Heena Sharma Blog

  There is no smartwatch that complements the iPhones the way Apple’s own watches do, even if they are not perfect. Therefore, even if the new models do not bring any significant upgrades over the previous-generation models, they still make a compelling buy for iPhone users looking to upgrade to a new model. A case in point is the Apple Watch Series 7 . Over the Watch Series 6 (review), the Series 7 brings a bigger display with curved edges and negligible display bezels, redesigned user interface optimised for larger display, and new watch faces to complement the curved display profile. Starting with the display, the Watch Series 7 boasts 20 per cent more screen area over the Watch Series 6. Interestingly, the bump in screen size does not translate into any significant changes in dimensions of the case. This is because the screen is stretched by narrowing the borders. That said, the Apple Watch Series 7 is just 1mm (45mm, review unit) bigger than its predecessor. The screen on th...

  The iPad Mini has been through five cycles of generational refreshes, yet its design has not been as radically improved as it has in the recently launched sixth-generation upgrade. Called the iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 2021 by technology enthusiasts, the new iPad Mini looks modern and in line with Apple’s most other big-screen tablets. The design refresh boasts trimmed display bezel areas, which allowed Apple to accommodate a tad bigger screen than the last-generation model, without compromising on the compact ergonomics the iPad Mini is known for. Other design changes include flat sides and back, both of which aid handling and improve overall usability. Speaking of handling, the iPad Mini has a fingerprint scanner (Touch ID) embedded in its power button mounted on the top side. It takes some time to get comfortable with it, especially if you are a user of the iPhone X or higher models. Once accustomed, the Touch ID feels natural to use for unlocking the device, logging in to a...

  The certainty and uncertainty abounding Apple’s September launches are constant. Nearly everyone knows that the new phone would look and feel like the older one — as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — still, there’s always the expectation that Apple might throw a surprise with a feature or two. This year’s Apple iPhone 13 launch has been no different. Apple was consistent with its design and presentation style, promising 20 per cent more something and 30 per cent higher another thing. Consumers demand a new model every year, and if a company were innovative every year, it would also be forever out of the market. Design A common feature of Apple’s announcements is that the new iPhone is the fastest, newest and “more adjectives” ever. While that is indeed true, one of the things that can be surely attested to is that the new iPhone 13 is certainly the prettiest ever. While it looks much like the Apple iPhone 12, the colour selection this year is much better. Pink, the...

  Apple Inc will release from next year only 5G-enabled iPhones and will revamp its budget handset after for the first time in two years, Nikkei reported https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Apple-to-go-all-in-on-5G-for-its-2022-iPhone-lineup on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. It will start selling a 5G version of iPhone SE in the first half of 2022, the report said, adding that the budget iPhone will be powered by its A15 processor and its 5G connectivity will be enabled by Qualcomm Inc's X60 modem chip. Apple will not introduce an updated version of its iPhone Mini next year, after it failed to become popular among consumers, the report said. Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment outside business hours. Read More

  Apple Inc . is preparing to release several new Mac laptops and desktops with faster processors, new designs and improved connectivity to external devices, accelerating the company’s effort to replace Intel Corp. chips and leapfrog rival PC makers. The overhaul encompasses a broad range of Macs, including Apple’s higher-end laptop, the MacBook Pro ; the laptop aimed at the mass market, the MacBook Air ; and its desktop computers, the Mac Pro, iMac and Mac mini, according to people familiar with the matter. Redesigned MacBook Pros are expected to debut as soon as early this summer, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss an internal matter, followed by a revamped MacBook Air, a new low-end MacBook Pro and an all-new Mac Pro workstation. The company is also working on a higher-end Mac mini desktop and larger iMac. The machines will feature processors designed in-house that will greatly outpace the performance and capabilities of the current M1 chips, the people said...

  Apple has delivered the next big update iOS 14.5 that will help iPhone users unlock the device with Apple Watch when attempting to use Face ID while wearing a face mask in the pandemic times, along with requiring apps to get the users permission before tracking their data. The iOS 14.5 also brings exciting new features to iPhone like more diverse Siri voices, skin tone options to better represent couples in emoji, and much more. Apple said in a statement late on Monday that iOS 14.5 is now available as a free software update. "With Apple Watch on the wrist, unlocked, and in close proximity to iPhone, users can simply glance at their iPhone and they will receive haptic feedback from Apple Watch, indicating their iPhone has been unlocked," the company informed. The new feature works with iPhone X and later and Apple Watch Series 3 and later. With iOS 14.5, Siri no longer has a default voice, allowing users to choose the voice that speaks to them when they first s...

  As the world celebrates Earth Day on Thursday, Apple has debuted documentary special "The Year Earth Changed" and second seasons of 'Tiny World and 'Earth at Night in Color on Apple TV+ , thus brining environment-friendly content at one place. These premieres join a specially curated collection of environmentally-themed Apple TV+ programming, including films, series and episodes that celebrate Earth Day's mission, including: Here We Are. Long Way Up, The Elephant Queen and Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds, the company said in a statement. Showcasing exclusive footage from around the world after an unprecedented year hit by the pandemic, "The Year Earth Changed" is a timely documentary special that takes a fresh new approach to the global lockdown and the uplifting stories that have come out of "The documentary, narrated by David Attenborough, is a love letter to planet Earth, highlighting the ways nature bouncing back can give us hope f...

