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Apple Apparently 'Less Inspiring'

According to a recent survey, Apple is considered to be 'less inspiring' than it was before, but why? Not so long ago, just before the new line-up of tech was revealed last year, Apple's market share creeped up above $700 - which was a grand record for the company. However, it has been on the decline ever since, signalling that the public are less interested. Samsung is seen as Apple's main rival and it has been trying hard to out run the guys who are the perfectionists, out there in the technology world. Apple has only just entered the small tablet market with the iPad Mini, meaning that it's following Samsung's footsteps, but Apple is the one who's supposed to "Think Different" isn't it? But let's face it, where else will we see more beautiful and more perfect engineering than in Apple's iPhones, iPads and iPods?

Many people fear that the Technology Giants have lost their spark, ever since Steve Jobs died in October 2011, leaving their products looking quite similar and maybe 'out dated'. That's what the Android lovers think, in other people's eyes Apple have been creating great products that are always years ahead of the competition. Let's take the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the iPhone 5 for example. The S4 has a rather dull plastic backing, while the iPhone 5 has a very modern, sleek and beautiful aluminium and glass backing, notice a difference? Yes, the S4 is considerably larger than the iPhone, but do you really want to be carrying such a big device around with you? Bearing in mind that it hardly fits into anyone's pocket. The iPhone 5 is not only incredibly thin, but very light as well; and most importantly it's not the size of a 7-inch plastic tablet. The S4's screen resolution is slightly higher, but who can even notice the minuscule difference? The iPhone has a stunning Retina display which is clear, crisp and very sharp, giving you the best experience. 'What about apps and games?' I hear you ask. The App Store has over 775,000 apps and games to download, more than 300,000 of them are specifically for the iPad. The Google Play Store only has about 675,000 apps and games available at the moment, some of which are stretched to fit the tablets.

In the final quarter of 2012, Apple sold 43.5 million iPhones, Samsung beat that amount and sold 64.5 million smartphones. That either says very little or a lot. People say that Apple is 'less inspiring' than it was 3 years ago, really? The people there have stuck to their guns, working hard even though they've lost a valued member of their team, even though they have had some tricky court battles; and even though their sales have dipped in the past few months. If that's not inspiring then I don't know what is.

Apple Introduces 128GB iPad

Many people have been craving a storage update for the iPad. To their delight, Apple have just introduced a new version of the iPad 4th generation with a Retina display. The new iPad will have 128GB of internal storage available, as well as the usual 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. The wi-fi model will cost $799 and the wi-fi & LTE model will cost a massive $929 which is very close to the price of the MacBook Air. These are the prices in the US - Apple haven't yet put the new iPad model on their website, so I am not able to confirm the prices in the UK. But, what I do know is that it WILL be expensive.

Sadly, the iPad Mini isn't getting this storage update just yet. However, Apple are expected to announce a new iPad Mini with a Retina display and bigger storage later on in the year together with a redesigned iPad, but these are only rumours at the moment. From what the firm have said, this new model of the iPad with a larger storage capacity will be exactly the same as the others. This model will go on sale on the 5th of February, but will it attract big crowds? 

iOS 6.1 Released

When iOS 6 was first released it didn't get the expected 'thumbs up' from the public. Many improvements needed to be made, including an update to the maps application. However, iOS 6.1 is now available to download. After four beta versions, the final update has been released by Apple, to the relief of customers. But is it all that we wanted?

The update is available for the iPhone 3GS and later versions of the iPhone, iPad 2 and later versions of the iPad, iPod touch 4th generation and later versions of the iPod Touch. It takes about 5 minutes to install on the iPad mini and may take longer on older devices. Here are the improvements and bug fixes that Apple have made to the software:

• LTE support for more carriers (there is a complete list of supported carriers at www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/)
• You can now purchase movie tickets through Fandango with Siri (USA only)
• iTunes Match subscribers can now download individual songs from iCloud
• There is a new button to reset the Advertising Identifier

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Although most iDevice users were hoping for a Maps update, there is no sign of one at the moment. It looks like we will maybe have to wait until iOS 7 for that to come. There aren't any 'visible' updates to the new software but there are a lot of bug fixes which improve the whole user experience. What will Apple do next?

Apple Users Angry at Google

Apple's browser, Safari, is one of the most used web browsers in the world - it's in a close competition with Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer. Millions of people from around the world use the Internet daily, whether it's for checking the latest news or shopping online; but everyone wants some privacy, don't they? Recently, a group of Safari users have claimed that Google has dodged Safari's privacy settings and installed cookies, which track their movements on the Internet. The cookies enable Google to place appropriate adverts on webpages by looking at which websites an individual has been visiting. This has caused the Safari users to launch a campaign against Google over privacy terms, and one person has gone as far as beginning legal proceedings against the worlds most used search engine.

