Info Tech
Apple’s integrated apps to compete with Dropbox, WhatsApp
NEW YORK – Apple has taken on Dropbox and WhatsApp with a series of software upgrades that mimic the rival apps’ services.
At its annual conference for software developers, the firm unveiled iCloud Drive, an internet-based storage app, which works on Apple systems and PCs.
In an effort to keep customers using all its technologies, Apple improved integration for calls and messages across its devices.
It also unveiled new mobile and desktop operating systems.
Apple’s iMessage app was given extra features, some of which are similar to rival service WhatsApp, recently acquired by Facebook for $19bn (£11.3bn).
Users will be able to easily create and modify group messages, send voice clips with a single swipe, and even create and exchange short video clips.
The ability to send and receive text messages across all Apple devices was also introduced.
Jan Koum, WhatsApp’s co-founder, reacted to Apple’s announcement by tweeting:
“Very flattering to see Apple “borrow” numerous WhatsApp features into iMessage in iOS 8 #innovation”
Apple also introduced HealthKit software that works with third-party wearable health devices.
A parallel app, called Health, measures users’ personalised healthcare statistics, and even contacts their hospital directly if it notices irregularities.
“The announcements represent an ambitious move to diversify the Apple ecosystem into a number of new segments,” said Geoff Blaber, an analyst at the CCS Insight consultancy.
“Critics will complain of no new devices but the Worldwide Developers Conference creates the foundation for the products [Apple chief executive] Tim Cook is promising in the second half of the year.”
iCloud Drive allows users to save any type of file on the firm’s remote servers and then access it via an iOS device, Mac computer or Windows PC.
Users do not have to pay an extra fee unless they want use more than five gigabytes of storage.
That is more than Dropbox’s 2GB sign-up allowance, but less than Google Drive’s 15GB provision, Microsoft One Drive’s 7GB limit and Box’s 10GB cap.
Apple’s service includes the ability to email attachments of up to 5GB, something also offered by Dropbox and HighTail – a specialist data-sharing facility.
However, Apple made no mention of iCloud Drive being accessible via Android, unlike the other services that offer apps via Google’s Play store.
“iCloud drive [is a] big shot at consumer Dropbox, if it works well,” tweeted Benedict Evans, an analyst at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz – a nod to the fact that Apple has faced problems with its online services in the past.
Former chief executive Steve Jobs had previously attempted to buy Dropbox, reportedly warning its founders that he intended to go after the same market when they refused.
Automated homes
The latest version of Apple’s operating system for desktops and laptops, entitled OS X 10.10 Yosemite, features a flattened design, and closer integration with other Apple devices, allowing users to make and receive calls and text messages from their iPhone on their desktops or laptops.
Like its predecessor, Mavericks, OS X Yosemite will be made available as a free update to existing Mac users.
Apple boss Tim Cook also showcased the tech giant’s forthcoming mobile operating system, iOS 8, and emphasised cross-device integration. One feature, Handoff, allows users to start a task on one device and instantly pick it up on another.
Apple’s software engineering vice-president, Craig Federighi, also unveiled HomeKit, which allows users to control their home environment with smartphones.
“Only your iPhone can open your garage door, or unlock your door,” he told the audience in San Francisco.
“With Siri integration you can say something like ‘get ready for bed’ and be assured that your garage door is closed, your door is locked, the thermostat is lowered and your lights are dimmed.”
Today’s non-announcements of much-rumoured products like an “iWatch” will disappoint those who had hoped for the “amazing and exciting” new devices that Apple boss Tim Cook has promised this year.
But in truth this conference was always going to be about software rather than new devices; the Cupertino-based firm will leave those to the Autumn in time for the holiday season spending spree.
As predicted Apple is at least dipping its toes into new waters. If the health-centric features are well-executed, and can reconcile the various methods used by fitness band makers to measure our vitals, then it could indeed prove a powerful one-stop shop for this information. The big unknown: does it presage the introduction of Apple’s own biometric-sensor wristwatch?
Similarly the HomeKit is a welcome attempt to unify the multitude of smart devices beginning to appear in our homes – but here precious little detail was forthcoming.
As people increasingly use multiple devices – laptops, tablets and smartphones – much of the focus was predictably on streamlining the user experience between them. Amongst the many enhancements were some genuinely exciting innovations – like making or receiving phone calls on any nearby Apple device.
But other “innovations” will already be somewhat familiar to Android smartphone users – like iCloud Drive, predictive text and the ability to use different keyboards. Apple will hope that its painstaking attention to design and usability will give it an edge, and buy it some time to win over industry-watchers anxiously waiting for Tim Cook to deliver on “the next big thing”.
Fingerprint access
Apple also announced it would open up its Touch ID fingerprint recognition technology to third-party software developers – allowing device owners to avoid having to type in passwords – and let users install alternative keyboards including Nuance’s Swype.
Lea Simpson, strategy director at digital agency TH_NK, told the BBC this year’s conference “feels like the most ‘open’ Apple has ever been in both content and tone,” as it announced integration with outside partners.
For example, the Health app will integrate data from Nike and other firms’ fitness apps, and the tech firm is also working with medical care company Mayo Clinic in the US and NHS Cambridge University Trust in the UK.
Last week, Apple announced it was buying headphone maker and music streaming service Beats for $3bn – the company’s biggest acquisition to date.
No further details on the Beats deal were revealed, but co-founder and hip-hop star Dr Dre did make an appearance as a caller in a demonstration of how a Mac computer can now be used to make and receive calls if it is linked to the owner’s iPhone.
Apple shares, which have been doing well recently, closed about 0.7% lower on the day.