  Apple Inc announced on Tuesday a range of new computers, a paid podcasting service and devices for finding lost items, signaling the continued expansion of its once-simple product line into more and more corners of customers' lives. The new $30 AirTags, tiny devices that can be attached to items such as keys and wallets to locate them when they are lost, were applauded by analysts as a likely hot-seller that would also keep the company's more than 1 billion customers locked into its products. A new iPad Pro tablet, featuring the same Apple-designed processor that powers the company's more recent Mac computers, has keyboard and trackpad options that help make it a full-blown alternative to traditional laptops and desktops. And a refresh of the Mac desktop line boasts seven color options, harkening back to the famous candy-colored Macs that helped Steve Jobs revive the company in the 1990s. Read More

  Apple is all set for its first event of the year on April 20 and media reports suggest that new iPads with 5G support and Apple TV upgrades along with a deep dive into iOS 14.5 are on the anvil. Called 'Spring Loaded,' the Apple event will showcase some exciting new products and features. According to The Verge, new iPad Pros will reportedly get a 5G support, speed boost with a new chip similar to Apple's M1, a Thunderbolt port for faster transfers and compatibility with more devices, and support for 5G. "The larger 12.9-inch Pro may also be the first Apple device to feature a Mini LED display," the report said on Thursday. The iPad mini is also likely to receive some fresh upgrades, like a larger display and updated internals. The long-awaited 'AirTags' could also be revealed at the event. Read More

  Apple Inc said it plans to argue that it faces abundant competition in the market for video game transactions to defend itself against antitrust allegations by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games , the iPhone maker said on Thursday. Epic sued Apple last year in federal court in California, alleging the 15% to 30% commissions that Apple charges for the use of its in-app payment systems and Apple's longstanding practice of exercising control over which apps can be installed on its devices amount to anticompetitive behavior. The dispute arose after Epic tried to implement its own in-app payment system in the popular "Fortnite" game and Apple subsequently banned the game from its App Store. The case is to be heard in May in Oakland, California, by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who will have to rule on which notion of a "market" is the correct one for analyzing Apple's moves for signs of anticompetitive conduct. Read More

  Some of Apples Cloud services like iCloud Drive and Mail suffered a partial outage, with a message acknowledging that "users may be unable to use this service." According to Apple's system dashboard, iCloud Photos, Drive, Mail, Notes, Contacts, Find My, and Backups were few of the services that suffered issues late on Wednesday. In an updated dashboard on Thursday, the company showed that it has resolved issues with Apple Music, Drive, Backup, Mail, Notes, iMessage, iTunes Store, Photos, Calendar etc. The issues with the Cloud services were not reported at a global scale but were found in some parts of the world. "If you are experiencing an issue not listed here, contact support," Apple said. The tech giant gives 5GB of free iCloud storage for photos, videos, files, and more. Read More

  A federal judge in Florida on Tuesday dismissed Apple Inc's copyright infringement claims against a Florida startup whose software helps security researchers find vulnerabilities in Apple products including the iPhone. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith ruled in favor of Corellium LLC, saying its software emulating the iOS operating system that runs on the iPhone and iPad amounted to "fair use" because it was "transformative" and helped developers find security flaws. Apple accused Corellium of essentially replicating iOS to create "virtual" iOS-operated devices, whose "sole function" was to run unauthorized copies of the system on non-Apple hardware. But the Fort Lauderdale-based judge said Corellium "adds something new to iOS" by letting users see and halt running processes, take live snapshots, and conduct other operations. Read More  

  Russian luxury goods brand Caviar, known for making luxury variants of popular gadgets, has unveiled custom-made, over-ear headphones Caviar AirPods Max plated with "pure gold" for the high price of $108,000, which roughly translate to nearly Rs 80 lakh. Caviar said that the luxury headphones will be "released in a single piece worldwide," indicating that supplies will be limited. The earcups of the headphones are made from pure gold, replacing the current aluminium that Apple makes the earcups out of. Caviar is also replacing the mesh headband with "rare crocodile leather". The Caviar AirPods Max headphones will come in white or black headband but the earcups will remain in gold for both versions. AirPods Max was launched earlier this month with high-fidelity sound, Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio for Rs 59,900. Read More  

Many people these days fancy big-screen smartphones but are averse to bulky designs, which is unfortunately what you get in most current-generation big-screen devices. Smartphone makers have in the past made efforts to design balanced smartphones with optimum size and big screen. But they have restricted such products to the midrange segment, leaving the users of premium smartphones in the lurch. That said, there is now a smartphone, the Apple’s iPhone 12 mini , which packs the best of both the worlds – a top-end premium device of an optimum size and a big screen. iPhone 12 mini: Design The iPhone 12 mini is a no-compromise premium smartphone, which is small in size but not in any other respect. It has the same flat-frame design of its siblings in the iPhone 12 series. The iPhone 12 mini flaunts a premium glass-aluminium construction, with a ceramic shield glass on the front touted to be 4x more resistant to drops than the previous generation. However, the textured scratch-resistant g...

