Apple iOS 7 Apparently Breaks Supervision Profiles For Schools

Lots of Schools use Apple;s iPad in their classrooms, and the iPads that are used in schools are setup with supervision profiles and also filters to restrict what content can be used on the devices.

Now it would appear that iOS 7 is causing an issue where it is removing the supervision profiles and filters from iPads that are used in some schools.

Some schools have had to take the iPads back from students, completely wipe the device and then do a fresh install of iOS 7 to fix the issue, other schools are are blocking devices from updating to iOS 7.

Apple has yet to acknowledge the issue, although we presume that a fix will come in a future release of Apple iOS 7.

Via: Geeky Gadgets

Apple's big bet on iOS 7 gaming to play out this fall

There's a good reason why a significant portion of Apple's iPhone announcement last week was dedicated to showing off the flagship iOS game series Infinity Blade. That's because with iOS 7 -- rolling out to the public Wednesday -- and the new A7 chip's 64-bit architecture, Apple is signaling to the world that it's dead set on remaining the preeminent mobile-gaming ecosystem.

iOS has long been the leader in that space thanks to its robust platform and the ease with which developers of all sizes -- from single-app makers to triple-A studios with sprawling mobile suites -- can monetize games. Game apps have heavily populated the most downloaded and highest grossing charts since the advent of the App Store and have launched entire studios to stardom, from Rovio with Angry Birds to King with Candy Crush.

Maintaining this edge means delivering not only full-blown Bluetooth controller support -- initially announced at this year's WWDC as part of Apple's MFi (made for iOS) accessory certification -- but urging developers to round out new hardware with top-notch apps that take advantage of the A7. Both strategies are well under way, and Apple is in a strong position to keep the mobile-gaming crown as it brings them to fruition this fall.

Apple has long had its sights set on making handheld gaming devices less appealing, a battle mobile apps have been winning. Apple's success against traditional gaming has always hinged on whether or not it can convince iPhone owners that devices like the PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and Nvidia Shield cannot keep up with the pace of iOS game development and its impending hardware offerings.

Or, at the very least, that those devices are not worth the money. After all, why cast out large chunks of change on a Nintendo or Sony-owned gaming ecosystem, Apple logic goes, when one exists on your smartphone that's steadily catching up to the gaming juggernauts?

While 64-bit smartphone chips will be flooding the market come next year -- as well as updated and cheaper portable gaming devices -- Apple is gunning to be there first, with developers at its side and a line of impressive controllers to boot. If it succeeds, it will be a battle already won.

Optimizing for the A7 has already begun

When iOS 7 goes public, game developers will have already optimized apps waiting for download. It makes sense too when you note that iOS adoption is typically quick and widespread. (One month after iOS 6's release last September, more than 60 percent of users had installed the update.)

"The updated versions of Dungeon Hunter 4 and Playmobil Pirates have cleared Apple approval and are up on the iTunes store," said Thomas Price, a representative for mobile game developer Gameloft. The studio also has a dozen more apps waiting for Apple approval, all optimized for the jump to 64-bit with the iPhone 5S and the more minute software tweaks present in the updated Game Center app.

More are on the way from a number of high-profile developers. At Electronic Arts, developers are taking advantage of the OpenGS ES 3.0 interface, a cross-platform API -- currently supported only by the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, updated Nexus 7, and Sony Xperia Z -- widely used for smartphone graphics rendering.

With the iPhone 5S, Apple joins that batch with the added benefit of being the only one of those smartphones to push a 64-bit processor.

"OpenGL ES 3.0 delivers stunning visual experiences, which will be immediately apparent on EA's graphically rich 3D titles such as Real Racing 3 and Madden NFL 25, as well as FIFA 14 by EA SPORTS and Heroes of Dragon Age, which will launch this fall," said Bernard Kim, SVP of Mobile Publishing at EA.

Developer Kabam, makers of the popular Facebook-integrated Kingdoms of Camelot series, is also prepping a number of updates for iOS 7.

