Apple and IBM Partnership to Revolutionize Mobile Device

Apple and IBM have announced an exclusive partnership that teams to revolutionize mobile device use through a new class of business apps bringing in IBM’s big data and analytics capabilities to iPhone and iPad. As a part of this partnership deal, an extension of IBM’s MobileFirst has been dubbed `IBM MobileFirst for iOS’, IBM has manufactured over 100 native apps and services which have been tailored to the needs of various industries.

Apple will introduce a new AppleCare tier which will be designed especially for enterprise customers when the program goes live. The new IBM MobileFirst will be built in exclusive collaboration which draws the distinct strength of respective company, with the power of over 100,000 IBM industry as well as domain consultants together with software developers behind it, fused with Apple’s legendary consumer experience, hardware and software integration and developer platform, besides IBM’s big data and analytics capabilities.

These combinations will thus create apps that will transform specific aspects on how businesses as well as employees could work using iPhone and iPad enabling companies to reach new levels of efficiency and effectively with great customer satisfaction, all this done in an easier and faster manner.

IBM’s Data Analytics at iOS User’s fingertips

IBM’s MobileFirst Supply and Management program that supplies business consumers with device packages, management and activation services, are all built around Apple’s iPhone and iPad and IBM has also been offering hardware leasing options.

Supported by iPhone and iPad distribution from IBM, Apple is at an advantage in its mobile initiative making headway. According to Tim Cook, Apple CEO, the best mobile devices presently are the iPhone and iPad which have enhanced the system of working with over 98 percent of the Fortune 500 and 92 percent of the Global 500 using iOS devices in their business life.

He further stated that `for the first time they are putting IBM’s renowned big data analytics at iOS user’s fingertips which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple and this is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver’.

The aim of the partnership is to redefine the way the work can be done, spark true mobile led business change, address key industry mobility challenges, grounded in four core capabilities. Moreover, as part of the exclusive IBM MobileFirst for iOS agreement, iPhones as well as iPads will also be sold by IBM with industry specific solutions to business clients all across the world.

Mass Device/Management/Security/Analytics/Mobile Integration 

Besides the tailor made software, IBM would also be offering services such as mass device management, security, and analytics together with mobile integration. Its MobileFirst platform for iOS, delivers end to end enterprise solution which includes analytics, security, cloud storage and integration tools.

 Moreover, IBM will also make available private app catalogs, data and transaction security services as well as its first party productivity suite which has been specifically designed for the MobileFirst initiative where services will have tie-ins with IBM’s Bluemix development platform, made available on the IBM Cloud Marketplace.

 With regards to support, Apple will be rendering special class of AppleCare services for twenty four hours through telephone and email support while IBM will be handling on-site repairs.

Apple Invention – Behaviour Recognition

The U.S. Patent and Trademark office recently published an Apple invention indicating the method in which an iPhone could set off an alert or lock the device automatically depending on detected changes in the user behaviour.

As per its patent application for Generating notification based on user behaviour, an iPhone or even other mobile can employ behaviour recognition techniques wherein they can determine if the current user is the owner of the device or not. When the usage pattern does not match up with the owner, an alert, notification or system action gets triggered.

The system depends on pattern recognition and learning to identify unusual behaviour and any form of input or interaction with the device is compiled for behaviour data acquisition and system data such as location, input gesture patterns and motion sensor data. Besides this, other data like vocabulary, grammar as well as keyboard orientation preference could be stored for later analysis and recall.

Sensor Laden Device – Generating Information 

With Apple’s new invention, there is a continuous monitoring of user behaviour which is compared to historical data known to be associated with the owner of the device. For instance, an iPhone’s accelerometer generated data on the user’s gait comparing the information with the data that is stored on-board or on a remote server and analysis could take place offsite on a pattern learning server.

A sensor laden device is in constant contact with the user most of the time, generating a lot of information. All details from common misspelling of words, routine device interactions to frequently used phrases and all personal information are gathered by the device.

The behaviour learning server, due to privacy, can be programmed by the user to overlook certain types of behaviour such as location preferences, in which case, generalizations and relative positioning replace granular data thereby protecting the individuals for intrusive analysis.

To overcome computational stress, the pattern learning server can manage group behaviour, classifications and data in clusters rather than analysing and comparing individual action separately. The clusters of behaviour can be compared with one another and data should fall within predefined boundaries in order to proceed with normal operation.

