iPhone 5s Gold Color Availability: Apple Inc. (APPL) Gold iPhone Named 'Kardashian' Smartphone by Employees, Says Columnist

The gold model of Apple's iPhone 5s reportedly had a nickname to television personality Kim Kardashian.

New York Times Columnist Nick Bilton, on Twitter, made the iPhone-Kardashian claim.

Bilton tweeted, "A source at Apple told me while they were making the gold iPhone it was referred to internally as 'The Kardashian Phone.'"

The codename for the iPhone 5s was not a serious name for the latest Apple smartphone but simply an "internal joke," according to TechCrunch.

Coincidentally, Kardashian tweeted in Dec. 7, 2012, about her new iPhone 5. The difference between her iPhone 5, at the time, was it was anodized in gold.

The reveal about the codename, although Apple Inc. didn't confirm it, comes as the shipment delays for the gold model iPhone 5s were reduced.

As seen on Apple's official website, the gold iPhone 5s has a projected shipment delay of two to three weeks for its 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, regardless of mobile carrier.

On Apple.com, the 16GB gold iPhone 5s will cost the consumer $199 when signing a two-year contract with AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon Wireless. The 32GB model will cost $299, while the 64GB variant is priced at $399.

With T-Mobile, the prices are different. The 16GB gold iPhone 5s cost $649 contract-free. The 32GB variant is priced at $749 and $849 for the 64GB model.

As Latinos Post reported, Apple announced nine million units of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c were sold during its first weekend on Sept. 20. The Cupertino-based organization didn't reveal specific numbers for the iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c. The nine million units for both phones were four million units more than the first-weekend sales of the iPhone 5 in September 2012, which sold 5 million units.

The features for the iPhone 5s are, for the most part, the same specifications as the discontinued iPhone 5, such as the 4-inch Retina Display with 1,136x640 resolution, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1080p HD video recording camera, to name a few.

The iPhone 5s, however, features a larger f/2.2 aperture for the rear-facing camera with the aim of improving low-light photography. The iPhone 5s utilizes the A7 processor chip with 64-bit architecture, which plays a critical role with the Touch ID.

Via: Latinos Post

iPhone 5s Touch ID Thrusts Biometric Security into the Spotlight

Since the release of the iPhone 5s and its built-in fingerprint scanner, Touch ID, biometric security has been a topic of discussion on social media, in the news and around the water cooler. Everyone is wondering whether Apple’s decision to bring biometric security to the smartphone could make the technology as ubiquitous as the PINs for ATM transactions.

Although Apple is not the first company to use fingerprint scanning as an authentication method, it is responsible for one of the most high-profile biometric security initiatives in recent times.

Security vs. Convenience

Using your fingerprint may be easier than punching in a passcode, but many security professionals wonder whether the convenience is worth the security risks. A fingerprint is just one type of biometric technology that can be used to verify one’s identity. Unfortunately, prints are left on pretty much any surface touched.

The Chaos Computer Club went to great lengths to hack the Touch ID system, and although the hackers were successful, the operation proved to be quite complex. The group outlined its process as follows:

"First, the residual fingerprint from the phone is either photographed or scanned with a flatbed scanner at 2400 dpi. Then the image is converted to black & white, inverted and mirrored. This image is then printed onto transparent sheet at 1200 dpi. To create the mold, the mask is then used to expose the fingerprint structure on photo-sensitive PCB material.

The PCB material is then developed, etched and cleaned. After this process, the mold is ready. A thin coat of graphite spray is applied to ensure an improved capacitive response. This also makes it easier to remove the fake fingerprint. Finally a thin film of white wood glue is smeared into the mold. After the glue cures the new fake fingerprint is ready for use."

Discussions about security and convenience are often directed at the user, but those features are of interest to the hacker as well. The above process might be successful, but the resources involved in securing a high-resolution copy of someone’s fingerprint (without his or her knowledge) and assembling all of the necessary material to reproduce the fingerprint make this type of breach an unattractive option for most hackers.

