ahead of launch later this year
Last week a rumor surfaced that designer brand Coach has a collection of Apple Watch bands in the works for later this year, and today the source of that report, Haute Écriture, has additional details to share including new photos.
Filed under: Apple Watch Tagged: Apple watch, coach