iPhone 5 is Most Traded-in Device in May 2013 According to The Latest Market Analysis and Infographic From CompareMyMobile.com Data

(PRWEB UK) 29 May 2013

Get the full pack of hi res data infographics here.

Data from CompareMyMobile.com shows people could be recycling their upgraded device, suggesting disappointment with the flagship iPhone 5.

  •     £1.3 million worth of iPhone 5s were traded-in between September 2012 and May 2013.
  •     The iPhone 5 saw a 23% drop in value between January and May 2013 – the second biggest drop in the Apple brand.
  •     Apple have seen a 9% dip of recycling market share since January 2013.

A massive £1.3 million worth of iPhone 5s have been traded-in since the release in September, according to data from leading mobile phone comparison site CompareMyMobile.com. Despite only being on the market for 9 months, this makes it the most traded-in device on the site this May 2013.

So, with the average phone contract lasting for around 18 months, a high sim-free price and no sign yet of a new iPhone 5S or iPhone 6, why are people selling these handsets?

CompareMyMobile.com data shows that there have been abnormal increases in online valuations and trade-ins following several big device releases in 2013. It could be suggested that consumers have been disappointed with their upgraded iPhone 5. Despite a sleek design and greater speed there was controversy surrounding its release, with many believing the smaller upgrades weren’t worth the wait following the iPhone 4S.

As you would expect from the release of the latest Apple device, there was a huge buzz surrounding it, creating a huge 367% surge in Apple trade-ins. People loved the idea of having the latest iPhone.

In fact, there was a 40% drop in the value of iPhones across 40+ UK recyclers, as the surge caused such a lack of demand in the market. It took an entire month for the prices to increase again. The iPhone 3GS suffered most, losing 33% in value, closely followed by the iPhone 5 which saw a 23% drop. Still, the iPhone 5 still remains as having one of the highest values on the site at £315. *according to data from CompareMyMobile.com on 20/5/13 – prices are subject to change

Could people be taking advantage of this price to switch to a different brand?

Co-founder of CompareMyMobile.com, Ashley Turner, says, “Normally we see an increase in users coming on our site to see what their new upgrade is worth second hand but to see a device such as the iPhone 5 be valued and traded in so much, so early after it’s release is abnormal.”

In 2012 data from leading mobile phone recycling comparison site CompareMyMobile.com showed that Apple dominated the mobile phone recycling market– holding a massive 50.3% share. But it seems this is changing in 2013, with Apple losing almost 10% within the first five months, again this could tie into the lack of a significant Apple releases.

Samsung and HTC’s market shares have increased by 5% and 2% respectively following the loyal trade-ins from fans. With new flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, and nothing new from Apple, it’s hardly a surprise that these brands are starting to eat into Apple’s space.

So, what’s the future for Apple?

Despite the surge in trade-ins and criticisms of their most recent smartphone, it still shouldn’t be forgotten that Apple are the leaders by a long stretch, holding 41.8% of the market share. Apple products hold the top five positions in the popular phone rankings, suggesting people are still upgrading to the newer models.

On top of this, Apple still have more up their sleeve. With consumers eagerly awaiting announcements on the iPhone 5S or 6 and the iPad Mini 2, CompareMyMobile.com are still expecting another huge surge in trade-ins and mass excitement for these new devices. Apple is still a brand that people want to own.

About CompareMyMobile

Founded in 2009, CompareMyMobile.com is the UK’s #1 source for independent mobile phone, tablet, sat nav, laptop, iPad, iPod and games console recycling price comparison. It delivers customers confidence in making the difficult decision of where to recycle their old phone safely and for the most money. CompareMyMobile.com is 100% impartial, comparing prices from more than 40 recycling stores.

Media contact:

Ashley Turner

Marketing Director

CompareMyMobile.com

Email: ashley(at)comparemymobile(dot)com

Telephone: (+ #

Best Apps for Nature Lovers

Did You Know?

