Apple to buy digital magazine service Texture

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Long considered the 'netflix of Magazines,' Texture is a service co-owned by Rogers Media that gives subscribers access to 200 print magazines through one app. Ideal for the iPad and similar tablet-sized devices, Texture saves paper, allows users to browse by magazine, topic or even by article and also exposes subscribers to various publications they may not try out.

Apple has announced it signed an agreement to acquire Texture, the digital magazine subscription service by Next Issue Media LLC.

“We’re excited Texture will join Apple, along with an impressive catalog of magazines from many of the world’s leading publishers,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “We are committed to quality journalism from trusted sources and allowing magazines to keep producing beautifully designed and engaging stories for users.” 

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Apple responds to issue with HomePod staining wood surfaces

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple's HomePod has started to ship to customers in the US, UK and Australia and while many seem to be delighted by the audio quality and elegance of this diminutive speaker, others aren't too thrilled to discover that the HomePod's plastic ring at its base leaves circular marks on wood surfaces. See Apple's reply below.

"It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," Apple says. "The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface." Apple says the marks recede after a few days or users can simply wipe or treat their wood surfaces to remove the marks. If all fails, Apple's suggestion is “placing your HomePod on a different surface.”

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iPhone still the top-seller in Q4 2017 says Strategy Analytics

So, Apple sold fewer iPhones in Q4 2017 than the year before and that's while having both the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in steady supply. The dip in sales is alarming to some because it is the first time in the iPhone's history that it's decreased year over year. There's various reasons that analysts are trying to determine as the cause. Higher price of the iPhone X, confusion or indecision in choosing between iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, uncertainty about the lack of of Touch ID on the X, the list goes on.

Despite this, Apple still had record earnings and now Strategy Analytics is telling us the entire smartphone industry has taken a 9 per cent decline in 2017. This is mostly attributed to a 16 percent decline in demand from China, the biggest smartphone market in the world.

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Apple reportedly delaying iOS visual enhancements to focus on performance and stability

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

A report today says that Apple is foregoing a visual update to iOS to focus on performance and stability enhancements on stability and security. Apple's iOS hasn't had a major visual overhaul since 2013 with iOS 7.

A report from Axios states that Apple's engineers will focus on improving performance, battery life as well as security will receive attention over visual redesign and a new look. This includes delaying some interface features, new photo-taking features, photo editing and sharing features. The iPhones 8 and X are already superior cameras, delaying new features this year won't make an impact.

I think this is a great move. iOS 11 has been generally a good update when used with new devices but seems to show its cracks when running on older iPhones or iPads. This is a case where the plumbing and electrical systems require repair before Apple can consider adding a new facade and splash of fresh paint. 

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