Apple releases iOS 6.1 beta to devs, complete with new Map Kit framework

iOS 6.1 is expected to arrive sometime after the holidays

Following its mini-update to iOS devices Thursday, Apple released iOS 6.1 beta and a Xcode 4.6 preview for developers to tinker with.

On Apple's developer website, engineers have identified a file named "Build 10B5095f" as the iOS 6.1's beta.

It's the first peek at the next version of iOS 6. Now programmers can play with the beta in the iPhone 5, 4S, 4 and 3GS environments as well as on the fifth and fourthiPod touches and the full versions of the iPad.

A version of iOS 6.1 that works with the new iPad mini has yet to pop up on the site. It it, however, expected to appear Friday.

New tools for making Maps

The most notable new tool is a class called "MKLocalSearch" for the Map Kit framework.

The kit lets programmers "search for map-based addresses and points of interest," plus lets developers enter placename information and portions of addresses and have search returns that match the info and provide additional data.

One example given by Apple was if a user searched for "coffee," the new tool would generate returns with the location of local coffeeshops and provide extra info on each java joint.

The new Xcode 4.6 per-release was released too. It's said to be identified as "Build 4H90b." It includes the software development kits for both iOS 6.1 and Mac OS X 10.8 for the desktop.

The beta version comes stocked with Xcode IDE, the iOS simulator and all the necessary tools and frameworks for building OS X and iOS apps.

Maps still lost with 6.0.1

The release of both betas comes the day Apple updated iOS to version 6.0.1, which was mainly aimed at fixing a host of bugs. Since iOS 6 is about a month old, Apple still had some kinks to work out.

Those hoping Apple Maps would be fixed during the incremental update should continue to hold their collective breath.

Many users have been upset with the inaccurate and missing data in the navigation app Apple launched during iOS 6 to replace Google Maps.

After the public backlash, Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized to customers through an open letter.

In it, Cook said Apple was working on Maps' problems and recommended other avenues (like Bing and even Google Maps) that would help customers find their way until Maps was fixed.

Finding a way for Maps

Since Tim's letter there have been rumors that Apple was enlisting its army of Apple Store employees to help fill in the information gaps. But there hasn't been much movement on the Map-improvement front for a while.

The release of these new map-themed developers tool is the first glimmer of hope that Maps might become more accurate and informative. Or at least tell users where to get a decent cup of coffee.

We'll know after the new iOS 6.1 launches, which is expected to release some time after the holidays.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/apple-releases-ios-6-1-beta-to-devs-complete-with-new-map-kit-framework-1109424

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Physical Google Wallet card reportedly coming soon

Game changer (credit: Android Police)

Google may be soon drop a bombshell on the mobile commerce world as a report surfaced Thursday the company is preparing to launch a physical credit card.

Dubbed the "Google Wallet card," this piece of plastic is for those times users can't tap and pay.

It will work just like a regular credit card anywhere major credit and debit cards are accepted.

The news comes from an anonymous tipster who gave Android Police the heads up that he had already received a confirmation email for his card.

Cut up the others

According to the Google Wallet cards set-up instructions, users can add credit and debit cards to the Google Wallet app, then use any of them to make purhcases by using the Google Wallet card.

All users need to do their Wallet card and their default card in the Google Wallet app will be charged.

Whenever users want to swap the card, they can simply select a different card through the app.

All cards - except Google's - can stay at home.

Swipe and swap it with ease (Credit: Android Police)

The card can be ordered through the Google Wallet app and sent to recipients' addresses, as was the case with the tipster who will receive an email when the card is in the mail.

Access to exclusive offers is also available and deals are instantly redeemable. If the card is lost, all a user needs to do is cancel their Google Wallet card - not every card they own.

Big surprises

This may very well be the service Google recently opened sign ups for, though the "next version of Google Wallet" seemingly suggested the app would soon open to more devices, including iOS products.

However, it could all be part of a huge Google scheme to conquer the mobile (and beyond) commerce world.

While a physical card steals the lede, other new features are reportedly on the way as well.

More features are in the offing (Credit: Android Police)

A "Wallet Balance" feature looks like it will let users deposit and withdraw funds while a person-to-person money transfer feature is also coming.

There's also compelling evidence a transit card is part of the new Google Wallet package.

Whether the card and new features will extend beyond the U.S. isn't yet clear, but all this could make carrier approval obsolete for everything but tap payments.

