Here are some of the top iOS 8.3 enhancements / fixes you need to know:

1. Emoji

Apple has revamped the UI for emoji keyboard and also added more than 300 new emojis. The new additions also bring diversity options such as changing the skin tone of the people emojis. To access the skin tone variations tap and hold the emoji to change the default colour.

Tip: Don’t know what some of the emojis mean? Type them in the Notes app and have Siri speak.

2. Password Settings for App Store

In iOS 8.3 Apple allows you to change how frequently should the App Store prompt you for your Apple ID password. You can set it to always require password or require after 15 minutes of having entered the password.

The next setting is something that I had always wanted to exist in iOS. You can now “finally” turn off the requirement for password for free downloads. Yes, finally!

3. New Siri Languages

Siri can now understand even more languages. The new update adds support for: English (India, New Zealand), Danish (Denmark), Dutch (Netherlands), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian (Russia), Swedish (Sweden), Thai (Thailand), Turkish (Turkey).

4. Tell Siri to call a contact on speakerphone

Ever since I started using Siri while driving I never understood why Apple wouldn’t include support for Siri command, “call on speakerphone”. Well now with iOS 8.3 you do just that. This is another step to keeping all eyes on road and operating your phone hands and eyes free.

5. Fixes. Lots of Fixes.

iOS 8.3 brings many bug fixes so if you ever tried to do something and it failed or did not work reliably you should try doing that again. From issues like iOS 8 preventing autocorrecting “FYI” to WiFi, bluetooth issues and much more. Apple has fixed a lot of issues and even claims to improve performance for app launch, responsiveness and more.

Overall, iOS 8.3 is a highly recommended update for anyone who wants a reliable and stable experience on their iOS device.

Have you upgraded your iPhone or iPad yet? Did you notice any other significant changes? Let us know in the comments section below.

The company unveiled its new mobile operating system during the world wide developers conference earlier this year. This release doesn’t just include a number of user facing features but also opens hundreds of new API’s for third-party developers.

With iOS 8 users will experience a completely new Messages app that borrows a number of features from Whatsapp, new Messages app now includes audio messages, instant photo messages (Snapchat?), mute conversation and more. Typing on the new iOS has also been enhanced as Apple introduces QuickType which intelligently recommends words as you type and overtime it learns and adapts to your writing style. QuickType in iOS 8 doesn’t just learn your writing style but also remembers how you communicate with different people.

Apple has heard the requests of its customers and finally introducing iCloud Drive, a central location to find all your documents from Mac, PC or iOS. Did this make you think of Dropbox? Access any of your file from any device connected to iCloud without having to worry about its version. However, it’s worth noting that it is advisable to not opt in for iCloud Drive when setting up your iOS 8 device until OS X Yosemite is available for download. Files stored in iCloud Drive will only work with iOS 8 devices and OS X Yosemite.

Handoff in iOS 8 allows you to continue working on your choice of device while picking up from where you left off, but this will also require OS X Yosemite.

Third-party apps greatly benefit from this update as Apple has finally allowed developer access to Touch ID, Camera API, PhotoKit, HealthKit,  HomeKit and CloudKit.

The update is now available for download over-thir-air for compatible devices.

Have you upgraded your devices already? What do you think about the new update? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

Apple’s next major mobile software release, iOS 7, will feature a flatter design losing artificial textures and skeuomorphism. According to a new report published by 9to5 Mac, iOS 7 is expected to introduce a complete redesign of the operating system but will continue to keep the basic functions and behaviour of the OS.

Last October, Apple fired Scott Forstall and made Jony Ive the head of human interface design. It has been widely reported that Ive was never a fan of the skeuomorphism used in iOS and actually leans more towards a flatter and clean design.

 

While the look of the updated system may be surprising to some, iOS 7 is reportedly not more difficult to use than earlier versions of software platform. There is apparently no new learning curve in the same way there was no learning curve when the iPods went color. While iOS 7 does look different, its core apps and system fundamentals (like the Lock and Home screens) mostly operate in a similar fashion to how they do today.

iOS 7 is codenamed “Innsbruck,” according to three people familiar with the OS. The interface changes include an all-new icon set for Apple’s native apps in addition to newly designed tool bars, tab bars, and other fundamental interface features across the system.

A recent update to the Podcasts app for iPhone and iPad could give us some clue to what we could expect in iOS 7. When Forstall was heading the iOS team the app featured design of an old tape recorder and later when the app was updated under Ive’s leadership the skeomorphism was replaced with flatter design elements and focused more on ease of use.

The report on new features in iOS 7 points us to new gestures being investigated by Apple that could reveal more information to the user by just swiping left or right of the screen, just like how Notification Center can be accessed by swiping the screen downwards.

