AT&T Announces DirecTV Now Streaming Service, Sling TV Debuts Cloud DVR

AT&T has announced its very own TV streaming service, with DirecTV Now set to go live on November 30, while Dish’s Sling TV has added Cloud DVR to its repertoire.

Apple may not quite have managed to tie up all the loose ends that are needed in order to make its streaming video dream into a reality just yet, but that doesn’t mean that other companies aren’t trying to have a go at it themselves. Both AT&T and Dish’s Sling have announced new features and services in the arena that has seen so much growth and change over the last few years, and whilst the Apple TV is getting in on the action, Apple needs to get the ball rolling on its own services before it’s left out in the cold.

Kicking us off is AT&T, which has announced DirecTV Now, a new customized streaming TV service that offers bundles of content with prices ranging from $35 to $70. Live sport, premium content and popular shows are included depending on the price range you plump for, with the four bundles on offer being Live a Little for $35/month (60+ channels), Just Right for $50/month (80+ channels), Go Big for $60/month (100+ channels) and Gotta Have it for $70/month (120+ channels).

If you forgive the names of those bundles, you will be able to watch content on iOS, Apple TV, Android and Amazon devices, and the web once the service goes live on November 30th, with the $60 “Go Big” package on offer for $35 for a limited time in celebration of the launch.

There is a free seven-day trial that AT&T users can avail for any of the four aforementioned packages from the DirecTV Now website at directvnow.com. Best of all, DirecTV Now usage won’t count against your AT&T data. Oh and if you pay 3-months in advance, you will get free Apple TV set-top box.

It’s important to note that DirecTV Now allows only two simultaneous streams at a time. At launch, there’s no cloud DVR or live TV pausing functionality though they are said to arrive sometime next year.

Dish’s popular streaming service Sling has also announced a new feature, with Sling TV’s Cloud DVR now available as a beta program. Sling says that users will be able to “record movies, episodes, full series and more and watch the TV you want whenever is best for you,” much like PlayStation Vue. The beta will roll out to customers who subscribe to Sling Orange and/or Sling Blue using Roku devices and, of course, signed up for the beta process.

Features include:

• Easy access – Your DVR content will be integrated directly into your “My TV” screen, so you can get to your recordings easily and quickly.


• Conflict-free recording – Users may record multiple programs simultaneously, with no recording conflicts.


• Simple space management – Just sit back and relax! We’ll automatically manage your DVR space to make room for new recordings by deleting the oldest ‘watched’ recording when capacity is full, so you don’t have to!

Signing up for the beta is a case of heading over to www.sling.com/dvr and providing an email address, so the barrier of entry is fairly low indeed. If you do sign up though, please do remember that beta title!

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AT&T Announces DirecTV Now Streaming Service, Sling TV Debuts Cloud DVR

How To Find Out If Your iPhone 6s Is Eligible For Free Battery Replacement From Apple

Here’s how you can find out if your iPhone 6s is eligible for free battery replacement from Apple for unexpected shutting down issue even if out of warranty.

Apple has announced that it will repair iPhone 6s handsets fitted with faulty batteries during the manufacturing process, which is obviously very good news for those who have fought with poor battery performance for some time now. Apple has been coy as to which of its iPhones are eligible for repair however, simply saying that a small portion of the iPhone 6s handsets in circulation suffer from the issue. In fact, Apple’s only advice for iPhone 6s owners is that if they are suffering from battery issues, then they should visit an Apple Store to see if they are impacted.

While that’s great if you happen to live close to an Apple Store, many people simply do not, with a multiple hour drive often on the cards for some people who need to visit a Genius Bar. That’s simply unacceptable, especially when you consider that they may get there only to be told their iPhone falls outside of Apple’s parameters for a return.

Thankfully, working out whether your iPhone 6s is good for a repair or replacement isn’t something only Apple Store teams can do. In fact, it’s not all that hard at all when you remember that only iPhones with specific manufacturing dates are impacted.

Apple has determined that a very small number of iPhone 6s devices may unexpectedly shut down. This is not a safety issue and only affects devices within a limited serial number range that were manufactured between September and October 2015…. Your iPhone will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program and in working order.

So, what do you need to do? Well, you need to find out when your iPhone 6s was made, and here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Find your iPhone’s serial number. It’s located on the back of your iPhone, or if you’d prefer, it’s also found in Settings > General > About.

Step 2: Look out for the following characters, found in the 4th and 5th spot of your iPhone’s serial number:

• Q3


• Q4


• Q5


• Q6


• Q7


• Q8


• Q9


• QC


• QD


• QF


• QG


• QH


• QJ

If you have a serial number including any of those, then you’re good to go to the Apple Store, safe in the knowledge that your iPhone 6s is one of the faulty ones and eligible for free battery replacement even if out of warranty. We bet you have never been so pleased to hear that!

