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But unlike Steve’s open letters, this one starts with an admission and an apology. Before it gets into meat of the issue, Apple confirms that it is throttling performance of some older iPhones and apologizes for not being clearer about its intentions. It’s an important step for a company that prides itself on customer satisfaction, and it instantly puts the whole issue in a soft, conciliatory light. By admitting to wrongdoing and accepting blame, Apple took the air out of the lawsuits and headlines, and |
recommitted to putting the customer first. |
Whether you believe Apple when it says it will “never do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades” is beside the point. Apple is simultaneously owning up to an issue that affects the entire industry and putting pressure on its competitors to follow suit. What was Apple’s problem is now everyone’s problem, and only Apple is laying out a plan to fix it. |
Power versus performance |
As Apple explains, this situation started way back with iOS 10.2.1. The update largely wet unnoticed by Apple watchers, but it bought a significant change to the way older iPhones operate. Where previous versions of iOS treated all phones equal regardless of age, iOS 10.2.1 introduced a system that “dynamically manages the maximum performance of some system components” to reduce the instances of random battery shutdowns on older phones. |
Apple iPhone 6 users can either buy an iPhone Smart Battery Case for $99 or get a brand new internal battery for $29. |
Apple says that this practice is actually designed to extend the life of older phones, particularly the iPhone 6 and 6s. But the company also concedes that it could have been more transparent about way it approached the problem. So Apple is giving all users with an iPhone 6 or later the option of replacing the battery for just $29, a savings of $50 over the usual $79 out-of-warranty replacement price. |
For affected models, an official Apple battery replacement will be like getting a new iPhone for $30. Apple says a replacement battery will return iPhone performance to normal, as iOS will no longer need to conserve power. Therefore, users will easily be able to scrape an extra year or two out of a three-year-old iPhone 6 for the cost of a 2 meter USB-to-Lightning cable. Some people will argue that Apple should be offering batteries for free or permanently lowering replacement cost, but Apple nonetheless |
turned what could have been a lengthy legal and PR battle into a net gain, restoring trust, and committing to keeping old iPhones running smooth for as long as possible. |
Longer life for less |
Apple’s new battery replacement program is about more than just replacing batteries. In addition to the $29 program, Apple is promising more control and visibility over iPhone batteries in the iOS settings, something new and old iPhones users have wanted for years. Apple says an early 2018 update will offer “new features that give users more visibility into the health of their iPhone’s battery, so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance.” |
IDG Battery life might no longer be an issue with future iPhones. |
And I suspect it’s just a first step on what will be a newfound focus on battery performance. Apple’s phones have always have very good battery life, but they’re hardly industry leaders. A recent rumor suggests that the 2018 models could have an in-house power management chips, which would give iOS greater control over how apps and tasks impact battery life. Apple’s custom silicon has already had a massive impact on CPU, GPU, and wireless performance, but battery life is still the holy grail. A custom power |
chip could let Apple extend new iPhone batteries by several hours while keep them running smoothly for years to come. |
With the $29 iPhone battery replacement program, Apple isn’t just extending the life of older phones. It’s dispensing of the notion that it forces people into buying new models. It’s committing to delivering the best possible experience for all iPhone users. And it’s laying the groundwork for an iPhone with insanely great battery life. |
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says working with Assad to fight Islamists "would poison what we are trying to achieve" |
Britain will not work with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the battle against Islamic State (IS) extremists, the foreign secretary has told the BBC. |
Philip Hammond said to do so would not be "practical, sensible or helpful". |
Former head of the Army Lord Dannatt and ex-Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind called for the move following the beheading of US journalist James Foley by IS militants. |
Mr Hammond also defended the monitoring of suspected extremists in the UK. |
'Poison' |
The UK government has called for President Assad to be removed as Syrian leader as a result of his actions during the country's civil war. |
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World at One, the foreign secretary said to co-operate with the Syrian regime would "poison" what the UK was trying to achieve. |
He said: "We may very well find that we are fighting, on some occasions, the same people that he is but that doesn't make us his ally." |
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Lord Dannatt: "A conversation's got to be held with him [Assad]" |
Earlier, Lord Dannatt called for a dialogue. |
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think whether it's above the counter or below the counter, a conversation has got to be held with him." |
Sir Malcolm, the chairman of Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee, said history had shown that "sometimes you actually have to make an arrangement with some nasty people in order to get rid of some even nastier ones". |
The US has described IS, which has seized large swathes of northern Iraq, as the biggest threat it has faced in recent years. |
In the video of Mr Foley's murder, IS militants threatened to kill another American if the US did not stop its air strikes against the group in northern Iraq. |
'More investment' |
Police and security services are trying to identify the jihadist - who had an English accent - who appeared in footage of Mr Foley's killing. |
Unconfirmed reports suggest the man is from London or south-east England. |
Mr Hammond said the authorities were "devoting significant amounts of resource to identifying the individual". |
The government has defended its approach to extremists at home, following calls for a change in strategy prompted by the killing. |
