Tim Cook Confirms Apple's Focus on Self Driving Car

Self driving car: news, rumors, facts and information on iCar

Under the cover "Project Titan", Apple is researching an electric and self driving car. All information, rumors and pictures can be found here at Macmyth.com

Apple's plans for self-propelled cars are now official - even if it remains unclear how far the iPhone Group wants to push into the business with the mobility of the future. Apple was given permission to test self driving car on public roads in California. The approval, made public on 14 April 2017 by the US traffic authority, is the clearest indication of the ambitions of the smartphone and computer manufacturer in the competitive future market for autonomous driving. Apple is the 30th company to which one has issued in the most populous US state such a license.

Strong competition

Although Apple's commitment to robotic self driving car has long been considered as an open secret, it has never been publicly confirmed by the Group itself. The clearest hint so far has been a letter to the US traffic authority NHTSA, in order to contribute to the guidelines for self driving car. Apart from that, it merely meant that mobility is an interesting future market.

Apple first started the development of its own electric vehicles up to first prototypes a few years ago, but the project then focused on robotic self driving car software. According to data from the traffic authority, the approval has now been issued for three converted Lexus SUVs. GoogleSEO for beginners also started with modified series cars before the Internet company sent its electric two-seater on its own.

Rivals such as Google's parent company Alphabet with its subsidiary Waymo, as well as major players from the automotive sector, such as Volkswagen, Daimler's Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Ford, General Motors and Tesla, have long been permitted to test robotic cars in California. It was only recently that the transport authority was not able to test its self driving car without such permission, but the traffic authorities did not play along.

Although Apple's commitment to robotic cars has long been an open secret, the Group has not yet publicly confirmed it. The clearest hint so far has been a letter to the US traffic authority NHTSA, in order to contribute to the guidelines for self-propelled cars. Apart from that, it merely meant that mobility is an interesting future market.

Three test vehicles

Apple first started the development of its own electric vehicles up to first prototypes a few years ago, but the project then focused on self driving car software. According to data from the traffic authority, the group has now been granted approval for three converted Lexus SUVs. Google also started with modified series cars before the Internet company sent its electric two-seater on its own.

Leaks and rumours surrounding the new 10th-anniversary iPhone 8

Recently photos and information have leaked that appears to show that Apple is engaging in major overhauls involving their most famous product the Apple iPhone. Leaks appear to indicate that after spending years reiterating on the original iPhone design the iPhone 8 is going to be radically different from the phones that have come before.

The leaks come from a highly credible source named Steve Hemmerstoffer (Whose twitter username is @OnLeaks) He has said that these leaks are “sourced directly from the factory in charge of building the new iPhone”. Hemmerstoffer has worked with Tiger Mobile in the past and has proven to be a very credible source in the past. The leaked images show a very different style of phone. The iPhone 8's measurements will be, according to the leaks, 143.5 x 71 x 7.5 mm. These measurements would make the iPhone 8 appear very short for what is traditionally sold. Another feature is the protruding dual camera. This will perhaps make the phone slightly more difficult to use on flat surfaces as the uneven back will mean the phone will have trouble resting on flat surfaces. However, the massive 5.8-inch high-resolution display is a huge boon for the phone. There also seems to be space for the ios 11 function area. The edges also appear to be curved on both sides which are also a new design. Another feature is the lack of rear fingerprint scanner and physical home button. There does not appear to be any increase in battery size.

The other leak is sourced from a case maker named Olixar. Olixars leaks match up almost perfectly to Hemmerstoffer’s leaks. However, the size is slightly different with Olixar saying that the iPhone 8 will be 145 x 73 x 9mm. This leaker has previously correctly leaked the iPhone 7, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8. Olixar is a retail partner with Mobile Fun and they have released videos showing off the official iPhone 8 case and screen projectors. This video even compares the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 7.

Other then these leaks there have been various rumours floating around about the iPhone 8. For example, there has been rumours that Apple is planning on using glass as its main material in the iPhone 8. This would greatly help them in their competition with Samsung as this would mean that Apple has discovered a way to put the handset's fingerprint beneath into the screen.

Another rumour has it that Apple is planning to deliver a handset with a wireless charging option. This is an option Samsung already provides. Apple had (allegedly) considered wireless charging for the iPhone 7 but in the end, it was not available upon release.

One interesting rumour is that the iPhone 8 will have a flexible plastic OLED display rather than an LCD display. This would mean the device would consume less power and offer a better display and possibly higher contrast ratios and more realistic colour. The iPhone 8 is also expected to be waterproof but may even improve upon previous iterations in its water resistance.

