Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts

How To Increase Your Mac Performance

Recently, Mac users have been struggling with slow performance a lot more than before. While software and hardware changes are to be blamed, buying a new device is not the only way to get greater speed. There are plenty of ways to boost the performance of your Mac without having to buy new hardware. Here are six ways to increase the performance of your Mac.

Check For Background Applications

Often the biggest reason for the drop in performance is CPU usage by background applications. By learning how to lower CPU usage on Mac, performance can be boosted overall. Plenty of applications enable background processing when they are installed. These applications start when you switch on your laptop and run even when you’re not using the application.

They either run in the background to reduce start-up times or collect some form of data. By closing these applications, their start-up time will be delayed but the overall speed of your Mac would be boosted. Regularly checking to see what all applications are running in the background can help in reducing CPU usage.

You can also get software that automatically checks for background applications and shuts them down. These kinds of software consume low energy and don’t affect performance speeds.

Manage Your Storage

Hoarding up a lot of data in your Mac will certainly slow it down. Instead of storing pictures, videos, and large files in the storage drive that also includes system files, store them on your secondary drive to improve speed. Another great way is to use an external drive or store all your data in your iCloud.

It is easy to retrieve and eliminates the stress exerted by large files on your Mac’s performance. Regularly check up on your storage and how much space it’s taking on your storage drive. Don’t store beyond 60-70% of your total storage space to maintain your storage drive’s health as well as keep your Mac’s performance high.

Clean Your Fans Regularly

Most thermal problems are due to dust collecting in cooling fans. Bad thermal management is one of the biggest issues when it comes to bad performance. Cleaning your cooling fans regularly can help in reducing air blockage and improve the cooling of components.

If you’re not confident at opening your Mac and cleaning it by yourself, take it to the nearest service station and get it cleaned by a professional. Make it a habit to check your thermals every now and then and clean your laptop at least twice a year. This will greatly help in maintaining good temperatures.

Clear Cache and Old Files

As mentioned before, storage can be a big reason for slow speed. To improve performance, it’s important you regularly clear out any large or old files from your system. You can either look for such files manually or use a cleaning software that detects large files that should be removed.

Cache is yet another form of data that takes up storage and slows your Mac. Cache is primarily useful in reducing boot time of applications and other processes. But it’s beneficial to clear them from time to time as often unused cache files remain stored in your drive. By removing them, you’ll free up a lot of space on your drive and boost your Mac’s performance.

Consider Changing Your RAM

RAM sizes are more than enough in new laptops but that isn’t the case with old Mac laptops. RAM holds temporary data to improve performance and make processes smooth. By changing your old RAM for a bigger RAM with more speed, you’ll notice a big difference in processes such as video editing, multi-tasking and booting.

You’ll find plenty of cheap options online if you wish to change it on your own. Or you can go to a laptop store and have it replaced by a professional.

Apply Thermal Paste

If your laptop is more than two years old, there are high chances that your processor’s thermal paste has now dried and is inefficient. Moreover, laptop manufacturers don’t always use good thermal paste for their lower-end models.

By applying the thermal paste on top of the processor, thermals will be a lot better and your Mac’s performance will get a big boost. Again, this process can be tricky to operate and it’s recommended that you get it done by a professional. If you’re doing it on your own, don’t buy the cheapest one on the market but the one that is most worthy of its price based on customer reviews.

Conclusion

These six ways are great and work really well in improving and maintaining the performance of Macs. As a user, regularly check on the CPU’s temperatures, clear old cache and large files and try to reduce your data storage. Practicing these steps will significantly boost your Mac’s performance.

Check out more article related to Mac:

HUAWEI Beats Apple!!! Wanna Know How?

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Huawei achieves 2nd place in the world’s top smartphone vendors after Samsung in Q2 2018. Its year on year growth was 41% as it shipped more than 54 million handsets across the globe. It’s latest flagship phones like the P20 which exceeded the quarter sells of P10 and P9 combined. Honor brand from Huawei also played a gigantic role in bringing it to the leading board which sold over 16 million handsets. Samsung on the other hand even being the top vendor got a slight effect of the impact that Huawei made and got an 8% of its 73 million shipments at loss. Apple that was placed 3rd in this race shipped 41 million handsets around the globe and had a +1% growth in year on year growth.