A Wallet card would let owners of iOS and Windows Phone devices utilize a non-NFC version of the Google Wallet app, too.

TechRadar has reached out to Google for comment and will update this story if and when the company responds.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/physical-google-wallet-card-reportedly-coming-soon-1109411

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Physical Google Wallet credit card reportedly in the works

Game changer (credit: Android Police)

Google may be soon drop a bombshell on the mobile commerce world as a report surfaced Thursday the company is preparing to launch a physical credit card.

Dubbed the "Google Wallet card," this piece of plastic is for those times users can't tap and pay.

It will work just like a regular credit card any where major credit and debit cards are accepted.

The news comes from an anonymous tipster who told Android Police he already received a confirmation email for his card.

Cut up the others

According to the Google Wallet cards set-up instructions (provided by the tipster), users can add credit and debit cards to the Google Wallet app, then use any of them in stores by using just the Google Wallet card.

To make purchases swipe the Wallet card and their default card in the Google Wallet app will be charged.

Whenever users want to swap the card, they can simply select a different card through the app.

All cards - except Google's - can stay at home.

Swipe it and swap it with ease (Credit: Android Police)

The card can be ordered through the Google Wallet app and sent to recipients' addresses.

Access to exclusive offers is also available and deals are instantly redeemable. If the card is lost, all a user needs to do is cancel their Google Wallet card - not every card they own.

Big surprises

This may very well be the service Google recently opened sign ups for, though that new service seemingly suggested the app would soon open to more devices, including iOS products.

However, it could all be part of a huge Google scheme to conquer the mobile (and beyond) commerce world.

While a physical card steals the lede, other new features are reportedly on the way as well.

A "Wallet Balance" feature looks like it will let users deposit and withdraw funds while a person-to-person money transfer feature is also coming.

There's also signs a transit card is part of the new Google Wallet package.

Whether the card and new features will extend beyond the U.S. isn't yet clear, but all this could make carrier approval obsolete for everything but tap payments.

A Wallet card would let owners of iOS and Windows Phone devices utilize a non-NFC version of the Google Wallet app, too.

Until Google makes all of this official, competitors and consumers alike are going to be watching Google with eager eyes.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/physical-google-wallet-credit-card-reportedly-in-the-works-1109411

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Google Wallet now offering mobile web payments

Evolution of mobile payments continues

The evolution of Google Wallet continued Thursday as Google announced plans to change the way consumers purchase goods through the mobile web.

Instead of being required to fill out lengthy order forms on a smartphone or tablet screen, Google Wallet users can now press one button to have all the busy work taken care of by the service.

Consumers with a Google Wallet account can also use the new "Buy with Google Wallet" button for one-touch ordering.

Currently, Google's research showed 97 percent of customers who attempt to buy goods through a mobile website quit before the order is complete.

By simplifying the process, Google is hoping more shoppers can get the items they want with little to no hassle.

Competition heats up

Since the program is so new, very few mobile sites have adopted the "Buy with Google Wallet" button.

1-800-Flowers.com, Rockport.com and FiveGuys.com have already implemented the new Google Wallet options into each company's respective mobile sites, and Google promises more (like Finish Line and MovieTickets.com) mobile sites will soon be compatible.

This is a pretty big step for Google Wallet, as it now provides a distinct advantage competitor services Apple Passbook and Microsoft Wallet don't yet offer.

Google also has an advantage in that its service works across a variety of platforms, whereas Microsoft Wallet is limited to Windows Phone 8 and Passbook is limited to devices running iOS 6.

With more and more consumers adopting digital wallets and payment options, it will be interesting to see how the wallet wars continue to escalate over the course of the next year.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/google-wallet-now-offering-mobile-web-payments-1109399

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Microsoft Windows RT vs. Windows 8: What’s the difference?

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Microsoft is releasing its Windows 8 RT Surface tablet, but what's the difference between Windows 8 RT and Windows 8 Pro, and what do you need to know before buying a Windows 8 tablet?

