Saturday, August 27, 2016

Spotify allegedly retaliating against Apple Music exclusives by 'burying' artist content

While Apple is buying exclusives to keep music off rival streaming services, its main competitor — Spotify — is reportedly firing back by "burying" content from artists who sign those deals.

Apple iRis Robot is the Perfect Rival for BB-8, Inspired by Apple’s iMac

Before you start dreaming of the Apple iCar, learn that you can get your fix of Apple novelty via the little robot

Apple iRis robot concept  (4)

Friday, August 26, 2016

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Microsoft updates Word Flow iOS keyboard with built-in search tools, 3D Touch & more

Microsoft has released a significant 2.0 upgrade of its Word Flow keyboard for the iPhone, mainly adding a wide range of integrated search functions.


On a basic level Word Flow users can now search for GIFs, emojis, and other images to insert, Microsoft said. People can also hunt for contact info, and get results for news, weather, videos, restaurants, and other categories.

While typing the keyboard will suggest possible GIFs, icons, and words to insert. Accuracy should be improved meanwhile, especially when using the spacebar or the one-handed "arc" mode.

Cursor placement can now be controlled via 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, and Microsoft has lastly added new themes changing the keyboard's color scheme and background.

Apple to take on Snapchat, Facebook in 2017 with new iPhone video editing app - report

Apple is said to be looking to tiptoe into the social media space again, both expanding social media sharing within its OS suites, and building a Snapchat-like video and image sharing service for a 2017 launch.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

UK supermarket giant Asda tests support for Apple Pay

Major U.K. supermarket chain Asda is currently in real-world testing of Apple Pay, despite its parent company, Walmart, not offering any compatibility whatsoever in North America.

Sony Shadow Concept Phone is a Snapdragon 830 Powerhouse, Focused on Gaming

It appears that Sony concepts come in pairs, so after the great curved model from yesterday, today we 

Sony Shadow concept phone  (5)

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Apple patent details visual-based AR navigation, confirms Flyby Media acquisition

Apple on Tuesday was granted a patent detailing a method of device localization — mapping — using computer vision and inertial measurement sensors, one of the first inventions to be reassigned from this year's acquisition of augmented reality startup Flyby Media.

Sony Zeus Concept is Majestic, The Creation of Steel Drake and TechDesigns

Sony needs 

Sony Zeus concept Steel Drake  (2)

Monday, August 22, 2016

Apple Annapolis latest to get 'next generation' retail treatment

Apple opened its relocated Annapolis Mall store in Maryland on Saturday with "next-generation" renovations developed under retail chief Angela Ahrendts, including a large custom TV display, interactive wooden cabinetry and a massive sales floor. 

Foxconn acknowledges deaths of two workers from Apple-focused Zhengzhou plant

On Monday Apple's primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, disclosed the deaths of two workers from its Apple-oriented Zhengzhou factory, though there don't appear to be any immediate links to conditions at the plant.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 glass screen more easily damaged than any iPhone

Reviewers and YouTube examiners are discovering that the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Gorilla Glass 5 screen is susceptible to screen scratches. However, the Gorilla Glass manufacturer Corning disagrees with the test results, and has fired back.

Lyft attempted sale to Apple, Didi Chuxing, Uber, GM, others

Lyft, the second-largest ride-hailing firm in the U.S., in recent months made overtures to sell itself to tech companies, automotive manufacturers and competitors, but failed to hook a buyer.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Apple reportedly squeezing 'iPhone 7' parts suppliers for better pricing

New supply chain reports suggest that Apple is putting pressure on Taiwan-based part suppliers to lower prices for "iPhone 7" components, despite reportedly ordering lower quantities.

New York Times to shut down app-based NYT Now news service

The New York Times has announced it will officially pull NYT Now — a cheaper, slimmed-down, app-based alternative to its core news services — from app stores on the week of Aug. 29, blaming its downfall on weak demand.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

LG V20 Gets First 3D Video Render, Based on the Online Leaks

The LG V20 is about 20 days away from being launched and thus it’s leaking galore these days. And 
when it’s not, various artists are taking the leaks and turning them into press-like renders. That’s what Techconfigurations did below.

LG V20 3D video render  (7)

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 Gets Concept Render Focused on Curved Screen Edges

The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 high end phone is one of the most awaited handsets of the fall, especially since 

xiaomi mi note 2 render concept 1

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Street date for Apple's 'iPhone 7' could be Sept. 23, AT&T document hints

Despite some recent rumors pointing at an earlier launch, the "iPhone 7" could end shipping as late as Sept. 23 — well after an expected Sept. 7 press event, a leaked AT&T schedule suggests.

Video of Apple's Black Hat 2016 presentation now available

The full video of Apple's presentation at this year's Black Hat security conference was posted to YouTube on Tuesday, offering viewers a deep dive into iOS security mechanisms, from backbone synchronization service iCloud to new systems like HomeKit. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Apple expands carrier billing availability with rollout in Taiwan and Switzerland

Apple on Tuesday launched a new carrier billing options in Taiwan and Switzerland that lets users charge iTunes purchases directly to their monthly cellphone bill. 

FaceTime video chat competitor Google Duo released for iOS, Android

Google on Tuesday released its new chat client Duo, promising high quality video between iOS and Android users with the free download now available on both the iOS App Store and Google Play.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

AppleInsider podcast talks 'iPhone 7,' Apple Watch, potential Health device

This week on the AppleInsider podcast, Mikey and Victor discuss the latest updates in "iPhone 7" rumors, rumored Apple Watch updates, and potential Apple Health hardware. 