Internally the iPhone 8 is expected to have a 10-nanometer A11 chip this would mean that the iPhone 8 will be far faster and more battery efficient than previous models. Iris, Facial and gesture recognition are also rumoured to be included in the new Apple iPhone. 3d sensing capabilities have also been rumoured. However, it is important to note that none of these features have been confirmed by Apple or the leakers.

This new phone is a massive step forward for Apple. They are radically changing their traditional designs which could continue to their iPad and other products . This is most likely in an attempt to stay competitive in an increased competition driven market. The iPhone 8 will be facing up against the hotly anticipated Pixel 2 and it will be quite the clash of the titans to see who comes out on top in an ever increasingly saturated market. There is currently no release date announced for the Iphone 8 but it is expected to be officially announced very soon with a release date to follow shortly.

Apple Leak 'Confirms' iPhone 8 is Massive

Apple iPhone 8: Display with mega resolution

This year it has Apple has to celebrate the release of iPhone 8! This cries formally after a glorious keynote with features that the world has not yet seen. Especially Samsung has done with the Galaxy S8. As always, Apple remains silent, of course. Luckily there are the rumors and talkative suppliers: These sources provide daily information on the iPhone 8. When it comes? For mid-September, many Apple employees have received a holiday lock - this could be a hint.

And apropos Samsung Galaxy S8: A first comparison with Samsung's super smartphone is already there. The hitherto most pertinent reports: Foxconn employees have talked on reddit times really from the sewing box, a supplier has confirmed a wireless shop and first sharp pictures of the new iPhones have dived. Macmyth.com bursts through the rumors and collects all news about the hottest smartphone of the year - the Apple iPhone 8.

All rumors about the iPhone 8:

June 23, 2017: Gigantic Resolution?

Forbes reports that the display of the iPhone 8 is not only huge but also extremely high resolution. According to the report, the upcoming Apple smartphone will offer 2800x1342 pixels. For comparison, the iPhone 7 Plus brings it to 1920x1080 pixels.

Behind such a resolution, however, is actually a plan stuck - because only for the display of existing apps the display would be completely overqualified. A new VR or AR function is therefore possible in combination with VR glasses - because at low resolutions one sees in this situation every pixel. If the rumors, the iPhone 8 could turn out to be a real VR-cracker

June 19, 2017: Protective glass confirms design

It seems safe: The iPhone 8 has (almost) no edge around the display. This is confirmed not only by all rumors almost in unison, but also manufacturers of accessories jump on the train. The British dealer MobileFun has offered a protective glass for the iPhone 8 for a few days. Although the device is not yet on the market, you are obviously sure that the thick edge only a small area for cameras and speakers remains. If we assume that the dealer does not produce the product for the ton, then the display of the iPhone 8 is really a real eye-catcher.

iPhone 8: Design

For three years, Cupertino has been content with the iPhone-6 design and only made tiny changes during this time. No wonder that there are now much more modern devices in the Android camp. Apple would, in any case, reduce the border - both at the sides as well as above and below. Because even if the iPhone 7 looks like a modern smartphone: the front shows too little display.

In addition to this, Twitter user KK Sneak Leaks uploaded pictures of the "finished" iPhone 8 and showed that the display shows the entire front face, the home button virtually disappears behind glass and distracts nothing from the screen. A similar theory is behind the dummy of Benjamin Geskin, which according to own data shows an (empty) model of Foxconn.

There is also no touch-ID sensor on the back and the display covers the entire front. The latest images are currently available at reddit and Geskin, both of which match the rumors so far: more front-panel display and a clean back. And the touch-ID sensor? This could actually wander in the power button if one looks at this patent.

iPhone 8: Hardware

As far as the hardware is concerned, the rumored kitchen simmers slowly. It is almost certain that Apple is again switching the processor and for the iPhone 8 with the Apple A11. This should be a 10-nanometer-FinFET-CPU, which uses less electricity due to its new architecture and works more efficiently. In the battle for minutes, the A11 would thus be an important building block - even if the batteries are reported to grow significantly.

With a new Logic Board, the iPhone-7-Plus battery should fit into the smaller case and the 5.5-inch model will provide even more power. Together with an OLED screen, a two-day running time seems to be within reach. To round off this idea, other rumors and the statement of an insider attest to the iPhone 8 finally also cable chargers. Like the Apple Watch, the rechargeable battery is also inductive. The memory of the iPhone 8 is still a maximum of 256 gigabytes.

