iPhone: Repair black/white and corrupt photo thumbnails in camera roll

The iPhone camera roll photo thumbnail database can become broken and corrupt. This results in either black/white thumbnails and fully functional photos or functional thumbnails but black/white photos. Typically this happens when the users backup their iPhone camera roll photos to a computer without using iTunes, which is not even available for the popular Ubuntu/Debian/Fedora Linux distributions. The fix, which is described here, is to regenerate or repair the photo thumbnail database.

Everyone should ensure that they back up the photos on their phones from time to time. Whether this is done to the cloud or to their home computer, a working routine is extremely important to prevent irreparable damage if one loses the phone. For iPhone users, backup to iCloud of the camera roll photos can be easily set up, although in the long run this is not a sustainable solution due to the space limitations on the iPhone itself as well as on iCloud. Simply put, keeping all photos ever taken on your iPhone is not a sustainable solution. Therefore, users should occasionally backup their photos to a computer to free up the storage space of their iPhone as well as iCloud account.

The process of backing up the iPhone photos from the camera roll can be performed through iTunes, although many users find it slow, bloated and sluggish. For Linux users, such as the popular Ubuntu and Debian users, iTunes is not even available. Thus, the use of a file manager to transfer the data in the DCIM folders is preferred by many for its transparency, and effectiveness. Unfortunately, it has been shown that backing up photos in this way may corrupt the photo thumbnail database, causing it to lose its sync with the camera roll. This results in either non-existent (black/white) photos, or black/white thumbnails when the users attempts to access their iPhone photos. This tutorial shows how to fix and repair the camera roll photo thumbnail database.

Top 6 new diseases and syndromes caused by modern technology

The benefits of modern technology on our daily lives are immense and many of us cannot imagine living without our gadgets, such as, smartphones, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers. Unfortunately, as more and more time is spent on interacting with modern technology, some previously rare or even unknown disorders and syndromes have appeared. This article describes the top worst syndromes that many of us have but few of us know about as well as some tips and remedies.

Most of us associate diseases caused by our modern society and lifestyle to cancer, diabetes, obesity or various kinds of epidemics. While these diseases will not affect most of us (luckily), few of us consider the much higher risks of developing syndromes and disorders simply caused by our over-use of high-tech gadgets. Think about it, when was the last time you or someone you know complained about pain or strain in your arms, hands, neck, eyes, or back? Chances are that most of us are developing chronic pain or infections without even knowing about it, simply because we spend too much time in front of our laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Since awareness is one of the most effective ways to prevent any kind of disease from spreading, the top 5 most common disorders and syndromes are presented as well as cures, remedies and prevention tips.

Fix for iPhone not charging through USB on Ubuntu Linux

Connecting an iPhone/iPad/iPod to Ubuntu or a modern Linux system is usually a plug-and-play experience. However, with new iOS versions, sometimes the device simply fails to charge through USB even if it is recognized by the system. While rebooting Ubuntu solves the problem, it is actually possible to resolve the problem without a reboot.

The Ubuntu Linux distribution is certainly great in many aspects, although when it comes to supporting the newest iOS versions on Apple devices, the support is usually lagging behind and also buggy and lacking. Many users of the newer iOS versions have run into cases where they have plugged in their iPhone to their Ubuntu system with everything working smoothly, and all of a sudden (while the iPhone is plugged in), the iPhone simply cease to charge or become unreachable on Ubuntu. Rebooting the computer does bring the iPhone back to life, however, the problem is more easily solved if we understand it better. 

Apple patent turns Touch ID into a trackpad

The Touch ID fingerprint sensor technology launched with the iPhone 5S has been receiving plenty of attention. Not too surprising, patents have started to emerge now related to the Touch ID technology. One such patent intend to use the Touch ID fingerprint sensor to create a form of trackpad through tracking the movements of a finger.

Source: Apple PCT/US2013/04188
Touch ID patent WIPO [www.wipo.int]

The Touch ID fingerprint technology launched with the iPhone 5S promised to change the way biometric information was used on smartphones. So far, the technology seems to have divided the users into two camps: those that love the Touch ID technology and those that are sceptical, mostly due to security and privacy concerns with Touch ID. However, Apple appears to be convinced that Touch ID contains revolutionary technologies that are worth to protect. 

