Apple Products: Discussions & Suggestions

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

iOS 9.2.1 Now Available for Download; Brings Fixes for Multiple Security Vulnerabilities

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iOS 9.2.1 Now Available for Download; Brings Fixes for Multiple Security Vulnerabilities
Apple has released iOS 9.2.1, the first update over iOS 9.2 that it released in December last year. The new update is aimed at patching numerous security holes in the company's mobile operating system. For those who are anxiously waiting for Night Shift and other features that appeared with iOS 9.3 beta, your wait isn't over just yet.

The Cupertino-based company on Tuesday released iOS 9.2.1 software update for select iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. The software update fixes multiple vulnerabilities that could have been exploited by an attacker to perform remote code execution. Some of the remote code vulnerabilities resided in the WebKit browser engine. You can read about all the security fixes on the company's support page. As always, iOS updates are available over-the-air (OTA) on your device (Settings -> General -> Software Update) as well as via iTunes on your PC or Mac.

In addition, iOS 9.2.1 also includes a fix for a significant issue that prevented app installation using an MDM (Mobile Device Management) server. The feature is largely used by enterprise customers.

We recently learned about a bug that is causing the battery level on some iPhone handsets - iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus - to get stuck and not reflect real-time information. Unfortunately, iOS 9.2.1 doesn't offer a fix for that, Apple confirmed. For users facing the issue, the company has offered a temporary workaround.

Apple released iOS 9.3 developer beta earlier this month - and as a public beta last week - that comes with a number of features including Night Shift. Night Shift changes the colour temperature of the screen in accordance with the time of the day to curtail strain on your eyes. It is not part of iOS 9.2.1 update, but you can expect it to arrive with iOS 9.3.

Source: iOS 9.2.1 Now Available for Download; Brings Fixes for Multiple Security Vulnerabilities | NDTV Gadgets360.com

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple iPhone 5e hands-on video leaked ahead of possible March launch

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Apple is widely expected to take wraps off the Apple Watch 2 and a 4-inch iPhone at its launch event in March. While the name still remains a mystery, an earlier rumor claimed that it will be called iPhone 5e, where “e” stands for enhanced version. Now, a leaked video has surfaced online, which may offer us a hint of how the 4-inch iPhone would look like.

The video shows the alleged 4-inch iPhone from all angles, which appears to be a smaller version of the iPhone 6s. The camera placements, antenna bands, design and ports placement all looks similar to the iPhone 6s. If the video is legit, it kills the past rumors that pointed to the 4-inch iPhone copying the design of iPhone 5c. Together with metal build, it also appears to come with Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

On the hardware front, it is likely to feature Apple’s A8 chip paired with 1GB of RAM. With prices starting from $500 (approximately Rs 32,500), NFC support for Apple Pay, VoLTE connectivity and 8-megapixel rear camera are also expected to be in tow.

Targeted at the emerging markets, the iPhone 5e is likely to come in 16GB and 64GB variants. An earlier rumor also pointed that the iPhone 5e is already being manufactured by Foxconn and is likely to launch in March and go on sale sometime in April.

https://youtu.be/p8la5yjlPcs

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple releases Music Memos app for musicians, updates GarageBand too

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Apple has unveiled a new app called Music Memos for iPhones, iPads and iPod touch. It’s a free app available for devices running on iOS 9.1 and above. The app aims to make it easier for musicians to record their ideas and inspirations.

Using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, users can record high-quality, uncompressed audio from a piano, acoustic guitar or any other musical instrument. The app automatically detects the chords, rhythmic feel and tempo and lets you hear the musical ideas along with realistic bass and drums. Users can also add comments, lyrics and view the chords played.

With support for iCloud Drive, you can keep all your song ideas in the cloud and available across all iOS devices. The app also allows users to share their recordings with friends or on services such as YouTube, SoundCloud and Apple Music Connect. That’s not all; you can also take your ideas to GarageBand and add more instruments, while continuing to build your song.

Apple has also updated its GarageBand app, which brings performance improvements and two new features, including drummer and live loops. With live loops, users can create electronic music without any specialized beat-making hardware.

Source: Apple releases Music Memos app for musicians, updates GarageBand too | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple’s new 4-inch smartphone to launch as iPhone 5se: Rumors

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A spate of recent leaks and reports strongly indicate Apple is working on a 4-inch iPhone. Many believe the smaller iPhone will be launched as the iPhone 6c, while some say it will be an iPhone 5e, where e stands for the ‘enhanced version’. Now, Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac has suggested that the rumored 4-inch iPhone is actually a revamped version of the iPhone 5s, and may launch as the iPhone 5se. The suffix se stands for the ‘special edition’.

