Apple: Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Gregg Mojica

Here at AppleRumors.NET, we’re remembering the amazing year of 2013. Apple certainly had an incredible year and to do so, rather than write a full fledged article, we’ve prepared a timeline photo to visualize what Apple’s been up to.

The year started with the introduction of the iPad (4) with 128 GB, then iTunes U hit 1 Billion downloads, WWDC 2013 sold out in less than two minutes (71 seconds), iTunes has 25 Millions songs and turned 10 this year, the App Store hit 50 Billion downloads, and WWDC 2013 began on June 10. At WWDC, the new Mac Pro, iTunes Radio was unveiled along with OS X Mavericks and the radical iOS 7. The MacBook Airs as well as new Airport Extremes and time Capsules were also released. Apple updated Logic pro to Logic Pro X, a major upgrade, in July and new iMacs launched in late September. September was also the month of the iPhone: the iPhone 5s with Touch ID and iPhone 5c. In October, the new iPads were released (iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display) along with new MacBook Pros (Retina); Apple also updated it’s iWork and iLife Suites (also, it included iWork for iCloud). In December, Apple pushed iBeacons an signed a major deal with China Mobile, the world’s largest carrier.

That’s not all…see the picture for a full description. Happy New Year! We can’t wait for 2014!

Breaking: Apple Signs Deal with China Mobile

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Gregg Mojica

Apple late yesterday signed a deal with China Mobile, the world’s largest cell phone carrier. The deal has been rumored for months. The carrier has about 760 million customers – more than AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile combined. China Mobile iPhone activations are expected to raise apple’s income by at least 5% in 2014.

As China Mobile begins to release 4G to its customers it will now be able to sell 4G enabled iPhones at its stores.

While the iPhone is popular in China, it is an expensive, premium phone. As a result, many lower-income individuals may not have the opportunity to purchase the phone.

As Apple ventures into new areas, one might ask, “where next?” Only time can tell…

Apple Roundup

Posted on December 21, 2013 by Gregg Mojica

It’s been a slow week for rumors (and a busy one for holiday shoppers), so I decided to compile everything into one article.

Apple recently released the first beta of OS X 10.9.2 to developers. The update includes various bug fixes and other minor enhancements, but most notably now includes FaceTime Audio, a service introduced in iOS 7.

FaceTime Audio is available currently only on iDevices, but will soon include Macs. Apple is likely to release 10.9.2 (to the public) sometime next year.

On other Mac news, Apple’s Mac Pro, radically redesigned and re-envisioned, saw preorders on Thursday and is now shipping in February. Wow. You probably have a better shot of getting your hands on one at your local Apple Store.

Furthermore, iTunes Connect, the developer portal, will not be accessible to developers for over a week. This means that App Pricing, Stats, and app uploads will not be available. While this doesn’t officially affect customers, you won’t have any updates or price changes during this time.

That’s your week in review!

Breaking: Apple Anounces Mac Pro Price and Availability

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Gregg Mojica

Apple today announced that it will offer the Mac Pro, announced at WWDC in June, for $2,999 (baseline model) starting tomorrow. While this may be a steep price point, Apple does not target most customers with this device. As the name implies, the Mac Pro is a professional device and is intended to be used by pros (i.e. developers, photographers, videographers, etc.).

The new Mac packs a punch with all SSD, new processors, and an incredible design – one that’s a leap back to the “classical” design days of Apple in 2001-2004.

Review: Apple iBeacons

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Gregg Mojica

Image Credit: MacRumors

iBeacon. The name speaks for itself (as does practically every other i product). With the release of iOS 7, Apple introduced a new feature in it’s API to developers. “iBeacon” allows users to receive notifications on their iDevice when they approach a location specific place and have the notification disappear when they leave. Sounds cool? Well, it could have serious applications and the possibilities are endless.

Most recently, rumors pointed to Apple integrating it in their own stores. A few days later, the rumors were confirmed and Apple indeed integrated iBeacons into its stores.

So what exactly are these iBeacons? Spam machines? Well, partially. I happened to test out the iBeacons when purchasing a new computer at the Apple Store yesterday (oh, and I saw the code class Apple has been promoting). First off, you have to have the Apple Store App installed. Once you have the app installed, you’ll be prompted to enable the notificatoins. If you have in-store iBeacon notifications enabled, you’ll receive info when you walk towards a specific section. I walked towards the iPhone table and was presented with a notification (see below). Not bad, but not great. I was unimpressed with the overall usage – I didn’t get notifications for the iPad or Mac sections (not sure why).

iBeacons do have potential. A lot of it, in fact. But they need to be utilized to their potential. Can’t wait to see what Apple does in the future.

More pictures to come soon! Check back soon.

Breaking: Apple Remembers Nelson Mandela

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Gregg Mojica

Apple today changed it’s homepage to commemorate the life of former South African President and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. Mandela died on Friday at the age of 95. In the past, Apple has commemorated the death of individuals such Rosa Parks, Steve Jobs, and Jerry York.

Apple used Mandela as an example in its legendary Think Different campaign of 1997. Mandela was depicted as a rebel and leader – the type Apple culture has forever idolized. Mandela fought for his beliefs and changed the world – philosophy deeply ingrained in Apple culture and the late Steve Jobs.

In typical Apple fashion, the homepage only depicts a black and white photo of Mandela and the years of his life.

Google, too, honored Mandela by noting his death on it’s homepage (see below).

AppleRumors.NET remembers the life of a man who forever changed the world. RIP, Nelson Mandela.