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12.9“ Apple iPad Pro to arrive first week of November

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November will see the launch of what is believed by many to be one of the world’s best tablet computers. Apple’s mammoth iPad Pro is set to be available to customers in the first week of November according to Japanese Apple news provider Mac Otakara, citing what they refer to us reliable sources.

They report that the 12.9“ Apple iPad Pro will be launched in the first week of November, although whether this will actually happen is left to be seen. Mac Otakara have a hit-and-miss record, incorrectly forecasting the launch of Apple products in the past. They did however see success in 2013, when they correctly forecast the change to the home button on Apple’s iPhone 5S. Lets hope the are right again!

Great Specs

The Apple iPad Pro sports a 12.9-inch touch-screen. The size increase is a vast improvement upon it’s current largest display, at a meager 9.7-inches. Although the 12.9“ LED has a fantastic high resolution, capable of rendering at 264 pixels per inch. One drawback is the fact that the iPad Pro’s display lacks 3D touch functionality.

This stunning tablet will however fill the gap by adding support for the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil stylus has single-pixel pressure sensitivity, greatly enhancing upon the stylus platform in its’ entirety.The Apple iPad Pro is aimed at facilitating a high level of productivity, whilst not sacrificing the quality of the display in any way. Performance is solid. The 64-bit 19X third generation processor is very quick and is stable enough to supply top-notch performance for many years.

iPad Pro- Replacing Your Notebook

The 12.9“ Apple iPad Pro is being pushed as a complete replacement to a laptop and certainly carries enough features to do the job. At a cost of $799 (USD) for the 32GB Wi-Fi-only version the iPad Pro makes a great alternative to, but at a higher cost than, a run-of-the-mill notebook.  For those than can afford it the 12.9“ Apple iPad Pro is a top-end piece of hardware, integrating many of Apple’s new devices such as the before-mentioned “Pencil” and Apple’s Smart Keyboard. A must-have for any Apple fan, here’s holding thumbs that Mac Otakara has it right.

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iOS 9.1 Beta 4 released to developers by Apple

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Developers and public beta testers across the world received access to the fourth release of the iOS 9.1 Beta. This publicly accessible beta comes just one week after the last build. The new 13B136 beta build can be obtained via Apple’s over-the-air update service, and is also located through the Apple Developer Center.  Users should however be advised that once you update to iOS 9.1 there is no going back. Downgrading is not supported. This fourth beta update is roughly 1.4GB, bigger than most supplied by Apple.

Vast Performance Benefits

This OS is much quicker than previous versions, with applications such as Safari and Spotlight opening lightning quick and run smoother than ever. App delays in general appear to be gone. Camera opening and response sees slight improvements. A new suggestions feature has been added in this release. Located as “Battery Life Suggestions” under “Battery” in your “Settings, you can choose to automatically disable background Apps after a chosen period of time, saving you battery life.

Please note that this context menu will not be accessible if you have optimized your device already. iOS 9.1 also features compatibility updates for the fourth generation of Apple TV, as well as the new 12.9“ iPad Pro, rumored to be launching in the first week of November. This in turn brings updates for the Apple Smart Keyboard and their new improved stylus, the Apple Pencil. Unicode 8 support is also supplied by this update, as is the ability to disable contact photos.

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Great Performance & Functionality

Overall the fourth beta of iOS 9.1 is a fantastic success and a vast improvements over prior versions. Users across the world are reporting fantastic functionality and a great boost to the speed of your device. The enhancement provided by this beta update has been long overdue, although minor details still need to be addressed. Problems appear to be isolated and not directly operating system related. Anyone who wants a sturdy replacement operating system is encouraged to update to iOS 9.1 beta 4, but be warned, update servers appear to be very busy due to the large demand and traffic congestion resulting in slower-than-normal download speeds can be expected over the next few days.

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Been Choice chosen by Apple as first ad blocker

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“Been Choice” has been chosen as the first ad-blocker for the iPhone that blocks ads within mobile apps. Launched this month (October) in the United States, Been Choice is a fantastic service capable of blocking any and all ads, even those within Apple’s own news platform. Ad blocking within applications is a great new addition to mobile computing as a whole, saving users time, data and frustration.

We’ll Block Your Ads and Pay You

Been Choice generates it’s revenue through a rather innovative means. Their software blocks all ads and stops all forms of tracking. Having said this, Been Choice is offering users a fixed rate of $20 if they are willing to share their usage data with Been, as well as allowing ads from this ad-blocking provider. As best stated by Mr. David Yoon, Co-founder of Been Choice, customers are provided “a clear choice” over whether or not they want to be able to view ads, or be tracked. Apple takes great pride in their establishment as a top-class security-conscious service provider and manufacturer. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook recently shared with US radio network NPR, that he feels that users want assistance in keeping their lives private, seeing privacy as a fundamental right.