Recognition Server Transmits Signal 

If the boundaries are crossed, it indicates unusual behaviour has been detected and the recognition server then transmits a signal to remotely lock the device till the user verifies through password or any other form of trusted identity like Touch ID credentials. The server can also send notification to third party device or any other mobile phone owned by a different party.

It is not known if Apple will be adopting behaviour learning features in future iOS versions but the latest iOS 8 beta builds does not currently support these functions Due to concern over the growing data privacy, users would be likely to manually opt in to the feature if the technology were to roll out one day and the breadth of measured behaviours would tend to narrow down.

Behaviour learning patent application of Apple was first filed last January and creditsas its inventors, go to Gregory T. Lydon and Sylvain Rene Yves.

All In One App For Your Smartphone

In this technology world, smartphones and internet have been ruling the show and have influenced the system of communication besides providing all the required information and details needed by individuals.

Enhancing the use of technology, an Android application which is powerful enough in bringing about the quickest and easiest means of navigation as well as obtaining useful information, classified, great deals etc. has been made available by Askme which is a free app for all interested users.

All this is made available on one’s Smartphone screen and this application can bevery useful where everyone presently is in possession of mobile devices. While on the go, individuals can now make use of the facilities provided in the technology world, making various functions and activities much quicker and easier than bygone days.

Askme app also known as `The Bapp of all Apps’, is a one-in-all app which has made it possible in providing details of millions of businesses in the locality and power of searching is all present on the smartphone.

It provides the basic details together with the contact details of local business listing which may be useful to the user. When the need of searching for a store and its contact details arises, this app makes it possible to obtain the required details before visiting the stores or even making an online purchase.

Various Benefits with Simple UI

One can post advertisement by using Askme which can be profitable to the user since the level of audience here is very large. One can get to know about the latest local business dealswhich are available there to draw the attention of the viewer who could take advantage of the same.

Shopping online is also made easy with simple UI online portals in this app and by using askmeBazaar one can purchase a variety of products from this online portal. This app provides several benefits such as enabling the user in searching and locating business within the vicinity, take the opportunity of the latest deals and offers placed by favourite local businesses, check on addresses and contact numbers from various business and call them from the Askme app instantly, check on the updated classified on real estate, cars, jobs and various other products listed.

Application for Smartphone Users in India

Moreover, users also have the opportunity of going through reviews posted there by other users, which will provide good insight and information from the users’ experience to the other users thus enabling them in making appropriate and quick decisions.

Besides these, one can also add reviews, photos and other tips for favourite businesses, share favourite business with friends via email, Facebook, Twitter and SMS. Business information like rating, payment methods with opening hours could also help in making choices much easier for the user.

The design of the user interface is very powerful and intuitive which brings about an easy and concise list of products that are provided in a systematic and efficient manner than other apps. Taking into account its productive features and simple UI,with adequate database. Askme app is one of those applications for all Smartphone users in India.

Apple iBeacon - Micro Location Technology

The Federal Communications Commission – FCC filing discovered recently in-depth details on Apple’s first branded piece of iBeacon compatible beacon hardware indicated that the company would very soon introduce the micro location technology to consumer spaces like the `smart homes’.

This was reported by TUAW after the documents were spotted by Securifi. According to OET’s paperwork, `Apple iBeacon’, as the device is labelled, carries the model number A1573.

The original equipment application is the first sign which Apple is testing on in-house hardware solution for location aware iBeacon technology, being filed with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology- OET. Hardware testing had been done in collaboration with Audix Technology, a facility that was owned by the Chinese company, running assessments by conducting shielding enclosure, semi-anechoic chamber with other equipment, somewhere by April end or mid-May.

The beacon tested had a diameter of around 5.46” and had an operating range between 2402 MHz and 2480 MHz, with the highest frequency of 2.4 GHz in line with the latest Bluetooth protocol specification and the testing passed in all areas inclusive of three selected frequencies was 2402 MHz, 2440 MHz and 2480 MHz.

iOS Enabled Device for Communicating with Transmitter 

The iBeacon technology originally introduced at WWDC 2013, is iOS enabled device for communicating with transmitters through Bluetooth to deliver important information to apps and services whenever the user is within the range, `Made for iPhone, Apple’s introduction with iBeacon specification in February, has brought about an important role for the technology in its services and devices.