With the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) both having more than 800,000 apps, smartphone users have almost 1.7 million apps to choose from.It is true that technology has caused irreparable damage to nature, and there are many of us who try to minimize the use of it on a daily basis. However, it is the same technology that has helped humans explore and understand nature. Let’s elaborate this statement…

At present, software developers have been successful in creating an app for almost everything. This means important items such as an atlas, maps, torch, nature’s guide, binoculars, reference and survival guides, etc., that are a must for nature exploration, are all available in the form of applications in mobile phones.

No more stuffing everything in a backpack, carrying it for miles, and then coming home with a strained shoulder; these days everything needed to understand nature is easily customized and put in your smartphone.

Before you get ready for your next adventure, check out some cool, informative, and naturey apps that Buzzle has enlisted for iPhone and Android users.

Leafsnap

Nature lovers and xylology students are going to love this application. It works on a simple principle: click a picture of a leaf on a white background (a piece of paper or napkin would do), upload it on Leafsnap and it will identify the type with additional information. Leafsnap uses visual recognition software to identify leaves. The app was developed by researchers from Columbia University, University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. At present, the app contains trees from the Northeast, though the developers plan to include trees from the entire continental United States.

iBird Pro

iBird Pro is specially designed to cater to the growing needs of budding ornithologists and professional naturalists. The app contains all the necessary information on different types of birds from around the globe. Users can also enjoy hand-drawn illustrations, range maps, and professional high-resolution pictures. The best feature about iBird Pro is its ability to play songs and calls of almost 938 bird species from the Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Project Noah

One of the best apps for nature lovers, Project Noah helps you understand and spread knowledge about nature and wildlife. It aims to be the most used mobile app for nature discussions. Users first have to create an account and can then upload pictures of flora and fauna, which is shared among community members. Project Noah also allows its members to be a part of research projects, and help various organizations gather important information about nature.

iNaturalist

With iNaturalist, you can also play a major role in saving and understanding nature. The app allows you to maintain a log of everything you encounter on a trip. It also helps you identify anything new or weird; just upload a snap, and the app will provide all the necessary information. The app also helps in making notes about recent climate change, levels of pollution, or any new plant or animal species that they might come across.

MyNature Animal Tracks

A great app for hikers and animal trackers, MyNature Animal Tracks helps you identify animal tracks and scat. The app boasts of an extensive collection of animal tracks, with complete description of their track measurements and gait patterns. You can also listen to various vocalizations and view stunning animal pictures.

Audubon Wildflowers

Audubon Wildflowers helps you discover over 1700 different species of North American and Canadian wildflowers. It features over 3000 amazing pictures of flowers in their natural habitat with all the essential information and range maps. You can make use of the Life List and Sighting feature to record recent findings. The information and photos collected can be shared on NatureShare (a social platform through which members share or discuss information related to nature) with other members.

Audubon Trees

With mention of over 700 species of trees, Audubon Trees is a must-have app for nature lovers. The app is filled with in-depth information about trees, and their leaves, bark, and habitat. You can view over 3000 HD pictures clicked by professional nature photographers. Audubon Trees also features a gallery view that makes browsing for specific species a simple task. Users can also create a personal account that allows sharing of all sightings with the members of NatureShare.

Google Maps

For those who love exploring unknown natural territories, Google Maps is probably the best app a phone can have. An easy to use application that features street views, voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, and nearby public transport facilities. An app that has won universal acclaim and various accolades, it is just impossible to lose your way with Google Maps.

Audubon Insects and Spiders

Audubon again appears on the list for its amazing and detailed guide on over 500 different species of spiders and insects. The app displays detailed information on each species with their range, size, habitat, and much more, along with high-quality snaps. You can also keep a record of field experiences, sightings, photo albums, and notes.

SciSpy

With SciSpy users can make a new scientific discovery everyday. Using Science Channel’s SciSpy anyone can help in research, especially related to nature. For example: If you spot an animal or plant species that you haven’t seen before, you can take a photo and share it with the world. When the picture is submitted on SciSpy, it automatically gets geo-mapped, date-stamped, and is uploaded to SciSpy.com, where scientists from around the globe use it for their research.