(via: 9to5Mac)

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How To Find Out If Your iPhone 6s Is Eligible For Free Battery Replacement From Apple

iOS 10.1.1 Battery Drain And Shutdown Issues Being Reported By iPhone Users

iPhone users on iOS 10.1.1 have begun reporting drastic battery drain and shutdown issues following the latest firmware update.

Apple may have released iOS 10.1.1 earlier this month to fix a bug with how Health data was handled for certain users, but it looks as though it has actually introduced some inadvertent issues that are causing a growing number of device owners concern. It’s generally a good idea to immediately update an iPhone or iPad to the latest available firmware as soon as it shows up as a software update, but the growing number of device owners reporting new battery and shutting down issues on Apple’s support forums would suggest that all is not right with iOS 10.1.1.

The growing thread on Apple’s support forum now extends over more than thirteen pages, with each message on the thread all seeming to suggest the same thing; that upgrading a device to iOS 10.1.1 introduces random battery life behavior that causes the device to shutdown as if it had no power left.

Rather than introducing an issue where batteries rapidly drain down to 0% quicker than normal, it seems that iOS 10.1.1 contains problems that sees the phone entirely shutdown when a certain battery percentage is reached. If there’s anything more infuriating than a battery draining down and dying when you’re without access to power, it’s the device actually shutting itself down when it shows that it still has 25, 30 or even 40% left in the tank.

The original creator of the forum request for help suggested that his device was prone to shutting itself down on iOS 10.1.1 when it hit 30%, with many other device owners jumping on the bandwagon to let the world, and Apple, know that their device is also suffering the same behavior.

The bizarre thing is that when the device is plugged in, and turned back on, it instantly shows that it has plenty of battery life available, with some showing upwards of 25% almost immediately. Device owners are also taking to Twitter and other social networks to vent their frustration with the issue, with one users sarcastically suggesting that iOS 10.1.1 ships with Apple’s “most advanced battery-draining capabilities yet.”

While Apple is yet to officially respond to this problem, the company has only recently invoked a recall program for iPhone 6s owners who have been experiencing battery issues that have been narrowed down to a very specific range of serial numbers. Unless Apple issues a fix for this issue soon, it could have a number of other replacements on its hands.

In the meantime, you can try downgrading back to iOS 10.1 as Apple is still signing that firmware to see if that fixes the problem. You can follow our guide here on how to do that: How To Downgrade iOS 10.1.1 / 10.1 On iPhone Or iPad [Tutorial].

You may also like to check out:

• How To Fix Bad iOS 10 Battery Life Drain [Guide]


• iOS 10.2 Beta 4 Download Now Available


• Jailbreak iOS 10 / 10.1.1 / 10.0.2 / 10.2 For iPhone, iPad, iPod touch [Latest Status Update]


• Download iOS 10, 10.1.1, 10.2, 10.0.2 Links & Install On iPhone 7, 6s, 6, Plus, SE, 5s, 5c, 5, iPad, iPod [Tutorial]

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iOS 10.1.1 Battery Drain And Shutdown Issues Being Reported By iPhone Users

Tech Deals Cyber Monday Edition: $15 Off Apple Pencil, 55-inch 4K TV, $99 Moto G4 Play, More

Cyber Monday is upon us, and that can mean only one thing, that it’s time to bask in the warm glow of money-saving deals on some fabulous, cutting-edge technology. Black Friday maybe gone, but with Cyber Monday, you now have the opportunity to welcome more goodness into your lives whilst retaining as much of your money as possible.

With these deals, it’s possible to grab one of Apple’s fantastically designed Apple Pencil with a $15 reduction. Moving on from that, if you’re looking to adorn a whole wall in your house with visual entertainment, then you may be interested in what Samsung has to offer with a beautiful 55-inch, curved LED Smart TV with 4K capabilities.

There’s also a $99 2016-released Android smartphone, as well as a mammoth 26,800mAh portable power bank battery. Additionally there’s the Sony MDR Bluetooth wireless headphones to be grabbed as well.

As always, these deals are part of Cyber Monday and hence are only available for today only. Whatever you have your heart set on, make sure you act quickly before the offers expire. So what are you waiting for? Indulge yourself right now and enjoy the savings!

Apple Pencil for iPad Pro ($84.99, usually $99.99)

Does the Apple Pencil really need an introduction? If you aren’t an iPad Pro owner, and have never contemplated having to illustrate or annotate on a tablet, then the chances are that you may not even be aware of the hardware. After all, it isn’t one of Apple’s mainstream products. What it does offer is compatibility with the iPad Pro and tilt & pressure capabilities to ensure highly customized drawings are possible.

