Google Chrome no longer supports cat-based Mac OS X versions
Google has announced in an official blog post that its Chrome browser no longer supports a number of older Mac OS X versions. Google initially prepared users a few months ago that a move away from these platforms would be coming by the end of this year. Today is that day, and Google Chrome will no longer get software feature or security updates on the following Mac platforms:
- Mac OS X 10.6 – “Snow Leopard”
- Mac OS X 10.7 – “Lion”
- Mac OS X 10.8 – “Mountain Lion”
On the Mac side, it’s essentially everything before Apple moved to its California-inspired version names (or anything with a cat name). The company also announced that it’ll be ending support for Windows versions XP and Vista, so it’s not just older Mac users who will no longer get updates. The reason behind the end in support is simple: Apple and Microsoft don’t actively support those platforms any more, and so Chrome will no longer actively support them either. This doesn’t mean Chrome will no longer work, it just means it won’t get any more security or software updates on machines running these versions of the OSes.
If you’re still running one of the aforementioned software versions, Google encourages you to upgrade to a more modern OS, since there are now security risks (however small) attached to using them. If you’re not sure which version of Mac OS X you’re running, you can find out by simply clicking the Apple logo in your top toolbar, and clicking ‘About this Mac’.
Filed under: Mac Tagged: Browsers, Chrome, Google, software
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Apple bringing 1,000 new jobs to Ireland, where Tim Cook describes Microsoft’s Surface Book as “deluded”
The Irish government has announced that that Apple will be employing an additional 1,000 staff in Ireland, the country where the company declares much of its revenue from sales throughout Europe, reports Reuters.
Ireland’s main foreign investment agency, the IDA, said Apple was to add 1,000 jobs to its office in Cork by mid-2017 from 5,000 at present. It said the company had also added 1,000 jobs in the past year.
There had been some concern about whether Apple would maintain a significant presence in the country if the European Commission investigation into Apple’s tax dealings in the country went against the company …
Apple has an arrangement with the Irish government that sees it paying corporation tax of just 2.5% on the $109B profits it declared in the country over the past five years, just a fifth of the normal 12.5% paid by most other companies. It’s believed the government agreed to the terms in order to secure both jobs and tax revenues.
A decision on whether the tax deal with Apple constituted unfair state aid is due after Christmas, Finance Minister Michael Noonan told journalists on Wednesday.
Apple warned shareholders earlier this year that it could face “material back taxes” if its tax arrangements in Ireland were found to be illegal.
CEO Tim Cook, who is in Dublin today, said that “Apple is proud to call Ireland home.” He also promised that Apple Pay would be coming to Ireland, which is a separate country to the UK.
Cook also took time out to contrast the iPad Pro, which went on sale today, with Microsoft’s Surface Book, describing the latter as “deluded” by thinking it can be both a laptop and a tablet.
Cook: Surface Book is "deluded", because trying to be a laptop and tablet. It's "trying too hard to do too much".
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Adrian Weckler (@adrianweckler) November 11, 2015
Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: AAPL, Apple Inc, Apple Ireland, European Commission, European Union, iPad Pro, Ireland, Microsoft, Microsoft Surface Book, Tax
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Guitar Hero Live now available on Apple TV, but you have to buy the guitar controller accessory to play the game
As demoed by Apple on stage, the latest instalment of Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero Live, is now available on Apple TV. It’s just like classic Guitar Hero, a three-lane rhythm based game, but modernised with better visuals, ‘real’ band members, enhanced crowd reactions, and more.
On the iPhone and iPad version, you can play two trial songs for free or pay $50 via In-App Purchase to unlock the full game with 38 additional songs. However, on Apple TV, the game is completely non-functional without the controller accessory. You have to buy the controller for the game to work at all. Incidentally, you can buy the full game and controller on Amazon as a $99 bundle, for both iOS and tvOS.
Requiring a game controller peripheral is a controversial move, as it goes against Apple’s normal App Store policy for Apple TV games. In fact, it appears to defy the rules about game controllers laid out by Apple.
