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Monday, November 9, 2015

ANDROID SDK TOOLS INSTALLATION



To get started on Windows:
Your download package is an executable file that starts an installer. The installer checks your machine for required tools, such as the proper Java SE Development Kit (JDK) and installs it if necessary. The installer then saves the Android SDK Tools to a specified the location outside of the Android Studio directories.
  1. Double-click the executable (.exe file) to start the install.
  2. Make a note of the name and location where you save the SDK on your system—you will need to refer to the SDK directory later when using the SDK tools from the command line.
  3. Once the installation completes, the installer starts the Android SDK Manager.
The Android SDK tools are now ready to begin developing apps, but there are still a couple packages you should add to make your Android SDK complete.

Check out http://clanshelper.com/ - I got free CoC gems here! Get yous too in less than two minutes!! It rocks!!(Zwe4WXcSUW)

JAVA PROGRAM BASIC DATATYPE




import java.io.*;
class datatype
{
    public static void main(String args[])
    {
        System.out.println("...Implementation of data types...\n\n\n");
       
        int a=40000;
        char b='a';
        float c=3.142F;
        double d=34;
        long e=9999111999911L;
        byte f=3;
        boolean g=(a>d);
        short h=31666;
        String i="Welcome to Java Lab";
        System.out.println("...Character data type...\n c = "+b+"\n");
        System.out.println("...String data type...\n b = "+i+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Integer data type...\n d = "+a+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Short data type...\n k = "+h+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Long data type...\n z = "+e+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Float data type...\n s = "+c+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Double data type...\n v = "+d+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Byte data type...\n e = "+h+"\n");
        System.out.println("...Boolean data type...\n g = "+g+"\n");
    }
}

How To acess GOD MOD in Windows 10




mkdir "God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
mkdir "Location Settings.{00C6D95F-329C-409a-81D7-C46C66EA7F33}
mkdir "Biometric Settings.{0142e4d0-fb7a-11dc-ba4a-000ffe7ab428}
mkdir "Power Settings.{025A5937-A6BE-4686-A844-36FE4BEC8B6D}
mkdir "Icons And Notifications.{05d7b0f4-2121-4eff-bf6b-ed3f69b894d9}
mkdir "Credentials and Logins.{1206F5F1-0569-412C-8FEC-3204630DFB70}
mkdir "Programs and Features.{15eae92e-f17a-4431-9f28-805e482dafd4}
mkdir "Default Programs.{17cd9488-1228-4b2f-88ce-4298e93e0966}
mkdir "All NET Frameworks and COM Libraries.{1D2680C9-0E2A-469d-B787-065558BC7D43}
mkdir "All Networks For Current Connection.{1FA9085F-25A2-489B-85D4-86326EEDCD87}
mkdir "Network.{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}
mkdir "My Computer.{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
mkdir "Printers.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
mkdir "Application Connections.{241D7C96-F8BF-4F85-B01F-E2B043341A4B}
mkdir "Firewall and Security.{4026492F-2F69-46B8-B9BF-5654FC07E423}
mkdir "Performance.{78F3955E-3B90-4184-BD14-5397C15F1EFC}

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Introduction to C

Introduction to C

 

This tutorial is designed to be a stand-alone introduction to C, even if you've never programmed before. However, because C++ is a more modern language, if you're not sure if you should learn C or C++, I recommend the C++ tutorial instead, which is also designed for people who have never programmed before. Nevertheless, if you do not desire some of C++'s advanced features or simply wish to learn C instead of C++, then this tutorial is for you!

Getting set up - finding a C compiler

The very first thing you need to do, before starting out in C, is to make sure that you have a compiler. What is a compiler, you ask? A compiler turns the program that you write into an executable that your computer can actually understand and run. If you're taking a course, you probably have one provided through your school. If you're starting out on your own, your best bet is to use Code::Blocks with MinGW. If you're on Linux, you can use gcc, and if you're on Mac OS X, you can use XCode. If you haven't yet done so, go ahead and get a compiler set up--you'll need it for the rest of the tutorial.

Intro to C

Every full C program begins inside a function called "main". A function is simply a collection of commands that do "something". The main function is always called when the program first executes. From main, we can call other functions, whether they be written by us or by others or use built-in language features. To access the standard functions that comes with your compiler, you need to include a header with the #include directive. What this does is effectively take everything in the header and paste it into your program. Let's look at a working program:
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
    printf( "I am alive!  Beware.\n" );
    getchar();
    return 0;
}
Let's look at the elements of the program. The #include is a "preprocessor" directive that tells the compiler to put code from the header called stdio.h into our program before actually creating the executable. By including header files, you can gain access to many different functions--both the printf and getchar functions are included in stdio.h.

The next important line is int main(). This line tells the compiler that there is a function named main, and that the function returns an integer, hence int. The "curly braces" ({ and }) signal the beginning and end of functions and other code blocks. If you have programmed in Pascal, you will know them as BEGIN and END. Even if you haven't programmed in Pascal, this is a good way to think about their meaning.

The printf function is the standard C way of displaying output on the screen. The quotes tell the compiler that you want to output the literal string as-is (almost). The '\n' sequence is actually treated as a single character that stands for a newline (we'll talk about this later in more detail); for the time being, just remember that there are a few sequences that, when they appear in a string literal, are actually not displayed literally by printf and that '\n' is one of them. The actual effect of '\n' is to move the cursor on your screen to the next line. Notice the semicolon: it tells the compiler that you're at the end of a command, such as a function call. You will see that the semicolon is used to end many lines in C.

The next command is getchar(). This is another function call: it reads in a single character and waits for the user to hit enter before reading the character. This line is included because many compiler environments will open a new console window, run the program, and then close the window before you can see the output. This command keeps that window from closing because the program is not done yet because it waits for you to hit enter. Including that line gives you time to see the program run.

Finally, at the end of the program, we return a value from main to the operating system by using the return statement. This return value is important as it can be used to tell the operating system whether our program succeeded or not. A return value of 0 means success.

The final brace closes off the function. You should try compiling this program and running it. You can cut and paste the code into a file, save it as a .c file, and then compile it. If you are using a command-line compiler, such as Borland C++ 5.5, you should read the compiler instructions for information on how to compile. Otherwise compiling and running should be as simple as clicking a button with your mouse (perhaps the "build" or "run" button).

You might start playing around with the printf function and get used to writing simple C programs.

Explaining your Code

Comments are critical for all but the most trivial programs and this tutorial will often use them to explain sections of code. When you tell the compiler a section of text is a comment, it will ignore it when running the code, allowing you to use any text you want to describe the real code. To create a comment in C, you surround the text with /* and then */ to block off everything between as a comment. Certain compiler environments or text editors will change the color of a commented area to make it easier to spot, but some will not. Be certain not to accidentally comment out code (that is, to tell the compiler part of your code is a comment) you need for the program.

When you are learning to program, it is also useful to comment out sections of code in order to see how the output is affected. 

Using Variables

So far you should be able to write a simple program to display information typed in by you, the programmer and to describe your program with comments. That's great, but what about interacting with your user? Fortunately, it is also possible for your program to accept input.