Recently, an international patent application (PCT) under the reference PCT/US2013/04188 by Apple has been made public as it enters its final states of review. This patent application deals with means to use the Touch ID fingerprint sensor to act as a joystick as clearly indicated in the first claim of the patent application stating:

"1. A method, comprising:
at an electronic device with a fingerprint sensor and a display:
displaying, on the display, a first user interface;
while displaying the first user interface on the display, detecting movement of a fingerprint on the fingerprint sensor; and
in response to detecting movement of the fingerprint on the fingerprint sensor:
in accordance with a determination that the movement of the fingerprint is in a first direction, navigating through the first user interface; and
in accordance with a determination that the movement of the fingerprint is in a second direction different from the first direction, displaying a second user interface different from the first user interface on the display."

iOS 7.0.4 released: Summary changes in iOS 7.0.4

iOS 7.0.4 was released November 14, 2013 by Apple. This point release only carries minor changes and updates, summarized in this article.

Apple has been working very hard on improving the iOS system since its release and already within 2 months of the initial iOS 7.0.0 release the fourth point release has arrived. This time, however, the iOS 7.0.4 release brings very few changes and users who are affected by outstanding bugs may be disappointed. For example, the iOS 7 wifi problems are not fixed or mentioned in the release notes, something which Apple has deliberately kept quiet through censorship on their forums. Hopefully, outstanding bugs such as the above will be fixed in the next point release that should not be too far away.

The changes of this iOS 7.0.4 update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices are summarized below, and anyone on iOS 7 should update their devices as soon as possible. Updating can be accomplished by either going to Settings -> General -> Software Update or through iTunes from a computer. As always, before updating the users should make sure that they have a full backup of their phone first!

iOS users prefer Apple Maps over Google Maps

Apple Maps replaced Google Maps iOS 6 and has had its great share of problems. Initially users flocked to Google Maps due to large inaccuracies with Apple Maps. However, now, it appears that most users are choosing Apple Maps over Google Maps.

When Apple Maps was released and replaced Google Maps as the default Maps app, users criticized it for being largely inaccurate and downright embarrassing in many contexts. As a result, users flocked to the competing Google Maps, even though initially the users had to use it through the Safari web browser. Now, however, it appears that Apple Maps has regained its lost users.

During the last year, the number of Google Maps users has decreased from 29 millions to 9 millions while Apple Maps has went from 10 millions to 35 millions, according to Comscore. These numbers show clearly that the users has given up Google Maps in favor of Apple Maps.

Apple censors iOS 7 wifi problem discussions in forum

iOS 7 brought many good changes but also some bugs. One such bug causes some users who upgrade to iOS 7 to completely lose wifi functionality on their phones. However, Apple apparently wants to pretend that there is no problem and even censors forum posts concerning the issue.

New major releases and changes of most software always introduces bugs. Usually, such introduced bugs and quirks are nothing to be ashamed of and the developers are quick to release fixes and communicate the issues with the users. Apparently, Apple is having some problems with this common practice that is seen as respect and courtesy to the users.

As reported previously, some users are having wifi problems after upgrading to iOS 7. iPhone 4S users seem to constitute the largest group of users experiencing problems, with some reporting wifi becoming completely useless, regardless of the strength of the wifi signal. However, when the users report on the wifi problems in the forums, Apple apparently deliberately censors (removes) posts with fixes and answers that suggest the users to claim a new phone through the warranty program. 

Apple's Report on Government Information Requests shows that 33% result in data disclosure

It is known that governments request information from various companies around the world. Now Apple has published a report on how it has handled the information requests by the governments around the world in the period of January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013.

More and more people store an increasing amount of personal information on their smartphones. When such smartphones are subsequently linked up to various cloud storage services, such as the Apple iCloud for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices, all of the sudden, private companies will have a wealth of personal information about their users. Governments around the world of course knows this and therefore requests information from the companies in, so called, appropriate cases. The companies, subsequently may disclose personal information on their users if legal support exists.

Sapphire glass on future iPhones and iPads?

The screen on a modern smartphone or tablet is the most fragile component and cracked or broken screens have been seen by most people. Now Apple appears to intend to remedy the fragility of screens by introducing the super hard sapphire crystal glass instead of using the currently used Gorilla Glass.

