Apple iOS 9.3 will be all about education

iOS 9.3 may be Apple's most targeted release yet. While there are sure to be bug fixes, performance enhancements and other random feature updates, it appears the biggest changes will be all geared toward education.

Apple offered a sneak peek at the upcoming version of iOS in a new web page. It states, "With the iOS 9.3 beta, you’ll find a preview of new features that will make it even easier for schools to put devices where they’ll have the greatest impact — in the hands of students."

The company's classrom focus is nothing new. Last year, none other than Apple CEO Tim Cook participated in an Apple Store hour of code program with students from a New York City grade school. Each of the youngsters was handed an iPad mini running Code.org's coding course.

These updates, however, go further, and point toward Apple making a more concerted effort to take on Google's expanding position in school districts and grade schools across the country. Many of them currently use Google Apps for Education (which includes Gmail, Google docs and, sometimes, Chromebooks).

Apple's new education-focused iOS update will offer new ways to log into Apple iPads, including an easier way to share one device across multiple students. Each student still gets a personalized experience.

The update may also simplify login for younger students — teachers will be able to input students’ photos so they only have to select their own picture to log in to their account. When they do log back in, the iPad will help them pick up exactly where they left off.

School administrators will gain a new tool, Apple School Manager, for centralized management of all deployed iPads, including the ability to centrally manage distributed Apple IDs.

For teachers, they'll be able to monitor kids' work on the iPads through a new Classroom app. They'll also be able to globally launch work, like a quiz, across all the iPads in their classroom and push student work from the iPad to a TV connected to an Apple TV.

Schools still need to adopt Apple hardware before they can take advantage of these tools, but as Cook, told us late last year, Apple's trying to help in that regard, too:

"What we’re trying to do is facilitate that... we selected 120 schools around the U.S. that are the most needy schools... and we’re working personally with them not just to bring in products, but bring in our people there, as well, to help teachers,” said Cook.

The developer beta for iOS 9.3 (and watchOS 2.2) launched on Monday. Public betas should go out later in the week. No timeline yet for the full release.

Source: Mashable

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New iOS 9.3 feature will make reading at night easier on your eyes

Attention, night owls: Apple will soon be making it easier for you to use your devices at night.

The upcoming iOS 9.3 update will include a new feature called "Night Shift" that will change the colors of the light emitted by your iPhone or iPad's display, based on the time of day.


The feature uses your current location and the clock on your iPhone or iPad to figure out what time the sun sets, and will automatically "shift the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum," according to Apple.

The idea is very similar to f.lux, a popular Mac and Windows app that changes your display's lighting based on the time of day. When it starts to get dark outside, the app gradually makes the colors warmer to reduce eye strain. That app has been downloaded more than 15 million times, according to the company.

Despite its popularity, the company hasn't been able to release an official iOS app because Apple doesn't allow developers to access those features on the iPhone (though there is an app for phones that have been jailbroken). The company did briefly find a way around this restriction last year, when it released a version that users of non-jailbroken iPhone could download outside of the App Store.

Soon after it was released, Apple removed the download, saying it violated its Developer Program Agreement.

Studies have shown that using smartphones, tablets and other devices with lit screens before bed can interfere with sleep, but changing the color tone of your display from a harsh, blue-tinged light to a warmer color can, at least, make nighttime browsing significantly easier on the eyes.

The update has only just been seeded to developers, so it will likely be at least a few weeks before it officially makes it way into iOS. If you really can't wait to try it out, though, you can get an early when the public beta for iOS 9.3 rolls out — with the usual caveats that beta software can be unstable and shouldn't be used on a primary device.

Source: Mashable

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Workarounds for Safari Not Opening t.co Short Links from Twitter

Many users have notice that Safari on the Mac (and some on iOS) has trouble opening t.co short links coming from Twitter, both in the Twitter app and for Twitter on the web . While not all Mac OS X and iOS users experience this issue, those who do find it frustrating as any t.co link will either refuse to load, time out as the blue progress bar stops moving, or throw a “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error message, claiming the server or page isn’t responding.

