Moto X 2013 Android 5.0 Lollipop Update Delayed, Chipset to Blame

When Google announced Android 5.0 Lollipop back in October 2014, Motorola was one of the first OEMs to promise that the new firmware update will be made available for their flagship devices, including the Moto X 2013. Unfortunately, the Moto X 2013 Android 5.0 Lollipop update hasn’t been released for the public yet. Now we finally know why it takes so long for the update to be pushed to users.

Ayan C. has asked Motorola Support on Twitter whether the Moto X 2013 will get updated to Android 5.0 or Android 5.1. According to @motorolasupport, the Moto X 2013 Android 5.0 Lollipop update will be released to the public, but it’s not ready for prime-time yet as “the chipset requires more effort.” Unfortunately, they failed to reveal when the new firmware update will be made available for the users.

I remind you that the Moto X 2013 is powered by Motorola’s X8 mobile computing system which is basically a custom version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset. Besides the 4 cores of the Adreno 320 GPU, Motorola’s X8 SoC also brings 2 application processor cores and 2 low-power cores for natural language and contextual computing.

After Motorola manages to optimize Lollipop for the X8 SoC underpinning their 1st gen Moto X, the new software update will be pushed to uses in waves. The unlocked units will most likely be the first to receive the new firmware, followed shortly after by the carrier-locked models. For what it’s worth, when your terminal becomes eligible to receive the OTA update you will be notified by a system update message. You just need to tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also check for the update manually under Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check now.

Lollipop is a major update and we are pretty sure that most Moto X owners are craving for it. The new software arrives with a new UI called Material Design, multi-user support for phones, ART (Android Runtime), improved battery statistics, battery saver mode, Screen Pinning, Smart Lock, lock screen notifications, revamped notifications bar and quick settings, and more.

Apple iPhone 6 Plus Plagued with Crashing Bugs

The Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus had record-breaking pre-orders, and are still flying off shelves even after all the issues regarding #Bendgate and the plethora of software issues that came with iOS 8.0.1 and iOS 8.0.2. It seems the controversy is far from over, though. According to a thread on Apple’s support forums, many iPhone 6 Plus users are having quite the difficult time with their devices after the iOS 8.1 update.

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB plagued with bugs

The thread has over 12,000 views and over 80 replies so far, meaning it’s not just a few people facing this problem. The problem seems to specifically affect 128GB models of the iPhone 6 Plus with over 700 apps installed. Apparently, these devices have been crashing non-stop, even without user interaction.

One user recommended doing a fresh restore on the devices, as well as attempting to open all apps, then closing them all manually by going to the background app page and swiping up. This user also recommended that users do a reset on their devices by holding the power and home buttons down at the same time. However, it doesn’t seem any of these suggestions have worked for more than a handful of people.

Apple has yet to make an official comment on this issue, but it appears some have had success bringing their devices to the Apple Store when it comes to getting it replaced. The issues don’t stop with a replacement, though, as some of those devices have had issues with crashing and freezing as well.

Those that haven’t been able to replace their devices are in constant back-and-forth phone calls with Apple’s tech support department, and that in itself can be more frustrating than a crashing smartphone.

As previously mentioned, it’s assumed that this problem only affects the 128GB model of the iPhone 6 Plus, but it may affect other devices. We’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully, a fix comes out for this sooner than later.

iOS 8.0.2 Release Fixes iOS 8.0.1 Problems

iOS 8.0.2 Release Fixes iOS 8.0.1 Problems

Just a day after the iOS 8.0.1 release, Apple’s released a new iOS 8.0.2 update that not only tackles iOS 8 problems but also iOS 8.0.1 problems that impacted iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 users after iOS 8.0.1′s arrival.

Yesterday, Apple released its first iOS 8 bug fix update in the form of iOS 8.0.1. The update came a week after the iOS 8.0 release and it was aimed at solving some of the initial problems brought on by Apple’s brand new update for iPhone and iPad. And while it did deliver fixes to iOS users, it also delivered some problems of its own.

Almost immediately after the iOS 8.0.1 release, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users started complaining about iOS 8.0.1 problems and specifically, issues with cellular data and Touch ID. Within minutes, Apple pulled the iOS 8.0.1 update from its servers leaving a bunch of angry iPhone and iPhone 6 Plus users in the update’s wake.

Earlier today, it appeared as if Apple would wait a few days before releasing an iOS 8.0.2 update. Tonight though, it delivered a surprise update to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users running iOS 8.0 and iOS 8.0.1.

That surprise is the iOS 8.0.2 update, a bug fixer that not only fixes the iOS 8.0.1 issues from yesterday but also includes the same bug fixes that iOS 8.0.1 had on board when it touched down earlier this week. The update is available for all devices running iOS 8 which includes the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina Display, iPad mini, iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2, and iPod touch fifth-generation.

