Apple : Full Facebook integration comes to Mac OS X 10.8

Full Facebook integration comes to Mac OS X 10.8
No Apple-made dock for the iPhone 5, says Schiller
iOS 6 begins rolling out to Apple devices
Explained: iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Apple's mobile OSes compared
Samsung producing first 2GB LPDDR3 RAM for next-gen mobile devices
Analyst: Apple to produce new CPU every two years

Full Facebook integration comes to Mac OS X 10.8

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Apple rolled out an update to Mac OS X Mountain Lion Wednesday that brings with it system-wide Facebook integration.

On a day when most of the attention will be dedicated to the release of iOS 6 for mobile devices, Mac OS X 10.8.2 brings single sign-on access to the world's most popular social network.

Users will be able to sign into Facebook, as they have with Twitter, and share links and photos, download friend details to the Contacts app, and also see notifications in the new Notifications Center.

The Facebook integration also stretches to Game Center, which now includes Facebook Likes on each game's page and shared high scores through Facebook, email, and Twitter.

FaceTime calls on your Mac

Beyond the baked-in Facebook support, Apple lists a host of other intriguing new features within the Software Updates section of Mac OS X and on its online support pages.

The update page reads:

"Adds Power Nap support for MacBook Air (Late 2010); iMessages sent to your phone number now appear in Messages on your Mac; You can now add passes to Passbook (on your iPhone or iPod touch) from Safari and Mail on your Mac; FaceTime can now receive calls sent to your phone number; New shared Reminders lists."

The opportunity to answer FaceTime calls on your Mac is a decent addition, while adding to your iPhone or iPod touch's Passbook app directly from the Mac will also prove useful.

Mac OS X 10.8 also features a host of minor upgrades and bug fixes. To see them in full, head over to the Apple support pages. Happy downloading.

No Apple-made dock for the iPhone 5, says Schiller

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Apple will break from tradition by not releasing an official dock to accompany the new iPhone 5, according to the company's marketing chief.

Phil Schiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Marketing, revealed in an email reply to an inquisitive and expectant customer, that no plans were in place.

"We do not plan on making a dock for the iPhone 5. Most people who use docks use them with speaker or clock systems," he wrote.

Apple has released a dock for each of its iPhones to date. They can be used to charge the phone, sync with a computer or connect to an external speaker.

Incompatible

Because Apple has now changed the connector size from 30-pin to Lightning, it means old docking stations will not work, unless an adaptor is purchased.

Apple wants £25 ($29) for the 30-pin-to-Lightning adaptor, but only charged the same for the docking station itself. Hardly worth the investment.

For those wondering how they could possibly survive without an official dock, we're sure the usual array of reliable third-party providers will jump on Apple's unwillingness to make one in due course.

Interestingly, Schiller's email signature read "sent from my iPhone 5"

Guess he won't have to wait in line at the Apple Store on Friday, then?

iOS 6 begins rolling out to Apple devices

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Apple has begun pushing out its latest operating system update, iOS 6, to legacy devices ahead of its normal release schedule.

The update is available to smartphones ranging from the iPhone 3GS and up, while the newest iPad, iPad 2, and fourth- and fifth-generation iPod Touches can all receive the revamped OS.

Rumors initially surfaced Wednesday that the operating system would drop at 10 a.m. PDT, in line with the upgrades for iOS 5 and iOS 4, but Apple seems anxious to get its new OS rolling.

Apple confirmed the OS update for devices other than the iPhone 5 (launching Friday, with iOS 6 pre-installed) would come today, though exactly when wasn't revealed.

The beta version of iOS 6 was launched in August, though it could be a matter of minutes before Apple-heads the world over get their free upgrade.

iOS 6 changes

iOS 6 is bringing a number of changes to Apple's mobile operating system, including Passbook, Apple's new maps app, and an improved version of Siri.

Though the update is coming to many older devices, those won't necessarily receive newer features like Siri, especially if those devices aren't in particular countries.

Overall, the OS is a more social system, with features like shared Photo Streams and Facebook fully integrated.

For a more in-depth look at iOS 6, check out TechRadar's iOS 6 vs. iOS 5 comparison and our complete review of the new OS, including our frustration with Apple's decision to leave out some OS features we've grown used to.

Explained: iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Apple's mobile OSes compared

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iOS 5 brought many sweeping changes to the iPhone and other iDevices. Twitter integration, alternate routes in the Maps app, tweaked iMessages and wireless syncing over WiFi, all things that iDevice users were clamoring for.

Now iOS 6 has arrived, full of updates that will surely have iPhone and iPad owners wondering how they lived without these helpful new features.

As of today Apple's new mobile operating system is officially available. It doesn't matter if you were among the millions who pre-ordered the iPhone 5 or fifth-generation iPod touch. The iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, new iPad 3 and fourth-generation iPod touch are all eligible for an update to iOS 6.

