Apple`s Passbook app “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place”

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Apple`s Passbook app “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place

Apple has announced an app called Passbook as one of the new features of iOS6. The app is a means for users to hold all their loyalty cards, tickets, vouchers and coupons in a single place on their mobile device. Passbook is a step towards a mobile wallet although the company made no mention of a payment mechanism such as NFC.

The company describes Passbook as being “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place”. It will enable users to scan their iPhone or iPod touch to use coupons, concert tickets or hotel entry.  Other examples of what users could carry in the app include season tickets for sports events and airline tickets.

The app will also be location-based, says Apple. It will automatically display the correct pass based on a specific time or location. Apple gives the example of a loyalty card for a regularly visited coffee shop. In fact, Passbook will enable users to make payments via Starbucks' popular app (although Passbook is not mobile payments service for Apple itself). Or the app will alert the user for instance if there is a last-minute gate change at an airport.

Passbook launch partners include Starbucks, Fandango, Target, Amtrak, United, the Apple Store, MLB.com, and W Hotels.

However Apple’s announcement made no mention of NFC. In the past, there has been speculation that the company would announce an NFC capability for the iPhone although that has lessened recently. The Passbook announcement will likely put it back on the agenda.

The new app is among the new features on iOS6 which will be available to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users this autumn, the company says.  Other features will include a new maps app, an update to Siri and Facebook integration for contacts and calendar. The new features were announced at its WWDC event for developers.

Apple may launch new iProducts in October.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Apple may launch new iProducts  in October.

Apple may refresh its entire range of iProducts in a single showcase.

iPods.

Apple sold 7.7 million iPods, which represented a 15 percent decline compared to last year. More than half of those were iPod touches.

Apple has registered declining iPod sales. Only the iPod touch has been selling a tad stronger than its smaller siblings. Although the ubiquitous players are directly responsible for Apple’s triumphant rising around the year 2000, it appears the iPod line has finally started to lose its steam.

That’s not to say the music players aren’t still popular. The figures only suggest people have grown increasingly fond of big screens, which makes the iTouch the first candidate for an upgrade this year. 

Admittedly, there have been few leaks regarding a potential refresh.

iPad mini.

 Apple is indeed preparing a smaller version of its wildly popular iPad tablet and it will launch this coming October for between $200 and $250.

Numerous earlier reports have suggested that an iPad with a 7.85-inch display will launch in the third or fourth quarter this year.

The scaled down tablet will look exactly like the current 9.7-inch iPad but smaller. It will also feature a display resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, identical to the panel on Apple’s new iPad.

iPhone 5.

The smartphone will look quite different from the current-generation iPhones (though Apple is reportedly still deciding on the final design), and it will feature a slightly-bigger display, as well as a smaller dock connector.

Related Articles.

iPad mini could crash down the competition as rumors surface again. Launch Oct, price $200-$250.-

Games for FREE for your iPod Touch.

WorldWide Tech & Scvience. Francisco De Jesús.

Best Free iPod Touch Games:

Valor 

Lead your kingdom to glory in the massive multiplayer online real time strategy game Valor. You’re pitted against other iOS users and battle it out for the right to rule the realm. You can form alliances and create guilds. Betray rival kingdoms in this surprisingly deep strategy game.

Little Metal Ball

Navigate giant platforms as quick as you can without falling over the edge in Little Metal Ball. It’s tilt-to-roll gameplay on an adventurous scale. LMB throws in stars that give time bonuses, moving platforms and jumps to keep things interesting.

Poker by Zynga

Poker by Zynga was originally a Facebook app and it makes the transition to your Touch quite nicely. The design is simple and doesn’t get in the way of your hands. You do need to have online access as the game is online-only.

Hangman/Tic-Tac-Toe

Play against the computer or your friends with Hangman and Tic-Tac-Toe. They’re separate apps that make for some quick gaming. Admittedly, these two are more fun to play against your friends. Still, they’re simple games and worth a few minutes.

Solitaire/Sudoku

There are a few Solitaire and Sudoku apps for free on iTunes. We recommend just searching for these two one-word titles. You’ll get some brain action in Sudoku and you can never go wrong with a quick game of Solitaire while waiting for the bus.

Oregon Trail

The original gets an update to some cartoony fun but still with some of the same problems that you remember. You’ll still get dysentary, for example. If you’re nostalgic for traveling the Trail as you did in school, give this app a try. There are some new features like a few mini games and side missions.

Addicting Games

Yes, technically, this isn’t a game. It’s a bunch of games. You start out with up to 32 games with AG promising to add even more down the road. Try games like Parapop, Jewelers, World Wars, Zombie Burger and more. It comes with achievements, tons of levels and the ability to challenge Facebook friends.

Minecraft – pocket edition

Minecraft on your phone! Design the world of your dreams and dig deep into the underbelly while keeping an eye out for the deadly creepers. True, the pocket edition of Minecraft does not have as many options as the full PC game but the simple gameplay still offers what you need from the world building game.

Hanging with friends Free/Words with friends Free

Zynga’s Words and Hanging with friends games are uber-popular and you probably know someone who has at least one them. Words is Scrabble and Hanging is a twist on Hangman. Instead of a noose the characters hold balloons that float them up. Grab either one and challenge your friends.

Bubble Shooter Free

Who doesn’t love shooting bubbles? It’s been a gaming classic since the 1980s and this app doesn’t disappoint in the shooting of bubbles regard. Beyond the normal bubble wall that descends there are several different maps and modes to choose one. Just tap the screen and fire away.


Source. digitaltrends