Apple iOS7 & iPhone 5S/5C: Earlier this year Apple announced iOS7, set to be released September 18th. Along with the operating software, they are releasing the new iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. The 5c will be available in green, white, blue, red and yellow, and you can get the 16Gb for $99 USD or the 32Gb for $199 USD on contract.  The 5s will be available in silver, champagne gold, and space grey colours. Along with more camera features, such as built-in filters and various shooting modes, there is a redesigned interface, a new home button, and a fingerprint sensor for touch ID.

Mini Jambox by Jawbone: Mini Jambox is a pocket-sized wireless stereo that works by pairing with your Bluetooth-enabled device. With its even sleeker and smaller design and nine bright colours to choose from, the Mini Jambox is a more travel-friendly alternative to the Big Jambox and the previous Small Jambox. You can also opt to use the slim auxiliary cord that comes with the package if you have a device that is not equipped with Bluetooth. It will be available in late September.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra: Sony has finally confirmed the release of the Xperia Z Ultra to the Canadian market, set to hit stores in October. It boasts a 6.4” screen while having a slimness of 6.5 mm. Not only is it ultra modern and thin, the device is also dust-resistant and waterproof (our favourite spec), so you won’t have to worry about ruining it in the rain or snow. With harsh weather just around the corner, you’ll need a durable device that can stand up to the challenge.

PlayStation 4: Video game buffs can expect the new PlayStation 4 to hit stores November 15^th in both Canada and the US. Sony is claiming the PS4 to be the “most powerful gaming device ever conceived.” With the incredible specs of the PS4, we don’t disagree with Sony. It also has lighter security measures when it comes to sharing, trading or selling games, has facial recognition, and has a controller that tracks motion. So, if there are two players in a game and one switches to the left side, the console detects the movement and their half of the screen switches to left as well. Pretty impressive.

Kindle MatchBook: Launching in October, the Kindle MatchBook will allow you to purchase most print-edition books purchased through Amazon between 1995 and now for $2.99 or less. Although the leaves are changing colour, your mind should still be thinking green! And converting your paper books into e-books is environmentally friendly – it also makes organizing your library much easier!

Sources:

http://mobilesyrup.com/2013/09/09/sony-to-bring-the-xperia-z-ultra-to-canada-in-october/
http://www.intomobile.com/2013/09/09/new-bluetooth-speakers-block-jawbone-mini-jambox-jabra-solemate-and-solemate-mini/
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/kindle-matchbook-lets-you-buy-e-book-versions-your-amazon-8C11063556
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1001373341
http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/ps4-release-date-news-and-features-937822

Over the years, medicine has come so far that sometimes we wonder if all those fancy scanners and simple shots from the world of Star Trek are not that far off. News released over the weekend is just another example of how the world of technology is helping victims/patients have even better quality of life.

A U.S. bionics firm, Touch Bionics has announced that they have developed the first upper prosthetic limb controlled by an iOS application. The aptly named ‘i-limb Ultra Revolution’ has 24 different grip options, device training and problem diagnoses that can all be controlled by your smart phone.

Aside from these features, movement of the i-limb ultra revolution is controlled by a body’s electric signals sent from the arm’s nerves when the muscles are contracted. The arm also features a rotating thumb and individually powered fingers along with a fully moving wrist. With so many advancements in technology associated with the prosthetic, anyone wishing to use the arm will have to undergo extensive training but it sounds like it is definitely worth it. CEO of Touch Bionics, Ian Stevens, has said the arm offers, “unparalleled dexterity and control, enabling wearers to more easily perform activities of daily living and this increase their quality of life.”

Losing a limb, no matter the reason, has to be tough on a person but with research and advancements like this one, we are getting closer to recreating the human experience. Check out the video below of the i-limb in action!

 (Source)

We spotted this very informative (7 month old) video INFOGRAPHIC of Apple by the numbers, and felt it worthy of a share. Check out some of the most interesting facts about one of North America’s most successful organizations.

From Toy Story to the Macintosh, Steve has made such an impact on my life but more importantly – he’s changed the face of technology. After reading his biography, I’m well versed in his temperamental ways, and some of the horrid behavior that he became known for – but I still admire his vision and leadership.

Today Apple posted a tribute video on their website to commemorate Steve, and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving,

@coryjstewart

Apple owns the press event, and today’s new iPhone unveiling was no exception.

In front of a crowd of reporters and Apple enthusiasts, Apple CEO Tim Cook and marketing chief Phil Schiller revealed the faster, lighter, thinner iPhone 5.

“It is an absolute jewel—the most beautiful product we’ve made, bar none,” Schiller said as the new device rose from the stage mounted on a pedestal.

The announcement sparked an explosion of activity on Twitter. During the event, which ran from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET, Twitter mentions about the iPhone 5 surged to more than 180,000, according toSocialBakers. In the hour leading up to the event, mentions topped 150,000.

Besides selling a wildly popular product, here are five things marketing and PR pros can learn from today’s event:

1. Make sure your executives are well trained—even if the product is killer. When Apple released the iPhone 4S, reactions were tempered, in part due to the newly anointed Tim Cook. This time around he was prepared and delivered a performance that impressed reporters. “Cook seems more confident and effusive in his speaking style,” Mashable’s Chris Taylor remarked during his live blog of the event. “Figure he’s been taking lessons.” The New York Times added: “Mr. Cook, normally Mr. Nice Guy, is being funny and sarcastic.”