BackCountry Navigator PRO GPS

One of the best apps built for off-road navigation, BackCountry is probably the most preferred app for hikers. It gives you an option of downloading maps for the US and other countries in advance, so that you can easily navigate even from the remotest parts without cell service. The GPS in your smartphone can locate its position through GPS satellites, and doesn’t require a cell data plan to get directions.

SAS Survival Guide

Probably the most resourceful app on this list, the SAS Survival Guide is probably the most reliable source in surviving moat situation. Written by a former SAS (Special Air Service) soldier and instructor, this survival guide app features over 400 pages of photos, videos, compass devices, Morse codes, first-aid information, and even a quiz that helps test your survival skills in uncharted territories. These were some of the best nature apps available on the iOS and Android platforms. So download these apps, and you’ve got everything you need to make your nature experience safe and exciting.

Apple Unveils New IOS, Macbook Airs, and More at Conference

According to an article from CNN, Apple has officially unveiled its brand new operating system for its mobile products. The changes will drastically change how the touchscreens look by including a new color scheme, redesigned icons, and more. Additionally, there will be an overhaul as to how users will interact with the system. The announcement came at the company’s WorldWide Developer Conference in California.

Apple executive Jony Ive, who began heading software development last year, is spearheading the move to iOS 7. Ive’s company resume already includes assisting with designing both the iPad and the iPhone, noted USA Today. Apple senior vice president Craig Federighi compared the iOS changes to “getting an entirely new phone, but one you already know how to use.”

The new iOS boasts better organization of photos and the ability to take and store panoramic images with the option of adding artistic filters.

But the company’s announcements and unveilings didn’t stop there; Apple also showed off a brand new Mac Pro with a sleek new black design, reported Fox News. Similarly, the tech company presented new MacBook Air computers with the 11-inch models upgrading to a nine-hour battery life and the 13-inch models upgrading to 12 hours of battery life. The new operating system for the computers would be OS X Maverick-an innovative system that will make file searching easier, as well as moving between multiple monitors.

The new iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch iOS is expected to be available to consumers this coming fall but developers will get a version of it for iPhones today and the iPad version within the next several weeks. The iOS will come with the very latest iPhone 5 and the retina display iPads, but users with the iPhone 4 and later, the iPad 2 and later, the iPad mini and 5th generation iPods will have to install the system themselves, according to engadget.

It was only a matter of time: Apple says Google Now violates Siri patents

Apple has updated an earlier lawsuit filed against Samsung with claims that the Galaxy S4 and its Google Now feature violate two Apple patents covering functions of its own virtual personal assistant, Siri. Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents relayed news of the updated complaint on Wednesday, and he noted that two of the patents — U.S. Patent 8,086,604, and U.S. Patent 6,846,959 — cover technologies related to Siri. Both filings describe a “universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system.” Apple also added three more patents to its earlier complaint that are not related to Siri, according to the report.

[More from BGR: Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: PS4 wins on specs]

This article was originally published on BGR.com

How to do a screen capture using Mac OSX shortcut keys

Mac screen captures (or screenshots) are the fastest route around Photo Shop, especially if you’re graphics-impaired – and, really, who isn’t? With a screen capture, you can select any portion of anything visible on your desktop (an entire window or some image or text in the window), surround it and capture it and save it as an image file. You can then import the shot into some other application that accommodates images.

Careful, though, you need to pay attention to copyright restrictions and avoid using someone else’s graphic without permission. Here’s an example of something you can do: Say you want to design a presentation for a client with graphics that include the client’s and your own logo. Piece of cake – just go the screen capture route and use the following Mac shortcut keys:

Capture the whole screen

Command-Shift-3 takes a complete screen shot and immediately saves it as an image file on your desktop. The default image format is PNG. You can change the image file format by opening the image in the Mac Preview application and doing another screen capture using the Preview/File/Take Screen Shot. Choose Save and select from the choices of file formats in the menu.

Capture just a part of the screen

Command-Shift-4 activates a crosshairs cursor and allows you to select a portion of your screen. Hold down your mouse while pointing to the top left corner of the area you want to capture. Then with the mouse still depressed, select a rectangular portion of the screen.

