Siri Voice Control Support For Apple TV

Recent report states that Apple will be working on building its voice activated application Siri into its Apple TV to rival Amazon’s Fire TV.

Apple’s Siri, the virtual personal assistant which is presently available on the company’s mobile products will be making headway to the Apple TV set top box. Pierre Blazquez, the French software developer had found reference to Sirisupport for Apple TV in a section of iOS 7.1 code recently wherein the code refers to the device family `3’ that has been the number for Apple TV since the set top box began running iOS.

 It was reported that for some time Apple’s settop box would get Siri support and with this move many companies including Samsung and LG would be offering voice control for their television software.

Launch in Early June

This upcoming miniature set top box would be unveiled early this June with features like voice commands and games console and will become a serious Apple product in its own right. This hockey puck sized device which plugs at the back of the television set connecting to the internet with dedicated app will enable the streaming of content from other Apple products like Mac, iPads, or iPhones which till now has been considered as just interesting hobby of the company but will now be making a change for the better.

New Set Top Box with Fast Processor

Amazon too had earlier announced its launch for Fire TV set top box inclusive of remote control with a built-in microphone in order to enable users to speak the name of a move, TV show, actor and director, into the remote with Fire TV displaying the list of the results.

It could stream video and audio from services like Netflix and Pandora like the way other gadgets were functioning but unlike several of its rivals, the Fire TV has voice search as well as the capabilities to play video games.

It was also reported that Apple would be releasing a new set top box which would have a faster processor accompanied with an updated interface enabling users to navigate with ease between TV shows, movie together with other online content.

Siri Voice Assistant – Upgraded Version 

According to reports, it was stated that the new code found within Apple’s software indicates that the tech giant would be bringing its Siri voice assistant to an upgraded version of the Apple TV which would seem that Apple would be competing for consumers on high end of the video streaming market with the new Amazon Fire TV.

With regards to Fire TV, user can hold a button on the remote control to search content by taking the name of a movie, artist or a TV show where the device would display results to the user’s audio query. Moreover the Amazon streaming box also enables the user to play video game which can be downloaded from the app store of the company.

With their focus on being competitive with Amazon Fire TV, it is reported that Apple is considering in bringing about many features to its device which would be costing $99 meaning that Apple would be gearing up in improving its gadgets with more feature if it intends to remain competitive against its rival.

Apple Stores Now offer Free Recycling of Old Apple Products

In continuation of its environment conscious announcement, Apple has revealed a new plan in accepting all used products of Apple for free, to cut down on pollution which is being caused by manufacture and use of the devices.

The iPhone and iPad manufacturer is striving to cultivate a greener Apple Inc. in an environmental section of the company’s site which was debuted recently wherein the site highlights the ways in which Cupertino, California Company will be increasing its support on alternative power sources with less electronic junk to landfills.

With regards to this, Apple has already started distributing gift cards with third party companies like PowerOn, in exchange for iPhone and iPods which are in good condition and can be resold, at some of its 420 global stores.

Apple will not be offering gift cards in exchange for old products with little or no reselling value, this free recycling is with a purpose to keep the electronics out of landfills according to reports received by The Associated Press. This initiative on the part of Apple is to make its company’s operation an environment friendly one, which would be beneficial both to mankind and the planet earth.

Most of the devices together with the products sold by Apple do contain toxins that remains in the ground if they are not properly recycled or disposed and Apple is striving hard to lend its support in environmental responsibility towards a cleaner business model in making use of all innovation with the help of expertise, making the planet more secure bringing about some improvements in the environment.

The firm states that besides, iPhone or iPad, any Mac or PC desktop or notebook can qualify for reuse or free recycling, keeping in mind that Apple had in the past seven years sold around one billion iPhone, iPad, iPods and Macs.

According to Greenpeace’s estimate the tech gadgets and online services had accounted for about two percent of the world’s emission in 2012 somewhat similar as the airline industry.