Microsoft Surface RT tablets are set to hit shelves this week. The tablet is beautifully designed and competitively priced to go head-to-head with the iPad, Kindle Fire HD, and the legions of Android tablets currently on the market. But buyer beware: Microsoft and other Windows partners also plan to release Windows 8 Pro tablets that run the full version of Windows 8. To the untrained eye of a consumer looking to buy a new tablet, the differences between the two types of devices may be a bit confusing. We break down the difference between Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro tablets to help you avoid buyer’s remorse. Let’s take a deeper look at the two tablets to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Processor

When Windows RT was announced, it was originally called “Windows on ARM,” denoting the type of processor it uses. In short, the ARM processor enables RT tablets to be cheaper and use less power when running — which means a longer battery life for your tablet. Microsoft touts 8 to 13 hours of battery life for its Surface RT tablet. The Windows 8 Pro tablets will have Intel or AMD processors that are more powerful and can run more applications, but will be more expensive than an RT tablet with just an ARM processor. The battery life of Pro devices also won’t be as good as RT devices, with an estimate of 6 to 8 hours of battery life.

Software and apps

Microsoft claims that both RT and Pro devices are extensions of the PC, but to make things less muddy, RT is the “tablet OS” that only runs touch-friendly mobile apps available through the new Windows Store. This means that an RT tablet will only be able to use apps downloaded from the Windows Store, in which there are currently about 5,000 apps (90 percent of which are compatible with RT). RT users won’t be able to download any third-party apps from the Web, which currently includes popular apps such as Facebook and Spotify. There will be developers that only create apps for RT, and there will be some developers that will also make an RT version of their desktop applications so people with RT devices can use a streamlined mobile app version instead of the full-blown software application.

Microsoft will offer a mobile version of its popular Microsoft Office suite that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for its RT tablets, which will give those who choose an RT tablet the ability to do many (but not all) of the operations they’ve come accustomed to on their desktop or laptop running the full software. 

Pro tablets will run the full desktop version of Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit), so consumers can use all of the RT apps, plus any of the software they currently have on previous versions of Windows all the way back to XP. Windows 8 Pro will allow users to download any third-party app, as well as anything from the Windows Store. 

Price

If you’re looking for a price-point comparable to that of the third-generation iPad, Microsoft Surface RT will be $499 with 32GB of storage without a Touch Cover or Type Cover. No word on how Microsoft will price the Surface Pro when it arrives in approximately three months, but Windows partners who have thumbed their noses at Microsoft and will compete with Win 8 Pro tablets of their own (in all sorts of shapes, fashions, and forms) are starting around $800, which puts Pro tablets directly in competition with traditional laptops. Is this the real start of the post-PC era?

Windows RT or Windows 8 Pro?

Since Apple redefined the tablet category three years ago, people have primarily used tablets as media consumption devices — with a smidge of productivity thrown in. Tablet screens are larger than smartphones (with the exception of some Samsung mobile devices), so doing things like Internet browsing, shopping, reading, and viewing videos and movies is ideal on a tablet. There are some pretty powerful apps out there that will help you get some work done and even create content, but a tablet hasn’t come along that has made us rethink the idea of a tablet being more than a consumption device… yet. So for those people who use tablets just as a means to break away from the daily grind, a less-expensive Windows RT tablet with strong mobile roots will be the best bet for their needs.

With all the power that current mobile devices are packing, there appears to be an evolution on the horizon, where a desktop or laptop may not be the only way to get real work done. Consumers want speed and power, but in a lightweight and compact form factor. A tablet with all the capabilities of a laptop may just be what people are referring to when they mention the post-PC era. For those who are looking forward to that do-it-all, all-in-one device that’s a workhorse at the office — but still has the convenience of consumption device — a Windows 8 Pro tablet capable of handling all of what Windows 8 has to offer is the obvious choice.

Whichever side you’re on, it looks like Microsoft and its device partners have you covered. Remember, you do have a choice if you decide to purchase a tablet powered by Windows, and you may just have to calmly convince the retail associate, who is determined to sell you an extended warranty plan, of that choice.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-windows-rt-windows-8/

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Chipmaker AMD to cut workforce by 15 percent after weak 3Q

Chipmaker AMD continues to struggle in the wake of a global downturn in PC sales, with the company on Thursday announcing further restructuring plans.

These are evidently troubled times for PC chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). With revenue down in the its third quarter, and the outlook for the fourth equally grim, the Sunnyvale, California company has announced a second round of restructuring slated for the coming months that will see its workforce of 12,000 slashed by 15 percent.

Job cuts, site consolidations and other measures will see the world’s second biggest chipmaker make operational savings of some $190 million, Reuters reported on Thursday.

