Category Archives: News

News

Intel releases details on possible next gen MacBook chips

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Monday, Intel detailed the next generation chips that could be headed for the next iterations of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The chipset, named Broadwell, comes out of Intel’s next generation fabricating process which outputs chips at 14-nanometer. That means that Intel can create chips that are both more powerful and more battery efficient. In this case there is also the added benefit of lower heat generation, which means computers like the MacBook Air can rely less on fans.

Benefits of Broadwell

In addition to the added power that is expected with a new Intel chip release, these new Broadwell chips will allow Apple to make slimmer laptops. According to the chipset’s design specifications, the chips have a thermal design point that is two times less than the previous generation. Bypassing the technical aspect of that, it basically means that these chips run about two times cooler than the pervious Intel chipset.

Currently the MacBook Air is one of the thinnest notebooks on the market. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, remains much thicker. With the inclusion of these new chips, that could change.

Retina-Ready

The added power and battery benefits of these new Broadwell chips may finally allow Apple to release a retina-equipped MacBook Air. The previous Intel Chips had neither the power nor the battery savings needed in order to run a computer with a retina screen. Apple’s Retina MacBook Pros use the higher-end Intel processors, and have much bigger batteries.

There have been rumors of a 12 inch Apple MacBook that is similar to the MacBook Air in design, but contains a larger battery and a retina display.

Timing

Like most Intel chips that come off a new fabricating process, the Broadwell chip family has been constantly delayed. Part of the announcement today detailed the release schedule for the new chips. Intel says that computers containing the lower-end, battery saving processors will be out by the end of this year.

Looking at Apple’s release cycle, this announcement may have come too late to see any new Macs with these processors this year. Apple traditionally updates its MacBooks in the fall at its October event or in June at WWDC. If Apple does choose to release new hardware using Broadwell, it’s likely that any major refreshes don’t appear until sometime in 2015.

The chipset family includes several different chips. The only one that will be ready for release this year is the Core M processor. Unfortunately, that will be too small for any Apple laptop, as it only runs at 5 watts, not the 15 that runs in Apple’s MacBook Air line. The larger chips that contain the power Apple would need for the rumored 12 inch retina MacBook are slated for early 2015, making it much more likely that Apple will have to wait to release new hardware equipped with the latest Intel chipset.

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New iPhone 6 battery could be 1,810 mAh or more

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According to a rumor, the new iPhone 6 may see a significant increase in battery capacity. Analyst Sun Chang Xu stated on social media that the highly anticipated iPhone 6 will come equipped with a 2,100mAh battery, which is a 45% increase in capacity over the current iPhone 5s.

The iPhone 5s has a 1,440mAh battery. Over the last few generations of iPhones, the capacity of the battery hasn’t differed significantly. Most of the iPhone’s battery improvements over that time have come from software optimizations done in iOS.

Apple will be able to include a larger battery because of the extra space provided by the larger screen, however that may not relate to longer life given the obvious increase in demand for power. It is widely expected that Apple will announce a 4.7 inch and a 5.5 inch iPhone 6 some time in September (recent rumors point to September 9 for the announcement).

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New iPhone 6 battery shown by the French site nowhereelse.fr

The battery capacity of the upcoming iPhone has been one of the least consistent rumors over the last few months. In July, a photo of a 1,810mAh battery floated around the internet. That would only be a slight increase over the 5s and could point to only a slight improvement in battery life, or perhaps none at all.

Recently, however, more reports similar to the rumor from Sun Chang Xu have surfaced. Historically, Apple has spent more time optimizing their software than building in ultra high capacity batteries in their devices. With iOS 8 arriving this fall, it’s possible that could be the case again.

The difference in this cycle, it seems, is that the amount of power that the iPhone 6 will require will be higher because of the significantly larger screen size. To put it all in perspective, some Android phones (which have had larger screen sizes for some time now), have significantly longer battery lives compared to the smaller iPhone.

The iPhone 6 is expected to bring a complete hardware redesign to the most popular smartphone in the world. Historically, Apple brings a new hardware design on whole number releases of the iPhone (iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, iPhone 5), while bringing incremental updates in between (iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5s). The iPhone 6, if rumors are to be believed, will keep on with this tradition.

The only thing the Apple community knows for sure is that nothing is set in concrete until Tim Cook steps on stage to announce the new device.

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Apple iPhone 6 will be introduced to the world on September 9th

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According to a new report, Apple may be planning to release the highly anticipated iPhone 6 on September 9. The report comes from the technology site Re/code, which has a staunch reputation when it comes to getting Apple rumors right.

Others reputable sources are also confirming the date:

The iPhone 6 is expected to come in two new screen sizes, 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch. Some reports have speculated that the larger size will be delayed until later this year or early 2015 due to production issues.

In addition to bigger screens the device is expected to be totally redesigned. Over the last several months there have been multitudes of leaks pointing to a new mostly-aluminum design with rounded corners, similar to that of the current generation iPod Touch.

One of the most contested rumors points to the use of a sapphire display. The use of sapphire for the display would allow for a near indestructible front panel for the new smartphone. Apple’s devices are notoriously easy to break. The problem for Apple (and any other company that wants to use the material in their phone) is that it is difficult and expensive to produce en mass. This has led to some rumors that say that a sapphire screen will be included on the iPhone 6; some that say that it’ll only be included on the 5.5 inch version; and some that say that it won’t be included at all because of those production issues.