But first, before you try to receive input, you must have a place to store that input. In programming, input and data are stored in variables. There are several different types of variables; when you tell the compiler you are declaring a variable, you must include the data type along with the name of the variable. Several basic types include char, int, and float. Each type can store different types of data.

A variable of type char stores a single character, variables of type int store integers (numbers without decimal places), and variables of type float store numbers with decimal places. Each of these variable types - char, int, and float - is each a keyword that you use when you declare a variable. Some variables also use more of the computer's memory to store their values.

It may seem strange to have multiple variable types when it seems like some variable types are redundant. But using the right variable size can be important for making your program efficient because some variables require more memory than others. For now, suffice it to say that the different variable types will almost all be used!

Before you can use a variable, you must tell the compiler about it by declaring it and telling the compiler about what its "type" is. To declare a variable you use the syntax <variable type> <name of variable>;. (The brackets here indicate that your replace the expression with text described within the brackets.) For instance, a basic variable declaration might look like this:
int myVariable;
Note once again the use of a semicolon at the end of the line. Even though we're not calling a function, a semicolon is still required at the end of the "expression". This code would create a variable called myVariable; now we are free to use myVariable later in the program.

It is permissible to declare multiple variables of the same type on the same line; each one should be separated by a comma. If you attempt to use an undefined variable, your program will not run, and you will receive an error message informing you that you have made a mistake.

Here are some variable declaration examples:
int x;
int a, b, c, d;
char letter;
float the_float;
While you can have multiple variables of the same type, you cannot have multiple variables with the same name. Moreover, you cannot have variables and functions with the same name.

A final restriction on variables is that variable declarations must come before other types of statements in the given "code block" (a code block is just a segment of code surrounded by { and }). So in C you must declare all of your variables before you do anything else:

Wrong
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
    /* wrong!  The variable declaration must appear first */
    printf( "Declare x next" );
    int x;

    return 0;
}
Fixed
#include <stdio.h>
int main() 
{
    int x;
    printf( "Declare x first" );

    return 0;
}

Reading input

Using variables in C for input or output can be a bit of a hassle at first, but bear with it and it will make sense. We'll be using the scanf function to read in a value and then printf to read it back out. Let's look at the program and then pick apart exactly what's going on. You can even compile this and run it if it helps you follow along.
#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
    int this_is_a_number;

    printf( "Please enter a number: " );
    scanf( "%d", &this_is_a_number );
    printf( "You entered %d", this_is_a_number );
    getchar();
    return 0;
}
So what does all of this mean? We've seen the #include and main function before; main must appear in every program you intend to run, and the #include gives us access to printf (as well as scanf). (As you might have guessed, the io in stdio.h stands for "input/output"; std just stands for "standard.") The keyword int declares this_is_a_number to be an integer.

This is where things start to get interesting: the scanf function works by taking a string and some variables modified with &. The string tells scanf what variables to look for: notice that we have a string containing only "%d" -- this tells the scanf function to read in an integer. The second argument of scanf is the variable, sort of. We'll learn more about what is going on later, but the gist of it is that scanf needs to know where the variable is stored in order to change its value. Using & in front of a variable allows you to get its location and give that to scanf instead of the value of the variable. Think of it like giving someone directions to the soda aisle and letting them go get a coca-cola instead of fetching the coke for that person. The & gives the scanf function directions to the variable.

When the program runs, each call to scanf checks its own input string to see what kinds of input to expect, and then stores the value input into the variable.

The second printf statement also contains the same '%d'--both scanf and printf use the same format for indicating values embedded in strings. In this case, printf takes the first argument after the string, the variable this_is_a_number, and treats it as though it were of the type specified by the "format specifier". In this case, printf treats this_is_a_number as an integer based on the format specifier.

So what does it mean to treat a number as an integer? If the user attempts to type in a decimal number, it will be truncated (that is, the decimal component of the number will be ignored) when stored in the variable. Try typing in a sequence of characters or a decimal number when you run the example program; the response will vary from input to input, but in no case is it particularly pretty.

Of course, no matter what type you use, variables are uninteresting without the ability to modify them. Several operators used with variables include the following: *, -, +, /, =, ==, >, <. The * multiplies, the / divides, the - subtracts, and the + adds. It is of course important to realize that to modify the value of a variable inside the program it is rather important to use the equal sign. In some languages, the equal sign compares the value of the left and right values, but in C == is used for that task. The equal sign is still extremely useful. It sets the value of the variable on the left side of the equals sign equal to the value on the right side of the equals sign. The operators that perform mathematical functions should be used on the right side of an equal sign in order to assign the result to a variable on the left side.

Here are a few examples:
a = 4 * 6; /* (Note use of comments and of semicolon) a is 24 */
a = a + 5; /* a equals the original value of a with five added to it */
a == 5     /* Does NOT assign five to a. Rather, it checks to see if a equals 5.*/ 
The other form of equal, ==, is not a way to assign a value to a variable. Rather, it checks to see if the variables are equal. It is extremely useful in many areas of C; for example, you will often use == in such constructions as conditional statements and loops. You can probably guess how < and > function. They are greater than and less than operators.

For example:
a < 5  /* Checks to see if a is less than five */
a > 5  /* Checks to see if a is greater than five */ 
a == 5 /* Checks to see if a equals five, for good measure */ 
If you're having some trouble following the tutorial, try some expert help.
Quiz yourself
Next: If Statements
Back to C Tutorial Index

Want something in hard copy? I highly recommend C Programming: A Modern Approach, 2nd Edition:

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Windows 10 on september 13

Windows 10 release date

We expect Windows 9 to launch in PCs, laptops, tablets and phones that you can buy in sept 13 2014.
A leaked document, obtained my Myce.com, shows some interesting details about Windows 9, including the 'fact' that the Preview version is scheduled for release between "Q2-Q3 2015". This means the official launch is unlikely to be in April 2015 as previously thought. The Q2-Q3 window is huge, of course, and the Preview could therefore appear any time between April and September 2015. It's possible there will be Christmas 2015 launch to consumers and, given that everything never goes to plan with a new Windows launch, we wouldn't be surprised if you can't buy a new laptop, PC or tablet with Windows 9 until then.
.Now, The Verge has reported that Windows 9 will be unveiled on 30 September where it will show a preview of the new operating system.
"This date may change, but the Threshold version of Windows is currently in development and Microsoft plans to release a preview version of what will likely be named Windows 9 to developers on September 30th or shortly afterwards," said The Verge.
The document has a section detailing 'update items' which include changes to the Metro UI
(Microsoft still calls the modern UI Metro internally, apparently), Windows Defender, OneDrive and improved Windows activation. There's also a mention of Cortana, Windows Phone 8.1′s personal assistant, which could mean it's coming to Windows 9

Windows 10: No Charms bar

Winbeta claims that in Windows 9, Microsoft will do away with the Charms bar – that menu which pops in from the right with buttons like search, share, start and settings. However, the site is talking about Windows 9 on the desktop as the feature will remain as it is on tablets.
If you're wondering what the new regime will be, Winbeta said: "One method that we heard about that stands out is having a button up near the window controls that once pressed, would reveal the Search, Share, Devices and Settings charms from the top of the window (there's no need for a Start Button for desktop users in the charms.)"
Windows 9 Charms bar
"Another idea Microsoft have been toying with is removing the Charms completely. While it's possible, we're not entirely sure how that would work," it added.

