OS X Yosemite(OS 10.10) is Now Available to Download!

Apple has just made OS X Yosemite available to download on the Mac App Store.

Upgrade your Mac to OS X Yosemite and you’ll get an elegant design that’s both fresh and familiar. The apps you use every day will have powerful new features. And your Mac, iPhone, and iPad will work together in amazing new ways. You’ll also get the latest technology and the strongest security. It’s like getting a whole new Mac — for free.

Here's what's new in OS X Yosmite:

EA Sports Releases FIFA 15 Ultimate Team for iOS

Electronic Arts has released FIFA 15 Ultimate Team for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The game requires a whopping 1.35GB of free space on your device.

FIFA 15 Ultimate Team features over 10,000 players from over 500 licensed teams. Plus, over 30 real leagues and stadiums! Build a dream squad of footballers and put them to the test. From the English Premier League, La Liga, and MLS, to the German Bundesliga and beyond. Take the thrill of football with you wherever you are with the most authentic football game on the App Store.

BUILD YOUR ULTIMATE TEAM
Earn, trade, and collect superstars like Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard to create your own fantasy team. Choose your play style, formation, kits, and more.

iPhone 6 sales reach record 10 million in first weekend

Today, Apple has proudly announced that it sold over 10 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus units over the first weekend during which they were on sale.

This apparently represents a new record for first-weekend iPhone sales, according to the company itself. Though if you were hoping for a breakdown of sales between the two iPhone 6 models, you're out of luck, as Apple didn't provide more details.

It's probably safe to assume that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 massively outsold the bigger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, which would be nothing out of the ordinary. As mainstream as phablets have become already, they're still generally not better sold than more pocketable smartphones.

It's interesting to note that Apple has achieved this 10 million sales milestone despite the fact that the two new iPhones aren't officially available in China yet, nor is there currently a time frame for their release in the world's biggest smartphone market.

Last Friday, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus went on sale in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and the UK. 20 more countries and territories will be getting them this Friday, on September 26. And Apple promises to have its two new phones in stores in 115 countries by the end of the year.

Apple: Officially Released iOS 8! [Download]

Apple has officially released iOS 8 for download.

iOS 8 delivers a simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience with new Messages and Photos features, predictive typing for Apple’s QuickType keyboard and Family Sharing. iOS 8 also includes the new Health app, giving you a clear overview of your health and fitness data and iCloud Drive, so you can store files and access them from anywhere. With more than 4,000 new APIs, iOS 8 allows developers to further customize the user experience with major extensibility features and robust frameworks such as HealthKit and HomeKit.

List of iOS 8 third-party keyboards

With the launch of iOS 8 finally arriving, developers are updating their apps and introducing new ones that take advantage of the many new features. Several keyboards that have been around for a while, as well as some new ones, can now replace your default iOS keyboard forever.

IOS8: Link to Download iPod touch Firmware Files From

Below you can find the direct links to the iPod touch Firmware Files for IOS8 firmware version. Please note that if you use Safari you must disable the auto unzip feature. It may be easier to just use Firefox!

IOS8: Link to Download iPad Firmware Files From

Below you can find the direct links to the iPad Firmware Files for IOS8 firmware version. Please note that if you use Safari you must disable the auto unzip feature. It may be easier to just use Firefox!

IOS8: Link to Download iPhone Firmware Files From

Below you can find the direct links to the iPhone Firmware Files for IOS8 firmware version. Please note that if you use Safari you must disable the auto unzip feature. It may be easier to just use Firefox!

WhatsApp now has 500 million monthly active users

The CEO was quick to point out that it’s active users, that is, people actually using the service everyday, and not just registered users, which would be a bigger number but a lot of those people won’t actually be using the service.

First iOS 7, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s reviews hit the web

Right after its big iPhone event last Tuesday, Apple gave a select group of journalists early access to the final build of iOS 7, along with its two new handsets: the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s. The move is a familiar one for the company, who typically gives out products for analysis ahead of launch. And tonight, right on schedule, the embargo lifted on this week’s round of reviews…
As usual, we’ve put together a roundup of excerpts from a number of the just-released reviews in an attempt to paint a picture of what the general consensus is towards Apple’s new products.

iOS 7

Since iOS 7 will be making its way to millions of devices tomorrow, we figured we better start here. It’s the biggest update to iOS since its inception, and has thus far received polarizing feedback.

David Pogue for The New York Times:

“The look of iOS 7 may grab you or not. But once the fuss about the visuals dies down, something even more important comes into focus: the work that’s been done on making iOS better. The longer you spend with the new OS, the more you’re grateful for the fixing and de-annoyifying on display.
For example, you no longer have to burrow into infinitely nested Settings screens to adjust your control panels. Now you can just speak what you want, using Siri: “Open Wi-Fi settings,” for example, or “Open brightness settings.”

