• apple,  ios 8,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple Releases iOS 8.1.3 Maintenance Update

    January 28, 2015 /

    Yesterday afternoon, Apple released iOS 8.1.3 a minor maintenance release to iOS 8.

    Yes, this update is safe to install.  Since this is a maintenance release, there are no major new features or interface changes.  The areas that received updates include a new installer that requires less free space on the device to perform upgrades, an Apple ID login fix for Messages and FaceTime, a Spotlight app search fix, fixes for multitasking gestures on the iPad and a new configuration option for test taking in school applications.

    I’m glad to see Apple working to fix these nagging issues.  I’ve seen a lot of iPhones and iPads belonging to family members and co-workers who don’t have the latest version of iOS 8 installed because there is not enough free space to download, unpack, and install the update.  I’m also gald to see the fix for the Spotlight search feature.  I very often use that feature as an app launcher and it was super annoying to have to restart my iPhone 6 to restore app search.

    The next update for iOS is 8.2 which is currently in developer beta testings.  iOS 8.2 is expected to bring new features, including support of the Apple Watch in the near future.  While no release date has been set for iOS 8.2, it is currently up to beta release 4 and is expected to be completed right around the time Apple Watch launches in April 2015.

    iOS 8.1.3 is available for all current model iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches.

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  • app store,  apple,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch,  mac,  red

    App Store Goes (RED) To Help Fight AIDS

    November 27, 2014 /

    Apple has long been a supporter of AIDS prevention.  This year, Apple has launched a multi pronged event to help raise awareness of the fight against AIDS.

    To start, Apple has posted a special (RED) page on their website.  There is also a link to the RED.org website where you can lean more about the work that is being done and the other companies that are helping fight this disease.

    Apple also has a few other promotions going on for your favorite iOS devices.  As in years past, Apple is promoting their (PRODUCT) RED devices and accessories.  Current model iPods are available in (RED) editions as well as (RED) cases for iPhone and iPad.  I have a few of the (PRODUCT) RED cases for my iPhones and iPads.  They cost the same as other Apple cases and look great!  What’s better, is that they are on sale all the time.  You owe it to yourself to pick one up and feel good that you are supporting a good cause all the while having a case that looks great on your device!

    Apple is also running a special promotion on Friday (11/28/14) and Monday (12/1/14).  On Friday, when you purchase participating products, you will receive a special (Product)RED Apple gift card and Apple will donate a portion of the proceeds to (RED).  Similarly, on Monday, when you make a purchase at an Apple Retail Store or online, Apple will donate a portion of the proceeds from everything they sell to (RED).  That’s pretty damn amazing when you consider that Monday is “Cyber Monday” and a lot of people will be doing online Christmas shopping that day.

    New this year, is iOS app developer’s involvement in the (RED) campaign.  From November 24 – December 7, either 100% of app or In-App Purchase item is donated to (RED)’s Global Fund.  There are some really fantastic apps that are part of the program.

    For example, Apple has updated Garage Band with a special (GarageBand)RED Loop Pack.  Rovio has created three special (RED)’s Mighty Feathers levels to play.  My favorite iOS app that is participating in this year’s campaign has got to be ustwo’s Monument Valley.  With a $0.99 IAP, you can purchase one extra level – Ida’s (RED) Dream.

    If games and making music aren’t your thing, there are still other ways to help.  In total there are 25 iOS app developers involved this year, with apps like 53, Clear, Kitchen Stories Recipes and Star Walk 2.  You can find the complete list of apps and IAP on the App Store.  If you would just like to make a donation you can do that too.  Just open the App Store on your iOS device and make a donation.

    This holiday season, we have lots to be thankful for.  Please, make a donation to help fight HIV/AIDS by participating in one of these programs.

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  • apple,  ios 8,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone,  ipod touch

    iOS 8.1 Rolls Out Adding New Features to iPhone, iPad

    October 20, 2014 /

    Earlier today Apple released iOS 8.1 for all current model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

    The new features included in the iOS 8.1 update are:

    • Apple Pay for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus
    • Photos app now includes the Camera Roll
    • Enables support for the iCloud Photo Library (beta service)
    • Enhancements to Messages for iPhone users to send SMS and MMS messages from an iPad or Macintosh running OS X 10.10 Yosemite
    • Fixes for Wi-Fi performance issues when connected to certain base stations/access points
    • Fixes and issue connecting to some Bluetooth hands-free devices
    • Fixes an issues that can cause screen rotation to stop working
    • Adds an option to select between 2G, 3G or LTE networks for cellular data
    • Enables HealthKit applications to access data in the background

    The iOS 8.1 update on both of my iPhone 6 units (Sprint and Verizon) ran about 30 minutes from start to finish.  The update package was 126MB.