How Secure Is Touch ID?

Some say Touch ID is “more secure than a short code” because everyone has a unique set of fingerprints. According to Apple, after five failed attempts with the wrong print, Touch ID will not work; instead, a passcode will be needed to gain access to the device. Also, despite concerns that smartphone thieves would go on a finger-snatching spree, the user must present the fingerprint from the correct live finger in order to access the device, so pictures of prints will not work on the sensor, according to a report from Mashable.

On the other hand, there is a possibility that cyberhackers could use sinister iPhone apps to obtain the print from the chip. Little discussion about this potential breach has taken place, but the opportunity for the hack is present, according to a report from ZDNet.

If worrying about these scenarios sounds paranoid, consider the fact that our lives are increasingly becoming digital. Losing a phone is no longer about just the device; it’s also about the personal data the phone carries.

So while there’s no doubting the cool factor of fingerprint authentication, there’s also no doubting the appetite for fingerprint fiascos.

Source: Biz Tech Magazine

Oyster Brings 'Netflix for E-Books' App to iPad, Opens to Public

A little more than a month after launching an iPhone app in invitation-only beta, Oyster is making its e-book subscription service available to all users and expanding to iPad.

Oyster charges $9.95 a month for access to more than 100,000 books from big and small publishers, but it now offers users one free month with the hope of getting more people to try the app experience. The startup declined to provide data on the number of users or books read during the beta period, but noted that 1 million pages were read in the first 10 days the app was available and another million pages were read in the following six days.

"When people first sign on to the [iPhone] app, they engage with several titles and when they find what they want, they generally stick with that from start to finish," Eric Stromberg, cofounder of Oyster, told Mashable in a recent interview. "With the iPad, what we are really hoping for is that people might spend an hour just browsing through books in the same way that you do your local bookshop or local library."

The iPad app very similarly to the iPhone app, but with more of an emphasis on using the screen's extra real estate to enhance the browsing experience. Oyster highlights books in different categories, similar to Netflix, shows which books your friends are reading on the service and lets readers flip through pages by scrolling up and down or tapping on the side of the page.

Just in the few weeks since Oyster unveiled the beta version of its app, the so-called "Netflix for e-books" space has grown noticeably more crowded. Scribd, the popular document sharing service, jumped into the ring earlier this month with a slightly cheaper ebook subscription service — $8.99 per month — but an undisclosed number of books to read.

Trip Adler, Scribd's cofounder and CEO, described the new e-book service as a logical extension of its subscription option for premium documents and argued that Scribd's more established brand made it a stronger contender to dominate what he sees as being a multi-billion dollar market.

"Netflix is worth about $18 billion. Spotify is worth about $3 billion," Adler told us at the time. "I don't see why there isn't a similar opportunity in this space."

Stromberg appeared to be unfazed by Scribd's entrance into the market. "It's no surprise that other people see that same opportunity that we see," he said. "But the space is very early."

When asked whether he too believes e-book subscriptions could be a multi-billion dollar market, Stromberg had a more cautious answer than Adler. "We have aspirations for our company and certainly look to other companies like Netflix, one of the largest technology companies in the world, and see that as a great indicator that a company like ours can grow."

Oyster has raised $3 million to date from Founders Fund and plans to build out its service on other platforms in the future.

Source: Mashable

Obvious Engineering’s Seene app lets you create and share 3D photos on the iPhone

Computer vision R&D startup Obvious Engineering has released Seene, an iPhone app that aims to be a “3D Instagram” by using depth capture technology to let you create photos with a parallax effect.

Seene records an image from four different angles in order to generate its 3D images. The recording process has a steep learning curve, but the results are quite cool. If you’ve captured your subject properly, you’ll be able to rotate your phone to view the scene from different angles.