  American technology giant Apple Inc on Tuesday launched its first on-ear design based wireless headphones, the AirPods Max . Priced at Rs 59,900, the headphones are available for order from Apple website and Apple authorised resellers. The AirPods Max will begin to ship from December 15 in more than 25 countries and regions. The headphones are compatible with Apple devices running iOS 14.3 or later, iPadOS 14.3 or later, macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later, watchOS 7.2 or later, and tvOS 14.3 or later. “AirPods are the most popular headphones in the world, beloved for their effortless setup, incredible sound quality, and iconic design. With AirPods Max, we are bringing that magical AirPods experience to a stunning over-ear design with high-fidelity audio,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. Read More    

  Apple Inc on Wednesday announced its App Store Best of 2020 winners. Video conferencing app Zoom and health and fitness app Wakeout! are amongst the 15 apps and games shortlisted by the American technology giant. Zoom is recognised as the iPad app of the year, and Wakeout! is recognised as the iPhone app of the year. According to Apple Inc, the winner apps and games proved to be essential for making life easier, healthier, and more connected this year. “Notable for their high quality, creative design, usability, and innovative technology, these apps and games are equally celebrated for their positive cultural impact, helpfulness, and importance,” Apple Inc said in a statement. Here are the Apple’s App Store Best of 2020 winners: Best Apps of 2020 iPhone App of the Year: Wakeout!, developed by Andres Canella iPad App of the Year: Zoom Mac App of the Year: Fantastical, developed by Flexibits Apple TV App of the Year: Disney+ Apple Watch App of the Year: Endel Re...

  Apple has extended its deadline for requiring in-app purchases for online group events within iOS apps from December to June 30 next year. The tech giant earlier temporarily waived its customary 30 per cent App Store fee on in-app purchases for paid online events by small businesses on Facebook. The company said on Monday that as the world fights Covid-19, it recognises that adapting experiences from in-person to digital continues to be a top priority. "Although apps are required to offer any paid online group event experiences (one-to-few and one-to-many realtime experiences) through in-app purchase in accordance with App Store Review guideline 3.1.1, we temporarily deferred this requirement with an original deadline of December 2020," Apple said in a statement. "To allow additional time for developing in-app purchase solutions, this deadline has been extended to June 30, 2021". Read More

  With every iteration, Apple brings something new to its iPhones, giving fans a solid reason for upgrade. This time, the upgrades are across the board and good enough to even tempt non-iPhone users. Besides, there are four different models this time, the cheapest starting from Rs 69,900. Among the smartphones in the new series, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro seems to be a balanced product with something for everyone. But is it good enough to justify the premium starting price of Rs 1,19,900? Let’s find out Design Since the iPhone X, Apple has not made any radical changes to its iPhone design language, but every new model that has come since has looked somewhat different. That said, the iPhone 12 series brings minor but meaningful design changes. It boasts a premium glass-metal construction with a ceramic shield glass on the front which is touted to be 4x more resistant to drops than the previous generation. And there is a textured scratch-resistant glass on the back. The phone’s sta...

  Apple has started rolling out the new macOS Big Sur update for Mac computer. The software update is now available for Apple’s MacBook line-up, including MacBook Air (2013 and later). The macOS Big Sur brings a redesigned user interface with new icons, Safari browser, and some major changes to Messages and Maps applications with emphasis on privacy features. The MacOS Big Sur also has a new menu bar. Besides, Apple has also integrated a control centre, similar to the one available on iPhones. Optimised for Apple’s newly announced M1 system-on-chip for Mac, the macOS Big Sur enables some iOS and iPadOS apps to work on the Mac computers. macOS Big Sur compatible devices: iMac: 2014 and later MacBook Air: 2013 and later iMac Pro: 2017 and later MacBook Pro: 2013 and later Mac Pro: 2013 and later MacBook: 2015 and later Mac mini: 2014 and later Read More

  Apple Inc on Tuesday introduced its first ARM-based silicon for Mac as it began the process of moving its Mac computers to its own silicon in a bid to reduce its dependence on American chipmaker Intel. Named the M1 system-on-chip (SoC), the custom-designed Apple Silicon will debut on Macbook Air, MacBook Pro (13-inch) and Mac Mini computers to will be available in India starting November 17. The MacBook Air price starts at Rs 92,900 (Rs 83,610 for education); the 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at Rs 1,22,900 (Rs 1,10,610 for education); and the Mac Mini starts at Rs 64,900 (Rs 58,410 for education). Built on a 5nm process, the Apple Silicon M1 SoC boasts 8-core central processing unit (CPU), featuring four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. The SoC features an integrated octa-core graphic processing unit (GPU) for graphic-related jobs. Featuring 16 billion transistors, the M1 SoC is touted to deliver industry-leading performance per watts percentage. Read More...