Apple and many other smartphone manufacturers have so far been relying on Gorilla Glass to make scratch resistant and sturdy monitors. However, Gorilla Glass itself is definitely not unbreakable and there are plenty of devices out there with cracked or partially broken monitors. Now, it looks like Apple is going to take the next step through a partnership with GT Advanced Technologies Inc. who specializes in creating sapphire glass surfaces. According to GT Advanced Technologies Inc., the interest and investment by Apple should be considered as advanced payment for the development and production of the Advanced Sapphire Furnace factory, which can produce high-quality sapphire crystals at low costs.

Touch ID security more elaborate than we thought?

The security of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in iPhone 5S has been a controversial topic with plenty of discussions around it. New data, however, reveal that Apple may have paid more attention to secure the technology than what was initially thought by locking each Touch ID sensor with one single A7-CPU.

When the iPhone 5S was launched, one of its main features was the incorporated fingerprint reader technology known as Touch ID. Using Touch ID, the users could, for example, unlock the phone and approve app purchases in the App Store. However, the security of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor has been a very controversial topic. Apple claims that the fingerprint data is stored locally on the phone inside the A7 CPU securely with no possibilities to retrieve it remotely. However, for privacy concerned users who have to take Apple's word for it, this is not enough. In addition, the security itself offered by the Touch ID is questionable and the Touch ID itself is relatively easily bypassed through the use of fake fingerprints (provided that this is done within the Touch ID active period of course). 

Apple attacks Game Center cheaters

The top-scores of Game Center games have since the very beginning been plagued by impossible scores created by cheaters who in one way or the other manipulate the scores. Now, Apple has decided to do something about it and has given the developers the tools to ban cheaters from Game Center top-score-lists.

The Game Center in iOS has many functions such as allowing multi-player modes but also allows users to upload their top scores and achievements and be ranked among other Game Center players. However, so far, the top rankings of the Game Center for almost all games have very clearly been occupied by cheaters with impossible scores and no-one has been able to do anything about it. This has changed now, and Apple has now given registered developers the power and tools to block and ban users who cheat from the top score lists. 

iOS 7.0.3 released: Summary of the highlights and changes of iOS 7.0.3

On October 22, 2013, Apple released iOS 7.0.3 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices together with the introduction of the iPad Air and iPad Mini 2. This new point release fixes multiple bugs and adds new features to the iOS system as described below.

The initial iOS 7.0.0 was released on September 18, 2013, and only one month later, Apple is pushing out the third point release update, being the iOS 7.0.3. The iOS 7.0.3 update carries multiple outstanding and annoying bug fixes as well as a more severe lock screen bypass exploit fix. In addition, the iOS 7.0.3 update also introduces the long-awaited iCloud Keychain feature as well as a few more subtle new features. 

The changes of this important iOS 7.0.3 point release is summarized below, and anyone on iOS 7 should update their devices as soon as possible. Updating can be accomplished by either going to Settings -> General -> Software Update or through iTunes from a computer. As always, before updating the users should make sure that they have a full backup of their phone first!

iPhone users most satisifed

A recent survey by J.D. Power and Associates once again shows that the iPhone users are the most satisfied compared to other smartphone brands.

Every year J.D Power and Associates conduct a survey to measure the satisfaction index of American consumers related to their cell phones. The results from this year once again places Apple on the top. For the fifth year in a row, Apple manages to score the top rankings in the satisfaction index with a score of 865 out of 1000 points. The closest runner up was Nokia which scored 16 points less than Apple followed by Samsung which scored 17 points less.

iMessage security encryption easily cracked

Apple claims that iMessage uses encryption that is impossible to crack. However, a security researcher now states that this is a pure lie and that Apple can easily eavesdrop on any user they like due to the design of iMessage.

At the security research conference, Hack in the Box, in Malaysia, the security research firm, Quarkslab, has presented some results concerning the security of the Apple iMessage system. Apple has since its release claimed that the encryption system used by iMessage is impossible to crack and still withholds this stance. However, Cyril Cattiaux at Quarkslab has now studied the implementation of iMessage and states that the Apple iMessage encryption system is very easily cracked and any messages transmitted using it can easily be intercepted and decrypted. 

Apps crash twice as often on iPhone 5S

The new hardware in the iPhone 5S causes apps to crash twice as often as compared to iPhone 5 or iPhone 5C. 

