My cheap headphone jack-less iPhone mockup

While it’s widely rumored that the iPhone 7 will drop the headphone jack when it launches later this year, known Apple audio supplier Cirrus Logic may have hinted about how Apple plans to handle this transition. Speaking to analysts and investors during the company’s latest earnings call (via BI), CEO Jason Rhode made a few interesting comments about what might be planned for later this year.

Cirrus Logic, which specializes in audio-related technology for mobile devices, has been traced back to hardware inside iPhones through product teardowns in the past, although the company is quiet about its relationship with Apple like most firms that partner with the iPhone maker.

With that in mind, it’s easy to connect Apple and the upcoming iPhone 7 to a few of Rhode’s comments this week. For instance, the firm expects to push noise-cancelling headphone technology for this reason:

There are definitely people considering putting [it] in box … any time somebody talks about adding content inside a box, inside the box it ships with the phone, you can imagine the agonizing that goes into any additional micro-penny that gets added to the box.

Considering the Apple and Cirrus relationship, it’s easy to read that to potentially mean Apple’s next iPhone headphones could feature noise-cancelling tech. Noise-cancelling headphone technology has already been rumored for the next iPhone.

The Cirrus executive also spoke positively to the prospect of Lightning-based headphones, some of which are already on the market:

The amount that we can talk about that outside of other folks who are MFi [made for iPhone] partners is relatively limited, but yeah, there’s things that are up and running via the MFi program that people can take and design with today.

Lightning-connected headphones would become the only wired connection on iPhones without the headphone jack, save for using an adapter.

Beyond reading between the lines about what could ship in the box with the next major iPhone release this fall, we reported earlier this month that Apple through Beats is currently developing a cord-free, wireless earbud solution with a charging case. These premium wireless earbuds are said to feature noise-cancelling technology of their own.

Even ahead of the annual flagship iPhone upgrade event later this year, Apple is currently planning to introduce a headphone-jack equipped 4-inch iPhone 5se and new iPad Air 3 at a special event currently slated for mid-March.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: AirPods, Beats, Bluetooth, Cirrus Logic, EarPods, headphones, iPhone, iPhone 7, Jason Rhode, Lightning, noise-cancellation, noise-cancelling headphones, wireless headphones

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Since Tesla launched the Model S in 2012, the automaker has been talking about releasing a software development kit (SDK) to create a full third-party app ecosystem for its 17-inch touchscreen, which acts as a center console for the Model S and X, but despite several inquiries from eager app developers, there has been little communication about the project until now.

During a special event for Tesla owners in Hong Kong this week, CEO Elon Musk opened up on the subject and said that the company “thought about it more” and is likely moving away from the SDK, and instead planning to allow mirroring of apps from iPhones to the center console:

“As we have sort of thought about it more, the logic thing to do from an app standpoint is to maybe allow apps on your iPhone or Android to project onto the center display, as opposed to trying to create a new app ecosystem. So that is probably going to be our focus in the future to enable you to project apps from your phone to the center screen.”

There are currently a few apps available for the Model S, but they are web browser-based, which offers its own set of limitations. I would assume most developers were hoping for a full native SDK, but the capacity to mirror apps would be considered a step in the right direction.

At the very least, it will gradually help developers tap into Tesla’s rapidly growing user base:Tesla’s strategy change might be due to worries over the security risks of releasing such an SDK. The Model S has been technically “hacked” before, but it required physical access to the vehicle. The hackers literally had to rip off the dashboard, connect a laptop and send a software command to start the car – basically presenting an alternative to “hot-wiring” an electric vehicle. The real threat is considered to be remote access as some are worried that the SDK could facilitate such a breach.

Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, which relies on projecting data from smartphone apps, are believed to be relatively safe options to integrate app ecosystems in cars and plenty of manufacturers have jumped on board, but Tesla has been so far staying away from a direct implementation of these systems.

Make sure to follow Electrek on RSS or your favorite social media to get our latest articles on Tesla Motors and the EV industry:  Twitter, Facebook or Google+

Featured image: Tesla UI redesign concept by Bureau Oberhaeuser 

Filed under: Apple Car, Apps, Developers Tagged: Apple, Apps, CarPlay, Model S, SDK, Tesla

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Apple has acquired education technology startup LearnSprout for an undisclosed sum, via Bloomberg. LearnSprout’s software lets teachers track student progress and test scores, organize class achievement targets and more school-oriented features. The acquisition follows Apple’s announcement of iOS 9.3, which includes several major new features for iPads in education, including multi-user account switching.

LearnSprout’s features were mainly marketed at PC and Mac users. With an Apple acquisition, it is likely the technology will be ported to iOS as Apple continues to push iPad into education sectors.

Apple gave Bloomberg its standard form comment on the acquisition:

Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” said Colin Johnson, a spokesman for Apple.

iOS 9.3 will include several enhancements for education customers, including shared iPad mode where users can switch between their user profiles to access independent data and apps. It also includes a new Classroom app for teachers that coordinates lessons and student usage of iOS devices. It would make sense to integrate grade tracking into this system in the future, just like what LearnSprout offers. There is clearly a lot of overlap between the two companies in this space.