Since Jony Ive now leads both hardware and human interface design teams, the software design teams now get early access to the prototype designs so that the software and hardware look even more similar. Apple feels that this move will “increase collaboration across hardware, software & services”.

On Monday, Apple seeded the Golden Master (GM) version of OS X Mountain Lion to developers and is now accepting app submissions for the Mac App Store. The apps are to be tailored for OS X Mountain Lion and will ensure that both new and old apps run seamlessly on Mac computers after they are downloaded from the App Store.

Apple sent out an email to all developers, reminding them that they can now download the Golden Master seed on the Mac Dev Center and that they can now submit apps to take advantage of the new features in the update. The email from Apple to registered developers in part, went as follows:

Make sure your apps take advantage of the great new features in OS X Mountain Lion when the world’s most advanced operating system ships to millions of customers worldwide. Download OS X Mountain Lion GM seed and Xcode 4.4 GM seed, now available on the Mac Dev Center. Build your apps with these latest seeds, then test and submit for review.

You can also submit iOS apps that take advantage of the new cross-platform Game Center Groups, so they’ll be available when OS X Mountain Lion ships.

Although the Golden Master version is only available to developers now, the final version will be available in the Mac App Store later this July for only $19.99, down from the $29.99 Apple charged for Mac OS X Lion.

{via MacRumors}

Apple’s WWDC keynote event is only a few hours away, where Apple is expected to introduce new MacBook models as well the next version of the company’s mobile operating system, iOS 6. On Friday, a number of images of iOS 6 banners were posted by CNet, all of which were being set up in Moscone West, the building where Apple’s WWDC  2012 keynote event is being held.

With the images as proof of iOS 6, it is confirmed that Apple will be previewing features of iOS 6 during the keynote event. The images depict banners reading “iOS 6, The World’s Most Advanced Mobile Operating System” being put up by workers in the entrance hall of Moscone West. iOS 6 has long been rumored to be making an appearance at WWDC 2012, with the software showing up in web logs and running on an iPad.

The ‘6’ on the banner appears to have a background of water ripples, likely continuing Apple’s water theme, previously water droplets on glass in iOS 5. This means that the background and other promotional items will likely ship with this new background once iOS 6 is finally announced and later issued for public release.

Apple’s WWDC keynote event begins on June 11th and it is clear that iOS 6 will be a part of it, although specific details as to what will be included in the update is unknown. Other products such as new MacBooks are also expected to be announced. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated.

On Monday, Apple released iOS 5.1.1, the latest iOS update since 5.1 which brought a number of bug fixes and battery life fix for the iPhone 4S. The latest free software update is only an incremental upgrade and as expected, brings a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements for the iPhone, iPad, and the iPod touch. The exact details of the update from the Apple website are as follows:

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Perhaps one of the biggest bugs in iOS that was fixed by this update was the bug that prevented the iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks, which could cause either the user to experience very slow data speeds or would force them to shut off 3G and turn it back on in order to bring the network back up.

It’s interesting to note that Apple picks up on minor bugs in iOS and pushes out fixes as quickly as they do. This is likely why iOS is one of more stable mobile operating systems out on the market, tightly controlled by Apple’s ecosystem and managed very well. iOS 5.1.1 is now available and can be downloaded via iTunes or the OTA (Over The Air) feature on all iOS devices running iOS 5 or later.

{via iMore}

In recent weeks, a plague has overtaken the Mac OS X operating system, called the Trojan Flashback. The Flashback malware allows hackers access to personal information of Mac users, by extracting the info via a security hole in Java as well as other recent social engineering methods. With Java being the main culprit here, Apple has made a quick and decisive move by releasing a removal tool via Software Update on all Macs running OS X Lion without Java installed.

About Flashback malware removal tool

This Flashback malware removal tool that will remove the most common variants of the Flashback malware.

If the Flashback malware is found, a dialog will be presented notifying the user that malware was removed.

In some cases, the Flashback malware removal tool may need to restart your computer in order to completely remove the Flashback malware.

This update is recommended for all OS X Lion users without Java installed.

This tool rids the OS X system of all viruses present in the system, related to the Trojan Flashback malware. Java does not come pre-installed on the Mac, and therefore allows Apple’s removal tool to figure out as to where the virus is originating. The Flashback virus has been a huge issue in the media, with a reported 600,000 Mac users being affected by this virus.

{via MacRumors}

On Thursday, Apple announced the newest version of the Mac operating system, OS X 10.8. The newest version is being called ‘OS X Mountain Lion’, up from the current OS X Lion running on Mac computers. Apple has made a preview version of OS X 10.8 available to registered developers and will release the final version, with over 100 new features later this summer.

