Wednesday, May 13, 2015
A Closer Look at Apples A7 Chip from the iPhone 5s
The firm has now had a chance to look at the A7s transistor die photo in detail and make a preliminary effort at identifying the various components of the chip. Chipworks stresses that the identifications are still tentative pending full circuit analysis, but that most of the identifications appear to make sense.
We publish this with the caveat that these are best guesses – we have not done any real circuit extraction to confirm them. The dual-core CPU and cache make up ~17% of the die area, and the quad-core GPU and shared logic about 22%. The CPU itself is not packed the same way as the A6 (see below), it looks much more like a conventional automated layout; although Linley Gwennap thinks that it’s still Apple designed, not the first ARM A53/57 usage.
The analysis identifies the CPU portion of the chip as being at the lower left of the image, with the quad-core graphics located at lower right. Previous work by AnandTech has identified the graphics as Imagination Technologies PowerVR G6430 configuration, a member of the new "Rogue" series of GPUs from the company.
Also of interest is a large block of static RAM (SRAM) located along the right edge of the chip just above the graphics cores. Chipworks says that based on its size it represents approximately 3 MB of storage and that it could be the "secure enclave" used to house data associated with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor found on the iPhone 5s. No equivalent SRAM block is included on the previous-generation A6 chip from Apple.
The A7 is otherwise a fairly standard chip compared to Apples previous designs, measuring only slightly larger than the A6 but offering significantly greater performance.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Apples home automation tech taps iPhone Mac hardware for intelligent user tracking
Many believe home automation is the next tech frontier; a marriage of hardware and software that can make an incredible impact on our daily lives. Already, companies like Nest and Philips are automating tasks with their respective Nest Learning Thermostat and Hue light bulb products.
Source: USPTO
While some firms offer all-encompassing home management solutions that can control everything from turning on lights, to remotely closing a garage door, these systems usually require some type of user interaction. Apple is looking to take user input out of the equation, to be replaced by an intelligent system that uses a persons location and habits to automatically control at-home appliances.
As published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apples U.S. Patent No. 8,577,392 for a "System and method of determining location of wireless communication devices/persons for controlling/adjusting operation of devices based on the location" describes a system that uses data gathered by static and mobile devices, along with wireless communications tech, to determine a users current and guessed future location. Based on these observations, certain preset functions in the home can be activated or deactivated remotely and automatically.
Apples invention is rooted in location data. A users position can be obtained from any number of outlets, including a computer login, an iPhone transmitting GPS coordinates and cell tower triangulation, among others. These so-called "first devices" are integral to the automation process as they act as triggers for the control of "second devices," like televisions, lights and more.
In some embodiments, the first devices are tasked with feeding location data to relay servers when a predetermined condition is met. For example, an iPhone can provide GPS information every five minutes, or when it connects to a new cell tower. In other cases, the system can randomly query devices to save battery life.
Alternatively, devices in a fixed position can be used to relay information on a users activities. Examples include ID badge swipes, credit card use and logging into a social networking site from a desktop computer.
Further, a users location can be categorized much like Apples current geo-fencing technology. For example, a user can define a "work" and a "home" zone, with the system able to activate tracking when they leave or arrive within a predetermined fence.
By aggregating and processing this constant flow of location data, relay servers can estimate a users current and future position to within a certain degree of accuracy. This is important for the operation of certain at-home devices, like a garage door or an alarm system. Precise location data can also be used to trigger events. For example, if a user is on their home street, the system can turn on exterior house lights as they approach.
After processing, the relay servers push a signal out to second devices, instructing them to commence an operation or change operational states. Second devices can be any number of products. Examples given include washing machines, ovens, lights, power strips, lights, climate control systems and more.
Second devices can also be monitored to determine whether they are already on or off, as well as other modes of operation, before the system sends a control signal.
While first devices can communicate wirelessly, second devices may be attached to the relay system via USB or some other physical means. It should be noted that some type of communications protocol is required, whether it be Wi-Fi, Ethernet or cellular, to connect with relay servers.
More than one user can be associated with a given home automation system, which means relay servers would have to parse data and check rulesets for both.
Finally, Apples invention works not only in long-distance applications, such as work-to-home, but from within the house itself. In this way, lights can be turned off when a user leaves for a certain amount of time, or heaters can be turned on or off depending on activity levels.
Although Apples current hardware lineup can handle the inventions requirements, a number of hurdles stand in the way of its deployment, not the least of which being infrastructure costs to the consumer.
Apples location-based home automation patent was first filed for in 2012 and credits Raghunandan K. Pai and Timothy S. Hurley as its inventors.
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Mikey Campbell)
Image source: TC
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Leaked Screenshots of iOS in the Car that Expected to Be Bundled into iOS 7 1
The iOS in the Car First introduced alongside iOS 7, is an upcoming iOS feature, which lets you access your Maps, messages, make phone calls, and other services on your car’s touchscreen console, and also with Siri integration, so that you won’t have to take your eyes off the wheel.