Block Ads or Earn Rewards with Been Choice
Block Ads or Earn Rewards with Been Choice

Winning the War on Advertising

Approval of technology such as that provided by Been Choice, goes a long way towards enforcing this fundamental. Apple reports that their data collection policies are, and will remain, minimal at most, with Apple never prying into your sensitive information, usage data or communications. There are many enterprises opposing the blocking of ads due to the impact that it creates on their revenue streams, but no amount of wining will win their fight for free ads! Privacy is too large of concern for industry giants such as Apple to just roll-over and allow free reign of unwanted ad placement. Say no to ads, Apple & Been Choice Do!

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Apple artificial intelligence grows as Perceptio acquired

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Apple appears to be sparing no expense in their endeavor to improve the functionality of voice assistant Siri. Bloomberg reported that their most recent acquisition is that of Perceptio, an artificial intelligence image recognition development. Perceptio is a start-up headed by two brilliant developers from Harvard and MIT, focused on pattern-based, intelligent image recognition. Their technology assists in the recognition of images, without the need for the data to be stored on the cloud. This image processing software is the work of Nicolas Pinto and Zak Stone, PHD, and this technology standard will most likely benefit greatly from the funding, support and data available in the form of Apple.

Deep Learning A.I.

Current image recognition software is dependent upon large amounts of data, stored on cloud storage or other online locations. Perceptio needs nothing of the sort, it is capable of intelligent image recognition on-the-fly. Perceptio uses “deep learning” technology, a branch of artificial intelligent, to allow for image recognition without needing large fixed data-sets. Deep learning is a trending facet if artificial intelligence, being worked on across the globe. This form of artificial intelligence allows for accurate models to be created, using previous examples. Complex arrangements of patterns can be formed, allowing the technology to rapidly learn from data presented.

Rapid Growth of Image & Voice Recognition

The Apple acquisition of Perceptio comes but four days after Apple’s acquisition of VocalIQ. Apple now has two highly-advanced artificial intelligence startups at their disposal, the attention of which will most likely be placed on Siri. Smart computing is in desperate need of an intelligent virtual assistant, especially with Apple’s electric smart car on the horizon in 2019. Apple, forever elusive, refused to provide commentary, simply stating that they do not share their future plans and details of acquisitions with the public. The combination of voice and video-based artificial intelligence is sure to give Apple a much needed boost to their currently limited virtual assistant.

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Porsche selects Apple CarPlay due to Google data requests

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Apple won the battle against Google, sealing them a deal with automotive manufacturer, Porsche. Apple CarPlay was chosen to be featured by the Porsche Carrera 911 and Carrera 911S. Arriving in 2017, the new Porche will not support Android Auto at all, instead offering CarPlay as the default in-car “infotainment” solution. The decision to go with Apple instead was made due to tech-giant Google requiring too much information. Although not officially declared as the deciding factor, Apple staff were unhappy from the start, according to Motor Trend. Google wants too much data!

Google asks for too much

Google Android Auto required data such as traveling speed, throttle position, coolant information and more. It was reported that Android Auto is basically looking for a full on-board diagnostic report. Detailed reporting such as that requested would make Google privie to a huge amount of statistics, statistics such as fuel consumption, vehicle tracking and other sensitive data.

Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, just needs to know if you vehicle is moving or not. Thats it, no other data! It should be clear why renowned manufacturer Porsche opted for Apple instead. A magician never reveals his tricks, similarly Porsche are not just going to be giving away their data. With Google already being secretely involved in the development of their own  electric car, it would not be wise to give away trade secrets.

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Global Roll-outs for CarPlay

Apple CarPlay is certainly gaining in the popularity polls. Their no-fuss, simplistic in-dash entertainment technology is being used by more and more automotive by manufacturers across the world. Hyundai is set to be the first to rollout CarPlay, using Apple’s technology in their 2015 Sonata. Chevrolet is another industry leader that has also opted for CarPlay, will more follow suit?

Apple recently acquired VocalIQ, an intelligent voice recognition who company who had been working with General Motors since 2014. This, along with the great monopoly on Porsche’s new range, is beginning to look like Apple has expansive plans for their automotive future. The industry can only benefit through Apple’s innovation and functionality, driving us forward towards a future with truly smart cars.