Hello, World. I am back. My vacation lasted a long time and it was what the doctor ordered…mostly. For me, being in the San Francisco Bay Area is like going home. It was exciting times as I took in a Giants game, the 49ers opening game at the now-doomed Candlestick, the America’s Cup races, and a street party thrown in for good measure.
There was also a lot of sadness as we had a death in my brother’s family in Oakland. And I have been a bit under-the-weather for the last few days…not to mention the hot weather continues here in Tucson. Looking forward to some Autumn weather one of these days.
But, now to business. Wouldn’t you know it: when I was gone, the tech world burst forth with lots of news…so much, in fact, that I can’t cover it all in one blog. So here is what I am going to do:
This edition is about all news from Apple, since it’s the most recent. The next edition will cover the PC and laptop world with special emphasis on all the incredible stories coming out of Microsoft. Following that, we will deal with Google and Android. Hopefully by then, we will be caught up. So there is definitely some interesting stuff coming your way.
But, first…what’s new at Apple. On Sept. 10, they held their big Fall event where they covered three things…the official release of the new iOS 7 operating system for their tablets and phones…something they already presented at their Spring event. They also introduced us to two new iPhones: the 5C and the 5S. Although barely mentioned at the event, they also released iTunes Radio. No mention at all of any new iPads.
As for iOS 7, I downloaded it into both my iPad and iPhone. I mostly like it. Besides a complete redesign of its appearance, they added a few new features that seem to work well and are definite improvements. You can read all about them below. In many ways, it is like getting a new phone. Not everyone likes it and I hate what they did to the Notes application. They did away with the designs that mimicked real life items and introduced plain flat, almost boring, designs.
As for the phones, it is the first time they introduced two new phones at the same time. The 5C is their less expensive model which sell for $99 (with a two year contract). It is basically the same phone as the original 5 except its in plastic and has many different colors. Whoopee!
The 5S is $199 (with a two year contract) and brings with it the first 64 bit phone with 4GB of RAM, a fingerprint scanner to log in, and some new improvements to the camera. Not much else new about it.
As I have said before, the smartphone changes these days are evolutionary. They have taken it as far as they can in terms of radical new features. This weekend, Apple has started out well with the new phones, supposedly selling 9 million of them. My thoughts: If you have an Apple 4S or 5 phone, I personally see no need to rush out and get one. They aren’t that big of a deal.
OK, from here on in, I will let you read all about them and form your own opinions. Let’s go!
Apple's iPhone 5S, 5C debut: We live in boring times
Marketers will do their best to convince you otherwise, but smartphones now belong to a maturing industry with little sizzle.
Apple announces iPhone 5S: What you need to know
Apple announced the much-anticipated iPhone 5S at a media event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. Here's the run down of what you need to know.
Apple launches iPhone trade-ins
Apple retail stores are accepting customers' old iPhones for credit toward new ones. The company is expected to unveil the latest iterations of the iPhone at an event in Sept.
The iPhone 5S is nice, but not worth the upgrade (review)
Apple's latest version of the popular smartphone may call out to many like the golden One Ring did for Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings," but the fact is the new iPhone 5S is a good but not particularly stellar upgrade from the previous model.
Apple iOS 7 Review & Rating
Launching iOS 7 (free) for the first time feels like stepping into some far-away land. It reminds me of the moment Dorothy first finds herself in Oz. She feels uncomfortable in this foreign world.
What's right (and wrong) with iOS 7
While iOS 7 undoubtedly has potential, in many ways it feels like an iTunes software update. Things have been moved and a whole lotta stuff looks different, but overall it doesn't feel much better.
6 Overlooked New Features of iOS 7
Many of iOS 7's best new features don't have anything to do with the new interface or design, and thus it's easy to pass them by. Here are six you should not overlook.
The Best iPad Tips and Tricks [Updated for iOS 7]
With this new release, some access methods have been changed and it can be quite tricky to find out the ways that you used to do with the system.
Apple iTunes 11.1 Review & Rating
Apple iTunes is still the mother of all media applications, with the biggest music and video store, and now a free Internet radio option.
Tune into iTunes Radio
With the release of iOS 7 comes Apple’s long-awaited iTunes Radio music streaming service. Here are some great tips on how to use it and customize the content to your heart’s… content.
The best free iPad games, period
Some things in life really are free. Check out our picks for the best games on the iPad that don't cost anything at all.