In one of the most rare discounts, you can grab it for $84.99. Today only.

Buy: Apple Pencil for iPad Pro from Amazon: $84.99 | Original price: $100

Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Wireless Headphones ($67.99, usually $129.99)

Looking to invest in a great set of advanced wireless headphones without having to part with the ridiculous amounts of money that are required for high-end Beats or BOSE? Step forward Sony. It’s easy to connect and stream music via Bluetooth or NFC, with the real selling point of these headphones being the exceptional extra bass that they offer.

Have an iPhone 7? Getting these is a no brainer! Especially at this today-only special price of just $67.99.

Buy: Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Wireless Headphones from Amazon: $67.99 | Original price: $130

RAVPower 26,800mAh Power Bank Battery With Optional USB-C ($50 with promo code, usually $129.99)

If you often find your mobile device showing signs of giving up the ghost from a power perspective when you least expect it, then it could be prudent to be armed for that device apocalypse by having one of these high RAVPower portable power banks in tow. With this, you can instantly breathe life into your smartphone or tablet wherever you are.

As a bonus, it also features a USB Type-C port.

Grab the contraption using the following promo code at checkout to get it for a reduced price of just $50: UJNPVP77.

Buy: RAVPower 26,800mAh Power Bank Battery from Amazon: $50 | Original price: $130

Samsung Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV ($747.99 with Free $100 Gift Card, usually $1,048)

If we uttered the words Samsung curved LED TV to you, and then throw in the fact that it’s 4K and comes with smart functionality – all at a discounted price, this alone will likely be enough to get you interested in this deal. However, if that wasn’t enough to entice you in, then Amazon is also throwing in a $100 Gift Card in addition to the discount.

Buy: Samsung UN55KU6600 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV from Amazon: $747.99 | Original price: $1,048

Moto G4 Play, 16GB, Unlocked ($99.99, usually $149.99)

This reduction on the fourth-generation 2016-released unlocked Moto G4 Play, with 16GB of internal storage, should definitely be a good enough gift for just about any loved one that you may have. Moto G4 Play features 5-inch HD display, 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 4G LTE connectivity, 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera and 2800mAh battery. At $99, it is definitely a steal!

Buy: Moto G4 Play, 16GB, Unlocked from Amazon: $99.99 | Original price: $150

For more deals, don’t forget to check out our continuously updated list of Cyber Monday 2016 deals here: The Best Cyber Monday Deals 2016 In Tech [Continuously Updated].

Remember, all of these deals are valid for today only.

You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the Web.

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Tech Deals Cyber Monday Edition: $15 Off Apple Pencil, 55-inch 4K TV, $99 Moto G4 Play, More

macOS 10.12.2 Beta 4 And watchOS 3.1.1 Beta 4 Available Now

macOS Sierra 10.12.2 beta 4 and watchOS 3.1.1 beta 4 are now available to download for Mac and Apple Watch devices respectively.

These seeds are available to developers only, or more appropriately, to users registered and enrolled as members of the Apple Developer Program over at developer.apple.com. It was about two weeks ago when Apple made beta 3 of the aforementioned operating systems available, and now with beta 4 out, let’s take a look at the contents of the packages.

macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Beta 4

As we already know, macOS 10.12.2 is all about progression of the platform, integrating needed bug fixes and performance improvements, and ensuring that all new devices have compatibility and the support that they need. To that end, 10.12.2 is likely a release that sees better and ongoing support added for the fantastic Touch Bar in the new 2016 MacBook Pro. As is always the case, Apple will have also taken the opportunity to patch any security vulnerabilities that have become known, as well as improve any areas of concern ahead of public release.

As always, registered developers who have a vested interest in ensuring that Apple is progressing on the right course can grab the latest beta update of macOS 10.12.2 directly from the Mac App Store. Using the Software Update functionality within, developers enrolled in beta program are able to install beta 4 directly over the top of any existing macOS installation.

watchOS 3.1.1 Beta 4

The introduction of watchOS 3 and watchOS 3.1 was where the real improvements and changes were for Apple Watch owners. This latest 3.1.1 update is an expected point release that looks to improve the overall Apple Watch experience, across all models and series.

Apple Watch owners interested in this update, and who have the configuration profile installed for watchOS beta updates, can head into Watch app > General > Software Update on their iPhone right now to grab watchOS 3.1.1 beta 4 as an over-the-air update.