    All current model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices already running iOS 8 can upgrade now, for free, to the iOS 8.1 release.

    Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 8.0.1 that caused some iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers (about 40,000 customers in total) problems with using their phone to make calls.  iOS 8.0.2, which corrected the problem and iOS 8.1 do not suffer from the same issue as the original iOS 8.0.1 update did.  In other words, iOS 8.1 is safe to download and install.

    For more information, see Apple’s support website.

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  • apple,  ios 7,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch,  mac os x,  mavericks

    Apple Releases iOS 7.1.2, Mavericks 10.9.4, Apple TV 6.2

    July 2, 2014 /

    Yesterday, Apple let a trio (or “Treo” for my long time readers) of updates for iOS, Mavericks, and Apple TV.

    iOS 7.1.2

    iOS 7.1.2 is minor security update for current model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.  The 25MB delta update improves iBeacons connectivity, fixes issues related to some third-party accessory data transfers, and closes a hole in data protection for certain email attachments.

    The update is available now via the iOS Settings app > General > Software Updates.  The update should install on any device that is already running iOS 7.

    iOS 7.12 is expected to be the last iOS 7 maintenance update before the iOS 8 release that is coming this fall.

    Mavericks 10.9.4

    Similar to iOS, Mavericks 10.9.4 is a minor update that corrects some Wi-Fi connection issues, fixes relating to waking up a sleeping Mac, and a minor Safari update.

    The update is available now via the Mac App Store.  For more information about the OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 update, please review Apple’s 10.9.4 update KB article.

    Apple TV 6.2

    Along side of the iOS and OS X update, the Apple TV got a little boost to OS 6.2.  There does not appear to be any outward software changes, leaving us to assume that the update is strictly a bug fix maintenance release.

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  • apple,  ios 7,  ipad air,  ipad mini,  iphone 5s,  ipod touch,  update

    Apple Releases iOS 7.1.1

    April 22, 2014 /

    Earlier this afternoon, Apple released iOS 7.1.1, a minor update to iOS 7.

    iOS 7.1.1 focuses in on three areas for enhancement and updates, including additional enhancements to the iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor, a bug fix for keyboard responsiveness and corrects and issue with Bluetooth keyboards when the VoiceOver feature is enabled.

    The iOS 7.1.1 update is coming in at about 16.5MB for both my iPhone 5S and iPhone 4S.  To install the latest iOS update on your iOS device, go to: Settings > General > Software Update.

    To learn more about this and other Apple software updates, visit the Apple Support website.

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  • apple,  apple tv,  ios 7,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple Releases iOS 7.1

    March 11, 2014 /

    Earlier today, Apple released the long awaited iOS 7.1 update.

    For iOS 7 users, this is the update that we have been waiting for.  Since it’s launch in September 2013, Apple has released six minor updates to address issues that have cropped up.  With iOS 7.1, Apple has taken the time to bake in a number of meaningful feature improvements.

    Support for CarPlay is new in iOS 7.1 – if you happen to own a new car that takes advantage of it.  Siri has learned a new usability trick, while iPhone 5S customers will appreciate the enhancements to Touch ID.

    iOS 7.1 is available for all current model iPhones, iPads, and the latest generation iPod touch.  The upgrade will weigh in somewhere around 265MB.  There is also a corresponding iOS update for the second and third generation Apple TV boxes.

    To start the software installation, tap Settings > General > Software Update and then tap the Download and Install button.  Before downloading and upgrading to any new iOS update, I recommend that you perform an iCloud backup first.

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  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone,  ipod touch,  mac,  mac os x,  mac os x server,  macbook air,  macbook pro

    Apple Continues SSL Security Fixes, OS X Patch Coming “Soon”

    February 23, 2014 /

    Apple is continuing their push to deploy patches for their iOS and OS X operating systems to plug a hole in the way their devices handle SSL security.