The new that developer Steven Troughton-Smith, has posted a number of images on Twitter of what appears to be Apples upcoming iOS in the Car interface. but He hasnt responded to any follower inquiries about the origin of the images. Steven Troughton-Smith is the developer behind the Speed 3 app.
Its thought that the images may have been gleaned from the fourth beta of iOS 7.1. The second beta of iOS 7.1 brought a new Car Display toggle, leading some to believe that iOS in the Car support could be a feature bundled into iOS 7.1
The design shown in the images appear a user-interface that is quite different to the one shown at Apple’s WWDC in 2013 and on Apple’s website.
home screen
A safety warning shows before using Maps
The actual mapping
iOS in the Care WWDC
Friday, May 8, 2015
Valentine One Radar Detector Connects to iPhone Via New Bluetooth LE Adapter
The Valentine One, considered by many to be the best radar detector on the market, can now connect to the iPhone via a new Bluetooth adapter called the V1connection LE.
The $50 Bluetooth adapter connects to the accessory jack on the Valentine One radar detector and then allows the app, a free download on the App Store, to connect to the detector and control and display alerts in real-time.
The $50 Bluetooth adapter connects to the accessory jack on the Valentine One radar detector and then allows the app, a free download on the App Store, to connect to the detector and control and display alerts in real-time.
V1connection LE is a Bluetooth®-enabled module about the size of your thumb that wirelessly links V1 to your compatible iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. Choose among three information screens at any time: one reproduces V1 front-panel warnings in real time, plus frequency and direction of the Priority Alert; another shows the continuously-updated Threat Picture featuring our new Arrow-in-the-Box concept, a revolutionary way of analyzing radar threats; yet another screen lists all threats within range, with direction, band ID and frequency for each, arranged by length of tracking time. A yellow "Box" symbol appears for each threat "in the Box."
V1connection LE also acts as the Master Controller for your V1 system, allowing you to revise programming, adjust SAVVY settings, change muting and computer modes, activate dark mode, save custom programming profiles for different trips, and more, all from your compatible iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.
The app uses three modes to help determine "threats" -- one is a standard readout that mirrors the forward/side/rearward arrow display and the number of alerts detected of the Valentine Ones display. The second is a "arrow in the box" display that shows what the frequency of each alert is, and whether it is in the known range for police radar; and the third mode lists all detected radar and the frequencies of each.
It also allows users to manually darken the detector for better night vision, and change detecting modes right from the iPhone. There is a demo mode for users to try before actually purchasing the detector and Bluetooth adapter. The adapter only works with newer iOS devices that support Bluetooth 4.0.
To review and download V1connection on the App Store click here.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Free Apps
Category: Travel
Updated: Sep 19, 2013
Version: 1.34
Size: 14.0 MB
Free Apps
Category: Travel
Updated: Sep 19, 2013
Version: 1.34
Size: 14.0 MB
Data source: via MacRumors (By Jordan Golson)
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Studio Neat introduces new adjustable Glif video
From the "why didnt they think of that before?" department: Studio Neat, the design firm that created the amazingly useful Glif for the iPhoneographers of the world, has just introduced a new model of the tripod adapter/stand that expands or contracts to fit the dimensions of your smartphone.
The new Glif (US$30) is designed to avoid the issue with the original device, which was basically obsolete every time Apple decided to change the dimensions of the iPhone. This new model is easily resized to fit future iPhones, and can also hold iPhones that are "wearing" cases. Studio Neat throws in a hex key that lets you size the Glif to your phone, adjusting to any width between 58.4 and 86.4 mm or thicknesses from 3.1 to 12.7 mm.
That covers just about any smartphone, unless its one of those ridiculously sized phablets or has a fat case on it that defies imagination. The video below demonstrates how the Glif accomplishes the resizing feat in glorious stop-action videography.
- Read also: How To Take Long Exposure Photographs On Your iPhone
Data source: via TUAW (By Steven Sande)
Origine source: Studioneat
To get one: Studioneat
How to Set Up Apple Pay and How To Use it
What is Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service that lets users make payments at retail and online checkout, the process done just by a simple touch on iPhones Touch ID sensor after you held your device up near a contactless reader. Apple Pay is depending on NFC antenna (Near Field Communication), which is existing in iPhone 6, 6 Plus and upcoming Apple Watch, but the feature will also compatible with iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c, those can exploit the feature through an Apple Watch. In this case a users skin beneath Apple Watch and a PIN code entered when the watch is first put on will be replace the iPhones Touch ID.
How to set up Apple Pay
Once you have installed iOS 8.1, so you can pay with your iPhone, you have to add your credit or debit card to Passbook, that by adding your cards from iTunes account to Passbook by simply entering the card security code, as you can also add new cards by using camera to enter your card information, or type it in manually.
After that, a verification process will begin which usually takes just few seconds for most cards that currently working with Apple Pay, then immediately you can pay with your iPhone. While some cards require other verification steps like phone calls and emails.
By default the first card you add becomes your default payment card, but you can select any other card to be the default from Passbook and Apple Pay Settings, as you can pay with a different card whenever you want through Passbook.
