Apple Shutting Down Apple Online Stores Around the World to Prepare for iPhone 5s/5c Launch in 35 Additional Countries

As expected, Apple has begun taking Apple Online Stores around the world offline as it prepares for its second wave of iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s launches on October 25. Firstannounced in early October, this second launch will bring Apple’s newest iPhones to 35 additional countries, including India, Mexico, and Russia.

iphone 5s
As noted by 9to5Mac, consumers around the world are lining up at Apple Stores hoping to purchase a new iPhone. The launch will kick off in New Zealand first, where it is just after 10:30 AM on October 25.

Countries receiving the iPhones today include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, French West Indies, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand.

On November 1, the rollout will be extended to the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

Following Apple’s third launch on November 1, the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c will be available in more than 60 countries, bringing Apple closer to its stated target of availability in 100 countries before the end of the year.

Supplies of the iPhone 5s remain constrained, with shipping times in the United States and a number of other first wave launch countries still at two to three weeks. Supplies of the iPhone 5c, however, remain plentiful, with estimated shipping times of 24 hours.

Microsoft Bashes Apple’s iWork Software, New iPads

Microsoft’s corporate vice president of communications, Frank Shaw, today took to theOfficial Microsoft Blog to denounce both Apple’s revamped iWork software and the company’s well-received decision to distribute it as a free upgrade for existing users.

“Seems like the RDF (Reality Distortion Field) typically generated by an Apple event has extended beyond Cupertino,” writes Shaw, before launching into a long-winded rant that positions the Surface and the Surface 2 as better productivity devices, insinuating that Apple doesn’t understand productivity.

New iPads

That’s what Surface is. A single, simple, affordable device that helps you both lean in and kick back. Let’s be clear – helping folks kill time on a tablet is relatively easy. Give them books, music, videos and games, and they’ll figure out the rest. Pretty much all tablets do that.

But helping people be productive on a tablet is a little trickier. It takes an understanding of how people actually work, how they get things done, and how to best support the way they do things already.

The good news is that Microsoft understands how people work better than anyone else on the planet.

Shaw goes on to suggest that since iWork has never “gotten much traction”, Apple’s decision to provide both free upgrades and free software to new users was insignificant as it was “already priced like an afterthought” and it’s difficult to work on a device that “lacks precision input and a desktop for true side-by-side multitasking.” He also offers several bullet points that highlight the iPad’s shortcomings, following up with a statement that Microsoft has “built a better solution for people everywhere.”

– The Surface and Surface 2 are less expensive than the iPad 2 and iPad Air respectively, and yet offer more storage, both onboard and in the cloud.
– … come with full versions of Office 2013, including Outlook, not non-standard, non-cross-platform, imitation apps that can’t share docs with the rest of the world.
– … offer additional native productivity enhancing capabilities like kickstands, USB ports, SD card slots and multiple keyboard options.
– … include interfaces for opening multiple windows, either side by side or layered to fit the way most people actually work.

Shaw’s anti-iWork comments follow Apple’s own jabs at Microsoft, where Tim Cook took to the stage to question Apple’s competitors.

“Our competition is different. They’re confused. They chased after netbooks, now they’re trying to make PCs into tablets and tablets into PCs. Who knows that they’ll do next? I can’t answer that question, but I can tell you that we’re focused.”

Over the course of 2013, Microsoft has unsuccessfully attempted to position its Surface tablets as ideal productivity tools, continually highlighting the iPad’s inability to run multiple apps at once, its lack of accessories, its high price, and of course, its less popular productivity software.

Following a series of price cuts, Microsoft revealed that its Surface lineup had earned just $853 million for the company, less than the $900 million writedown the company took for the Surface RT. Nevertheless, Microsoft forged ahead to release a second Surface tablet, announcing the Surface 2 and Surface 2 Pro in September.

Sales Gap Between iPhone 5s and 5c Narrowing Over Time

Following the initial launch weekend for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c last month, analytics firm Localytics reported that it was seeing about 3.5 times as many iPhone 5s units showing up as iPhone 5c units, highlighting a strong preference for the higher-priced models by early adopters. At the time, we noted that the gap was likely to narrow over time and a report last week from a separate research firm indicated that the margin had indeed fallen to two-to-one.

Localytics has now published a new report that provides a more complete look at the data over the past month, revealing how the iPhone 5c has been steadily gaining traction both in the U.S. and abroad, with the iPhone 5s-to-iPhone 5c ratio falling to 1.9 in the U.S. and 2.3 globally. Localytics’ numbers are cumulative since launch, indicating that the current sales ratios are even closer.

iphone 5C
The iPhone 5s remains in very short supply, with carriers such as Verizon indicating that they could have sold even more units of the device had supplies been readily available. The iPhone 5c, in contrast, has seen good supplies throughout Apple’s distribution channels, allowing the company to meet demand. As a result, the ratios at which the devices are being seen are not exactly reflective of true demand, but it seems clear that demand is evening out a bit following the initial surge from early adopters focused on the iPhone 5s. As more mainstream customers look to upgrade when their current contracts run out, demand for the two lines may end up being in significantly closer balance.