"Kabam will release new game content for its most popular titles, including The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth, Fast & Furious 6: The Game, and Dragons of Atlantis: Heirs of the Dragon," said a company representative, though no timeline or specifics on the updates were made available. More notably however is Kabam's plan to utilize iOS 7's unique parallax effect -- a pseudo-3D motion most recognizable in Apple's new wallpapers -- in its upcoming Heroes of Camelot title.

Leading the charge is Infinity Blade 3, which hits the App Store in tandem with iOS 7. Users won't be able to access the graphical capabilities baked into the game that optimize for the A7 chip until they get their hands on an iPhone 5S (sales start September 20). Still, the graphical marketing push from both developer Epic Games and Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller last Tuesday shows that the iPhone maker wants the best and most aggressive mobile gaming advancements to take center stage on iOS.

iPhone controller on horizon, but questions remain 

While new titles and app updates will be rolling out en masse following iOS 7's release, don't expect official controller announcements until right before the holiday season. Most models are in development right now, with expected unveilings estimated for late October and early November.

PowerA, makers of the Moga line of portable and console-style Android controllers, has iPhone controller announcements in the pipeline, though company representatives won't say exactly when we'll see our first iOS 7-optimized handheld or what it will look like.

It's unclear whether the company's current portable offering -- an Xbox-style controller with a flip-out holster to fasten in your smartphone -- will simply be ported over to iOS, or if we'll see an entirely new Moga design. PowerA also offers a pro model in which the device mirrors the smartphone screen to a television through proprietary software. That's an unlikely option with Apple given that a mirroring function conflict directly with the Apple TV's AirPlay.

It's also worth noting that the idea of controller support, despite piquing the interest of hardware makers and game developers alike, is a bit of a turnaround for Apple, who built its smartphone reputation with the launch of the original iPhone on a touchscreen that forgoes the need for physical buttons. But the company sees the value in competing with handhelds not just in experience with low-cost, easy-access apps, but in functionality. An A7 chip means near-console level performance capacity, making an add-on controller a no-brainer, especially if its of third-party make and Apple can test the waters by casually urging developers to add support.

Perhaps the most anticipated iOS controller is in the works at Logitech. The company made headlines in June when leaked images of early handset prototypes hit the Web and the hardware manufacturer confirmed its plans. Early concepts show a diverging design from PowerA wherein the iPhone is fitted inside a controller, turning the device into something akin to a PlayStation Vita.

"We'll support Apple's new MFi game controller framework, and plan to deliver a compelling gaming experience to iOS gamers this fall," said a Logitech representative, though the company declined to elaborate further, as has been the case with many hardware manufacturers since WWDC.

But while the iPhone announcement and A7 unveiling have done little to tip the controller manufacturers into spilling more secrets -- let alone try and speed up the delivery of the hardware -- Apple is still sitting pretty at the forefront of the mobile gaming industry thanks to the marketing bump of the A7's capabilities. It will only further its lead in the coming months with more and more iOS 7-optimized apps and the influx of new 5C and 5S devices running its latest software.

Integral to Apple's lead is the developer-held mindset that iOS marks the cutting edge playground for the newest advancements in mobile gaming. It lets them optimize for the small subset of users who can enjoy the latest and greatest graphics and functionality while the widest audience -- those with the current iPhone 5 and 4S -- gain last year's touted advancements in trickle-down fashion. The "rinse and repeat" annual iPhone strategy will continue to drive the iOS ecosystem's role on this front.

"Important to gamers and game developers like Kabam, which has had four games among the top 25 grossing apps on the Apple App Store, the new interface provides a better game-playing experience," Kabam's CEO Kevin Chou said on September 10 as Apple unveiled the iPhone 5S. "And the new controller puts Apple at the forefront of bridging the ever-shrinking gap between consoles and iOS devices."

Kabam may be bias toward Apple's success, given its tied to the success of its own apps, but the point is still valid: The gap is shrinking, and iOS is up front by a wide margin.

Source: The Cnet News

PayPal revamps its iOS and Android apps

PayPal has launched new version of its iOS and Android apps, and they now look better than ever. And we’re not talking about minor tweaks here; rather the whole UI has been revamped from the ground up and many new features have been added to make for a that much better user experience.