HTC Desire 10 Pro Render Leaked, Courtesy of Evan Blass

Yes, there’s hope for HTC! While HTC 10 didn’t exactly turn us on, well I have to admit that the freshly 

HTC Desire 10 Pro black leak

Saturday, August 13, 2016

This week on AI: Two new Apple Watches, mysterious health gadgets, all-glass iPhones & more

Future hardware rumors were unusually diverse this week, possibly giving us a peek not just at future iPhones but things like the second-generation Apple Watch and mysterious new health gadgets. 

To keep up on the latest in the Apple world, download the official AppleInsider app, and subscribe to our email newsletter

ZiPocket 3 XL Concept Feels Like an iPhone Mini

While it took Apple a 12 inch tablet to make a stylus, Samsung is only happy with 5.5+ inch diagonals to 

Zitron ZiPocket 3 concept phone

Friday, August 12, 2016

CVS continues Apple Pay snub, launches barcode-based 'CVS Pay'

Nearly two years after CVS became one of the first major retailers to actively block Apple Pay at its stores, the drugstore chain on Thursday rolled out "CVS Pay," a proprietary barcode-based mobile payments and rewards system. 
Dubbed a "breakthrough, end-to-end mobile payment experience," CVS Pay lets users refill prescriptions, provision credit cards for payment and manage ExtraCare loyalty rewards from the CVS Pharmacy iOS app. 

Nokia Teleporter 3000 Should be in Bioshock

Every once in a while we go off the rails with the concepts and models like the one below surface. It’s 

Nokia Teleporter 3000 concept

Thursday, August 11, 2016

New Manhattan Apple Store at World Trade Center to open Tuesday August 16th

Apple has announced an August 16th grand opening date for its new retail store located within the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan.

Sony Xperia XR 3D Video Renders Show up Following Leak

You know what comes after a famous smartphone leaks, right? Techconfiguratiuons gets on it and 

Sony Xperia XR 3D render  (8)

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Redesigned, ultra-thin MacBook Pro with AMD GPU not expected to debut at 'iPhone 7' event Sept. 7

Although Apple is nearing the completion of a redesigned MacBook Pro, it probably won't make its appearance at an "iPhone 7" event expected on Sept. 7, a report said on Wednesday.

A concept render of the OLED bar.

LG V20 Renders Leaked; They Don’t Feel Realistic Or… Good

I have a great deal of respect for @OnLeaks and the many leaks he has revealed, but this time I feel 

LG V20 onleaks render leak  (7)

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Latest 'Pokemon Go' update brings safety warnings, returns battery saver mode

Wildly popular augmented reality game PokƩmon Go received a major update on Monday, bringing back a useful battery saver mode and introducing a safety feature that dissuades users from playing while driving.

Elegant Concept Phone With Dotted Back Envisioned by Djamil Azzouz and Reda Tafza

It’s annoying when I have to cover a good looking concept phone that doesn’t have a famous brand 

August 2016 concept phone dotted back 2

Monday, August 8, 2016

Apple's 'iPhone 7' again said to have pressure sensing haptic home button

The Touch ID home button on this year's iPhone will not physically click, instead mimicking the sensation of a click with haptic feedback, just like Apple's Force Touch trackpad found on newer MacBooks, a new report reaffirms.

iPhone screen supplier Japan Display seeking loans for shift to OLED

LCD manufacturer Japan Display is struggling financially after orders have decreased, and is looking for a secured loan to migrate to new, power efficient, OLED panel production for potential future iPhone use and to preserve the company's future.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Apple reportedly planning $1B database center and R&D facility in Vietnam

As Apple continues to push digital sales and services into international markets, a report on Friday claims the company is mulling an expansion into Vietnam that would see the creation of a $1 billion database center and R&D facility. 

LeEco 2016 Flagship Gets a Concept, has a Fully Edge to Edge Screen

LeEco is a very interesting company nowadays, that has its fingers in both video streaming and 
electric cars, but in the meantime they’re also making smartphones. One would think that the LeEco 

LeEco concept phone edge to edge display 2016  (1)

Saturday, August 6, 2016

This week on AI: $200M Turi takeover, wireless 'AirPods,' a working 'iPhone 7' & more

A steady stream of news provided yet more glimpses of Apple's "iPhone 7," including possible wireless earbuds. We also heard about plans for the Apple TV, plus the company taking a deeper dive into machine learning with its latest startup takeover.

LG V20 Design by DBS Team Is A total Improvement Over the LG V10

As I’m sure you already know, LG has already sent out invites to the press event it’s going to host on 
LG V20 concept DBS Team design  (1)

Friday, August 5, 2016

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Apple investment in Didi accelerated Uber decision to leave China, report says

According to a report on Wednesday, Apple's huge $1 billion investment in Chinese ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing helped accelerate Uber's decision to pull out of the region, ending a years-long turf war.

HTC Nexus Marlin Gets Updated 3D Renders, Following Latest Leaks

HTC Nexus Marlin leaked recently and on that occasion we learned that the device would end up as a 

HTC Nexus Marlin 3D renders concept  (2)

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Apple debuts Arabic, British English and Italian Smart Keyboard layouts

Nearly one year after Apple introduced the U.S. version of its Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro, the company on Tuesday expanded the accessory lineup to include international layouts supporting Arabic, British English and Italian.

iPhone 7 Pro Rendered by TechDesigns; The Real Novelty is the Wireless Charger

iPhone 7 Pro is easily identifiable nowadays, because it’s the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus with a twist, 

iPhone 7 Pro render techdesigns wireless charger (2)

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Monday, August 1, 2016

This week on AI: Q3 beats forecasts, 'Apple Car' leadership changes, augmented reality plans & more

The big news this week was Apple's quarterly results, which beat expectations even if they were still largely downhill. Meanwhile though, big shakeups were revealed within the "Apple Car" team and CEO Tim Cook teased the company's interest in augmented reality.