Launch X431 ICard OBD2 Android Scan Tool

Launch X431 ICard is one of the dedicated vehicle diagnostic products designed by LAUNCH Company, which is applicable to the vehicles supported OBDII/EOBD protocols. It can process the wireless data interactive with user’s Android OS mobile phone via Bluetooth after connected with the vehicle DLC, to realize the diagnosis of vehicle troubles and the read of vehicle engine data.

Launch X431 iCard is small and exquisite, and can be pluged into DLC for a long time, it can help you to master your car’s conditions any time. iCard is the best choice for your beloved car!

launch x431 icard

iCard obdII Features:

1. Switch power-saving mode
2.High speed Read data
3.Real J1939 protocol for heavy-duty vehicle

iCard ObdII Scan Tool is a high-quality automotive scanning tool, contact Bluetooth 2.0 supports all OBD-II protocols:

1.SAE J1850 PWM(41.6Kbaud)
2.SAE J1850 VPW(10.4Kbaud)
3.ISO9141-2(5 baud init,10.4Kbaud)
4.ISO14230-4 KWP(5 baud init,10.4 Kbaud)
5.ISO14230-4 KWP(fast init,10.4 Kbaud)
6.ISO15765-4 CAN(11bit ID,500 Kbaud)
7.ISO15765-4 CAN(29bit ID,500 Kbaud)
8.ISO15765-4 CAN(11bit ID,250 Kbaud)
9.ISO15765-4 CAN(29bit ID,250 Kbaud)
A.SAE J1939 CAN(29bit ID,250*Kbaud)
B.USER1 CAN(11*bit ID,125*Kbaud)
C.USER2 CAN(11*bit ID,50*kbaud)

Default settings(User Adjustable)
1. Works with all OBD-II compliant vehicles
2.Wireless (Bluetooth) 5~10 meter
3.Software included for Palm, PDA, Mobile (Andrews,java,blackmerry,etc)
4.Software included for Windows PC
5.Software included for Windows Smartphone

iCard obdII Functions:

1.Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
2. Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL (“Check Engine” light)
3.Display current sensor data, including:
4.Engine RPM
5.Calculated Load Value
6.Coolant Temperature
7.Fuel System Status
8.Vehicle Speed
9.Short Term Fuel Trim
10.Long Term Fuel Trim
11.Intake Manifold Pressure
12.Timing Advance
13.Intake Air Temperature
14.Air Flow Rate
15.Absolute Throttle Position
16.Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
17.Fuel System status
18.Fuel Pressure
19.Many others…

Other Android obd2 scanner tool:

iOBD2 Diagnostic Tool for Android for VW Vehicles

Thinner iPad and Retina iPad Mini

Apple will introduce a high resolution Retina iPad mini and a thinner, lighter version of the standard 9.7-inch iPad during its Tuesday event, reports The Wall Street Journal, confirming months of product leaks and rumors.

Apple is now readying a revamped iPad Mini with a high-resolution “retina” display. It’s also working on a thinner, lighter version of its standard 9.7-inch iPad, using a thin film instead of the glass found in existing models, based on information from the company’s parts suppliers.

While a fifth-generation iPad with thinner side bezels and an overall smaller size has been widely expected, the release of the Retina iPad mini has been less certain, givenmultiple reports in the last few weeks suggesting serious supply chain issues.

Thinner iPad and Retina iPad Mini
It was unclear whether the Retina iPad mini would be ready for Tuesday’s announcements, but in addition to The Wall Street Journal, two reliable sources, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and AllThingsD, have also indicated that the Retina iPad mini will make its debut on October 22.

Alongside a Retina screen, the iPad mini is expected to include an A7 processor, while the full-sized iPad will offer an A7X processor. Both iPads will include upgraded cameras, and could also offer Apple’s new M7 motion tracking chip. AllThingsD has also indicated that Haswell MacBook Pros will be unveiled during the event.

Finally, I’m told we’re likely to see a slate of new MacBook Pros upgraded with Intel’s latest Haswell processors. Apple brought Haswell to its MacBook Airs earlier this year, giving them a nice boost in battery life and graphics. It has been expected to do the same for its professional laptops ever since. Tuesday should see the announcement of that move.

Aside from the iPads and the Haswell MacBook Pros, Apple is expected to announce a number of other hardware and software products, including Mavericks, revampedversions of iLife and iWork for both Mac and iOS, the redesigned Mac Pro, and possibly a new display to go with it. A minor update to the Apple TV may also be included, and it’s possible that the Mac mini could be updated as well.

Related Post:

Apple to Pay $40 to U.S. iPad 3G Purchasers in Unlimited Data Lawsuit

Apple Increasing iPhone 5s Production by 75%, Cutting iPhone 5c Orders by 35%

Apple is cutting iPhone 5c orders from its suppliers by 35 percent according to analysts at NPD DisplaySearch (via AllThingsD), echoing prior reports from The Wall Street Journaland Reuters.

