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787 'Apple' stories May 2011 - November 2015
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HTC’s ‘Be Brilliant’ ad for One A9 is very 1984-esque [Video]

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 5 2015 - 4:48 am PT
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HTC’s launch of the One A9 has caught the attention of many. The company insists that the latest mid-tier device isn’t an iPhone copy, despite the fact that — from almost every angle — it looks like one. Having spent time with it, we agree in many ways. Even if it is, the very fact it runs Android 6.0 is a big enough differentiating factor. Still, the Taiwanese manufacturer isn’t helping itself by releasing its latest advertising campaign.

The latest full length ad, named ‘Be Brilliant’ has a clear message: Be Different. Sound familiar?


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‘Future teardown’ of a Google self-driving car shows us who could be making the various elements

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Oct 27 2015 - 7:19 am PT
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While it seems near-certain that Google plans a full-scale commercial rollout of its self-driving cars, it has also made clear on several occasions that it has no plans to manufacture the cars itself. As a recent opinion piece on sister site Electrek argued, actually manufacturing a car is massively complex undertaking.

Google will therefore be looking for partners to pull together different elements of the car, and Re/code has put together an interesting look at the most likely candidates. Though the piece is focused on the Apple Car, the analysis applies to Apple and Google alike … 
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Yes, the new emojis in iOS 9.1 are coming to Android… eventually

Avatar for Stephen Hall Oct 23 2015 - 2:36 pm PT
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A couple of weeks ago, Hiroshi Lockheimer was formally named senior vice president of Android, Chrome OS, and Chromecast operations. And while his involvement with Android definitely isn’t new, it seems he wants to kick off this position of slightly higher stature on good note.

On Twitter late last night, Lockheimer confirmed that the new emojis from Unicode 7 and 8 —  the ones that Apple just pushed to iOS devices in version 9.1 of its mobile OS — are on their way…
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Google’s app indexing links coming to Safari on iOS by end of month

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Oct 9 2015 - 12:38 pm PT
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Google first introduced app indexing for iOS apps in search back in May, allowing in-app content to appear in search results with links that send users directly to an app. The feature was originally only available in the Google app and Chrome browser, but now Google is launching an updated version of the framework that will make the app links also appear in Google search results in Safari.

Getting your app content found on Google just got easier. App Indexing is now compatible with HTTP deep link standards for iOS 9, as it has been on Android from the beginning. That means that you can start getting your app content into the Search results page on Safari in iOS, simply by adding Universal Links to your iOS app, then integrating with our SDK.

Developers simply need to support the Universal Links standard to get their apps to show up in search results. Users will begin to see the app indexing links showing up in Safari on iOS by the end October.

Devs can read more on how to support the feature here.

Porsche rejects Android Auto for new 911, saying that Google demands access to too much data

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Oct 6 2015 - 4:55 am PT
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Update: While Google has not commented directly on Porsche’s reported rejection of Android Auto, the company made a statement to The Verge in which it denied that it currently collects any of the data mentioned in the original report. It does not go as far as saying that it has not requested access to such data.

“We take privacy very seriously and do not collect the data the Motor Trend article claims such as throttle position, oil temp, and coolant temp,” Google said in a statement to The Verge. “Users opt in to share information with Android Auto that improves their experience, so the system can be hands-free when in drive, and provide more accurate navigation through the car’s GPS.”

Sportscar manufacturer Porsche has rejected Android Auto for the 2017 version of its famous 911, saying that Google demands access to too much data, reports Motor Trend.

As part of the agreement an automaker would have to enter with Google, certain pieces of data must be collected and [sent] back to Mountain View, California. Stuff like vehicle speed, throttle position, coolant and oil temp, engine revs—basically Google wants a complete OBD2 dump whenever someone activates Android Auto.

Porsche has approved Apple’s CarPlay, as this requires access to only a single piece of data: whether or not the car is moving.