Sub-brand HONOR Making Everything Affordable:

Honor is now getting to become an independent sales unit itself and Huawei is introducing it in the market alongside its flagship units. Its open market strategy has led it to be the highest selling in Russia, India and western European markets. Huawei in the last three months has provided Huawei with a 4 million handset sales outside China and increased its sales from 24% to 36% around the World. It has sold millions of cheap (in comparison with Apple and Samsung) in the Asia-Pacific regions, it also experienced a well-achieved growth in the Middle East and Africa.

Huawei’s own performance is much stronger than honor. It shipped 7 million units of its P20 and P20 Pro. Also, comparing from sales of P10 plus and P10, P20 and P20 Pro sold much faster and with double the shipments in the first quarter of its launch outside China.

Talking about Apple which sold 41 million units in Q2. Its hefty price is still a concern too much users which choose Huawei or Samsung. It is on its typical verge and not at a loss, its actually Huawei that over grew after not being allowed in the US. It has taken the rest of the world now. Over 8 million iPhone X were sold in Q2.

Some Comments By The World’s Famous:

Ryan Reith, Vice President of IDC (World Wide Mobile Tracker) said: “The continued growth of Huawei is impressive, to say the least, as is its ability to move into markets where, until recently, the brand was largely unknown.”

Samsung will be concerned about the momentum of Huawei, but apple to be warned, and manufacture and sell/ship more quantity to achieve future lead in the volume race.

US and Australia Have Issues:

According to an analyst based in Shanghai, Huawei has made this remarkable achievement without selling a Sigle piece in North America i.e. US, because of its legal constraints to brad there and a failure to have a US carrier partnership. The company got around and instead of focusing on profitability it focused on selling more and more of its handsets at the low end.

Huawei’s brand recognition is increasing outside China and getting it to the top, the meanwhile Chinese market is the main source of generation of most of the customers. Australia along with some countries have their concerns over the facilitation of spying for the Chinese government. However, Huawei has denied such claims of it facilitating in ay kind of spying and claimed to be a private company not working under the Chinese government with no following of Chinese security laws overseas. The China-US trade dispute is also a concern where they have been imposing tariffs on billion dollars’ worth of goods and disputing over technology patents.

5G Technology Development Race:

Huawei is also one of the company that is in the race of developing 5G capabilities, which is the next generation of our wireless technology. If it achieves and big giants (major companies) keep banning Huawei’s telecom products, either it will no more be a leader in 5G tech or the world will have to wait till others develop it.

Let’s Wrap Up:

Let’s say the US allows sales and Huawei comes in partnership with a giant carrier, it will be a boom in charts as it has done all around the world. Huawei has come a long way to the top and from the looks, it’s here to stay.

Look How Far The iPhone Has Come: Are We Headed To A $10,000 iPhone

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Another year, another release of an iPhone to titillate the public with a billion-dollar release. Every time an iPhone is released, it's only reasonable to have a moment of reflection on just how far we've come from the first iPhone.

So, with help from the team over at https://hebergement1.com we plan to do just that. The transition from the original, bulky design with loads of space to the compact and light on to the mini tablet size of the iPhone 7+ and beyond has been an interesting ride. With the release of the iPhone X, we see the split between those that love the iPhone and its haters become even more stark.

The price of technology is constantly looked at as a source of luxury. Whereas now, to some, it is rapidly becoming a necessary inclusion that enhances the ability of some people to live, function, and learn.

iPhone’s Become More Than Just A Cool Phone

For some, their iPhone is their bank (I'm looking at you crypto kiddies), their alarm clock, their brain (via google), and their only chance to socialize. Many people have become so dependent on iPhones and smartphones in general, that few take the time to look at how it's changed.

The solution, carefully researched by Meilleur hebergeur web, is to take a closer look at just how much we've paid from iPhone to iPhone released. Meilleur hebergement web graciously provided an ironically sleek graphic that shows, just how much Apple's charged for its luxurious convenience to be a part of our lives each year.

