Friday, July 31, 2015

iPhone 6s Will Have Force Touch Screen

The next generation iPhone will have a Force Touch screen. Why should you care? If you've ever looked at Notification Center, you probably have a lot of notifications. This can allow you to clear all notifications by tapping the screen harder. In Multitasking, you might be able to close all apps in one tap. This has been requested for the longest time. With Force Touch screens in production at factories now, we hopefully will get these features in the next iPhone. Force Touch is also used in Apple Watches and certain MacBooks.


Thursday, July 30, 2015

New Apple TV To Be Announced At September Event

The delayed new Apple TV is expected to be announced at the September iPhone event. This is the Apple TV that will have an App Store. This was supposed to be announced at WWDC 2015. This Apple TV may also have a remote with Touch ID. Needless to say, this will be a significant update.

Mockups of new Apple TV created by the community

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Apple Campus 2 Visitor Center

Among one of the cooler things that will be at the new Apple Campus 2 is a visitor center. At the current headquarters, there is a gift shop, but no visitor center. This is a step up. Why? There is a planned cafe, a gift shop, AND an observation deck. The observation deck will overlook the main area of the headquarters, giving visitors a better view of what the inside of Apple headquarters looks like. A finished main building is planned to be ready in 2016.

Rendering of Visitor's Center submitted to the City of Cupertino

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Apple Music and T-Mobile Music Freedom

T-Mobile's Music Freedom, the service that allows customers to stream music without using any of their data plan, will work with Apple Music. Now, customers of T-Mobile won't have to use any of their data quota while listening to Apple Music and Beats 1. Music Freedom also works with Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, and Sirius XM.


Monday, July 27, 2015

New Apple Watch Videos

Apple has created new videos to showcase apps that work well on Apple Watch. They talk about music, fitness, and travel. They all show three different apps that are appropriate to the situation the title describes. Please check them out in the embeds below.





Sunday, July 26, 2015

Best Buy Will Sell Apple Watch August 7th

Best Buy will become one of the first third-party retailers to begin selling Apple Watch. They will begin selling it on August 7th, or next Friday. This will greatly expand Apple Watch's availability. Several months ago, Apple sold out of most of its models instantly at its launch. Inventory has been revived in June and Apple Watches began to be sold in Apple Retail Stores the same month.
"Customers love Apple Watch, and we are thrilled to begin offering it at Best Buy locations across the U.S. starting August 7. More than 300 Best Buy stores will carry Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport models in time for the holiday shopping season."
- Apple Spokesman

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine

Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine is a documentary that will be released on September 4th of this year. It just had a trailer released. You can watch it below. However, Eddie Cue was disappointed in the trailer, saying that it depicted Jobs in a negative, false light. What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.


Friday, July 24, 2015

Why There's Nothing Like iPhone

Apple has launched a new ad campaign for iPhone called "Why there's nothing quite like iPhone." It talks about unique features of the iPhone. It's a really well done site with fancy graphics. It talks about the camera, hardware, software, security, apps, and more. Please check out this site, it's really cool and makes me want to buy one even though I already own one. I'm sure there's an illuminati joke in there somewhere, but until then, I hope this helps.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Touch ID + Apple TV?

Apple has filed a patent that could make the next-generation Apple TV a lot cooler. It would combine Touch ID into the included remote. This could allow some Apple TV content to be restricted, perhaps by age rating, and could be used to control home automation devices. This could be a big selling point of the new Apple TV, other than a predicted, dedicated Apple TV App Store.

Mockup of new Apple TV Remote

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Apple Watch Obtained 75% of Smartwatch Market Share In Its Launch Quarter

Despite many people calling it a flop, the Apple Watch is quickly becoming popular and has a higher satisfaction rate than the iPhone and iPad at their initial launch quarters. In addition to that, Apple Watch has dominated the smartwatch market this last quarter. Specifically, 75.5%, followed by Samsung at 7.5% (previously 73.6%), and the remainder composed of all other smartwatches, including Pebble. These numbers are outstanding and show that the Apple Watch was very well executed.

Image Credit: Strategy Analytics

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

iOS 9 Devices Can No Longer Review Apps

I have to rant for a second. Developer previews have the word "developer" in them for a reason! Don't download this on your everyday iOS device or half of your apps will be broken. Why? Because developers haven't optimized them yet. That's the whole purpose of the developer preview! Developers need to explore the technologies of iOS 9. Developer previews are not a playground, they are a construction site. So, don't spend $99 thinking, "I can get iOS 9 early" because that's not the intended purpose! You will lose data!

Okay, rant over...

