iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, first released in 2017, are no longer a flagship Apple devices, having been replaced by the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Apple is, however, continuing to sell the iPhone 8 models as a lower cost option right alongside the newer models and the older iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which are even less expensive.

Priced starting at $599 for a 64GB iPhone 8 or $699 for an iPhone 8 Plus, the two older iPhones are more affordable than the $749 iPhone XR, the $999 iPhone XS, and the $1099 iPhone XS Max.

The iPhone 8 models do not feature the newer edge-to-edge design introduced in the iPhone X, XS, XS Max, and XR, instead offering a Touch ID Home button and thick top and bottom bezels in a 4.7 or 5.5-inch body. There is no TrueDepth camera system for Face ID, but wireless charging is supported.

Apple's iPhone 8 uses an LCD display instead of OLED and the camera is less advanced, but it still takes fantastic photos along with 4K video, and the A11 Bionic processor is fast enough that it will hold up well for years to come.

It is IP67 water resistant and features LTE Advanced speeds of up to 450Gb/s, but it does not have dual-SIM functionality.

If you don't mind missing out on Face ID features like Portrait Mode and Animoji, and don't mind the extra bezel size, the iPhone 8 is an excellent device that will save you quite a bit of money.

If you're torn between the iPhone 8 and a newer iPhone, make sure to check out the iPhone comparison tool on Apple's site to compare devices feature by feature.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE IPHONE 8

Apple is allegedly working on a new version of the iPhone 8 that will be released in March 2020 with the aim of boosting its share in the mid-tier smartphone market. The updated iPhone 8 will reportedly continue to feature a 4.7-inch display but will have a new A13 processor, single-lens rear camera, and 128GB of storage.

Apple doesn't often revamp older iPhones with new processors and components, so it's not clear how accurate this information is or if the phone will be positioned as an actual iPhone 8 or something else.

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Specs and Features

article source : https://www.macrumors.com

Apple will release a software fix for iPhones that stop working in cold weather

Some users are reporting issues with the iPhone X where its screen doesn't 

respond to touch in cold weather.

Apple said in a statement that the issue will be addressed in a future software update. 

Apple said on Thursday that it's looking into reports that the new iPhone X doesn't work well in cold weather.

The issue first popped up on Reddit, where several commenters said they had encountered an issue that makes the iPhone's screen unresponsive.

"It literally takes 2 seconds from going inside to the cold outdoors and my screen stops being very responsive. I try swiping on websites and it doesn't register my finger," wrote the original poster. 

In a statement sent to The Loop, an Apple representative said that not only is the company looking into the issue, it plans to release a software update to fix the cold-weather problem. 

Here's Apple's statement:

“We are aware of instances where the iPhone X screen will become temporarily unresponsive to touch after a rapid change to a cold environment. After several seconds the screen will become fully responsive again. This will be addressed in an upcoming software update.”

This isn't the first time that there have been reports that iPhones — or other electronic gadgets — don't work well in cold weather. Apple's own website says that iOS devices work best in temperatures above freezing, and using them in cold weather can "temporarily shorten battery life" or cause the device to suddenly shut off. 

A 2016 statement from Apple explains how the cold weather issue could actually be fixed in software, not hardware:

"We also want our customers to know that an iPhone is actually designed to shut down automatically under certain conditions, such as extremely cold temperature. To an iPhone user, some of those shutdowns might seem unexpected, but they are designed to protect the device’s electronics from low voltage."

The iPhone X went on sale earlier this month and it seems like a hit. Supply is backordered for weeks.

Apple's iPhones are used around the world, but they're primarily designed in sunny Cupertino, California, and testing is secretive before launch, so it's not surprising when unexpected issues in certain circumstances pop up shortly after launch. 

When Apple fixes this issue, it may actually become the best iPhone for cold weather usage. It uses facial recognition to secure data on the phone, instead of a fingerprint sensor, so cold weather-users won't have to remove their gloves to unlock their phones. 

source : http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-to-release-software-fix-iphones-not-working-cold-weather-2017-11?r=US&IR=T

The iPhone 7- Worth The Investment?

Apple has launched the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

The phones will be available shortly and pre-orders, according to reports, are extremely strong.

Early indicators show the new device offers some nice upgrades over the iPhone6, and 6S. But are there enough to warrant an upgrade or large spend to get one?

Size matters and the iPhone 7 is about the same as the 6S. It has a 4.7 inch screen. The iPhone 7 Plus has the larger 5.5 inch screen and some nice added camera features to boot, more about that later.

Apple says the screen has more brightness, HD Retina Display is 25% brighter than the previous version and now includes a pressure sensitive 3D Touch Layer. This creates a buzz when you press it and hold onto the screen.

The phone is also said to be water-resistant. Much like the phones from Samsung and Sony. Not sure you would want to drop in a fountain or toilet but if it slips into a beverage cup or takes on some moisture there should be no damage to the device.

A big change is the lack of a headphone jack. Now one will have to utilize Apple's new Earpods headphones to hear music and audio. These can connect through the Lightning Connector Port and enclosed adapter. There is also a wireless Airpods Headset for sale that can be connected through auto-pairing.

The 7 has two cameras. The back camera size remains the same as the 6S with 12 megapixels, however there is a larger aperture and optical image stabilization. Your photo taking should be steadier.

The front facing camera jumps up to 7 megapixels from the five megapixels on the 6S. It also includes auto image stabilization.

The 7 Plus takes it a step further for those serious about photography. It has a wide-angle and a telephoto lens on the back. It includes 2x optical zoom. Reports are the images are enhanced for low light shooting.

