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.
Apple to Reject Apple Watch Apps with Telling Time as Main Feature
Apple has recently updated its App Store Review Guidelines. According to this updated document, the guys from Cupertino will reject the Apple Watch apps designed to only tell time. Although this sounds a bit strange, this is the reality. If you an the Apple Watch and want to change the watch face, you can easily do this using the built-in presets created by the guys from Cupertino.
Apple's 'Working Hard' to Catch Up With Demand for Apple Watch
As you already know, Apple on Monday shared the information about its financial results in the second fiscal quarter of 2015. During the financial call, Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted that the supply of the Apple Watch was and still is too weak to catch up with the demand for the wearable device. He also said that the company and its suppliers are 'working hard' to produce enough smartwatch units for all those who have already pre-ordered or plan to purchase the gadget in the near future.
Apple Officially Announces Its Q2 2015 Financial Results
Apple on Monday announced its financial results in the second fiscal quarter of this year, which ended on March 28th. According to the financial report published by the guys from Cupertino, the quarterly revenue equalled to $58 billion and the net profit - to $13.6 billion. If to compare these results to the results of the year-ago quarter, we may see a noticeable improvement. In case you don't know, last year, Apple managed to earn $46.5 billion in revenue and $10.3 billion in net profit. As to the gross margin, it increased from 39.9% in 2014 to 40.8% in 2015. I guess Apple is quite satisfied with the aforementioned financial results.
Apple Releases Second OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 Beta to Developers and Public Beta Testers
Apple on Monday released the second beta of OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 to developers for testing. This same version is now also available for all the members of the public beta testing program, which means it is more stable than the first beta.
Only 22% of Apple Watch Pre-Orders Shipped to Customers
According to the latest report from a research firm called Slice Intelligence, only about 22% of Apple Watch pre-orders have been shipped on the launch weekend. What this means is that most of the customers haven't yet received the wearable device they have pre-ordered.
Apple Releases Second iOS 8.4 Beta to Developers for Testing
Apple has just released the second beta of iOS 8.4 to developers for testing. The release came less than two weeks after the release of the very first iOS 8.4 beta, which could boast of a completely redesigned Music app with lots of new tweaks as well as a number of bug fixes and performance improvements. According to the release notes, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system features only some minor stability enhancements. As to the new features, the developers haven't yet noticed any. I will let you know if they find anything new.
Top 10 Stories of the Week
It is Sunday today, which means it is time for me to tell you about the most interesting posts of the last seven days. Let’s not waste time and take a look at the articles worth your attention right now.
Apple Watch Features Sensor Capable of Measuring Blood Oxygen Level?
As you probably know, Apple's long-awaited wearable device launched on April 24th in the USA and a number of other first-wave countries, can boast several innovative and simply interesting features. One of those features is the built-in sensor capable of measuring user's heart rate.
Apple Watch Battery to Last 1000 Recharge Cycles With Slight Capacity Loss
Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that users will have to charge the Apple Watch every night. The exact battery capacity and a number of recharge cycles, however remained unknown.
App Store for Apple Watch Goes Live [Images]
Last year, during the official media event devoted to Apple's first-ever wearable gadget called the Apple Watch, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other company executives promised that the smartwatch will not only run its own special modification of iOS, but also will boast its own App Store with applications designed for this new device. Looks like they kept their word as the new repository began to work on Friday.