Anyways, because people find their apps breaking in iOS 9 developer previews, they leave bad, undeserved reviews on apps in the Apple App Store. This brings their overall rating down. Apple has addressed this by not allowing reviews on apps from devices running the iOS 9 beta. This will prevent misconceptions of the app caused by a developer preview. Strangely, they have left in the ability to leave ratings in the form of stars (1-5 scale). Whatever you do, don't rate apps in the iOS 9 beta. Any problems you experience are probably due to your iOS 9 beta software. Also, reading the description helps. Sometimes, there are explanations for problems there, like outdated hardware.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Instagram Brings Search To Web Version

Instagram has neglected their website for a long time now. Heck, it has been one of the only services I know that had an app better than the website. That is until not too long ago. They have done a complete revamp of their site giving it some more love. Now, they've added a search option. This seems very essential, but it's crazy to think that it didn't have one before. Anyways, you can check that out on Instagram's website.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Apple Releases 'Amazing Apps' Ad

Apple has released yet another iPhone ad in their new campaign. It's called, "If it's not an iPhone, it's not an iPhone." This ad talks about how the Apple App Store has over one and a half million apps on available.
"This is an iPhone. And it comes with something amazing: an App Store with over one and half million of the best apps available. That's over one and a half million hand-picked, awe-inspiring, just plain surprising, who knew a phone could do that apps. If it's not an iPhone, it's not an iPhone."

Saturday, July 18, 2015

New Domain Address

To add to Tech Talk 4 Geeks' growing list of milestones, Tech Talk 4 Geeks has a new domain. You can now go to techtalk4geeks.com to access Tech Talk 4 Geeks. However, you can also use techtalk4geeks.blogspot.com to access Tech Talk 4 Geeks as well. To be clear, both links work to get to the homepage. This domain is possible because of continued patronage from my parents, so thank you! It should be noted that because of the domain, we may experience maintenance issues. I will announce maintenance via Twitter (which is available in the sidebar). Also, if you experience any issues with Tech Talk 4 Geeks in any way, email issues@techtalk4geeks.com. Thank you!

Friday, July 17, 2015

Use Handoff to Open iPhone Apps From Apple Watch

If you need to be ultra productive, try this advanced tip. If you need to open an app on your iPhone (that isn't on your Apple Watch), activate Siri on your Apple Watch (with the digital crown or by saying "Hey Siri") while taking out your iPhone. Then, say "open [app name]." Siri shouldn't be able to open up the app and will offer to use Handoff to complete the action on iPhone. On your iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the lock screen if you're in the lock screen. If you're anywhere else, use Multitasking (double-click home button) and swipe to the right to reveal the Handoff tab and tap on it. I hope this helps.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

4 New Apple Watch Ads

Apple posted 4 new Apple Watch ads on their website. They show different ways Apple Watch can fit into people's lifestyle. They are called "Beijing," "Berlin," "Closer," and "Goals." You can watch them in the embeds below.






Wednesday, July 15, 2015

iPod Refresh 2015

Today, Apple quietly unveiled new iPods. They all have new colors, but the iPod Touch has some new features. For one, it has a 128 GB storage option. This is the first iPod since the iPod Classic to have that capacity. Also, it has an A8 processor, M8 coprocessor, and an 8MP camera. Be sure to check out these new iPods from the Apple Online Store.



Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Apple Watch Underwater Study + My Solution

Craig Hockenberry of Iconfactory has released a very extensive report about his experiments on his Apple Watch Sport and its ability to function underwater. He divulges into the science of it, notes water's effect on the screen, talks about the results of his workouts underwater, talks about the potential and drawbacks, and finally, gives his own solutions.

While reading his report, I came up with my own solution. Not many people know that Apple Watch can be paired with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. While it does cost more and it requires another person, it does work. If you feel reluctant to buying a monitor, remember, you were probably going to spend that money on Bluetooth headphones for your Apple Watch anyways. Here's my process:
  1. Wear your waterproof Bluetooth heart rate monitor as described in the monitor's instructions.
  2. On your Apple Watch, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth > Health Devices > and select (and pair) your heart rate monitor.
  3. Open the Workout app and select the "Other" workout.
  4. Configure the workout to your liking.
  5. Take off your Apple Watch prior to entering water and have another person wear it, be sure to unlock it and keep the Workout app open.
  6. Begin your swim!
So, why do we need two people? After EXTENSIVE testing, I've found that when the Apple Watch is taken off, security is enabled, requiring anyone else to input a passcode (if applicable) before using the device. I haven't tested this without a passcode because removing the passcode would delete all of my Apple Pay cards. Anyways, when the Apple Watch is unlocked without any heart rate detected through the Apple Watch (not through the Bluetooth heart rate monitor), the watch will fall asleep and pause the workout. When it detects a heart rate, it won't pause. Like I said, I did extensive testing, so just go with me. The Bluetooth heart rate monitor's data overrides that of the Apple Watch. That's why you need two people. So, though it might take a bit of preparation, it might be worth it for people looking to get those 30 minutes of exercise. I'm hoping that there will be some kind of accessory that will eliminate the need of that second person or that an update will make this easier...

Monday, July 13, 2015

Apple Constraining Certain Products To Third-Party Retailers

An inventory analysis from Target shows that Apple will be constraining some products. Products affected include the entire iPod lineup, iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2. This points to a color refresh in the iPod lineup, leaked in an iTunes update. The iPads are most likely be removed in favor of the latest iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. This seems to confirm a lot of recent rumors.

