Voice Calls now available on WhatsApp for iOS

When its calling feature hit Android gadgets a couple weeks ago, WhatsApp founder Brian Acton said the tool would make its way to iOS soon enough. Well, today’s the day.

iOS 8 IS ON ITS WAY!

 

Apple is preparing to give its products a much needed update with the announcement of the upcoming iOS 8 software update. According to Apple, iOS 8 is the biggest iOS release ever and will be aimed at spicing things up for developers as well as consumers.

Samsung’s new iPhone-bashing ad is more true than Apple wants to admit [Watch]

Bashing the iPhone has been good business for Samsung, which has regularly run hugely successful ad campaigns that roast iPhone fans for being mindless sheep. Not one to mess with a winning formula, Samsung is at it again with a new ad called “Wall Huggers” that ridicules the iPhone’s inferior battery power and shows several iPhone fans sitting by walls at an airport to make sure that their devices don’t quickly get drained of battery life.

Unfortunately for Apple, there’s a good deal of truth to this. Over the last year, multiple battery test studies from PCMag, and LaptopMag have all found that flagship phones from Samsung and HTC get significantly higher overall battery life than the iPhone. In fact, looking at the Which? study that specifically examined battery life for Internet use, we can see that the iPhone 5s was behind every other major smartphone released last year, including the Galaxy S4, the HTC One, the BlackBerry Z10 and the Nokia Lumia 1020.

This is a potentially important issue that Apple might want to pay attention to, particularly because surveys of prospective buyers have repeatedly shown that battery life is one of the single most important things people look for in a smartphone. Although no company has been successful in marketing their phones’ battery lives as a key selling point so far, we wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung can pull it off.

The Pangu Jailbreak Tool from Chinese hackers lets you modify newest version of iOS [How-To Tutorial]

Jailbreak iOS 7.1.2 Untethered On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

A new, untethered jailbreak cooked up by Chinese hackers apparently works on the latest version of Apple’s iOS, namely 7.1.2.

Unveiled last week, Pangu was engineered to perform an untethered jailbreak on any device running iOS version 7.1.1, including the latest iPhone 5S and iPad Air. Unlike a tethered jailbreak, an untethered one eliminates the need to connect your mobile device to your computer each time you restart it. Jailbreaking itself allows you to make changes to iOS and to install apps not found or permitted in the Apple App Store, a practice that Apple continually tries to stamp out.

According to testing done by tech blog Redmond Pie, you can upgrade your iOS device to 7.1.2 and still install and use the Pangu jailbreak tool. That’s not especially surprising. Released Monday, iOS 7.1.2 is a relatively minor update to Apple’s mobile OS, offering mostly security patches and bug fixes. So it’s unlikely Apple would have tinkered with the core OS, or kernel, in a way that would stifle any current jailbreak methods.

The true challenge for jailbreakers will be to hack into the final version of iOS 8, which is already available in beta mode for developers and is expected to reach users in September. At least one hacker has already tweaked the Pangu jailbreak to support iOS 8 beta 2 running on an iPod Touch. But as more iOS exploits become public through jailbreaking tools, Apple can find and patch those holes, challenging jailbreakers to hunt for new vulnerabilities in the OS.

 How-To Tutorial

The Pangu untethered jailbreak release surprised the jailbreaking community last week and, it would appear, Apple as well. We knew even before Pangu that the release of iOS 7.1.2 was imminent, but with the untethered jailbreak tool in emergence, we wondered whether Apple would take the opportunity to plug the exploit as it set about fixing the email attachment encryption issue bug. Fortunately for us, though, the Cupertino giant has not, as as such iOS 7.1.2 can be jailbroken using the pre-existing methods made available by the Chinese jailbreaking outfit.

This tutorial is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Read the instructions carefully and you’ll be jailbroken untethered on iOS 7.1.2 in no time.

Compatible devices:

Device compatibility hasn’t changed, and the same devices are supported as before:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 4s
• iPhone 4
• iPad Air
• Retina iPad mini
• iPad mini
• iPad 4, 3, 2
• iPod touch 5

How to jailbreak iOS 7.1.2 untethered using Pangu on Mac and Windows:

Step 1: Backup your data up via iCloud, Mac or iTunes on your windows PC.

You can download Pangu iOS 7.1.1 jailbreak v1.1.0 for both Mac and OS X from the links given below:

Pangu 1.1.0 for Mac
Pangu 1.1.0 for Windows

Step 2: Connect your iOS device to your PC / Mac and start the Pangu jailbreak tool.

 

 

 

Step 3: Next, hit the ‘Jailbreak’ button, and you’ll be led through a set of instructions to change your device’s date to June 2, 2014. This involves going to Settings > General > Data and Time on your iPhone or iPad and turning off the Set Automatically option. Now simply set the date to 2nd, June 2014, and set the time to 20:30.

Step 4: Your device will reboot, and when it does, you’ll be met with the Pangu logo on your device’s display. Tap on it.

Step 5: Follow the remaining steps, hitting ‘Continue’ when prompted, and the jailbreak process will complete after a few moments.

