Using apples

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple on Tuesday (Nov 10) is expected to unveil new Mac computers using its own in-house processor chips, a move that could reignite a race to control the market for desktop and laptop chips and benefit players such as Qualcomm. The market has been dominated by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices since 2006, when Apple joined most other major computer makers in using chips based on Intel's 'x86' computing architecture. On Tuesday Apple is expected to start a two-year process of ending its nearly 15-year relationship with Intel by introducing Mac computers with Apple-designed chips based on computing architecture technology from Arm, which Nvidia Corp has agreed to buy from SoftBank Group Corp in a US$40 billion deal. Apple will design the chips using Arm technology and have them manufactured by a partner, most likely Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, which makes processors for Apple's iPhone. UK-based Arm's technology also powers most Android phones. Apple's … [Read more...] about Apple’s new Macs could revive the PC chip wars, analysts say

REUTERS: Apple Inc was sued on Thursday by the creator of a once-popular app store that accused the iPhone maker of illegally monopolizing software distribution on its own operating system. Cydia, which was created in 2008, said Apple has "illegally squashed all competition" for its App Store, depriving consumers of the ability to choose where to obtain iOS apps and developers from choosing which distributors to use. The complaint filed in the Oakland, California federal court is the latest case accusing Apple of exploiting market dominance at the expense of rivals such as Cydia, which said it is on the verge of closing and a possible bankruptcy. Apple, based in Cupertino, California, said in an email it will review the lawsuit and does not monopolize any market. It also said that for security reasons it discourages consumers from trying to unlock their iPhones, in a process called "jailbreaking," to install unauthorized software. The main rival to iOS is Google's … [Read more...] about Apple is sued by rival over alleged App Store monopoly

NEW YORK: Apple on Tuesday (Dec 8) unveiled its new AirPods Max, a set of wireless over-ear headphones at US$549 apiece, pricier than some of its other popular phone and tablet products, in a measure likely to boost sales over the December holiday period. The new AirPods, which will have up to 20 hours battery life, will be shipped from next Tuesday, Apple said. They are priced at S$849 in Singapore and will be available for order soon, according to Apple. Because over-ear headphones create a seal around the ear, they are capable of delivering higher audio quality than in-ear devices and remain the standard form factor in professional studios. The AirPods Max model will compete with high-end headphones such as Bose's Noise Cancelling 700 units, which retail for US$340 with holiday discounts. At US$549, AirPods Max headphones are more expensive than Apple's entry-level iPhone, iPad and Watch models. The company also said on Tuesday that pricing for its base, in-ear AirPods … [Read more...] about Apple launches US$549 new AirPods Max, pricier than some iPhones, to boost holiday sales

TAIPEI: Foxconn is moving some iPad and MacBook assembly to Vietnam from China at the request of Apple Inc, said a person with knowledge of the plan, as the U.S. firm diversifies production to minimise the impact of a Sino-U.S. trade war. The development comes as the outgoing administration of U.S. President Donald Trump encourages U.S. firms to shift production out of China. During Trump's tenure, the United States has targeted made-in-China electronics for higher import tariffs, and restricted supplies of components produced using U.S. technology to Chinese firms it deems a national security risk. Taiwanese manufacturers, wary of being caught up in the tit-for-tat trade war, have moved or are considering moving some production from China to countries such as Vietnam, Mexico and India. Foxconn is building assembly lines for Apple's iPad tablet and MacBook laptop at its plant in Vietnam's northeastern Bac Giang province, to come online in the first half of 2021, the person … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Foxconn to shift some Apple production to Vietnam to minimise China risk

Ready to stay active and earn some perks while you’re at it? If you haven’t already been using LumiHealth, you’re missing out. The free game-like app – a partnership between Singapore and Apple – has been available for quite some time now as a way of tracking one’s health while rewarding users’ healthy habits via your Apple Watch and iPhone. The programme, designed by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) as part of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, was created in collaboration with physicians and public health experts. It’s all about encouraging Singaporeans and permanent residents to adopt healthier habits. But of course, knowing how everyone loves a good deal, there are free vouchers one can get too. Without expecting any immediate windfall, we decided to give LumiHealth a test drive. So how does it work? There are three different types of challenges to complete: Wellness, which includes goals like improving sleeping habits or managing stress using the Breathe app … [Read more...] about Keep fit and earn S$380: We tried the LumiHealth app on our Apple Watch