The chipmaker has been struggling for a number of reasons – PC sales have slumped due to a sluggish world economy where people are spending less, while those that do have the buy money for electronics are turning in ever greater numbers to tablet computers and smartphones, an area AMD has up to now failed to exploit. AMD has also been losing market share to the world’s leading chipmaker, Intel.

“The trends we knew would re-shape the industry are happening at a much faster pace than we anticipated,” AMD CEO Rory Read told analysts during a conference call following the release of the third quarter figures.

Read joined AMD in August last year and quickly set to work trying to turn the company around, saving $200 million in operating costs by shedding 10 percent of the workforce. But as this week’s news indicates, the chipmaker still has a mountain to climb to get the company back in shape.

One way would be to build an effective strategy for mobile, and quick. With PC sales not expected to see any significant growth in the coming years, and the tablet market booming, there seems only one way to go. This month AMD made a positive move with the launch of its Z-60 chip for Windows 8 tablets. With a slew of tablets running Microsoft’s new operating system expected to launch in the coming months, this is a great opportunity for AMD, although with Intel going for the same market, it’s going to be no walk in the park for the struggling chip maker.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/chipmaker-amd-announces-layoffs-as-pc-sales-stumble/

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Google's shares fall after quarterly financials accidentally revealed

Google stock drops as company fails to meet expectations

Google's shares took a 9 percent hit, dropping to $687.30 on Thursday as news the company wouldn't make revenue or earnings expectations hit the market.

The bad news came a bit earlier than expected, as Google's quarterly financial report was released ahead of schedule and without proper authorization by the company's financial printer RR Donnelley.

In response, all trading on NASDAQ pertaining to Google's stock was halted.

"Earlier this morning RR Donnelley, the financial printer, informed us that they had filed our draft 8K earnings statement without authorization," said a statement from Google.

"We have ceased trading on NASDAQ while we work to finalize the document. Once it's finalized we will release our earnings, resume trading on NASDAQ and hold our earnings call as normal at 1:30 PM PT."

Analysts not surprised

Though the early peek at Google's financials came as a bit of a surprise, analysts weren't shocked by the quarterly results.

Speaking to Reuters, BCG analyst Colin Gillis shared his perspective on why Google took such a hit Thursday afternoon, and pointed the blame at the mobile market.

"Click prices declined for the fourth consecutive quarter after rising for eight consecutive quarters before then. That's a negative. This is the mobile problem."

"The other bit is the Motorola millstone had been ignored by the market, and - boom - now you've got weak revenue from Motorola. When you acquire a business and you're about to whack all kinds of people and close offices, you know what happens to the employees? They take their eye off the ball. Sales are down."

Google was expected to close the quarter with shares improving at $10.65 each, but instead the final numbers showed only a $9.03 increase.

Wall Street expected Google's overall revenue earnings were to approach $11.9 billion, but the third-quarter results showed only $11.3 billion in earnings.

What's next?

Google is scheduled to host an event in New York on Oct. 29, where it's expected the company will announce new Android devices.

With Apple potentially unveiling the Nexus 7 competitor, the iPad Mini, on Oct. 23, Google will have its work cut out for it if the company hopes to bounce back from a disappointing third quarter.

Releasing a slate of new phones like the rumored LG Nexus 4 and HTC Nexus 5 might help, as could a 32GB Nexus 7 or the 10-inch Nexus 10 tablet.

Google isn't going anywhere any time soon. However, it will be worth monitoring the company's progress during the fourth quarter to see if it can turn things around headed into 2013.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/googles-shares-fall-after-quarterly-financials-accidentally-revealed-1105399

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Report: Samsung, Google execs to meet in Seoul Thursday

Is Samsung calling in the big guns?

Two of the technology world's top executives are meeting in Seoul for a high-level meeting Thursday, according to the Korea Times.

Though those people could be just about anybody we read about daily, this pair happens to be Shin Jong-kyun, Samsung's president of mobile communications business, and Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google.

"I will meet Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt on Thursday in Seoul," Jong-kyun reportedly said earlier this week.

What the two will talk about Jong-kyun wouldn't divulge, however he revealed that strategic meetings with major U.S. carriers are also scheduled for next week.

While Samsung's mobile chief and the Google honcho could discuss just about anything Android related, they won't be stretching for conversation thanks to at least one common enemy: Apple.

Sharing slices

The two companies are intimately tied as many Samsung handsets run Google's Android operating system. Samsung, the paper wrote, is the "representative of Google's Android community" in a legal fray with Apple.

