Archive for 2015
Apple Posts Detailed 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch Schematics for Accessory Makers
As a part of the recently-updated 'Made for Apple Watch' program, the guys from Cupertino have recently published the detailed schematics for the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch. These schematics have been published specifically for third-party companies and Apple partners, who can use them to create bands and other accessories for the long-anticipated wearable device. As can be seen on the images below, the schematics include the precise dimensions of the smartwatch as well as of its components, such as the screen, the Digital Crown etc. More information about the Apple Watch can be found on Apple's official webpage devoted to this device.
Accessory Maker to Create Battery Strap to Charge Apple Watch Using Hidden 6-Pin Port
As you probably know, the Apple Watch comes with a magnetic wireless charger. Users have to charge their wearable devices every night to make them work throughout the day. According to what one accessory manufacturer has recently told the reporters, there is a possibility to use the hidden 6-pin port on the smartwatch to charge it with the help of something called battery strap directly while wearing the gadget on the wrist. The manufacturer is reportedly working on a flexible battery in the form of the Apple Watch band and will announce it in the near future.
iPad Pro to Feature Force Touch, NFC, USB-C Port and Bluetooth Stylus - Rumors
According to the latest report from people familiar with the matter, the long-anticipated 12.9-inch iPad Pro may boast of the support of Apple's Force Touch technology, NFC, USB-C port as well as a brand new Bluetooth stylus. All these things will make it easier for users to utilize the device for professional purposes. Keeping in mind that the tablet will be targeted at the enterprise market, the addition of the aforementioned tools looks like a quite logical step.
Top 10 Stories of the Week
It is Sunday again, which means it is high time I told you about the most interesting posts of the past seven days. In order not to waste our time, I suggest to take a look at them right now. Let’s do this.
Developer Creates Apple Watch App Capable of Controlling His Tesla Model S
A developer named Allan Wong has recently created an Apple Watch app, which allows him to fully control his Tesla Model S. Although this application hasn’t yet been released, it is close to completion and is pretty functional. It allows to perform a wide number of tasks, for example, open doors, roof, adjust the temperature inside of the car etc. Looks like finally the time has come and we can control our vehicles with the help of tiny gadgets on our wrists.
The video showing the functionality of the app called Remote S is available below, you may take a look at it right now. What do you think about it? Leave your comments below.
Apple Watch May Cause Skin Irritation for Some Users
According to the latest report from an Italian website iSpazio, the long-anticipated Apple Watch may cause skin irritation and various allergic reactions for some users. Although the guys from Cupertino did their best to make the smartwatch as hypoallergenic as possible, there are still some users, which may suffer from skin irritations caused either by the material of the smartwatch itself, or by its band.
Apple Confirms Tattoos May Affect Apple Watch Performance
Earlier this week, a rumor appeared on the Internet, which suggested that tattoos may prevent the heart rate sensor found in the Apple Watch from working properly. A number of users with tattoos on their skin complained about problems in using the health-tracking features of their wearable devices. Apple had to respond somehow to these complaints, that is why the company issued an updated support document saying that ‘permanent or temporary changes’ to user’s skin, such as tattoos, due to the ink and its elements may cause problems in measuring the heart rate.
Industrial Rendering Reveals Widely-Rumored iPad Pro Dimensions
According to the latest industrial rendering, which appeared on the Internet on Friday, the long-awaited larger-screened iPad Pro may indeed get a 12.9-inch screen. As to the dimensions of the tablet, they might be as follows: 305.70mm x 222.60mm x 7.20mm. The most-recent rendering also proves the rumors about four speakers located at the top and the bottom of the device as well as the suggestions about Apple’s plans to leave the ports and buttons layout similar to the layout of the iPad Air 2.
Three New Ways to Destroy Brand New Apple Watch [Video]
Richard Ryan, known for his FullMag channel on YouTube, has recently posted three new videos showing some extraordinary ways of the Apple Watch destruction. Although we have already seen several crash tests and know that the long-anticipated smartwatch has a pretty durable body, the latest clips prove that the wearable device can be easily frozen in liquid nitrogen and smashed with a heavy hammer, blown up with the help of hydrogen and shot with a bullet.
As to the videos showing three Apple Watch units destroyed using the aforementioned methods, they are available below.
Apple Watch Users Complain About Faulty Digital Crowns
According the latest complaints from early Apple Watch customers, the Digital Crown on many devices seems to be a bit faulty. It is sometimes difficult to turn it. Well, yes, it works and that is the main point. That’s not a big disadvantage or inconvenience, however, if you purchase a brand new device, you always expect it to work perfectly well, right?
Ford to Support Both CarPlay and Similar Google's System
According to the latest report from people familiar with the matter, Ford executives have recently promised to bring Apple’s CarPlay functionality to their vehicles. However, the company will also develop a similar system for integration of Android devices called presumably Ford SYNC. As noted by Ford CTO Raj Nair, the company wants people make car choices not depending on the smartphone they use. Well, that’s how it should be, I guess.
Estimated Cost of Apple Watch Components Is About $83 - Analysts
According to the latest report from IHS iSuppli, the estimated cost of the Apple Watch components is equal to $81.20 and $83.70. The smaller 38mm version is obviously cheaper than the 42mm model, however, this difference is almost inconspicuous. Especially if to take into account the retail prices of the wearable device, which start at $350 for the entry-level model and end with about $17.000 for the high-end Edition version made of 18-karat gold.
Below you may take a look at the chart showing the estimated cost of the Apple Watch components.
iOS 8 Adoption Rate Reaches 81% - Apple
According to the latest report published by the guys from Cupertino, iOS adoption rate has recently reached 81%. This number indicates that most of the iPhone and iPad users have already upgraded to the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. If to compare this number to the one, which was published by Apple on April 13th, we may see a 2% increase in the number of active iOS 8 users. The data about iOS adoption is based on the App Store statistics, which means it is pretty reliable.
Apple Watch Constrained at Launch Because of Faulty Taptic Engines
According to the latest report from The Wall Street Journal, the supply of the Apple Watch was heavily constrained at launch because of faulty taptic engine units. The part manufactured by a Chinese firm called AAC Technologies Holdings Inc. turned out to be defective. What is interesting is that taptic engines created by a Japanese supplier Nidec Corp were working just fine. It should be noted, however, that this information came from reliable insiders, not directly from Apple. The guys from Cupertino refused to comment on the issue. I can only imagine what could have happened if all the parts had been defective...
'Test Model iPad from Apple' Stolen in Cupertino
According to the latest report from MercuryNews, something called a 'test model iPad from Apple' was stolen during a robbery and kidnapping in Cupertino. A man with the device was robbed by a couple. Two people threatened him with a knife, pepper-sprayed him in the face, took all his possessions and then forced him to get into their car. After driving near a mile from the scene of the crime, the couple released a man. At first, the victim had doubts about contacting the police, but five days after the incident finally reported this crime to the local sheriff's office.