Still a good news: Presumably, the outdated 32 gigabytes versions from the iPhone 8 are a thing of the past and the entry starts at 64 gigabytes. In terms of memory, it is probably at 3 gigabytes, however, iOS in everyday life has not yet shown by its sluggish side. Another exciting rumor: Forbes reported that the display resolution is huge 2800x1342 pixels - that would be more than twice as sharp, as is currently the case with the iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone 8: Cameras

Main attention of a smartphone is generally the snaps. In the iPhone 7, Apple already installed the sometimes best mobile cameras on the market, the iPhone 8 is probably already something again. According to rumors, the cameras offer an optical image stabilization and may even allow 3D effects in photos. There should also be new developments in the arrangement of the lenses, which are in the iPhone 8 one under the other instead of next to each other - the at least a user claims on Twitter, which wants to upload real pictures. Other rumors confirm this regularly.

Has Apple for the Friends of Selfies on the iPhone 8 an ace in the sleeve - is it really a special feature? A new system consisting of three modules supports 3D capabilities that allow, for example, recordings for augmented or virtual reality (AR / VR) or iris unlocking. There are hardly any rumors about the megapixel number of both cameras; Fortunately, this idle discussion has now moved into the background.
Apple iPhone X: design study in retro style

iPhone 8 Connections: Does USB-C?

The "Wall Street Journal" wants to know from a well-informed source that Apple is thinking about a farewell to Lightning. Therefore, instead of a USB-C socket. Whether the change already on the iPhone 8 comes to bear, is questionable.

Only recently, the AirPods were released and put on Lightning as a charging port. Therefore it is probably - if at all - only at the iPhone 9 or iPhone 10 so far. Logically, the change would be nevertheless, because in particular users of several Apple devices, such as a MacBook Pro and an iPhone, do not currently have the possibility to use the included Lightning headphones also on the Mac - a mistake in the otherwise interlocking product range, not from Duration. On the other hand, internal sources say that it remains with Lightning.

iPhone 8 & 7S: How many iPhones will it be?

The fact that the iPhone 8 may appear as a very special smartphone, insiders and experts agree. Only under what designation Apple introduces the particularly expensive and noble mobile phone, the spirits separate. In addition to the iPhone 8, the names "Anniversary Edition" and "iPhone X" - both are references to the 10th anniversary of the brand. A Japanese website brings another option into play:

One wants to have found out that Apple the mobile phone under the label "iPhone Edition" issues. This is not a fake, but the most expensive version of the Apple Watch came with this name. Does Apple really release three smartphones, most of which customers do not want to have two? What would an iPhone 7S if there were the successor at the same time? Does this point remain unclear until the day of the keynote?

iPhone 8: Release

And when the new models come - when is it time? September, you should think. But other rumors start from two events this year. So the iPhone Edition is not to appear with the other two iPhone-7S models in the autumn, but by solo appearance at the end of the year, possibly in November. The reason for this may be that the development of the smartphone is not completed.

According to the report, Apple is still experimenting with several prototypes to find out which is best suited for mass production. These should include devices with LCD and AMOLED display as well as variants with aluminum, glass and ceramic housing.

BusinessInsider reports that the financial experts published a report starting from a 2018 release in early May. Based on the details of ValueWalk, the shift is as follows: Apple plans for the iPhone 8 numerous new functions and a fresh design. The parts for the assembly are however not available in sufficient number so that Apple is not able to build by the end of the year enough iPhones of the next generation. Instead, it gives the iPhone 7S, so more time to work on the iPhone 8. But can Apple really miss the anniversary? Probably would be an announcement in September despite all circumstances, but very long delivery times. So, everything is open.

iPhone 8: Price

That does not sound good at all. The Goldman Sachs analyst Simona Jankowski reports that the iPhone 8 could become the most expensive smartphone of the company's history. Keep it right, then the iPhone appears only with 128 GB or 256 GB, so that all entry-level variants were dropped. The prices of the devices count with 999 US dollar and 1.099 US dollar - that would be 25 percent surcharge! In the USA, the price for the entry-level model would, therefore, be the first time in the four-digit range. Currently, the iPhone 7 with 128 GB of memory there costs 749 US dollars. Applying the percentage price increases of the US dollar prices would be on the price tag of the iPhone 8 with 128 GB of memory an amount of approximately 1,100 euros.

Apple's New iPad-Pro in the Test: Tablet Power in Large Format

Even if the iPhone is significantly more popular: Apple is struggling to keep its tablet attractive. The iPad Pro gets a bigger display and more computing power for the AR and VR in the latest version. Reason enough for an update? Macmyth tested it.

