Month: October 2017

WHICH UNLOCK METHOD IS THE MOST SECURE FOR YOUR ANDROID?

I’m sure you’ve noticed that Android has a number of options aimed at making your device more secure. One of those features is different methods to unlock the screen: pattern, PIN, password, iris scan and fingerprint, just to mention a few. Below, we’ll explain the goal behind each one, and then you can choose the most practical unlock method for you and the most secure one for your Android.

Facial recognition

Facial recognition isn’t anything new. It first arrived on Android with the Ice Cream Sandwich version, also known as Android 4.0. This feature uses the front camera of the device to take a photo of your face and then it uses that photo as a baseline to unlock your device. It has a questionable level of security, with more cons than pros.

One of the biggest problems is that lighting has to be ideal for the front camera to be able to take a picture of your face. This all depends on the quality of the camera and how your face is placed in front of it. There’s a similar feature coming on the iPhone X, and manufacturers might repackage it and call it new, but don’t let them fool you.

Fingerprint scanner

This is my favorite option and the one I currently use on my phone. Obviously, how well it works depends on a few factors, like the quality of the sensor and its placement. Quality, in this case, means the speed that the sensor reads your finger. This varies a lot between devices, as well as its scratch-resistant surface. There are certain biometric authentication mechanisms which become faster the more you use them.

As for the placement, I prefer it on the front bottom part of the display, next to the power button, like on the Xperia line, which to me, is very practical. I’m not a fan of the ones on the back, but it’s all subjective here.

As for security, this is probably the most secure method to date. That’s because it’s quite difficult for a fingerprint reader to be easily hacked. Furthermore, the sensors are developed to recognize body heat and blood movement of the user, which means you can’t use a “dead” finger to unlock an Android.

Iris scanner

Like facial recognition, I’m still not convinced about using an iris scanner to unlock devices. It basically does the same thing as the fingerprint reader, and it requires the device to have a second, registered password in case you can’t get your phone unlocked. With the Galaxy S8 and Note 8, the fingerprint and iris scanners cannot be activated at the same time. In other words, the second unlock method needs to be a PIN or an alphanumeric password.

Recognition varies according to lighting conditions and where the user’s eye is positioned. The better readers won’t slow down when recognizing a user’s eye, even in low-light conditions.

The system that scans your iris also needs to be fully integrated into the reader so it reacts quickly and can’t be hacked. Technically, this system is on par with the fingerprint reader in terms of security but loses out when it comes to usability.

Smart Lock

Smart Lock was introduced on Android 5.0 Lollipop, and it’s been updated throughout the latest versions. I don’t really see it as a method to unlock your device but rather as a compliment to the one that you’ve already chosen. What the Smart Lock does is very simple, it unlocks – or better said, keeps your device unlocked – according to where you are, your voice, a device or a presence.

Choose your trusted locations, like your house or work, and when you get to those places, your device will be unlocked without having to use any of these methods. You can even use Bluetooth devices as trusted locations.

Currently, Smart Lock can also be set up so that it keeps your phone unlocked even when it’s in your pocket. As I said, it’s not really a method of unlocking your phone, but rather a compliment to one. Keep in mind that anyone can access your phone when you’re in one of your trusted locations, or even connected to a Bluetooth device.

PIN

A PIN is the traditional combination of numbers, and the length depends on which version of Android you have. It’s probably the main security option, distinct from the rest of the options presented here. PINs are also limited in their recovery if you happen to forget it. You’ll probably have to spend hours and hours trying to unlock your device. I use a PIN on my Android as a compliment to the fingerprint scanner.

Pattern

The pattern, or design, is a unique feature on Android phones and it’s been around for a while now. You can use it combined with the PIN if you’d like, but it really is a decent security system by itself. There’s only a certain number of times that you can try it until it locks you out for few seconds. However, on some interfaces, a certain number of wrong attempts can lead the device to erase user data.

Something else that’s curious about the pattern, and might be seen as a problem, is that your finger leaves the pattern on the display, which makes it easy for anyone to trace it. A combination of a greasy finger and a matte film will tell the world your password.

Password

A password is the oldest unlock method there is, and it’s seen as the most secure by many users. You can use any combo of numbers and letters to unlock your device. Recovery systems vary a lot but, in general, it can be just as hard to recover a password as it is a PIN.