Porsche’s parent company Volkswagen is, however, pressing full speed ahead with Google’s in-car infotainment system, stating back in July that almost every 2016 Volkswagen model in almost every trim level will get Android Auto support.

Android Auto got a user-interface refresh back in August.

Google wants Apple Music to play on Chromecast Audio … but Apple is silent for now

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 30 2015 - 9:02 am PT
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During the announcement of Google’s Chromecast Audio yesterday, the company made sure to mention that music subscription leader Spotify will soon be one of the many music streaming services supported by the platform. With many Apple Music subscriptions renewing (or not renewing) and Google unveiling a $35 dongle that retrofits our existing home speakers with Wi-Fi, some are rightfully wondering: What about Apple Music?

According to statements from one Googler (via TrustedReviews), Google has no bar on any platform joining in on supporting Chromecast, and the Mountain View company has already directly asked Apple to play along…
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Site claims to be offering Apple Music for Android beta access

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 28 2015 - 5:46 am PT
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UPDATE: One of our readers, with experience of using Betabound commented the following: “Centercode, who runs Betabound, has been around for over a decade running software/hardware betas. I have been through numerous tests with them. I understand the skepticism but this is a legit company.” Perhaps then, we can be a little less skeptical of the beta test.

Apple shocked the tech world back in June when it announced that its music streaming service, Apple Music, would be making its way cross-platform. Up until now, the company has kept all of its mobile products in-house, and hasn’t offered anything on the Google Play Store except for the ‘Move to iOS’ app, and we all know how that turned out. In an unusual move, it looks like Apple may have signed up a third party to get early beta testers onboard its first media app for Android.

Members of Betabound.com have received emails inviting them to apply to test Apple’s music app for Android. Little detail is given in the email, except a short paragraph and a linked questionnaire which hopeful testers have to fill in. Betabound, a Centercode company, proudly labels the test as an exclusive.

We’re excited to invite you to come test Apple Music for Android. If you’re a current Android user that would like to join the beta for the new music streaming service, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. To learn more and apply, click the link below. Best of luck! The Betabound team.

There are plenty of reasons to be skeptical. First off, Apple tends to manage its beta testing in-house, even to the point of offering a public beta of iOS 9 to anyone and everyone who wanted to try it before launch. Why then would it go with a third party company, especially one which is seemingly so unknown? It definitely seems weird. Perhaps the Android community’s response to its last app prompted the Cupertino-based tech giant to try a much quieter launch of Apple Music for Android. Perhaps it only wants a small number of testers onboard, and so isn’t announcing anything. Perhaps, it’s just a way for Betabound to get their name out there and isn’t a genuine beta test.

 

Stick with Android app is the perfect response to Apple’s ‘Move to iOS’ software

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 18 2015 - 8:23 am PT
4 Comments

Apple caused something of a stir when it launched its first app for Android. ‘Move to iOS’ is an app designed to help us poor users stuck in the ‘toxic hellstew’ (in their view) that is Google’s mobile operating system. Hilariously, most Android users who noticed the app shared their feelings clearly in the Google Play Store ratings, with thousands of users giving it a 1-star review. They may perhaps have been kinder if Apple had released software on Android before, but the fact that this is the company’s first was the salt in the wound.

One developer had the perfect response to Apple’s app. Jonotthias launched an app called ‘Stick with Android’, which does exactly what you expect it to. Except it doesn’t do anything as such, apart from making you feel totally awesome for not switching to the dark side. Upon launching, you get a green screen with an icon telling you ‘click here to stick with Android’, tap it and you’ve successfully stuck with Android. Tap it again, and you’re still with Android. Unsurprisingly, early reviewers enjoyed the app very much. It’s available to download from the Play Store for free and is — unsurprisingly — compatible with every Android device running 4.0.3 or later.