Windows 10: new screenshots of reborn Start menu

As we explain below we are certain that the new Windows update known as 'Threshold' will grow up to be Windows 9. And we expect Windows 9 to launch at some stage in early 2015, probably April 2015. This week we have seen what its claimed are leaked screenshots of Windows 9. Just to confuse things, these shots are labelled 'Windows 8.1 Pro', but that is consistant with what we have been hearing about the Threshold build that will eventually become Windows 9.
In the past couple of weeks Windows-watchers at Myce.com and Neowin have shown off screenshots of the new Start menu in Windows 9. There's also a shot of the new Windows Store in Windows 9. Click the Windows 9 screenshots to view them at full size.

Windows 10 screenshots

Windows 9 Start Menu Myce
Windows 9 Start Menu Neowin
Windows 9 Store
Look to the lefthand side of the new Start menu in both Start menu shots and you can see a list of recently used apps and the option to select a list of 'All apps'. One interesting point to note is that 'All apps' appears to include both Desktop- and Metro apps. The key to Windows 9 is marrying up the two disparate elements of Windows 8 in a way that makes sense to consumers. This way Microsoft can satisfy both those users who miss the Start menu, and also make Metro apps more useful.
Microsoft hasn't lost its taste for uncomfortable compromise, however. Strong rumours suggest that the expanded Start menu will appear within a more 'Desktop' Start screen and in the Desktop for PC- and laptops users. But that the same, expanded, Start menu may take over the entire Start screen for tablets and other smaller touchscreen devices.
Now look over to the right for another symbol of the same movement. To the right of the apps list is an area with pinned Metro apps. So as now you can see from the Start screen live tiles for important apps such as weather, mail, news, and calendar. Just as now the new Windows 9 Start screen is customisable, it seems, but here you can also pin Desktop Windows software. On both sets of screenshots you can see icons for the Pictures and Documents folders, as well as what looks like a 'My PC' tile that gets you straight into the file system.

Windows Phone10

Talking of Cortana, the document also mentions Windows Phone 9, which is tagged alongside Windows 9 for a Q2-Q3 Preview release. We're only just seeing new smartphones running Windows Phone 8.1 - the first version to feature Cortana - but in a year's time Windows Phone 8 will be consigned to the history book. Let's just hope that existing hardware will be upgradeable and that owners don't end up in the same situation as Windows Phone 7 buyers did.
Windows 9
Based on Microsoft's Build 2014 developer conference, we've put together an article looking at the future of Windows - beyond even Windows 9.
Microsoft partners will be getting a pre-beta version of Windows Developer Preview 9 soon, we understand. Thus those partners will have seen the earliest version of Windows 9 before the Build conference this April.
We expect to see a single beta of Windows 9, which will likely appear in the summer of 2014. If everything goes perfectly it is possible that Microsoft will release a Release Candidate version at the end of August or the beginning of September 2014. That date could easily slip.
Once a RC is released, bugs will be collected and fixed for several months before the final code is released to manufacturers. On this basis, it makes sense to see a Preview version from April 2015 onwards. (See also: How to use Windows 8: 10 tips to get you started on Windows 8.)

Windows 9 price

There's no word on what Windows 9 will cost, but we can make an educated guess. We'll update this piece as we know more.
How to price Windows 9? This is the classic innovator's dilemna: Microsoft has existing products that make it a lot of money, but is building new and better products for which it cannot charge as much. The market has changed. Apple gives away the most recent version of OS X for free, and PC- and laptop makers are feeling the pinch as smartphones and tablets eat into their markets.
So how much will Windows 9 cost? Not a lot.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was free to consumers, although not to OEMs who purchase licences to put on PCs and laptops they sell. Even if customers have to pay to upgrade to Windows 9 they won't have to pay much. Just a few pounds.

Windows 9 features

We expect that Windows 9 will be 64-bit only, although we expected that for Windows 8 and we were wrong. A lot depends - as ever with Microsoft - on what OEMs want to build, and what Intel gives them with which to build.
One thing that Microsoft has to do is allow Windows Phone and Windows RT apps to run on both Windows Phone and Windows. Even Xbox apps should become cross compatible. You may also be able to pin Metro apps to the taskbar. Also expect to see Kinect-based 3D gestures to be enabled for laptops with 3D cameras - basically the ability to control your computer with gestures.
Microsoft's recent pronouncements suggest a full return of the Start menu and that Windows 8-style apps will be able to run on the desktop. Windows 9 will definitely be less traumatic a chance for desktop users.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Haibike unleashes mid-motored carbon fiber and electric-suspension e-bikes

Spheree presents 3D models in a fish bowl-like display, which responds to changes in the v...
Spheree presents 3D models in a fish bowl-like display, which responds to changes in the viewer's perspective
Image Gallery (2 images)
Although viewing a 3D digital model of an item allows you get a sense of the "real" object, it certainly doesn’t help if you’re looking at that three-dimensional model on a flat screen. That’s why Spheree was created. The result of a collaboration between a group of Brazilian and Canadian universities, it’s a spherical display that users can walk around, viewing a model from various angles as if the object were physically in front of them.
Although it might at first appear to incorporate holograms, Spheree actually utilizes multiple mini-projectors located at the base of its translucent sphere. As the user moves around the display, infrared cameras track their position. The appropriate view of the model is then projected onto the appropriate area of the inside of the sphere, continually changing to adapt to the user’s shifting perspective.
An algorithm is used to keep the pico projectors calibrated with one another, so that their composite image of the object has a uniform pixel density throughout, and doesn’t contain any gaps or seams. Additionally, the algorithm allows for more projectors to be added, if a larger sphere is being used.
One of the Spherees, with its pico projectors visible underneath
One of the Spherees, with its pico projectors visible underneath

Kobo announces Aura H2O waterproof e-reader

The main benefits of waterproofing our gadgets are twofold: devices are protected in case of accidental exposure to water or can be purposely used it wet environments. The new Kobo Aura H2O has been created for precisely these reasons.
Perhaps the most high profile devices released of late that have some degree of waterproofing are the Sony Xperia Z2 and the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphones. Kobo claims, however, that the Aura H2O is the world's first premium waterproof e-reader.
The Aura H2O is a successor to the Aura HD, which was released last year. It's said to be thinner and lighter than the Aura HD, and has a 6.8 in anti-glare touch-display with a resolution of 265 dpi. Kobo says this is the highest resolution of any e-ink device available.
The stand-out feature of the Aura H2O, though, is its waterproofing. "When we asked our customers what held them back from reading more ebooks, many told us they love to read in the bath, by the pool, or on the beach, but believed that devices and water didn’t mix," explains president and chief content officer of Kobo Michael Tamblyn. "As we dug deeper, we found that more than 60 percent of customers surveyed said they would love to be able read near water without worry."
With that in mind, Kobo has designed the Aura H2O to be IP67-certified. This means it is waterproof for up to 30 minutes in 1 m (3.3 ft) of water, as long as its port cover is closed. In addition, the device is said to be dust-proof.
It is powered by a 1 GHz processor aimed at providing snappy performance and it has 4 GB of onboard storage, which can be augmented with a further 32 GB using a microSD card. Battery life, meanwhile, stretches up to 2 months. The device features 10 size-adjustable fonts, recommendations for users, note-taking, highlighting and bookmarking functions.

