Apple’s legacy iPhones – the iPhone 4 and 4S – will not get AirDrop-support inside iOS 7, Apple has confirmed
As predicted, Apple has confirmed its Mac-based AirDrop file sharing system inside iOS 7, however, users with older handsets – the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S – will not get access to the feature.
AirDrop, in case you’re unaware, is a means of sharing files – docs, music, images – wirelessly between Apple devices, say your iPhone and your MacBook Pro.
AirDrop is designed to be quick and simple, allowing for the quick dissemination of media between devices within Apple’s ecosystem.
AirDrop’s inclusion inside iOS is yet another example of Apple’s desire to bring together its mobile (iOS) and desktop (OS X) platforms.
So AirDrop isn’t supported on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. We know that. But now the question is why? In order to get some answers we decided to do some digging. Our first port of call was Apple’s UK PR – but so far we’ve heard nothing back (although that could change – we are, until the end, eternal optimists here at KYM).
Next we tried Apple’s Technical Support line, and to begin with it looked like we were going to get some answers. The lovely chap on the end of the phone went away for a few minutes, we listened to Ellie Goulding, and then he returned with the following answer: “AirDrop isn’t supported on the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S”
When asked why this was the case, whether it ia a technical issue or something, the Apple Technical Support worker replied, “no, it’s just not supported. But you can upgrade to the iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C, which go on sale tomorrow.”
And that, as they say, is that.
We’ll update with more information as soon as we know more.
Everything about iOS 7 in one place, including features, images, news and download details
iOS 7 available for download later today (potentially around 6pm)
Apple’s hugely anticipated iOS 7 update will begin rolling out later today. The update is not yet live in the UK, although sources claim it will begin rolling out OTA later this evening – potentially around 6pm.
Everything you need to know about iOS 7 in one place, including features, images, news and availability
Twitter planning massive update for iOS 7
Twitter is planning a rather significant update to its mobile apps that will coincide with the release of iOS 7, reports suggest.
The social network will release a minor update hot on the heels of the release of iOS 7, with a major overhaul landing in the not-too-distant future.
The news comes via The New Yorker, which claims the new-look Twitter application will be very significant and focus on bringing more multimedia into your timeline – that means more pictures and videos.
“Among Twitter's plans for the app redesign include getting rid of the four categories listed at the bottom of the app. Instead, users will be able to swipe with their finger across several different streams. Also gone in the update will be the Discover tab,” reports Pocket-Lint.
The new version of Twitter is expected to feature a dedicated photo and multimedia stream, bringing the service more in-line with peer applications like Instagram.
The overhauled version of Twitter is also expected to get a release on Android. No images have yet been published of what the finished article will look like but with the release of iOS 7 just around the corner – it’s landing tomorrow – it shouldn’t be too long before we know more.
Apple confirms iOS 7 release date
At Apple’s media event today the company announced that iOS 7 will become available for current iOS devices next Wednesday, September 18th. iOS 7 will be a free download for anyone who has a compatible iOS device. Those devices include the iPhone 4 and later, the iPad 2 and later, the iPad mini, and the iPod touch (fifth generation).
“iOS 7 is completely redesigned with an entirely new user interface and over 200 new features, so it’s like getting a brand new device, but one that will still be instantly familiar to our users,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Next month we’ll be shipping our 700 millionth iOS device, and we’re excited about what our hundreds of thousands of iOS developers are doing to bring great new features to their apps.”
In addition, if you plan on grabbing the new iPhone 5S with the 64-bit A7 processor, know that iOS 7 has been rewritten from the ground up as a 64-bit OS to take advantage of the latest chip architecture. In other words: iOS 7 on the latest iPhone 5S is going to be screaming fast.
iOS 7 will be available on iPhone 4 and above, as well as the iPad 2, iPad Mini and iPod Touch (Fifth Generation).
Control Center, which gives you quick access to the controls you want in one convenient place with just one swipe from the bottom of your screen; With more than 200 new features, iOS 7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch includes:
• Notification Center, now available from the Lock screen so you can see all your notifications with a simple swipe, and the new Today feature gives you an at-a-glance view of your day with a summary of the important details such as weather, traffic, meetings and events;
• improved Multitasking that gives users the ability to switch between their apps in a more visual and intuitive way, and iOS 7 pays attention to which apps you use most and automatically keeps your content up to date in the background;
• AirDrop, an entirely new way to quickly and easily share content with people nearby;
• new Camera app filters so you can add real-time photo effects, a square camera option, and you can quickly and easily switch between your four cameras—video, photo, square and panorama—with just a swipe;
• a redesigned Photos app that introduces Moments, a new way to automatically organise your photos and videos based on time and location;
• full-screen browsing with Safari’s new redesigned user interface, the new smart search field helps simplify searching, and there’s a new view for your bookmarks and your Safari tabs;
• Siri with new male and female voices, Twitter search integration, Wikipedia integration and Bing web searching within the app; and
• iTunes Radio, a free Internet radio service featuring over 200 stations and an incredible catalogue of music from the iTunes Store, combined with features only iTunes can deliver.