The release will likely be in late August, as usual, and will begin to ship with MacBooks and iMacs during the initial education sales and beginning of the school year, when Mac sales typically increase. SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller commented on the release, saying:

The Mac is on a roll, growing faster than the PC for 23 straight quarters, and with Mountain Lion things get even better. The developer preview of Mountain Lion comes just seven months after the incredibly successful release of Lion and sets a rapid pace of development for the world’s most advanced personal computer operating system.

Apple launched OS X 10.7 Lion during their “Back to the Mac” event, bringing a number of iOS features back to the Mac in order to blur the lines between the two devices. With OS X Mountain Lion, Apple is pushing iOS integration to a whole new level, integrating a number of apps, including Messages (replacing iChat), Reminders, Notes as well as Game Center and Twitter integration.

Apple has also incorporated Notification Center from iOS 5, allowing the Mac to keep track of all notifications in one place. Prior to this integration, users would have to rely on third-party software like Growl for notifications. The Cupertino-based company has even brought over AirPlay mirroring, allowing users to mirror their Mac screen on their HDTV through the Apple TV.

The developer preview of Mountain Lion features the all new Messages app which replaces iChat® and allows you to send unlimited messages, high-quality photos and videos directly from your Mac to another Mac or iOS device. Messages will continue to support AIM, Jabber, Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk. Starting today Lion users can download a beta of Messages from www.apple.com, and the final version will be available with Mountain Lion. Reminders and Notes help you create and track your to-dos across all your devices. Game Center lets you personalize your Mac gaming experience, find new games and challenge friends to play live multiplayer games, whether they’re on a Mac, iPhone®, iPad or iPod touch®.

It is very likely that if Apple were to release a television set, the mirror system would be more integrated between iOS and Mac devices. Apple has even went as far as to rename Mac OS X to just OS X, like they did from iPhone OS to iOS.

By integrating iCloud deeper into the Mac platform Apple is blurring the difference between iOS and OS X. The company is challenging the very basic traditional ways of computing and embarking on a new territory of true Cloud computing.

On Monday, Apple’s iPhone officially turned 5 years old, marking a historic moment, when Steve Jobs took introduced Apple’s revolutionary mobile phone.

On January, 9, 2007, Late Apple CEO Steve Jobs came on stage with a huge presence, ready to introduce the product that would change the smartphone market forever. About 20 minutes into the presentation, Mr. Jobs introduced the iPhone, with a 3.5” multitouch display, extraordinary metal design, and a combination of Mac OS X and Apple’s own brew of a mobile operating system, later renamed iOS.

In 2007, the tech industry had never seen such a device, with customers lining up at every Apple Store in the United States to get their hands on one. In 2008, Apple followed up with its success of the iPhone with the iPhone 3G, followed by the 3GS in 2009, and the iPhone 4 in 2010. The most recent, the iPhone 4S outsold every model introduced in Apple’s history.

Apple has experienced a drastic increase in sales each year, leading to a record one million iPhone 4S sales on the first day of release. The iPhone was introduced at the MacWorld 2007 conference, with an excellent salesman strategy by Steve Jobs, announcing that Apple would be introducing three products a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communicator. Jobs later revealed that all three were included on one device.

Apple changed the the technology market as we know it, and it all started with the iPhone, which led to the iPad and iPod touch and even innovation in Apple’s desktop software. On January, 9, 2007, Apple made history, and made us all realize how a combination of design, technology, and a little customer appreciation could have such a powerful effect.

Kobo, a global eReading service, today announced the availability of its new iPhone application, built specifically for iPhone 4 and the iOS 4 operating system. The application features additional reading format options, automatic syncing, multiple bookmarking and faster navigation. In addition to iPhone, Kobo is available on iPad, Android, BlackBerry, netbooks, tablets and dedicated eReaders – including the Kobo eReader. All of Kobo’s applications connect to the Kobo eBook store, which features more than two million titles including best sellers, classics, and thousands of free books.

“Our iPhone application has always been one of our most popular apps and we’re excited for our users to see Kobo on iOS 4,” said Michael Serbinis, CEO of Kobo. “Kobo users now have even more flexibility when reading free books and best sellers. It’s all about ensuring that our customers continue to have the best and easiest reading experience on any device.”

The new and improved Kobo iPhone application adds the following new features:

• Retina Display: The iPhone 4’s high-quality screen makes reading easier on the eyes.
• Multitasking Functionality: Users stay connected to Kobo while performing tasks such as texting and email.
• Rich Text & Images: Read books in their original format as ePubs and select from different font sizes and styles.
• Bookmark Syncing: Kobo for iPhone automatically syncs a user’s last read page across all of their devices so users can pick up where they left off from device to device.
• Multiple Bookmarks: ‘Dog ear’ favorite pages in several books to easily come back and continue reading later. Kobo will also store the date and time of the last bookmark.
• Easier navigation: Kobo now includes the ability to advance pages and chapters in a book without losing one’s place.