From the “Shop” tab you can find shops or restaurants nearby that accept PayPal payments. While there, you can also “check in” and open a tab with a single swipe. There’s also the ability to change how you want to pay from here, providing you with access to your entire wallet in the app. And after you’ve paid, you’ll see PayPal’s confirmation alert and the usual PayPal email receipt. No money to pay? No problem – in the new app, you can open a line of credit using Bill Me Later.

While at a “PayPal friendly” restaurant you can now order ahead and bypass the line. More than a thousand Eat24 locations are already included, with more restaurants and cafes coming soon. Or you can check-in to view your bill, give a tip and pay your restaurant bill through the application. Heck, you can even order another drink from the app at some locations.

Finally, PayPal Offers come included in the new application. $100 is available in your PayPal app from local US businesses, and these offers are automatically redeemed at checkout. Check how it all comes together in the following video.

Source: Intomobile

New leak points to Sept. 10 release of iOS7

Loose lips, sunken ships and -- iOS7? Sure looks that way, given an email sent to a developer named Owen Williams who reposted contents of an email sent to him today by Siri developer Nuance suggesting that the public would get its first look at iOS 7 on September 10th.

Developers have so far gone through sixth beta versions of this upcoming software update for iPhones, iPods and iPads as they work out any kinks.

Via: The Cnet

Researchers slip malware onto Apple's App Store, again

Researchers have once again pulled a fast one on Apple's app approval process, getting malware onto the App Store to prove it's still a possibility.

A group of researchers from Georgia Tech developed an app that masqueraded as a news reader that would phone home to reprogram itself into malware -- something that was apparently not picked up in Apple's security screening procedures, reports the MIT Technology Review.

Once configured remotely, the software was able to do things like send texts, e-mails, post Tweets, take pictures, dial phone numbers, and even reboot the system.

Apple only ran the app for a few seconds during its testing process, the researchers said. And once published to the App Store, the researchers quickly removed it after they were able to successfully install it on their phones.

The methodology and results of the test, which occurred in March, were published this week at the UNSENIX Security Symposium in Washington, D.C.

Apple told the Technology Review it has changed its iOS security since learning of the vulnerabilities detailed in the research, though it's unclear if anything's changed in the company's app screening process.

This isn't the first time a researcher has slipped malware onto the App Store to prove a point. Charlie Miller, a well-known security researcher (and now Twitter employee) who targeted Apple's products and services for years, did the very same thing in 2011. Miller released a generic stock-checking app called InstaStock that could tap into his own server and grab bits of code. The behavior was grounds for dismissal from Apple's developer program, per the company's App Store guidelines.

Apple has long touted the security of the App Store, with executives going so far as to bash competitors for it. On the eve of Samsung's Galaxy S4 announcement in March, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller tweeted "Be safe out there" while linking to a report from F-Secure which focused on the rise of Android security threats. Schiller also gave interviews to Reuters and The Wall Street Journal knocking other aspects of the Android platform.

Via: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57598955-37/researchers-slip-malware-onto-apples-app-store-again/

After iPhone 5S and iOS 7 debut, Apple customers may be nearly impossible to steal

Apple users are already notoriously faithful to their consumer electronics brand of choice, but one industry watcher thinks Apple customers will soon be almost impossible to steal. In a recent piece, Forbes contributor Mark Rogowsky discussed how unbelievably loyal Apple customers are — for example, a recent survey found that 91% of current iPhone owners plan to purchase another iPhone — but he argued that Apple’s big upcoming moves in two key areas are going to push Apple customer loyalty to the next level.

According to Rogowsky, Apple’s TV efforts and likely push into gaming will introduce yet another area where Apple’s ecosystem will lock users in. Then the next piece of the puzzle, Rogowsky believes, is the iPhone 5S and iOS 7′s integration with cars.