Here’s what’s new inside of Apple’s latest iOS 8 update:

• Fixes an issue in iOS 8.0.1 that impacted cellular network connectivity and Touch ID on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
• Fixes a bug so HealthKit apps can now be made available on the App Store
• Addresses an issue where 3rd party keyboards could become deselected when a user enters their passcode
• Fixes an issue that prevented some apps from accessing photos from the Photo Library
• Improves the reliability of the Reachability feature on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
• Fixes an issue that could cause unexpected cellular data usage when receiving SMS/MMS messages
• Better support of Ask To Buy for Family Sharing for In-App Purchases
• Fixes an issue where ringtones were sometimes not restored from iCloud backups
• Fixes a bug that prevented uploading photos and videos from Safari

This is an essential update for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who were left without network activity after the arrival of iOS 8.0.2 though owners of other iPhones and iPads might want to see how the update plays out. While these small updates bring bug fixes, they can also bring trouble. We saw that first-hand with Apple’s iOS 8.0.1 update.

The iOS 8.0.2 update is fairly large on the iPhone 6, nearly 80MB, though it’s much smaller on an iPhone 5 running iOS 8.0.1. That update is a mere 14MB and it took only minutes to download and install. Those with precious files will still want to make sure the device is backed up before installing Apple’s brand new software update.

iOS 8.0.2 will likely be the second of many upcoming bug fixes. Apple tends to roll out several bug fix updates over the course of the year including a mid-year x.1 update that typically delivers new features in addition to key bug fixes. iOS 8.1 still isn’t confirmed though rumors have alluded to several features that it could have when it arrives months down the road.

he release of iOS 8.0.2 comes just days after the arrival of Apple’s new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The two new iPhones replace the iPhone 5s as the company’s flagship models and it will be the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus that take on the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, LG G3, and Moto X during the holiday shopping season.

Bend it Like Apple: iPhone 6 Plus Is Ridiculously Easy to Bend

Bend it Like Apple: iPhone 6 Plus Is Ridiculously Easy to Bend

It looks like Apple is learning about the challenges of building large phones the hard way. Several iPhone 6 Plus owners are reporting that they have accidentally bent their devices while carrying them in their pockets. Oh, and this isn’t a feature.

Even though I was initially tempted to believe that the iPhone 6 Plus bending was an isolated case, the number of users complaining about this issue is growing. I was expecting to hear stories about people who put the iPhone 6 Plus in their back pocket and sat on it. But no, it has bent while in the front pocket of the pants.

This is the price Apple is paying for wanting to make their new iPhones thinner. It’s pretty obvious that they have sailed past the dimensions at which an aluminum phone is feasible. When I’m paying $900 on a phone I would expect to at least put it in my pocket without worrying about it. The even sadder news is that a bent enclosure is not covered under the limited warranty anymore, like the 5 and 5s was. So Apple is aware of the risks? I would incline to say they are. What will they tell us this time? That we’re pocketing it wrong?

I never understood why people cared so much about metallic phones and bashed the plastic ones. I mean, just look at the back of a Nexus 5, or an LG G3, or a Note 4. That thing feels great in your hand and bending it in your pocket is the last thing you have to worry about.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but every time Apple introduces a major iPhone update major design flows come with it. The iPhone 4 had that annoying antenna problem; the iPhone 5 had paint chipping issues, and now this. I would expect more from a company that boasts about the design of its phones each time it has the occasion. Apple has lost the last thing that put them in front of their Android rivals: the design.

How to Fix iOS 8 Wi-Fi Problems

How to Fix iOS 8 Wi-Fi Problems

iOS 8 problems continue to plague iPhone and iPad users of all shapes and sizes in the days after the update’s release. Here, we address one of the biggest iOS 8 problems and tell you how to fix most iOS 8 Wi-Fi problems.

A week ago, Apple finally released its all new iOS 8 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. iOS 8 is a massive update that delivers new features, design tweaks, enhancements, and fixes for lingering iOS 7 problems. It also, as iPhone and iPad users discovered after the release date, delivered its own set of problems and issues.

In the days after the iOS 8 release, iPhone and iPad users noticed a series of iOS 8 problems including poor battery life, broken Wi-Fi, random crashes and freezes, sluggishness, poor app performance, issues switching from portrait to landscape mode, and poor performance in a number of other areas. These iOS 8 issues caused many iPhone and iPad users to cry out for an iOS 8.0.1 update.

Today, that iOS 8.0.1 update arrived though like iOS 8, it also came loaded with issues, issues that forced Apple to pull the update from its servers. While it works on fixing its update, we want to work on fixing your iOS 8 problems and today we want to take a look at iOS 8 Wi-Fi issues in particular.

For the past two years, Apple’s discussion forum has been rife with complaints about Wi-Fi issues. iPhone and iPad users have complained about a wide variety of issues from grayed out Wi-Fi to unstable connections. From the look of things, those issues persist for iPhone and iPad users inside Apple’s new iOS 8 update.

While there is no guaranteed fix for iOS 8 Wi-Fi issues, there are a few things that iPhone and iPad users can try before performing a factory reset, replacing a router, or taking the device to an Apple Store to get looked at. These fixes have been passed down from the iOS 6 update and they’ve worked for many users in the past.