Internally, there isn’t much known about the iPhone 6 upgrades. Based on past releases, it is safe to assume that the iPhone 6 will see a faster processor. Battery life and capacity is another rumor that hasn’t been consistent over the last few months. Some reports point to the same size battery in the iPhone 6 as is already in the iPhone 5s. This points to slightly worse battery life due to the extra strain added by a larger screen. Yet other reports point to a significant upgrade for the iPhone 6 battery.

Other hardware rumors point towards the use of a new Wi-Fi chip (802.11ac), the possible inclusion of NFC for the first time, and the inclusion of wireless charging technology. Many of these rumors are considered extremely sketchy by those in-the-know.

Finally, it’s known (or at least safe to assume) that the device will launch with iOS 8, which is a significant upgrade from iOS 7. One of the features users are looking forward to the most is called extensions, which will allow app developers to send data and interfaces between third party apps. This also means that iOS will see third party keyboards and third party widgets for the first time.

When it comes to Apple rumors, it’s best to take everything with a grain of salt. No pundit or technology journalist knows exactly what Apple will announce when Tim Cook takes the stage on September 9.

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Apple releases Q3 results sees profit of $7.7 billion with continued iPhone sales growth

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With Apple recently releasing their Q3 results, we as consumers get to sit back and gaze at their new staggering financial numbers, including a record $37.4 billion in total revenue. Gaining $7.7 billion in profit over the quarter, one can see why they have stock piles of cash on reserve, estimated to be somewhere around $150 billion. What can we tell from the numbers and see through the blanket marketing statements from the company? In a nut shell, iPhone sales are booming and iPad sales are dragging.

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Apple 2014 Q3 Results

The good thing about Tim Cook and Apple in general is that they quickly, although at first quietly, address issues. Evaluating the iPad’s future can be difficult after all technology changes so fast. We know this much, that the iPad has more upside then downside. Look at the business market, dominated by Microsoft for decades, Apple is ready to bounce where they see opportunity. Recently announcing a landmark deal with IBM to bring corporate data and mobile devices together better than ever before, Apple is showing a willingness to explore partnerships that make sense. To be honest with that kind of cash reserve who can blame them. They are a lot better off then some of their closest competitors. With Microsoft laying off 18,000 workers it’s clear to see Apple is dominating, staying fiscally lean and technologically innovative.

With OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 coming out in the fall, Apple is looking to integrate both operating systems into a seamless experience for their users. Every product launch Apple checks another item off our wish list. Add rumors of the iPhone 6 and iWatch into the mix and consumers are always hungry for the latest from Apple. Of course there is always room for debate, enter the standard who’s copying who topics that spring up during new releases. In the end they deliver.

Who benefits from Apple’s robust business and financial tactics? Well the easy answer are the Apple fanatics around the world who rejoice when using their great products. But the real answer are the Apple shareholders who gained a cool $1.28 per share stemming from the billions in quarterly profit. Throw in a cash dividend of $.47 per share this August and a stock yield of just under 2% you are looking at some happy investors. Their recent stock split has others asking if now is the time to buy.

If you missed Apples’s fiscal results conference call you can catch it here, though it’s usually taken down in 2 weeks. Tim Cook provides some additional insights to next quarter and answers some tough questions.

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Apple to begin charging for online support chat

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Apple is a company known for its support. They win awards for it every year, and will continue to do so. Most of Apple’s support services come at a cost, but only when you want to take advantage of them when your device is outside of its original warranty. One of the things that that hasn’t been true for is first time chat support. That’s about to change.

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Screen capture of Apple support charge

According to several reports, Apple is about to charge a $19.00 fee when you want to chat with an Apple Representative when your machine is out of warranty. As has always been the case, they may ask you to pay for the full support after the chat if they can’t help you with the problem without looking at or working on the device.

If the problem turns out to be something the Apple knows about, and has a support program for, they will refund the money you paid for the chat.

Cases for Free Support

Apple hasn’t rolled this system out yet. They are expected to do so within the next few weeks. If you have a problem that you’ve been waiting to get assistance with, you should take advantage of the free chat now. The sources of this report say that Apple will continue to provide free support until the new system is in place.

Apple will also continue to offer free support to people who need help with iCloud, or with setting up a repair or replacement. And of course, Apple will continue to help Apple Care customers out without charging them anything extra.

Paid Support

In many ways, this change gives Apple customers an even bigger incentive to by Apple Care when they have the chance. While it is definitely more then $20, it could keep you in warranty longer, and could not only save you that $20, but any additional money it would have cost you to get the device fixed beyond the chat session.

$20 seems like a small price to pay, if they can help you with your problem during the chat, and in many cases they can. In the new system, Apple will offer users the ability to apply for an exception, should they think that their problem is going to be a covered hardware defect. They will also continue to support customers who have accidentally damaged their device, and just want to get their machine replaced or repaired. Normally those chats just end up with an Apple Store appointment, or a box to mail the damaged product into Apple.

Final Thoughts

Apple has never been a company where things come cheaply. They charge extravagant prices for their products, which enables them to provide the support they get awarded for year in and year out. Without the good support, their prices might not be warranted any more than Hewlett Packard, who’s support is less than desirable.