In the developer guidelines, Apple says explicitly that developers cannot make games that require an MFI controller. All games must be able to be played with the Siri Remote alone. This caused some discontent in the community as it artificially limits what kind of games can be made based on the capabilities of the ‘basic’ Siri Remote. Guitar Hero behaviour seems to defy these rules entirely.
We have reached out to Apple for comment but one possible explanation is that the Guitar Hero game accessory is not technically an ‘MFI game controller’. It is a completely custom peripheral that only works with the Guitar Hero game. This may be a bit of a loophole that allows Activision to require the peripheral as it doesn’t technically fall under the ‘no MFI controller exclusive games’ requirement … because it isn’t an MFI controller.
Perhaps adding salt to the wounds, on iOS, the game can be played in full without a controller accessory. Paying the $50 IAP unlocks the full game. It doesn’t seem very fair to extort additional money out of Apple TV users for the same game.
Still, if you are interested in Guitar Hero games, Guitar Hero Live seems like a fantastic addition to the series. You get a lot of tracks as well as access to the GHTV channels, which show 200 live music videos that you can play along with. It’s just a shame you have to fork out $100 and buy the fake guitar peripheral the if you want to enjoy the game on Apple TV.
Filed under: Apple TV, Apps, iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: Apple TV, Guitar Hero Live, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s
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You can now install popular automatic screen brightness app Flux on iPhone and iPad
With iOS 9, it is now possible to install screen brightness app Flux (or f.lux). Flux adjusts screen brightness and color depending on the time of day automatically, so you aren’t blasted with bright light at bedtime or early in the morning. Due to App Store restrictions, Flux has been only available on the Mac OS X platform until now. Whilst it isn’t available through the App Store, you can now download and install the Flux beta for iPhone and iPad by sideloading the app through Xcode on the Mac.
It sounds complicated but it’s actually really easy to do. Apple lifted the developer limitations on device app sideloading earlier this year, so it’s completely free. Until Apple relaxes App Store policies, this will be the only way to do this. Read the instructions on how to install Flux after the break …
Installing Flux on iPhone and iPad involves downloading Xcode from the Mac App Store, for free. Xcode 7 lets anyone install apps locally to their iOS devices, which is how this whole process can work.
Next, download the open-source Flux iOS Xcode project from the Flux website. The app works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 9.
Double-click on the xcodeproj file to open Xcode with the file loaded. Connect your iPhone or iPad using a Lightning cable to your Mac. In the Devices menu (top-left of the Xcode window), you should see the name of your iOS device, such as Benjamin’s iPhone. Connecting the iOS device for the first time may require Xcode to do some initial setup, so wait patiently whilst it whirrs away if you don’t see your device name immediately.
Then, press the big Run button — it looks like a Play button from a video app. This builds the source code and packages into an app which will appear on your Home Screen. You now have the F.lux app installed on your iOS device!
The app includes normal night and day color temperature adjustments as well as settings for configuring when you wake up to optimize the transitions between states. Flux for iPhone and iPad even includes a dark mode which turns your device black and red, a stark change from the usual bright white UI of iOS 9.
The reason Flux isn’t allowed in the App Store is because it uses private APIs and requires constant background time. You should always be cautious when sideloading apps. If Flux ever causes problems, like iPhone battery drain, then simply uninstall the app to remove all the features and functionality.
Another major downside of side-loaded apps is that they cannot participate with the App Store automatic updates system. Flux will show a message inside the app if a new build is available but installing the update will require you to connect to Xcode again and perform the install dance again.
Filed under: AAPL Company, Apps, iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: flux, iPad, iPhone, screen brightness
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Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro is now available to order online
In September Apple unveiled the long awaited larger iPad Pro to the public, and today customers can finally start placing orders for the 12.9-inch tablet before models hit stores later this week. iPad Pro-only accessories including the Apple Pencil digital stylus and new Smart Keyboard cover are also available to purchase on Apple.com and through the Apple Store app. On Monday Apple announced that the iPad Pro and would be hitting Apple Stores, carriers, and authorized resellers “later this week.”
This year’s new iPad is sold in three models: 32GB for $799, 128GB for $949, and 128GB with cellular for $1079.