Image Credit: Target Employee

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Satoru Iwata Passes Away At 55

Any gamer, Nintendo, Microsoft, or Sony will be affected by this. Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata, has passed away at the age of 55. His life has been tragically cut short by a bile duct growth. Several people in the gaming industry have tweeted their condolences. Gamers around the world have shared their condolences via social media of all platforms. I'm sorry to hear of this news. Satoru Iwata is survived by his wife.


Saturday, July 11, 2015

iCloud Users in Greece Receive 30 Extra Days of Paid Storage Due To Financial Crisis

Due to the financial crisis in Greece, Apple will make life a little easier on people in Greece by not charging them for their iCloud data plans for an extra 30 days. Hopefully, this makes the situation a bit less tedious for people affected. Just a note, because this topic deals with potentially sensitive issues, comments have been disabled for this post.
"Dear iCloud customer, 
To prevent interruption in your iCloud service during the current fiscal crisis, and to make sure you have access to your content, we’ve extended your iCloud storage plan for an extra 30 days at no additional cost.  
We won’t attempt to charge you for your plan until 30 days after your original renewal date. If we are unable to renew your plan, you may need to reduce the amount of iCloud storage you use.  
The iCloud Team"

Friday, July 10, 2015

New iPods Coming July 14

Discovered in the data of iTunes 12.2 earlier this month, Apple will release new iPod models in new colors. According to iGen.fr, these new iPods will come on July 14. While the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle would just have a color refresh, the iPod Touch would have 64-bit architecture.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Apple Debuts iPhone 6 Ads 'Loved' and 'Hardware & Software'

Apple today released two new iPhone 6 ads. They poke fun at other smartphones in general with unique traits of iPhones, such as how Apple makes their own hardware and software. Check them out in the video embeds below.



Wednesday, July 8, 2015

iOS 9 Beta 3

iOS 9 Beta 3 came out today. This is an important beta. Apple Music is now available to developers running iOS 9 betas. More importantly, Apple News is now available. That also means that Tech Talk 4 Geeks is available on Apple News! That's right! Tech Talk 4 Geeks is available on Apple News. So be sure to follow that when you get iOS 9 [Direct Link]!


Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Apple Tested Cases

If you've ever bought a cheap case off of Amazon, then you know that feeling when that case blocks the camera or something else. Apple now has a selection of cases tested for button access, camera access, speaker acoustics, sensors, and cellular. Be sure to check out their page on the Apple Online Store.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Monday, July 6, 2015

Apple Stores Will Feature Apple-Like Packaging For Third-Party Accessories

According to 9to5Mac, Apple will create packaging for third-party accessories in Apple Retail Stores. This will create a more consistent style in Apple Stores. These accessories affected will be made by Tech21, Sena, Incase, Mophie, Logitech, and Life Proof. If you need a comparison, it is similar to Amazon-Frustration Free Packaging, except better looking. These changes should be in effect next week.


Sunday, July 5, 2015

First Impressions of iOS 9: Keyboard

A few weeks back, I installed iOS 9 on my dad's old iPhone 4S. While this iPhone isn't capable of everything iOS 9 has to offer, it does show us some new changes to the interface. For example, the keyboard shows lower case characters when in lowercase and vise versa. Also, the keys don't pop out. I find this disorientating, but I could get used to it. I hope they fix the popping key thing. Check out my screenshots below.






Saturday, July 4, 2015

iPhone 6s May Have 2 GB of RAM

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 6s may have 2 GB of RAM. This is the current amount of RAM used in the iPad Air 2. This is useful for power-intensive apps that use 3D graphics. In addition to that, it will feature an A9 processor. This is a new chip that improves overall performance of the device. The iPhone 6s is expected to be announced this September.

Friday, July 3, 2015

iPhone 6s May Have 12 MP Camera and 4K Video Recording

According to multiple rumors around the internet, the iPhone 6s will have a new camera. This camera will take photos in 12 MP. Current iPhones have an 8 MP camera. It will also have a 4K video camera, 4 times better than current iPhones. Finally, it will be able to take slow-motion video in 240 fps. Hopefully, we will see this in the real iPhone 6s. These are very impressive specs.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Replay Beats 1 Songs

If you missed out on a part of Beats 1, you can replay it. It should be noted that commentary is not replayed, only the songs. This can be useful if you don't like the commentary. To do this, open the Music app and tap the "Radio" tab. Without tapping the "Listen Now" button, tap on the Beats 1 station. Select one of the shows and the date of the show that you would like to listen to. You will be shown a playlist. You can pick the entire playlist or an individual song to listen to. I hope this helps!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

How To Disable Automatic Renewal for Apple Music

Most people need a way to disable automatic renewal for Apple Music so they don't have to pay for a subscription. To do this, you'll need an iOS device running iOS 8.4 and an active trial to Apple Music. In any tab in the Music app, tap the top-left button to show your account settings. Tap "View Apple ID" and sign in to your iTunes account. Tap on "Manage." Select "Apple Music Membership" and turn off "Automatic Renewal." That's it! I hope this helps!