Tag: Apple

First 5G iPhone expected at Apple online event Sept 15

SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — Apple on Tuesday fired off invitations to a September 15 online event expected to star the first iPhone tailored for superfast 5G telecom networks. The typically tight-lipped technology titan revealed only that the presentation would be streamed starting at 1700 GMT from its headquarters in Silicon Valley. Copies of the emailed invitation spread quickly on social media, featuring a video-snippet version of the Apple logo in blue that unraveled […]

Pandemic gives fresh momentum to digital voice technology

by Rob Lever Agence France-Presse WASHINGTON DC, United States (AFP) — In a world suddenly fearful of touch, voice technology is getting a fresh look. Voice-activated systems such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple’s Siri have seen strong growth in recent years, and the virus pandemic could accelerate that, analysts say. Voice assistants are not only answering queries and shopping, but also being used for smart home control and for a range of business and […]

COVIDSafe App speeds up contact tracing of people exposed to COVID-19

Eagle News — The coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19, is one of the most unpredictable pandemics in recent history. Due to the fact that the world has never seen this type of coronavirus strain. As scientists and health officials, are learning more about the virus as it continues to spread around the world, tracing the spread of the virus, is crucial for vaccine development. Modern technology helps expedites the tracing process. However, there are many counties […]

Apple and Google team up on virus ‘contact tracing’ by smartphone

SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — Google and Apple unveiled a joint initiative Friday to use smartphones to trace coronavirus contacts to battle the pandemic. The move brings together the largest mobile operating systems in an effort to use smartphone technology to track and potentially contain the global COVID-19 outbreak. Smartphones powered by Apple software and Google-backed Android operating system would be able to exchange information with a joint “opt in system.” The tech giants […]

Apple to miss revenue forecast as iPhone supply hit by coronavirus

SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — Apple announced Monday it would miss its March quarter revenue forecast and global iPhone supplies would fall because of the deadly coronavirus epidemic, triggering a fall in Asian stock markets. The COVID-19 death toll now exceeds 1,800 in China, where it has infected more than 72,000 after emerging in the central province of Hubei in December. The virus has sparked global economic jitters, with travel bans and mass quarantines […]

Apple closes China stores until Feb 9 due to virus

  BEIJING, China (AFP) — Apple announced on Saturday the closure of its stores, corporate offices and contact centres in mainland China until February 9 due to the new coronavirus epidemic. The virus has prompted the government extend the Lunar New Year holiday through this weekend in a bid to contain its spread, but many provinces and cities have called on companies to delay their return to work. “Our thoughts are with the people most […]

Apple pulls Hong Kong app used by protesters after China warning

by James EDGAR HONG KONG, China (AFP) — Apple on Thursday removed an app criticized by China for allowing protesters in Hong Kong to track police, as Beijing steps up pressure on foreign companies deemed to be providing support to the pro-democracy movement. The tech giant’s pulling of HKmap.live was blasted as bowing to China and comes as high-profile brands, including the NBA and its Houston Rockets franchise, come under pressure from communist authorities over […]

China warns Apple against ‘reckless’ support of HK protesters

BEIJING, China (AFP) — China’s state media accused Apple Wednesday of supporting pro-democracy protesters, warning the US tech giant would suffer consequences for its “unwise and reckless” decision, in an echo of campaigns against other Western firms. An opinion piece in the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, highlighted a transport app available on Apple’s store that it alleged helped protesters identify police in Hong Kong. “Apple’s approval for the app obviously […]

Apple cuts prices, ramps up services as iPhone 11 launches

    by Glenn Chapman  CUPERTINO, United States (AFP) — Apple unveiled its iPhone 11 models Tuesday with a price cut for the most basic models while also laying out plans for streaming and gaming services as it bids to weather the slump in the global smartphone market. Price appeared to be a key consideration as the tech giant reduced the entry level price for the iPhone 11 to $699 and undercut rivals for its […]

Amazon dethrones Google as top global brand: survey

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — US retail giant Amazon has moved past hi-tech titans Apple and Google to become the world’s most valuable brand, a key survey showed Tuesday. The brand value of Amazon surged by 52 percent to $315 billion, global market research agency Kantar said in its 2019 100 Top BrandZ report. Amazon jumped from third to first place to eclipse Google — which slid from first to third place with Apple holding […]

Apple iTunes to play last song

  by Glenn CHAPMAN Agence France Presse SAN JOSE, United States (AFP) — Apple on Monday announced the demise of its groundbreaking iTunes platform in favor of three more tailored apps, as it refines its offerings to be a stage for digital music, films, podcasts and more. iTunes transformed the way people buy and listen to music after its launch in 2001, but is now being phased out, Apple senior vice president of software engineering […]

Will Apple’s roots in China hold fast amid political storm?

by Glenn CHAPMAN SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — Apple is seen as a prime target for retaliation over US moves against the Chinese tech giant Huawei, but the roots planted by the company in China should help it weather the storm, analysts say. While Beijing may take aim at Apple in the countries’ high-stakes trade war, experts believe that the company’s size, cachet, and years spent cultivating business relationships in China should protect it […]