Select and capture an open window on the screen

Use Command-Shift-4, plus the space bar, and click on an open window on the screen. Use the camera icon to select the window you want to capture.

Take a shot of an open menu or dialog box in an active application on the screen

Before you execute the keyboard shortcut, prepare the shot by opening the menu first. Leave your mouse pointer resting on the menu command to keep the menu open. Then do the keyboard shortcut that meets your screen-size needs.

Save to the clipboard instead of the desktop

The previous commands result in an instant screen capture that is automatically saved to your Mac desktop. If you would like to save the shot to the Mac clipboard, just add the Control key to the combinations described above. The screenshot stays in your clipboard memory and can be pasted into any application that can accommodate image files.

Use the menu-driven Mac Grab utility instead

If you don’t want to remember those keystrokes, you can always use the Mac Grab utility. You’ll find it in the Applications/Utilities menu. It’s the icon with the scissors superimposed over a tilted desktop.

Go to the Capture menu at the top of your desktop screen when Grab is activated. To do a shot of an open menu, you’ll need to select the “Timed Screen” option, use the 10-second delay to open the menu shot, and then stop. Grab will catch up and take a shot of the open menu.

Finally, as mentioned in connection with changing your image format from PNG, you can also use the Mac Preview Application for static screen captures (no open menus). Preview also has some limited file revision tools if you need to annotate, crop or reorient the saved screen capture image.

ZAGG Inc Debuts Thinnest, Most Robust Keyboard Accessories for Apple iPad mini at 2013 CTIA

Another way to interface with SL: The OnRez viewer

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZAGG Inc (NASDAQ: ZAGG), a leading mobile device accessories company with a brand portfolio that includes ZAGG and iFrogz, introduced two new keyboard accessories for the Apple® iPad® mini. The ZAGGkeys™ Cover and ZAGGkeys™ Folio are ultra-thin Bluetooth® keyboard accessories built with a unique, patent-pending hinge system that enhances the iPad mini user experience with a full range of viewing angles up to 135 degrees. The new designs were unveiled at ZAGG’s booth at CTIA 2013.

“We conducted extensive customer research to aid in our concept and design, and customers are going to love these new creative product solutions.”

“We are very excited about the new ZAGGkeys Cover and ZAGGkeys Folio. They are lighter, more convenient and easier to use than any other tablet keyboard accessory on the market,” said Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing for ZAGG. “We conducted extensive customer research to aid in our concept and design, and customers are going to love these new creative product solutions.”

About ZAGGkeys Cover

The new ZAGGkeys Cover is the most versatile Bluetooth keyboard on the market and the thinnest at just 6.3mm. It features a unique hinge that lets users position the screen at virtually any viewing angle as well as reverse the iPad mini for a convenient, one-piece reading and playing mode. The ZAGGkeys Cover also features backlit keys in seven color options and three lighting levels. A powerful battery keeps the Cover going for up to three months of normal use before it needs to be charged, while a magnetic closure protects the screen during transport.

The ZAGGkeys Cover will be available in both silver and black, matching the back finish of the iPad mini. It is expected to retail for $99.99.

About ZAGGkeys Folio

At only 6.9mm thin, the new ZAGGkeys Folio is the thinnest and most diverse Bluetooth® keyboard/case combo available. It also features the patented hinge that allows users to position the screen at virtually any viewing angle, as well as backlit keys in seven colors and three lighting levels. In addition, the ZAGGkeys Folio provides full body protection to help keep an iPad free from scratches and dings. The keyboard’s powerful battery lasts for up to three months of regular use between charges.

The ZAGGkeys Folio initially will be available in black and white, with new colors rolling off the production line by fall. The accessory has a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Experience Latest ZAGG Innovations Firsthand

The ZAGGkeys Cover and ZAGGkeys Folio are the latest in a line of ZAGG’s innovation within the tablet keyboard accessories category. In 2010, the company was a leading pioneer of Bluetooth-enabled keyboards designed to enhance tablet productivity for users. Since then, ZAGG has been on the leading edge of innovation by introducing new features like its intuitive channel tablet stand as well as island-style and special function keys that have become an industry standard.