Passbook & Apple Pay section which can be joined from Settings app contains all cards that you have added to Passbook, along with Transaction Defaults like billing address, shipping address, email, and phone number.
When you tap on one of the cards you will get specific information on the card, allowing you to see the last digits of the card number, the last digits of the Device Account Number that replaces the card number in transactions, and contact information for the bank behind the card.
As you can also see a list of recent transactions that you have made with Apple Pay, and with some cards you will also see the transactions made in stores that dont support Apple Pay feature alongside Apple Pay list. You can also from this settings area remove a card from Apple Pay.
How Apple Pay it work
After Apple Pay being set up, now your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus is ready to pay with it within stores without open any app or even to wake display, just hold it near the contactless reader with your finger on Touch ID. You dont need to look at the iPhones screen to know your payment information was successfully sent, you will know that by a subtle vibration and beep.
How Apple Pay is secure
One other strong point in Apple Pay in addition to its simplicity, is its security, so your credit card that you add in Passbook will store in the Secure Element, with other generated and encrypted codes.
Every time you hand over your credit or debit card to pay, your card number and identity are visible. With Apple Pay, instead of using your actual credit and debit card numbers when you add your card to Passbook, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, a dedicated chip in iPhone. These numbers are never stored on Apple servers. And when you make a purchase, the Device Account Number, along with a transaction-specific dynamic security code, is used to process your payment. So your actual credit or debit card numbers are never shared by Apple with merchants or transmitted with payment.Once your iPhone is ever lost or stolen, in this case you can use Find My iPhone feature to suspend Apple Pay, that through put it in Lost Mode or wipe your iPhone clean completely, without needing to cancel your credit cards.
Up to now Apple Pay only work in the United States, though Apple plans to expand to other countries. According to Apple, Apple Pay initially will work with more than 220,000 participating vendors that support contactless payments, including department stores Macys and Bloomingdales, restaurants Subway and McDonalds, drugstores Walgreens and Duane Reade, and other retailers including Target and Whole Foods. Apple Pay also works for purchases made in participating apps like Uber, Groupon, Panera Bread, and Apples own Apple Store app.
Sources: Wikipedia, Apple, MacRumors
Read also:
- A Comprehensive List of iOS 8 Hidden Features and Changes and how Can Be Accessed
- How to Use Find My iPhone Pre and After the Losing of Your iPhone or iPad
- Take a Look of New Features in New Apple Products; iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay, and Apple Watch
- Photos App in iOS 8
- iOS 8 Brings New Option "Send Last Location" To Find My iPhone or iPad
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Sony Unveils PS4 Remote Play for Xperia Z3 Family of Smartphones Tablets
Sony launched three smartphones and a tablet at its pre-IFA 2014 event in Berlin on Wednesday. The firm also introduced its PS4 Remote Play feature in for the Xperia Z3 family of devices - the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.
(Also See: Sony Launches Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact With 8-Inch Full-HD Display)
The PS4 Remote Play feature allows users to stream their PS4 games onto compatible Xperia devices over their home Wi-Fi network (or even a high-speed Internet connection, though Sony doesnt recommend this). This functionality will only be rolled out in November. A DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, PlayStation 4 console with the latest PS4 system software update, Sony Entertainment Network access, and the PS4 Remote Play app or PlayStation app installed on the Xperia will be required to play games.
Sony notes that some games do not support the PS4 Remote Play feature. The company has also introduced the GCM10 Game Control Mount, which will essentially make it easier for users to play PS4 games on their Xperia Z3 family of devices - by holding the tablet or smartphone along with the controller while gaming.
The company also notes that if users of the Xperia Z3 family just want to watch their PS4 friends gameplay, or chat with them, apart from browsing the PlayStation Store, they will not need the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller. Sony has also mentioned that it is currently not planning to bring the PS4 Remote Play feature to its other smartphone or tablet devices, speaking to The Verge.
The PS4 Remote Play feature was first introduced as a way to boost PS4 games from the console to the PlayStation Vita handheld console in April, along with the PS4 v1.70 system software update, and the PS Vita v3.15 system software update - which included Automatic Device Registration for access to Remote Play and other second screen features.
(Also See: Sony Xperia Z3 With 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 SoC Launched)
Sony in August had further expanded the functionality of the PS4 Remote Play feature with the PlayStation 4 v2.00 system software update last month. The feature enabled users to stream PS4 games from the console to any PlayStation TV-connected television in their home.
(Also See: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact With 4.6-Inch HD Display Launched)
Sony at its pre-IFA 2014 event also announced two new lens-style cameras - the E-mount ILCE-QX1 and DSC-QX30, which are priced at $400 (approximately Rs. 24,000) and $350 (approximately Rs. 21,000), respectively.
The company has noted that the QX30 will be available in this month, and the QX1 will be available in November at Sony retail stores and other retailers nationwide.
The Japanese consumer electronics giant also launched the budget Xperia E3 andXperia E3 Dual smartphones at the pre-IFA 2014 event.
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