On Wednesday 4th October from 0600-0700, some of our systems will be down for essential network maintenance. This will affect our Cloud Backup and Shared Drive services.
We expect the maintenance to last for approximately 1 hour – your files will remain safe but will not be accessible during this time.
Please be in touch with any queries at [email protected].
The new iOS 11 update from Apple is now available for download on your iPhone and iPad. This is a categoric update and changes the way your device looks visually and the way it works.
Even if you’re not upgrading to a new iPhone X or iPhone 8, your device will feel like it’s had a significant refresh thanks to several user interface changes and fresh features.
Some of the new features though are exclusive to the new iPhones and some are even exclusive to the iPhone X alone. One talked about feature exclusive to the iPhone X is the Animoji — an emoji combined with animations of your face taken by the iPhone X’s 3D face-scanning TrueDepth camera array. The resulting Animoji tracks the muscles in your face to animate the emoji.
Face ID and gesture-swiping to replace the home-button will also be an iPhone X-only feature.
Portrait lighting is also available on the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. It uses the dual-lens depth-sensing camera and machine learning to simulate a range of lighting effects — Contour Light, Natural Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono and Studio Light.
iOS 11 is an especially significant update for iPad, which is becoming a more viable laptop replacement due to revamped multitasking from iOS 11. Also, both iPhone and iPad get a well needed Control Centre reorganisation.
The iOS 11 dock makes multitasking easier on the iPad — included is a dock just like a Mac computer, it’s hidden but you can access it by swiping up.
Drag and Drop is also now possible, and apps will now launch in split-screen mode when you drag them to the side of the screen.
You can also transport items across a split screen: text, photos, hyperlinks, files and so on.
Keyboard shortcuts have been enhanced and are now available for the iPad Pro 10.5-inch with iOS 11. It combines letter keys with numbers, symbols and punctuation marks (currently found on the second keyboard layer), letting you access them with a new flicking gesture.
Flicking these secondary numbers and symbols downward is much easier than switching back and forth between the two layers, like before.
The iPhone’s AR (Augmented Reality) capabilities are enhanced with the iOS 11 update. The App Store is currently being filled with AR games and software tools. Developers are creating AR apps, overlaying virtual objects on the real world using your iPhone or iPad and its camera. Much like a really advanced version of Pokemon Go — but with more possibilities.
You will also notice a new app called, “Files”. This new app lets you sort through your files and browse, search and organise all in one place. Files allow other services besides iCloud Drive such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box etc.
The Document Scanner in Notes removes the need to scan important documents that you need to sign. The feature scans, crops the edges and edits any imperfections and then lets you fill in the blanks or sign away with an Apple Pencil.
iOS 11 also makes iMessages better by iCloud syncing across your iPhone, iPad and Mac. Which means deleting a conversation bubble one device it will also disappear on the others. Also, it frees up all of your iMessage storage — a big problem for texters!
Apple Pay has also expanded to include person-to-person payment features. It’s identical to what PayPal does but via an app-free solution.
Apple Pay payments use Touch ID (or Face ID) for authentication and iMessages to send payments between friends or other contacts. There is also the option of using Apple Pay Cash right away via any terminal that accepts Apple Pay.
Siri has also received a refresh and is said to be sounding more natural — as well as now you can choose between a female and male voice option.
Siri is also learning along with you, going as far as surfacing different word suggestions after you read a specific news story in Apple News or Safari.
Since Siri is on 375 million devices and is in more languages and more countries than any other personal assistant, Apple is taking advantage of this and is using deep learning for quick translations.
The revamped Control Centre from iOS 11 is a complete overhaul with an all-in-one look to put quick controls at your fingertips without having to swipe between menus.
Everything is combined now: system controls, app shortcuts and music controls and accessed by pulling up from the bottom of the screen.
The lock screen and notification centre are now in one making it easier to see older alerts you have missed. Swiping up on the normal lock screen will display the notifications.
The camera app also has new modes — Apple’s Live Photos take on Instagram Loop app with its own “Leep” and “Bounce” options. You can either play them in a loop or have them rock back and forth endlessly, whichever you prefer.
Another new mode, the Long exposures are letting you capture still photos with motion blur, ie waterfalls, stars moving across the sky.
There is also a change in how your device stores videos and photos with the new standards, HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) and HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Codec). This is good news due to these next-generation compression technologies not needing as much storage.
To ensure you are not tempted to check your phone while driving, iOS 11 has a new feature called “Do Not Disturb While Driving”. It will shut off notifications just like Do Not Disturb automatically if you are behind the wheel. Apple’s hands-free solution is called Apple CarPlay.
The Do Not Disturb While Driving feature will even send a text to those who are trying to contact you with a message saying that you will get back to them shortly.
If you are a passenger, it is easy to confirm that and if it is an emergency and you need to contact someone, you can also enter the word “urgent” to break through the Do Not Disturb feature.
Apple Maps now have “lane assist” and “speed limits” for when on the road. As well as improved outdoor maps, Apple maps have now gone indoors with detailed maps of hundreds of airports and malls around the world. Now you can find out which restaurants are in different terminals when visiting a large airport or which stores are where inside a mall.
Music has also been improved with iOS 11 as Apple expands its presence in its Smart Home control with a new multi-speaker feature and further changes to the Apple Music design.
AirPlay 2 lets you control several speakers throughout your house with a new Apple Home menu. Now everything can be in sync on all of your home speakers.
Apple Music has also made a change and you can now build better playlists by consulting your friends thanks to shared playlists, albums and stations.
The iPhones which are compatible with this new iOS 11 upgrade are phones that run the 64-bit chipset introduced with the iPhone 5S — meaning all iPhones before this with a 32-bit processor won’t have the update. This also goes for older apps that haven’t been updated.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this new iOS 11 update or if you would like assistance in purchasing an Apple product we are a Joint Venture partner with Apple — please be in touch at, [email protected].