ZAGGkeys Cover and ZAGGkeys Folio are expected to be available online and through select retail partners by early summer. For a sneak peek, interested visitors to CTIA can meet the ZAGG team and see the new keyboard designs at booth #1150.

For more information about ZAGG, its brands and its product portfolio, visit ZAGG.com.

About ZAGG Inc:

ZAGG Inc and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, or “ZAGG”) design, produce, and distribute creative product solutions for mobile and media accessories such as protective coverings, cases, keyboards, keyboard cases, earbuds, portable power, and device cleaning under the family of ZAGG brands. In addition, the Company designs, produces, and distributes cases, Near-Field Audio™ amplifying speakers, earbuds, traditional headphones, and gaming headphones for mobile and media devices under the family of iFrogz brands in the value-priced lifestyle sector. ZAGG distinguishes itself as the preferred brand by offering creative product solutions through targeted global distribution channels, with the broadest product offering in its sector. More information about the company and its brands is at www.ZAGG.com.

Development Stores for the iPhone

We look at how Development Stores for the iPhone will be sustaining themselves now that it’s a new year. Want to know how your paid jailbreak apps will end up? Read on inside.

Casting the First Stone

With the advent of development stores with paid content, an interesting question has started to brew in the Internet community: "Are these stores sustainable?" Of course, the splintered groups of fan-boys either applaud the decision to give the developers the benefit of some extra cash or decry the fact that open-sourced development is dead. To that end, we decided to break down the pros and cons of these stores.

In Defense of Paid Jailbreak Stores

Apple’s App Store is a joke, a walled-in garden. There are no adult-oriented apps. For better or worse, Apple feels that we are all not grown up enough to decide whether or not we want adult content on our phones, or if we even want to expand the functionality of the phone into territory it should already be going into anyway. The paid app store is an extension of this philosophy, to extend your iPhone beyond what Apple initially intended it to be.

3G Extender apps break the ridiculous "10 Mb" limit over the air, Intelliscreen-like apps push extra notifications to your lock-screens, and Blacklisting apps do what AT&T won’t for you – stop calls in their tracks. All these features could be built into the regular App Store, but they’re not, and the developers worked hard to get these apps into great working order.

Developers who work hard deserve more than just a pat on the back by an anonymous community- they deserve some money. How much money they’re making is still up in the air, as jailbreak phones make up a very small percentage of iPhones overall. And whether or not the amount being charged is sustainable is another issue. But it’s nice to see this even be attempted.

In Defense of Free Jailbreak Software

On the other hand, free software should continue to be free. How would you feel if your next upgrade of 7zip, CCleaner, and Spybot were all suddenly paid? Surely you’d feel like you’re being taken for a ride especially if the next version up was a minimal change. These developers certainly deserve to be paid, and it’s a new dawn and a new day for paid development in these jailbreak stores. An app being made from the ground up for the new store would be fine, but to simply re-purpose an existing app as a new property for money seems a little…soulless for developers that are supposedly open-source.

Amazing projects exist proving that open source and freeware can work and do work for the better good of the people wielding the technology. For example, this article was typed up on Google Docs, a completely free software suite on the internet that anyone can access. The same idea is behind the amazing apps that currently populate the Cydia repositories for free – like Categories, Installous, and Terminal.

So Who Wins?

I would love for free apps to always win, but the reality is that developers deserve their money as long as their apps are good and worthwhile. To even further take a hard look at what is currently going on in this scene, the market segment is so small and geared towards open-source that this might just lead to stagnation. The open-source people will switch over to paid development, and the people using Cydia will not follow them in that direction unless the apps are absolutely irresistible, which they currently aren’t.

Best Cell Phone Plans

Best Cell Phone Plans: Something for Everyone

Choosing a cell phone plan always seems simple at first. But once you start shopping around, finding the best plan for your needs grows more and more complicated. The questions begin to seem endless: Smartphone or feature phone? How much data do I need? How many minutes do I talk each month? What will the coverage be like in my area?

Everyone’s needs are different. Luckily, there is a plan for every type of mobile user. Here are some of the best cell phone plans for three common user types.