According to Gurman, the iPhone 5se, internally codenamed N69, will have similar look and feel of the iPhone 5s, which was launched in 2013. The new smartphone will come with new features and subtle design changes to make it look closer to the iPhone 6 series. A few changes include curved glass like on the iPhone 6 in place of chamfered edges.

The iPhone 5se will have 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2-megapixel front camera. It might also include support for Live Photos. The smartphone will be powered by A8 and M8 chips, and come with NFC support for Apple Pay. One major new feature that will be missing on the iPhone 5se is support for 3D Touch.

But why Apple will make a new version of its almost two year old-smartphone? According to Gurman, Apple is targeting users who are still using the iPhone 5s mainly because of the smaller form factor, and may have not been impressed with the iPhone 6 slimmer and larger design. Moreover, it could be possible that Apple has plans to phase out the iPhone 5s, and help upgrade its older users.

Whether it is called the iPhone 5e or iPhone 5se or even iPhone 6c, Apple’s 4-inch iPhone launch seems imminent in next couple of months. Right now we are taking all these rumors with pinch of salt. We expect to get more clear picture as we near the official launch, which is speculated to be in late March or April.

Source: Apple

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Facebook for iOS to add more 3D Touch features

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If you are an Apple user, get ready to experience your Facebook Timeline in 3D soon. According to reports, the social networking site is rolling out a special feature “3D Touch” to its Timeline.

So instead of tapping and swiping, “3D Touch” will allow users to hard-press on items to preview content and then optionally act on it, TechCrunch reported. The feature will work with web links, profiles, Facebook Pages, Facebook Groups, Facebook Events, photos, profile pictures and cover photos.

To begin with, Apple users will be able to press on links and profiles and preview content without having to navigate away from their current spot.

“We are excited to start rolling out support for 3D Touch in our iOS app so people can quickly and easily peek into a preview of anything they are interested in on Facebook, and pop into that content to see more,” a Facebook spokesperson was quoted as saying in the report.

Initially, “3D Touch” on the Timeline will be available to a “small group” of people and will later expand to more users. This previewing feature was earlier called “peek and pop” and introduced on Apple’s new smartphones last year. So “peek” at emails from your inbox with a light press then press a little harder to “pop” into them soon!

Source: Facebook for iOS to add more 3D Touch features | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple iPhone 5se compared with iPhone 5s in leaked photo: Everything you need to know

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Over the weekend a report surfaced online claiming that Apple was planning on launching a revamped version of the iPhone 5s. This variant will reportedly be called iPhone 5se – where ‘se’ stands for special edition — and it will launch as early as March.

The rumor about a March launch for the iPhone 5se is corroborated by KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He says that Apple will launch not one, but two new devices in the first half of this year — the iPhone 5se and the iPad Air 3, AppleInsider reports

In line with earlier reports, Kuo also says that the iPhone 5se will basically look like the iPhone 5s. But it will borrow some elements from the iPhone 6s like the 2.5D curved glass. It will also come with upgraded hardware like an 8-megapixel rear camera, an improved 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera, A8 processor, an M8 co-processor, and connectivity options like VoLTE and NFC support for Apple Pay. While it is likely to include support for Live Photos, there won’t be support for 3D Touch display technology.

An alleged leaked photo (via OneMoreThing) shows the iPhone 5se placed alongside the iPhone 5s. Apart from confirming the 4-inch sized display, there are subtle changes like pill-shaped volume rocker, and a power button that has been relocated to the right. The home button too is different, which all but confirms the presence of a TouchID sensor underneath.

As per reports, developing markets are one of the primary focus for Apple as far as the iPhone 5se is concerned. The upcoming smartphone is likely to be available in 16GB and 32GB internal storage variants, with prices starting from $500 (Rs 32,500 approximately).

Source: Apple iPhone 5se compared with iPhone 5s in leaked photo: Everything you need to know | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple’s 4-inch iPhone 5se specifications leaked, could feature always-on Siri, A9 processor

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Apple is expected to unveil the 4-inch iPhone 5se in March, and the rumors are coming in thick and fast. The latest set of rumors shed some light on the upcoming iPhones’ processors and storage options.