The technology has a number of limitations. You’ll only be able to rotate around the image by a few degrees, and some objects capture better than others. Sometimes the app would have trouble differentiating between the subject and the background, resulting in a trippy blending effect that would do things like bend a wall onto a person’s head. Plain, transparent or reflective surfaces won’t photograph well in Seene.

The Seene app includes social networking functionality that lets you follow other users and favorite their photos.

“We think this can have a very large number of users. our intention is to grow a social service like a Vine or an Instagram,” Obvious Engineering co-founder and CEO Andrew McPhee said in an interview.

Seene uses a proprietary file format for photos, but you will be able to view your posts on the Web and embed them on Tumblr. The format is compatible with Safari, Firefox and Chrome on the desktop. Seene images should also be viewable on the latest build of Chrome on Android, which includes WebGL support. The team says it has plans to release an Android app in the future.

In its current implementation, Seene is a nifty app to show off to your friends. The tricky recording process is bound to discourage a lot of mainstream users, but Obvious Engineering may have a “3D Instagram” on its hands if it can smooth out the learning curve.

Via: The Next Web

iPad 5 Release Date: Specs, Features, Price News Roundup Ahead of Apple Event October 2013

iPad 5 Silver Rear Shell

The next generation iPad 5 is rumored to be released in October at Apple's eagerly anticipated event, and over recent months rumors about the device's specs, features and price have been swirling.

Here is a round up of some of the most probably rumors concerning the upcoming next generation tablet.

Release Date

Apple is touted to be holding a special event on October 15, 2013 where the iPad 5 will be released. Invitations are expected to be released to the press this week, which should confirm as such.

Traditionally Apple always sends out press invitations a week prior to holding its special events and keynote events where major products are released.

Specs and Features

The iPad 5 is expected to undergo a major redesign – which would be the first for years. The new iPad is expected to be much lighter than previous models, and thinner – similar to that of the first generation iPad Mini.

The iPad 5 is expected to feature the A7 chip, which of course powers Apple's new iPhone 5S device. It is also expected to feature the new M7 chip, which is a motion co-processor that is inside the latest iPhone. The tablet obviously will come with a Retina display.

Rumors have also suggested that a wireless charging feature will be released with the new iPad 5. Apple filed a patent in September 2011 for such a feature and numerous sources over recent weeks have claimed that the iPad 5 will be the first to feature this.

Price

The iPad 5 is rumored to sell starting from $399 and will rise from there for the higher memory devices.

Colors

Although there has not been any confirmation from Apple – there never is in advance to their devices being released – many rumors have been sparked about the iPad 5 being released in different colors.

Apple's iPhone 5S featured a new gold colored version, and many believe that the iPad 5 will also feature a gold version due to the huge popularity of the new color choice. Whether that turns out to be true or not remains to be seen.

Source: Christian Post

Get fabulous fall fashions for less with these iPhone apps

Fashionable style these days is all about knowing how to mix what you have, adding trendy pieces occasionally, and not breaking the bank while making your (what looks like) effortless street-style happen. It makes my head hurt just thinking about it. To keep up that fashionable appearance while on a budget, peruse these iPhone apps meant for savvy and stylish fall shoppers on the go.

Poshmark

Make your fashionable mark this fall for less with the free Poshmark app for iPhone. It’s a savvy way to shop your social media friends’ closets. It’s basically a fashionable eBay in an iPhone app just for fashionable friends. Post gently used and still fashionable pieces for your friends to make an offer on and then, bid on their cool stuff you have been eyeing for months! Investing a little more in shoes and handbags usually begets you a better selling price later so keep that in mind when shopping for new fall pieces. My shopping motto: How much can I resell it for in a year?

Fashion Kaleidoscope

The free Fashion Kaleidoscope iPhone app is your answer to the question: what in the world am I going to wear today? This seriously fashionable app is filled with everyday style inspiration you can imitate in real life from actual people around the globe. From hipsters in Portland to café girls in Paris, find the style you most admire and create a fall fashion statement that is all your own. Then, purchase your favorite pieces via links in this savvy style app. Finally, spread your newly-minted style around the globe by sharing pictures with the Kaleidoscope app.

