Apple Planning to Wipe CloudKit Data for iOS 8 and Yosemite on July 7 Ahead of Beta Updates

Apple has notified developers of plans for a server-side data wipe on CloudKit public and private databases for both the beta versions iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite. The wipe, which will take place on Monday, July 7, will erase data for iCloud Drive, iCloud Photo Library, and Mail Drop.





The wipe comes just a day ahead of the rumored launch date of iOS 8 beta 3 and also the likely launch date of the third Yosemite Developer Preview. Apple commonly seeds early versions of its iOS beta operating systems on roughly two-week intervals, moving on to three-week intervals later in the testing period. OS X beta updates have followed a similar update pattern in the past as well.



Apple's second iOS 8 and Yosemite betas came approximately two weeks after the software was first provided to developers at the Worldwide Developers Conference, and it has now been three weeks since those updates were seeded.



Both iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite are expected to be released to the public in the fall, after an extended beta testing period.



Thanks, Daniel!

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Posted in 2014 at 08:05PM, July 04

Swiss watchmakers still think they’re too good for Apple

Amazing but true: We may have found a group of people snootier than diehard Apple fanboys. CNBC reports that Apple has been desperately trying to peel executives from Swiss watch manufacturers away from their current jobs but has had a very hard time doing so because many Swiss watch executives don't want Swiss watches' reputations to be "tainted" by Apple.

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Posted in 2014 at 07:15PM, July 04

Brilliant new invention brings the joy of fresh draft beer right to your home

There's nothing better on a summer day than getting a nice cold beer fresh from the tap. However, you've traditionally had to go to a bar or restaurant to get fresh draft beer, which can be an expensive treat after a while. A new Kickstarter project called SYNEK wants to change this by giving you your own mini-tap that you can store right on your kitchen counter and use to pour yourself fresh beer whenever you like.

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Posted in 2014 at 06:30PM, July 04

'Range' iOS Food Thermometer Launches New Bluetooth LE Version on Kickstarter [iOS Blog]

Last year, the company behind the popular Twine Kickstarter project launched a new iOS-enabled food thermometer called Range. That thermometer raised more than $175,000 and now the team is back for more.





While not in time for this year's Summer grilling season, Supermechanical has launched a new, an upgraded version of the Range on Kickstarter. The new Range Oven/Grill Intelligence adds Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity as well as a magnetic storage unit that acts as the thermometer's base. The old Range needed to be physically connected to an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, but with the new wireless version, users won't need to leave their iPad sitting next to the oven or outside by the grill.



The magnetic base of the Range OI includes additional temperature and vibration sensors -- it's designed to be attached to the front of an oven, detecting when the oven is in use, when it's preheating and when it's on normally. It runs for a year on a single AA battery and the thermometer can measure from -40F to 450F (-40C to 230C).






There are three Range OI models available:



Oven Intelligence ($98) - including a 3" sharp thermometer

Chef Intelligence ($129) - including both a 3" sharp thermometer and a 6" round thermometer designed for candy making, home brewing and other needs, and both thermometers can be used simultaneously.

Grill Intelligence ($160) - including a 3" sharp thermometer and an ambient temperature probe for slow cooking and smoking, as well as an upgraded fiberglass cable for durability even in direct flame.



The OI wirelessly connects to iOS and Android smartphone and tablets, as well as the Pebble smart watch. There are bundles available to purchase multiple versions of the Range OI as well as higher Kickstarter levels that include priority shipping or special grilling aprons. Shipping is anticipated to begin next Spring.



The Kickstarter campaign has raised more than $80,000 with a goal of $250,000 with just over two weeks to go.

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Posted in 2014 at 05:30PM, July 04

TAG Heuer Sales Director Joins Apple in Run-Up to iWatch Launch

Apple appears to have made another important iWatch-related hire as the device's rumored debut approaches, with CNBC reporting that the company has poached the sales director of luxury watch brand TAG Heuer.






The hiring was revealed by Jean-Claude Biver, head of Jewelry and Watches at TAG Heuer's parent company LVMH. Biver had claimed earlier this year that Apple had been trying to hire some of his employees but at that point none of them had agreed to join Apple.

Biver said the watchmaker's sales director left as recently as last week, "to take a contract with Apple" in order to launch the iWatch. LVMH owns Swiss watchmakers TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. [...]



Biver said he was happy for the employee as the new role represents a great opportunity for him.



"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," he said.

Sixth-generation iPod nano in watch mode


With Apple reportedly looking toward an October introduction for the iWatch, the company is building a formidable team with experience in the fashion industry.



At the top of that list is new retail chief Angela Ahrendts, who officially joined the company two months ago. In another high-profile move, Apple last year hired Paul Deneve, CEO of French luxury label Yves Saint Laurent. Deneve reports directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook and is working on "special projects" for the company, with most speculation centering around the iWatch.

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Posted in 2014 at 01:43PM, July 04

HUGE iPAD AIR 2 LEAK offers our best look yet at Apple's next tablet

We've had more than our fill of iPhone 6 mockups, which is why we're happy to see that mockups for the next-generation iPad Air have started popping up on the Internet as well. Japanese website ASCII Plus has posted several high-quality pictures of a next-gen iPad Air dummy that show us some of the subtle design changes that Apple is planning to make with its next tablet.

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Posted in 2014 at 01:00PM, July 04

EA exec: ‘Core gamers’ have only themselves to blame if they hate freemium games

Is EA itching to reclaim the crown from Comcast for the title of America's worst company? That's the impression we get from a GamesIndustry interview with EA COO Peter Moore, who dismissed concerns about the gaming industry's move toward a new "freemium" model where games are free to download but can be miserable to play unless you pony up for in-game purchases.

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Posted in 2014 at 02:45AM, July 04