Report: Google building its own gesture-based keyboard for iOS with built-in GIF search, more
According to a report from The Verge, Google is building its own third-party keyboard for iOS and has been doing so for “months.” While it’s unclear when or if the keyboard will be released, the report notes of several features Google has been working to implement as employees test it.
Filed under: iOS Tagged: app, Google, iOS, keyboard, swift key, swype, Third-Party Keyboard
How-To: Set up and use Bluetooth keyboards with the fourth-gen Apple TV and tvOS 9.2
Apple yesterday officially released tvOS 9.2 to the public. The update includes a variety of new features, such as folder support, Siri Remote dictation, iCloud Photo Library, and more. One thing that was added, however, that was originally expected to be included when the fourth-gen Apple TV initially shipped is support for Bluetooth keyboards. With tvOS 9.2 users are now able to pair Bluetooth keyboards with their Apple TV to more easily make search queries and the like. Read on as we tell you how to go about setting this up..
Filed under:
How-To, Apple TV Tagged: Apple TV, Bluetooth, bluetooth keyboard, how to, tvOS, tvOS 9.2
Security How-To: Enable two-factor authentication on iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan
Three years ago to the day, Apple added in two-step verification to help improve user security. The verification method relied on the user having another device readily available to help authenticate a sign-in. As of today, Apple has taken that security further by now offering two-factor authentication to all users running iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan.
Both methods strive to increase a user’s foothold in security practices, but both go about doing so in very different ways. Luckily, Apple has chosen to make sure that the end user experience is phenomenal no matter what method they choose.
Getting started, or switching to the new two-factor authentication is not without it’s questions. Let’s dive in and resolve them.
Filed under:
How-To, iOS Tagged: iOS, Security, two-factor authentication, two-step verification
DeskConnect file transfer app updated with share extension, 3D Touch support, and more
DeskConnect is a file transfer app from the makers of Workflow. It allows you to easily share files between your iPhone, iPad and Mac. DeskConnect isn’t an app that will replace a service like Dropbox or even iCloud, because it was designed solely with file transfers in mind.
We reviewed the initial version of DeskConnect back in 2013. Since then, a lot has changed — iOS has gained inter-app communication via handy share extensions, iCloud Drive has made it easier to move and manipulate files across a variety of storage solutions, and AirDrop can now easily transfer files between iOS devices and Macs.
In 2016, where does a new version of DeskConnect fit in? Does AirDrop make it redundant? Have a look at our overview for the details. more…
Filed under: Apps Tagged: AirDrop, DeskConnect, Workflow
Roundup: The best new 9.7-inch iPad Pro cases & accessories
Apple’s new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the same dimensions as the iPad Air 2 on paper, but the device’s new 12-megapixel camera means your old iPad case probably won’t cut it. That is unless you cut it yourself to accommodate the new larger camera and flash that will make a larger opening on cases necessary for the new device. So your iPad Air 2 case won’t be a perfect fit, but there is already a long list of notable case makers with products available to order. The only exceptions to that maybe are sleeve style cases that don’t have any camera openings.
But if you want a case that was truly made to fit your new 9.7-inch iPad Pro without any compromises, below we’ve put together a running list of the best new cases available now and coming soon.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Accessories, Apple, best cases, cases, Deals, Griffin, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, keyboard, OtterBox, Pencil, pencil holder, size, Speck
9.7 inch iPad Pro includes 2 GB RAM, slightly slower CPU than 12.9 inch iPad Pro
Although the new 9.7 inch iPad Pro is superior to the 2015 12 inch iteration in some regards, including better cameras and display, it appears the raw processor is not as identical as Apple implied in its presentation. Although both models have an A9X processor, the 9.7 inch version actually has half the RAM and a slightly-lower clock speed CPU (via @panzer). Whilst the big iPad Pro has 4 GB RAM, the 9.7 inch iPad Pro has just 2 GB like the iPhone 6s.
Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: Apple, Device, iOS, iPad Pro
Here’s how Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone SE compares to the rest of the lineup
Small iPhone fans, rejoice! Apple has finally updated its 4-inch iPhone for the first time since the iPhone 5s in 2013. Dubbed the iPhone SE, Apple’s 2016 4-inch iPhone could pass for the iPhone 5s if you weren’t looking too close (save for the rose gold version), but how does it compare to its predecessor as well as the rest of the current iPhone lineup? We break it down below:
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: iPhone, iPhone 6, iphone 6 plus, iPhone 6s, iphone 6s plus, iPhone SE
9to5Toys Lunch Break: Milanese Loop Apple Watch Bands from $16, Beats Solo2 $100, Nest 3rd Gen. $205, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Third-party Apple Watch Milanese Loops in black for $17 (Reg. $37) or silver for $16 (Reg. $37)
Best Buy 2-Day Sale: Beats Solo2 headphones $100 (Orig. $200) or Studios for $150 (Orig. $300), more
Daily Deals: Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation $205, Stem Izon Wi-Fi Video Monitors two pack $49, more
Don’t jump on Apple’s $50 Watch price drop, you can do better! Deals from $249 shipped
Apple iPad mini 4 prices trimmed by $100, 16GB Wi-Fi models now start at just $300 shipped
Travel light w/ Apple’s 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB for $710 shipped (Reg. $899)
Save big on Apple’s newest laptops: Retina MacBook Pro $1,000 (Reg. $1,299)
App Store Free App of the Week: Sputnik Eyes puzzler goes free for the first time ($2 value)
Apple TV Deals: 4th Gen 64GB $175 (Reg. $200), 3rd Gen $49 (Reg. $69), more
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
iPhone 6/s/Plus and Galaxy S7/Edge cases in a variety of styles/colors: $6 Prime shipped (Reg. $13)
- eBay 5-hour sale extra $15 off $75 or more: $100 Staples gift card for $70 (30% off), more
- MFi Apple-Certified Lightning cables: iOrange-E 6-ft w/ aluminum conector $5, more
- Games/Apps: Rainbow Six Siege $30, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers $40, freebies, more
- Smartphone Accessories: Lumsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter $17, more
- Add Logitech’s Z333 2.1-channel speaker system to your setup for $48 shipped (Reg. $65+)
- Add remote control to five of your outlets w/ Etekcity’s best-selling kit: $21 (Reg. $30)
- Everything you need to shoot Estes rockets into the air: $20 Prime shipped ($5 off)
- Green Deals: Ohuhu 8-pack Garden Solar LED Lights $19 (Reg. $25+), more
Anker's Best Selling Premium Stereo Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker is on sale for $50 (Reg. $60) wp.me/p1xTlR-Pbo https://t.co/sd05xDUx1z
—
9to5Toys (@9to5toys) March 22, 2016
You can finally pre-order Sony’s PlayStation Virtual Reality kit wp.me/p1xTlR-OYx https://t.co/7eJ0JfXve0
—
9to5Toys (@9to5toys) March 22, 2016
MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:
HoverDock is a minimal upright charging stand for your iPhone or Apple Watch: $28 (Orig. $35, CA Tax only)
Amazon’s best-selling headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Over-Ears $100 shipped (Reg. $123+)
- Go hands-free w/ iOttie’s popular iPhone 6/Plus car mounts, now just $11 Prime shipped
- Smart 4K 3D 120Hz UHDTVs: Sony 55-inch $949 (Reg. $1,100), many more
- Mackie 5-inch studio monitor speakers w/ Bluetooth streaming (pair) $200 (Reg. $250), more
- Muffin Knight action platformer for iOS goes free for the first time in over a year (Reg. $1)
- Messenger Bags: S-Zone Canvas/Leather for 13-inch MacBooks $40 (Reg. $55), more
- Google OnHub Wireless AC1900 Router w/ hand gesture control $160 shipped (Orig. $220)
- Buy select $3 Android apps & get a $5 Amazon credit: Kingdom Rush Origins, more
- 2016 All-Star Mac Bundle brings together 11 high-quality apps: $20 (Orig. $263)
- Buy or upgrade Parallels ($49-$79) & get 7 Mac apps free: 1Password, Parallels Access, & more