Apple’s new ‘Switch to iOS from Android’ app hits the Google Play Store

Avatar for Zac Hall Sep 16 2015 - 12:10 pm PT
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Sure, technically Apple’s first Android app was the now discontinued Beats Music which it picked up through acquisition last year and it’s developing Apple Music for Google’s platform, but it’s very fitting that Apple’s first in-house app is called Switch to iOS from Android. Apple first announced the new Android app this year alongside iOS 9 at its developer conference, and today with iOS 9’s official launch the Move to iOS app is officially available on the Google Play Store. Here’s how it works:
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OnePlus now sells a $100 handmade leather case for the OnePlus 2

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 15 2015 - 8:19 am PT
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OnePlus came out on Google+ a couple days ago to tease “something luxurious” (and no, we didn’t cover it at the time because we aren’t going to simply regurgitate all of the company’s endless marketing ploys), and now that “something” is available for purchase. Apparently, it’s a $100 leather case, handmade and built specifically to fit the OnePlus 2…

The case comes from a company by the name of Hard Graft, known for its premium accessories for a variety of smartphones. It’s “handmade in Italy,” built with “buttery soft leather,” and comes with a couple pockets for storing credit cards and cash. And while it’s currently “Out of Stock,” you’ll be able to grab one from the OnePlus store for $99 + shipping.

My first instinct is to criticize OnePlus because, well, it’s really easy to do. But this isn’t the kind of thing that OnePlus deserves criticism for. These kind of cases are more than popular in (majority) iPhone part market, and it makes sense that OnePlus would try to capture some of those kind of buyers on the Android side. The company’s website definitely looks familiar, too.

Samsung had a few taunts of its own after Apple’s iPhone 6s, iPad Pro event last night

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 10 2015 - 5:13 am PT
4 Comments

Leading up to Apple’s eagerly anticipated keynote presentation last night, Sony had a jab prepared for the iPhone-makers before they unveiled the iPhone 6s, Apple TV and iPad Pro. It seems, however, Sony wasn’t the only manufacturer attempting to rain on Apple’s parade. Arguably Apple’s biggest competitor, Samsung had a few of its own jibes to share with us and took to its UK Twitter handle to publish them…


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Game on: Sony uses Siri-themed secret message to taunt Apple

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 9 2015 - 8:52 am PT
2 Comments

Leading up to Apple’s “Hey Siri”-themed press event today, Siri has been giving out a lot of unhelpful announcement hints to users who say “Hey Siri, give me a hint”. One of these was a binary code, which when decoded only revealed the word “Gotcha”. It goes without saying that if you want some real hints about what Apple’s going to announce, all you need to do is to read Mark’s roundup.

But Sony, the company that just last week unveiled the world’s first 4K smartphone, the Xperia Z5 Premium, has taken to Twitter to taunt the Cupertino-based company. Also using the familiar binary, Sony wrote “01000111 01100001 01101101 01100101 00100000 01101111 01101110 00101110”. Converted to text? That’s “Game on.”
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Moto 360 (2015) vs Apple Watch: hands-on comparison [Video]

Avatar for Dom Esposito Sep 6 2015 - 9:31 am PT
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Now that Android Wear is officially compatible with iOS devices there’s a lot more smartwatch love to go around, at least for Apple fans. Android users have had a taste of the first generation, but Motorola’s new Moto 360 is one of the many new options available for both sides for the fence. The question is, should you give Motorola your money?


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Kantar: Samsung & Apple account for 64% of US smartphone market w/ 9 of 10 best-selling models

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Sep 2 2015 - 7:51 am PT
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The latest data from Kantar Worldpanel shows that Samsung and Apple continue to dominate the U.S. smartphone market, taking a massive 64% of the total market share between them, and accounting for nine of the ten best-selling models.

If share alone was not enough to demonstrate market dominance, our data also shows that these two vendors sold nine of the top ten best-selling smartphones in the three months ending July 2015 – with LG making a cameo appearance in the ranking.