Rather than give up on opening the t.co links, there are a few workarounds that will allow you to view them anyway in Safari for OS X and iOS.


By the way, this same set of workarounds applies to loading many other short links as well, though we’re focusing on the Twitter specific shortened t.co links here since those can be reliably problematic for some users.

Workaround #1: Reload the t.co URL a Few Times

The simplest workaround is simply to reload the t.co short link several times until the link eventually responds and loads as expected. Typically this takes multiple attempts, and I’ve gotten into the routine of hitting Command+L followed by Return in four to five quick successions to get the t.co short link to finally load from Twitter into Safari. Tedious, sure, but it works.

Workaround #2: Remove the “https” from the URL

For whatever reason, removing the https:// prefix and using simply http:// often will allow the t.co short link to work in Safari.

It’s helpful to have the full URL shown in the Safari address bar if you’re going to use this trick.

Workaround #3: Remove Cache & History

Clearing cache and history usually works to get the t.co links to load in Safari.

On the Mac, clearing history is easy, just pull down the “Safari” menu and choose “Clear History”.

Meanwhile on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, clearing history and cache is done with the iOS Settings app.

I’m not a big fan of this approach because it tends to only work to load t.co links for about a day, and also because clearing history in Safari on the Mac also clears it on your connected Macs and iOS devices, which is not always desirable.

Workaround #4: Use Chrome or Firefox

Yup, using a different web browser works to open the t.co short links from Twitter just fine. For Mac users, changing the default web browser to an alternative is one option, otherwise just get in the habit of opening Twitter links in Chrome or Firefox.

Why would a link work in Chrome and Firefox but not Safari? Who knows for certain, but it does, suggesting there may be an issue with how Safari handles some specific short links.

This is widely reported on Apple forums and Twitter support and is certainly not a new issue, though with more people using Twitter it’s likely encountered more now than when it first started appearing four years ago… because it hasn’t been remedied in four years it’s hard to imagine it getting priority now, so it’s likely best to just use a workaround if you encounter the t.co loading errors in Safari.

Would it be a mistake for Apple to remove the headphone jack on the iPhone 7?

Rumors continue to percolate that Apple will drop the 3.5mm headphone jack in its next iPhone to help slim down the device. But is it a good idea?

About a month ago, a rumor got started that Apple was planning to do away with the 3.5mm headphone on the iPhone 7, likely to be released this fall, and would steer people toward using wireless headphones or wired headphones that connect via the remaining Lightning port.

The Japanese blog Macotakara was the publication behind the rumor, and it created a bit of a stir because after all, every smartphone out there has a 3.5mm headphone jack and it’d be a big deal if Apple suddenly decided to ditch it.

Well, the rumor grew a few more legs today when the Chinese site Anzhuo wrote that supply chain sources had confirmed that the 3.5mm port would be removed on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and that Apple would make a wireless version of its EarPods and perhaps bundle them with the next iPhones. Naturally, there’s no way to confirm any of this — Apple isn’t commenting on it — but it’s certainly worth pondering the possibility that it could happen.

These sites claim that the reason behind the removal of the headphone jack is a space-saving measure that would allow Apple to make the new iPhones even thinner. This wouldn’t be the first time Apple has removed once-standard ports or accessories from its devices. For example, it killed the DVD disc drive in its PCs and more recently, replaced the standard USB ports with a new, forward-thinking USB Type-C port in its superslim and light 12-inch MacBook.

If Apple does indeed remove the 3.5mm jack, it could make a lot of people unhappy. I personally use a lot of wireless headphones, but I also like to be able to plug in my wired ‘phones, which typically sound better than wireless models. I have a couple pairs of Philips Lightning headphones in the office, and frankly I don’t use them much, though they do sound good.
By Lightning headphone I mean the headphone uses a cable that plugs directly into the Lightning port on the iPhone, creating a digital rather than an analog connection. What are the benefits? Well, not only are you getting a direct digital connection, but the headphones can draw juice from your device to power components in the headphone, which could include an internal DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and amplifier that bypass the internal DAC of the iPhone and/or active noise-cancellation circuitry.

