Google Photos offers unlimited storage for mobile and web May 29, 2015 10:41

Google today launched a standalone, unlimited photo and video service called Google Photos. Google Photos is a free -- and, again, unlimited -- storage, sharing and editing service, and it is available today on Android, iOS and the web. However, do note that the unlimited storage only counts if you're okay with a little compression -- your photos will be downsized to 16-megapixels and your videos will have to be 1080p or worse. You can certainly upload original resolution photos and videos too, but they'll count against your Google Drive storage limits.

Google Photos also automatically backs up all of your content and it offers editing and sharing tools. We're not just talking about sharing to Google+ here: Send your images to a range of hubs, including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and WhatsApp.

iPhone 6S Leak New Features May 28, 2015 19:37

Nine months have passed since the iPhone 6 launch for the first major iPhone 6S leak to emerge, but finally it is here.

The leak comes from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a rock solid track record on Apple leaks in recent years. Kuo spoke privately to investors today breaking down 11 key features he understands will make up the key elements of the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus when they are launched in September.


AppleInsider obtained a copy of Kuo’s claims. There’s a wealth of information here, all of which sounds not only reasonable but logical.

1. Force Touch

The Talking Point – Force Touch is what will likely prove to be the key selling point of the 6S models. Having introduced it on the Apple Watch and 13-inch MacBook Pro it makes perfect sense for Apple to extend this to the iPhone (and eventually the iPad).
Force Touch will be the biggest upgraded selling point, but also one of the main bottlenecks of the supply chain. Force Touch can enhance user experience due to more input methods and support of handwritten signatures, which is beneficial for expanding in the commercial market.

2. Screen Size

The biggest talking point for some will be what isn’t there: a 4-inch iPhone 6S. Many have expressed frustration that Apple has not kept the smaller form factor and I have previously stated reasons Apple must make it. Sadly it looks like a watered down iPhone 6C is the best we can hope for. Screen will remain at 4.7 and 5.5 inches, with resolution the same as existing models. There will be no new 4-inch model.

3. Casing Color

There will be an additional casing color, rose gold, matching the rose gold Apple Watch Edition.

4. Camera

Apple Wants the Camera Crown Back – iPhones have consistently topped smartphone camera rankings since the iPhone 4S, but recently both the Galaxy S6 and LG G4 surpassed the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.The camera will have a pixel upgrade, likely to 12 MP.

In making its first resolution bump in three generations Apple clearly means business and I suspect megapixels will actually prove to be one of the smaller talking points in a radical overhaul when the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus are unveiled. A potential move to a faster f stop (f1.8 like the LG G4 or f1.9 like the Galaxy S6) would be particularly appealing when combined with Apple’s class leading image processing.

5. Performance

A Performance Leap , the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have incredibly fast real world user experiences. That said in moving on from the iPhone 5S they also have one of the smallest generational performance leaps in iPhone history – primarily due to the jump in their native screen resolutions.
With the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus Apple looks set to address that. The A9 chipset will inevitably bring notable gains, but the bump to 2GB of RAM is long overdue and should open up the potential for iOS 9 to have dramatically improved multitasking. What form that will take remains to be seen. The A9 processor with upgraded 2GB LPDDR4 will be adopted.

6. Microphone

One microphone will be added near the speaker to enhance voice quality.

7. Internal Mechanical Design

The bending issue will be improved by using different casing materials and internal mechanical design changes.

8. Cover Lens

If drop test issues can be resolved, the 5.5-inch model will have a limited number of units with sapphire cover lens.

9.Touch ID

The recognition rate of Touch ID will be improved further in a bid to promote Apple Pay.

10. Gesture control

Gesture control support.

11. iOS 9

iOS 9: ‘S edition’ iPhones often get a bad rep. This tends to be because they look the same as the previous generation and it’s unfair as – design aside – past S models have dramatically improved every element of the phone. Still their underappreciation looks set to continue because of iOS 9. Talk has been that iOS 9 will primarily focus on polishing iOS 8. That means an emphasis on stability, security and speed. I don’t doubt these elements will be a factor, but the move to 2GB of RAM in the new phones suggests we should expect a lot more.

After all the existing iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are already incredibly fast performers on iOS 8, so optimisations alone to iOS 9 wouldn’t justify the move to 2GB of RAM and Apple prides itself on saying it doesn’t engage in a specification war without reason.

Of course we won’t truly know about any of this until Apple unveils the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus in September alongside iOS 9. Then again I’m also in no doubt that further leaks before then mean we will have a strong idea of what will be coming. We’re already off to an exciting start…


It’s expected that mass production will start in mid-to-late August. Total shipments will be 80-90mn in 2015, with a 2:1 ratio of 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models.

WhatsApp Messenger for iOS add in Voice Calling Capabilities April 21, 2015 12:44

After promising to deliver voice calling capabilities back in 2014, WhatsApp has finally delivered, introducing voice over IP features in its latest update. With the new version of the app, it's possible for WhatsApp users to call friends and family directly within the app using a Wi-Fi or cellular connection at no cost.

The introduction of voice calling to the Facebook-owned WhatsApp app puts it on par with Facebook's other messaging app, Facebook Messenger, which gained voice calling back in 2013. It also allows the app to better compete with other iOS-based VoIP calling options like Skype and FaceTime Audio.

Today's WhatsApp update also brings a few other features, including the iOS 8 share extension for sharing videos, photos, and links to WhatsApp from other apps, contact editing tools, and the ability to send multiple videos at one time.

Apple Recycling Program - turn your old device to Apple gift card April 15, 2015 23:27

Turn that iPhone, iPad, or computer — Mac or PC — you’re not using anymore into something brand new. Send it to apple and they will determine if it qualifies for reuse. If it does, that means your device has monetary value that they’ll apply to an Apple Store Gift Card, which you can use for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC doesn’t qualify for reuse, Apple will recycle it responsibly at no cost to you.

1. Tell apple about your device.

   Only iPhone, iPad, and Mac or PC desktop and notebook computers qualify for the Apple Reuse and Recycling Program.

2. Get your estimate and ship your device.

   Apple contracts with external partners, who will estimate the fair market value of your product. These partners will provide convenient prepaid options to package and ship your product to their facility for evaluation.

3. Receive your Apple Store Gift Card.

   After a short time, your Apple Store Gift Card will arrive. Use it for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store.

Apple updates Apple Watch 'Guided Tours' page with four new videos April 15, 2015 16:29

Apple has updated its "Guided Tours" section of the Apple Watch site with several new videos today covering Siri, Maps, phone calls, and music on the device.

click here to Apple Watch Guided Tours page