The Finer Details About Apple

You'll be able to see the finer details of just how much money Apple makes, sans a few details. It paints a very apt picture of how the price of the iPhone has changed overtime so you can nail down: Has Apple been making more money from you with each release?

iOS 11.2.1 Beta Is Here: Latest Feature, Bugs Fixes And More

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Apple has finally released the new version iOS 11.2 with a substantial change it introduces Apple pay cash. The second major update of the year is released by Apple with a handful of new features and bugs fixes. Since iOS 11 launched in September, users faced a lot of problems which prompted Apple to launch a new software update to fix all the issues. In this concern, Apple got concerned and introduced a new update to solve the glitches. The update is available on all devices, you can update it by heading to the Settings> General> Software update.

WHAT'S NEW?

New Features

IOS 11.2 came with a major update with all new features and worrisome bug fixes. It’s so ambitious in introducing a bunch of new with an addition of Apple pay cash, peer-to-peer payment service.

Apple Pay Cash

Apple’s peer-to-peer payment services allow user to send and receive money via messages or by asking Siri. Use your debit or credit card to add money to your Apple wallet, you can transfer money in real. This a simple and quick way to transfer and request form money friends and family. There’s no need to download any app and it’s a secure method with the two-way authentication method.

Wireless & Fast Charging

Apple introduced fast 7.5W wireless charging through compatible wireless Qi charging, which is an upgrade from 5W. According to Apple, the iPhones can charge up to 45 to 60% within 30 minutes. Wireless fast charging supports iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X but the users need wireless charging accessories that supports 7.5 watts.

Control Center

A new addition to the control center is a minor tweak feature. In the iPhone X, the control center adds a status bar icon at the top right corner of the lock screen to make it more clear and visible. In iPhone X, the control center is accessed by swiping down. Moreover, on all the devices there are two pop-up windows that are displayed when using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi that explains that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled temporarily until tomorrow.

Do Not Disturb While Driving

There’s a new feature added in do not disturb while driving. This is a game-changing feature of the new update, you can choose to activate it automatically from the settings when the car is connected with Bluetooth or manually activate it from the control center.

Home Kit

Another most important feature is home kit got secured. When iOS 11.2 launched it provided hackers an unauthentic way to get access to Home kit. Keeping in mind the security concern, Apple disabled remote access for shared users and vulnerability is made secure.

New Live Wallpapers

The new addition within the new update is the introduction of 3 live wallpapers, animation videos, and live photo effects for the iPhone X. While some people love to see the live wallpapers on their screen, it relatively drains your phone battery.

Emojis Got Tweaked

Another minor yet prominent feature is the revised emojis. Although, the emojis are pretty much the same there are few additions that are tweaked.

Apple TV

In the previous update, it didn’t have any option to control notifications of Apple app. with the new update, you can now control the TV that can now be turned on through Settings.

Smaller Issues

Add supports in health for kit downhill snow sports distance as a type.
Fixes an issue that could cause Mail to appear to be checking for new messages even when a download is complete.
Fixes an issue that could cause app icons to be arranged incorrectly on the Home Screen.
Improves video camera stabilization.
Addresses an issue where Find My iPhone sometimes wouldn’t display a map.
Fixed issue where cleared emails in Mail would reappear from Exchange accounts.
Fixed issue where you couldn't delete recent photos when iCloud storage limit is exceeded.
Improves Voiceover stability in Messages, Settings, App Store and Music.
Adds support in Podcasts to automatically advance to the next episode from the same show.
Fixes an issue in Calculator where typing numbers rapidly could lead to incorrect results.

Wrapping it up, these are some of the prominent new introductions and improvements in the new iOS 11.2 software update. If you want to get started with these features, head straight to the settings and install it now. Get a flawless experience with the current version and if you’re feeling lazy, wait for the Apple’s next software release.

About the Author:

Christopher S. Hugh is a professional tech writer with having 10 years of experience. He is working with a leading iOS app development company in California. Christopher has dedicated a considerable time serving businesses through his creative write-ups and has earned several appreciations. In his spare time, he likes to play chess.

Apple’s 30% Cut On Subscription IAP, An ‘Ok-element’ or An Overhead For Your Business?