The only problem is you can’t charge your phone when you have a Lightning headphone using the port (potentially, I suppose, your headphone could be used to charge your phone). Also, it’s unclear how you’d connect an analog headphone to the Lightning port. Some sort of adapter would be required and knowing Apple, if said adapter wasn’t included with your new iPhone, it’d be a $30 accessory.

Reference: Cnet

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OS X 10.11.3 Beta 2 Available for Testing

Apple has released the second beta build of OS X 10.11.3 for users in both public and developer Mac beta testing programs. The new build arrives as 15D13b and presumably focuses on bug fixes and feature improvements, it’s unlikely that any new features are to be included.

Mac users currently participating in the respective beta testing programs and running a prior OS X beta build can find the latest OS X 10.11.3 beta 2 download available from the Mac App Store in the Software Update section.

Anyone can enroll to participate in the public beta program, but it’s generally not advised for most users as beta system software is buggier and less reliable than stable releases. The developer beta build is the same version, but only available to users who are registered with Apple as an official Apple Developer, which also allows them to gain access to iOS beta releases.



For those who enjoy beta testing system software, Apple has also released iOS 9.2.1 beta 2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

There is no known public launch timeline for OS X 10.11.3 but typically Apple goes through multiple beta releases before offering a final version to the general public.

Source: OSXDaily

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How to Stop iOS Software Update Notifications Reminders

The latest versions of iOS automatically remind users, frequently, to install whatever awaiting version of iOS is available for their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. While you can postpone the software update 24 hours or choose to install it automatically in the middle of the night, often times users don’t want to install the update at all for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, you’ll be reminded again to install the iOS software update until you do. But can you stop iOS software update notifications and reminders from constantly popping up on your iPhone or iPad?

The answer is; sort of. This is probably not what you’re wanting to hear, but there isn’t a perfect way to stop iOS software updates from pestering you about an available update. The good news is there are several methods to get iOS update reminders from constantly appearing on your device, each takes a different approach, from postponing the update, to removing it, to giving in and updating, to even blocking the update server.

Option 1: Punt the iOS Update for 24 Hours

When you see the iOS Software Update reminder, choose “Later” and then choose “Remind Me Later” – don’t worry, it will remind you later. Again. And again.



If you take this route, get used to pressing “Later” and “Remind Me Later” repeatedly, as in 24 hours you’ll be asked about it again. And 24 hours later, again. And another 24 hours later, you can go through the process yet again, until you either give in or move along with another of the options below.

Option 2: Delete the iOS Update & Avoid Wi-Fi

The best way to stop being nagged about impending iOS updates available is to delete the iOS update from the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, and then avoid wi-fi. Deleting the available iOS update from the device will stop the update reminder from appearing, but you have to disconnect from wi-fi and avoid wireless networks because the moment your device is unattended and back on wi-fi… the iOS update will download itself again and start pestering you again. This is less than desirable particularly for those with limited broadband bandwidth, but Apple really wants you to update that iOS device to the latest available version.

1. Open the Settings app and go to “General”
2. Choose “Storage & iCloud Usage”
3. Go to “Manage Storage”
4. Locate the iOS software update that is nagging you and tap on it
5. Tap on “Delete Update” and confirm that you want to delete the update*
6. Disconnect from wi-fi to avoid the software update downloading itself again



* This deletes the available iOS update which stops the iOS update from popping up every day, however, the moment you’re on a sustained wi-fi connection for a while the iOS update will download itself again automatically and start sending pop-ups to install it again. Don’t worry, you won’t lose the ability to install the iOS update, you can download it again yourself by going to Settings > Software Update, or just join wi-fi and leave the device unattended and it will download automatically without prompting.

Now that the update has been removed from the iOS device, you’ll want to avoid wi-fi, otherwise the update will just download itself at the next chance it gets. Typically this happens after the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is on wi-fi and it hasn’t been used in a while, similar to how iCloud automatically backs up.