However, companies so far have been using third party transmitters such as the Estimote Beacon to work with the technology as well as iOS devices while shopping app Shopkick and Macy’s partnered at the time of holiday season to integrate the technology into stores, last year.

Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association used iBeacons to enhance live events. Apple’s iBeacon has a combination of specialized Bluetooth 4.0 beacons together with wireless data connectivity for location based content services for devices like iPhone or iPad while Bluetooth Low energy beacons can vary transceiver sensitivity with location aware deployment on controlling the system’s effective range.

Capabilities of turning iOS Device into Temporarily Discoverable Beacon 

Besides a dedicated hardware, Apple’s iBeacon platform also has the capabilities of turning iOS device with Bluetooth 4.0 support into a temporarily discoverable beacon and while the company has developed the technology for iBeacon, companies have been rendering services based on hardware use platform made by third party providers since Apple has been using Qualcomm Gimbal products in its own stores.

In the event of the launch, it is yet unknown if Apple intends the product to be marketed to businesses or consumers and it is speculated that the small beacon device would work well with forthcoming feature of iOS 8 like the HomeKit. It is a framework for `smart home’, software and hardware makers.

This forthcoming feature, HomeKit enables monitoring as well as controlling of connected devices such as A/V equipment, lights and other appliances with iOS.

 A HomeKit iBeacon setting could be the most automated home ecosystems on the market with iBeacon installed in home sensing users’ iPhone or iWatches which would be worn by them daily together with Apple TV handling connected device and appliance control.

Apple’s CarPlay – Installed in 24 M Vehicles

According to ABI Research, Apple’s CarPlay API for iPhone integration will be dominating the auto industry which will be installed in more than 24 million vehicles in another five years.

API in its report points to announcements from over half a dozen manufacturers who intend to install CarPlay in new vehicles which include Audi, BMW, Ford, Jaguar/Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo.

Apple would be able to reach the milestone with the number of automakers coming on board as partners and the company’s potentials to drive the interest in its latest product, according to report from market research firm ABI Research.

Filomena Berardi, ABI analyst, states that `many believe that Apple is creating further fragmentation and ripple effect in the industry by not being open, though with Apple on the scene, it certainly draws greater attention to in-car apps and now with the Android Auto standard on the scene, both will certainly drive adoption of in-car apps’.Apple had unveiled CarPlay, iOS in the car, at the time of the 2013 edition of its annual developer’s conference in San Francisco and had announced the first CarPlay with equipped models at the Geneva Motor Show.

This will enable drivers to place phone calls, access contacts, listen to voicemail messages as well as control apps like MLB at Bat and Pandora by using Siri or through their car’s in-dash touchscreen on connecting to a compatible iPhone.

Specification – Mirrored to Vehicle’s infotainment System

The specification of CarPlay enables an iPhone to be mirrored to a vehicle’s infotainment system at the time the smartphone is being charged and once the infotainment system is connected, the iPhone is controlled by voice, through the car’s built in touchscreen or by steering wheel-mounted controls.

Drivers, through CarPlay, will be able to use the voice recognition service, Siri, to have text messages read out loud, reply through voice and obtain contact information from an iOS device in making phone calls. CarPlay also has the option of Apple Maps navigation service and has been competing with proprietary interfaces like in Ford’s Sync system together with industry open source specifications like MirrorLink and GENIVI, championed by industry groups.

Search giant Google, earlier this year, announced that it would begin an Open Automotive alliance –QAA while its standards will be dubbed Android Auto and the overall function mirrors that of CarPlay but would be working only with Android devices.

Open Sourced – MirronLink/GENIVI/QAA

API reports that MirrorLink together with GENIVI and QAA have positioned themselves as `open sourced’, and could be considered as competitors which goes against being open. API Research is also of the belief that the uptake of MirroLink would be significant though predicts that additional cars would be fitted with CarPlay and without an open eco system; carmakers will have to collaborate with more partners.

Vice President of Automotive Industry Advisory Services at Gartner, Thilo Kowlowski stated that auto makers should do a better job in offering mobile technology or have it taken away by rivals in the technology industry. Koslowski further pointed to Google, its self-driving car, digital distribution platforms like Google Play together with in-car smartphone connection platforms like CarPlay with signs of improved facilities in store.