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Opting for iOS which charges 30% from IAP (In-App Purchase), is a hard nut to crack, especially for startups, and small business owners. The big giants like Amazon, Netflix can easily afford the charges since they already have gained wide user base and a credibility in the market. In this article, we will get into the details of the so-called behemoth – Apple In-App Purchase. But before that, you should know that even if this 30% cut, why IAP is that much important in mobile app world. As per invespcro’s infographics published online, there were some noticeable facts which fascinated me to a greater extent. Let’s have a look at those-

48.2% mobile app revenues were derived from IAP
14% comes from advertisement based revenues
37.8% were paid app downloads

When around half of the revenues come from IAPs, it’s become crucial decision to go for iOS IAP or not. In this blog, I have tried to throw lights on the following questions:

Has Apple kept IAP mandatory for all product and service categories?
What’s the gain opting for Apple IAP?
When and for whom Apple IAP is not a noteworthy decision?
What’s the alternative to Apple IAP?

In this blog, I have tried to explain two sides of each question’s answer. So dear viewer, it’s up to you to understand what side can impact your business very well. Moreover, I have tried to keep the language simpler so that a layman can even understand it.

Let’s dive dipper to get an answer to each question:

1. Has Apple Kept IAP Mandatory For All Product And Service Categories?

First of all, it’s a myth that Apple charges 30% for any IAPs. Actually, Apple has kept product and services which are sold outside the app, away from the 30% cut. Apple has released an API called ‘Apple Pay’ which is payment gateway integration for physical goods and services. Apple doesn’t charge a penny for it.

Source: macstories.net

But the Apple takes cuts on the payments for inside app content purchase such as eBooks, articles, reports, entertainment audios & videos, photos, game levels, etc. In short, any subscription related to the digital product or upgrade purchase is chargeable with iOS mobile apps.

2. What’s The Gain Opting For Apple IAP?

As per Gartner study, “Smartphone users tend to spend 24% more on in-app purchases than upfront payments.” This says a lot. Even if Apple has included lot many things in the guidelines, the IAP is easy to understand from both developer and user’s perspective. Here, we will talk about the gain of a business.

Having a mobile app in iOS offers a business to earn revenues with two kinds of money making models.

Freemium Model

A simple and effective but not a trending model. This model allows a user to download the app for totally free and enjoy the experience for an unlimited time. But for the luxurious app experience, it’s paid. It simply means that for the app update, you have to pay.

Currency Model

Well, this is the trending model. You can say that this is the model used for games. A user can download the game for free and enjoy its pleasure till the level defined by the developer. To unlock a further level, payment through in-app purchase is available. These in-app purchase doesn’t unlock only next levels but also offers a variety of characters, gold points, advantages, pins and much more in the game. Similarly, for the non-gaming apps, a certain level of app experience is provided for free and for the enhanced experience, a user has to pay. This currency model itself works as both marketing model and revenue generating model.

3. When And For Whom Apple IAP Is Not A Noteworthy Decision?

The above facts lead us towards how worthy decision in-app purchase is. If it’s there, all the apps have earned hard and all the starts up entrepreneurs have become millionaires. Yes, now let’s look at coin’s other side.

To bear the 30% cut, business charges customers more, which they aren’t aware of.

Take an example of Amazon Prime. Amazon charges $10.99 per month. Now, you can clearly make out that - out of $10.99, $3.28 goes directly to Apple. As I mentioned in the beginning, the business giants like Amazon can afford. Because even if 30% goes to Apple, Amazon is still earning good amount of revenues from iPhone user base. And the revenues generating from android user base is another profit-making business case study. But what about small business owners and startups? They have to keep the profit margin thinner to bear this cut and also to generate and increase the user engagement. Even if they start gaining profit, it will take quite a long time to reach towards a certain milestone and the scary thing is that if loss finds its chance, it could be huge.

A small business owner has to have concrete strategies in mind to cope up with all three things-

How to effectively beat the 30% cut
Alternate way to gain more in spite of thinner profit margins
How to minimize the loss chances

4. What’s the alternative to Apple IAP?

Since the Apple’s ecosystem is quite robust and it’s not easy to take users outside of the Apple system. It simply means that iPhone provides a wide opportunity to present the business or an idea to one of the world’s largest user base. To save the user and the business both from this 30% cut, I have tried to explore some ways:

No Purchase, No Login

Netflix implemented this idea initially. (After massive popularity gained, it opted for in-app purchase later). Netflix iPhone app used to allow the user only if the login credentials are created. It was not offering users to register through the app. A user had to purchase the subscription from the website or by whichever other web portals. Once the subscription is purchased, login credentials get created for users which he/she can use to access the app. A startup can take an inspiration from this.