Walt Mossberg of AllThingsD:

“Then there’s the new operating system on this phone, called iOS 7. Its new look, new user interface and new functions represent the biggest overhaul to the iPhone’s core software since the original model launched in 2007. Nearly everything has been improved, including multi-tasking, notifications, access to common controls, email, Web browsing and Siri. Like any big change, it’s a shock at first, but I have come to like it and consider it a step forward, despite a few issues. “

And Jim Dalrymple of The Loop:

“iOS 7 isn’t a big change functionally from what we’re all used to with iOS 6. Apple kept most of things we know about how to use the operating system and integrated them with the design.
Of course, that is the big change with the new iOS—the look and feel are newer, some would say flatter. While we were all a bit shocked with the look when it was first introduced, it doesn’t take long to adapt. In fact, there are many things I like better.”

iPhone 5c

The iPhone 5c represents a bold new strategy for Apple. It’s plastic, it’s less expensive than the 5s, and it comes in an array of bright colors. Many pundits, though, are skeptical it will succeed.

Edward C. Baig of USA Today:

“f that second new model, the iPhone 5c may have a cheap price, relatively speaking, but there is nothing cheap about the phone. Plastic be damned — the phone feels good in the hand. Apple says it is built around a steel frame that doubles as an antenna. And, yes, the color designs — my test unit is blue — look cool, too, complemented by matching wallpaper.”

Scott Stein for CNET:

“A brightly colored plastic iPhone: it sounds like something new, doesn’t it? Not exactly: Apple’s had brightly colored iPods for years, and the iPod Touch got its multicolored refresh in 2012. The iPhone 5C just feels like the extension of that bright-color philosophy into the iPhone line.
It doesn’t feel like cheap plastic, though; the smooth, shiny polycarbonate shell around the back feels like a candy lacquer coating. It’s a dense device, heavier than the iPhone 5 by nearly an ounce, but it has a comfortable feel — maybe even better than the more hard-angled metal iPhone 5/5S.”

And Myriam Joire of Engadget:

“We’re not going to lie. The iPhone 5c is gorgeous – we’d even argue that it’s the most beautiful iPhone since the 4 and 4s. It instantly makes the iPhone 5 and 5s look staid in comparison.
Sure, we prefer materials like aluminum and glass over plastic, and we appreciate the intricate craftsmanship that goes into building the iPhone 5 and 5s, but still, we can’t help it – the 5c just triggers some reptilian part of our brains that screams, “OMG, color!”

iPhone 5s

The iPhone 5s is exactly what you’d expect from Apple on an s-model year. It looks the same as its predecessor, and has a number of new features and improvements tucked underneath its surface.

David Pogue of The New York Times:

“The most heavily promoted feature is the 5S’s fingerprint sensor, which, ingeniously, is built into the Home button. You push the Home button to wake the phone, leave your finger there another half second, and boom: you’ve unlocked a phone that nobody else can unlock, without the hassle of inputting the password. (And yes, a password is a hassle; half of smartphone users never bother setting one up.)
The best part is that it actually works — every single time, in my tests. It’s nothing like the balky, infuriating fingerprint-reader efforts of earlier cellphones. It’s genuinely awesome; the haters can go jump off a pier.”

Anand Lal Shimpi from AnandTech:

“At the end of the day, if you prefer iOS for your smartphone – the iPhone 5s won’t disappoint. In many ways it’s an evolutionary improvement over the iPhone 5, but in others it is a significant step forward. What Apple’s silicon teams have been doing for these past couple of years has really started to pay off. From a CPU and GPU standpoint, the 5s is probably the most futureproof of any iPhone ever launched. As much as it pains me to use the word futureproof, if you are one of those people who likes to hold onto their device for a while – the 5s is as good a starting point as any.”

And Jim Dalrymple of The Loop:

“Setting up a fingerprint is as easy as resting your finger on the Home button and following the onscreen instructions. The button will vibrate when it’s reading; lift your finger and rest it on the button again; and repeat until it’s done. Very simple.
Speed increases are something we expect with new Apple products, but the iPhone 5s goes above and beyond expectations. In addition to the faster processor, the iPhone 5s is also the world’s first 64-bit phone. These changes make the 5s up to twice as fast as the iPhone 5—that’s a significant increase.”

So there you have it. Overall, reviews have been fairly positive for iOS 7, as well as both the iPhone 5c and 5s. But what is really going to matter is what consumers think of the new software/devices.
The iPhone 5c is available for pre-order now, and will be available in-stores this Friday alongside the iPhone 5s. iOS 7 officially launches tomorrow.

Infinity Blade III launches on the App Store

Infinity Blade has long been a so-called system seller, an iOS masterpiece meant to highlight the power of Apple’s iOS platform by taking the GPU inside your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to its limits.

Developer Chair said in July that Infinity Blades: Dungeons had been canceled due to internal reshuffling that saw the company focus on the third installment in the series, Infinity Blade III.
Apple during its iPhone 5s/5c keynote last month invited representatives from Chair to demo the game on stage. In a quick follow-up, Chair then posted a trailer video and this morning the game surfaced on the App Store, ahead of the expected iOS 7 release later today…
Billed as “the epic conclusion to the Infinity Blade series,” the game has Siris and Isa joining with the God-King Raidriar in a desperate attempt to destroy the Worker of Secrets and his army of Deathless titans.
Here’s your flat Infinity Blade III app icon.

Powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine technology, Infinity Blade III has stellar graphics that takes full advantage of the iPhone 5s’s twice as fast A7 chip. HDMI output is supported, as are cloud saves and Game Center achievements and leaderboards.
The story scenes feature voiceover by John Noble and Troy Baker and there’s even a short animated film by director Ben Hibon, titled Infinity Blade: Origins. Another goodie: Infinity Blade III debuts an original new song, titled Monster, from the rock band Imagine Dragons.
Key features include:

RESPONSIVE AND INTUITIVE TOUCH CONTROLS 


Attack, dodge, block, and cast devastating spells – all with the simple swipe of a finger. 



SIMPLE NAVIGATION 

Easy to use, tap-to-move controls enable players to effortlessly navigate and explore while searching for collectable items such as treasure, swords, shields, armor and other magical rewards.

DYNAMIC 3D WORLD
Explore larger, beautiful and immersive environments that dynamically change as you choose multiple gameplay paths, new quests, side missions, and ClashMob engagements with the new in-game World Map interface.

TWO PLAYABLE CHARACTERS
Battle all-new enemies as both the legendary hero Siris, and the stealthy female warrior-thief, Isa, each with three unique combat styles and hundreds of fantastic weapons and items.

THE HIDEOUT
Discover and unlock allies to join your cause at your all-new base of operations. Here, you’ll encounter the Gemcutter, Potionmaster, Blacksmith, and Merchant, who will help you unlock incredible new strength and skills.

GLOBAL CLASHMOB CHALLENGES
Three new modes! Team up with players from around the globe for unique “massively social,” group-based challenges to defeat new enemies, unlock rare treasures and earn exclusive items.

NEW ACHIEVEMENTS
All-new Goals feature takes achievements to the next level, allowing players to earn valuable Chips that they can spend on keys, treasure maps, prize wheels, and other rare in-game items.

Here are a few nice screenies.
 
Check out the opening cinematic for Infinity Blade III which recaps the Infinity Blade storyline, narrated by John Noble. The opening video is created by Ben Hibon.
The game is optimized for the iPhone 5′s taller screen and supports the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices running iOS 6.0 or later. Specifically, Infinity Blade III supports the iPhone 4 or later, iPad 2 or later, iPad mini and fourth-gen iPod touch and up.
The Verge has a review up and they seem to like the game.
As for the Android version, Chair co-founder had this to say:

The challenge has been historically that Android has been a pretty fragmented operating system where it would be very challenging to take a game of the complexity of Infinity Blade and have it work on all the devices. in the last year, most of that has gone away.
I think it’s pretty much there, now, it’s just time. We’ve got lots of things that we’re working on, and we’re just looking for the right opportunity.

The download weighs in at a massive 1.47GB.
We’ll have the full review of this elegiac masterpiece up later in the week. Until then, you really can’t go wrong buying Infinity Blade III, it’s one of the finest mobile games and is exclusive to iOS.
You can download Infinity Blade III from the App Store for $6.99.

BlackBerry Announces BBM is Coming to Andriod on the 21st & iOS on September 22nd

That’s right BBM fans — the iconic mobile social network will begin rolling out for Android and iPhone customers around the world from September 21. Soon, you’ll be able to easily connect with friends on different platforms. As you may know BBM was previously exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones, and it will be available as a free download in Google Play and the App Store.

 

BBM for Android and iPhone features:
● BBM Chat – Enjoy real, immediate conversations with friends on Android, iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones. Not only does BBM let you know that your message has been delivered and read, it also shows you that your friend is responding to the message.

● More than chat – With BBM you can share files on your phone such as photos and voice notes, all in an instant.

● Keep your group in the loop – Multi-person chats are a great way to invite contacts to chat together. BBM Groups lets you invite up to 30 friends to chat together, and go a step further than multi-chat by sharing photos and schedules. And, with Broadcast Message, you can send a message out to all your BBM contacts at once.

● Post Updates and stay in the know – BBM lets you post a personal message, profile picture and your current status, and lets your contacts know instantly in Updates.

● Your unique PIN – Every BBM user has a unique PIN that maintains your privacy, so you don’t have to give out your phone number or email address to a new or casual contact.

Availability:
BBM will be available as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.x) beginning at 7AM EDT on September 21. BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will become available for each market on the App Store schedule of 12:01 AM local time on September 22. For more information, or to download BBM for Android or iPhone, visit www.BBM.com.

The company has also announced a BBM Channels feature which will launch later this year. 

BBM Channels will provide a forum for active, real conversations between you and the people, brands, celebrities, artists, service providers, communities and more, that matter to you. By creating a Channel, individuals and brands can engage their friends and communities in conversations sparked by their thoughts, ideas and passions. Subscribing to a Channel will let you join conversations with people who share your interests. In addition, BBM Video calling and BBM Voice calling are planned for availability for Android and iPhone in a future version.