"The interface is purposely unobtrusive. Anything that doesn’t add value has been stripped away. So the focus is on what matters most: your content. Layers and translucency create depth and provide a sense of context and place,' said Apple.
"Animation and motion make everything more engaging. And the result is a better, smarter, more delightful experience overall. iOS 7 is just another way iPhone 5s is the culmination of forward thinking."
A Dilemma for App Developers?
Big changes are afoot inside Apple's iOS platform. But will the advent of iOS 7, with its new flat design and colourful imagery, cause issues for developers?
KYM reached out for comment on the issue and today we bring you an expert insight from David Pinches, CMO at ShinobiControls, on the potential ramifications of iOS 7’s redesign.
Much has been said and written about iOS7 already with its new look UI being the standout point of contention. Polls and surveys have been run across the real and virtual world with personal opinions sometimes deeply divided, although it would appear that consensus is moving in favour of the “new kid on the block”
Basically it comes down to this, should the app look and feel like iOS6, iOS7 or both? If you design your app for iOS6, it will likely look gaudy and out of place on iOS7's new minimalist, content-first design.
If you design for iOS7, anyone who is still on iOS6 will likely find it under-designed or lacking in chrome compared to the rest of the OS. Either way your app is going to feel out of place to some users.
Of course, this very much depends on what level of adoption we see for iOS7 in the coming weeks and months, but even if the iOS7 adoption keeps up with iOS6, it will likely be a year or more before you can safely drop iOS6 and even iOS5 from your supported OS version list.
What then to do? Well, if you're not willing to sell either of your user bases short, you have two choices. Firstly, you can come up with a new look and feel which doesn't look out of place on either platform. I suspect this is possible, but it's certainly not easy and it's likely to be fairly complicated to do.
The second option you have, of course, is to embed two distinct looks in the app, one for iOS6's 'skeuomorphic' world and one for iOS7's flat, clean world. That will give your users the best experience of your app, regardless of the platform they're running. It also means you can transition your app as your user base shifts towards iOS7 with its continued adoption and when iOS6 use falls below a level where you feel the need to support it, you simply remove that look from your app. That said, it could be a rather large amount of work.
In some cases you may not be able to freely select an option? If you are in the Enterprise Apps space, particularly one which runs specific mobile policies and standards, you may be constrained by these and have to design to one or the other, or indeed something specific to that organisation.
This is further complicated if the enterprise runs a bring your own device (BYOD) policy and, once again, you will be catapulted back into option choices. No one ever said this was easy!
Download iOS 7 ahead of official release date
iOS 7 GM is here and in the hands of Apple’s legion of dedicated developers. But if you’re the impatient type and don’t mind encountering a few bugs here and there, you can download the iOS 7 GM now to your iPhone or iPad.
First you need to download the iOS GM itself, which you can do via the links below:
Now, follow these steps – courtesy of Download iOS 7 – to get iOS 7 GM running on your iPhone or iPad:
1. Ensure the latest iOS 6 firmware for your device is downloaded. iPhone 5 users should download iOS 6.1.4, while iPhone 4/4S, iPad and iPod Touch 5 users should download iOS 6.1.3.
2. Download iOS 7 Gold Master IPSW for your device (from the links given above).
3. Connect the device to computer via USB cable.
4. Launch iTunes on computer (download latest version of iTunes from here).
5. Tap the Shift key on your keyboard (use Option key for Macs) and click Update at the same time on iTunes.
6. Choose the correct IPSW file for your device: iOS 6.1.3 or 6.1.4 ipsw
7. Let iTunes restore your device to the chosen firmware and set it up as a new device, but not from the back up.
8. On the Home Screen, find Check for Updates
9. Do not click, just highlight it and hold down Shift or Option key. Then hit Update again.
10. Select the iOS 7 GM IPSW and iTunes will update your device to the new firmware.
One of the best things about Apple's latest iPhones is the slick new iOS 7 software that runs the devices. But that souped-up operating system could end up hurting sales because the free software upgrade will also work on iPhones released since 2010, giving owners of the older models less incentive to buy Apple's newest products.
Perhaps unwittingly, even Apple's software boss Craig Federighi alluded to this potential problem while he was bragging about iOS 7 at the company's unveiling of its new phones Tuesday. He predicted that anyone who elects to install the software will feel "like they're getting an all-new device."
I understood what Federighi meant once I was able to see the iOS 7's improvements in action on Apple's two new iPhones, the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s. Although Apple announced iOS 7 at a conference three months ago, Tuesday marked the first time the company allowed reporters to experience the software hands-on.