We've assembled a list of the tweaks and new features that the iOS 6 update will bring to the mobile Apple experience.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Passbook

iOS 5 vs iOS 6

Brand new to iOS 6 is Passbook, an official Apple app that will track and store your airline boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, loyalty cards (think Starbucks and grocery store discount cards), concert tickets, admission passes to sporting events and more. To keep hassle to a minimum, your iPhone will automatically display relevant passes on the lock screen, using location tracking to know where you are and what you'll need. That means that when you walk into the airport or a movie theater your ticket will be just a push of the Home Button away.

Before iOS 6, this sort of ticket and coupon tracking was third-party app territory. Apps like CardStar and Eventbrite stored barcodes for most major loyalty cards and coupons, importing information using the iPhone's camera. Now that Apple is folding this technology directly into iOS 6, these guys will have to get more clever to compete.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Maps

iOS 5 vs iOS 6

Goodbye Google Maps and hello Apple Maps, finally with turn-by-turn directions. Before iOS 6, Google Maps didn't provide those coveted turn-by-turn instructions, and iPhone users had to pony up for expensive third-party apps like TomTom if they wanted their iPhone to direct them around town.

Now Apple is delivering a new mapping solution that provides spoken directions, as well as striking 3D photography that users can pan and zoom around in. However, you can bid Street View farewell, since that's a Google Maps feature. Enjoy your newfound exclusivity, Android users.

iOS 5 introduced an awesome, much-needed tweak to the official Maps app: alternate routes. Users could finally choose from more than one route, allowing them to skirt traffic and steer clear of the freeway, if they wanted. However, the app still did not provide turn-by-turn spoken directions, leaving it behind the features offered by Android and Windows Phone map apps, or third party players on the iPhone.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Siri

iOS 5 vs iOS 6

iOS 6 will bump up Siri's IQ a few a points. You'll now be able to speak to her in an even more colloquial fashion. For example, you could ask her to find well-reviewed films in your area, and she can respond by launching third-party apps such as Rotten Tomatoes. She'll also be able to post to Facebook and tweet on your behalf.

It was the iPhone 4S that launched Siri, the talking digital assistant. While iOS 6 will upgrade her functionality, she won't be available on any devices that were previously Siri-less. Sorry iPhone 4 and iPad 2 users.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Facebook

Access to Zuckerberg's social network will be baked right into iOS 6, allowing you to share and post updates without having to actually open the Facebook app. You'll be able to share a picture you just shot from the Camera app, alert your friends to your location using Maps, and tell everybody how much time you just wasted on Angry Birds right from the Game Center. As mentioned, Siri will get in on this action too - you'll be able to ask her to post on your behalf.

Since iOS 5 added extensive Twitter integration to the iPhone, these built-in Facebook features were expected. After iOS 5, users were able to tweet links right from apps like Safari, the New York Times, YouTube and Apple Trailers. With iOS 6, it seems that both social networking phenomenons will be given equal footing on Apple's iPhone.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Photos

iOS 5 vs iOS 6

Not only will photos on iOS 6 be integrated with Facebook, iPhone owners will be able to show their snaps to pals using Shared Photo Streams. Load up the new Photo app and you'll find that you can select photos and share them with the contacts of your choice. iOS 6 or OS X Mountain Lion users can have them delivered directly to their Photos app or iPhoto. Those not using the latest Mac software, or using a non-Apple product can view them via the web. To really sweeten the deal, Apple has said that this photo sharing and storage will not take up your allotted space on iCloud.

While iOS 5 allowed users to tweet or email their pictures, it was not nearly as well integrated with iCloud. With Shared Photo Streams, Facebook integration and the iPhone 5's more advanced camera, iOS 5 has really been left in the dust when it comes to taking and sharing pics.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: FaceTime

iOS 5 vs iOS 6

The simple version: iOS 6 will allow users to FaceTime over cellular service, no longer needing WiFi to make video calls. The complicated version: different carriers are instating different rules via data plans. Sprint and Verizon will offer FaceTime to customers on all data packages. However, Verizon customers picking up an iPhone 5 will have to pay full price for the handset (not the nice $199 price for the 16GB model) in order to have an unlimited data plan. On the other hand, AT&T is forcing shared data plans on customers who wish to FaceTime over its network. Sprint, meanwhile, is playing it cool, saying "customers with iOS 6 on their iPhone will be allowed to utilize FaceTime with Sprint's current unlimited data offers while on the Sprint network."

iOS 5 furthered the iPhone's budding romance with video calling, adding deeper integration for the app into other communication methods. FaceTime calls could be started from iMessages and standard phone calls, but now that iOS 6 will bring it to cellular service, you should check your hair and makeup before picking up a calls around town.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Phone and calling

iOS 5 vs iOS 6

The new Phone features for iOS 6 will make rejecting unwanted calls a lot easier. Now when you decline a call, you'll be given the option to respond with a pre-composed text, like "I'll call you later" or "I'm on my way," or set a reminder to return the call. You can also put the phone on Do Not Disturb mode. That way, the maid won't knock on your door with fresh towels, and the only calls that will come through will be from contacts you've selected, like your boss or significant other.

iOS 5 introduced some very clever Phone-related features, such as being able to return a call or check voicemail directly from the home screen. It also added better integration for FaceTime. Other than that, it pretty much left the Phone features alone. Who makes calls on their iPhone anyway?