Customers can now avail this opportunity towards new iPhone or iPad irrespective of the devices they may trade with and can also combine iPad and iPhone credits for a limit on one device to apply for the purchase of a new device. With all Apple stores now accepting old devices which may not have any resale value due to their age, customers will not be receiving any money for these devices but the firm will be accepting them to recycle them for free.

 Apple has been offering this program to the customers in order to help them in disposing their old devices in a responsible manner. This endeavour is part of Apple’s Earth Day celebration which began with the company’s `Better environmental campaign’, highlighting Apple’s environmental contributions to its supply chain, data centres as well as in its new Apple Campus 2 project.

Moreover, Apple is also contemplating commemorating Earth Day at its retail stores with the placement of a green leaf on its traditionally white Apple logo together with a green t-shirt to all its retail employees.

Apple’s Refurbished iPad Mini with Retina Display

The wait for Apples refurbished models of its latest Retina display equipped iPad has now ended as the tablet’s Wi-Fi variants are being offered with double digit discounts from the off the shelf price.

 The online store of Apple, seemed to have sold out the 16 gigabyte Retina iPad mini variants with the exception of the 32 gigabyte and the 64 gigabyte models which are available for purchase to the consumers. The refurbished products according to Apple’s usual practice, offers the tablet with a full year warranty with extended coverage with AppleCare.

Moreover, the company adds that the consumers will receive a device with `a brand new battery and outer shell,’ which means buyers would not experience any sort of difference in performance between their refurbished iPad with that of a similar new model.

Wi-Fi Only Models

At the time of the report, Wi-Fi only models seemed to be made available from the refurbished outlet and it is not known why Wi-Fi and cellular models were being excluded or when they would make an appearance. Apple had launched the first ever iPad mini with Retina display last November and though the company could cope up with the demands it did have a difficult task as consumers made demands to purchase the device during the holiday period.

Presently the refurbished versions of tablet are made available in Apple’s online store and for the first time consumers can purchase the iPad mini with the Retina display at a comparatively less than full price which is a great advantage for consumers interested in the purchase of the same.

Refurbished Products, Certified and Tested

The refurbished iPad mini with Retina display model come at a starting price of $339 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi only model which is around $60 off while the 32GB model is available at $419 which again is a $80 off and consumers can invest in the model of 64G fir $509 off on the original price. All the models are being offered at 15 percent off.

Though presently there is no refurbished version of the Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad mini with retina display, there is a possibility that Apple may soon have them on their online store sometime later. Apple, certify and test their refurbished products with a provision of one year warranty and the refurbished iPad model are provided with brand new battery together with an outer shell and AppleCare can be added to any certified refurbished products.

Difference in Display size

For those keen on a 7.9 inch Apple tablet and are unable to obtain it due to the cost could consider on a refurbished model which is practically the same as a brand new one and chances are that one would not even be aware of the difference between a refurbished models from the brand new one.

The iPad mini with the retina display is provided with the same hardware as it earlier version inclusive of the A7 processor with the M7 motion coprocessor with high resolutions 2,048-by-1,536 pixel resolution screen, the difference of the full size being, the display size in iPad Airs and Retina iPad minis.

Apple Incorporating System for Anti Theft Technology

A section of Smartphone industry segment which includes Apple, Samsung, Google and Microsoft have signed a voluntary program spearheaded by the U.S. wireless industry which seems to incorporate a system for anti theft technology into handsets probably by July 2015 and all major US cellular providers would require all Smartphone manufacturers to come with specific anti theft features which is one of the latest options to curb down theft of Smartphone that are on the rise.

To overcome phone theft, many lawmakers had put pressure on manufacturers as well as wireless carriers to install smarter anti theft technology on Smartphone resulting in a group of tech and phone companies coming up with this anti theft initiative.