Apple offers two optional accessories for iPad Pro that are also available to order. Apple Pencil, which is Apple’s first digital stylus and requires iPad Pro, is available for $99. Smart Keyboard is a physical keyboard cover that connects using the iPad Pro’s new Smart Connector without requiring Bluetooth or batteries is goes for $169.
In addition to a 12.9-inch Retina display and support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, iPad Pro is also Apple’s first tablet with four built-in speakers, the new A9X chip, and the Smart Connector that can work with third-party accessories as well like Logitech’s own keyboard cover.
iPad Pro is available in space gray, silver, and gold (sorry, rose gold fans). Apple Pencil, which includes a built-in Lightning connector for charging through the iPad’s Lightning port, is offered in white. Smart Keyboard is available in charcoal gray. If physical keys aren’t for you, Smart Covers ($59) and Silicone Cases ($79) for iPad Pro are available in charcoal gray or white.
iPad Pro is available to order in 40 countries at launch: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greenland, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, UAE, US, UK, Uruguay and US Virgin Islands.
With the roll out of iPad Pro, Apple’s latest tablet lineup now includes three display sizes: 12.9″ iPad Pro, 9.7″ iPad Air 2, and 7.9″ iPad mini 4.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Apple, Apple Pencil, iPad, iPad Pro, Smart Keyboard
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Periscope for iOS updated w/ 3D Touch support, new Teleport feature, more
Popular live streaming app Periscope has today announced a major update for its iOS app, bringing with it a handful of new features and optimizations for Apple’s new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The update bumps the app to version 1.3 and was detailed in a blog post on Medium by Periscope.
First off, the update introduces a new version of the app’s popular Global Map feature. This capability was originally introduced back in June with a handful of limitations. The Global Map didn’t originally show replays and was limited to showing 250 total broadcasts. Now, the app is capable of showing more streams, as well as replays. Live streams are denoted by red dots, while blue dots represent replays from the last 24 hours.
Next up, the Periscope update introduces the ability to skip ahead in replays. You can do so by holding down on the replay and dragging left or right to rewind and fast-forward. You can also drag up and down to change the seek speed. Exclusive to the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Periscope 1.3 introduces support for the 3D shortcuts. Pressing on Periscope’s app icon now allows you to perform the following tasks:
- Search People — Pretty self explanatory!
- Teleport — Takes you someplace random in the world and shows you a live broadcast from there. We love this shortcut because we’ve always wanted Periscope to feel like teleportation.
- Broadcast Mutuals — Starts a private broadcast that only your mutual followers see (people you follow, who also follow you). This is a great way to quickly go live to your friends.
- Broadcast — Quickly start a public broadcast.
Persicope 1.3 is available now on the App Store for free.
Filed under: Apps Tagged: app, iOS, Periscope, update
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Popular Instagram client removed from App Store for harvesting usernames, passwords
Apple today has pulled a popular Instagram client from the App Store after it was found to be harvesting usernames and passwords. First noticed by developer David L-R on Twitter, the Instagram client InstaAgent has been pulled from the App Store. The app, downloaded more than half a million times, touted that it would let you see who had been viewing your Instagram profile.
David L-R notes in his tweets that InstaAgent was sending account information, including usernames and passwords, unencrypted to a remote server that was not connected to Instagram officially in any way, shape, or form. In extreme cases, InstaAgent was using that login information to post photos to users’ accounts without their consent.
The app seemingly had passed Apple’s review process without raising an eyebrow and was never questioned until today, thanks in large part to its wild success in terms of downloads. Instagram, of course, has always encouraged users not to download or share information with third-party apps. In addition to being removed from the App Store, InstaAgent was also today removed from the Google Play Store, where it had also amassed around 500k downloads.
Today’s revelation comes two months after hundreds of apps were infected by fake Xcode tools. The apps had been developed using counterfeit versions of Xcode, dubbed XcodeGhost, that injected malicious code into apps without developer knowledge during the submission process.
Apple has yet to officially comment on the removal of InstaAgent, but it’s likely we won’t ever see it back on the App Store. At least, any time soon.