Which method is the best to unlock your Android?

The iris scanner, Smart Lock and facial recognition are all complimentary or secondary security methods, and as of right now, they aren’t good enough to be used as the sole method of protecting your phone. This means that you’ll have to register a PIN, pattern or password as your primary option. The iris scanner has another aggravating feature as well: restriction and availability. There are only a few models on the market right now that come with this feature.

The fingerprint reader is also a complimentary feature, but it’s a feature which is available on most mid-range models, and its usability is very attractive. It also has fewer recognition errors. Nevertheless, you can count on the more traditional options, which are also the most secure, since they don’t need a second layer of protection. In terms of both practicality and security, I’d stick with the PIN, password or pattern if I were you.

FACIAL RECOGNITION: ANDROID MANUFACTURERS ARE CHASING AFTER APPLE

The iPhone X has yet to hit the market, so nobody knows how well Face ID actually works. However, buzz around 3D facial recognition is making the vast majority of Android manufacturers nervous. This is only to be expected, given what we know about how the industry works.

As the experts at KGI have found out, face recognition using special 3D sensors is the current hot topic of the smartphone industry. According to the survey, since the presentation of the iPhone X, the search queries for the new 3D sensors used for face recognition have tripled. At the same time, interest in the “traditional” fingerprint sensor – which has only been used in smartphones for four years – is also declining rapidly.

It was obvious at the time of the presentation how this would go. It’s the same old story. The face recognition technology that – remember – has been available on smartphones for years, is presented by Apple and will then be adopted by the Android manufacturers. Like the fingerprint sensor, face recognition will be seen on an increasing number of Android smartphones in the coming months. That’s not very creative, but companies feel that their hands are forced by Apple’s market power and popularity.

Technology has got to be fun

By the way, Face ID is not just about facial recognition. The Animojis introduced by Apple with the new iPhones may seem silly at first, but they show that the technology can also be used for a lot of other things, even if it’s something silly-sounding like animated animal faces with their own facial expressions. Let’s face it: if a technology does not promise the masses a bit of fun, then it won’t make a splash in the market.

However, there is another side to this story: the unfulfilled hope of a breakthrough in some technologies, such as the “under-display” optical fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S8 was already supposed have a sensor like this, but the engineers couldn’t implement it in time for release. As a result, Samsung users have to contort their fingers in search of the poorly placed sensor on the back – a lazy compromise. Similarly, Apple wanted to include a under-display fingerprint sensor in the iPhone X in order to offer an alternative to Face ID, but also ran out of time before their release deadline.

You won’t get anywhere without OLEDs

Such newfangled fingerprint sensors would probably not be available for the mass of consumers anyway, as the technology can only be used with OLED panels. This makes it difficult to provide mass-produced solutions outside of expensive, high-end smartphones, especially as Samsung enjoys a very dominant position in this area.

But fingerprint authentication, OLEDs displays, only serve to demonstrate once again what has always been reliable in the past: Apple doesn’t set any technical records on paper, but it sets the actual market trends. No matter what the Android competition does, if Apple starts off in one direction, then the others are compelled to follow.

Apple is technically ahead this time

This will not necessarily change if Samsung succeeds in actually getting the under-display fingerprint sensor to debut on Galaxy Note 9 for the first time, as a report by Business Insider suggests. It seems that facial recognition in the Samsung devices is much less advanced and less secure than in Apple. Business Insider states that Apple has an advantage of 18 to 30 months over Samsung when it comes to facial authentication. The new fingerprint sensor would thus only be a transitional solution until Samsung can catch up to Apple’s solution – which was also the case with the introduction of Touch ID.

It’s going to work like this: Samsung does it first, then Apple will make it better later, and only then does everyone else have to have it.

What do you think? Does the Android competition really have to follow every Apple trend? Or would a little more self-confidence do good here?

All you Need to Know About QC4.0+

Last year, Qualcomm Technologies released QC4.0, the most advanced charging technology that is likely to change the charging ability of future Smartphones. At the same time, the company also released the Snapdragon 835 processor which they say will be the next generation Smartphone processor. At the moment, there is no device that supports Quick Charge 4.   The company revealed that their advanced charging technology will be available with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.

