Apple Releases iOS 10.2.1 Beta 4 for Developers

Apple has released the fourth iOS 10.2.1 beta for developer testing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The latest iOS 10.2.1 beta release, identified as 14D27. iOS 10.2.1 is likely a bug fix and performance improvement release. The initial beta was released on December 14 with a second beta. A third beta version was released at the start of this week.

iOS 10.2.1 beta Released on December 12th is the next software update after the current public version iOS 10.2. iOS 10.2 includes Unicode 9.0 emoji characters, three new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus wallpapers, a new TV app, additional camera features, new Messages screen effects, and more.

Major changes are not expected in iOS 10.2.1, although a new iOS 10.3 Beta is rumored for this week and may include a new Theater Mode toggle accessible in part via Control Center ahead of iOS 11 later this year. 

Developers who have not already provisioned their iPhone or iPad to receive over-the-air updates can download iOS 10.2.1 through Apple's Developer Portal. 

Apple ID owners who enrolled their device to test Apple betas can download this seed via Apple's Beta Software Program Website.

Apple’s Best HomeKit Security Cameras, Lights, Outlets and More coming in 2017

Apple's HomeKit home automation feature can be super convenient when you have the right accessories in place, but finding compatible hardware isn’t always the easiest. That finally started to change last year with the introduction of lots of new HomeKit-enabled smart home products.

These are the best new HomeKit products hitting the market this year:

• August already offers one of the easiest connected locks to install and start using with the $229 HomeKit enabled smart lock, and now the company is introducing the $99 Mortise Kit for mortise style locks.
• Carrier is launching its first HomeKit-compatible smart thermostat this year with a new model in is Cor line. The company says its upcoming HomeKit HVAC controller will ship for $249 in early 2017.
• Chamberlain is delivering the first-ever HomeKit solution for garage door openers in the first half of this year. MyQ Home Bridge will bring HomeKit support to current Chamberlain MyQ garage door openers and be priced at $69.99 after a special $49.99 introductory price in April.
• D-Link will be shipping one of the first HomeKit-Compatible home security cameras this year after iOS 10 added supports for video in Apple's new Home app.
• Elgato had an impressive showing of HomeKit hardware at CES this year with current and upcoming accessories on display. Eve Extend is a battery-powered Bluetooth range extender that makes using outside accessories possible or more reliable. Pricing and availability will be coming in the future.
• Focalcrest has promised an upcoming Mixtile Hub that claims to be able to make smart home accessories that rely on ZigBee, Z-Wave and Protocols compatible with HomeKit.
•  Koogeek is expanding its HomeKit lineup with $34.99 Smart Plugs and $50.99 Smart Sockets that work over Wi-Fi and will launch this year.
• Honeywell currently offers two HomeKit thermostats mentioned above, and soon the company will introduce two new Wi-Fi indoor cameras with HomeKit support. The Lyric C1 and C2 are expected to launch in Q1 2017. Honeywell also promises HomeKit support for its Home Security and Control system.
• iDevices makes HomeKit-enabled lights and plugs, and a new wall-mounted instant switch will control those accessories for under $100 starting this summer.
• Incipio has a $99 Smart Power Strip coming in Q2 with four individually controllable HomeKit power outlets which is one of the first of its kind. A smart wall switch will also arrive in Q2 for $59.99.
•  Kwikset has HomeKit support in its latest Premise smart locks.
•  Levitron is launching a new line of Decora Smart In-Wall Dimmers and Switches with HomeKit support starting in April. Three models will include: 1000W Universal Dimmer (up to 450W LED), 600W Universal Dimmer (up to 300W LED), and 15A Universal Rocker Switch (up to 600W LED).
• Nanoleaf showed off one of the most unique HomeKit-related products with their upcoming Music Visualization Module for Aurora smart lighting panels.
• Netatmo is adding a small collection of HomeKit-compatible smoke detectors with their upcoming Smart Smoke Alarm.
• Ring committed to working with HomeKit last summer when video support was added, and last week the company unveiled a $249 Floodlight Cam that will work with Apple’s Home app.
• Withings is bringing HomeKit support to its Home Plus baby monitor and home security camera in the first quarter of this year for $199.