Transport for London (TfL) has decided this morning not to renew Uber’s private hire licence. Reasons given are based on “public safety and security implications”. The current license expires on 30th September, and Uber has 21 days to appeal.
This is a shock for the technology industry as Uber is seen as a leader in disruptive technology – changing a market with new methods of access.
Uber claims 3.5 million passengers and 40,000 drivers are active on their platform in London.
Searches for alternative taxi apps have surged in the last hour, including for one of Uber’s main competitor’s in the US market; “Lyft UK”.
If you use the PC Cleaner CCleaner, there’s been a report that malware has managed to make it’s way into one of the builds — so please be sure to install its latest update!
It was noticed on 13 September that the installer for CCleaner V5.33 was triggering its malware protection systems. Upon inspection, the researchers found that the CCleaner application was legitimate and had a valid digital signature from its makers, but it also contained a malicious payload.
The payload contained a Domain Generation Algorithm and Command Control functionality that could be used to send encrypted information about the computer back to a server controlled by hackers. Although the software’s maker claims that in its review it has “not detected an execution of the second stage payload and believe that its activation is highly unlikely.”
No malicious software has been found in CCleaner 5.34, which was released 13 September and the malware was only present in the build that was released on 14 August (which has now been removed from the company’s download page)
Anyone using the free version of CCleaner needs to manually download and update their software as soon as possible to ensure your machine is safe.
For further information or if you would like to discuss our internet security service, please be in touch with us at [email protected]
We are pleased to announce that the new website for Ventula Consulting has now launched! The new website comprises of three sections which are each flowing pages, rather than being the more typical multi-page site or one long page.
In the ‘Meet the Team’ page, each team member’s image animates after landing on an individual – this is a creative way to display a normally straight forward page.
The push menu on the left-hand side also easily and smoothly lets the user navigate through the different pages.
As well as their new website, we also refreshed Ventula’s branding with fresh icons and fonts to compliment their updated look.
Ventula Consulting utilise the latest techniques in digital talent attraction and are experts at proactively promoting their clients brands and mission statements to help them attract the highest calibre candidates in an increasingly competitive market.
Check out their new website at ventula.co.uk
Please be in touch if you would to discuss your new website and design at [email protected]
At the Apple Event yesterday, Apple launched their eagerly anticipated new devices and features. The main event featured the launch of their two new smartphones, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and the premium handset iPhone X (pronounced iPhone ten).
The new iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are an upgrade to Apple’s current iPhone 7 and 7 Plus range, updating some of the main features found on their current product.
Some of the best new features include:
It’s Apple’s 10 year anniversary and the iPhone X was launched yesterday and pronounced as their premium smartphone. The iPhone X showcases some Apple’s latest technology, including edge-to-edge OLED display, wireless charging and facial recognition security.
The iPhone X has a 5.8inch screen in a body smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus making the phone almost all display. The home button, which has been present on every device since the first iPhone in 2007, has been dropped on this version. The front facing fingerprint scanner has also been removed. The removal of the home button makes room for the front facing selfie camera and facial recognition security.
Several functions of the home button, such as activating Siri, will be relocated to the lock switch. Users can control the phone by swiping up from the bottom or just by tapping the screen.
Some of its best features:
The processor and battery power expected in the iPhone X is said to last two hours longer than that of the iPhone 7 and has a more powerful chip than the one found on the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.
The new operating system iOS 11 will also come included with the new phones.
Prices and order dates:
iPhone 8: £645 for 64GB, £849 for 256GB
iPhone 8 Plus: £749 for 64GB, £949 for 256GB
Pre order begins 15 September 2017 and in store sales begin 22 September 2017.
iPhone X: £999 for 64GB, £1,149 for 256GB
Pre order begins 27 October and ships from 3 November.
As always from Apple, their new products feature exciting features but it also looks as though the era of the £1000 smartphone has arrived with the iPhone X. It will be interesting to see where they go from here!
We are a Joint Venture partner with Apple so please be in touch with us for any information or help regarding pre ordering the any of the new iPhones or any Apple product, at [email protected]
There is an important update now available for our Cloud Backup and Shared Drive software client for Mac.
The update will support the upcoming High Sierra macOS update and will ensure a smooth transition as well as fix any issues and bugs from the previous version.
If you would like further information regarding this software update, the macOS update or would like to hear about our Cloud backup and Shared Drive services, please be in touch with us at [email protected]
Often the debate that arises between loyal Apple users versus a PC user is the cost benefit of the other and we often have a preference on which we are more drawn to.
In short term, the purchase price is something to carefully consider as most of us would prefer to spend less but there are long term costs as well and it’s good to do your research before choosing a machine regardless of make or model.
An Interesting story and findings have come from IBM’s workplace user choice program, a program implemented by their VP of Workplace to allow employees to freely choose between either a Windows or Mac machine. Having a choice, many opted to try a Mac and following this significant increase in Mac using employees the cost benefit became clear for the company.
The long term general IT issues from the Mac users were surprisingly significantly lower than the PC users. The increased support issues resulted in showing the PCs as more expensive in the long run, up to three times more. For the giant company, the reported savings over a four year life span showed to be between $273 – $543 per Mac, which adds up to big money for a company of that magnitude. For large companies needing to look more closely these costings, it is an interesting real world finding.
Choosing the right platform for the right needs/usage is important and there are many key factors to think about. A machine that’s going to be bumped around in a van would mean it is probably better to go for a cheap PC but a large business looking invest in new machines, it might be worth trying Mac for the possibility of lower long term costs.
If you would like to get in touch to discuss this information further or would like help choosing and purchasing a PC or Mac machine, please get in touch with us at [email protected]