There is one handset announced,  the Nubia Z17 however at this time there is not a QC4+ charger available.

QC4.0+ benefits

What are the benefits of Qualcomm Quick Charge 4?  Basically, QC4.0+ charges up to 15 % faster compared to previous releases. This latest technology will be also 30 % more efficient and will run up to 5-degree Celsius cooler compared to previous releases.

For instance, five minutes of charging will guarantee you more than 5 hours of battery life. Your Smartphone’s battery will attain 50 % of charge in less than 15 minutes of charging. This means that future Smartphones with Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 will charge like they are connected to two high-powered chargers. Their batteries will have increased efficiency and the Smartphone themselves will stay cooler.

Key features of QC4.0+ and how they work

Quick Charge 4 has a wide range of advanced features compared to prior releases. Here are the key features and how they work.

Battery Saver

This feature was included in this latest generation not only to provide comprehensive safety while charging but also to extend the battery’s charging cycle life. A protection feature is implemented at various stages of charging in order to keep accurate records of temperature, current, and voltage while protecting various components of the Smartphone such as connectors, cables, systems and the battery itself.

USB Power Delivery and USB Type-C

The two technologies were incorporated in QC4 adapters to ensure that there is consistent charging performance. These technologies will also ensure that one accessory supports a variety of mobile devices and charging implementations.

Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage (INOV)

Quick Charge 4 is incorporated with this latest algorithm to help your Smartphone determine the amount of power to request at a particular point. This not only maximizes charging efficiency but also enhances optimum power transfer.

Dual Charge

A second power management IC is also incorporated in Quick Charge 4. Charging your Smartphone using two power management ICs has many benefits. For instance, the charge current is divided into two which reduces charging time and promotes more efficient thermal dissipation.

This latest and the most advanced 4+ charging technology is expected to be released on the market as from next month.

How to fast charge your iPhone 8

Apple has launched the iPhone 8, it brings a line of new features and one is its ability to rapidly charge to 50%, but you don’t get a fast charger in the box.

If you bought the iPhone 8 and want the promised fast charging, the standard iPhone 8 package does not come with a fast charger, to get the advertised fast speed you need a new charger. Apple likely did this to keep packaging size smaller and also to make users buy their accessories.

What is PD charging?

There are many fast charging protocols, such as QC3.0, Pump and Apple also have their own for iPhones and iPads, if you have a few different devices, you will need a different charger to fast charge each one. There are some chargers with multi protocol, but not one charger that will fast charge everything.

PD changes all that, it is a universal charging protocol so any brand can use it. It is designed to charge fast and to unite all brands in one fast charging system. It brings the promise of one fast charger for every device.

Fast charging with the new iPhone

If you stick with Apple, the original chargers are $50, a fraction of the price of a new iPhone, but, just like their cables, they are overpriced. Alternatives are available.

Are third party iPhone PD chargers safe?

PD is open to all manufacturers, so the exact same protocol is in other chargers. Provided you grab a genuine PD charger, the performance will be identical. As this is a tech not controlled by apple, these chargers do not need to be MFI certified. However, this is only for PD chargers, you should still check all lighting cables for certification.

How to protect your phone from low battery?

A survey shows that people feel anxious and nervous when their phones have low battery.This week Banggood offers 4 ways to get rid of Low-battery anxiety.

1.Use the Good-quality charger & charger cable

A good-quality charger & cables not only enable to fast charging but also protect your phone.

2.Solar charging can help you in outdoor

The Solar chargers don’t have built-in batteries, but they are more effective at converting solar energy to power. If you are going to clamp or other outdoor activity, the solar charger might be more suitable for you than the normal power bank for these reasons:1.It’s more portable 2.It can work sustainably as long as there is the sunshine.

3.Car Charger

A car charger is used to keep your phone juiced up when you are on the road.One function Car Charger shares the advantage of safety performance and top-level charging effect, compared to the multi function ones.

Tips for Car Charging：It’s better to start your car before your phone charging.Becuase the huge current at the car starting moment might have an impact on your phone.

4.Power bank

It’s hard to deny that a power bank is an incredible thing that saves us from the nervous and panic of low battery.There’s a massive selection on offer, catering for every need.