User #1: The Social Butterfly

Best Plan: Verizon Share Everything

The social butterfly uses his or her cell phone for everything. They need a smartphone that is fast and can do it all: surf the Internet, stream videos, Facebook, video chat, email and more. They need a fast network and are willing to pay for it.

Enter Verizon. Verizon boasts the most extensive and reliable 4G network in the nation. They offer top-of-the-line devices and super-fast speed – for a price.

Verizon has streamlined their pricing structure, shifting to a “shared” data experience. Users with more than one device can share their data plan among multiple devices. Verizon also has a useful data calculator on their website, verizonwireless which helps you figure out how much data you may need.

For example, a smartphone line costs $40, plus $60 per month for 2GB of data, for a total of $100 per month, plus additional taxes.

While Verizon is one of the more expensive plan options, they do offer top-notch speed, quality and coverage.

User #2: The Frugal Shopper

Best Plan: Straight Talk Pre-Paid

The frugal shopper wants the advantages of a smartphone, but is willing to make some sacrifices to save some cash.

Straight Talk is a pre-paid wireless plan offered by Walmart. They are usually a model or two behind the most current phone offerings (think iPhone 4S, instead of iPhone 5), but offer excellent phones and good service for reasonable prices. They have some of the best cell phone plans for savings-conscious consumers.

Straight Talk keeps it simple with a $45-per-month plan that offers unlimited talk, text and data. You will need to pay the full price for your phone upfront, but in the long run you save money on monthly fees.

Straight Talk uses different carriers for different phones. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S III runs on the Sprint Network. Coverage in your area will depend on what phone you choose.

User #3: Emergencies Only

Best Plan: Consumer Cellular

Like Straight Talk, Consumer Cellular offers prepaid monthly plans. A visit to their website, consumercellular, quickly reveals the appeal to seniors, but you do not have to be a senior to use their service.

Consumer Cellular offers the best cell phone plans for users who talk infrequently or just want a phone for emergencies. They have plans for as low as $10 per month. The $10 keeps the phone activated, and minutes are $0.25. You can get plans that include minutes starting at $15 per month.

Apple Unveils iOS 7

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today unveiled iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone®, featuring a stunning new user interface. iOS 7 is completely redesigned with subtle motion, an elegant color palette and distinct, functional layers that make it feel more alive. The typography has been refined for a cleaner, simpler look, and the use of translucency and motion makes even simple tasks more engaging. iOS 7 has hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop®, enhanced Photos, Safari®, Siri® and introduces iTunes Radio™, a free Internet radio service based on the music you listen to on iTunes®.

“To create it, we brought together a team with a broad range of expertise from design to engineering. With what we’ve been able to achieve together, we see iOS 7 as an exciting new beginning.”

“iOS 7 is the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “To create it, we brought together a team with a broad range of expertise from design to engineering. With what we’ve been able to achieve together, we see iOS 7 as an exciting new beginning.”

“There is a profound and enduring beauty in simplicity, in clarity, in efficiency. True simplicity is derived from so much more than just the absence of clutter and ornamentation—it’s about bringing order to complexity,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “iOS 7 is a clear representation of these goals. It has a whole new structure that is coherent and applied across the entire system.”

iOS 7 is completely redesigned with an entirely new user interface, but will be instantly familiar to the hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad® and iPod touch® users around the world. The new interface actually makes your phone appear bigger because everything is designed to take advantage of the entire screen. The redesigned fonts look amazing on the Retina® display, creating even sharper text.

iOS 7 introduces Control Center. Now the controls you want to access quickly are all in one convenient place. With just one swipe from the bottom of your screen, you have access to controls for Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Do Not Disturb, and the ability to adjust screen brightness, pause or play a song, jump to the next track and stream your music with AirPlay®. Control Center also gives you instant access to apps such as Clock, Camera, Calculator and the Flashlight.

With iOS 7, Notification Center is now available from the Lock screen so you can see all your notifications with a simple swipe, and the new Today feature in Notification Center gives you an at-a-glance view of your day with a summary of the important details such as weather, traffic, meetings and events.