With iPad sales gradually falling, Apple is actively promoting iPad into enterprise and education sectors to maintain growth and boost sales. LearnSprout software could end up contributing to this, adding another reason for schools to switch to iPads for their curriculum. The new iPad Pro is very much targeted at this too, with a larger display canvas for multitasking multiple apps. Apple is also prepping an iPad Air 3, potentially to be released as soon as March.

Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: Education, iOS 9.3

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Venmo today introduced a new in-app payment option called ‘Pay with Venmo’ for both users and businesses alike. The feature allows vendors to directly integrate Venmo’s payment platform into their checkout process. And user’s can now simply select the Venmo option when checking out in supported apps, and no longer need to type in any credit card information.

Venmo is putting a heavy focus on the ease of use of checking out using its fairly well-known platform. Instead of users having to input credit card information for every transaction, a Venmo option will be available during checkout with supported apps. This is akin to the experience introduced by Apple Pay, with the difference being that Pay with Venmo is a cross-platform solution for both iOS and Android.

The company also appears to have high hopes that using the platform to checkout with various vendors will bring new businesses into the spotlight within the Venmo social network. Whenever a purchase is made with Venmo, users have the option to share it as a public transaction, or keep it private of course. When these purchases are made from partner vendors of Pay with Venmo, it brings an opportunity to start a discussion around the transaction amongst friends (and give the vendor free marketing).

Another noted feature is that when customers use the Pay with Venmo option, they can pay for something now, and then split the transaction amongst friends later. This is great for when multiple parties are looking to grab a cab, hotel room, or pay for dinner and split the ticket. Venmo’s solution means no longer having to hassle with the payment at the time of purchase as it can be split later on.

Venmo introducing this feature is definitely interesting in light of the fact that Apple Pay has been around for quite a while now and supported on more and more iPhones and iPads. Adding another pay avenue for the consumer allows for more options, but Apple will surely encourage their own Touch ID-based solution within apps.

Here’s what Venmo said about availability:

“We’ve emailed everyone who can start using Venmo to pay in select apps. Didn’t get an email? Right now, we’re limiting availability, but stay tuned—we’re adding users regularly, and will let you know when you can start paying!”

– Venmo

Currently the feature is only available within Munchery and Gametime, and only for select users. For businesses looking to integrate with Venmo, there is a business specific page linking to more information on how to get started. The Venmo app itself is available for free in the App Store and is compatible with iPhones and iPads running iOS 8.0 or higher.

Filed under: Apps, iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: Android, Apple, Apple pay, Gametime, iOS, mobile payments, Munchery, Pay with Venmo, payments, venmo

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Facebook shared today that it is turning on live video broadcasting from its app for all iPhone users in the United States. This feature was previously limited to public figures and verified accounts then expanded to a limited number of test iPhone users last month. Facebook’s effort in this space is similar to Meerkat and Twitter’s Periscope service, which popularized live video streaming from mobile devices last year.

While live video broadcasting is limited to members in the United States for now, Facebook says it hopes to expand the feature in other countries “over the coming weeks.”

For new users getting started, Facebook shares these instructions for how to use the live video broadcasting feature within its app:

To share live video, tap on Update Status and then select the Live Video icon. You can write a quick description and choose the audience that you want to share with before going live. During your broadcast, you’ll see the number of live viewers, the names of friends who are tuning in and a real-time stream of comments. When you end your broadcast, it will be saved on your Timeline like any other video, which you can then delete or keep for your friends to watch later.

While the feature is currently limited to US iPhone users, Facebook says it will work to bring live video broadcasting to Android phones in the future as well. Be sure to have the latest version of Facebook for iOS before trying to go live.

Earlier this week, the competing service Periscope launched an impressive iOS app update that enables live broadcasting from the view of select GoPro action cameras. Meerkat similarly supports live action broadcasting from select GoPros.

What do you think? Does Facebook’s version of live broadcasting catch your interest, or do other services already offer this ability with better implementation?

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Facebook, live video, Periscope, Twitter, video

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Filed under: Tips and Tricks

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Following an announcement for a revamped news discovery and commenting experience for its homepage and Yahoo mobile apps, the company is also rolling out an updated Yahoo Mail iOS app today.

Among new features for the app, users can now customize swipes, meaning you’ll be able to choose what happens when you swipe across your messages in your inbox. Options for the customizable swipes include star, send to folder, archive, and more.

You’ll find the new customizable swipe options under Settings>Swipe actions.

And also arriving for the app today are new Multi-Select Toolbar options: “Now you can “star” and “mark as spam,” just tap on the “…” in the multi-select menu.”

To round out the update, iOS users will now be able to create, delete and rename folders, while access to all recent attachments will be accessible with search functionality when composing an email:

Have you ever tried to find and send an attachment that you’ve recently received? Say you want to share a vacation itinerary with a friend for her trip planning, or recent photos you’ve received from your family. Now when composing an email, you can see all your recently received photos and file attachments, along with a search bar to easily find what you’re looking for. Tap on the “+” button in compose and choose the paperclip icon at top left to see this screen.