There are 2 tips for choosing a nice power bank from our product manager:

1.Check the brand and source of the cell.

2.Be careful to a small-size power bank with a large capacity.

5 Steps to Setting Up Your New Laptop

A new laptop or computer is like a blank slate: ready to be customized with your preferences and programs. Whether this is your first computer or your fiftieth, these 5 steps for setting up your new computer will create an important foundation going forward, with the security, most important applications, and settings to prep your laptop for full-time use.

  1. Get Rid of Bloatware

Bloatware, or software installed by the manufacturer that you don’t want (such as trial versions of picture greeting software), is less common in new computers these days–and definitely less likely to be in business computers as opposed to consumer computers.

Bloatware is still around, though, and if you want a lean, mean computing machine, you may prefer to wipe your drive of these unwanted programs. It’s easiest to do this at the start, as soon as you get your laptop.

One way to get rid of the bloatware is to just use the regular program uninstall feature in Windows’ Control Panel, but this can still leave your system with stray entries in the system’s registry. A cleanup utility like Ccleaner can more thoroughly get rid of all traces of unwanted programs. It’s free and easy to use.

Otherwise, you can wipe your laptop’s hard drive and install your operating system from scratch (provided you have the OS installation disks or you make your own for this purpose).

  1. Set Up Laptop Security

Password-protect your user accounts.

When you set up your user account(s) on the laptop, make sure you add a strong password: One that has a combination of character types and is long enough.Because laptops are more easily stolen or lost, you want to make sure anyone who finds your laptop won’t be able to access its contents.

Change the Administrator password. The default Administrator account is disabled by default in Windows 7 and Vista, but if you’re using an older version of Windows, you’ll want to change the default Administrator password (find the account under the Control Panel > User Accounts.

Install security programs. The first programs you should install on your laptop are security ones to help protect against viruses and other threats. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Antivirus/Anti-Malware: Unless you have a disk with the A/V program already, you’ll need to hop online and download then install the software. For a free option, take a look at Microsoft Security Essentials or avast! Free; both provide protection against viruses and spyware. You’ll need antivirus protection if you’re on a Mac as well; ClamXav is a free, open-source antivirus program for Macs.
  • Firewall: You should also turn on Windows’ Firewall and Windows Defender if they’re not turned on already. For more robust protection, consider a dedicated firewall that may include email scanning, adware removal, and more configurable firewall options. Comodo Firewall is a free option, but About’s Wireless/Networking site offers more top firewall picks for both Windows and Mac.
  • Laptop Recovery: Anti-theft software for laptops can help you retrieve a lost or stolen laptop–but you need to install it before you lose your laptop or it gets swiped. Prey (previously reviewed), is free laptop recovery software that has a light footprint, so there’s no reason not to install it.
  • Encryption software: For true mobile security, it’s critical you encrypt all sensitive information stored on your laptop. The open source utility TrueCrypt can create an encrypted volume on your laptop to store that important information, and it can encrypt your entire system as well.
  1. Get System Updates

With your antivirus program installed, now check for system updates.

On Windows, go to the Control Panel > System and Security to find the options to check for and install updates. On Mac, go to the Apple menu and click Software Update.

  1. Install Your Essential Programs and Documents

Install all the programs that you need for everyday use, including office applications and your email program (unless you use cloud-based apps for these purposes). I’ve posted a few programs on my list of essential applications, which include backup software, a password manager, and syncing programs.

Two great utilities that can save you time and make installing all your favorite apps a breeze are AllMyApps and Ninite. These app installers for Windows give you a one-click installer for popular programs like Google Chrome, Skype, VLc, and more and keep them up to date.

If you use a syncing program like Dropbox or SugarSync, setting up future computers is much easier, since your documents will automatically be synced over. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to transfer your files from your old computer to your new one. There are a couple of ways to do this:

  • Use Windows Easy Transfer, a wizard built into Windows 7 to move your files and program settings from the old computer to the new one. You’ll find it on a new Windows 7 laptop under the Start menu > Getting Started > Transfer your files.
  • You could also connect both PCs to a router (for speed, a wired connection is preferred) and then copy the folders over.
  • Or you could connect both PCs together with a crossover cable, a special type of Ethernet cable.
  1. Backup Your System and Create a Custom Install Disc

Once you’ve got everything set up the way you like, it’s a good idea to backup the entire system. Create your DVD backups or put the backup on an external hard drive and label it with the name of your laptop, the date, and something like “initial install.” This way, if you ever want to go back to a clean setup, you can restore this backup. While you’re at it, set up your automatic backups (daily, weekly, and monthly both onsite and offsite, e.g., to an external hard drive and to a cloud service).