According to a new study by Crittercism, the probability of an app to crash on an iPhone 5S is twice as high as compared to the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C. The iOS 7 system is not to blame this time though and the proneness to crashes is instead attributed to the new hardware in the iPhone 5S, primarily being the new 64-bit CPU (Apple A7) and the motion-sensor-processor (M7). 

iPhone 4S wifi problems in iOS 7

The iOS 7 carries a huge amount of changes to the iOS environment and has been plagued by numerous of bugs and security issues since its launch. Now, another issue has been revealed which affects iPhone 4S users. Many iPhone 4S users have reported that they are having trouble using wifi following an upgrade to iOS 7 on their phones.

iOS 7 while being the largest change to the iOS interface, ever, also has been plagued by several issues since it was first released. It has been plagued by security issues that allowed intruders to bypass the lock screen and also carries some problems with iMessage that can render the messaging system useless for some users. Now, another issue related to wifi has emerged for iPhone 4S users.

iPhone 4S users who have upgraded to iOS 7 report that the wifi functionality on their phones is not working properly. First of all, connection to wifi networks is troublesome and only works occasionally. What makes matter worse is that for some users, the wifi symbol is not even present in the iOS 7 settings.

Human owner of Siri's voice identified

Siri is the intelligent personal assistant that Apple launched in 2011 with iPhone 4S and most people have probably at some point heard Siri's voice. Now, the real human owner of Siri's voice has stepped forward and revealed her identify.

The appealing and calm voice of Siri that has been incorporated in all iDevices since 2011 is one of the more iconic things about Apple devices. Although many have wondered who the human owner of Siri is, Apple has not revealed any such information. Now, a woman called Susan Bennett has stepped forward and revealed to CNN that Siri's voice is based on recordings of her voice.

Apple has so far not confirmed the claims of Susan Bennett, and it is unlikely that Apple would ever do it, however, audio experts hired by CNN have analyzed her voice and claim that there is a 100% match between Siri's and Susan Bennet's voice. 

iPhone 5S sensors not working and malfunctioning

Since its release a few weeks ago, several problems have popped up, mostly concerning security bugs. Now, a potentially more practically serious issue has been revealed which is that test results unambiguously show that the sensors (compass, gyroscope and accelerometer) in the iPhone 5S consistently provide incorrect values.

Since the iPhone 5S was released, Apple has given its sensors a whole lot of attention, in particular of course the controversial Touch ID fingerprint sensor but also the hyped incorporated dedicated computing units for the rest of the sensors to improve user experience in the M7 processor. Unfortunately, a recent test conducted by GIZMODO shows embarrassing poor readings and accuracy of the compass, gyroscope and accelerometer in iPhone 5S. The findings also very much agree with the large number of users in various discussion forums discussing sensor problems.

How to fix broken iMessage in iOS 7

Apple iOS 7 users have reported that iMessage has stopped to work properly. While awaiting an official fix by Apple, fortunately, it is relatively easy to restore the iMessage functionality.

The recently released iOS 7 carries the largest changes made, ever, for the iOS system. Considering the major changes made by iOS 7, it is not overly surprising to find bugs. Already, Apple has released the second point release, iOS 7.0.2, which fixes some security bugs. However, one outstanding bug that plagues users who upgrades to iOS 7 involves iMessage. 

Users claim that following an upgrade, iMessage magically stops to work. The situation is made worse by the fact that the failed iMessage messages are not sent as standard SMS text messages either, resulting in frustration and many dropped text conversations. Fortunately, fixing the iMessage issue is relatively easy while awaiting an official fix by Apple. The only downside with this approach is that the process will involve an authentication step by the phone that may incur international text message charges since the iPhone needs to send an authentication SMS text message to an Apple server. 

iPhone 5S and 5C have higher margins

The new iPhone 5S and 5C apparently are cheaper to manufacture than the iPhone 5 which should end up in an even higher revenue for Apple.

Apple is one of the most profitable companies ever when considering their products. Now, according to the American analyst Chris Whitmore, Apple has managed to squeeze in even more margin with the newly released iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C models compared to the iPhone 5.

According to Whitmore, while iPhone 5 costed $207 to manufacture, the iPhone 5S has a manufacturing cost of $199 while the iPhone 5C costs $174 (due to the plastic casing). This should result in an even higher expected profit for Apple.