Filed under: Apps Tagged: Apps, Instagram, iOS, Malware
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The best iPad Pro cases, covers, keyboards & accessories
With iPad Pro officially going on sale tomorrow (possibly at midnight tonight Cupertino time if Apple follows past launches), it’s time to move our attention to accessories for the device.
Will you go the Apple route and stock up on the official but pricey Apple keyboard, case & cover, and Apple Pencil? Or perhaps you’re looking for accessories with features that aren’t offered by Apple’s. Whatever the case, below we’ve started rounding up the best of the best accessories for iPad Pro. Most are available to order now while a couple are coming soon. We’ll be adding more as they pop up in the weeks following the iPad Pro’s launch.
Cases & Covers & Sleeves:
Apple Smart Cover & Silicone Case: Apple’s official Smart Cover ($59) and Silicone cases ($79) will ensure you get a made-to-measure fit. The Smart Cover is made of “durable polyurethane” and is available alongside the new iPad Pro this week in white or charcoal gray. The Smart Cover gives you full protection of the display, while adding a silicone case for the back will give you full front and back coverage.
Gumdrop Hideaway case ($69): Gumdrop is always one of the first out of the gate with high-quality cases for new Apple products and that’s the case with the iPad Pro too. The company’s Hideaway case features a built in stand with multiple viewing angles, rubber reinforcements on the corners, a built-in Apple Pencil pocket, and it can be used together with Apple’s Smart Keyboard (below). It’s available in black, blue/green, white/grey, or red/black color combos and it’s up for preorder now with shipments starting November 25.
Waterfield Travel Express ($89) & Dash Sleeve ($59): High-quality, made in San Francisco sleeves are now available to order for iPad Pro from WaterField. The Travel Express comes in two colors with an optional shoulder strap, and the Dash Sleeve in two different colors with an option to add extra space to accommodate Apple’s Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro.
Luvvit Clear Grip ($15): A low cost option on the list that will give you back cover protection and still let you show off your iPad. Luvvit’s Clear Grip is a soft transparent TPU rubber cover for the back of your iPad but with a raised bezel on the front corners for a bit of protection for the display too. Available to order now. Ships Nov. 20.
DODOcase Multi-Angle ($79.95): Popular case maker DODOcase has its new Multi-Angle case for iPad Pro up for preorder with a look inspired by an artist’s journal or sketch book. It has an elastic band to keep the case closed or store the Apple Pencil or other stylus, and it’s available in four color options pictured above. You can order it now with shipping starting over the next couple weeks.
Catalyst Waterproof case: One of the first waterproof cases announced for the iPad Pro comes from Catalyst. The design is Rated IP68 waterproof up to 2m and still offers full access to TouchID, Apple Pencil, and speakers while still being waterproof. No firm shipping date or price as of yet.
Keyboards:
Apple Smart Keyboard ($169): Apple’s official keyboard for the iPad Pro and the first it designed specifically as a companion product for the iPad. It doubles as a cover for the front of the iPad when closed and not in use, a water and stain resistant design with no crack between keys, and comes in at an extremely thin 4mm thickness. It also includes Apple’s new Smart Connector technology that allows it to easily attach to the iPad and charge, no wires required. At launch, however, it will only be available in a US English layout.
Logitech Create: Made specifically for the iPad Pro and featuring Apple’s new Smart Connector from its own keyboard case, Logitech is one fi the first notable companies with an official, third-party keyboard for the new iPad. It’s launching alongside the iPad Pro this week.
Zagg’s Slim Book ($139): Shipping in December, Zagg’s new Slim Book for iPad Pro features backlit keys with 7 color options, two-year battery life between charges, and pairing and quick switching between up to 3 devices. It also has a cover for the back of the iPad that you can detach from the keyboard, allowing you to keep the iPad’s backside protected even when not using the keyboard.
Zagg Messenger Universal ($69.99): Also coming this month from Zagg is the less expensive Messenger Universal keyboard case for iPad Pro.