You may also like to check out:

• iOS 10.2 Beta 4 Download Now Available


• Jailbreak iOS 10 / 10.1.1 / 10.0.2 / 10.2 For iPhone, iPad, iPod touch [Latest Status Update]


• Download iOS 10, 10.1.1, 10.2, 10.0.2 Links & Install On iPhone 7, 6s, 6, Plus, SE, 5s, 5c, 5, iPad, iPod [Tutorial]

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macOS 10.12.2 Beta 4 And watchOS 3.1.1 Beta 4 Available Now

iOS 10.2 Beta 4 Download Now Available

iOS 10.2 beta 4 is now available to download and install on compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices.

As always is the case though, this fourth pre-release of iOS 10.2 is only available to those who are registered and enrolled members of the Apple Developer Program. The release comes approximately two weeks after the third beta was made available, and four weeks after the Cupertino-based company first introduced iOS 10.2 to the development community.

As you may already know from following our previous posts on the progression of iOS 10.2, Apple has actually introduced some notable and tangible changes with this firmware revision.

As an example of things to look forward to, the recently introduced TV app, which first made an appearance at Apple’s recent “hello again” event, is now not only available in iOS 10.2, but has also replaced the native Videos app. On the subject of the new TV app, iOS 10.2 also introduces dedicated set of configurable options within the native iOS Settings for the TV app. These options include being able to configure whether or not cellular data should be used for media playback, as well as defining the quality of purchases and rentals from one area.

Those who regularly send emotive and dynamic communications from within the new iOS 10 Messages app can also expect to find two brand new full-screen effects in the form of “Love” and “Celebrate”, as well as new and updated Unicode 9 emojis.

Apple has also brought back the Feedback app that allows those testing the platform to instantly give feedback to the company’s engineers about potential areas of concern or problems.

Indian residents also have access to an excellent, and super helpful, Emergency SOS feature that has clearly been added as part of the country’s new legislation that requires all devices sold in the country to have a dedicated panic button feature.

Dive into the platform yourself and see if you can spot any other changes in today’s beta 4 release, and we will make sure we bring the updates to you as they become apparent.

Anyone with an iOS beta configuration profile installed is able to grab the latest available pre-release seed as an over-the-air update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update to force the iOS 10.2 beta 4 update through to the device.

You may also like to check out:

• Jailbreak iOS 10 / 10.1.1 / 10.0.2 / 10.2 For iPhone, iPad, iPod touch [Latest Status Update]


• Download iOS 10, 10.1.1, 10.2, 10.0.2 Links & Install On iPhone 7, 6s, 6, Plus, SE, 5s, 5c, 5, iPad, iPod [Tutorial]

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iOS 10.2 Beta 4 Download Now Available

New Details Emerge On Apple’s Rumored 10.9-Inch iPad Model

Hit-and-miss Japanese online publication Mac Otakara is back once again with some timely Apple predictions, this time pertaining to the future of the company’s iPad range.

Specifically, the Japanese source is predicting that next year’s rumored 10.9-inch iPad will ship with a footprint that’s virtually identical to that of the existing 9.7-inch iPad Pro, despite the fact that it comes with larger screen real estate for content to be viewed and interacted with.

As you might expect, this information isn’t coming directly from Apple, nor is it from anyone claiming to be directly connected to Apple. Instead, the publication is professing to be well-informed via a well-placed supply-chain source in Taiwan who is aware of Apple’s plans. It’s being said that although the 10.9-inch iPad will ship with a noticeably larger display, the company will managed to keep the overall size of the device down by significantly reducing the size of the bezels around the embedded display.

Providing more in-depth clarity on the design decisions, the “well-informed” source out of Taiwan has also suggested that the top bezel of the new iPad will remain consistent with previous models in the fact the size will remain the same and will still include the FaceTime camera that iPad owners have come to expect.

The real changes will come with the side bezels on the device being significantly reduced, and the Home / Touch ID button being removed entirely in order to make significant space savings on the bottom of the device. There’s been plenty of speculation over the last few months about Apple taking the initiative to entirely remove the Home button from future iPhone models. Next year’s 10.9-inch iPad model could be the first iPad (and Apple device) to adopt that approach.

The idea of an iPad with a larger screen, but similar size footprint, is extremely appealing, but there may be tradeoffs for a consumer to come to terms with. The same publication is also suggesting that Apple will take the unheard of approach of actually making the new iPad slightly thicker than the current models by increasing the thickness of the device to 7.5mm. Similarly the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will also see an increase in thickness by 3mm, which again could be the result of bezel reduction.

All those changes and improvements in design and specs, but we’re still not expecting to see OLED technology integrated into the iPad range until 2018. More so, with regards to the 10.9-inch display being discussed, a more reliable source, KGI Securities, followed by DigiTimes, has pegged the screen size of this new iPad to be around the 10.5-inch mark.

(Source: Mac Otakara [Google Translate])

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New Details Emerge On Apple’s Rumored 10.9-Inch iPad Model