Apple brings file-sharing capabilities to iOS 7 with AirDrop

Apple brings filesharing capabilities to iOS 7 with AirDrop

Amongst the significant changes and feature enhancements we've already seen on iOS 7, it appears that AirDrop will be featured in the new version of Apple's mobile operating system. The file-sharing feature will be available on the iPhone 5, iPad 4th gen, iPad mini and 5th-gen iPod touch, but apparently nothing earlier than that. The peer-to-peer feature was briefly shown off at WWDC in the Control Center, and it means there is "no need to wander around the room bumping your phones." We wonder if this means we shouldn't expect any NFC capabilities in the next version of the iPhone or iPad, but it's still a little too early to make that correlation.

Here's Apple's official statement on AirDrop for iOS7:

"AirDrop is an entirely new way to quickly and easily share content with people nearby. When you've got something you want to share, AirDrop shows you your contacts close by. Just select who you want to share with and AirDrop does the rest. AirDrop transfers are peer-to-peer so you can use it anywhere, without any network or set up required, and transfers are fully encrypted so your content is protected and private."

Follow all of our WWDC 2013 coverage at our event hub.

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iOS 7 to include Control Center for quick-access settings

iOS 7 to include Control Center for quickaccess settings

For many iOS users, one of the most sought after features has been a quick access panel for common settings, much like what they've seen in other platforms. They'll have it -- iOS 7 is introducing Control Center for just that purpose. A swipe up from the screen bottom now lets users change wireless modes, Do Not Disturb, screen brightness and music playback from wherever they happen to be in the OS. There's also quick shortcuts to the camera, calculator, timer and (at last!) a flashlight. To say Control Center is overdue might be an understatement, but we're glad that it's finally here.

Follow all of our WWDC 2013 coverage at our event hub.

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Inteliscope app version one shows off its iPhone-enabled sniping skills (video)

Inteliscope app version one shows off its iPhoneenabled sniping skills video

In the old days, when you wanted to double-tap a bad guy with an AR-15, you had to rely on plain-jane scopes or sights... booooring. Good thing we live in a more tactically technological time, the age of the Inteliscope -- a mount and app combo that lets you slap an iPhone or iPod touch atop an assault rifle to give the killing fields a little Cupertino flair. Until now, we'd only seen a screenshot of the app, but the company has just released a video of it in action. So, head on down to see for yourself what it's like swapping reticles, getting range info and recording video of target practice from a sniper's POV.

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Apple: 100 million iPod touches sold since 2007

Following the launch of its newest iPod earlier today, Apple has announced that it's sold over 100 million iPod touches since they first went on sale back in 2007 -- in fact, as noted in last year's earnings call, the touchscreen models make up half of all iPods sold. For nostalgia's sake, we've added the touchscreen media player's debut ad after the break so you can see where it all began.

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Apple unveils new iPod touch: 16GB storage, no back-facing camera, $229

Apple unveils new iPod Touch: 16GB storage, no back-facing camera, $229

Well, this is a little out of the blue. Apple has just outed a new iPod touch that falls in behind its existing 2012 models. We're hesitant to call this the sixth generation, as it's more of a stripped down variant of what's already available. Not many of the specs have changed: the dimensions are identical, you're still getting a 4-inch Retina display, and the same dual-core A5 processor hums away inside. While the new model still has the front-facing FaceTime HD camera, it's lost the 5-megapixel main shooter, and a little bit of weight, to boot (0.06 ounces). Storage capacity has taken a hit, however. The other iPod touch comes in 32GB and 64GB varieties and a number of colors, but this new model sports just 16GB of storage and only comes in silver. Those lesser specs come at a lesser price, and you can snag one from Apple's online store now for $229, with retail locations getting it tomorrow. We reckon this won't be the only Apple product people'll be talking about today. Prepare for the cheaper iPhone rumor to make the rounds again.

Update: Reader Brandon wrote in to point out that Apple dropped the wrist strap and loop from the refreshed iPod touch. Will it be missed?

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Via: The Verge

Source: Apple

Apple agrees to $53 million settlement for some iPhones, iPods denied warranty coverage

Apple

Documents have been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California for a $53 million settlement between Apple and customers denied warranty coverage on their iPods and iPhones due to water damage. The case is due to Apple's policy not to extend warranty coverage on devices where the indicator tape inside them showed exposure to liquids, however plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit argued the indicator could change color due to moisture or humidity. Apple does not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement, which is still awaiting approval from the court, however customers with warranty claims denied prior to June 2010 (iPod touch) or December 31st, 2009 could be eligible for as much as $300 depending on the device owned and how many claims are filed. The scenario the plaintiffs cite is just the kind of thing we worried about back in 2006, and will probably remain in the back of our minds if we need to have any of our hardware serviced in the future no matter how much Apple and others work on more advanced detection systems.