Option 3: Accept and Install the Update

Another approach is to just give in and submit to the iOS software update installation. Whether or not this is acceptable to you may depend on a variety of things, like what your opinion of a particular iOS update is, whether you’re able to troubleshoot a potentially failed iOS install, whether you’re busy or not, and perhaps even principle. On the plus side, you’ll be on the latest version of iOS by doing so.

As always, if you decide to give into the nagging install notifications and install the software update, always back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch beforehand.
Option 4: Blocking the Apple Software Update Domains on a Router / Gateway

The last option is to block the update domains on whatever router or gateway the iOS devices are using to connect to the internet. This is a rather dramatic approach and can lead to many unintended issues, plus it will stop the ability to download any software update from Apple at all entirely for all devices through the network until it’s reversed. Because there is no way of preventing software updates through settings however, this is the approach that many managed enterprise and educational facilities take with iOS devices.

For those who want to go this route, preventing access to the following domains does the trick:

appldnld.apple.com
mesu.apple.com

Each router and gateway is different, so you’ll have to set this up on your own.

Again, if you do this, no device on the network will be able to install any update from Apple at all, nor check for available updates. Don’t do this unless you know exactly what you’re doing and why, it’s truly only an option for advanced users, network administrators, and sysadmins who need to manage devices on their own without the constant update reminders.

–

Really the best thing to do is just to install the software updates if you don’t mind doing so. Nonetheless, that’s not always an option. For example, I’m traveling, and I don’t have the time to deal with a software update, the necessary backups, and potential restores from an update gone awry.

While modern versions of iOS are particularly aggressive with reminding you repeatedly about available iOS updates, the Mac has taken on a similar approach and will nag about OS X updates as well. Fortunately, the Mac has a bit more control forgetting software updates to stop bothering you in OS X, or you can just turn on endless Do Not Disturb mode as a workaround for handling relentless notification harassment in OS X. Perhaps a similar approach will be available to iOS at some point, or better yet, a settings option to stop the iOS auto-update and auto-download behavior entirely.

Source: OSXDaily

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Colorful new Apple iPhone 6c renders show us what the anticipated munchkin might look like

If you’ve been keeping an ear close to the ground, you have most probably heard the recurring rumors that Cupertinians are poised to release a compact new handset in early 2016, which might or might not be called the Apple iPhone 6c. The device is expected to feature the design language of the 6th-gen iPod Touch; it is expected to boast a 4-inch display and an aluminum build in the exterior. Still, we shouldn’t rule out a smaller-sized iPhone 6/6s lookalike. We expect the iPhone 6c munchkin to have a specs sheet reminiscent of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, like an Apple A8 chipset, an 8MP iSight camera and a 1.3MP FaceTime one, as well as a single gig of RAM. Make sure to check out our extensive rumor review for the iPhone 6c for additional info about the handset.

Let’s get back to the design now. We are not holding our breaths for any surprises in this department and seem to have a pretty good idea what the iPhone 6c might look like. Render artists do, too – a flurry of rather good-looking 3D renders and concepts have already made the rounds, visualizing the rumor mill’s speculations.

The most recent collection of appealing new 3D renders of the iPhone 6c seems to be one of the best ones we’ve seen in a long time. Created by Ferry Passchier, these new renders for the compact iOS handset are envisioning it as a scaled-down conveyor of the well-known iPhone 6/6s design language. We expect it to employ a way more diverse color palette in comparison with the bigger topdogs in Apple’s arsenal, similar to the iPhone 5c. Ferry Passchier has put his faith into the five iPod Touch-like color options we currently have plus an additional one — iPhone 5-esque space gray, silver, gold, rose gold (which is a stranger to the iPod line as of now), dark pink, and dark blue.

We might not have to wait for too long to witness the debut of the iPhone 6c – rumor has it that it will be introduced sometime in March 2016, alongside the second-gen Apple Watch. Well, we’ll wait and see.

Reference: iPhonearena

You can follow Syncios onTwitter,Facebookfor more tips and tricks.

Recommend: if you would like to contacts from old Android Phone or iPhone to new iPhone, you can try this perfect one click data transfer tool, migrate everything, including SMS, Contacts, Videos, Photos, Call logs and more from phone to phone. Simply download and have a try.