Given the length of time between jailbreak release and the arrival of iOS 7.1.2, it shouldn’t come as much surprise that the latest version is jailbreakable, and when one considers the major bugs that Apple has fixed in this most recent firmware release, it makes sense for users to update and jailbreak once more .

The steps are fairly simple, and once you’ve followed the steps as outlined above, you’ll be all set to fire up Cydia and enjoy the many great tweaks available.

Jailbreak iOS 7.1.2 Untethered On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch [How-To Tutorial]

The Pangu untethered jailbreak release surprised the jailbreaking community last week and, it would appear, Apple as well. We knew even before Pangu that the release of iOS 7.1.2 was imminent, but with the untethered jailbreak tool in emergence, we wondered whether Apple would take the opportunity to plug the exploit as it set about fixing the email attachment encryption issue bug. Fortunately for us, though, the Cupertino giant has not, as as such iOS 7.1.2 can be jailbroken using the pre-existing methods made available by the Chinese jailbreaking outfit.

This tutorial is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Read the instructions carefully and you’ll be jailbroken untethered on iOS 7.1.2 in no time.

Compatible devices:

Device compatibility hasn’t changed, and the same devices are supported as before:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 4s
• iPhone 4
• iPad Air
• Retina iPad mini
• iPad mini
• iPad 4, 3, 2
• iPod touch 5

How to jailbreak iOS 7.1.2 untethered using Pangu on Mac and Windows:

Step 1: Backup your data up via iCloud, Mac or iTunes on your windows PC, download Pangu for Windows / Mac OS X.

Step 2: Connect your iOS device to your PC / Mac and start the Pangu jailbreak tool.

Step 3: Next, hit the ‘Jailbreak’ button, and you’ll be led through a set of instructions to change your device’s date to June 2, 2014. This involves going to Settings > General > Data and Time on your iPhone or iPad and turning off the Set Automatically option. Now simply set the date to 2nd, June 2014, and set the time to 20:30.

Step 4: Your device will reboot, and when it does, you’ll be met with the Pangu logo on your device’s display. Tap on it.

Step 5: Follow the remaining steps, hitting ‘Continue’ when prompted, and the jailbreak process will complete after a few moments.

Given the length of time between jailbreak release and the arrival of iOS 7.1.2, it shouldn’t come as much surprise that the latest version is jailbreakable, and when one considers the major bugs that Apple has fixed in this most recent firmware release, it makes sense for users to update and jailbreak once more .

The steps are fairly simple, and once you’ve followed the steps as outlined above, you’ll be all set to fire up Cydia and enjoy the many great tweaks available.

New iPod Touch A Pain To Fix

So, Apple has decided that they have not quite ditched the iPod touch range just yet, having introduced a new 16GB model that will be the most basic one for those who are looking for a decent portable media player. Actually, there really isn’t much room for a portable media player to make a statement for itself these days, considering how a regular smartphone will be able to get the job done, and then some. Still, the $199 16GB iPod touch which boasts of a 5MP shooter and a quartet of extra color options has rolled out, but this does not mean it is easier than its other siblings to repair, according to the folks over at iFixit.

DIY enthusiasts who love to do their own repairing and tinkering of gizmos underneath the hood will not be too pleased with the latest 16GB iPod touch, since anyone who decides to do so will run into similar challenges that plagued its prior versions. Popping open the iPod touch in the first place is quite a challenge, not to mention Apple having crammed in a bunch of components all onto a solitary cable.

In fact, the logic board, front-facing camera, battery, Lightning connector, headphone jack, speaker, and home button have all been soldered together, resulting in final repairability score of 3 out of 10, which at least is two points higher up the scale that the Surface Pro 3 from Microsoft’s score.

Etisalat Nigeria Officially Announces iPhone 5s with 12-Month Warranty and Trade-in Program for Next-Generation iPhone

Etisalat Nigeria has announced the official launch of the iPhone 5s with 12-month warranty and a trade-in offer that will allow Etisalat customers exchange their iPhone 5s devices for the yet to be released next-generation iPhone. The iPhone 5s was unveiled at an event at the recently launched Gold Series Etisalat Experience Centre at Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, on June 16, 2014.

The Director, Retail Sales at Etisalat Nigeria, Charles Ogunwuyi, speaking at the event, described the partnership as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to providing customers with world class telecommunication services.

According to Ogunwuyi, “Our partnership with Apple Inc is a match of two innovative giants. It acknowledges our sustained investment in network infrastructure and capacity to ensure consistent quality of service. There is no doubt that the iPhone 5s will be at its best while running on the Etisalat network.”

A delighted Ogunwuyi highlighted that Apple Inc chose to partner with Etisalat Nigeria in acknowledgement of the quality of its network and service offerings that would optimise user experience on the iPhone 5s. He disclosed that the device is available at all Etisalat Experience Centres nationwide.

Larger iPhones Go Into Production July, Ship September

Bloomberg is reporting that Apple will put two new iPhones into production in July—one with a 4.7-inch display, the other with 5.5-inch screen—and both might ship by September.