With improved Multitasking in iOS 7, developers have the ability to enable any app to multitask in the background with a new API. Users have the ability to switch between their apps in a more visual and intuitive way, and iOS 7 pays attention to which apps you use most and automatically keeps your content up to date in the background.

AirDrop is an entirely new way to quickly and easily share content with people nearby. When you’ve got something you want to share, AirDrop shows you your contacts close by. Just select who you want to share with and AirDrop does the rest. AirDrop transfers are peer-to-peer so you can use it anywhere, without any network or set up required, and transfers are fully encrypted so your content is protected and private.

iPhones are used to take more photos around the world every day than any other camera, and with iOS 7 the new Camera app features filters so you can add real-time photo effects. The Camera app now includes a square camera option, and you can quickly and easily switch between your four cameras—video, photo, square and panorama—with just a swipe.

iOS 7 includes a redesigned Photos app that introduces Moments, a new way to automatically organize your photos and videos based on time and location. You can zoom out to see all your photos organized by Moments, Collections of Moments and Years. iOS 7 includes iCloud Photo Sharing, the easiest way to share just the photos you want with just the people you want. With iCloud® Photo Sharing, family and friends can contribute their own photos and videos to your shared photo streams, and the new Activity view displays updates from your shared streams all in one place.

Safari’s redesigned user interface lets you see more of your content—starting with full-screen browsing. The new smart search field helps simplify searching, and there’s a new view for your bookmarks and your Safari tabs. With iCloud Keychain®, your passwords and credit card information are securely stored and available on all your devices, so navigating password protected sites or autofilling during transactions is simple and secure. Enhanced Parental Controls allow you to automatically block access to adult websites or only allow access to a specific set of permitted websites.

Siri sounds better than ever with new male and female voices and includes Twitter search integration, so you can ask Siri what people are saying on Twitter*. Siri also now has Wikipedia integration, providing access to the world’s most popular Internet reference site. Siri offers Bing web search within the app and the ability to change device settings and play back voicemail.

The Music app has a beautiful new design and includes the new iTunes Radio, a free Internet radio service featuring over 200 stations and an incredible catalog of music from the iTunes Store®, combined with features only iTunes can deliver. iTunes Radio is the best way to discover new music. When you tune into iTunes Radio on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac®, PC or Apple TV®, you’ll have access to stations inspired by the music you already listen to, Featured Stations curated by Apple and genre-focused stations that are personalized just for you. iTunes Radio evolves based on the music you play and download. The more you use iTunes Radio and iTunes, the more it knows what you like to listen to and the more personalized your experience becomes. iTunes Radio also gives you access to exclusive “first listen” premieres from top selling artists, Siri integration plus the ability to buy anything you hear with just one tap.

With over 900,000 apps, the App Store℠ is the world’s largest app marketplace. iOS 7 now features Popular Apps Near Me, a new way to find apps based on your current location, and iOS 7 will automatically keep your apps up to date. The App Store also comes with a new Kids category, allowing teachers and parents to easily discover apps for children by age.

Additional new iOS 7 features include:

  • a new Find My iPhone Activation Lock feature that requires your Apple ID and password before you can turn off Find My iPhone, erase data or re-activate a device after it’s been remotely erased;
  • Night Mode in Maps that responds to ambient light when you use it in the dark;
  • FaceTime® audio for high quality calls over a data network;
  • Notification sync, so when you dismiss a notification on one device it is dismissed on all of your devices;
  • Phone, FaceTime and Messages blocking to prevent specific people from being able to contact you;
  • Tencent Weibo support for users in China, a Chinese-English bilingual dictionary, and improved Chinese input including handwriting recognition for multiple Chinese characters;
  • the ability for businesses to more efficiently deploy and manage iPhones and iPads; and
  • enhanced in-car integration, bringing an Apple designed experience into the car for the first time.

The iOS 7 beta software and SDK are available immediately for iOS Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iOS 7 will be available as a free software update for iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation) this fall. Some features may not be available on all products.

*US English, French and German will be available with the launch of iOS 7. Additional languages will be added over time.