Being dubbed as `the Smartphone Anti Theft Voluntary Commitment’, this initiative was reported by the CTIA Wireless Association, recently as a plan to stalk the incidents of Smartphone thefts in the U.S; and this program is being supported by the top five U.S. wireless carriers while the makers of Smartphone and OS, Apple, Google, Huawei, HTC, Microsoft, Nokia, Motorola together with Samsung are all in agreement to participate, as reported by Re/code. Moreover the companies which have signed on to this commitment also agree to make a `baseline anti theft’, available to their consumers who would be purchasing devices manufactured after July 2015.

Software to Lock down the Phone when Stolen/Missing

As per the documents, the tool would enable consumers to wipe data remotely from a stolen or lost Smartphone, rendering the said device, non-functional to an unauthorized user, besides emergency calls as mandated by the FCC and prevention of reactivation without the consent of the user and then reverse the operations when the device has been located.

The software would enable the user to lock down the phone when the device is reported to be missing or stolen and reactivate it only on receiving the same with the correct password or personal identification number.

The President of CTIA and CEO, Steve Largent has also commented saying that ` they appreciate the commitment made by companies to protect wireless user in the event of their Smartphone being lost or stolen and at the same time it’s important different technologies are made available as a trap door which could not be exploited by hackers and criminals.

With the cooperation of policymakers, law enforcement and the consumers, they would be able to deter theft and protect user’s personal information available on Smartphone.’ Details of the Smartphone Anti Theft Voluntary commitment’, could be checked at the official site of CTIA.

Find my iPhone/Activation Lock

Though Apple has already many of the agreement’s features installed in the iOS and iCloud with the option of `Find my iPhone and iOS 7’s Activation Lock, the `find my iPhone’, helps users to locate, lock as well as wipe lost or stolen devices. The `activation lock’, would need the entry of an associated Apple ID together with the password before turning off Find my iPhone, for erasing data or re-activating the device after remotely erasing. Presently, this program is voluntary though legislators had earlier tried to impose these requirements by law.

Apple’s New CarPlay Infotainment

Users are looking forward for some option in taking advantage on Apple’s new CarPlay infotainment which is being offered without the purchase of a new vehicle. It was reported that the aftermarket manufacture Alpine would be proposing a CarPlay compatible receiver and the same would be released later this year.

The device can be connected to an iPhone 5 or later with the use of wires wherein drivers would be able to view maps on its 7 inches screen, use voice commands to access messages, play music and make calls. Moreover the system would also be capable to read messages and directions aloud as well as enable drivers to conveniently access other iPhone functions. It was also reported that the company would be shipping the units in the US as well as Europe for a price of $500 to $700 which was first reported by a Japanese financial news service Nikket Asian Review without the installation fees.

It is presumed that the new stereo besides sporting a seven inch diagonal touch screen would also support the CarPlay’s Siri powered voice commands. Moreover this move is being implemented soon, in order to obtain advantage along with some financial gains, aiming to boost business further by bringing the first stand alone console which can use CarPlay to the consumers

The First Aftermarket Option

After the introduction of CarPlay made by Apple earlier this year, it seems that its entry in the aftermarket were slim and while a Kenwood representative informed that the system would most probably not appear in any of the products during 2014, a Pioneer spokesperson denied the report indicating that they would be offering something of their own.

This aftermarket option would most likely be a relief to the users as well as boost CarPlay adoption and though this system is presently available in upcoming vehicles coming from famous luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Volvo, other compatible models are also expected like the BMW, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota to name a few.

The device would also be the first aftermarket option to add CarPlay support to the car while some new cars from famous brands of automakers would be expected to come from the factory with CarPlay support.

Capable to launch app with content

CarPlay enables the user to plug in the iPhone into the car to see content from its screen on the screen of the car and the app from the Smartphone and the screen can be visible on the Alpine unit’s screen. The user would also be capable of launch app with other content using gestures on the screen of the console.

While some of the car manufacturers will now be offering standard vehicle provided with CarPlay with the system, the Japanese company’s device is supposed to be the first aftermarket CarPlay product compatible with the system which will first be available in the U.S. and Europe. Thereafter the unit would then go on sale in Alpine’s native Japan as 2015 approaches.