2. Numbers remain powerful. Facts, not platitudes speak volumes—just ask Cook. Early in the presentation, Cook highlighted the impressive sales figures for the iPad and Mac computers. Among the numbers: 17 million iPads sold last quarter, making a total of 84 million iPads sold through June 2012; the iPad’s market share is 68 percent, a boost from 62 percent one year ago; and more than 90 percent of Web traffic from tablets comes from iPads. The last statistic sparked this quip from Cook: “I don’t know what these other tablets are doing. They must be in warehouses, or store shelves, or maybe in someone’s bottom drawer.” The audience reportedly roared with laughter.

3. Pay attention to sound bites. Schiller’s “most beautiful product” remark will be echoed throughout the media this week, as will Cook’s statement early in the event that “We are in a post-PC world.”

4. Show, don’t tell. The iPhone 5’s front facing camera is getting an upgrade. Instead of simply telling the audience about it, Schiller showed off a variety of pictures snapped using the new device. Several media outlets covering the event swooned over the camera technology—which you wouldn’t get that by simply saying: “And it’s got a 28 megapixels.” (Unless, maybe Ashton Kutcher is saying it.)

5. Maintain realistic expectations. Apple’s stock soared in the lead-up to the event, but traded lower in the wake of the announcement—despite the hype and social media frenzy. That’s nothing new in terms of Apple’s product unveiling, according to a tweet from Rebecca Jarvis, co-host of CBS’s “This Morning.”

Preorders for the iPhone 5 begin Friday. The pricing is the same as the iPhone 4S.

This article was written by Michael Sebastian and originally appeared on PRdaily. 

Image via Macstories

I’m no longer a Mac virgin. I got my first MacBook Pro a couple months back, and have been aggressively using it daily. When I was making my decision to purchase my new computer, I did a lot of online research to try and find out exactly what the benefits were to buying Apple merchandise. Having grown up using a PC, and having conducted most of my work on one, I entered into this market with a pretty keen eye for what was important to me.

The Non-Negotiables

There were a few things I needed to make sure of before buying, and here’s some of what made the list:

-       Full Compatibility with MS Office

-       Easy transfer of old hard drive data

-       Calendar synchronization

-       Easily adaptable operating software

Not a long list, but a list nonetheless. Here’s a list of some the pros and cons I’ve noticed within my first few months:

Pros

• Twitter is integrated into EVERYTHING on the new Mountain Lion OS. It’s so easy to share content (which is huge for me).
• MS Office is not only the same, but slightly prettier.
• Files are so easy to find with the SPOTLIGHT tool.
• The new ‘MESSAGES’ feature allows incoming SMS messages to be delivered to both my phone and desktop.
• Multiple desktops: I can now have several different programs open on the go, and simply swipe my finger to toggle between them.
• Intuitive mouse pad: Much like using an iPhone or iPad – it’s easier to navigate through your computer than on a traditional PC model.
• It’s really darn pretty.

Cons

• Icon hovering preview: I became accustomed to hovering over my taskbar’s open programs on windows, and seeing what was in them. There’s an app called Hyperdock that does this upon installing on Macs, but I can’t bring myself to spend the $19.99.
• Adapting: I still do the control+alt+delete a lot, but I know I’ll unlearn eventually. There’s a laundry list of Windows shortcuts that I have to re-learn for Mac – but I’m willing.
• Minor difficulty with Mac Mail: Setting up new accounts can get a bit challenging, but nothing too horrible.
• MacKeeper Ads: I stream a lot of video – and as many I’m sure are aware, pop ups are inevitable. The issue I have with the Mac Keeper ads is the annoying sales pitch voice that starts talking upon loading.
• Only 2 USB ports: You can buy an expansion plug in, but I was a bit bummed.

I’m sure there’s more to share as my usage continues, but as a starting point – these were some real standouts. I definitely recommend making the switch, because the benefits surely outweigh the downsides.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer Mac or PC? Why?

I’ve been a PC user my entire life. From the time when the very basic IBM was brought into my home at 7 years old, I’ve always been faithful to my first love. However, the time has come to upgrade and update (this happens every 2-3 years) – and I’ve decided I’m divorcing Windows.

Meet my mistress.

There’s no way of telling if I’ve fallen victim to Apple’s incredible marketing tactics – or if I’m simply rationalizing my purchases with irrational desire. The fact is: I want a pretty macbook pro, and I know that it’s going to make my life beautiful.

In my long periods of comparison, and endless forums – I landed on this little infographic that was compiled from survey data. Have a look and tell me: are you a Mac OR a PC user? Have you ever made the switch?

Searching for that email just got easier

1. Search Your Entire Inbox

• No more losing any mail while you’re on the go. It’s always the worst when you try to find anything in your Gmail inbox – because your iPhone won’t store more than 50 messages at a time. The app solves this problem effortlessly.

2. Gmail Chat On The Go

• Use your Gmail chat while you’re on your cell. If you use the chat feature as much as I do – you’ll know how useful this is!

3. Attachments

• That’s right, attach photos in composition mode with the Gmail app! Select multiple photos or files directly from your phone, and add them into any email you compose. This is actually a HUGE lifesaver.

I definitely suggest you download this app if you use your smartphone a lot for emailing. It’s easy, user-friendly, and a step ahead of Apple’s native email app (for now).

Click here to download the Gmail App – available on Android and iPhone.