Earlier reports claimed that the iPhone 5se will be powered by an A8 processor accompanied by a M8 coprocessor. But 9To5Mac’s Mark Gurman says that Apple is “more likely” to opt for a combination of A9 processor and M9 coprocessor instead. Gurman says that this year’s iPhone 7 will be powered by An A10 processor, and doesn’t want the iPhone 5se to be a couple of generation behind on launch.

Apart from a boost in performance, the M9 coprocessor will also let iPhone 5se users take advantage of the always-on ‘Hey Siri’ function. Gurman also says that Apple plans on replacing the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus with the iPhone 5se. So this year’s lineup will include the iPhone 5se, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and the upcoming iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. As for storage, Apple would launch the iPhone 5se in 16GB and 64GB variants, just like the current iPhones.

From what we have come across so far, the upcoming iPhone 5se will look like the iPhone 5s, but it will borrow some elements from the iPhone 6s like the 2.5D curved glass. It will also come with upgraded hardware like an 8-megapixel rear camera, an improved 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera, Live Photos support, and connectivity options like VoLTE and NFC support for Apple Pay.

As mentioned above, Apple is planning on launching the iPhone 5se in March. Analysts believe that the company could also launch the next-generation Apple Watch and the iPad Air 3 in the first half of this year.

Source: Apple’s 4-inch iPhone 5se specifications leaked, could feature always-on Siri, A9 processor | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

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Using an iPhone or a Mac? Don't Visit This Website

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Beware of pranksters on Twitter today if you're an Apple user. Some people are trying to trick their friends into visiting crashsafari.com, a site that does, well, pretty much exactly what it claims to do: crashes the Safari browser bundled in with Apple's iPhones and Mac computers.

Social media saboteurs are using URL-shorteners to disguise the link so their unsuspecting followers will click on it - crashing their browser or in some cases forcing users to reboot their devices, according to some reports.

But never fear, the issue is more annoying than dangerous. At the most, it seems you may lose open tabs depending on your settings. It's not entirely clear which versions of Safari are affected, but the site is reported to work on the latest releases for OS X and iOS. On an iPhone 6s running iOS 9.2 tested by this reporter, it just caused a second of frustration, and then the device was back to normal.

The method behind the online madness is pretty simple: The site runs a little bit of code that forces the browser into a loop where it's directed to call up a particular bit of information about the site's URL thousands of times, overwhelming it until it crashes, according to 9to5 Mac.

No word from Apple on a fix as of yet, and it seems unlikely that the company will rush to action given the limited scope of the issue. But the prank is a helpful reminder that there are quirks built into a lot of the tech we rely on that can have unexpected consequences. Just last year, the Internet discovered that sending a specific string of characters to an iPhone via text message could force the device to restart.

Source: Using an iPhone or a Mac? Don't Visit This Website | NDTV Gadgets360.com

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple iPhone 7 Plus could come with dual-lens camera setup for ‘DSLR like’ photo quality

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While Apple’s iPhone 7 launch is more than half a year away, it doesn’t stop the rumor mill from buzzing. In a research note obtained by MacRumors, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has mentioned that Apple is developing two 5.5-inch versions of the iPhone 7 Plus, one with a single iSight camera and the other one with dual-lens setup.

There are already some smartphones with dual-lens setup, where the second camera is used for capturing the depth information and to add 3D effects to photos. However, Apple may use the dual-lens setup to offer zoom capabilities that could be close enough to optical zoom. The one with dual-lens camera setup is likely to use LinX technology imaging algorithms, the Israeli camera technology company that Apple acquired last year.

With two camera sensors, Apple can also do away with the protruding camera lens module. These lenses could also have better light sensitivity to improve low light performance. Kuo also expects the iPhone 7 Plus with dual-lens camera to boast 2-3X optical zoom feature.

While Apple has been known to highlight camera improvements in its new iPhones, these typically come in the “s” models. Thus, it remains to be seen if Apple chooses to integrate this technology in the iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone 7s Plus, which could launch in 2017.

Source: Apple iPhone 7 Plus could come with dual-lens camera setup for ‘DSLR like’ photo quality | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Facebook Brings Live Video Streaming to All iPhone Users in the US

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Facebook is ready to start broadcasting live video on its iPhone app.

The option to show live video is being turned on Thursday for everyone in the US with Facebook's app installed on an iPhone. The California company plans to extend the iPhone feature to all 1.6 billion of its worldwide users in the next few weeks.