HomeKit works best when you have lot of accessories and there is plenty of new hardware on the rise.

Source: 9to5mac 

Apple Seeds macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Beta 3 to Developers

Apple on Monday seeded the third beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 to developers. The third beta comes three weeks after the release of the second beta version of Apple's upcoming Mac operating system.

The first beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 – build 16D25a – is available for download via the Apple Developer Center or via the “Update” tab in the Mac App Store. 

Apple’s official release notes merely say the new beta “improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.” No specific changes, bug fixes, or feature additions were discovered in the first two betas, but we'll update this post should any new features be found in the third beta. 

Oftentimes, with bug fixes, it's hard to tell what's included until Apple supplies detailed release notes with a release. The previous update, macOS 10.12.2, introduced several important bug fixes to resolve battery life issues, fix graphics problems, and more. 

Available since September, macOS Sierra is the latest Mac operating system. It includes Siri support, Apple pay for the web, Universal Clipboard, Apple Watch auto unlocking, improved iCloud Drive integration, Picture-in-Picture multitasking, and dozens of smaller features.

Certainly, it won’t be long now until Apple takes the final step and releases macOS Sierra 10.12.3 to the general public. This specific version has been in testing for coming up to a month, and given the relatively small nature of the improvements, it’s likely that a public release is right around the horizon.

As always, the latest macOS Sierra 10.12.3 beta is now live to download and install immediately from the Mac App Store to those who are currently running a previous pre-release seed of macOS 10.12.3.

Wearables are secure enough for the enterprise - But only with the right policies in place

Wearables have huge opportunity in the enterprise and number of organizations already integrating wearable technology into their networks increasing from 13% to 24%. Although smart watches have similar capabilities to mobiles, they become most beneficial when workers need information quickly.

Wearables have huge opportunity in the enterprise and number of organizations already integrating wearable technology into their networks increasing from 13% to 24%. Although smart watches have similar capabilities to mobiles, they become most beneficial when workers need information quickly.

Smart glasses with augmented reality (AR) such as the HoloLens, can give workers on-the-job training on how to fix equipment or during a medical procedure. And fitness wearables are being used to motivate employees to lead healthier lifestyles. All these types of wearables are already having a huge impact in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare and other service sectors.

So as different types of wearables move into the workplace, what concerns should enterprises have?

The concerns around implementing wearable technology into enterprises vary on the device. However, as all wearables have risen in popularity the biggest concern is over security and privacy. All devices can store and transfer data easily making them a natural choice for the enterprise, but because they often don’t come with built in security there’s a lack of encryption, insufficient authentication and other vulnerabilities. And as the value of wearables can rely on full integration and an instantaneous connection with an organisations server, it leaves corporate data open to unwanted security breaches.

wearables are secure enough to be used by the enterprise. Businesses simply need to understand the security risks of each wearable and follow best practice to keep core data secure and annul the risk of a security breach. A lot can be learnt from the integration of smartphones; enterprise mobility and the creation of bring your own device (BYOD) policies. You need to assess the value of your core data, understand the specific threats and establish what data sets are required for specific tasks. Understanding what data the wearable needs to access for specific tasks will help guide you on how to secure your network and establish where to restrict usage to prevent any privacy violations.

Managing a multitude of different devices is a huge challenge for any organisation, so managing the applications your employees use and how they access them is vital. Clear guidelines and security policies should be created to communicate wearable usage to your employees. It might be worth expanding your BYOD policy to include wearables or even create a wear your own device (WYOD) policy that sits alongside your BYOD policy. There are numerous additional functions that you need to consider, including video and audio recording, geo tracking and health trackers.