    Late on Friday evening, an update appeared on my third-generation Apple TVs presumably to address the same SSL patch.  After applying the update, both of Apple TVs now show as having OS version 6.0.2 (6646.81.1) installed.

    In a statement to the Reuters news agency yesterday, Apple indicated that there would also be an updated made available for desktop and laptop computers running Mac OS X software.

    “We are aware of this issue,” said Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller,  “and already have a software fix that will be released very soon.”

    The defect in the security software could allow unauthorized access to documents, email, and other personal information stored on iOS devices and Mac OS X computers.  The revelation that these publicly unscheduled software updates shows how serious the SSL software defect really is and how responsive Apple is to ensuring their customer’s safety.

    Apple’s second and third-generation Apple TVs run a version of the company’s iOS software.  As previously noted, Apple deployed over-the-air updates to iOS 7.0.6 to current model iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners, while iPhone 3GS and iPod touch fourth-generation owners received iOS 6.1.6.

    There also has been talk that these security vulnerabilities and/or weaknesses had be intentionally left in iOS and Mac OS X as a kind of “back door” for government agencies to use to snoop on American citizens.  I for one believe Apple CEO Tim Cook’s statements from earlier this year when he said that Apple has not worked with U.S. government to compromise the computer security of their customers.  I think the speed at which Apple has made these patches and rolled them out to customers confirms that.

    Apple’s latest security patch information can be found on the Apple support website.

    [Via Reuters.com…]

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  • apple,  ios,  ios 7,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple Rolls Out iOS 7.0.6

    February 21, 2014 /

    Earlier today, Apple released what you might consider an “unscheduled” iOS update, iOS 7.0.6.

    According to the notes provided in the summary screen, iOS 7.0.6 is a security fix for SSL connections.

    It doesn’t look like the release notes have been replicated around to Apple’s servers because I wasn’t able to find mention of iOS 7.0.6 on the referenced Apple Support page.  One can assume, however, that this update will be rolling out for current supported models of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches.

    Update

    9to5Mac has a note on their iOS update article that says Apple also rolled out iOS 6.1.6  to update the iPhone 3GS and fourth generation iPod touch handsets.  After upgrading my iPod touch 4th-generation, it now lists iOS at version 6.1.6 (10B500).

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  • ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Play NES Games On Your iPhone

    February 17, 2014 /

    A new web-based emulator or iOS devices that allows you to play old Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, on your iOS device.
    From iDownloadBlog:

    “This is downright amazing. Somebody has put together a website that allows you to play NES ROMs directly from Mobile Safari, no jailbreak required. The website, which is called webNES, allows users to link a Dropbox account to load their favorite NES ROMs and play them right from the browser.”


    [Via iDownloadBlog.com…]
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  • apple,  apple tv,  ios 6,  ios 7,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone 5s,  ipod touch,  iwork

    Apple Releases iOS 7.0.4, Other Software Updates

    November 15, 2013 /

    Following Tuesday’s surprise iPad mini with Retina display launch, Apple released a number of updates for iOS devices, Apple TV, and iWork for iCloud.

    iOS 7.0.4, iBooks and iTunes U

    iOS 7.0.4 is  a minor maintenance update for all current generation iOS devices that fixes a potential issue with FaceTime calls.  The 37MB update also addresses other unspecified bug fixes and improvements.  iOS 7.0.4 is available for the iPhone 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, and 4; iPad Air, iPad 4, 3, and 2; iPad mini with Retina and iPad mini.

    In addition to iOS 7.0.4, iBooks and iTunes U finally received their iOS 7 makeovers.

    iOS 6.1.5 Update for 4th Generation iPod touch

    What, what?!  The iPod touch 4th generation also go a little bit a love today with the release of iOS 6.1.5.  This minor update for the iPod touch which cannot be upgraded to iOS 7, received a similar FaceTime update.

    Apple TV 6.0.2

    Apple TV also received such a small update that there was no mention of what was fixed.  I did not notice any new channels or new features after the update was applied.

    iWork for iCloud Beta Update

    If all of the iOS love wasn’t enough for you, iWork for iCloud received some much needed collaboration updates.  Document editors can now see who else can collaborate on a document and where their cursor is positioned inside the document.

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