One would think one day, Apple would start the ideas of how the iPad could become even better. After all, the CPU has been running at a much faster pace than normal users actually need. The display is also convincing: no other touchscreen on the tablet market can be seen more sharply and more responsively. And the battery holds for days. Admittedly, the speakers are poor. But this is mainly due to physics - where there is a lack of volume because the iPad has become too slim, Apple engineers can not do anything about.

So much more amazing, however, that Apple has nevertheless succeeded in improving the iPad Pro in its latest version significantly. This starts with the display: so far, Apple and most buyers in the 9.7-inch screen of the predecessor model looked the perfect size for a tablet that was just 435 grams. Now the developers have accommodated more screen space in the same housing: With the new iPad Pro, the display measures 10.5 inches in the diagonal (about 26.7 centimeters), and who are looking for an even larger screen can go to the model with 12.9 inches diagonal (About 32.8 centimeters).

In addition, the already fast-paced processor with the A10X Fusion chip has, even more, computing power - not for Netflix, but for the age of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). This also benefits the touchscreen. Even the previous iPad Pro convinced with its rich contrast, bright and low-reflection screen. The new display is one more thing, doubling the refresh rate - the so-called refresh rate.

This may sound like developer gibberish, but it is important to understand that a refresh rate of 120 hertz means that the image is updated 120 times per second. And the more often the image is built, the fewer jerks are shown in fast movements.

The improvement of the hardware is also shown when working with the Apple Pencil. My (lousy) characters and the (hasty) writing of notes felt more natural because there was no disturbing delay. This is certainly due to the shorter response times of the display, but also to the ability of the iPad Pro to be one step ahead of its users: the handwriting of most people is in the same direction and short pauses in writing. Apple is trying to deduce how the next hand movement might look - and if necessary, to correct itself in the blink of an eye. This works remarkably well: For me, the writing with the Apple Pencil on the screen felt like on paper.

In terms of the display, the diagonal of 10.5 inches proves to be perfect for users and developers: the high resolution of 2224x1668 pixels ensures a sharp image impression and allows the iPad to adapt each app independently to the iPad-Pro display; Neither the developers have to intervene, nor is it due to conversions to faded images.

The 10.5 inch diagonal also means plenty of space for the embedded keyboard when the iPad is transversal and fills the bottom half of the screen. It comes almost from the size of a conventional laptop keyboard. For my taste, writing on a hardware keyboard like Apple's Smart Keyboard or similar keyboards from third-party vendors is still much more pleasant. It just feels strange to pan on the glass when the iPad is crosswise.

The fact that Apple has succeeded in accommodating a larger screen in the same housing is one of the least dramatic improvements for me. Clear: It looks good, and the increase in the display area is unmistakable. But we are not where we really want to go. Also, the new iPad Pro is just an intermediate step between past.

At least the increase in display size brings no disadvantages with it. The iPad Pro never confused my grasping hands with a deliberate finger tap, and it did not happen that my fingers suddenly caught sight of the view or were otherwise in the way. And that more screen size also means more fingerprints, which have to be wiped off from time to time, was clear anyway - every tablet after a few minutes is greasy. Since the iPad Pro is no exception.

At the Apple developer conference at the beginning of June, programmers had a nice surprise. With ARKit, it would be easy to develop augmented reality applications for iOS devices in the future. At the conference, Apple executives introduced a rousing AR game and built a scene for Star Wars - before all eyes on the stage. Almost everyone involved held iPads in their hands: A display that is so great is the perfect window into the world of Augmented Reality, explained to me later one of the Apple managers.

In the iPad Pro, the same camera module as in the iPhone 7 - but is not intended for best snapping.

That's why the iPad Pro now features the same camera module as in the iPhone 7 - but not so that you can stretch the tablet at the concert to take photos from the audience and take everyone's view. But to get a better view of the other side of the world with the camera and screen, through the iPad, which can enrich all recordings with information.

Sure, the software team lags a whole few months behind. The new iPad Pro - like all iPads - will be able to take full advantage of such advances with iOS 11. The update of the software is announced for the fall and promises abundant new features, including many, which so far has never been mentioned in the same breath with the iPad.

This includes a built-in file management (similar to the Finder on the Mac) and the ability to drag and drop files back and forth between apps, but also for data exchange between different apps. Also, the dock should grow, so more app icons fit in. This is especially important for anyone who wants to use an iPad as an alternative to the laptop. And when iOS 11 is available then we should all want the largest screen we can only get.

