How Paying With NFC On iPhone 6 Might Work...

Since Apple has partnered with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express for their mobile payment initiative, I figured I should explain how this might work. NFC, or near-field communication, will allow you to tap your iPhone to an NFC equipped payment terminal at the time of a payment. Your iPhone will show a notification on the lock screen allowing you to pay with a credit card. Then, using a passcode or Touch ID, you can digitally sign and verify the purchase. Then, the purchase is complete! This could potentially be how payments on iPhone could be.

Ricardo Del Toro's EXCELLENT Concept

Behold! What May Just Be The iPhone 6!

Feld & Volk has released a video of what they claim to be an iPhone 6 equipped with NFC. The video shows the iPhone booting up to the "connect to iTunes" screen. Feld & Volk managed to build this iPhone from rare parts that were leaked from production. Check out this video:

Apple Sends Out Invites For iPhone 6

Apple has sent out invitations to the media for the iPhone 6 event. The invite is fairly simple and simply says "9.9.2014" and "Wish we could say more." Apple's iPhone 6 is expected to be announced on September 9th at 10 AM Pacific Time at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts.

iWatch To Be Announced With iPhone 6, But Not Released With iPhone 6

Although the iWatch is expected to have a late 2014 or early 2015 release date, Apple is announcing their smart watch with the iPhone 6 (September 9). It was expected originally to be announced with the next generation iPads in October. This is surprising because Apple tends to like to have a minimal period between the announcement date and the actual release date. Re/code states that the iWatch will "make good use" of HealthKit and HomeKit.

iWatch concept by Todd Hamilton

QuickBoard

QuickBoard is a cool app that takes full advantage of iOS 8's third-party keyboard feature. QuickBoard is a cool keyboard because it allows you to type large chunks of text with a single tap. Just preset the text in the app, change keyboards, and use it in another app. You can also quickly put in personal information (e.g. filling out shipping information) and put in location information. Check out the video below for more information! The app will be available to the public when iOS 8 is fully released in the fall.

Google Slides Apps Finally Comes to iOS

The long awaited Google Slides app has come to iOS. Up until this point, Google Slides haven't been available on iOS platform. You could only view the slideshows. Now, Google has released an app that allows you to edit slideshows on the go! This completes the triforce of Google Drive apps for iOS, which consists of Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. Google Slides is available from the Apple App Store for free [Direct Link]. The Google Drive app is available from the Apple App Store for free as well [Direct Link].

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I finally do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! What makes this so special is that I incorporate a Rube Goldberg and a robot to dump the water on my head. Check out the video below! I hope you like it! 

P.S. If you want to donate to the ALS Association, go to alsa.org or follow this link.

Reversible USB Lightning Cable Might Not Come with The iPhone 6

Unfortunately, the rumors of the reversible USB Lightning cable won't be available by the release of the iPhone 6, according to Moca.co (an Apple third-party vendor). However, the new USB adapter design may be available by the release of the iPhone 6.

"We are informed by the Official Appointed Manufacturer of Apple that the new Reversible USB Cable will not be released together with upcoming iPhone 6 and Apple has not placed any order with them yet. Apple fans will not be able to get the MFi version of this revolutionary cable from Apple this year but that is not the end of the story."

- Moca.co

While the new, official cables won't be available for several months, you can still buy Moca.co's (not available yet) and Truffol's version of the cable.

Leaked Image of New Apple USB Power Adapter

This image shows a new power adapter supposedly made by Apple. This particular adapter has a new design. It's more of a rectangle instead of a square. This image is convincing because it has the "Designed by Apple in California" text with logos. This new design looks very similar to the USB power adapter sold in Australia, just with American prongs. The only reason the redesign makes much practical sense (at least to me), is for a comfortable grip on it. 

Buy The Reversible Lightning Cable Today!

Third party vendors have already started to manufacture reversible Lightning cables with USB Type-C ports. To learn more about this, check out my post about the subject. Basically Truffol has created one, priced at $9.99. It's a meter long. I haven't tried this, and I doubt it's certified by Apple (buy at your own risk). But try it out if you want. If you want one, check out Truffol's cable here.

NFL Now Launches on Apple TV Just in Time for Football Season

The NFL launched NFL Now this month, which allows access to NFL videos. The new app for Apple TV lets users view historic videos, breaking news, game highlights, and original programming from NFL Now. Apple TV users can access the app by finding the app in the main screen. No download required!

Image Credit: MacRumors

Why The Next iPad Air Might Get 2 GB of Memory...