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Mail

iOS 6 will refresh the Mail app, making it easier to attach pictures and videos to your outgoing emails. It will also let you assemble a list of VIP contacts. Communications with these important people will show up in a separate folder, making sure you never miss an email from your boss, mother, or whoever else makes your list. It also has a slightly tweaked interface. Refreshing your inbox is now as simple as swiping downwards, like in the Twitter app.

iOS 5 added some much-needed features to email on the iPhone. Users could create subfolders for sorting mail, and flag messages like in OS X Mail. Familiar text formatting options were added as well, finally letting users bold, italicize, indent or add quote levels (that blue text that appears in a forwarded message) to their emails.

iOS 6 vs iOS 5: Safari

Thanks to iOS 6, browsing the web on Safari will become a unified Apple experience. iOS 6 will introduce iCloud Tabs, which will keep your place across all iDevices and Mountain Lion Macs associated with your iCloud account.

That means if you're reading this article on your MacBook Air, you could step out the door and pick up right where you left off on your iPod touch or iPhone. You'll also be able to save whole web pages to your Reading List, rather than just links, so articles will be available for offline reading.

iOS 6's Safari will also let you post pics and videos without leaving the browser, and you'll be able to ditch browser borders and go full-screen for an edge-to-edge web surfing experience.

There were some great Safari updates introduced with iOS 5 as well. In addition to better HTML5 support, iOS 5 brought the option of private, history-free browsing to mobile devices, and added tabbed browsing to the iPad.

Samsung producing first 2GB LPDDR3 RAM for next-gen mobile devices

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Samsung is ushering in the next generation of mobile memory with the mass production of the first-ever 2GB LPDDR3 RAM.

The new mobile chips run at a total of 12.8 gigabytes per second and 1600 Mbps per pin. That translates to the 2GB LPDDR3 being approximately 50 percent faster than a single LPDDR2 chip.

Practically, this higher data transfer rate allows the chip to support high-resolution 3D graphics and full HD video playback on screens larger than the standard 4 inches. Tablets and extra large smartphones are what Samsung is going after here.

The 30nm class 2GB LPDDR3 RAM is the first such chip available in one space-saving package, according to Samsung, which held its Mobile Solution Forum in Taiwan today.

Samsung doubles its LPDDR2 RAM in 10 months

Besting Moore's law, Samsung took just 10 months to double the speed of the LPDDR2, which went into mass production in October 2011.

In that time, Samsung was able to put its LPDDR2 RAM into several devices including the Motorola Droid 4 and iPad 3. Although Apple hasn't officially confirmed the RAM specs for the iPhone 5, the forthcoming phone is also expected to use 1GB of LPDDR2.

Devices packing next-generation LPDDR3 chips are expected to hit the market in 2013.

"[Samsung is] helping to accelerate growth of the mobile memory market," said Samsung Executive VP of Memory Sales & Marketing Wanhoon Hong. "With this rapid introduction of 2GB LPDDR3, we are moving very assertively to expand our global leadership on the premium side of our extensive memory portfolio."

This dominance is no doubt aided by the fact that Apple relied on Samsung for manufacturing so many iOS device components, from RAM, to displays to CPU chips. Considering the stellar iPhone 5 sales, that "global leadership" isn't about to stop, even in the face of the Samsung vs. Apple lawsuit outcome.

Analyst: Apple to produce new CPU every two years

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When Apple's iPhone 5 arrives in consumer hands, it will come complete with a 1.2GHz dual-core A6 CPU.

Unique to Apple, the custom designed chip was built from the ground-up completely in-house utilizing architecture licensed from ARM.

Though the history of the A6 chip is pretty interesting in and of itself, it's the future of Apple's CPU development that has some analysts excited for 2014.

According to Linley Gwennap, head of the Linley Group, he predicts Apple will introduce a new CPU every two years, starting with the A7 in 2014.

New every two

Linley, who authored the report detailing the history of the A6, believes Apple will continue to develop their own chips in-house from now on.

In his report, Linley stated, "To keep pace with competitors using ARM's own cores, the company will have to crank out a new CPU design every couple of years."

"We believe Apple is already working on a next-generation CPU, which will likely implement the 64-bit ARMv8 instruction set."

Since he thinks 2014 is the target for the A7, Linley suggested, "for its 2013 products, Apple will have to rely on the same CPU design, perhaps in a quad-core configuration and with a higher-performance GPU."

Whether this slight upgrade to an A6X chip means there will be a slightly upgraded iPhone 5 in 2013 is unclear, but it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility given Apple's previous release history.

$500 million investment

Linley's report estimates Apple has spent upwards of $500 million to create the A6 chip over the past four years.

This of course was in an effort to deliver their chip three months before rival Samsung, which gives Apple a pretty decent head start going into the holiday of 2012.

With the Linley Group estimating some $25 billion in profits generated by sales from the iPhone 5 this year alone, that investment could pay off nicely.

The same could be said about future endeavors, and is why Linley believes Apple will continue on their current CPU development path over the next few years.

Yahuui Blog

Wednesday, September 19, 2012