– BUSINESS DAY
In efforts at spicing up the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, the management of ITREALMS Media has partnered with E-waste Producer Responsibility Organization of Nigeria (EPRON) membership organisations for a day-long collection scheme of small electronic waste on Friday, December 15, 2023.
The EPRON members aligning their partnership with 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue are EL-AS Tech Enterprises Limited and WEEE Eco-Friendly.
ITREALMS’ day-long collection scheme is part of the commemoration of 2023 international E-Waste Day (IEWD) within the ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue with the theme “You Can Recycle Anything with a plug, battery or cable” at Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.
Revealing this collaboration, the Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, the organisers of the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, Sir. Remmy Nweke, urged mobile device enthusiasts to come along with their devices that have reached their end-of-life to the venue for proper disposition by professionals who would also be on grounds to address some topical issues.
The collection of small electronic wastes especially mobile phones and like-devices, would be carried out by EPRON member organisation, EL-AS Tech Enterprises Limited as facilitated by ITREALMS Media group as part of this year’s ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue on Friday, December 15, he added.
He disclosed that the exercise would commence at Welcome Centre Hotel by 9am till close of work hours the same day.
Nweke pointed out that the collection of small e-waste items would include mobile phones, pointers mouse, earpieces, rechargeable torches, phone chargers, to name a few.
Further, he said, that this initiative has become time-serving because some people may have missed any other opportunity before now for the year-long campaign, hence this awareness on e-Waste has to be continuous, “ITREALMS came up with this scheme.”
Nweke beckoned on Nigerians, especially mobile phone users, to leverage the opportunity in disposing of their mobile devices they no longer use, of course in exchange for a voucher or gift item.
In her reaction to this year’s day-long small waste collection, EPRON Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ibukun Faluyi, described the initiative as commendable, expressing confidence it would intensify the collection of end-of-life devices for proper disposition.
Mrs. Faluyi, also urged Nigerians to take advantage of this day-long collection of small wastes courtesy of ITREALMS Media.
Recalling for instance that in October 2022, EPRON had partnered SLOT alongside some UN agencies for collection of small e-waste items in Lagos, including the United Nations Information Centres (UNIC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
This is even as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida and Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Aliyu Jauro, would both lead speakers at the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue slated for this Friday, December 15, in Lagos.
Today, September 12, the tech corporation Apple will introduce the iPhone 15, their newest iPhone model.
According to a Forbes story, this model, which will be introduced at the company’s “Wanderlust” event in Cupertino, California, will be available in four variations: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Here are five things you should know about the new iPhone 15 model.
1. The new model is made of titaniu, not stainless steel as some other Apple smartphone models, Senior research analyst at DIGITIMES, Luke Lin reports.
2. The Pro Max model will feature double the optical zoom on the iPhone 14 as it comes with a newly-introduced ‘periscope lens upgrade, performing 5-6x optical zoom.’
3. The Pro models will carry an A17 bionic chip expected to make it perform faster.
4. The iPhone 15 model will feature a USB-C charging port, the same port featured on some Android phone models.
5. Due to its titanium shell, the new model is anticipated to be more expensive to purchase. The following is the speculated price list, as reported by Forbes:
The iPhone 15 starts at $799, the iPhone 15 Plus at $899, the iPhone 15 Pro at $1,099 ($100 increase), and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,299 ($200 increase).
In an effort to reduce the exorbitant cost of Premium Motor Spirit, better known as petrol, the Infrastructure Bank Plc announced its collaboration with FEMADEC Group on Monday to offer 500 buses powered by autogas (Compressed Natural Gas).
Partners in the agreement claimed that the project was created to provide citizens with dependable, affordable, and environmentally friendly travel options, taking into account the negative effects of the nationwide increase in PMS costs.
Under Decree No. 51 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1992 Constitution, the Infrastructure Bank, originally known as the Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, was founded in 1992 to promote the quick development of infrastructure throughout the nation.
In a statement issued in Abuja on its partnership with FEMADEC, the bank said, “The preliminary offer extended by TIB lays a solid foundation for the expansion of FEMADEC Group’s CNG bus fleet.
“With plans to introduce 500 CNG buses within the next five years, commencing with an initial batch of 50 buses in the forthcoming year, this proposal stands poised to instigate significant change.
“The acceptance of this proposition by FEMADEC Group, notably championed by Fola Akinnola, the Group Chief Executive Officer, is a testament to their zeal and dedication to this alliance.”
The bank described the partnership as a “pivotal endeavour that is primed to redefine Nigeria’s public transportation landscape, offering dependable, cost-effective, and ecologically conscious travel alternatives for citizens, while harmonising with the nation’s broader sustainability ambitions.”
“This partnership represents a remarkable stride towards a more ecologically aware future for Nigeria’s transportation sector, highlighting the shared commitment of both TIB and FEMADEC Group to sustainable advancement and progress.”
It said FEMADEC Group’s strides in operating Compressed Natural Gas buses, including the existing fleet of 20 CNG buses under LAMATA, underscored their unwavering dedication to ecologically sound solutions, a commitment predating the fuel subsidy removal.
“Their leadership within the CNG value chain is undeniable, and the new alliance with TIB underscores their foresight.
“This partnership seamlessly aligns with TIB’s sustainability objectives, echoing their resolute endorsement of the government’s net-zero and climate change agenda.
“The bank’s aspiration to champion Nigeria’s infrastructure progress is evident in its endorsement of pivotal initiatives like this, yielding expansive positive impacts on both the environment and society,” the bank stated.
The bank added that it would continue to make a significant contribution to the country’s growth as a leading financial institution committed to advancing effective and long-lasting infrastructure projects.
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