In a first for Apple, the phone will come with stereo speakers. One speaker will be at the top and the other on bottom.

Apple is promising more battery life with the new phones. They estimate 12 hours of LTE browsing with the iPhone 7 and perhaps 14 hours with the 7 Plus.

Operating speed is said to be enhanced with the 7's new A10 Fusion chip, 64-bit quad-core processor. The company said it is 40 percent faster than the previous A9 processor. Users should get higher performance contributing to the improved battery life.

Those who take lots of photos and videos or need extended space, will find more storage options. These include 32GB, 128GB and even 256GB capacities.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will be available in several colors. These include jet black, matte black, gold, silver and rose gold.

Pricing will vary whether you are eligible for an upgrade plan or need to purchase it outright. Full price for the iPhone 7 runs from $649 for the 32 GB version to $849 for the 256 GB edition. The 7 Plus starts at $769 for 32 GB and tops out at $969 for 256 GB.

iPhone fans who line-up for Apple's "latest and greatest" products will most likely secure the newer devices. Others will have to determine if the improvements in operation, battery life and camera quality are worth the investment.

George Rosenthal is a founder and partner with ThrottleNet Inc. ThrottleNet offers an array of technology services and products to help business owners achieve their corporate goals and accelerate business growth. These include cloud computing, custom software and mobile application development, and outsourced Managed Network Services which helps companies improve their technology uptime and IT capabilities while, at the same time, reduces costs. To learn how to accelerate your IT visit ThrottleNet online at http://www.throttlenet.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9526008

Ways to Backup iPhone to Computer

It is now more than five years since the iPhone revolutionized the mobile phone and the way in which we communicate. A lot has changed since then; however, the fundamental limitations imposed by Apple against transfer of iPhone data to computer remain. This article examines ways to backup iPhone to computer which circumvent Apple's restrictions.

Backup iPhone contacts to PC:

With the arrival of the iCloud, it is easier than ever to transfer one's iPhone contacts between multiple devices in storing iPhone contacts on Apple's servers. But what if you are looking to create a safe offline backup of your contact list stored away from third-party company servers? How to backup iPhone contacts directly to your PC?

Well, the answer is not that simple at first since there are dozens, if not hundreds, of apps which promise to do some sort of iPhone contact import, export, transfer, or backup. You can use iTunes and sync iPhone contacts to your Windows Contacts. This, however, requires syncing your iPhone with iTunes. If your iTunes library was not previously synced with your iPhone, you run the risk of your iPhone music being wiped away by iTunes.

Very recently, I found several 3rd party programs which offer to manage your iPhone contacts and, among other features, can help you transfer and backup iPhone contacts to another location such as a new iPhone or directly to a folder on your PC.

Here is a quick overview of the first program in action called CopyTrans Contacts.

This program requires you to have a Windows PC, if you are using a Mac or do not wish to use a computer as an intermediary to backup your iPhone data, scroll further below. Connect your iPhone to your PC after which your contacts will show up.

You only need to select your iPhone contacts from the program window and drag/drop them to a folder on your computer. Your iPhone contacts will transfer in the form of a *.vcf files within that folder. You can later use these files and restore them to your iPhone, should you need to or even to another iPhone.

More information about this program from the developer's website:

• http://www.copytrans.net/copytranscontacts.php

There are a number of alternative ways of transferring iPhone contacts featuring both your computer as an intermediary, or directly through your iPhone device. For instance, My Contacts Backup would send your old iPhone contacts to your email account from where you can recuperate them on your new iPhone.

If you are looking to bringing all your contacts from various online accounts such as your Facebook, LInkedIn, Email, etc, to your iPhone you can use Smartr Contacts.

Smartr contacts will upload your contact data from your various social and online accounts to their servers and display all data combined within their app designed to run on your iPhone.

Syncing contacts and other iPhone data to your Google account via Google Sync

A popular way to backup your online data, at least for those who have a Google account is via Google Sync. If you don't have a Google account, you can easily open one. Google sync is easy to set up on your iPhone and will sync your Contacts, Email, and Calendars to your Google account.

You can sync your iPhone contacts via iTunes sync by selecting the "Google Contacts" option in "Sync Contacts with" under the "Info" tab.

For those who would like to avoid iTunes sync, the easiest way is to use Google Sync directly on their iPhone. To do so, simply set up an Exchange account by going to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Add Account > Microsoft Exchange.

Just follow through the set-up wizard where you would have to enter your Google user name and password in addition to Google's mobile server (m.google.com).

Syncing iPhone contacts across multiple devices using the iCloud

For those who wouldn't mind uploading their contact info on Apple's servers; mind you if you are a privacy freak who keeps their data strictly offline, you might not enjoy this, Apple has developed a rather handy Cloud-based platform for sharing your iPhone contacts, calendars, photos and even music across all of your iOS devices called simply the iCloud.

All iOS devices such as the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad running on iOS 5 + are automatically compatible with the iCloud. In order to enable the iCloud on your iPhone, you would first need to set up an Apple ID. An Apple ID usually requires that you provide your credit card information.

Next, enable the iCloud on your iPhone by navigating to Settings > iCloud and entering your Apple ID and password.

Finally, choose what data you would like to sync between your iPhone and your iCloud account.

These are several easy ways to backup iPhone to computer circumventing iTunes and Apple limitations, depending on whether you want to backup iPhone contacts or transfer iPhone music and aps.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amanda_J_Phillips/1401111