Although the iPhone 5c is less expensive than its predecessor, the iPhone 5, iOS 7 almost made it look fancier than previous generations. As an iPhone 5 owner, I was feeling a bit envious until I remembered that I'll be able to spiff up my device, too, when the software is released on Sept. 18. The operating system will work on the iPhone 4 and later models, iPad 2s and subsequent versions, and the iPod Touch that came out late last year.
iOS 7 looks much different than previous versions of the operating system because it no longer displays iPhone apps as three-dimensional, embossed objects meant to mirror their real-world counterparts. The icons instead are flatter and more colorful.
Any significant change in design typically upsets users familiar with the old way of doing things, but I suspect the complaints about iOS 7 will be muted unless there are some terrible bugs in the software that weren't evident during the brief time that I was given to experiment.
I am fairly certain most people who download iOS 7 are going to be pleased. The software makes it easier to navigate around an iPhone and adds some compelling new features.
The additions include the ability to stream music through an advertising-supported service called iTunes Radio and five free apps that used to cost consumers anywhere from 99 cents to $4.99 apiece. The free apps are Apple's photo-editing tool, iPhoto, and video-editing program, iMovie, as well as work-oriented apps called Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
Apple doesn't appear to be removing any popular apps built into the operating system, as best as I could tell. The company did that last year when it replaced Google's mapping app with its own navigation system only to be ridiculed for misguiding users with shoddy directions. Apple isn't bringing back Google Maps with iOS 7, but it is promising that its alternative is getting better.
The software upgrade also will make it easier to take better pictures on the iPhone and automatically sort photos into different categories to denote particular events. I particularly liked a feature that lets you control how the camera operates by toggling between options at the bottom of the screen with the swipe of a finger. Once the camera is open in IOS 7, the choices include taking a square, panoramic or standard photo. The bottom-of-the screen controls also include an option to switch to video mode.
When taking a picture in iOS 7, photographers can also choose a filter to use as they snap the photo rather than waiting to touch up the shot later. When shooting video, shots can be zoomed in while recording. I can't do any of that on my iPhone 5 because it is still powered by iOS 6.
The new system also empowers users to access other open apps more easily by clicking twice on the home button. When you do that, the apps are displayed as tiles that can be scrolled across horizontally so you can more easily see and choose several of them.
Apple is also making it easier to access frequently used controls such as and airplane mode by enabling users to pull up the panel from the bottom of the display screen instead of finding and pressing a settings option.
Other than the new software, the iPhone 5c isn't anything special, as one might expect from a cheaper phone.
The only thing that really distinguishes the 5c from the iPhone 5 is that it's housed in plastic instead of aluminum. Some consumers will no doubt like the plastic alternative because it comes in five colors: green, blue, yellow, pink and white. The price also may be more appealing, with the 5c starting at $99 with a two-year wireless contract, a $100 discount from iPhone models released in previous years.
A higher-end iPhone dubbed the 5s boasts several advantages that aren't available on any other model. The coolest innovation allows you to use your fingerprint to unlock the iPhone 5s instead of relying on a four-digit code that has to be repeatedly typed in. The fingerprint reader can also be used to access Apple's apps and iTunes store instead of a password.
(Also see: 10 new features in Apple's iPhone 5s)
Apple CEO Tim Cook thinks the fingerprint scanner will revolutionize technology security. "There is going to be a whole new generation of kids who grow up not knowing what a password is," Cook predicted during a brief discussion with a small group of reporters after he left the room where Apple was demonstrating its new iPhones.
I found the fingerprint scanner, called "Touch ID," simple to use during my brief test of the 5s. It just took less than a minute for the phone to record the fingerprint on my thumb, instructing me along the way. Once my prints were in the phone's memory bank, all I had to do was lightly press on the home button when the 5s was locked in sleep mode and it quickly opened.
The 5s also contains a faster processor and technological wizardry designed to take sharper pictures and even record slow-motion video.
Best of all, though, the 5s comes with the iOS 7. I am already looking forward to downloading the software next week so I can simulate what it's like to have a new iPhone for free.
Check out our round-up for everything you need to know about the new iPhone 5S including release date, features and specs
iPhone 5S release date FAQs
The iPhone 5S goes on sale in just a few days. Launched last week alongside the iPhone 5C and iOS 7, the iPhone 5S now comes in three colours, packs in a new fingerprint scanner, and runs the company’s brand new A7 chipset.
Check out our iPhone 5S release date FAQs below:
When is it happening?
The iPhone 5S will be available from 8am on September 20.
Where can I get it?
If you want to get your hands on the iPhone 5S straight away your best bet is an Apple Store. Although there will be queues, and no guarantees of picking up a handset, so be warned.
Is there a pre-order?
No.