Check out the updated Yahoo app for iOS on the App Store.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: custom swipes, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Yahoo Mail

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There’s a new little feature tucked away in the latest Snapchat update that allows users to share their own Snapchat URL with others. The new URL is much more user-friendly as it is something you could easily copy and paste directly into messages and profile bios all around the web. Previously, Snapchat heavily relied on username search and QR code-based cards for this purpose.

Snapchat continues to find newer avenues that make adding friends easier. This URL is the newest in username sharing on top of manually adding by username, from the address book, by Snapcodes, or even just from nearby based on location.

When clicking any of these new Snapchat add URLs, Safari launches and requests to open Snapchat, and once the user accepts, Snapchat loads and the new user is added.

You can grab the latest version of Snapchat for iPhone from the App Store.

(Via The Next Web)

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Apps, features, iOS, Snapchat, Snapchat URL, social, URL

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We learned this week that Apple shipped 74.8 million iPhones globally during the recent holiday quarter, which is just slightly up from the 74.4 million shipped during the same quarter the year prior and just under the 75 million that analysts expected.

Today Strategy Analytics has released new data showing how Apple’s last two years of shipments compare to competitors like Samsung and Huawei. The data also breaks down how Apple’s global smartphone marketshare stacks up to those same competitors.

As we already knew, Apple shipped 231.5 million iPhones globally in 2015 compared to 192.7 million globally the year prior, which maintains the company’s second place rank between Samsung and Huawei. Global iPhone shipments trailed Samsung’s 317.2 million smartphones shipped in 2014, and 319.7 million shipped last year.

Strategy Analytics especially notes that Apple’s global iPhone shipments are peaking and shifting its strategy around emerging markets like India is necessary to return to growth after the anticipated decline next quarter. Apple’s anticipated 4-inch iPhone 5se that 9to5Mac has reported on extensively will certainly become a player in these markets; the cheaper price will likely combat global current fluctuations Apple described earlier this week during its earnings call.

Also of note, in total Strategy Analytics says the total number of smartphones shipped globally in 2015 hit 1.4 billion units, up from 1.2 billion the year prior, marking a 12% increase.

And in terms of global marketshare by vendor, Apple climbed 1.1% in 2015, moving from 15% to 16.1%. Samsung, which remained in the top spot, dropped 2.5% from 24.7% to 22.2% between 2014 and 2015. Samsung did, however, regain marketshare at Apple’s expensive during the holiday quarter as you can see below:

Counterpoint Research, another firm tracking smartphone data, notes that 3 in 5 smartphones shipped in 2015 were LTE capable, adding that 900 million LTE smartphones were shipped globally last year. The firm similarly reports the same 1.4 billion smartphones shipped globally last year.

One last interesting detail: Counterpoint says that 850 smartphone brands were competing in 2015, but the top 20 brands maintained 85% of total smartphone shipments.

The major takeaway the new Strategy Analytics data is that Apple’s perhaps temporary peak iPhone quarter indeed suggests the company will need to look to emerging markets for new opportunity, and on the Android side Huawei has gained steam while Samsung remains on top for now.

Filed under: iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: analytics, Counterpoint Research, firm, global, Huawei, iPhone, marketshare, Samsung, shipments, smartphone data, Strategy Analytics, tracking

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Anyone who has ever accidentally left behind their iPhone or iPad in a public place like a coffee shop will know the sinking feeling in your stomach the moment you realize you’ve done it. Even if you rush back just one or two minutes later, you know there’s a high chance that the device will be gone.

If the worst happens, and you have another device with you, Find My iPhone lets you track the stolen device – except thieves tend to know this, and all they have to do to prevent it is to power-down their ill-gotten gains. This can be done while the device is locked, with no Touch ID or passcode access needed …

What I’d like to see is a simple iOS change that replaces the current ‘slide to power off’ dialog with a ‘Use Touch ID or enter passcode to power off.’ In that way, a thief would be unable to power-down the device and you’d be able to track its location. (You’d also need to disable access to Control Center from the lock screen to prevent a thief switching it into Airplane mode, but that’s something I consider advisable anyway.)

The protection this would offer wouldn’t be perfect. If a thief has their wits about them, they’ll remove the SIM, which would also prevent tracking. But it would at least remain trackable if it’s connected to Wi-Fi – as it may well be if they haven’t yet gotten very far with it – and not all thieves will think of removing the SIM or have a removal tool on them. It would at least tilt the odds somewhat in favor of the owner.

In theory, Activation Lock means there’s no point stealing an iPhone or iPad any more, as the thief or anyone buying it from them wouldn’t be able to use it. But while some thieves have gotten the message, others haven’t. A stolen iPhone can also be stripped for parts even if it can’t be reactivated.

There’s one possible downside to my idea: if you drop your iPhone in water, you’re going to want to power it down immediately to reduce the likelihood of a short. Adding in the need for Touch ID or passcode confirmation would marginally slow you down. But given that the iPhone 6s/Plus seem to be remarkably waterproof, that’s unlikely to be an issue at least with the latest devices.

Would this be a worthwhile additional layer of protection? Take our poll, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Filed under: Feature Request, iOS Devices Tagged: Activation Lock, Crime, Find my iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Theft

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