The policy should explain the purpose for using wearables, how they should and shouldn’t be used and guidelines on updating security controls. It’s also worth stating specific locations, inside or outside the workplace, where the devices can’t be used, and restricting video and audio recordings.

There are numerous solutions for securing your core data, and if you’re investing a lot of money into wearables then invests the time into ensuring your data is protected. Providing you’ve done this, security risks are removed and wearables are completely safe for the enterprise. 

Source: Wearable Technology News

iOS 10 now installed on 76% of active devices : Apple Statistics

Apple has updated its iOS 10 usage statistics, which tracks the operating system version used by iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that visit the App Store. The company now says that more than three-quarters of the iOS device user base are running iOS 10, at 76%, with iOS 9 sitting at 18%.

Ios 10 debuted on September 13, 2016, with many new features including a revamped Messages experience, iMessage apps, redesigned Maps and Music, a new Home app and much more.

Analytics firm Fiksu says that iOS 10 is installed on 83% of active devices, 114 days after release. Third-party trackers — which analyze mobile web browsing statistics — typically report higher numbers than Apple’s App Store analysis which is more conservative.

via Apple Developers Blog

Apple’s chart shows that iOS 9 continues to be used by 18% of the iOS base with 6% on iOS 8 or older. Stale devices make up the majority of these percentages; older Apple hardware that cannot update to iOS 10.

Apple does not break down usage of the point releases beyond the major versions; the latest release of Apple’s mobile operating system is iOS 10.2. iOS 10.2.1 is currently in beta and Apple is rumored to start seeding iOS 10.3 for testing as soon as next week.

iOS 10 is compatible with iPhone 5 and later, iPad mini 2 and later and the 6th generation iPod touch. Apple’s newest devices, like the iPhone 7, come preinstalled with iOS 10 … which helps boost adoption numbers going forward.

Source: 9to5mac

Apple makes it easy to take screen share with iOS and macOS with new devices

Here is a procedure on how to screen share with iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPods and macOS to help friends and family with new devices without any third-party software.

Mac to Mac Screen Sharing

Providing support to others can be even smoother when you can take control of their device. When you do Mac to Mac screen sharing this is an option, you can also share your screen instead of seeing theirs. To do this, make sure the ‘Screen Sharing’ box is checked in System Preferences → Sharing. Also, if the Apple ID they use for iCloud and Messages on the Mac is different, you’ll need to have both emails on their contact card.

Here are two ways to start screen sharing:

Method 1

1. Do a Spotlight search for ‘Screen Sharing’ and launch it.
2. You’ll then see a dialog box with the option to enter the Apple ID of the person you’d like to screen share with.
3. On the receiving end, they’ll see this invitation.
4. Make sure they select ‘Control My Screen.’ The alternate way to start screen sharing is through Messages on macOS.
5. Click ‘Details’ in the top right corner of the message of the person you’d like to screen share with and select ‘Invite to share my screen’ or ‘Ask to share the screen.’
6. They will receive the same accept or decline notification as above and also accept your ability to control their screen.
7. Once you are connected a FaceTime voice call will also automatically initiate and you’ll see everything on their screen.

Method 2

1.  Open QuickTime Player and start a screen recording (File → New Screen Recording) so they can revisit the guidance anytime they want.
2. When you’re ready to end the session, you can click ‘Screen Sharing’ next to the  in the menu bar and select ‘Quit Screen Sharing.’

Screen Share iOS Devices Using Macs

This is a helpful modified use of a developer feature that Apple has built into QuickTime Player that came along with Yosemite. When you use the Screen Sharing Mac app with this screen casting feature option you can see everything happening on an iOS device as long as both parties have Macs.