You can also create your own “slipstreamed” Windows installation disc (DVD-R or USB stick) so in the future you can install Windows with your preferences, updated drivers, and other customizations. The RT7Lite utility can help you do this. Enjoy your new laptop!

How to Get 4G or 3G on Your Laptop

It’s increasingly becoming more important for us to have high-speed Internet access wherever we are—especially, for example, on our laptops when we’re working on the go. Mobile broadband devices allow us to tap into a wireless carrier’s 4G or 3G network from our laptops and other mobile devices for always-on connectivity. Here’s an overview of the different ways you can get 4G or 3G Internet access on your laptop.

Built-In 4G or 3G Mobile Broadband

Most of the latest laptops, netbooks, and tablets offer a mobile broadband option, where you can have a 3G or 4G card or chipset built into the laptop when you order it (for an additional cost). You’ll have to sign up for mobile broadband service, but often you’ll be able to select the wireless service provider.

  • l Pros: Convenience of having mobile wireless connectivity already set up as soon as you get your laptop (no need to install your own mobile broadband device); less obtrusive than a USB 3G or 4G laptop stick.
  • l Cons: Not transferable to other laptops or devices.

4G or 3G Laptop Stick

If you don’t already have a mobile broadband card built-in or want a separate device that you can use with more than one laptop, a 4G or 3G USB modem (a.k.a. laptop stick) is easy to install—it’s plug-and-play like most USB sticks. USB broadband modems typically cost under $100.

You can buy the laptop stick and sign up for the mobile broadband plan directly from the wireless provider or retailers like Best Buy.

  • l Pros: Can be used on different devices (e.g., switched from one laptop to another). Some laptop sticks also function as USB thumb drives for portable storage and other useful purposes.
  • l Cons: Sticks out of your laptop’s USB port; easy to misplace or lose.

3G or 4G Mobile Hotspot

Mobile hotspots can be either hardware devices like FreedomPop’s Freedom Spot or a feature on your mobile device. You connect your laptop wirelessly to the 4G or 3G mobile hotspot, much like you would connect to a wi-fi network or wi-fi hotspot. As with the other options, you’ll need to subscribe to a mobile data plan for your mobile hotspot device—or if you may need to pay an extra “hotspot” fee to use the built-in hotspot feature on your smartphone. One major advantage of a mobile hotspot, however, is that you can typically connect more than one device to it for shared mobile Internet access.

  • l Pros: Usually can connect 5 or more mobile devices at once.
  • l Cons: Have to carry around a separate device (though mobile hotspots tend to be pretty thin and small, about the size and width of a credit card).

Cell Phone Tethering

Tethering is where you connect your cell phone to your laptop to use your cell phone’s data service on the laptop. There are many tethering apps available to enable tethering via USB cable or bluetooth, including the popular PdaNet app.

Although many people have been able to get around additional tethering charges by jailbreaking their smartphones, most wireless providers are charging extra for the privilege of connecting your phone to your laptop.

  • l Pros: May be able to use the data plan you’re already paying for on your cell phone without extra charges (otherwise, tethering charges are between $15-20).
  • l Cons: Tethering can be slow and drain your phone’s battery more quickly.

Which option is best for you? Besides heading to a wi-fi hotspot or Internet cafe for free Internet access, tethering is the least expensive option for getting Internet access on your laptop when you’re not at home. If you have multiple devices or want to share a mobile broadband connection, a mobile hotspot makes the most sense. 3G or 4G laptop sticks are also convenient and easy to use.

What Makes a Smartphone Smart?

You probably hear the term “smartphone” tossed around a lot. But if you’ve ever wondered exactly what a smartphone is, well, you’re not alone. How is a smartphone different than a cell phone, and what makes it so smart?