At the moment, the wide-screen display makes little difference in the new iPad Pro. Just because there is suddenly more space, do not automatically grow your ideas, and nothing changes with the iPad. But wait and see: I've been able to play around with iOS 11 a bit, and I have to say it feels like a giant step towards the "computer for all purposes," to which Apple would like to make the iPad.

What would be the standard question that arises in every meeting: Is the purchase worthwhile? If you're looking for a new iPad - definitely! Probably no Apple tablet was ever as versatile as this new iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch version is similarly recommended, but feels more like a desktop device, not necessarily like something to take away. The outdated iPad Mini is probably just before its end, so better not buy more. Also, if you have an iPad, which is still working fast, do not necessarily have to access.

If there are cracks in the display, apps start to get lame, or if you're just stunned to stare at too much housing around the touch screen, there's the regular iPad (recently updated, from $446), Which is very suitable for videos or gaming. Or the iPad Pro, which costs from $815 and becomes the best tablet you have ever used. (In addition, if necessary USD122 for the Pencil and USD133 for the Magic Keyboard.) Either way, despite dropping iPad sales, Apple is doing everything to be a device that has long been among the best in its class, still a thing of beauty.

PRO: A larger display can never hurt, and this not only reacts faster but also provides a better picture. // Very long battery life of several days. // Very fast processor. // In conjunction with iOS 11, the iPad becomes a full-fledged computer.

CON: At least USD815 for the basic variant with only 64 GB of memory is quite expensive. In addition, there are extra costs for accessories such as an external keyboard or the Apple Pencil. // The XL display will only pay off properly when iOS 11 is available (probably in autumn 2017).

Apple Invents Wireless Charging iPhone Case Accessory using Millimeter Wave Technology

Next Generation iPhone – Integrate Wireless Charging

Patent application from Apple had been published on 15th June by the US Patent & Trademark Office relating to a next generation iPhone case which tends to integrate wireless charging. It had been observed by Apple that `the removable case could be couple to the electronic device by utilising wired as well as wireless paths which could be utilised in conveying power together with data between the case and the electronic device.
 Last month Patently Apple had posted a report titled – Apple Seeks License from FCC Covering new Wireless Millimeter Wave Technology Found in a Recent Patent Filing’. The first millimetre wave patent of Apple has appeared in April in framework with new wireless patch antennas. Present patent portrays that the latest iPhone case would utilise millimetre wave technology.

 Apple had indicated that this type of wireless charging could be utilised with forthcoming smart-glasses, head mounted systems, Apple Watch together with the other devices of Apple, known as well as unknown. Besides this, Apple noticed that `the removable case could also comprise of circuitry which tends to obtain wireless power from outside equipment and the circuitry which receives the wireless power could also receive wireless power at microwave frequency.

Power Established – Electronic Devices – Wired/Wireless Paths

The power established could be provided to the electronic device via wired as well as wireless paths. The removable case could also comprise of circuitry which wirelessly tends to communicate with the external equipment and a selection of antennas could be utilised in assisting beam steering.

The selection of antennas could help wireless communications in millimetre wave communications bands like communications band at 60 GHz or an alternate extremely high frequency communications bands. The electronic device together with the case could have individual intermediate frequency antenna construction to enable intermediate frequency signals for wireless transmission between the case and the device.

Millimeter wave technology, beyond a wireless charging iPhone case, can be utilised in other forthcoming wireless devices from smart-glasses, HMDs, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, headphones, television, Apple TV together with automobiles, wireless speakers and much more.

It had been noticed by Apple that antennas #40 could comprise of phased antenna selections together with other antenna structures for the purpose of handling millimetre wave communications, for handling near field communications, for handling communications from 700 – 2700 MHz, or also for handling communications at other appropriate frequencies.

Patent Application – Filed Q4 2015

The phase antenna selections may permit beams of signals which may be transmitted and/or received, to be steered in real time, for instance in enhancing wireless communications and/or wireless power transmission. Wireless circuitry #50 could comprise of baseband processors, up-converter and down-converter circuits, and transceiver circuits, circuits for controlling the operation of antennas in antenna selections, power circuitry, and transceiver circuitry for the purpose of handling wireless communications together with other wireless circuitry.

Transceiver electrical system of electrical system 50 could also cover wireless local area network transceiver circuitry which could accomplish 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz bands for Wi-Fi. The patent application of Apple had been filed in Q4 2015 and taking into account that this is a patent application, the time of this kind of product to market is not clear at this point of time.