Five of the best: Budget tablets

You can get your hands on some great tablet hardware without breaking the bank
You can get your hands on some great tablet hardware without breaking the bank
Image Gallery (7 images)
While we tend to hear more about high-end tablets, plenty of manufacturers make great low-cost devices with compelling specs and features. With the tablet market getting more crowded all the time, manufacturers are offering consumers more for their money than ever before. Read on, as we highlight five great options for tablets that won't break the bank.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0
Samsung’s latest 7-inch slate offers some good specs for its modest price point, with the device packing a 1.2 GHz quad core processor coupled with a solid 1.5 GB RAM. The tablet runs Android 4.4 KitKat with Samsung’s custom TouchWiz UI, is just 9 mm (0.35 in) thick, and features an attractive design with slim side bezels.
The device's biggest downside is its mediocre 1,200 x 800 display resolution. That translates to 216 pixels per inch (PPI) – a little lower than some of the competition.
If you’re a big reader, then you might want to check out the Nook version of the tablet.
The device retails for US$200.

Google/Asus Nexus 7 (2013)

Google/Asus Nexus 7
The second generation of Google’s Asus-built Nexus 7 tablet is one of the most high-powered devices in this bunch. The 7-inch slate features an impressive 1,920 x 1,200 display, giving it 323 PPI. There’s also 2 GB of RAM on board, as well as optional LTE connectivity.
Unfortunately, there’s no microSD expansion slot like most devices here, meaning you’ll have to make do with the tablet's 16 or 32 GB internal storage.
Prices for the Nexus 7 (2013) start at $230.

Asus Memo Pad 7

Asus Memo Pad 7
The Memo Pad 7 packs a lot of the same internals you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0, including the same mid-ranged 1,200 x 800 display. The device runs Android 4.4 KitKat, and while the base model only features 8 GB storage, there’s a microSD card slot on offer.
The Memo Pad 7 is 10 percent thicker than the Samsung slate, and opts for an quad core Intel Atom processor clocked at 1.86 GHz.
Asus’ tablet is priced at $150

Kindle Fire HDX 7

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX
Amazon’s latest 7-inch tablet features the same great 1,920 x 1,200 display resolution as the Nexus 7. It runs on a powerful 2.2 GHz quad core processor and packs 2 GB RAM.
Not only does the device pack solid specs, but it’s also a good option if you’re already tied into Amazon’s content ecosystem. The tablet runs a heavily modified version of Android that Amazon calls Fire OS. The software significantly changes the look and functionality of the device, and puts Amazon content front and center.
The downside here is that you only get access to Amazon’s app store, rather than the Google Play Store. It is possible to side load Android apps, but generally speaking, the app selection is weaker than that found on standard Android and doesn't include any Google-made apps or services.
The Kindle Fire HDX has one other ace up its sleeve in the form of its Mayday button feature, which provides free on-device video tech support.
The 7-inch Amazon Fire HDX tablet retails for $230.

Acer Iconia W4

Acer Iconia W4
While the Iconia W4’s specs might not be anything to shout about, its choice of software makes it worthy of note. While the rest of our tablets run some form of Android, the Iconia opts for Windows 8.1. The choice of OS has some obvious benefits and pitfalls, giving the device full desktop OS functionality on one hand, while being less touchscreen-friendly on the other.
The tablet's internals are solid in most respects. There’s a 1.33 GHz quad core Intel Atom processor, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage and a microSD card slot. Like many of the tablets in this roundup, the Iconia W4’s screen is its biggest letdown, coming in at 1,280 x 800 over 8-inch, giving it just 189 PPI.
The Acer Iconia W4 is the most expensive device here, with a recommended retail price of $300. However, you can currently pick it up on Amazon for under $200.

Bonus: Tesco Hudl

Tesco Hudl
This 7-inch tablet from UK retailer Tesco is worth a mention due to its on-point specs and low pricing. The Hudl packs a solid 1,440 x 900 resolution display with 242 PPI, coupled with a 1.5 GHz quad core processor, 1 GB RAM and 16 GB of expandable storage.

HTC’s Desire 510

The Desire 510 is HTC's cheapest ever LTE handset
The Desire 510 is HTC's cheapest ever LTE handset
Image Gallery (2 images)
For the last two years HTC’s flagship One devices have been so firmly in the spotlight that it’s easy to forget that the company does make a range of more wallet-friendly handsets. The HTC Desire 510 is the latest addition to the company’s lineup, and while most of what the device has to offer is in line with what we expect from a low-end smartphone in 2014, there’s one big tick on the spec sheet in the form of LTE connectivity.
Most low-end smartphones tend to make do with 3G radios, so the inclusion of LTE connectivity here is a big plus. But how does the rest of the handset measure up? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
The Desire 510's quad core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 processor is the first 64-bit-capable chip we've seen in an Android smartphone. You'll want to note that Android L will be the first version of the OS that actually takes advantage of the technology, meaning you'll only see the benefits of 64-bit processing when (or if) HTC sees fit to upgrade the 510's software.
The device features a fairly thin and light plastic construction
While the CPU offering is solid, the handset’s 854 x 480 display resolution is low for a 4.7-inch panel. That’s 208 pixels per inch (PPI), significantly less than some key competitors, perhaps most notably Motorola’s Moto G.
If you can look past the mediocre display resolution, then there are other things to like about the handset. The device is fairly thin and light at 9.9 mm (0.39 in) and 158 g (0.35 lbs), and it runs on Android 4.4 KitKat complete with HTC’s Sense UI. There’s only 8 GB storage on-board, but thanks to the inclusion of a microSD card slot, this isn’t such an issue.

Google's fact-checking bots build vast knowledge bank

The search giant is automatically building Knowledge Vault, a massive database that could give us unprecedented access to the world's facts
GOOGLE is building the largest store of knowledge in human history – and it's doing so without any human help.
Instead, Knowledge Vault autonomously gathers and merges information from across the web into a single base of facts about the world, and the people and objects in it.
The breadth and accuracy of this gathered knowledge is already becoming the foundation of systems that allow robots and smartphones to understand what people ask them. It promises to let Google answer questions like an oracle rather than a search engine, and even to turn a new lens on human history.
Knowledge Vault is a type of "knowledge base" – a system that stores information so that machines as well as people can read it. Where a database deals with numbers, a knowledge base deals with facts. When you type "Where was Madonna born" into Google, for example, the place given is pulled from Google's existing knowledge base.
This existing base, called Knowledge Graph, relies on crowdsourcing to expand its information. But the firm noticed that growth was stalling; humans could only take it so far.