“What iOS in the Car gets Apple is a further closing of the loop by which you and your data are tied together across Apple devices everywhere from your computer to your tablet to your phone to your TV set top box to your ‘smartwatch,’ ” Rogowsky wrote. “If it’s difficult to consider swapping out an iPhone for a Galaxy S4 today given how the iPhone integrates with some other Apple device you might have, imagine what it would be like if you had a half dozen. That’s why Cook wants to double down on Apple being the primary vendor of iPhones as opposed to third parties: So Apple can lock you in. The thing is, most loyalists don’t mind, so long as Apple keeps them comfortable on the couch. Or as they cruise down the highway.”

iOS 7 will launch alongside the iPhone 5S this fall.

Via: The BGR

Strong T-Mobile iPhone sales help iOS market share gain on Android

According to a report from market research firm Kantar Worldpanel, smartphone sales in the U.S. have remained stable over the three-month period ending in May. The firm noted that strong iPhone sales from T-Mobile helped Apple’s market share jump 3.5% between March and May, and the iPhone now accounts for 41.9% of smartphone sales in America. The mobile market duopoly continued as Android accounted for 52% of sales, up 0.1% year-over-year. Sales of Windows Phone devices saw little growth, increasingly a mere 0.9% year-over-year for a 4.6% market share in the No.3 spot.

Even though it was released in mid-April, the iPhone accounted for 31% of smartphone sales at T-Mobile in the three-month period ending in May. Kantar noted that the iPhone helped T-Mobile attract first time smartphone buyers, adding that more than half of subscribers who purchased an iPhone from the carrier upgraded from a feature phone.

Despite the success of the iPhone, T-Mobile’s smartphone market share fell 3.4% to 10.1%, behind AT&T at 34.6%, Verizon with 29% and Sprint at 12.7%.

Source: http://bgr.com/2013/07/08/t-mobile-iphone-sales/

How to set your Vine account to private

One of the biggest features missing from Vine since its launch has been the ability to mark an account as private. Twitter's video sharing service, from day one, has been an all public affair, with no way for users to easily share a Vine privately.

Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET

Today Vine announced it was updating its iOS and Android apps, finally bringing a level of privacy to the short video social network.

The iOS version also includes a long list of other notable features, which make for a notable answer to Instagram's new video feature rolled out last month. You can read more about the new features here.

In order to set your Vine account to private you'll need to download the latest version for your iPhone or Android device. Once installed iOS will need to go to view profile and then tap the on Settings button. Android users can tap on the menu button in the top-right corner and select Settings. From here tap on "Your Content."

Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

You can then enable account privacy by moving the "Posts are protected" switch to the on position. And, should you find your posts containing sensitive material that might be offensive to some, you may as well turn the sensitive posts switch on while you're here.

Now that your Vine account is private, the only people who will be able to view your posts are your followers on Vine. Of course, if you decide to push a video to Twitter or Facebook, those friends will also be able to view your 6-second clip.

Via: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57592232-285/how-to-set-your-vine-account-to-private/

Mailbox iOS app now supports landscape mode, Gmail aliases

The Mailbox iOS app now supports landscape mode

Those of you who use the Mailbox iOS app will discover two new useful features the next time you fire it up.

Designed as an alternative to the built-in iOS e-mail client, Mailbox version 1.3.2 now lets you manage and read your messages in landscape mode, a much-needed enhancement.

You can also now send an e-mail using a Gmail alias. This lets you use an alternate address in the From field if for whatever reason you don't want to use your Gmail address.

Mailbox offers a clean and simple interface and several tricks to manage, prioritize, and archive your messages. The app still supports only Gmail, but its developer promises that other e-mail platforms are coming soon.

Mailbox is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch and is optimized for the longer screen of the iPhone 5.

Source: Cnet.com

DIY: How to download and install iOS 7 on Apple iPhone 4

Apple announced the much awaited iOS 7 at the WWDC recently detailing various features that the new OS will bring onboard.

Standing out from its predecessor, iOS 6 with its simplified, flat and streamlined interface won both fans and critics. While some have been impressed with the finer details and revamped icons, others have criticized it for being simple, childish and basic.

If you are itching to get hold of the iOS7, our DIY guide shows you just what to do to download and install the latest operating system on your iPhone 4.

You will be jumping through some hoops, so be sure you are absolutely sure about it.