PINK Nation

We all have our “I just want to wear sweats” moments. And, there is one shopping task I look forward to more than anything in fall: the annual new sweats and yoga pants order! With the free PINK Nation app for iPhone you can easily shop for your new fall lounge apparel from Victoria’s Secrets PINK line, which includes college and NFL apparel perfect for at-home tailgating on the couch. The crafty app is also filled with fun games and deals for new duds.

Topshop US

Looking to stock up on this season’s trends for less than typical department store prices? The best place for trendy but still quality fashion shopping these days is Topshop. If you don’t have one of these lovely stores in your U.S. town yet, never fear, you can shop on your iPhone with the free Topshop US app. You can view Topshop’s blog feed and Tumblr with this chic app so you have even more inspiration to build a one-of-kind fall wardrobe for the fraction of the price of a designer handbag. Think lace dresses, faux leather, and printed pants for fall standout pieces.

Beautylish

With the innovations in makeup and nail design these days, you can make a basic and old little black dress really pop like new by simply buying new eyeliner. Learn some tricks of the trade this fall with the free Beautylish app for iPhone. This pretty app will help you brush up on your beauty skills to spruce up your fall fashions without maxing out your credit card.

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Five iPhone apps to help ace your next job interview

Your iPhone rings and you already have butterflies in your stomach. You got the interview! But now what? Hit the iTunes App Store to locate the best apps to help you prepare for your next series of interviews starting with these suggestions, right here on Appolicious.

Business Secrets ($2.99)

Showing up at an interview confident that you are a well-rounded business expert is a must for any industry. Check out the tips in the Business Secrets app to start off on the right path in your interview and even beyond that first meeting. There are 50 tips each for a myriad of business categories including interviews, leadership, career management and more. It’s the perfect business app to help you get your foot in the door and keep it there.

CNN (Free)

The last thing you want to do is walk into an interview unaware of the current state of the economy and world at large. Make a habit of reading the free CNN app for iPhone every day so that you are well prepared for any side conversations on everyday topics. Whether you are in the tech, finance or entertainment industry, the CNN app has reports you can use including breaking news alerts you don’t want to miss, especially right before a big interview.

iFlatter – Compliment Yourself ($0.99)

A strategically placed and appropriate compliment can go a long way during an interview. Resist the urge to brown-nose right off the bat and save your flattery for the perfect moment or your final goodbye. Do you have trouble using compliments? Check out the iFlatter – Compliment Yourself iPhone app. It even has a special section for “work” compliments. A nice and sincere, “I like that tie” or “That shirt makes your eyes pop” can be an easy way to set yourself apart from the mass of interviewees.

Monster.com Interviews by Monster Worldwide (Free)

If you don’t have a lot of interviewing experience under your belt and need more than a little flattery to get you the job, then the free Monster.com Interviews app for iPhone is where you should start your preparation. This iPhone app is your interview coach with step-by-step instructions on how to prep for and ace your next series of interviews. It even includes guidance on how to navigate that oh-so important post-interview follow-up communication that is necessary to your job-acquiring success. Another fun feature allows you to record yourself answering tricky questions so you can prepare for even the thorniest question. Did you get the job offer but not the salary you wanted? This app even has income-negotiating advice.

Jobjuice Marketing ($9.99)

Are you an MBA pursuing a career in marketing and business? In these professions, interview questions tend to veer from the “What is your greatest strength?” to more complicated questions aimed to calculate your creative potential in a few minutes or less. Jobjuice Marketing is a dynamic app that helps you prepare for a higher level of job interview. It offers more than 50 cards filled with marketing concepts and frameworks. This smart app was developed by Wharton MBAs so you will be in fabulous company when you use it.

Source: The Appolicious