So Google decided it needed to automate the process. It started building the Vault by using an algorithm to automatically pull in information from all over the web, using machine learning to turn the raw data into usable pieces of knowledge.
Knowledge Vault has pulled in 1.6 billion facts to date. Of these, 271 million are rated as "confident facts", to which Google's model ascribes a more than 90 per cent chance of being true. It does this by cross-referencing new facts with what it already knows.
"It's a hugely impressive thing that they are pulling off," says Fabian Suchanek, a data scientist at Télécom ParisTech in France.
Google's Knowledge Graph is currently bigger than the Knowledge Vault, but it only includes manually integrated sources such as the CIA Factbook.
Knowledge Vault offers Google fast, automatic expansion of its knowledge – and it's only going to get bigger. As well as the ability to analyse text on a webpage for facts to feed its knowledge base, Google can also peer under the surface of the web, hunting for hidden sources of data such as the figures that feed Amazon product pages, for example.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Android L: 8 New Features in the Next Major Android Release

id has grown from a tiny upstart to the world's dominant mobile computing platform with over a billion active users. Google isn't sitting still, though, and has just unveiled what it calls the most ambitious Android release yet. Currently known only as Android L, there's no dessert-themed codename or even formal version number yet. Android L will release later this year, though an exact date isn't known.
We hope to see new smartphones launch around the same time which take advantage of all the new features, and also updates to existing smartphones. HTC is amongst the companies committed to bringing it to its existing HTC One family, while others should announce support soon.
Here are some of the most exciting new features of Android L
google_io_innovation_google.jpgMaterial design
Android will receive a complete visual overhaul aimed at promoting a consistent experience across Android device sizes and types. The new "Material Design" identity is bolder, more colourful, and more animated. Every transition between screens and every user interaction has been refined, down to the system-wide Roboto typeface and the Android navigation buttons.

Are you excited about Android L?
Screen elements will be able to simulate depth, with automatic shadows and scaling, but will also inherit elements of classic magazine typography and layout. There's more emphasis on simple shapes and consistent actions that lead you from one app into another. Google's new design page offers hints of what is to come.
The change could also be aimed at discouraging third-party vendors from developing custom Android overlays which greatly deviate from Google's vision. A strong enough core UI experience could lead users to reject anything seen as inferior to it.
The Material Design identity integrates elements of responsive Web design and will extend to other Google properties including Gmail, which will be redesigned for the Web as well as mobile apps. Material Design takes into account the fact that touch, voice, mouse and keyboard are all equally important input methods, clearly illustrating goals above and beyond smartphone usage scenarios.
google_io_desgin_google.jpgImproved notifications
You will be able to interact with notifications more easily in Android L. For starters, you can choose which ones show up on the lock screen and what amount of detail they'll show. You can decide whether snippets of actual messages are displayed when your phone is potentially visible to others, or whether more details will only be revealed when you unlock it. They also aren't necessarily displayed in chronological order anymore - the OS can learn which ones you're more likely to respond to urgently and prioritise those.
There's also a new type of notification altogether - Google calls these heads ups. These appear on top of whatever you're doing and allow you to take action or dismiss them immediately. These are meant to be less intrusive, and can be used for things that can't wait, such as incoming calls.
Trusted environments
Speaking of the lock screen, you'll soon be able to have your phone detect when it's in a trusted environment, which will dispense with the lock code. This could be triggered by the presence of a Bluetooth device such a smartwatch that you wear all the time, a specific Wi-Fi access point, or other factors. When the environment is deemed safe, you won't have to bother with unlocking your phone.
android_l_notifications_google.jpgProject Volta, battery improvements
Android L will be able to manage battery life much better, but Google's moves go beyond that to the app development stage, for which new tools have been developed that let developers track battery drain and optimise apps before they ever reach end users. The battery saver mode is similar to those implemented by third parties so far - non-essential services can be turned off or made to run only at intervals in order to save power. Android L will also be able to lower the screen refresh rate, reduce the frequency of data exchanges, or force apps to change their behaviour to match the prevailing battery state.
Google Fit
Everyone's getting into health and activity tracking, and Google is no exception. The new Google Fit framework will take Apple's Healthkit head on, tying into sensors on phones themselves as well as connected accessories to collect data which will be ready for apps to use. Major partners including Nike, Adidas, Runkeeper, HTC, Asus, LG and Motorola are already on board. Google Fit could monitor physical activity and food intake as well as health indicators such as heart rate and breathing.
Greater Web integration
There's also a change to the way individual tabs and documents in apps are handled by Android L. They'll now show up as individual entries in the Recents menu, allowing users to jump directly between them. This pulls the focus away from apps and puts it onto all the things you do with them. For example, Web apps open in Chrome tabs would appear much like native apps running on your device, and you'd be able to jump in and out of them more quickly.
google_io_web_google.jpgLinks on the Web can now also be used to launch apps instead of websites (presumably falling back to the website in case the app is not installed). For example, Google demonstrated looking up a restaurant in Chrome and then tapping a link to not only launch the OpenTable app, but also have it know that it should bring up that restaurant's booking page. Google search results can also now be links that trigger an app, rather than links to websites.
ART Runtime and Android Extension Pack
Google is ditching the Dalvik runtime which has served well for years, in favour of a new one called ART. It can make apps load and run quite a bit faster while using less RAM. ART is 64-bit compatible, and is also engineered to allow apps to work across hardware architectures such as ARM and X86. This also means that Android devices will be able to address more RAM than the 32-bit limit allowed.
With greater diversity in Android hardware obviously envisioned for the near future, the move is a welcome change. Google has worked with major hardware vendors to enable more fluid graphics, potentially paving the way for new Android-based game consoles and set-top boxes. Desktop-class graphics including tessellation, geometry shaders and texture compression will potentially be possible on Android devices.

Retina MacBook Air release date rumours

In this 2014 MacBook Air with Retina display release date rumours article we aim to bring you everything we know about Apple's Retina MacBook Air release date so you'll know exactly when the new Retina MacBook Air will launch. We'll also be examining the rumours circulating the web - and we'll assess whether they are credible. Finally, we will show you any Retina MacBook Air images that surface online. So check back here regularly for the latest new MacBook Air with Retina display speculation.
Last updated 22 July 2014 with news that Intel is shipping Broadwell chips to its customers, but apparently these are the wrong Broadwell chips, so the new Retina MacBook Air might still be delayed...