In a nutshell, a smartphone is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds in features that, in the past, you would have found only on a personal digital assistant or a computer–such as the ability to send and receive e-mail and edit Office documents, for example.

So, it’s essentially connected to the internet and offers personalized services as a result. (Some people think that’s so the phone can spy on you.)

But, to really understand what a smartphone is (and is not), and whether you should buy one, we’ll start with a history lesson. In the beginning, there were cell phones and personal digital assistants (or PDAs). Cell phones were used for making calls–and not much else–while PDAs, like the Palm Pilot, were used as personal, portable organizers. A PDA could store your contact info and a to-do list, and could sync with your computer.

Eventually, PDAs gained wireless connectivity and were able to send and receive e-mail. Cell phones, meanwhile, gained messaging capabilities, too. PDAs then added cellular phone features, while cell phones added more PDA-like (and even computer-like) features. The result was the smartphone.

Key Smartphone Features

While there is no standard definition of the term “smartphone” across the industry, we thought it would be helpful to point out what we here at Lifewire.com define as a smartphone, and what we consider a cell phone.

Here are the features we look at:

Operating System

In general, a smartphone will be based on an operating system that allows it to run applications. Apple’s iPhone runs the iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones run the BlackBerry OS. Other devices run Google’s Android OS, HP’s webOS, and Microsoft’s Windows Phone.

Apps

While almost all cell phones include some sort of software (even the most basic models these days include an address book or some sort of contact manager, for example), a smartphone will have the ability to do more. It may allow you to create and edit Microsoft Office documents–or at least view the files. It may allow you to download apps, such as personal and business finance managers, handy personal assistants, or, well, almost anything. Or it may allow you to edit photos, get ]driving directions via GPS, and create a playlist of digital tunes.

Web Access

More smartphones can access the Web at higher speeds, thanks to the growth of 4G and 3G data networks, as well as the addition of Wi-Fi support to many handsets. Still, while not all smartphones offer high-speed Web access, they all offer some sort of access. You can use your smartphone to browse your favorite sites.

QWERTY Keyboard

By our definition, a smartphone includes a QWERTY keyboard. This means that the keys are laid out in the same manner they would be on your computer keyboard–not in alphabetical order on top of a numeric keypad, where you have to tap the number 1 to enter an A, B, or C. The keyboard can be hardware (physical keys that you type on) or software (on a touch screen, like you’ll find on the iPhone).

Messaging

All cell phones can send and receive text messages, but what sets a smartphone apart is its handling of e-mail. A smartphone can sync with your personal and, most likely, your professional e-mail account. Some smartphones can support multiple e-mail accounts. Others include access to the popular instant messaging services, like AOL’s AIM and Yahoo! Messenger.

These are just some of the features that make a smartphone smart. The technology surrounding smartphones and cell phones is constantly changing, though. What constitutes a smartphone today may change by next week, next month, or next year.

What Makes Apple So Special and Desirable?

Apple has been at the top of the game for several years now. Be it releasing new and innovative products, expanding business or helping with creating several new job opportunities, Apple always manages to be one step ahead of the competition. What is it that makes Apple so desirable and so very special? How does the company keep up its formidable status since the last couple of decades or so? What is it that makes people swoon over each and every one of Apple’s releases? Here is an analysis of some aspects that makes Apple stand head and shoulders above the rest of the competition.

Apple and Steve Jobs

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when one talks of Apple is Steve Jobs, who became synonymous with the brand name and as famous as the brand itself. Jobs opened up several new vistas for the company and actually redefined the whole concept of mobile, during his time. He came up with new and innovative ideas, also those that would please the insatiable minds of users all over the world.

Not only was Jobs the main force behind manufacturing new products into the market, but he also took an aggressive lead in marketing those products. Once he was appointed the CEO of Apple, he made plans to further the company and bring it right to the forefront in the mobile market.

Several industry experts believe that Apple may experience a dip in business, post Steve Jobs’ recent demise. But the company insists that Jobs had already planned products for a full year, which meant that the company would be able to stabilize itself without customers feeling a bad jolt at his loss.