Redirect To Website

Similar to the above point but the steps’ order is changed. A user can register from the app itself and can explore what it has to offer. When a user clicks on Pay For Subscription button, it redirects to the payment portion of the web URL. There you can keep the price you want as per profit margins not as per 30% cut. Look, what Spotify did.

Source: slashgear.com

When a user tries to purchase or renew the subscriptions, it explains the Apple’s 30% cut scenario and recommends the user to pay through spotify.com. From in-app purchase system, a user has to pay $12.99 per month but from the website, it’s just $9.99. This is a win-win condition as the user gets to save $3 and Spotify.com can gain user’s trust.

This is the model, lots of small business owners and startups are opting nowadays. No need to say here that if lots of users are going to the app, you may include in-app purchase in the future like Netflix did. (At that time, your business would be in a smooth position to bear the 30% cut)

Say No to Apple

An innovation itself can survive and make a bang on Android only, then what’s the point going for iOS, especially on startup days? Make an impact on other domains, run effective online marketing campaigns for the limited audience but achieve that breakthrough. Once the success comes in the hand and the demand comes from iPhone users, you may think towards iPhone exposure! Who will question you then?

Parting Thoughts

Apple has a lot to offer, a wide user base, a credibility and the security. At another side, Apple’s 30% cut for the in-app purchase on subscriptions comes with a risk. A business owner has to be well prepared for the possible threats, the gains, and the cope up - mechanism to strive in the sea of apps.

About the Author:

Bhavesh Surani is the Head of E-Commerce & Mobile Application in Brainvire Infotech Inc. Holding 15+ years of experience in IT sector, He helps various startups, business and enterprise to grow business with apt strategies and robust web and mobile solutions.

Everything You Need To Know About The Apple HomeKit And Home App

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Our homes are becoming smarter with new technologies, and Apple want to make our life simpler by introducing their new Home application. HomeKit is a framework that once installed into smart products allows users to control them through an iOS application. This could be done from the inside of your home or outside. You could control devices in your house from your smartphone, devices like lights, thermostat and even locks. Now with the unveiling of iOS 10, Apple has introduced the Home application. This app puts all of your HomeKit products into one app and makes it even easier to use. Here is everything you wanted to know about Apple’s Home app.

Getting Started

Apple has made it really easy for us to use Home application. After you launch the app you will be introduced with the basic options in the app in a short tutorial. The app will automatically show any HomeKit devices that you already own and have set up earlier. If you use certain devices quite often, you have the option of labeling them as Favorites. The application has three tabs, Home, Rooms and Automation. If you currently do not own any HomeKit devices, you can sync them and add them from the Home tab once you get them. The Rooms tab can be used to group several devices according to the room they are in.

How To Add Devices & Scenes

Adding devices or scenes is quite simple. The first two tabs, Home and Rooms, have a plus sign in the top right corner, press it to add an accessory or set up a scene. The application will help you pair devices with your iPhone. Scenes allow users to control multiple devices by the touch of a button, or by talking to Siri.

Once you start creating a scene in the application, you can name it whatever you like. When you name it, you are given a list of all the devices you can use. After you select the ones you will use in a scene, you are taken to the next screen where you can choose what you want those devices to do. The whole process is easy and nicely organized. You can set up a complex scene with 30 different devices in under 5 minutes.

And once you press that scene, the application can close the blinds, dim the lights and turn on your wall mounted TV. Remember, if you are having trouble with mounting it, you can hire professionals to help you with your tv installation, there’s still no app for that.

Going Auto

Automation tab allows users to set up orders for devices. It doesn’t require you to press any buttons, it will anticipate what needs to be done. To use this feature, you will need a fourth-generation Apple TV or an iPad. You will also need one of these in order to remotely use the app. The device will be set up as a remote hub, and then you can create several types of automation. For example, you can set the app to activate a scene after you enter or leave a room.

Make a schedule for an app to execute orders at a certain time of day. Even device to device automation, this means a certain scene will execute once you activate a certain device. Start your good morning scene after you turn on your lamp.

With technology advancing fast, the way we utilize devices in our homes changes. It seems that soon we will be able to control every device in our home from our smartphones. The possibilities seem endless.

About the Author:

Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in technology, gadgets and games. In her free time she enjoys reading latest IT news.

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