We've been awaiting the launch of a new MacBook Air for some time - while Apple only recently made a few tweeks to the MacBook Air line up, this was mainly to reduce prices, the processor bump was very slight. What people are really waiting for is a new MacBook Air with Intel's Broadwell processor, and a Retina display.
The good news is that despite rumours of major delays, Intel has confirmed that it is finally shipping the Broadwell chips to its customers, like Apple.
In a conference call about Intel's second-quarter results on 15 July, Intel's chief executive Brian Krzanich confirmed Intel’s hardware partners will have Broadwell systems on store shelves in the run up to Christmas. He said: "We said we would have products on shelves for the holiday season and we continue to work with our partners and we’re on schedule to have product on shelf in the holiday."
However, anyone awaiting the new Retina MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac and Mac mini should note that there are various Broadwell chips being developed by Intel, and the chips that Intel confirmed are shipping now are the M variety, destined for fanless two-in-ones. The new MacBook Air is likely to use the U Broadwell processor, which may not ship until 2015.
When it does ship, Broadwell, which uses the 14nm manufacturing process, should make the Retina display MacBook Air possible. It is said to consume 30% less power than it's predecessor Haswell, and that should be good news for battery life on the portable Macs, especially those with power hungry screens.
The news will disapoint those who have been waiting for updates to Macs for so long. We are sure that Apple is equally frustrated with Intel.
Shipment of Skylake – the successor to Broadwell which will offer even more power than that chip - is also delayed.
Reports in mid June also suggested that Apple's will begin production of a 12-inch MacBook Air in the third quarter. According to DigiTimes, Quanta Computer is set to begin production of the new 12-inch MacBook Air in July. This may have started, if the Intel chips have arrived.

What evidence is there for a smaller MacBook Air with a Retina display?

Rumours about a Retina MacBook Air with a smaller display have been circulating for some time. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested back in October 2013 that Apple will launch a 12-inch MacBook Air in 2014. Kuo suggested that this new MacBook Air would have an entirely new design.
Then back in January 2014, Evercore Partners analyst Patrick Wang predicted that a 12in MacBook/iPad hybrid would launch in the autumn of 2014. It is possible that the rumoured Retina display MacBook Air could be this Mac.
Canalys analyst Daniel Matte also believes Apple will add a Retina display to the MacBook Air this year.

Didn't Apple already introduce the 2014 MacBook Air?

Apple unveiled the latest update to the MacBook Air on 29 April 2014.  Quietly updating its MacBook Air line-up with improved Haswell processors from Intel. You can read our review of the 2014 11in MacBook Air and the review of the 13in MacBook Air here.
Aside from the small processor boost and a tiny battery life tweak, the main change for the new MacBook Air models was the price. Each model is now under £1,000, with prices starting at £749, £100 less than the previous models. This helps keep the MacBook Air an attractive option for customers, as the previous price was not much different to the price of the new MacBook Pro with Retina display.
The range update came as some surprise as the Retina display for the MacBook Air rumour was already in circulation. Prior to the MacBook Air update in April, there were suggestions that the new MacBook Air with Retina display could launch at WWDC, but this was obviously not the case.
Read our 5 reasons to buy a MacBook Air and 5 reasons NOT to buy a MacBook Air.

Why is the Retina Mac delayed?

Following the launch of the new MacBook Air models in April 2014, it's more likely that Apple will wait until later in the year to show off an all-new model, one that many expect to have a Retina display and possibly a smaller form factor.
Another reason for the delay in introducing the new machine may be that Apple wishes the new MacBook Air to feature Intel's new Broadwell chip (the successor to Haswell). The Broadwell processor has been delayed due to manufacturing problems so the new Retina MacBook Air may be delayed even further. As we mention above, Intel has announced that it is finally shipping these chips to its customers.
Intel revealed in their financial results last October that Broadwell was delayed due to a manufacturing defect in the new 14-nm process being used for the Broadwell chip. Due to this Broadwell won't launch until the second half of 2014 - a quarter later than originally planned. Intel CEO Bryan Krzanich now seems more confident about the Broadwell timescale, telling Reuters in May that he expects to be able to deliver in time for the holidays (e.g. Christmas) but not in time for Back to School (e.g. August).
So it looks like we will start to see Broadwell chips appearing in machines from September to early December.
Watch our videos: 5 reasons to buy a MacBook Air & 5 reasons not to buy a MacBook Air. First up... Why buy a MacBook Air: 

Will the new MacBook Air have a RetWill the next MacBook Air feature a Retina display? It is possible, although it could equally be the case that there is no Retina display, with Apple opting to instead keep prices down and offer the new MacBook Air at a lower price.
However, according to some reports the MacBook Air is currently let down by its display, which has a lower resolution than the competition.
Canalys analyst Daniel Matte has written a blog claiming that Apple will add a Retina display to the MacBook Air this year. He expects that we will see a 11.88-inch model with a resolution of 2,732x1,536 pixels, the same 264ppi that the iPad Air offers. He explains the significance of Apple using the same display technology for the MacBook Air and iPad Air, stating: "It turns out that an ~11.88” Retina MacBook Air with a 2732 x 1536 resolution happens to have the exact same pixel density as the 9.7” 2048 x 1536 Retina iPads: ~264 PPI. It would make sense for Apple to take advantage of the same display technology it has been utilizing for the 9.7” iPads by cutting their panels to this larger size."
Rumours also claim that the new MacBook Air Retina display could have a resolution of 2,304 x 1,440 for a rumoured 12in display (discussed below). That's 226 pixels per inch, compared to 227 pixels per inch for the 13in MacBook Pro (which offers 2,560-by-1,600 resolution). This adds up to a 16:10 aspect ratio like that found on the 13in MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, rather than the 16:9 aspect ratio currently offered by the 11in MacBook Air.
The current 11.6-inch MacBook Air offers a 1366 x 768 pixel display.

The rumours of a MacBook Air with Retina display have been long running. Back in February 2013, rumours suggested that Apple was planning to launch a revamped MacBook Air with a Retina display in the third-quarter of 2013. A separate report in March 2013 also claimed that Apple would introduce a Retina display to the MacBook Air in 2013. Since this didn't happen in 2013, it is perhaps likely for 2014.
Apple does appear to be moving the whole of its range to Retina display. The company updated the Retina versions of its MacBook Pro in 2013, and also introduced a Retina iPad mini in October 2013.
Wondering what the Retina display fuss is all about? Read: What is a Retina display?
Apple may use the IGZO display technology for the new display – offering improved power efficiency. The reason for the supposition is that Apple was recruiting for a engineers with experience in LED backlighting and LCD displays, in February, according to CultofMac. In an LCD display the bunches of pixels with wires running behind to connect them. The backlight has to shine though this mesh of wires to light up the pixels. In an IGZO display more light is able to shine though this mesh of wires, so the power requirements are lower, and battery life can be preserved. As a result we could see even longer battery life than the 12 hours currently on offer from the 13in MacBook Air.
Read our 11in MacBook Air benchmarks

New MacBook Air rumours - new smaller 12in model

According to a DigiTimes report in June, sources claim Apple wishes to introduce a smaller MacBook Air to make clearer the distinction between the 11-inch MacBook Air and the iPad Air with its 9.7-inch screen.
However, the same sources claim Quanta Computer will be building a rumoured 12-inch iPad later this year.
Canalys analyst Daniel Matte also believes Apple is working on a new version of the MacBook Air - one with a 11.88in screen. Other rumours place the screen size at 12in (which probably matches Matte's expectations).
In his blog Matte seems to be suggesting that there may only be one MacBook Air - this new 12-inch model, with the 13-inch model being phased out in favour of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested back in October 2013 that Apple will launch a 12-inch MacBook Air in 2014. Kuo suggested that this new MacBook Air would have an entirely new design.
The smaller 12in model could still accommodate a reasonable sized screen and keyboard if it had a smaller bezel.
If true, the 12in rumour also means that Apple would only need one Retina panel for the MacBook Air, rather than two.