Google has committed this 'crime' before. In 2012 the US Federal Trade Commission fined them $22.5m for the exact same actions as this time, which of course don't please the public. It looks like the firm haven't learned from their previous mistakes. Google's chairman, Jon Leibowitz, stated that all companies must "keep their privacy promises to customers." Yet THEY breached Safari's privacy terms, making many customers unhappy. If the firm are doing this to Apple's browser, then all the others, like Firefox, must be at risk from this too. Apple might once again send Google to court themselves over this incident, in a battle to prove that Google had not been following Safari's privacy terms, therefore angering the majority of iDevice users. From where things stand at the moment, Google want to prove to the world that they are innocent over this scandal and have only been trying to provide their users with appropriate advertising. However, as everyone knows from past incidents like this, it's better to not get on the wrong side of Apple, as you might find yourself wishing you have never angered the world's leading technology firm.

iOS 6.1 GM Released to Developers

iOS 6 was released in September last year for most Apple devices. Now the final beta version for iOS 6.1 is available for developers to download. The new software caused a storm, but for all the wrong reasons. The Maps application was and is the worst, users have stated that the maps are inaccurate, black and white in some areas, small sections of the map are covered by clouds and that the 3D mode isn't the best. Recently, the Do Not Disturb mode has encountered a bug which hasn't yet been fixed, although Apple promised they would sort it out soon. But that was over a week ago now.

The first iOS 6.1 beta version was released in November and since then the company issued three more betas, including the 'Golden Master' version which is the final one, hopefully. It is said that the new software version fixes a lot of bugs in the interface and with connectivity. Nothing has been said about an update for the Maps application, lets hope there is one. The new version will, if people are right, be available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4 and 4s, iPhone 3gs, the fourth, third and second generation of the iPad, the iPad mini and the fifth and fourth generations of the iPod Touch. It's likely that iOS 6.1 will be released in the next two months to users worldwide and it better be 'polished down' enough.

iMessage Killing Text Messaging?

Recent figures show that more people are using data based messaging, iMessage for example, leaving a decline in normal messaging; which now costs a fair amount. An analyst stated that texting was down in the third quarter of the year, to 678 texts per user each month from 696 texts in the previous quarter. Therefore, texting revenues have experienced an unusual decline. However, this does not mean that a decline is being experienced by network providers at this moment.

This dip was also noticed by American businesses that provide mobile phones for employees; on average one employee is sending 5 to 10 percent fewer text messages than last year. Surely this has to be a good thing, right? People can now waste less money on texting and not worry about running out of credit. Moreover, network providers don't experience a revenue loss, so it doesn't really matter to them.

iPad Mini Sales Top The Roof

Since Apple released the new generation of the iPad on Friday, sales topped 3 million during the weekend. This high figure equaled the number of the 3rd generation iPads sold in three days; when they were released in March this year. Apple's CEO stated "We set a new launch weekend record and practically sold out of iPad minis. We're working hard to build more quickly to meet the incredible demand." Part of that statement either tells us that Apple didn't make that many devices, or the demand is really that high.

The iPad Mini is available in over 34 countries around the world, including the UK, US, Japan, Canada, Australia and France. Even though hurricane Sandy devastated New York, people there still lined up to get their hands on this revolutionary tablet. However, days before the launch was due, Apple doubted that it would sell a large amount of iPad Minis. The queues were fairly short on Friday morning, but that wasn't necessarily a sign that sales would be low, as Apple found out over the weekend. Customers are clearly interested in every move that Apple make, and literally nothing can stop them in getting their hands on a device.

What is The iPad Mini Really Worth?

The newest edition to the iPad family went on sale in shops on Friday; it attracted a lot of interest from people around the world. Many people took them home just to find how 'indestructible' they were, others to make unboxing and review videos. On the other hand, there were analysts from IHS, a research firm, who just couldn't wait to take the device apart and see what's inside.

As you may know, the prices for the iPad Mini range from £269 for the 16GB wi-fi only model to £529 for the 64GB wi-fi and cellular model. Apple obviously have to make a profit from every product they make, the IHS has been looking into how much the components cost and what it all adds up to. From what they have seen and analysed, the wi-fi only 16GB iPad Mini costs around £117 to manufacture. The more memory you choose to have, the more profit Apple will get, at least that's what they think. Some people say that the price Apple sell it for is outrageously high, it's not. If you think about the cost of paying each engineer, designer and project manager; the cost of assembling the device and the price of shipping. It all adds up, Apple might be making a minor profit on each device they sell.

Furthermore, there is no retina display to go with the Mini, Apple say that it would raise the price. Many people say that the screen looks stunning even without it. The IHS have found that the display and A5 processor is manufactured by Samsung, and if you all remember; the battle between these firms has been ongoing for quite a while. Many other parts are made in different countries, such as Japan. The iPad Mini is a great device and it will hopefully help Apple get back on its feet after a hard year or so.

iOS 6.0.1 Update

Yesterday, Apple released a new update for iOS 6. They haven't done anything noticeable with the software; but improvements and bug fixes have been made. The update is only available for the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS,  iPad 3, iPad 2 and the iPod Touch 4th generation. However, the iPhone 5 is not able to download software updates right now; iOS 6.0.1 will allow it to update. iPhone 5 users need to download an app from the app store to update to this new version. This problem might occur in the iPod Touch 5th generation too. Here is the full list of barely noticeable improvements:

 • Fixes a bug that prevents iPhone 5 from installing software updates wirelessly over the air
• Fixes a bug where horizontal lines may be displayed across the keyboard
• Fixes an issue that could cause camera flash to not go off
• Improves reliability of iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5th generation) when connected to encrypted WPA2                
    Wi-Fi networks
• Resolves an issue that prevents iPhone from using the cellular network in some instances
• Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match
• Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from lock
    screen
• Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings

As well as this, the App Store doesn't crash when trying to update, search apps or look in the Genius section; but it still does when you want to look at the apps you have already purchased. It seems that Apple are still working on the Maps app, which has been designed with appalling accuracy and detailing. There will hopefully be another update early next year, maybe in February or March.

Apple Wrote Inaccurate Statement

On the 18th of October, Apple were forced to publish a small statement as Samsung were not found guilty of infringing Apple's patent. They only have 48 hours to re-write the statement on their site, because the previous notice made it unclear that rivals Samsung were not found guilty of copying the iPad's simple design. Moreover, the makers of the Galaxy tab complained that Apple's statement wasn't in line with the court order. The judges explained that the current statement has to be removed within the next 24 hours, followed by a new one.

Michael Beloff was representing Apple in court and asked if the company could have a further two weeks to put the new statement up on their site. The judge was reasonable and firmly denied the huge request. The statement wasn't ruled out to punish the tech giants; it had to be written to make it clear to people that Samsung did nothing wrong in terms of infringement. It seems that Apple have made a big fuss over such a small matter, the last thing they want is to be issued with a fine because of the 'misunderstanding'.

Apple Tracking Their Customers?

Recently, some news have emerged that Apple seems to be tracking their customers; without the infringement of privacy. The new mobile operating system, iOS6, has an unknown feature that allows different advertisers to track potential customers. There is a randomly generated number, made by the Identification For Advertisers (IFA); which is assigned to every Apple device. The IFA allows advertisers to access peoples app history and search history on their device, without revealing any personal information.

Apple have had numerous complaints about this in the previous operating system; which is why they have decided to turn the IFA off. Unfortunately, for those who wish to do that, they have to overcome many obstacles that take time. However, mobile app providers are taking advantage of this, as it will help them find their target audience. On the other hand, Apple's customers aren't too happy about this, but as long as none of their personal information is revealed; Apple will get away with it.

To read more stories like this visit my blog by clicking here.

Lightning Sales

As you may know, Apple's iPad Mini was revealed on Wednesday and was available to pre-order shortly afterwards. It only took an astonishing 20 minutes for the white model demand to reach Apple's stock limit. Just 35 hours later, the 16GB black iPad Mini was stretching the tech giants limit; and customers were forced to wait a week longer for delivery. However, the more costly models, 32GB and 64GB, are still in stock and ready for delivery on the 2nd of November. If anyone wants to skip the longer wait, the iPad Mini will be available in shops from this Friday. This shows that customers are highly interested in this new and smaller device from Apple; and it looks like it might soon be crowned king of the smaller tablet market. Other tablet manufacturers better watch out, because the iPad Mini's about.

Apple vs Samsung: The Battle Rages On

The battle between Apple and Samsung has been raging on for more than a year. The latest dispute seemed to be about Samsung's Galaxy Tab infringing Apple's patent. As many of you might have seen, the Galaxy Tab is basically the same as the iPad; and you can hardly tell them apart. But, of course Apple's device looks much better.

Unfortunately for Apple, the UK court stated that Samsung did not infringe their design. Therefore, the tech giants have been forced into putting this statement on their UK site; and writing adverts in national newspapers. However, the judge said that Apple's iPad has a cool design and the Galaxy tab isn't as cool. So, everyone knows what this means; Apple is still favoured by most people; giving them the edge over rivals Samsung in the ever growing world of technology. No one knows what Samsung will do next to raise Apple's temper, but we are looking forward to the next few years.

iPad Mini?

Recently there have been a lot of rumours about the 'still to be' iPad mini. No one knows if they are true, but many believe what they read. Apple have sent out invitations, which had 'We've got a little more to show you' written on them; to an event on the 23rd of October that will hopefully reveal the largely anticipated device. 

It is thought that it will come with the new Lightening connector and maybe an updated and more powerful A6 chip. If this chip is included, then the gaming experience will certainly be a lot better than any other tablet in the market. The iPad mini, as the name suggests, will be smaller than the current line up; it is said that it will have a 7.8 inch screen, the current tablets have always had a 10 inch display. This exciting new device will go on sale on the 2nd of November this year, just in time with the Christmas rush. Rumours suggest that the tablet will be sold at a price of £150 to £200, which means that people who can't afford the current iPad can now own a smaller, but better, one.

The iPad Mini is set to battle with the other smaller tablets including Google's Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD. Right now, it looks like it will win everyone over, as it will have better features and a much more respectable price. Will Apple's new tablet cause a stir and up their market value? The iPhone 5 hasn't done that yet, but the iPad Mini might...