Category Archives: Apple

Leaked Photos Further Suggest 802.11ac ‘Gigabit WiFi’ Support for Apple’s Upcoming Macs

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45416 80211ac Leaked Photos Further Suggest 802.11ac ‘Gigabit WiFi’ Support for Apple’s Upcoming Macs

Following the discovery of code strings in an OS X 10.8.4 beta revealing that Apple plans to bring gigabit-speed 802.11ac WiFi to future Macs, a new Broadcom chipset has been spotted to add even more evidence to the growing mount (via 9to5Mac). The chip appears to be a custom-designed chip intended for use in an as yet unreleased iMac. It is identical in form factor to the WiFi chip in Apple’s current iMacs and MacBooks, and combines both 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth on the same chip.

1e756 broadcom macbook 802 11ac Leaked Photos Further Suggest 802.11ac ‘Gigabit WiFi’ Support for Apple’s Upcoming Macs 1e756 broadcom 802 11ac mac Leaked Photos Further Suggest 802.11ac ‘Gigabit WiFi’ Support for Apple’s Upcoming Macs

Additionally, the chip would make it possible for users to add 802.11ac WiFi to current-generation Macs that otherwise wouldn’t support it. It’s unclear when Apple is planning to release their next round of updated Macs, although rumors have suggested new models could launch in June, close around Apple’s WWDC event, or shortly thereafter.

802.11ac offers significant improvements over older WiFi standards, such as support for speeds in excess of 1Gbps – over twice as fast as the maximum 450Mbps supported by 802.11n. Like its predecessor, it also supports advanced WiFi features, such as those required for Apple’s AirPlay and AirDrop technologies.

New Macs are coming – and it seems practically a given that they will include 802.11ac at this point – it’s no longer a matter of if, but when!

Microsoft Unveils ‘Xbox One’ An All-In-One Entertainment Hub

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3cd5c xbox icon Microsoft Unveils ‘Xbox One’ An All-In-One Entertainment Hub

Microsoft unveiled their next generation console on Tuesday. In an event hosted at its Redmond, WA campus, Microsoft took the wraps off of the “Xbox One,” a new console designed to be an all-in-one entertainment console which features a heavy focus on interactive television viewing as well as video gaming.

3cd5c xbox one console Microsoft Unveils ‘Xbox One’ An All-In-One Entertainment Hub

The new console will utilize voice commands, gesture control via an updated Kinect controller, and a new feature called Instant Switching to allow users to switch back and forth between gaming, television, Skype, and other uses with commands that work as quickly as changing channels on a television.

The Xbox One will recognize individual users and will present to them a customized home screen filled with their favorite content, such as the last game they played, their preferred movies and television shows, music, and other recommended content. A new section, “Trending,” will display current friend activity and live television content.

Multiple items can be displayed on the television screen using a home screen sharing mode called Snap Mode.

d378c xbox one screen Microsoft Unveils ‘Xbox One’ An All-In-One Entertainment Hub

The Xbox One can also respond to voice commands, much like what analysts have imagined the much rumored Apple TV with Siri integration might work. Commands such as “Watch CBS,” “Play a game,” or “Play music,” can be used to control the operations of the new console

The new console will include 8GB of RAM, an 8-core CPU, a 500GB hard drive, USB 3.0 ports, Wi-Fi, a slot-loading Blu-ray drive, and HDMI input.

A new Kinect sensor will be included with the Xbox One console. The new unit sports a 1080p camera, will support more casual voice commands than its predecessor, and Microsoft claims it will even be able to measure a user’s heart beat. (No word on if it can automatically call 911 if it detects a user about to go into full cardiac arrest while working out to Zumba.) 

Microsoft has also improved its SmartGlass “second-screen” companion app for the Xbox, allowing smartphones and tablets like Apple’s iPhone and iPad to connect with the Xbox One, interacting with the new console in various ways.

d378c xbox one controller Microsoft Unveils ‘Xbox One’ An All-In-One Entertainment Hub

A number of games were showcased at the event. They included Madden NFL 25, NBA Live 14, EA Sports UFC, FIFA 12, Forza Motorsport 5, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and Quantum Break, a new game from developer Remedy that blends television and gaming. (Shades of “full-motion video” of 16-bit gaming’s yesteryear.)

The Redmond firm announced 15 new exclusive games that will be available in the Xbox One’s first year, eight of which will be new franchises.

The focus on entertainment and television streaming abilities tends to position the device in the minds of many as a possible competitor to Apple’s current Apple TV set-top box, and the much rumored Apple Television, which the company is said to be developing. No specific details are available about such a device from Apple, but rumors continue to fly about the development of such a creature.

AT&T Will Waive Voice, Data, and Text Overage Charges for Tornado Ravaged Victims in Oklahoma

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731be OK twister thumb AT&T Will Waive Voice, Data, and Text Overage Charges for Tornado Ravaged Victims in Oklahoma

In the aftermath of Monday’s devastating tornado in Oklahoma City, Wireless carrier AT&T has announced it will be waiving all overage charges for those in the affected area through June 30.