Apart from that you should also be ready to shell $99 (roughly Rs 5,400) a year. Also as is the case with any beta product, the iOS 7 beta preview has its share of risks which includes crashes, bugs, the chance of losing data and bricking.

Also a reminder that not all iOS 7 features will be ported to the iPhone 4. For example you won't be getting the AirDrop, Siri, filters in the camera or the panorama shooting. On the brighter side you will get filters in photos, square/video formats, swipe to capture and the recently launched itunes Radio. hoorah!

iPhone 5 gets complete iOS 7 package; iPhone 4, 4S and iPad 3 selected few

Lets kick off:

1. Start with backing up your device.

2. Now head to the Apple Developer Program and sign up. As you would expect the site is in demand and can be really slow at times, so be patient while it loads or better still head back after 2-3 days.

3. The Apple Developer Program will cost you $99 for a year. Once you are in, head to the iOS Developer section.

4. Make sure you have your device's UDID registered in the Developer Center before you start installing the iOS 7 beta.

5. Now download the right version of the iOS 7 beta for the iPhone 4 you have.

6. Make sure you download the latest version of iTunes which you can get from here: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

7. Open the .dmg file and extract the iOS beta file. Just look for the file which ends with '.ipsw'

8. Now connect your device to a computer and fire up iTunes.

9. Click on the 'iPhone' button in iTunes, which brings up your device's stats.  Make sure that you have your device backed up here - that's very important.

10. Now you need to hold the 'Option' key and then hit the 'Restore iPhone' button.

11. You will be given a choice of files. Select the iOS 7 beta file you just downloaded.

12. The installation will take 10 odd minutes  - so make sure during this time that device stays connected.

13. Once its is done you should be looking at the latest iOS 7 version on your iPhone 4.

Source: http://www.knowyourmobile.in/apple/apple-iphone-4/8048/diy-how-download-and-install-ios-7-apple-iphone-4

Video shows what looks like iOS 7 running on an iPad

What will iOS 7 look like on an iPad?

Apple has yet to give developers an iPad version of iOS 7, but photos, videos, and reports are popping up left and right about what the new operating system will look like on the tablet.

A new iPad iOS 7 video (see below) surfaced Tuesday from a Russian-based YouTube user named Rozetked who claims to have the upcoming OS running on his iPad. In the video, the user holding an iPad taps and swipes through different screens and features.

What's shown is awfully similar to what is known about iOS 7 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. When Apple announced the debut of iOS 7 for those devices at WWDC last week, the company said it dramatically redesigned the look and feel of the user interface. This appears to be shown in Rosetked's video.

Icons, buttons, and color schemes all look like they've been revamped. The screen also has a swipe feature at the bottom of the device for quick access to various features -- just like with iOS 7 for the iPhone.

Still, it's unclear if this video is indeed showing Apple's legitimate iOS 7 for the iPad or just some mock-up.

CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.

Via: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57589952-37/video-shows-what-looks-like-ios-7-running-on-an-ipad/

Hidden iOS 7 feature puts panoramas in lock screen

An otherwise undocumented iOS 7 feature has been discovered that lets users view the entirety of large, panoramic photos on their iPhone's lock screen.

             

The feature uses the device's built-in gyroscope to track movement, and pans across the photo. In its demos of the software at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, Apple had only shown off that the background of the lock screen and home screen would move slightly as users tilted the phone.

A Vine of the eye candy, spotted by Business Insider on Wednesday, shows the feature in motion.

Apple introduced the panoramic photo feature inside of iOS 5 last year. The technology, which was outed in earlier versions of the software, stitches together a panoramic photo as users slowly pan their device from side to side. Similar features also are available on rival smartphone platforms, including Google's Photo Sphere feature, which lets users capture 360-degree, interactive photos.

An initial beta of iOS 7 was released to developers Monday, in what is expected to be the first of several ahead of its release. Apple has not provided an exact date for its release, short of this fall, when the company is also expected to introduce its next iPhone. There are still no versions of iOS 7 available for iPads, just the iPhone and latest-generation iPod Touch.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57588930-37/hidden-ios-7-feature-puts-panoramas-in-lock-screen/