The feature will enable Facebook users to share live video with friends and family. It's similar to the live video app called Periscope that Twitter introduced on its messaging service last year.

Facebook is still working on adding live video to its app for Android devices.

Earlier in the week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company's new Reactions feature will be rolled out globally "pretty soon". Zuckerberg didn't give a more concrete timetable while discussing the new feature with analysts in a conference call Wednesday following Facebook's latest quarterly earnings report.

The additional options will expand Facebook beyond the renowned thumbs-up 'Like' symbol that people click on to show they like a comment, photo or video posted on the social network.

"We want people to be able to share all of the things that are meaningful to them, not just the things that are happy and that people are going to like when they see it," Zuckerberg said Wednesday.

Facebook is hoping the additional choices will encourage people to share their thoughts more frequently and hang out on the social network for even longer periods than they already do.

Source: Facebook Brings Live Video Streaming to All iPhone Users in the US | NDTV Gadgets360.com

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple recalls faulty AC power adapters; here’s how you can check and exchange your adapter

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Apple has issued a recall of its certain AC wall plug adapters shipped with Mac and certain iOS devices between 2003 and 2015, and were also included in its World Travel Adapter Kit. The recall comes in the wake of fears that affected adapters may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched. Even though there have been only 12 electric shock incidents worldwide in the last 12 years, Apple says the recall is part of a precautionary measure.

According to Apple, the recall is applicable for the AC wall plug adapters designed for use in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea. Also, it is not for any other Apple AC wall plug adapters designed for Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, United States or any Apple USB power adapters.

“Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority, and we have voluntarily decided to exchange affected wall plug adapters with a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge. We encourage customers to exchange any affected parts, ” Apple said in a statement.

While India is not mentioned in the list of countries, Apple says that the list is indicative, and that these adapters may have been used in additional countries. It’s worth pointing out that recent Apple devices like the iPad Pro come with the redesigned adapter.

If you are using an older generation Mac or iOS device that comes with an adapter where you can change the pin element, you should check whether you have a faulty one or not. The recall is for a particular two-prong plug adapter only and Apple has a guide handy for users to check their adapters.

How to check and exchange faulty adapters

Apple is recalling the two-prong plug adapter that has either four-five characters or no characters on the inside slot where it attaches to the main Apple power adapter. Redesigned adapters have a 3-letter regional code in the slot (IND, EUR, KOR, AUS, ARG or BRA), which are not a part of the recall. Apple has also shared photos that demonstrate whether the adapter is affected or not.

If your adapter is affected, Apple is giving three options to exchange it. You can either contact your local authorized Apple service provider for the new adapter or make a request online (https://selfsolve.apple.com/012016) . Or you can simply contact the Apple customer care.

Apple will be seeking your Mac, iPad, iPhone or iPod serial number as part of the exchange process. You can learn about how to find your device’s serial number from here – https://support.apple.com/en-sg/HT204308.

Users can visit Apple AC Wall Plug Adapter Exchange Program - Apple Support to find out more details on how to replace the affected adapters with the new ones.

Source: Apple recalls faulty AC power adapters; here

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Apple removes free iTunes Radio service, forces users to subscribe to Apple Music

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Apple has discontinued its ad-supported free version of iTunes Radio, and merged it with Apple Music as a feature addition. Users who had customized content on iTunes Radio will now have to subscribe to Apple Music to access their online radio stations. The change makes Beats 1 as the only free Radio service from Apple.

If you haven’t subscribed to Apple Music, and try to access iTunes Radio on Mac, Apple will show you a pop-up titled ‘Get on Our Wavelength’, which redirects to a sign up page for Apple Music, and prompts users to join the service for curated radio stations and music.

“We are making Beats 1 the premier free broadcast from Apple and phasing out the ad-supported stations at the end of January,” an Apple spokesperson told BuzzFeed News. “Additionally, with an Apple Music membership, listeners can access dozens of radio stations curated by our team of music experts, covering a range of genres, commercial-free with unlimited skips. The free three-month trial of Apple Music includes radio.”

Apple’s decision to shut down iTunes Radio and merge it with Apple Music clearly indicates its growing focus on subscription model rather ad-based model.

Apple had launched iTunes Radio in 2013. The free service was available for iOS 7+ devices. Similar to Pandora, Apple’s streaming service allowed users to listen to pre-taped playlists with limited track skips.