731be ap children alive tornado crop nt 130520 wg AT&T Will Waive Voice, Data, and Text Overage Charges for Tornado Ravaged Victims in Oklahoma

AppleInsider:

On Monday afternoon local time, Oklahoma City saw a massive tornado system rip through parts of the city and surrounding areas, leaving flattened buildings and at least 91 fatalities in its wake. The New York Times, as well as other media outlets, say the storm system was one mile wide.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tornado that hit the Oklahoma City area Monday,” said Bryan Gonterman, state president for AT&T Oklahoma. “We are coordinating with local authorities and bringing in additional resources.”

AT&T says it will be supporting efforts by waiving voice, data and text overage charges through the end of June for affected areas.

As a side note, due to massive call volumes in the area, AT&T recommends that those trying to reach family and friends in the region use text messaging instead of attempting to reach loved ones via voice calling.

Any readers who would like to donate to the Red Cross humanitarian efforts in the area can donate $ 10 by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. The donation will be charged as part of a user’s monthly bill.

731be 0Bb rdTNqz4 AT&T Will Waive Voice, Data, and Text Overage Charges for Tornado Ravaged Victims in Oklahoma

Giveaway: iSkin Agent 6 Sling for iPad

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9cca2 iSkin Sling Thumb Giveaway: iSkin Agent 6 Sling for iPad

If you’ve been around the site for a while, you’ll know that we enjoy giving away great stuff to out readers – and we’ve got a nice prize for you this week!. This time around, we’ve got iSkin’s newest aura2 case for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-gen iPads – and we want to send one to you!

9cca2 iSkin Sling 1 Giveaway: iSkin Agent 6 Sling for iPad

Here’s what iSkin has to say about the case:

Rugged Sophistication - where fashion meets durability.

  • Full-bodied

The Military-inspired webbing is nicely complemented with a premium ballistic nylon fabric that make the Agent 6 Sling a tough, durable, and stylish sling.

  • All-in-one Package

The Agent 6 Sling is as adaptable as it is convenient with the carabiner attachment, detachable pouch for iPad charger, D-Ring for attaching keys, and front pocket for your iPhone and cables.

  • Protection by Design

Thanks to the padded down proof lining and non-scratching, water-resistant nylon zippers of the Agent 6 Sleeve, your iPad will be kept away from the rain as it rests gently on the softness of a cloud.

  • Storage Convenience

The Agent 6 Sleeve allows you to stow away your accessories or charger with its built in multi-functional pocket for maximum storage capability.

9cca2 iSkin Sling 2 Giveaway: iSkin Agent 6 Sling for iPad

How to Enter

So, how can you get your hands on a free iSkin Agent 6 Sling? As usual, we like to make things easy. To be in with a chance at snagging one of these beauties for yourself, just make sure you follow us on Twitter (@MacTrast), and tweet the following:

Win an @iSkin Agent 6 from MacTrast – the ultimate gadget sling for your iPad or iPad mini! http://mctr.st/163bl8a #MTiSkin

That’s all there is to it! The giveaway is open to all readers worldwide. Entries begin now, and will remain open until 8:00AM MT on Friday, May 24. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter, and will receive a brand new Agent 6 case for iPad or iPad mini in the color of their choosing.

Good luck!

9cca2 ZcfxZNx41GU Giveaway: iSkin Agent 6 Sling for iPad

Apple Releases Statement Ahead of Tim Cook’s Tax Policy Senate Appearance

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1239c tim cook2 Apple Releases Statement Ahead of Tim Cook’s Tax Policy Senate Appearance

Apple has released a statement (PDF) outlining testimony due to be delivered this week to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation by Apple CEO Tim Cook, CFO Peter Oppenheimer, and head of tax operations Phillip A. Bullock.

1239c subcommittee Apple Releases Statement Ahead of Tim Cook’s Tax Policy Senate Appearance

MacRumors:

In the seventeen page statement, Apple notes that it has created hundreds of thousands of jobs in the United States — both directly and through suppliers and contractors. It notes that the company paid nearly $ 6 billion in federal taxes in fiscal 2012 and the company expects to pay $ 7 billion in 2013.

The company also says Apple “does not use tax gimmicks”, pushing back against reporting in The New York Times that examined Apple’s international tax strategies.

Apple goes on to say that it complies fully with both the laws and spirit of the laws, and pays all required taxes, both in this country and abroad.

The company also says it supports comprehensive U.S. corporate tax reform, proposing a new system that is ”revenue neutral, eliminates all tax expenditures, lowers tax rates and implements a reasonable tax on foreign earnings that allows free movement of capital back to the US.” Apple also notes that such reform would most likely result in the company paying even more in corporate tax than it does now.

Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer will appear at 9:30AM Eastern time in front of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation. The hearing is titled “Offshore Profit Shifting and the U.S. Tax Code – Part 2” and will be held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

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