Currently, iPads come with 1 GB of memory (in RAM, not storage). The next generation iPad Air may come with 2 GB of RAM, making it much more like a computer. By the way, the next generation iPad Mini probably won't come with additional RAM. Why would the iPad Air need additional RAM? It makes sense. The video below shows the concept of split screen multitasking that was expected in iOS 8. The feature was never announced. The need for additional RAM would suggest that this feature is exclusive to a device that wasn't announced before WWDC. It makes sense! Be sure to see how split screen multitasking would work below.

Parallels 10 Launches For Existing Customers

Parallels 10, the software that lets you run Windows on a Mac, has gotten an upgrade... and it looks awesome! It has all kinds of integration. Find a phone number in Internet Explorer, right click and call it using your iPhone! Wanna tweet something? You can do that in Parallels 10 too! Otherwise, there's a lot of performance improvements. Existing users can upgrade for $49.99. New users can get it August 26 for $79.99. It's $39.99 for students. Buying Parallels 10 also gives you a free three-month subscription to Parallels Access. This lets you use your virtual machines from your iPad! Check out the video for more information.

Changes in OS X Developer Preview 6

Apple released a new Developer Preview of OS X Yosemite today. Here are some of the new changes.

System Preferences:
The System Preferences app has new, updated icons.

In addition, there a new Yosemite wallpapers in the System Preferences app.

Do Not Disturb:
In Notification Center, the "Do Not Disturb" switch is available as it hasn't been in previous Developer Previews.

Dashboard:
Finally, the Dashboard background is now translucent.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Pokémon TCG is Coming to iPad

In honor of the Pokémon World Championships, an image was released by Polygon that shows the Pokémon Trading Card Game is coming to iPad. This may be partially Nintendo's initiative to bring games to app form. The Pokémon Company has also released a Pokédex for iOS app [Direct Link], but it's not the same scale as this game would be. Also, the Pokédex app is not maintained and needs an update. Hopefully, this version should have an updated interface.

Image Credit: Polygon

Newer iOS Devices To Have Lightning Connector With Reversible Connector

According to these pictures (Credit to Dianxinshouji.com), Apple may shipping a new Lightning cable with a reversible side for the USB connector. It's known as USB 3.1 Type-C, which are faster and reversible compared to your standard USB 2.0 Type-A cable. This means you'll have to buy a brand new compu-- just kidding. The great part about these cables is that they still work with standard USB ports in your computer. These could potentially be packaged with the iPhone 6, next iPad mini, and iPad Air 2 this year.

Apple Adds Beats Music To 'Apps Made by Apple' Page

Now that Apple owns Beats, they've taken the liberty of putting the Beats Music app in the "Apps Made by Apple" page in the App Store. This is the only app that Apple makes that requires an in-app purchase. It needs a monthly subscription that costs $9.99. Although Apple claims ownership for this app, it's still under Beats' seller account (Probably to avoid difficulties for current users). Beats Music is available for free from the Apple App Store [Direct Link].

Tim Cook Does Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS

Tim Cook today the Ice Bucket Challenge, a trending challenge to promote awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Basically, the challenge requires the challenger to pour a bucket of ice-cold water over their head and then challenge three others to to the same. In this video (credit to Martin T), Tim Cook accepted the challenge after he was challenged yesterday by Phil Schiller (Apple marketing chief). Tim Cook took the challenge today at Apple headquarters in Cupertino during the company's bi-weekly beer bash. Not only did he take the challenge, but he also plans to donate towards the cause. He challenged Bob Iger (CEO of Disney), Dr. Dre (CEO of Beats), and Micheal Franti. The video is embedded below.

What Just Might Be Proof That There Will Be Two Variations of the iPhone 6

Apple has received approval to sell not one, but two iPhone 6 models in Thailand, according to Takorn Tantasith. Here is his tweet translated using Google Translate:

Apple is expected to announce two iPhones: a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model. The fact that Thailand confirmed this suggests that they will be in one the first launch waves for the release. Apple generally launches their phones in "waves." The first wave usually has the United States, Canada, and other countries, but Thailand was in the second wave for the iPhone 5s last year. Perhaps they'll be in the first year.

Apple Honors Robin Williams With a Dedicated Page

Unfortunately, Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams has passed away. Apple is remembering him in several ways. Tim Cook tweeted his condolences on Twitter. In the iTunes Store, a section is dedicated to him by showcasing his movies. Robin Williams also provided the voice over for one of the "Your Voice" commercials. May he rest in peace...