Android increased its U.S. market share by 1.7% in the 12 months ending in July this year, though dropped 7% in Japan and 4.1% in Europe … 
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Ex-Apple John Sculley unveils Obi Worldphones, two attractive and affordable Android devices

Avatar for Cam Bunton Aug 27 2015 - 2:31 am PT
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Obi Worldphones — a company co-founded by former Apple CEO John Sculley — has unveiled its first two affordable and aesthetically striking smartphones. Both phones are named after California cities: SF1 named after San Francisco and SJ1.5 named after San Jose and feature similar designs, although there are clear differences in specifications and performance.


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Gartner: Samsung sees worldwide sales fall 5.3% YOY, losing out to Apple & Chinese brands

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Aug 20 2015 - 5:41 am PT
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New data from Gartner suggests that Samsung saw its worldwide sales fall by 5.3% year-on-year, its market share dropping from 26.2% in Q2 2014 to 21.9% in the same quarter this year. The company lost ground to both Apple and Chinese brands Huawei and Xiaomi.

Despite the launch of new S6 models, Samsung’s premium phones continued to be challenged by Apple’s large-screen iPhones. Samsung lost 4.3 percentage points in market share and declined 5.3 percent in unit sales in the second quarter of 2015.

Samsung was hit hardest by Huawei, which saw sales growth of 46.3%, followed by Apple, which increased its sales by 36% … 
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IDC: Samsung loses tablet share to Lenovo and others while overall market shrinks

Avatar for Zac Hall Jul 29 2015 - 7:21 am PT
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While Apple’s iPad continues to lead the tablet market, according to new data from IDC, its marketshare has dropped a few points year-over-year, and the overall market for tablets saw negative growth, based on units shipped globally. That’s according to second quarter 2015 unit shipments and marketshare over the same quarter a year ago, as Apple shipped 10.9 million units versus 13.3 million units during the second quarter of 2014. While the iPad continues to lead in the tablet space, IDC’s data shows Apple’s market share dropping nearly 3 points from 27.7% to 24.5%.

Samsung, the number two player in the tablet space, similarly saw declines in both units shipped and market share from Q2 2014 to Q2 2015. The Korean company slipped by a million tablets during the quarter year-over-year, falling from 8.6 million units to 7.6 million units, while its market share dropped a point from 18% to 17% …
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IDC: Samsung loses 3% of smartphone market to Apple and others in Q2

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jul 23 2015 - 10:06 am PT
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IDC has just released its smartphone market share data for Q2 2015, and at least one thing is clear: Samsung is still struggling, and Apple is still doing really well. The Korean company’s smartphone market share dropped from 24.8% to 21.7% year-over-year, a 3.1 percentage point drop. Conveniently, while other manufacturers made gains as well, Apple’s numbers are up about the same number — 2.4 percentage points year-over-year to 14.1%…
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How to mirror or stream content from your Android device to Mac or Windows PC [Video]

Avatar for Cam Bunton Jul 21 2015 - 11:52 am PT
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Apple and Google products don’t always play together nicely, but when they do, it’s normally because a third party has created an application or two to get them talking to each other. That’s exactly what Reflector 2 for Mac does (among many other things). If you’ve been wondering how you can get content from your Android smartphone or tablet mirrored or streamed to your Mac (and Windows PC, if you’re into that kinda thing), this is one really easy way.


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Xiaomi’s Hugo Barra talks Apple copycat ‘melodrama,’ Android, U.S. expansion plans [Video]

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jul 16 2015 - 12:16 pm PT
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As smartphones grow in popularity in emerging markets, Hugo Barra has very publicly spoken for Xiaomi, the Chinese-based technology company that he left Google to join as Vice President of International in September 2013. Today, he sat down with Bloomberg to talk about many things, including accusations that the Chinese company has stolen Apple’s design, Android as one of the best decisions Google ever made, and Xiaomi’s eventual plan to bring its devices stateside…
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