Apple Pencil & Styluses:
Apple Pencil ($99): Apple’s stylus designed specifically for the iPad Pro. Apple claims it’s been able to optimize the input device with the hardware so that Apple Pencil is super precise and a much more accurate experience overall compared to others. It lasts 12 hours on a full charge and takes just 15 seconds of charge time to get 30 minutes of use with the built-in Lightning connector.
Pencil by FiftyThree ($49-$59): And if for some reason Apple’s pencil doesn’t do it for you, or if you want something that actually looks like a pencil, the Pencil by FiftyThree is a stylish option that has an enthusiastic user base alongside the popular drawing app Paper by FiftyThree. You’ll also save $50 over Apple’s Pencil at $49-$59 for the Pencil by FiftyThree.
Adonit Styluses ($15 and up): An even cheaper option (depending on the model) is one of the popular styluses from Adonit ranging from $15 up to around the same price points as the Pencils above.
Or check out cheaper and other popular stylus options.
Check back soon for more…
Accessory makers can email me at Jordan@9to5Mac.com to be considered.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Accessories, Apple, cases, iPad Pro, Keyboards, Logitech, Pencil, Smart Cover, Smart Keyboard, stylus
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T-Mobile’s UnCarrier X: Unlimited video streaming, double data w/ Simple Choice
As was widely rumored, T-Mobile has today announced at their UnCarrier X event that customers can now stream unlimited video from certain services without impacting their data caps. The new program is called Binge On (not all too different than the company’s previously-launched Music Freedom in principle), and the list of compatible services includes many favorites like ESPN, Netflix, HBO Now, and more. The company also announced new Simple Choice plans…
Here’s the full list of supported services:
Crackle, Encore, ESPN, Fox Sports, Fox Sports Go, HBO Now, HBO Go, Hulu, MLB, Movieplex, NBC Sports, Netflix, Sling TV, Sling Box, SHOWTIME, STARZ, T-Mobile TV, Univision Deportes, Ustream, Vessel, Vevo, VUD
While this sounds great, it’s worth noting that T-Mobile is going to stream the video to you what it says is “DVD quality or better” (480p+), made more efficient with a proprietary compression technology. Any streaming service could theoretically join the program — as long as they meet T-Mobile’s requirements. The absence of YouTube is notable, though it could be around the corner considering that it will definitely be high-demand.
Also announced today, T-Mobile is giving Simple Choice customers double the data through what it’s calling Simple Choice Amped. Those on 1 GB, 3 GB, and 5 GB high-speed data plans will now have 2 GB, 6 GB, and 10 GB of data.
Here’s the gist:
Simple Choice customers still start with one line at just $50 a month for unlimited data, talk and text on T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network. But you’ll now get a full 2GB of 4G LTE data—twice the previous amount—on each line. As before, customers can still add a second line for $30 a month−but now with 2GB of 4G LTE data. Additional lines up to 12 are still only $10 per month—but each now come with 2GB of 4G LTE data.
Rounding it off, T-Mobile says that if everyone on a family plan gets additional data, Family Match will give everyone on the plan double the data across all lines. Finally, as a “celebration” of today’s announcements, T-Mobile is making the fourth line on a family plan free. This means that, for a “limited time,” a family can get four lines for $120 with 6 GB each.
Both Binge On and the new Simple Choice plan are effective starting Sunday for consumers on new plans and Binge One will roll-out to all T-Mobile users starting Thursday, November 19.
Abner Li contributed to this report.
T-Mobile Unleashes Mobile Video with Binge On™
Video now streams free at T-Mobile for HBO, Hulu, Netflix, SHOWTIME, Sling TV, STARZ subscribers without using up their high-speed data – 24 total services included initially with more to come
Biggest-ever update to Simple Choice doubles your data at no extra cost when everyone in the family gets extra data
Los Angeles, California — November 10, 2015 — At an event held today in the entertainment capital of the world, T-Mobile [NASDAQ: TMUS] announced its landmark 10th Un-carrier move and responded directly to Americans’ surging demand for mobile entertainment by—of all things—unleashing mobile video. Beginning this Sunday, video streams free at T-Mobile for subscribers of HBO, Hulu, Netflix, SHOWTIME, Sling TV, STARZ, WatchESPN and more—with more streaming services on the way—without ever burning up customers’ high-speed data. And it’s available to all current and new Simple Choice customers on qualifying plans—at absolutely no extra cost.