The first thing you’ll want to do is reset your networking settings. This is an extremely easy process though it could take a couple of minutes to complete so you’ll want to set aside some time. To do this, open up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

You’ll need your passcode and again, a few minutes of time because the phone or tablet is going to reboot itself. You’ll also want to track down your commonly used Wi-Fi passwords because this is going to reset those forcing you to enter them again.

If that doesn’t fix things, you can also try turning off Wi-Fi Networking. To do that, head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services. After performing these two steps, you’ll want to reboot your phone. Once it’s rebooted, there’s a chance, again a chance, that your Wi-Fi will be working normally again.

If neither of those steps works, then it’s time to take some drastic steps. First, you might want to try restarting your modem and/or router. We suggest doing both. If that doesn’t work, try installing the latest firmware for your router. If none of that works, you can take your iPhone or iPad to an Apple Store and have a Genius look at it.

iOS 8 Update (Beta): Battery Drain Affecting Apple iPhone/iPad Developers

iOS 8 Update (Beta): Battery Drain Affecting Apple iPhone/iPad Developers

Apple’s newest mobile OS, iOS 8, is still in beta, and is expected to be released at some point around September 9th. But there are some serious battery drain issues that come with this update. Apple made iOS 8 beta 6 available for carriers only, and not developers. All developers are still stuck on beta 5, which was available for the iPhone 5S, 5C, 5, iPads, and iPod Touches.

Apple iOS 8 Developers Still Facing Serious Battery Drain

Developers previously reported while using iOS 8 beta 4 that their iDevices were getting extremely hot while using iCloud, while charging, playing games, or even after charging. They had also reported they were facing some serious battery drain. Many hoped beta 5 would address these issues, but it doesn’t seem that it has.

Many users are still reporting that after updating to the last beta available for developers, their devices were still getting a little too hot and they’re seeing even worse battery life than before.

The reason for concern over these issues is that Apple’s iOS 8 public release is right around the corner. With all the recent issues with iOS 7.1.2 and the iPhone 5 recall, having another iOS come out and be just as much, if not more, of a drain on users devices would be a huge disappointment and may sway some users from ever owning an iPhone again.

There are some developers who have said that hardware is to blame for the issues, or bad software installs, but no one is truly sure what the cause of the problem is. The debate regarding the problems is hot right now, and no one can be sure what to expect of the public release of iOS 8.

iPhone 5 Battery Problems Solved by Free Apple Fix

iPhone 5 Battery Problems Solved by Free Apple Fix

Almost two years after initially releasing the device to the public, Apple is now offering some iPhone 5 owners free battery replacements after the company determined that many units are having battery problems, although it claims that it’s only a “very small percentage.”

Unfortunately, not every iPhone 5 is eligible for the free battery replacement, and Apple says the affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013, and fall within a limited serial number range. If your iPhone 5 qualifies and you’re experiencing poor battery performance, the Cupertino-based company will replace your iPhone 5 battery free of charge.

You can check to see if your iPhone 5 qualifies by entering the device’s serial number in the text box on Apple’s website. If you’re not sure where to find your iPhone 5′s serial number, it’s stored on your device in iOS. Simply open up the Settings app and navigate to General > About. Scroll down and you’ll see your iPhone 5′s serial number in the list.

You can get your battery serviced at either an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an official Apple Retail Store. You can also send it to Apple through the mail if you don’t live near a physical Apple location.

Of course, before you take your iPhone 5 to Apple to get the battery replaced, you’ll want to back up your data to iTunes or iCloud, that way no data is lost if Apple resets everything, which will likely be the case.

Furthermore, if your iPhone 5 has existing damage, like a cracked screen, that will need to be repaired before you send your device in to get the battery replaced, as Apple will not replace the battery of a damaged iPhone 5.

You can get the battery in your iPhone 5 replaced up until March 1, 2015, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t extend your iPhone 5’s warranty.

This isn’t the first issue that the iPhone 5 has been plagued with in its two years of existence.  Earlier this year, Apple launched a similar program that would replace the sleep/wake button on affected iPhone 5 units. Models manufactured through March 2013 may have been affected and it appears the program is still live, so if you’re having issues with the power button on your iPhone 5, it looks like you still have time to get it fixed.

While you can let Apple handle everything for free, dealing with the company and having to go without your main device for almost a week (if you mail it in) just isn’t in the cards for some users. That’s where DIY (Do It Yourself) comes into play.

Most people probably don’t feel comfortable enough to replace iPhone 5 components themselves, but if you’re feeling up to the task and willing to take a risk, iFixit has guides that show you how to replace various components on the iPhone 5.

Take note that the task is fairly difficult and it’s not as easy as just opening up your iPhone and replacing the power button. You have to disassemble a ton of parts just to get to the power button, mostly because Apple has their hardware locked down and the company makes its products difficult to repair — not because they don’t want people messing with the insides, but because of different design elements and making the phone as thin as possible.

You’ll also need some specialty tools, like a pentalobe screwdriver, some plastic spudgers (which are used to pry open the iPhone 5 assembly), and a suction cup to help carefully take off the touch screen. Of course, iFixit sells a kit that you can buy, so it’s fairly easy to get a hold of all the tools you need (and it will cost you money), but just be aware that it will difficult repair if you’ve never pried open an iPhone before.