As we close out one week and kick off another, let’s take a moment to look back at the attention-grabbing headlines from the past seven days (March 31 – April 6). Some of the news you may recall, some may be new to you, but all the topics below are worthy of a second mention.
Samsung Galaxy S5 outshines iPhone 5s in Battery life tests
A new battery life comparison chart has revealed the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S5 as well as iPhone 5s, with contrasting results especially in terms of 3D gaming and talk time. The iPhone 5s marginally edges out the Samsung flagship with regards to battery consumption during web-browsing, which is possibly the only positive out of this comparison for the handset.
Pebble asks users not to install v2.1 update, citing critical issue that breaks app
Pebble is asking its users not to install the version 2.1 update for the iPhone that was released March 31st, citing a critical issue that prevents the app from working properly with the Pebble smartwatch.
Apple will start making the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 in May, production of 5.5-inch model may be delayed
Reuters has just reported that according to their sources Apple’s suppliers will begin mass production of displays for iPhone 6 as early as May. The report also claims that the screens for the rumored 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is likely to be produced first, followed by screens for the 5.5-inch iPhone 6.
Here are the 5 iOS features Apple claims Samsung stole in new patent trial
Apple and Samsung have been embroiled in a legal battle over allegations of patent infringement since quite a few years. The two companies now find themselves in a California court again, where Apple is claiming $2 billion in damages. Here are five of the patents in question, which Apple says Samsung infringed upon in its Galaxy line of Android smartphones and tablets.
Steve Jobs told Top Apple Executives he wanted a ‘Holy War’ with Google
According to emails accessed by The Wall Street Journal, Steve Jobs wanted the company to start a ‘Holy War’ with Google in order to sustain in the vastly competitive mobile business.
iOS 7.1 bug allows disabling of Find My iPhone without a password
Apple introduced Activation Lock in iOS 7 that ties your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with your Apple ID so that if your phone gets stolen, the thief has to know your login credentials to turn off Find My iPhone or erase the phone to factory state.
Apple announces WWDC 2014 scheduled from June 2 – 6; tickets go on sale today [Updated]
Apple has just announced that the WorldWide Developer Conference 2014 will be held from June 2nd through June 6th. WWDC will feature technical sessions presented by Apple engineers, hands-on labs to help developers integrate new technologies and lots more.
Apple Acquires Speech Recognition Company Novauris, Puts Them to Work on Siri
According to a new report, Apple quietly acquired speech recognition company Novauris at some point last year–and they’ve put the team behind the company to work on Siri, the Cupertino corporation’s virtual assistant. Pieces of the company’s many software innovations include local voice recognition, requiring no internet connection to perform more intricate tasks with voice commands.
Analyst: iPhone 5s demand in China is disappointing; but lot of excitement for larger iPhone 6
According to an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald, the demand for the iPhone 5s in China is not that high at the moment. While the reasons for this are not known at this point, it is suggested that people would be more receptive to an iPhone packing a bigger screen. This could mean good news for Apple considering that it’s rumored to make the shift to a larger 4.7 or 5.5 inch display for the next iPhone.
Internal Apple document acknowledges threat to iPhone from larger Android smartphones
While Apple continues to maintain that the iPhone is a better product than Android phones, an internal document reveals that the company is well-aware of the threat to the iPhone from cheaper and/or larger Android phones. A portion of the document was presented in the ongoing Apple-Samsung trial, which says that the growth of the iPhone could stall because of larger or cheaper Android phones.
Google to launch Android TV to take on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV in the battle for the living room
The battle for the living room is heating up, with most big tech companies fighting for a share of the connected TV market. After Amazon’s Fire TV, The Verge reports that Google is working on Android TV, a platform for connected TV devices.