However, the new report goes further, claiming that iPhone 5s production has been boosted by 75 percent. This would seem to be promising news for Apple because increased sales of the 5s would lift its average revenue per iPhone sold.

iphone 5

While the fate of the iPhone 5c is still to be determined, the iPhone 5s is doing quite well, indicating that Apple still has a strong hardcore base for its premium devices. It is worth mentioning that iPhone 5 production is scheduled to end Q3 2013; iPhone 4s’s end of life is still to be determined, as it still receives orders of 1 to 2 million units per month and only recently started selling in Indonesia.

The iPhone 5s has been in somewhat short supply with shipping lead times of 2-3 weeksfrom the Apple Online Store.

Apple recently began a new print ad campaign for the iPhone 5s, the first advertisements we’ve seen for that device after several weeks of a sustained and prominent television campaign for the iPhone 5c.

Apple CEO Tim Cook warned earlier this year about looking at any particular rumor out of the company’s supply chain because, even if one is accurate, they do not paint a full picture of Apple’s operations.

Launch DBScar-CA OBD2 Code Scanner for Android Phone

Launch DBScar-CA is a high-tech automotive fault diagnostic terminal to work with Android smart phones. By connecting it via Bluetooth to smart phones, it can perform basic diagnosis on vehicle OBD system, it can reading DTCs, clearing DTCs and reading data stream.

launch-dbscar-ca-obd2-code-reader

Functions?

1. Read DTCs of vehicle entire system
2. Clear vehicle DTCs
3. Read data stream of vehicle entire system
4. Real-time diagnosis via Bluetooth of cell phones
5. Data instrument, fuel consumption analysis
6. Launch clouds accounting

Specification:

1.Connection:standard OBD2 interface; Micro USB 2.0
2. Typical power consumption:(12V), quiescent current as 25mA, average working current for the whole unit as 45mA;
3. Working temperature:-20~5
4. Storage temperature:-30~70
5. Working voltage:vehicle battery DC input 9V-

OBD2 Android: http://www.obd2mobile.com/category/obd2-android/

First Magazine Advertisement for iPhone 5s Appears, Highlights Touch ID Sensor

Apple has started a new print advertising campaign for the iPhone 5s. The first spot, running on the back of this week’s issue of The New Yorker, showcases the Touch ID-equipped home button of the new gold iPhone 5s.

iphone 5s

Your finger is the password.

Touch ID was created not only to protect all the important and personal information on your phone, but to be so easy to use, you’ll actually use it. Its state-of-the-art technology learns your unique fingerprint, so you can unlock your phone or even authorize purchases with just a simple touch.

Touch ID. Only on iPhone 5s.

The spot in our image includes T-Mobile branding, but Apple’s iPhone TV ads have traditionally rotated branding between all the carriers that carry the iPhone, likely as part of a co-marketing agreement.

Apple has been heavily advertising the iPhone 5c on television in recent weeks, but we have seen relatively little about the 5s, likely because of tight supplies. The print ads mention ‘limited availability’ of the iPhone 5s in fine print.

Update: Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated are running the same ad but with Sprint co-branding, while Rolling Stone is running it with Verizon co-branding and TIME is running it with AT&T co-branding.

New Accelerometer Supplier Could Be Causing Incorrect iPhone 5s Level and Compass Measurements

A new supplier for the accelerometer part in the iPhone 5s could be causing incorrect level and compass measurements in the new device, an issue that was first noticed earlier this month.

RealityCap CEO Eagle Jones read into the Chipworks teardown of the iPhone 5s (viaGizmodo) and noticed that the phone uses the Bosch Sensortech BMA220 as its accelerometer. The iPhone 5, for example, used an accelerometer fromSTMicroelectronics.

iphone 5s

iPhone 5s and level, courtesy Gizmodo

Both devices have similar consistency in measurement, but the Bosch device has a larger measurement ‘bias’. The end result, as Jones notes, is that the new accelerometer has a different ‘zero-g offset’ which would need to be compensated for in software.

The second key spec for accelerometers is the zero-g offset, or bias. This indicates the range for a roughly constant offset that will be added to every output sample of data due to manufacturing variance. This can also change over time due to mechanical stress or temperature variation. This is where we find the problem: the typical bias for the ST part is +/- 20mg, while the Bosch part lists +/-95mg. This almost 5x greater offset range is confirmed by our measurements, and is absolutely consistent with the failures being reported by users and the media. Specifically, a +/- 20mg offset range would translate to around a +/-1 degree accuracy range in tilt detection, and a +/-95mg offset translates to +/-5 degrees in tilt.

He goes on to note that developers can compensate for the increased offset because it is unlikely to change significantly from one measurement to another, though Apple could do a system-wide fix at the OS level to ensure accurate measurements in the future.