Here is the procedure:

1. Start a screen sharing session. Have the person you’re helping plug in their iOS device via USB cable to the Mac that they are screen sharing with. 
2. Launch QuickTime Player and click ‘File’ and ‘New Movie Recording.’
3. Once the movie window opens, select the drop down arrow next to the record icon and click the iOS device you’d like to see, then click record.
4. After you’ve solved all their issues, you can even help them save the footage so they can review it later and remember the solution again in the future.

Source: 9to5Mac

There’s another malicious link floating around that will cause any iOS device to freeze & require a hard reset

If you own an iOS powered gadget, you need to be aware that a malicious link has been floating around the web that will cause your iPhone to freeze. You should perform a hard reset in case if your iPhone or any iOS gadget is frozen.

It has been discovered that playing a certain .mp4 video in Safari on any iOS device will cause the device to slow to a crawl and eventually freeze altogether. Nearly two years ago the "effective power" bug took the internet by storm, and we've seen various other similar issues since then.

A YouTube user with the name EverythingApplePro has released a video, which showcases that playing a video in Safari will cause iOS to overload and become unusable. 

This Video Will CRASH ANY iPhone! Via 9to5mac

It’s not apparently clear as to why this happens. According to experts, the iOS gadget will freeze if you play a corrupted video, which causes a memory leak. If you play the video, iOS will not be able to handle it properly. The bug is not specific to a certain iOS build. The video reveals that the malicious video played on an iPhone loaded with iOS 5 causes the phone to freeze and become unusable.

It has been found that if the bug is replicated in iOS 10.2 beta 3, the iPhone will power off and display the spinning wheel indefinitely. You will view this kind of behavior during the shutdown procedure.

If someone sends you the malicious link and you fall for it, this is luckily a pretty easy problem to fix. All you have to do is hard reboot your device. For any iPhone but the iPhone 7, this can be down by long-pressing the power and Home buttons at the same time. The iPhone 7, of course, uses a new non-mechanical Home button. In order to reboot an iPhone 7, you must long-press the power button and volume down button at the same time.

Source: 9to5mac

Quanta to make next-generation Apple Watch in third quarter of 2017

“Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation Apple Watch that is Apple Watch Series 3 in the third quarter of 2017 and the wearable device will be manufactured by Quanta Computer and features better performance and longer battery life, according to a Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) report citing market watchers”.

Read More – Digitimes 

This is an isolated report, of course, so don’t take it as gospel just yet. Unlike new iPhone 8 rumors, attention on Apple Watch is lower and manufacturers do not have to scale production as aggressively. This means the product is generally less likely to leak out from the supply chain.

What the report suggests, though, is that Apple will keep the same design of Watch for another generation. It is worth noting, though, that the Apple Watch Series 2 looked the same as the first-generation model … but still added features like GPS, waterproofing, and a brighter display.

Other previous rumors have claimed Apple plans to add cellular connectivity to the next Apple Watch after battery life concerns prevented the feature from being included in the Series 2 device. Also suggested is a potential switch to micro-LED displays, which are thinner and lighter than current screens and offer improved color gamut and brightness. 

Perhaps Apple Watch is considered a ‘timeless item’ where exterior changes are not as necessary as the constantly-evolving phone. The iPad has also ‘looked the same’ for longer a period of time than the iPhone has, although the tablet is expected to see major updates in the spring.

It also lessens the idea that Apple will add new health and fitness sensors over time; the report plainly says “improving battery efficiency is Quanta’s main task for the new Apple Watch and its other hardware will not see much change”.

Apple Stops Signing iOS 10.1 and 10.1.1 Following the Release of iOS 10.2

Following the release of iOS 10.2 in December 2016, Apple has stopped signing iOS 10.1 and iOS 10.1.1 for all devices. This means that users are now no longer able to downgrade to the operating system if they are having some sort of issue with the latest iOS 10.2 releases.

Because Apple has stopped signing the two operating systems, users will no longer be able to downgrade to the operating system after updating to iOS 10.2. This means that once you update, you’re permanently committed to the new version.