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Kabam’s Fast & Furious 6: The Game Races to iOS and Android Devices

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kabam, the leader in the western world for free-to-play core games, today released Fast & Furious 6: The Game for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, with an Android release coming soon on Google Play. Developed in Vancouver, British Columbia by Kabam’s Exploding Barrel Games Studio, Fast & Furious 6: The Game takes players to London in a plotline that runs parallel to the upcoming blockbuster film from Universal Pictures.

“From the console-quality graphics to the unique take on street racing, this game exhilarates the player and leaves the competition stalled in its tracks.”

Fast & Furious 6: The Game is Kabam’s first free-to-play racing title, and joins the company’s existing mobile megahits that include Kingdoms of Camelot: Battle for the North, a top 10 franchise that has grossed $200 million in less than four years,and The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth, which is a top ten grossing game on iOS worldwide and within the top 15 grossing games on Google Play worldwide, according to the App Annie Index. Fast & Furious 6: The Game is also Kabam’s first title to be translated into Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

“We’re exceptionally proud of what the Kabam team in Vancouver has accomplished with this game,” said Andrew Sheppard, president of Kabam Studios. “It is truly one of the highest quality games on a tablet or smartphone.”

“Kabam’s first foray into the racing genre is nothing short of sensational,” Sheppard continued. “From the console-quality graphics to the unique take on street racing, this game exhilarates the player and leaves the competition stalled in its tracks.”

The game transports players to the high-octane world of Fast & Furious 6 in a storyline that runs parallel to the film’s plot. Players will race alongside well-known characters from the new film, drag racing and drifting their way through a series of intense street races and breathtaking heists. Additionally, players will be able to customize their cars with decals and original paintjobs, as well as acquire different vehicles from such manufacturers as BMW, Honda, Dodge and Ford.

Fast & Furious 6: The Game was developed by the design team headed by Scott Blackwood, whose experience includes 15 years at EA and such AAA console franchises like Skate. The developer lineup also consists of other game makers with a rich history working on AAA driving franchises.

About Kabam

Kabam is the leader in the western world leader for free-to-play core games with 1st and 3rd party published titles available on mobile devices via the Apple Store, Google Play, and on the Web via Facebook, Yahoo, Kabam.com and other platforms. In 2012, Kabam revenues grew by 70 percent to more than $180 million. The company is profitable and has seven titles that gross more than $1 million per month, including four grossing more than $3 million and two grossing more than $7 million per month. Kabam’s Kingdoms of Camelot franchise has grossed more than $200 million in less than four years, making it one of the top 10 strategy franchises of all time. In 2012, Kabam Publishing was launched and in April 2013 Kabam announced the $50 million WW Dev Fund to provide third-party developers access to Kabam’s technology platform, marketing channels, and best practices that Kabam’s in-house development teams use to bring wildly successful games to players worldwide. Kabam has 600 employees across three continents, with corporate headquarters in San Francisco. The company’s investors include Google, Warner Brothers, MGM, SK Telecom, Intel, Canaan Partners, Redpoint Ventures and Pinnacle Ventures. More information about Kabam can be found at www.kabam.com.

About Fast & Furious 6

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of all-stars as the global blockbuster franchise built on speed races to its next continent in Fast & Furious 6. Reuniting for their most high-stakes adventure yet, fan favorites Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Elsa Pataky are joined by badass series newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano.

Since Dom (Diesel) and Brian’s (Walker) Rio heist toppled a kingpin’s empire and left their crew with $100 million, our heroes have scattered across the globe. But their inability to return home and living forever on the lam have left their lives incomplete.

Meanwhile, Hobbs (Johnson) has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind (Evans) is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty (Rodriguez). The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so they can return home and make their families whole again.

Building on the worldwide blockbuster success of Fast Five and taking the action, stunts and narrative to even greater heights, Fast & Furious 6 sees director Justin Lin back behind the camera for the fourth time. He is supported by longtime producers Neal H. Moritz and Vin Diesel, who welcome producer Clayton Townsend back to the series. www.thefastandthefurious.com.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing

UP&L oversees Universal’s consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal’s theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio’s vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world–renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.