On top of that, the Un-carrier today also amped up its flagship Simple Choice plan—in the biggest update to Simple Choice ever—by doubling the data at every level and cutting the cost of extra gigs. On top of that, families can now get twice as much high-speed data as before—at no extra cost— when everyone gets extra 4G LTE data. And that’s all on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE network, now reaching 302 million Americans and counting.
Taken together, today’s moves give Un-carrier customers far more data that lasts far longer – prompting T-Mobile President and CEO, John Legere to declare today “Data Day” – the day the company took its Un-carrier movement to the next level.
“Un-carrier X marks the next step in this revolution, and it is massive,” said John Legere, President and CEO of T-Mobile. “Today, we’re not only doubling your data in Simple Choice, we’re making your data work a lot harder for you! With Binge On, video streams free from 24 streaming services to start, and more to come! Only T-Mobile would find a way for customers to watch unlimited HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV and more…without eating into their LTE data, while the Duopoly is squeezing consumers with overage fees and over-buying! T-Mobile is un-leashing entertainment and giving customers exactly what they want!”
Binge On − Watch your shows, not your data
With Binge On, video now streams free for viewers and subscribers of Crackle, Encore, ESPN, Fox Sports, Fox Sports Go, HBO Now, HBO Go, Hulu, MLB, Movieplex, NBC Sports, Netflix, Sling TV, Sling Box, SHOWTIME, STARZ, T-Mobile TV, Univision Deportes, Ustream, Vessel, Vevo, VUDU—with more streaming services on the way—without ever touching their 4G LTE data on Simple Choice plans with extra data. T-Mobile is also including Verizon’s Go90 and AT&T’s DirecTV streaming services in Binge On, so even the Duopoly’s video services stream without fear of overages.
Binge On is open to any streaming video provider who meets the technical requirements, which are available online at http://ift.tt/1QgIjIh. And it’s completely free for video streaming providers to join.
“With Binge On, no one pays—not the customers, not the video streaming services—and everyone wins,” said Legere.
Powered by new technology built in to T-Mobile’s network, Binge On optimizes video for mobile screens, minimizing data consumption while still delivering DVD or better quality (e.g. 480p or better). That means more reliable streaming for services that stream free with Binge On, and for almost all other video, it means T-Mobile Simple Choice customers can watch up to three times more video from their data plan. And, as always, T-Mobile has put customers in total control with a switch to activate or deactivate Binge On for each line in their My T-Mobile account. Binge On is all about customer choice.
In addition, T-Mobile is celebrating the launch of Binge On with an exclusive offer of 30% off a full year’s subscription to Sling TV’s “Best of Live TV” package available to all Simple Choice customers. And those T-Mobile customers with Unlimited smartphone LTE get a free streaming movie rental every single month in 2016 with Binge On.
With mobile video now the #1 way Americans use smartphone data, Binge On is the Un-carrier’s answer to what today’s customers clearly want most from wireless. Customers are using nearly two-and-a-half times more of their wireless data for mobile video in the last two years. But that’s nothing compared to where we’re headed. According to forecasts, mobile video usage is poised to surge more than 400% by 2020.
The old carriers are trying to exploit this trend − and their customers − to line their pockets. For carrier customers, the surge in wireless video has translated directly into an unprecedented surge in overages. Together, the carriers are projected to rake in a record $2.4 billion this year from overage penalties—up a staggering 60% from $1.5 billion just last year. Roughly one quarter of AT&T and Verizon customers say they’ve been hit by overages in the last 6 months – that’s twice as many Verizon customers getting billed for overages compared to just two years ago. Worse still, the carriers’ overages scare customers into buying more data each month than they need—only so Verizon and ATT can repossess it after 30 or 60 days. American wireless customers waste an estimated $45 billion annually overbuying wireless data they don’t use.
With T-Mobile, on the other hand, Binge On now unleashes customers to watch what they want, when they want and on any device they want—without watching their data.