Apple was not only awarded nearly $1.05 billion (UK£665, AU$1.01) in damages from Samsung after a San Jose, Calif. jury ruled the latter violated several design and technology patents tied to iPhones and iPads, it recently requested that hundreds of millions more be added to the total sum, plus a sales ban on additional Samsung products.

From its end, Samsung has filed for a new trial, a move that could potentially reverse the damages ruling.

Google also has a legal dispute brewing with Apple, as Motorola Mobility, owned by the Mountain View, Calif. company, is seeking a U.S. sales ban on iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer imports.

The bad blood between Google and Apple is nothing new as have competed for operating system dominance for many years.

When asked about the meeting, a Google representative said the company had no comment.

TechRadar reached out to Samsung for comment and will update this story if and when details become available.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/report-samsung-google-execs-to-meet-in-seoul-thursday-1099992

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New Amazon TV ad reveals large-screen Fire tablet and back-lit ‘Paperwhite’ e-reader

An Amazon ad broadcast Wednesday night appeared to reveal a number of products set for launch on Thursday, including a large-screen Kindle Fire tablet and back-lit Paperwhite e-reader.

It looks as if Jeff Bezos and his team are having some fun, teasing TV viewers the evening before a big product launch with an ad featuring, apparently, some or all of its new devices.

Interestingly, a large-sized tablet makes several appearances during the 60-second ad – likely the much-talked about 10-inch Kindle Fire. There even appears to be a shot of someone tapping away on a keyboard connected to the device – could the e-commerce giant be about to unveil a keyboard cover similar to the Touch Cover accompanying Microsoft’s soon-to-launch Surface tablet?

The existence of the Paperwhite e-reader is also apparently confirmed in the ad, with a fleeting shot of someone holding a device with a super-white back-lit screen.

There’s no sign, however, of a smartphone, though the company is said to be in the process of making one.

Broadcast during Wednesday night’s Giants vs Cowboys NFL game, the 60-second ad (below) begins with boxes – lots of boxes (with Amazon printed on them, naturally) – and a voiceover saying, “We’re the people with the smile on the box. We’re the reinventors of normal.”

Various shots of various people with various devices follow – there appears to be a (new) 7-inch Kindle Fire, a larger tablet and a new e-reader. And lots of boxes.

It is of course possible that the ad wasn’t meant as a tease at all but was instead broadcast as the result of a scheduling error. Either way, we’ll all find out on Thursday exactly what the Seattle-based company has up its sleeve.

Digital Trends will of course be covering Amazon’s media event, which begins at 10.30am PT, so stay tuned for more information.

[Daniel Marchena via The Verge]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/new-amazon-ad-reveals-large-fire-tablet-and-paperwhite-e-reader/

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Report: Amazon smartphone ‘confirmed’, may be unveiled at Thursday’s event

Amazon is reportedly planning to unveil its first smartphone at Thursday's press event in Santa Monica.

There have been rumors swirling around for some time now about the possibility of an Amazon smartphone coming to market. A report from The Verge suggests it is going to happen, and that it may even be unveiled at Amazon’s press event in Santa Monica on Thursday.

The report obtained its information from “multiple sources”, adding that the handset would run “a variant of the Kindle Fire’s Android-based operating system.” Other than that, few details are known about the device.

The phone is reportedly not yet finished, though it appears this won’t stop it from being presented to the press at Thursday’s event.

Chatter surrounding the possibility of Amazon readying itself for the smartphone market increased significantly a couple of months back when reports surfaced claiming the e-commerce giant was “working with component suppliers in Asia to test the smartphone.” Foxconn is rumored to be manufacturing the phone at its plants in China.

As with its Kindle Fire tablet, any such handset from Amazon will likely be placed at the low end of the market, sold at cost, or possibly at a loss, in order to boost sales of the device and push people towards its well-stocked online store.

It’s set to be a busy day for Amazon tomorrow. The Seattle-based company is widely expected to launch the second iteration of its 7-inch Kindle Fire tablet at the media gathering, possibly together with a cut-price Fire with ads. An updated Kindle Touch e-reader, or possibly a brand new ‘Paperwhite’ e-reader, is also thought to be on the way.

Digital Trends will be at the event, which kicks off at 10.30am PT, so be sure to check back for the lowdown on Amazon’s new offerings.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/amazon-phone-confirmed-may-be-unveiled-thursday/

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