Generally, Apple stops signing older iOS releases to prevent users from downgrading and being vulnerable to security holes that have since been patched. This primarily affects jailbreak users the most, but there was never a jailbreak available for iOS 10.1 or iOS 10.1.1.

Read more about what is there in Apple iOS 10.2 releases.

Apple has released iOS 10.2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.2 includes several new features like Unicode 9.0 emoji, three new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus wallpapers, a new TV app, additional camera features, new Messages screen effects, and more.

These are the changes discovered during iOS 10.2 beta:

• Three new wallpapers in iOS 10.2 beta (only for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus)
• New widget for Videos app
• New Preserve Camera setting
• New emoji (looks like Unicode 9.0 update/also on macOS 10.12.2, watchOS 3.1.1)
• New ‘Press and Hold to Speak’ menu under Home Button Accessibility settings
• New ‘Celebration’ Messages screen effect
• New ‘Show Star Ratings’ option under Music Settings
• New headphone icon in status bar for Bluetooth audio devices (previously seen with the Beats Solo3)
• TV app now included on iOS 10.2 beta, Videos app still present
• TV widget joins Videos widget
• SOS feature similar to Apple Watch when clicking power button 5x (which may be a requirement in India next year)
• Music now points to relocated shuffle and repeat controls (which have a button look now)
• TV app totally replaces Videos app on beta 3
• Feedback app returns in beta 3
• Previously seen SOS feature now only available in India (due to upcoming requirement)
• New ‘Love’ screen effect joins ‘Celebration’ in Messages

iOS 10.2 introduces new features including the TV app (US Only), a new and unified experience for accessing your TV shows and movies across multiple video apps. Emoji have been beautifully redesigned to reveal even more detail and over 100 new emoji have been added including new faces, food, animals, sports, and professions. This update also includes stability improvements and bug fixes.

Source: 9to5mac

Why App Transport Security Can’t Get Here Soon Enough

App Transport Security (ATS): Good for Security and Privacy

In practice, the change is more procedural than technical: By default, ATS is enabled for apps linked against iOS 9 and newer SDKs, though developers could disable it or create exemptions for specific domains or types of traffic. The announcement made in June 2016 during the annual Apple WWDC does not change the behavior or implementation but does create a new requirement for admission to the App Store. Previously, there was no penalty if an app developer chose to bypass security best practices. But when the new review procedures go into effect at the beginning of next year, apps that are submitted with ATS disabled will be rejected. Of course, developers can apply for exceptions but that process will almost certainly delay the approval process.

The policy is a security and privacy win for both consumers and enterprises because the new requirement will go a long way toward protecting data in transit. This is especially important considering mobile users are notorious for using whatever Wi-Fi hotspot is available to them (protected or otherwise) and since native mobile apps often lack the typical visual indicators present in web browsers to denote secure connectivity. As beneficial as ATS will be, it is unfortunately not a silver bullet. It’s important to note that the change affects only apps submitted for App Store review after January 1, 2017 and that apps without ATS submitted before the deadline will not be removed. For enterprises - especially those who rely on third party developers- it’s also important to remember that in-house apps are not subject to the same policies and code reviews as App Store apps and may, therefore, not conform to best practices.

This is not to say that the mandate is a trivial change for developers. A cursory examination of developer forums reveals a great deal of reticence and confusion. Meanwhile, MobileIron partner, Appthority, recently published research suggesting that the overwhelming majority of apps disable ATS or permit insecure connections. These alarming statistics, combined with broader findings about the disappointing state of server-side security configurations (such as failing to address basic OWASP recommendations) echo the findings from the MobileIron 2Q2016 Mobile Security and Risk Review evincing a troubling-- and continued-- lack of basic security hygiene. Organizations shouldn’t wait to assess the state of their mobile apps.

ATS is a great step forward, but it’s only one part of a larger whole in cyber security that remains our shared responsibility. Take advantage of this important advancement but don’t forget to do your part too.

Source: AppTech News