Stories by John Cox

New iOS app secures IM traffic with 'post quantum' encryption scheme

A new instant messaging application for the iPhone uses an advanced, "post quantum" encryption scheme to scramble one-on-one chats. It's intended as a bullet-proof secure alternative to WhatsApp's addictive message interface and to mobile carrier's primitive and (outside the U.S.) pricey SMS texting services.

iPhone rumour rollup for the week ending May 9

The iOSphere was rocked by iPhone 6 Sticker Shock, at about 10+ on the Richter scale, when one "report" this week predicted that the Next iPhone will cover its 5.44-inch display with a synthetic sapphire sheet that will boost the phone's unlocked price to $1,285.

iPhone 6 rumour rollup for the week ending May 2

Checks and guesses spurred rumors that Apple has begun shipping raw synthetic sapphire material to Asia for processing into iPhone 6 display covers. One analyst estimated the amount shipped would be good for... maybe 115,000 covers.

iPhone 6 rumour rollup for the week ending April 21

The iOSphere this past week wondered at the prospect of iPhone 6 with a Supercharged Siri, an all-knowing, all-doing software entity that will manage your iOS life for you. Eventually, probably in iOS 9, Siri will offer psychotherapy.

How Apple's billion dollar sapphire bet will pay off

Apple is making a billion dollar bet on sapphire as a strategic material for mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad and perhaps an iWatch. Though exactly what the company plans to do with the scratch-resistant crystal – and when – is still the subject of debate.

iPhone 6 rumour rollup for the week ending April 11

Hopes, like spring daffodils, burst into bloom this week in the certainty that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will arrive in just five short months as Chinese worker bees prepared the massive assembly lines that will bring the smartphones into the world. And could the 5.5-inch iPhone be far behind?

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