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Williams. He inspired us through his passion, his generosity, and the gift of laughter. He will be missed."

Heartbroken by the news of Robin Williams' passing. He was an incomparable talent and a great human being. Rest in peace.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 12, 2014

iPad Air 2 To Have Anti-Reflective Coating

The next generation iPad Air is getting an anti-reflection coating, which will make the screen easier to read, according to Bloomberg.

Output of the larger iPad may be restricted by manufacturing complications related to the use of a new anti-reflection coating, which Apple plans to add to the device to make the display easier to read, said one of the people.

- Bloomberg

This coating will be great for consumers when there are very sunny days, because this coating should add better contrast.

swivelCard

Here's a pretty cool Kickstarter project: it's called swivelCard. It's a thick business card that folds into a flash drive that you can plug into your computer. These flash drives can be used to bring presentations and dynamic files to clients. Behind the scenes, analytics are uploaded to see how your cards are used. Check out the Kickstarter campaign for cool videos on how swivelCard can transform your business! swivelCards can be preordered from $29 on Kickstarter.

How swivelCard Works

Siri for Mac May Finally Become a Reality

Detailed in a new patent, Siri is apparently coming to the Mac. The patent shows what appears to be a touch screen Mac (iPad Pro anyone?). Not much is revealed in the patents, but the system works very similarly with Siri for iOS. The patents are shown below.

App Store Listings Show Family Sharing Capabilities

The App Store and Mac App Store now show Family Sharing information. This information will tell users whether the app will support Family Sharing. Family Sharing allows apps to be downloaded multiple times (one for each family member device). Some developers may turn this off for various reasons, so it's important for consumers to know if it supports the feature, even before it's release date. Family Sharing will be fully functional with the release of iOS 8, which will be available this fall.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Beats by Dr. Dre Accessories Has It's Own Page

If you look on the Apple Online Store's accessories page, you'll find a dedicated page just for Beats by Dr. Dre products. Apple has sold Beats products for some time now, but they haven't made a page for it. This page's addition is following Apple's acquisition of Beats.

"Great sound should never be an afterthought. In every pair of Beats headphones, every speaker, every note, you’ll experience the unique blend of science and artistry that lets you hear your music the way the artist intended. Don’t just listen. Hear."

iPhone 6 To Have 802.11ac WiFi

The next generation iPhone is expected to have 802.11ac WiFi capabilities. What is 802.11ac? Most networks have 802.11n WiFi. But, when a device with the "ac" capabilities connects to a corresponding network, it'll run up to three times as fast than "n." Although, it won't be often that we'll encounter "ac" for the time being, it's a nice thought that a new range of devices are getting it (Very few devices have these capabilities at this time.).

An example of the speeds of 802.11ac WiFi

Save the Date: iPhone 6 Predicted Announcement Date

Apple has scheduled an announcement date for the iPhone 6, reports Re/code. The expected announcement date will be September 9th. That's a Tuesday. According to tradition and trends, it will be available September 19th, the next Friday. Two iPhones are expected: a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model. 

iPhone 5s, 4.7-inch model, 5.5-inch model respectively
Credit of MacRumors

Georgetown Apple Store

The Georgetown Apple Store may look small and condensed on the outside, but one step inside and you'll find room to spare. It is long. Like, really long. But an Apple Store isn't just about size and dimensions, it's about the staff and service. The people who work here are very friendly and take a lot of pride in their jobs. While buying an Automatic (Hint, hint.), Yitbarek and I got into a friendly conversation and he gave me a tour of the store and showed me some of the special features and amenities. He even introduced me to the tech manager, Haley. Thanks for the enjoyable tour, guys! Definitely a great Apple Store.

Yitbarek, an employee, and me

Apple and Beats

In honor of the successful accusation, Beats has posted a new video on their Twitter account featuring Beats Pill mascots Mikey and Tina (Available from the Apple Store) and Siri talking about a party at Dr. Dre's house. The video is embedded below.

App in the Air

For those who are traveling this summer, try App in the Air! Track your flight, get tips, get maps, get deals, chat with others in the airport, earn achievements, and more! It has a beautiful interface and fluid navigation. App in the Air is available from the Apple App Store for free [Direct Link]. 

Google Glass Review

After several months of planning, cinematic taking, and editing, I have finally finished my Google Glass review! I hope you like it!

Google Glass is a great example of the potential of wearables, but does it live up to all of its speculated expectations? Find out in this review!