If that rumor is true—and that’s still a big if—it both reaffirms rumors and states the obvious. We’re now primed to expect two new larger iPhones, and the rumor mill seems to strongly suggest that a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen are the most likely sizes that will appear. And in September? Well, given the regularity of Apple announcements, it would have to be somewhere around that time

Elsewhere in the report, people familiar with Apple’s plans claimed that the new devices will be “rounder and thinner.” They also added that the larger 5.5-inch phone is more complicated to manufacture than the smaller version, “resulting in lower production efficiency that must be overcome before manufacturing volume can be increased.” Bloomberg also took the opportunity to reaffirm its own rumors of the phone featuring curved glass with a taper at “the edges of the screen where the bezel meets the frame of a smartphone.”

All of which may or may not be true. But it’s increasingly looking like we should expect larger iPhones—and September seems like the most obvious time for them to arrive.

Apple’s iWatch may sport multiple sizes, designs; launch this October

Apple plans to launch smartwatches with multiple screen sizes and designs this fall, the Wall Street Journal on Friday cited a person familiar with the matter as saying.

Taiwan’s Quanta will begin mass production of Apple’s first smartwatches from July, in time for an October launch, several sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal on Friday also cited sources saying Quanta would manufacture the device.

One of the sources told Reuters on Thursday that Apple expects to ship 50 million units of the so-called iWatch within the first year of the product’s release, although these types of initial estimates can be subject to change.

The smartwatch will come with a slightly rectangular display that likely measures 2.5 inches diagonally, the source added. The watch-face will protrude slightly from the band, creating an arched shape, and feature a touch interface and wireless charging capabilities, according to the source.

Another source told Reuters that LG Display is the exclusive supplier of the screen for the gadget’s initial batch of production.

The iWatch will also contain a sensor that monitors a user’s pulse. Singapore-based imaging and sensor maker Heptagon is on the supplier list for that feature, two sources said on Thursday.

Apple’s smartwatch will follow similar devices by Samsung, Sony, Motorola and LG Electronics – gadgets that tech watchers say have not been appealing or user-friendly enough for mass adoption.

But the market is growing fast. Data firm IDC estimates that worldwide shipments of wearable computing devices, including smartwatches, will triple this year over 2013.

Apple has declined to comment on reports about upcoming products.

Apple’s Activation Lock Helps Curb Thefts

The so-called “kill switch” function named “activation lock” on Apple iPhones may be decreasing thefts of the smartphone, while thefts of Samsung smartphones are on the rise.

According to New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, robberies and larcenies of iPhones dropped by 19 and 29 percent in the city from January to May compared to the same period last year, thanks to the adoption of the “kill switch,” which disables phones remotely if they are lost or stolen.

By contrast, robberies involving Samsung smartphones rose roughly 40 percent over the same period. Similar results were observed in San Francisco and London.

Domestic smartphone makers, such as Samsung, LG and Pantech, recently began equipping their devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy S5 and LG’s G3 with similar functions.

The same is true for Pantech smartphones, starting from the Vega No. 6 that was rolled out in February 2013.

Users of older smartphones will also soon be able to keep their smartphones safe because Google and Microsoft have decided to include anti-theft features in their next OS updates.

Airtel offers complimentary data, zero interest rate on iPhone 5s

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel, has announced that it is offering Nigerians zero interest charges and free monthly 500MB data bundle for 24 months for all iPhone 5S devices purchased from any of it showrooms and express shops nationwide.

This is coming a fortnight after Airtel Nigeria announced a strategic partnership with leading mobile phone maker, Apple, to officially unveil the iPhone 5s in Nigeria, thus becoming the first mobile telecommunications services provider in the country to officially seal a partnership deal with Apple.

Airtel says this new offering is consistent with its major objective of delighting and empowering telecoms customers with highly relevant solutions that will enrich their lives.

The new offering allows for affordable and convenient device financing from Stanbic Bank at zero interest rates with free NANO SIM for every iphone purchased and free 500MB per month over a period of 24 months upon activation and a minimum recharge of 500MB data plan monthly.

A customer can activate complimentary 500MB by texting HERO to 141 after loading a recharge of 500MB.

The iPhone 5S comes as a 16GB or 32GB device in any of space grey, gold and silver colours with one year warranty. It sets a precedent, with an amazing amount of technology in a remarkably thin, light design. It builds on that achievement with Touch ID — a fingerprint identity sensor, an A7 chip with 64-bit architecture, an ultrafast LTE wireless and an even more impressive iSight camera. It is described by telecoms pundits as the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world.

Speaking about the new value offering, Chief Commercial Officer, Maurice Newa, described the package as another first from Airtel and a convincingly bold statement of the company’s commitment to empowering people to succeed in chosen areas of life endearvours.

“Only a fortnight ago, we announced a strategic partnership with Apple. Today, we have taken another giant stride to highlight our role as a leader in innovation and delivery of quality service. This is a further testimony of our unwavering commitment to our vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians,” he said.