Image copyright AP Image caption The man shown in the video spoke with an English accent |
Mr Hammond said "significant powers" were available to deal with people planning to travel to Syria or Iraq to fight including withdrawing passports, monitoring them while overseas and arresting them on their return. |
The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, David Anderson, said the right balance had been achieved between protecting freedom and security. |
However, Mr Anderson said he had recommended tougher restrictions on terror suspects kept under Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPims). |
TPims are used to restrict movement, the use of computers and mobile phones and meetings with others. They replaced the previous system of control orders - which were more restrictive - in 2011. |
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Iraqi Ambassador to the UK Faik Nerweyi: "Islamic State is a dangerous thing for all of us" |
Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism laws, said no TPims were currently in place, because ones previously imposed had all expired. |
He said: "The government decided to have no more, for reasons which I have never understood." |
He called for control orders to be reintroduced and for more investment in the Prevent strategy, which distributes money to anti-extremism schemes across the country. |
He added: "We must ensure that the Prevent strand of counter-terrorism policy is given the funding it needs so that it can work in all parts of the country". |
The Home Office said TPims had been introduced because control orders were not working and were being "struck down by the courts". |
It said the "strongest possible action" would be taken to protect national security, adding: "Ultimately the best place for terrorists is behind bars and we will prosecute those who break the law." |
Usman Nawaz, a former government adviser on extremism, told the BBC: "I don't think the government is doing enough to have a conversation with young Muslims, or to understand what's going on in the mind of young Muslims, the vast majority of whom completely reject the ideas and ideologies of [IS]." |
A former Labour Foreign Office minister, Kim Howells, said successive governments and religious leaders were to blame for the radicalisation of Muslims in Britain. |
Mr Howells said it was time to address the "narrative" among some Muslims that they were the victims of a "plot" to suppress them. |
IS presence in Iraq and Syria |
Where have you gone Cortez Kennedy? |
A 'Canes Nation turns its' lonely eyes to you.....(woo woo woo) |
Unless it is turning its' eyes to the late great Jerome Brown, Warren Sapp, Russell Maryland, or Vince Wilfork? |
You get the drift. |
UM, oft labelled "QB U", could just as easily be recognized for its' historical dominance along the interior defensive line spots. |
But it has been a while. |
Of all the shortcomings of the program in recent memory, the ability to recruit and develop stud DT/NTs has been arguably the most glaring weakness. |
Last season while the defense made strides as a whole, and while some of the issues in the GT and Nebraska games in particular came down to questionable alignment/playcalling, this unit did not exactly stand out. |
Miami was 97th nationally in tackles for loss. |
To be the program they once were (or even just contend for the Coastal Division Crown), that has to change. |
In 2015 there are reasons for hope. |
A lot of whispers this off season have them going to a more simplified and aggressive one gap approach, rather than the thinking man's/hold your ground two gap scheme they have employed quite a bit of in recent seasons. |
That should help. |
But they also need JUCO transfers Michael Wyche (slimmed down to 315 this off season) and Calvin Heurtelou, to be more than stop gaps and make some plays in their second years in the program. |
They also need sophomores Courtel Jenkins and Anthony Moten to emerge. |
Jenkins in particular has the talent to break out and be a real disruptive presence. His progress will be key. |
And true freshman Kendrick Norton is a beast on film. Do not be surprised if he gets a lot of early looks. |
No, this group does not have a Kennedy, Sapp, Brown or Wilfork in its' midst. |
But it does have potential to be a lot better than it has been. |
A successful season could hinge upon it. |
Roster Overview - |
What they lost: |
Name Pos Ht, Wt 2015 |
Year Rivals 247 Comp. GP Tackles % of Team TFL Sacks Int PBU FF F |
Olsen Pierre DT |
13 26.0 3.7% 2.5 0.0 0 2 0 0 |
Key Returning Players: |
Calvin Heurtelou DT 6'3, 315 Sr. 3 stars (5.7) 0.8690 13 16.5 2.3% 1.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 |
Courtel Jenkins DT 6'1, 314 So. 3 stars (5.7) 0.8425 12 10.5 1.5% 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 |
Michael Wyche DT 6'4, 325 Sr. 3 stars (5.6) 0.8628 10 6.0 0.8% 0.5 0.5 0 0 0 0 |
Anthony Moten DT 6'4, 299 So. 4 stars (5.9) 0.9266 10 1.5 0.2% 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 |
Ufomba Kamalu DT/DE 6'6, 295 Sr. 2 stars (5.4) NR 13 27.5 3.9% 4.0 3.5 0 2 0 0 |
Freshmen to Watch: |
Kendrick Norton DT 6'3, 310 Fr. 3 stars (5.7) 0.8860 |
Ryan Fines DT 6'3, 310 Fr. 3 stars (5.7) 0.8860 |
Projected Starters: |
DT1: Michael Wyche/Calvin Heurtelou (interchangable 1/1A) |
DT2: Courtel Jenkins/Anthony Moten |
Best Pass Rusher: Ufomba Kamalu |
Highest Upside: Courtel Jenkins |
Sleeper Candidate to Start: Kendrick Norton |
Summary: |
'Canes fans do have reasons to be optimistic at this all important position beyond 2015, as Jenkins, Moten, and Norton look like pretty stout players with high ceilings. |
For the upcoming season it will be interesting to see how this group fairs, especially if there are significant schematic changes. |
Wyche looked sensational on his JUCO film, but barely saw the field last season due to injuries/conditioning issues. When he did get game action, he barely made an impact. He doesn't seem to use his base all that well, but perhaps the weight loss, and being in a more aggressive defense will help him improve. The 315 pound California native looks like a favorite to start, so Hurricanes fans have to hope there is significant improvement from Wyche. |
Heurtelou is right there with Wyche as a candidate to start. His upside isn't as high but at least you know what you will get from him. |
I love the potentials of Jenkins and the frosh Norton. |
Of the current players on the roster, those two have the best chance to bring back memories of historically dominant 'Canes DTs. |
But both are young players, so it might be a lot to ask for superstar play just yet. |