Google Paid $1 Billion to Remain Default iOS Search Engine in 2014
It is no secret that Apple’s long-term market rival, Google, pays the company to remain one of the default search engines on iOS devices like iPhones, iPads and iPod touch units. Up until now, the exact sum paid by the search giant annually have been unknown to public. Thanks to the details of Oracle's recent copyright lawsuit against Google, which were obtained by reliable Bloomberg reporters, we now know that in 2014, the sum spent by Google to remain one of the default search engines on Apple’s portable devices accounted for impressive $1 billion. By the way, this figure goes in line with the one shared by reliable insiders back in 2012, so I guess we can believe the recent report.
Leaked Video Shows Widely-Rumored 4-inch iPhone 6c
A new video showing something similar to the widely-rumored 4-inch iPhone 6c has been recently published to YouTube by M.I.C. Gadget reporters. The video has been reportedly recorded by one of the Foxconn workers, so it is very likely that we see a real iPhone that may be released at a separate media event scheduled for March.
App Store Dominates in Revenue, Google Play Remains Leader in App Downloads [Chart]
According to the data shared by App Annie, Google Play saw a massive growth in the number of downloads in 2015 that allowed the store to double the number of App Store downloads. Still, Apple’s online marketplace dominated in the revenue generated by the purchases of applications.
Apple’s WWDC 2016 to Take Place June 13th to 17th - Rumor
Even though Apple hasn’t yet officially announced the dates for the 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference, it’s most likely that it will take place between June 13th and June 17th. These dates still remain available for booking at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, a place Apple uses to hold its annual conference for developers. All other dates are already booked for other events not connected with Apple or its partners.
Here's How List of Worst Passwords of 2015 Looks Like
SplashData has recently published its annual list of the worst passwords for 2015. Alongside the passwords like “123456” and “password”, which have been in the ranking for a couple of years, there are some new additions like “qwertyuiop” or “starwars”.
Apple Releases OS X El Capitan 10.11.3 to Users Worldwide
Aside from making iOS 9.2.1 available for download all over the world, Apple has recently publicly released OS X El Capitan 10.11.3. The latest update contains a number of stability and security enhancements as well as some bug fixes aimed at making the operating system more stable and efficient. Just like iOS 9.2.1, OS X 10.11.3 is recommended for all users of compatible Mac computers.
Apple Releases iOS 9.2.1 with Minor Fixes to Users Worldwide
Apple has recently released iOS 9.2.1 to users worldwide. The release comes after several weeks of testing performed by registered developers. The latest update contains a number of minor bug fixes and security enhancements, so it is recommended for all users to download and install iOS 9.2.1 on their compatible iPhones, iPads and iPod touch units.
Fake 13-inch Skylake Retina MacBook Pro Benchmark Results Surface Online
Two interesting benchmark results were spotted on Geekbench 3 on January 14th. These results demonstrate the performance level of the upcoming 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro with a new Skylake processor inside. However, it is not entirely clear whether we indeed deal with the results of the yet unannounced MacBook Pro or an unknown device known as Hackintosh. In case you don’t know, Hackintosh is a non-Apple computer with OS X on board.
Apple to Raise App Store Prices in 7 Countries Soon
Apple has recently announced that it will be raising the App Store prices in seven countries, namely, Canada, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore and South Africa. The main reason for reviewing the price policy is connected with the exchange rate fluctuations in the aforementioned countries.
Apple’s Battery Suppliers Use Cobalt Mined by Children - Report
According to the latest report issued by Amnesty International, Apple and a number of other tech giants including Sony, Samsung and Microsoft are using cobalt mined by child labor in their devices. Apart from that, electric car manufacturers Daimler and Volkswagen are working with the same suppliers utilizing child labor.
iOS 9.1 Supports New Wireless Communication Technology - Li-Fi
According to the latest report from AppleInsider reporters, iOS 9 code proves that Apple is working on adding the support of Li-Fi to its mobile operating system. In case you don’t know, Li-Fi is a relatively new wireless communication technology that allows to transmit data using light-emitting diodes on speed much higher than that of Wi-Fi. In fact, Li-Fi speed can reach up to 224 Gbps.
The change in iOS code that reflects the support of Li-Fi has been spotted in iOS 9.1 and later, so looks like future generations of iPhones and iPads will be capable of using Li-Fi for transferring data on high speeds. Below you will find a screenshot proving that iOS 9.1 supports the new wireless communication technology.
Apple Employees in Cork, Ireland Evacuated because of Bomb Threat
According to the latest reports shared by local news websites, more than 4,000 Apple employees working at company’s facilities in Cork, Ireland have been evacuated earlier today following a bomb threat. Fortunately, the police hasn’t found anything dangerous, so after waiting for approximately 2 hours outside the facilities in Lavitts Quay, Hollyhill and Model Farm Road, the employees have successfully got back to work.
Top 10 Stories of the Week
It is Sunday today, which means it’s high time I told you about the most interesting posts of the past seven days. Most of the articles this week deal with the widely-rumored 4-inch iPhone, the next-generation Apple Watch as well as iOS 9.3. There’re also some posts that deal with iPhone sales and Apple’s streaming music service.
Apple Is Aware of Problem With Battery Percentage Not Displaying on iPhone 6s
Apple has recently confirmed that there’s indeed an issue with the battery percentage that won’t update on some iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus units after users manually change the time or the time zone on their devices.
Microsoft to Release Word Flow Keyboard for iOS?
According to an email sent to the selected members of Windows Insider program, Microsoft is planning a rollout of its Word Flow keyboard designed specifically for the Windows Phone platform on Apple’s iOS. Since Apple’s mobile operating system now supports the usage of third-party keyboards, the release of the aforementioned one looks quite obvious and possible.