Simple Choice − Now with double the data
With this explosion in data usage, a few gigs is just not enough anymore. So, in the biggest update ever to the company’s wildly popular Simple Choice plan, T-Mobile is giving families and businesses what they want most by doubling their high-speed 4G LTE data when everyone gets extra data.
Simple Choice customers still start with one line at just $50 a month for unlimited data, talk and text on T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network. But you’ll now get a full 2GB of 4G LTE data—twice the previous amount—on each line. As before, customers can still add a second line for $30 a month−but now with 2GB of 4G LTE data. Additional lines up to 12 are still only $10 per month—but each now come with 2GB of 4G LTE data.
Of course, Simple Choice customers can add even more 4G LTE data. And now, when everyone in the family gets extra 4G LTE data, families can save even more with T-Mobile’s new Family Match. Everyone will get twice as much data as before at absolutely no extra cost. They can add an extra 4GB of 4G LTE data (on top of the 2GB included), including mobile hotspot data, for just $10 more a month on each line, up to a total of 10GB per line. For families who’d rather customize their data by line, extra data is just $15 a month for each 4GB—compared to $20 a month for 4GB before—a savings of 25% per GB of high-speed data vs. before.
While the Duopoly continues to punish customers on their legacy unlimited LTE plans, the Un-carrier announced it is doubling down on Unlimited Smartphone LTE data by doubling the amount of tethered data included from 7GB to 14GB. And with Binge On, streaming video from participating services won’t eat into that tethered data.
For businesses, the pain is even worse. Nearly two-thirds of small businesses (63%) say they’re now being charged overages, and more than half (52%) of small business limit their employees’ smartphone usage to prevent overages. With the Duopoly, giving employees a smartphone is like creating an open-ended tab where employees can run up insane overages the company has no choice but to pay. With the new Simple Choice plan unveiled today, businesses get double the LTE data at no extra cost at T-Mobile, up to a thousand employees. An average small business with T-Mobile can save 40% compared to AT&T and a full 50% compared to Verizon for similar services.
And, as always, Simple Choice customers have no annual service contracts, no domestic overages and no sharing, and they get all the Un-carrier value the company keeps pouring into the plan – from Simple Global, Music Freedom and Data Stash to Mobile Without Borders, Wi-Fi Un-leashed and Binge On.
To celebrate today’s news, T-Mobile is making the fourth line free. Now, for a limited time, a family of four can get four lines for $120 with 6GB per person (24GB total) – no sharing – at just $30 per line. That’s an incredible four times the high-speed data you get at Verizon who’ll charge you $20 more, and almost five times the data at AT&T where you’ll pay $30 more—$150 for just 5GB your whole family’s gotta share. And now with Binge On, T-Mobile customers don’t just get 6GB each, they get unlimited video streaming from popular sites as well.
Binge On and the new Simple Choice plan will be available starting Sunday, November 15. Existing T-Mobile customers will get Binge On starting Thursday, November 19. For more information on Binge On, see http://ift.tt/1QgIjIh. For more information on Simple Choice, see http://ift.tt/1NpJq22 or for Simple Choice for business, see:
http://ift.tt/1QgIjIi.
Filed under: General Tagged: Android, Apple, carrier, Google, iPhone, T-Mobile, uncarrier x
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Apple doubles external TestFlight testers to 2,000 users, beta periods to 60 days
In addition to several new software betas and new Tech Talks today, Apple has more developer news to share today. Starting today, TestFlight will now support up to 2,000 external testers for iOS and tvOS. TestFlight allows developers to easily share pre-release versions of their apps with a large group of external testers outside of their own development team.
TestFlight was previously limited to 1,000 external testers on iOS and tvOS. Internal testing is limited to 25 team members on 10 devices each. Apple also notes on its TestFlight website that beta periods now last 60 days versus 30 days before.
Since acquiring TestFlight last year, Apple has maintained TestFlight apps on iOS with support for watchOS and tvOS. Apple first announced these changes, which go live today, earlier this year at WWDC.
Filed under: Developers Tagged: developers, TestFlight
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