New Retina MacBook Air release date - will the MacBook Air be an iPad Pro?

There are also rumours that Apple could launch a 12in iPad, but this might not arrive until 2015, or the rumours could relate to the 12in MacBook.
There are also rumours that the new MacBook Air merge with the iPad to create the iPad Pro. You can read more about the iPad Pro rumours here.
We think that a MacBook Air that offered a dual boot system for iOS 7 and Mac OS X would be very interesting, however, Tim Cook last year ruled out any kind of convergence suggesting that a Toaster Refrigerator wouldn't work.
Here's the second of our videos: 5 reasons to buy a MacBook Air & 5 reasons not to buy a MacBook Air. This is Why not to buy a MacBook Air
New Retina MacBook Air rumours - smaller and lighter, changes to trackpad According to Chinese site, Weiphone, the new MacBook Air will be thinner and lighter, a feat it will achieve by removing the fan (discussed below) and the clicking mechanism in the trackpad.
The new 12in model will drop the trackpad and introduce "force and optical sensors" and new touch gestures, according to this report from BEN Latest News.

New Retina MacBook Air rumours - broadwell processor, fanless design

One way that Apple could make the MacBook smaller is by removing the fan. Apparently the fan assembly is the reason why the MacBook Air is thicker at one end than the other.
Removing the fan assembly would enable Apple to make the laptop thinner than ever, according to reports.
Presumably there will be some sort of cooling system built in, however that my not be necessary. The Intel Haswell processors are said to be efficient enough to make the removal of the fan feasible – indeed there are already laptops on the market that do not feature a fan.
If Apple uses the new Broadwell processor in the MacBook Air, it should enable a fanless design for the smaller (up to 11.6in) laptop or mobile device, notes Motley Fool, based on what Intel said at its developer forum in 2013. It could also offer thermal scaling and thermal management.
The advantage of a fanless design would also be quiet operation. Another benefit of having no fan is that there would be no moving parts (therefore less likely to break), it could also offer higher battery capacity because a bigger battery could be used.
Other features of the Broadwell chip are that it is low power and offers integration with WiDi, 4G WWAN, and WiGig networks.

Will the old non Retina MacBook Air remain?

If Apple launches a 12in MacBook Air, will it discontinue the existing models? It's possible that if Apple launches a 12in Retina MacBook Air model it will discontinue both, or either of the existing models. Equally, Apple could maintain one of the existing models as an entry-level model. It seems more likely that it would keep the 11in model on at an even lower price, rather than keep on the bigger 13in model.
One reason why Apple may keep a lower-priced MacBook Air on is the fact that Apple has just introduced a new entry-level iMac and already the MacBook Air looks superior to that, despite costing less. If Apple wants a low end option, it would appear unlekely that the Retina MacBook Air would be it.
Read our review of the new £899 iMac and see how it compares to the MacBook Air.

New Retina MacBook Air price

As mentioned above, in 2013 Apple introduced a new lower entry price for the Retina MacBook Pro. With very little difference in price now between the Retina MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air, it looked likely that Apple would soon reduce the price of the MacBook Air.
When it first launched in October 2012, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display started at £1,449. This was reduced to £1,249 a few months later when the range received a processor upgrade. Now, with the April 2014 update to the MacBook Air, the entry-level price of the 13-inch model is a much more compelling £999 which makes the difference between the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display and the 13-inch MacBook Air £250 rather than £150.
The MacBook Air pricing now starts at £749 for the 11-inch model, down £100 from last year's model.
In his predictions last year, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the price of this new 12-inch MacBook Air model could be lower than the current line up of Mac laptops.
Read: Which 13-inch MacBook

The new MacBook Air might not use Intel chips

This rumour has been floating around for some time. It is possible that Apple will ditch the Intel processor in its range of laptop in favour of its own home-made A-series chips, like those found in the iPad and iPhone.
Some have even speculated that the new MacBook Air could mark some sort of crossover between the iPad and the MacBook, perhaps an iPad Pro.
However, rumours that Apple will move from Intel to ARM chips seem unlikely, based on this explaination from Cult of Mac.

The new MacBook Air will be solar powered

Ok, so this is a bit of an out-there rumour, but it really is possible that Apple will one day release a new MacBook Air with a solar powered display.
In January 2013, Apple was granted a patent that described a method for harnessing sunlight to illuminate a MacBook's display. This patent is actually the seventh solar-related patent Apple has gained in the past two years.

New Retina MacBook Air leaked images

At present, there are no new MacBook Air leaked images to share with you, but we will update this story as soon as one surfaces on the web.
So far the only concept images we have seen are these... Perhaps inspired by the Mac Pro, or the Space Grey iPhone 5s, there are calls for a black version of the MacBook Air. TUAW has provided some renders of how such a MacBook Air could look.

How to find out your iPhone (or iPad) UDID

What's a UDID? How do I find out my iPhone's UDID?
How to find your iPhone's UDID
From time to time you'll need to find out the UDID for your iPhone (or your iPad). In this tutorial we show how to find out your iPhone or iPad's UDID, as well as what a UDID is and what you might need a UDID for.
(For the answers to similar tech jargon related questions, try Macworld's glossary of tech terms.)

How to find out your iPhone’s UDID: What is a UDID?

UDIDs are identifying numbers that are unique to individual iPhones and iPads (and iPod touch devices, for that matter). They're 40 characters long, and made up of a mixture of letters and numbers.

How to find out your iPhone’s UDID: What do you use an UDID for?

The most likely situation you'll need your iPhone's UDID for is if an app developer has offered to let you try out some unreleased software. (As an app reviewer I'm occasionally asked for my Apple devices' UDIDs.) With a relevant UDID, a developer can register your device and give it access to non-official (non-App-Store-vetted) software. This is commonly used to let reviewers try out apps before they make it on to the App Store.

How to find out your iPhone's UDID: Is it dangerous to let someone know your UDID?

There's some debate about this, and you'll note in the screenshots below that I've hidden sections of my UDID to be on the safe side. But you should be ok.
What I would recommend is only to give your UDID to an app developer you trust, and to be cautious about the beta apps you agree to install (having your UDID won’t be enough for them to force software on to your device; you'll still need to accept the install). Be aware that when and if you accept (or beta-test) non-vetted app software there is some danger that it won’t work or cause unexpected effects - not necessarily as a result of malicious action, of course.
App developers are allowed a limited number of UDID registrations (these are effectively requests for permission from Apple to bypass the normal App Store download process) so it wouldn't make for a very efficient spam or malware dispersal mechanism; and the generally solid sandboxing between apps in iOS 7 and earlier makes it difficult to cause too much damage from a single app install - difficult, but not impossible.
(iOS 8 will see more intercommunication between apps, although even then we are assured that apps will have to seek permission from iOS itself to ask for information from other apps, making it sound like security will still be strong.)