- Affinity Photo is now matching its lowest price ever: $40 (Reg. $50)
- adidas training gear 50% off: Team Issue medium Duffel Bag $25 Prime shipped, more
- Treat yourself to a free order of chips & guacamole during your next Chipotle visit
- Get a one-year Sam’s Club membership + $20 gift card, free food and more for $45
- Green Deals: ALLPOWERS 8W Solar USB Charger $18 Prime shipped (Reg. $27), more
- Gift Cards up to 15% off: Staples, CVS, Barnes & Noble, Sears, PlayStation, many more
- Dock and charge your iPhone + Apple Watch in one place for $8 Prime shipped
- Full 1080p 55-inch 120Hz HDTVs: LG $450 (Reg. $599), Insignia w/ Roku built-in $430
- Headphones: Sennheiser HD7 DJ Closed Over-Ears $119 (Reg. $150+), more
- LifeStraw’s drinking bottle w/ filter makes puddle water safe to consume: $21 (Reg. $35)
- LEGO Technic Remote-Controlled 2-in-1 VOLVO Wheel Loader/Hauler $200 (Reg. $250)
- Fitbit’s best selling Blaze smartwatch w/ HRM (multiple sizes/colors): $160 (Reg. $200), more
- Make sure you score free shipping and these discounts on your next Amazon Prime Pantry order
- This clever iPhone 6/s case packs 10 useful tools: $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $40)
How-to: Use your car and an inexpensive inverter to replace the need for a home generator
NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:
SpotCam’s latest IP surveillance camera offers records 24-hours of footage in the cloud for free
- You can now mow your lawn via Apple Watch w/ Husqvarna’s new Automower app
- Nike’s self-lacing prophecy finally comes true with the HyperAdapt 1.0
- This NES-inspired backpack is the perfect carryall for any gamer
- Sony’s PS4 Virtual Reality kit is finally ready for primetime this fall + exclusive titles announced
- Turn your paper airplane into a first person virtual reality experience with PowerUP’s FPV kit
- Philips introduces new ambient Hue Lights that automatically simulates the sun
- WD’s new internal hard drive for Raspberry Pi brings 314GB of additional storage
- LG releases a new line of 4K Super UHDTVs with HDR capabilities and big price tags
- Rule this summer’s BBQ with Mark Dredge’s new Cooking with Beer guide
- Canon’s best-selling DSLR steps aside for the new Wi-Fi-enabled Rebel T6
Filed under:
How-To Tagged: 9to5Toys, Amazon, app deals, Best Buy, Daily Deals, free apps, Gold Box, video games
YouTube for iPad gains Split View and Slide Over multitasking on iOS 9, still lacks PIP
The YouTube app for iOS sees an update today adding support for Slide Over and Split View multitasking. Even though iOS 9’s multitasking functionality has finally reached the app, picture-in-picture support remains to be seen. Users will note that background audio is available for current YouTube RED subscribers. The newly introduced multitasking functionality should help to appease those who’ve longed for the ability to catch up on their favorite YouTubers while also flicking through email or other apps.
Filed under: Apps Tagged: CornerTube, iOS, Picture in Picture, PIP, YouTube, YouTube Red
Apple reportedly set to introduce new, thinner, 13 inch and 15 inch MacBooks by July
Digitimes has a mixed track record of reliability with regard to Apple rumors, but its latest report gels with expectations. The report claims Apple is preparing new 13 inch and 15 inch MacBooks to launch in the summer, by July. Although the publication does not say this, it indicates that new MacBook Pros are on the horizon perhaps debuting at WWDC, Apple’s developer conference.
Given Intel’s CPU roadmap, Apple laptops featuring the new Skylake processors are due. Therefore, it is not that much of a stretch to believe this report. A key feature of Skylake is power efficiency, which would allow Apple to make dramatically thinner laptops.
Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS Devices, Mac Tagged: 13-inch, 15-inch, Apple, MacBook, Thinner