Kobo is a global eReading service with customers in more than 200 countries. In addition to building applications for existing mobile devices, Kobo recently started selling the affordable eInk Kobo eReader, with a goal of making eReading more accessible for consumers. Kobo’s open approach enables consumers to read their content on any device anytime, anyplace – including downloading purchases and reading on popular third-party devices and software. Kobo believes customers should have the freedom of choice, and be able to build their eBook libraries independent of any device or service.

To download the free Kobo app visit www.kobobooks.com or visit the App Store. Customers who currently have Kobo on their iPhone can download the update directly on their device.

About Kobo, Inc.

Kobo is a global eReading service backed by majority shareholder Indigo Books & Music, Borders Group, REDgroup Retail, and Cheung Kong Holdings. Kobo believes consumers should be able to read any eBook on any device. With a catalog of over two million eBooks, and an open platform, Kobo enables retailers, device manufacturers and mobile operators to bring the joy of eReading to customers everywhere. For more information, visit www.kobobooks.com.

2010 may very well go down in history as the year Apple started to take over the mobile space. The year started with the Cupertino-based company revealing the much rumored and anticipated Apple tablet computer; the iPad. Who knew the iPad would come to dominate the tech industry in the first half of the year. Not to be outdone by even themselves, next up for Apple is the iPhone 4G / HD. Eagerly anticipated in its own right, the new iPhone should reestablish Apple’s mobile phone dominance.

As the iPhone 4G and iPad become publicly available, some may wonder whether these devices are competiting for the same consumer dollars in the same space. Should someone think of the iPad and iPhone as being in competition with each other or as complementary services? Could a consumer get away with buying one device and enjoying the benefits of either? Let’s look at what we can expect of both the iPad and the next iPhone and try to determine if they’re competitors with each other or complements to each other.

You could be excused for thinking the iPad and iPhone are two sides of the same coin. Both use the same operating system, operate on the same multitouch interface, and have many of the same design elements. Indeed, one of the primary criticisms of the iPad after it was first announced was that it was a “big iPod Touch”. The larger screen led many to believe the Apple iPad was simply a cynical attempt by Apple to cash in on the successful iPhone product line by jamming the iPhone innards into a larger device with a larger screen. What this criticism fails to recognize is the larger screen introduces a whole different dynamic to usage. Screens are larger, more easily touched, and applications have the space to become more complex. On the other end of the spectrum, the iPhone and its smaller screen leaves it well suited to perform other tasks. Sure you can watch video on it, send e-mails on it, and run apps on it just like the iPad. Could you imagine holding an iPad to your ear to make a phone call though? Or trying to tuck an iPad into your pants pocket? Despite the overlap in certain functional areas, the iPad and iPhone are really more complementary devices than competitive ones.

If Apple had wanted the iPad and iPhone to be competitive devices they would have aligned feature sets much more closely. Giving the iPad a five or seven inch screen like some of its competitors would have made it much more similar to an iPhone. You could almost imagine holding a five inch tablet device to your ear to make a call. It might look like Maxwell Smart’s shoephone but it isn’t totally outside the realm of possibility. There are a hundred different ways Apple could have aligned their two premier consumer electronics lines to more closely resemble each other. The fact they didn’t is an obvious indication they want these two devices to co-exist and not replace each other in different circumstances. Apple realizes the dream of convergent devices can only come so far and past that point product lines need to split into complementary areas. The iPhone represents Apple’s idea (be it ever evolving) of the converged, ultra portable device. You enjoy the iPhone in small doses of ultra functionality. The iPad lies at the other end of the continuum. It converges several jobs as well; content consumption, eReader, video display. Jobs the iPhone is capable of doing but doesn’t do very well for long periods of time. You can imagine yourself owning an iPhone for a finite set of circumstances and an iPad for a finite set of circumstances. Some of those circumstances may overlap but neither device will do all the jobs of the other well.

And in the end I think that’s part of Apple’s strategy. While its competitors trip over themselves trying to come up with something that doesn’t operate like an oversized phone or an undersized computer with a phone stuck to it, Apple has quietly developed useful technology for both ends of the spectrum. I would own both in a minute and be fully happy knowing each complements the other in a well designed fashion.

What do you think? Do the iPhone and iPad represent overlapping platforms? Would it be foolish to own both? Are the iPhone and iPad competitive products in your mind or complementary? Leave your thoughts in the comments section. I’m always interested in reading what you think.