How to find out your iPhone's UDID

Okay, this bit's really, really easy.
1. Plug your iPhone into your Mac, and go to iTunes (or start it up if it isn't already open).
2. Select the iPhone's icon at the top-right corner of the window, underneath the search box. (If you've got more than one iOS device plugged in, this button will say '2 devices' instead - press it and then select the iPhone.)

3. You'll now see the iPhone's summary page. (If it's showing apps, podcasts or whatever, select Summary from the top bar of tabs.) You can see the iPhone's capacity, phone number and serial number in the top box; click on the serial number and this will change into the UDID.
How to find your iPhone's UDID
How to find your iPhone's UDID
4. After the serial number changes into the UDID, pressing Apple + C at the same time will copy the UDID to the pasteboard. Alternatively, right-click it and select Copy.
How to find your iPhone's UDID
5. Find a blank document and paste the UDID into it by pressing Apple + V.
That's it - easy.

How to find out your iPad's UDID

For an iPad the process is almost exactly the same - just pick the iPad option from the dropdown menu if you’ve got more than one device plugged in.
1. Plug your iPad into your Mac, and go to iTunes (or start it up if it isn't already open).
2. Select the iPad's icon at the top-right corner of the window, underneath the search box. (If you've got more than one iOS device plugged in, this button will say ‘2 devices’ instead - press it and then select the iPad.)
3. You'll now see the iPad's summary page. You can see the iPad's capacity and serial number (but not phone number, of course) in the top box; click on the serial number and this will change into the UDID. (Clicking again may produce further identifying numbers - see below)
4. After the serial number changes into the UDID, pressing Apple + C at the same time will copy the UDID to the pasteboard. Alternatively, right-click it and select Copy.
5. Find a blank document and paste the UDID into it by pressing Apple + V.
The top box of the iPad's Summary tab doesn’t have a phone number, of course. It just shows the capacity and the serial number. Click the serial number, as before, to change it into the UDID, and press Apple + C or right-click and select Copy.
One difference you may find with cellular-equipped iPads (rather than WiFi-only models) is that when you click the UDID it won't go back to the serial number right away; it'll cycle through various other identifying numbers: Mobile Data Number (unknown, in my case), MEID, IMEI and ICCID. Finally it goes back to serial number.

What to expect from Apple’s A8 chip

 |Macworld UK
What to expect from the new Apple A8 CPU found in the upcoming iPhone 6
What to expect from the new Apple A8 CPU found in the upcoming iPhone 6

The Apple A8 processor is expected to arrive this year alongside the iPhone 6. This feature looks at what features we can expect from the Apple A8 chip.

The iPhone 6 is expected to be announced within the next ten weeks and inside the iPhone 6 is expected to be an all new Apple A8 processor. The Apple A8 chip will sit in the heart of the new iPhone and next-gen iPad and will offer improved performance across the board. While many people have talked about the iPhone 6 itself, few people have crystal-gazed into the innards of the iPhone: so here is what we can expect on the technical side of things. Here we take a look at what Apple is expected to introduce with the Apple A8 system-on-a-chip (SoC).
See also:

Apple A8 chip: next-gen iPhone CPU will be faster and more efficient

Apple A8 CPU found in iPhone 6
Apple has consistently pushed the envelope forward with each iteration of iPhone. The first iPhone featured a 90nm semiconductor running at 412 Mhz utilizing a single core. By the time, the Apple A5 came out (alongside the iPad 2) Apple had halved the semiconductor size to 45nm and was running a 1.0GHz dual-core CPU. Each iteration since has reduced the nanometer size (from 45nm to 32nm and 28nm) and increased the speed.
The most recent Apple A7 chipset was introduced in October 2013 and features a 28nm semiconductor with an ARMv8 dual-core CPU running at 1.3GHz on iPhone (1.4GHz on iPad) and a PowerVR G6430 450 MHz graphics chip. The Apple A7 processor also introduced the first ever 64-bit channel CPU to a mobile device. The iPhone 5s and iPad Air both feature desktop-level performance.
So we can expect Apple to push forwards into a more space and power efficient design while simultaneously trying to increase the speed of the processor.
Apple is expected to move from Samsung’s 28-nanometer node to a TSMC 20-nanometer node. This 20nm node is a substantial size reduction of the chipset that will enable Apple to introduce a range of performance improvements.

Apple A8 chip: how many cores will the Apple A8 have?

Apple’s current range of iPhone and iPad devices utilize a dual-core chip setup, and while Apple could move to a quad core setup in the iPhone 6, most analysts believe Apple will instead stick with a dual core heart of the iPhone and iPad and focus on faster performance.
Apple has consistently been ahead of the curve in terms of performance on mobile devices, and we think better gains are found in current iOS software from keeping two cores running at a faster speed than introducing extra cores. But efficient core utilisation depends on the corresponding software support, and Apple may have developed software that makes use of a multi-core approach.

Apple A8 chip: what speed will the Apple A8 CPU run at?

Apple is expected to include two high performance ARMv8-based CPU cores. The current CPU in the iPhone runs at 1.3 GHz so we expect at least 1.5GHz in the iPhone 6. Sonny Dickson (who accurately reported details regarding the iPhone 5s) speculated that the CPU speed will be higher, much higher, with figures up to 2.6MHz being bandied around.
This higher CPU speed would sit well alongside the 64-bit performance introduced with the Apple A7 to reinforcing the idea that the iPhone and iPad offer desktop-level performance. It seems a little high to us, but with a larger case of the iPhone 6 it could theoretically be possible.

Apple A8 chip: next-gen iPhone GPU graphics performance

Alongside the faster performance of the CPU will come improved graphics performance. Apple has consistently upped the ante on graphics performance with every iteration of Apple A-series chipset. Apple could take the Imagination Technologies PowerVR G 6430 found in the iPhone 5s up to the PowerVR Series 6 G6630, this offers modest improvements across the board. Or Apple could jump ahead to a PowerVR Series 6XT GPU, which offers major improvements across the board. We imagine Apple has tested both graphics systems out and will plump for the one that balances the best graphics performance balanced against heat dissipation and battery life.

Apple A8 chip: how much better will it be

We expect the Apple A8 chipset to be substantially better than the A7 found in the iPhone 5s. Just how much better depends on which rumour is correct: the 2.6GHz blazing update with PowerVR Series 6XT GPU or a more modest CPU speed increase combined with a moderately better GPU. It isn’t always better just to crank up the dials; Apple also has to balance battery life, device size and heat performance alongside the technical specifications. If you’re just after raw numbers then you would be better off paying for a MacBook Pro instead of an iOS device, which has a more nuanced approach.
Going by Apple’s history and from the rumours across the board the follow ‘consumer friendly’ announcement sounds about right.
  • Apple A8 CPU performance. 50 percent faster performance from a higher clock speed (made possible by the 20nm process).
  • GPU performance. Twice the graphics performance from the implementation of a new chipset.
And if Apple announces that alongside other new features in the iPhone 6 the company will continue to stride ahead of Android rivals while still providing a great all-round mobile experience.