How much does the iPhone 5S cost?
The iPhone 5S will cost £549 for the 16GB version, £629 for 32GB and £709 for 64GB
Will there be delays?
Almost certainly. In a note to investors, Jeffries & Co analyst Peter Misek said Apple would build five to ten million iPhone 5S handsets this quarter. Misek also pointed out that yields of the iPhone 5S’ fingerprint scanner have been terrible – something that could have dire consequences for consumers.
This is, perhaps, to be expected, however, as historically Apple has put its flagship handsets up for pre-order straight away after its announcements, chalking up record sales in the process. This time, in a somewhat startling move, there have only been pre-orders on the iPhone 5C.
Quite a bit as it goes, but most of the new stuff is under the hood: Touch ID fingerprint scanner; new 64-bit A7 chipset with M7 coprocessor; revamped imaging capabilities; better battery life.
Apple says the new A7 chipset is twice as fast as the A6 chipset found inside the iPhone 5. You can read more about the iPhone 5S’ new features and USPs below.
What networks are carrying it?
O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three – basically all the big UK players. The handset will also be available direct from Apple as well as most major UK retailers.
The iPhone 5S – like the iPhone 5C – supports 17 4G bands and in the UK you will be able to pick up a LTE version of the handset at the following networks: O2, Vodafone, Three, and EE. Although it’s worth noting some networks do not yet have fully operational LTE services.
Everything else you need to know about the iPhone 5S – including specs, features, and hardware – is detailed below. We've also added in some videos that explain some of the handset's new features as well as and lots of pictures, so you'll be fully up to speed ahead of the September 20 release date.
Apple iPhone 5S is official
It’s all over for another year – Apple’s new iPhone is here, and just as everybody expected, this year saw the company launch two handsets: the iPhone 5S (available in gold, silver and space grey) and the iPhone 5C (pictured below).
The iPhone 5S is the new flagship, adding in a brand new processor, improved imaging, and better battery life, while the iPhone 5C is a mid-range handset targeted at pre-pay and Asian markets.
The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C both have 4-inch Retina Displays and run iOS 7 out of the box. Apple says there are some 200 updates inside its new iPhone and iPad platform.
The company outlined a selection in an official release to the press, which you can read below:
Control Center, which gives you quick access to the controls you want in one convenient place with just one swipe from the bottom of your screen
Notification Center, now available from the Lock screen so you can see all your notifications with a simple swipe, and the new Today feature gives you an at-a-glance view of your day with a summary of the important details such as weather, traffic, meetings and events;
improved Multitasking that gives users the ability to switch between their apps in a more visual and intuitive way, and iOS 7 pays attention to which apps you use most and automatically keeps your content up to date in the background;
AirDrop, an entirely new way to quickly and easily share content with people nearby;
new Camera app filters so you can add real-time photo effects, a square camera option, and you can quickly and easily switch between your four cameras—video, photo, square and panorama—with just a swipe;
a redesigned Photos app that introduces Moments, a new way to automatically organise your photos and videos based on time and location;
full-screen browsing with Safari’s new redesigned user interface, the new smart search field helps simplify searching, and there’s a new view for your bookmarks and your Safari tabs;
Siri with new male and female voices,* Twitter search integration, Wikipedia integration and Bing web searching within the app; and
iTunes Radio, a free Internet radio service featuring over 200 stations and an incredible catalogue of music from the iTunes Store, combined with features only iTunes can deliver.
With the growing trend for biometric identification gradually removing the reliance on passwords, manufacturers are looking to integrate the technology into smartphones. The much-vaunted Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the upcoming iPhone 5s is an example. However, it looks like an app might soon enable similar features on a wider variety of smartphones.
Scientists have developed a new software that can enable your touchscreen smartphone to identify you by the unique way you tap and swipe on the device.
The software 'SilentSense', developed by Cheng Bo and his colleagues at the Illinois Institute of Technology, has demonstrated 99 percent accuracy in tests.
It uses the phone's built-in sensors to record the unique patterns of pressure, duration and fingertip size and position each user exhibits when interacting with their phone or tablet.
Machine learning algorithms then turn this into a signature that identifies the user - and will lock out anyone whose usage patterns do not match, 'New Scientist' reported.
The system's accuracy can be further enhanced, by enabling the smartphone's accelerometer and gyroscope to measure how much the screen moves when you are jabbing at it.
They can also pick up on your unique gait as you walk while using the screen.
In tests, 100 users were told to use the smartphone's touchscreen as they would normally. SilentSense was able to identify the phone's owner with 99 percent accuracy after no more than 10 taps. Even with an average of 2.3 touches the system was able to verify the user 98 percent of the time.
The software stops checking the user's identity when apps like games are being used. However, to maintain security, it automatically switches on when more sensitive applications, such as email or SMS, are accessed.