Even though Apple Music is a paid version, the app gives much more liberty in terms of curating playlists and customize tracks as compared to the free version of the iTunes Radio. Most importantly, it’s without ads, which is a better experience on any given day.

According to Apple’s latest earnings report, Apple Music has over 10 million paid subscribers and is rapidly closing in on the likes of Spotify. The service is also available in India. Apple is offering a three-month free trial, post which users will be required to pay Rs 120 per month for an individual plan, or a Rs 190 per month family plan (for up to six members).

Source: Apple removes free iTunes Radio service, forces users to subscribe to Apple Music | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

iPhone 7 to Ditch Rear Antenna Bands, Camera Bump: Report

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More rumours for the upcoming Apple flagship smartphone, the iPhone 7, continue to pour in. This time a report suggests that handset in question will ditch the rear camera bump seen in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus with the help of a thinner camera module. The antenna bands at the back will reportedly also be removed to give a cleaner look.

A report from Mac Rumors cites a reliable source who says that the handset will still sport antenna bands, which would now stick to the sides, top and bottom edges. The overall design would stay the same as its predecessors. Apple is far from confirming the aforementioned design changes so the information should be taken with a pinch of salt. Nothing specific has been mentioned about the anticipated iPhone 7 Plus in the report.

Both the rumoured iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus are said to be unveiled in September this year. While the iPhone 7 is expected to feature a traditional primary camera, its 'Plus' sibling is tipped to sport a dual-lens camera design.

Another rumour revolving around the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus is the demise of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The company is said to be working with Beats Electronics to develop "truly wireless" earphones - which is to say, the wireless earphones will feature no wires between the left and the right earbuds.

Previous reports add that the company might also be making its iPhone 7 models "completely waterproof" with the help of nanocoating. However, it is more likely to be water-resistant in reality. Wireless charging support is another functionality that could be debuting this year.

In addition, it has been mentioned that the rumoured iPhone 7 audio system will include new noise-cancellation technology from UK-based Wolfson Microelectronics, now a part of Cirrus Logic. A larger battery and 256GB inbuilt storage variant are also tipped.

Source: iPhone 7 to Ditch Rear Antenna Bands, Camera Bump: Report | NDTV Gadgets360.com

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Sony Hints at Dual Rear Camera Setup on iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus

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It's been more than a year since Apple has been rumoured to be working on a dual-lens camera setup on its iPhone. It appears we are now getting a confirmation of sorts. Sony's executive says that he expects the dual-camera feature to become popular in 2017.

Sony CFO Kenichiro Yoshida during the company's Q3 earnings call noted that the camera maker believes that dual-camera sensors will take-off this year. Yoshida also noted (via Sony Xperia blog) that the demand or production schedule of dual-camera smartphones might be impacted due to a decline in the growth of high-end smartphone market.

Sony provides its camera sensors to a number of smartphone manufacturers including Apple. If the Japanese technology conglomerate is currently hoping the industry at large to see dual-camera setup see popular next year, this could mean that Apple will have the dual-camera sensors in its iPhone this year.

Apple analyst and blogger John Gruber noted in late 2014 that he had heard about Apple utilising dual-camera sensors for its upcoming iPhone. That wasn't the case with the iPhone models that Apple launched last year, namely the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Coupled with several other reports, it seems rather plausible that Apple may have this sort of camera sensors arrangement on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Apple's iPhone once held the marquee position for the best camera smartphone in the market. Over the years, several other manufacturers including Huawei, LG, and Samsung (who all get camera sensors from Sony) have substantially improved camera quality on their smartphone. If Apple wants to further distance the ever-closing lead it still maintains, it needs to make a major move.

Source: Sony Hints at Dual Rear Camera Setup on iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus | NDTV Gadgets360.com

 

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Re: Apple Products - Discussions and Suggestions

Error 53: A mysterious Apple bug is killing iPhones worldwide

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Users worldwide are reporting a mysterious Error 53 that is rendering their iPhones useless. The error seems to be affecting iPhones that have suffered damages and in cases where users have got them repaired from third-party service centers, especially repairs that involve replacing the home button that also has the Touch ID fingerprint sensor or replacing the display. The error seems to be affecting only iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users at the moment though the jury is still out.

Users who have experienced Error 53 claim that their iPhones worked properly after the repair was done but got bricked with Error 53 only after they updated their device to the latest iOS version, the Guardian reports.

Source: Error 53: A mysterious Apple bug is killing iPhones worldwide | Latest Tech News, Video & Photo Reviews at BGR India