Jobs always thought of different and unusual ways of increasing business for Apple. Here is a list of the strategies he resorted to, in order to get Apple to the position it is in today:

Diverse Range of Products

pple has released a number of diverse and stylish-looking products ever since the late 1970s. The company that started with humble beginnings grew steadily, introducing the Apple II series of personal computers, the Mac and then the much sought-after iPod, iPhone and iPad.

Now, each new release of the iPhone and the iPad causes the public to go into a veritable frenzy, clamoring for the product. This cult status has been achieved by very few other products in the market.

Dynamic Business Plan

One major reason for Apple’s success is its dynamic, constantly changing business plan. Jobs intently studied the market and tried to ascertain the pulse of the audience. Apple originally started as just another computer company. But Jobs always knew that it was meant for much bigger things.

Apple had to widen its approach if it had to grow to great heights. The team, therefore, changed its business plan to introduce many more different products. Starting with the release of Final Cut Pro, the company went on to experiment with MP3 players, iPhones and the later iPads.

Jobs also changed the name of the company from Apple Computer Inc. to Apple Inc., which gave the company a much broader spectrum and vision.

Creating a Retail Store

The creation of their own retail stores proved to be a huge turning point for Apple. Realizing that retail outlets were not giving Apple what it deserved, the company decided to open its very own retail store.

At present, Apple boasts of over 250 retail stores worldwide. This move gave the company the required push to surge forward in the mobile market.

Partnering with the Competition

Steve Jobs planned yet another unusual but very effective move for Apple. He got in touch with Bill Gates and got him to invest $150,000,000 in the company. This rescued the company’s flagging reputation at that time, stabilizing it and helping it back on its feet.

Then, Jobs also decided to manufacture mobile parts for rival companies such as Samsung. This further enhanced the company’s profits and reputation as a supplier of mobile components.

Opening up Job Opportunities

Taking the business to many parts of Asia and Africa, Apple automatically opened up new job opportunities for iPhone app developers in those continents as well.

Also, the company hired employees from diverse fields, such as musicians, artists, historians and so on, so as to receive a different, unique perspective from such people.

Microsoft finally admits Windows Phone is dead

In a series of tweets, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore has revealed that the software giant is no longer developing new features or hardware for Windows 10 Mobile. While Windows Phone fans had hoped Microsoft would update the platform with new features, it’s now clear the operating system has been placed into servicing mode, with just bug fixes and security updates for existing users.

“Of course we’ll continue to support the platform.. bug fixes, security updates,” says Belfiore. “But building new features/hw aren’t the focus.” During the recent Windows 10 Fall Creators Update development phase, it has been obvious Microsoft is no longer working on the mobile experience. The software maker branched its development process into “feature2,” leaving Windows Phone fans disappointed.

Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform has been dead for more than a year, but the company has never officially admitted it before. Microsoft gutted its phone business last year, resulting in thousands of job cuts. During Microsoft’s recent Build and Inspire conferences, CEO Satya Nadella dropped the company’s mantra of “mobile-first, cloud-first” in favor of a focus on what he describes as the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. This new area of focus means Microsoft is now working on multi-device scenarios and cloud-powered technologies that don’t always involve Windows.

Belfiore also admits he switched to Android, just like Bill Gates, and that Microsoft will support Windows 10 customers who want to use Android and iOS on their phones. One of the big reasons Microsoft is giving up on Windows Phone is because developers never backed the platform. Microsoft had many problems with its Windows Phone app store, and the inability to retain apps once they were developed. “We have tried very hard to incent app devs,” explains Belfiore. “Paid money.. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest.”

It’s now clear Microsoft has faced the reality that people don’t need Windows on their phones. The software maker has been focused on iOS and Android apps and experiences over the past couple of years. Microsoft’s Edge browser is making its way to iOS and Android, and the company seems to be focused on improving the experience of linking a phone to a PC and resuming apps and documents between the two.

A new Microsoft Launcher for Android even goes a step further in improving the overall Android experience, with clever customizations and PC sharing features. Expect to see a lot more of this in the future. It’s now unlikely we’ll ever see a Surface-branded phone or more Windows 10 Mobile-powered hardware. Microsoft’s investments in iOS and Android will only benefit Windows 10 customers, and it could make up for the company’s messy efforts in mobile over the years.