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Via: Phone Arena, CNET

Source: Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Wired

Kwikset introduces Kevo, a smartphone-friendly lock powered by UniKey

Kwikset introduces Kēvo, a smartphone friendly lock powered by UniKey

It's not the first time that Kwikset's dabbled in wireless locks, but today the company's introducing Kēvo, a smartphone- (and tablet-) friendly lock powered by UniKey. The concept is pretty simple: pair a handset (running a special app) with Kēvo via Bluetooth, and simply touch the deadbolt to lock or unlock your door. A keychain fob is also available for those who have not yet joined the smartphone revolution. Kēvo only responds to touch when an authorized device or fob is detected nearby. A triple tap lets anyone lock your door, which is useful if a visitor leaves after you. The deadbolt is battery-powered using four AA cells that last more than a year with normal operation. It features a ring of RGB LEDs for feedback and a standard physical key for backup.

Most of the magic is made possible by tech developed by UniKey. The key (natch) to the entire system is the Kēvo app which lets you manage eKeys. Once logged into the app, you can send and delete eKeys, or transfer them to another device (this also deletes the eKeys associated with a lost handset, for example) -- you can even create eKeys that only work once. Currently, the app is only available for iOS, which is a major limitation, but it supports push, email and SMS notifications and keeps a detailed log of which eKeys have accessed Kēvo and when. Pricing and availability remain a mystery, but all in all the system looks pretty clever. Stay tuned for more details, and check out the link below.

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Source: Kwikset

Kwikset introduces Kevo, a smartphone-friendly lock powered by UniKey

Kwikset introduces Kēvo, a smartphone friendly lock powered by UniKey

It's not the first time that Kwikset's dabbled in wireless locks, but today the company's introducing Kēvo, a smartphone- (and tablet-) friendly lock powered by UniKey. The concept is pretty simple: pair a handset (running a special app) with Kēvo via Bluetooth, and simply touch the deadbolt to lock or unlock your door. A keychain fob is also available for those who have not yet joined the smartphone revolution. Kēvo only responds to touch when an authorized device or fob is detected nearby. A triple tap lets anyone lock your door, which is useful if a visitor leaves after you. The deadbolt is battery-powered using four AA cells that last more than a year with normal operation. It features a ring of RGB LEDs for feedback and a standard physical key for backup.

Most of the magic is made possible by tech developed by UniKey. The key (natch) to the entire system is the Kēvo app which lets you manage eKeys. Once logged into the app, you can send and delete eKeys, or transfer them to another device (this also deletes the eKeys associated with a lost handset, for example) -- you can even create eKeys that only work once. Currently, the app is only available for iOS, which is a major limitation, but it supports push, email and SMS notifications and keeps a detailed log of which eKeys have accessed Kēvo and when. Pricing and availability remain a mystery, but all in all the system looks pretty clever. Stay tuned for more details, and check out the link below.

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Source: Kwikset

Facebook Messenger for iOS: now with stickers and message-deleting swipes

Facebook Messenger for iOS now with stickers and messagedeleting swipes

Facebook's been giving its Messenger app quite a few facelifts lately, with the arrival of Chat Heads and VoIP calling among the highlights. Today, an app update was released for iOS that lets users add stylized critter stickers to messages, freeing them from the crippling visual limitations of emoticons in textual communications -- largely identical to the recent Android update. The upgrade also enables a swipe to delete feature to remove conversations from inboxes for good, saving users precious fingertips from an extra tap or two in the process. If your iPhone hasn't already told you about version 2.4, you'll find the fresh download at the source below.

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Via: The Next Web

Source: App Store

Vine update brings support for front-facing camera, mentions

Couple of key updates for the 1.1 version of Twitter's pithy video app, Vine. First up is support for front-facing cameras, for those who can't get enough short web videos of themselves. Tap the icon in the lower-left corner of the app and it will toggle between your phone's cameras. Also new is mention support, so those tagged with an @ will get a notification when you drop their names into a post. The latest version is available now from iTunes -- perhaps a short video of you downloading the update is in order.

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Via: Vine

Source: iTunes