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Do Refurbished Macbooks Offer Better Value Than New Ones?

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When we think about second-hand devices, we usually associate them with broken or unusable machines that have been passed on for profit.  However, this is not always the case as even reputable retailers like Phonebot sell Refurbished Macbooks. In this article, we will look at the facts behind refurbished MacBooks and whether they are worth the buy in 2021.

What Refurbished Means

Source:pcmag.com

Refurbished products are devices that have been returned or re-sent to the company due to factory defects and then fixed and quality-assured to be fully functional again. Defects can range from storages, ports, display, or even touchscreens experienced by owners. Recycled goods from owners who discontinue the use of a certain unit also belong to this category. These are then resold if they meet the requirements of being usable by future owners. Refurbished devices are offered in various grades and usually those grades are Like New, Open box, Grade A and B.

The Grades of the device represents the condition the device is in currently, lets discuss the grades and what they mean.

Grade A

The Grade A device might have minor scuffs or scratches which you can easily overlook.

Grade B

A Grade B device have more scratches or scuffs than a Grade A device.

Like New

This one is self-explanatory, a like new device is in prestine condition and looks like a brand new phone.

Open Box

An Open box is device is barely used and usually comes with the original box and accessories.

The right grade for you depends on your budget and the device you plan on going for.

Are they legitimate?

Yes, and no. Refurbished MacBooks coming from reputable retailers are sure to be legitimate as they are fully tested and examined to work like new units. Remember that the source is one of the most important factors to look at when purchasing a refurbished unit as this could make or break the condition of the device.

Certified MacBooks

Source:cnet.com

Certified Macs are those products that have been checked and quality-assured by Apple. These Macs are on-par with brand new ones as they have been fully tested and replaced with genuine and legitimate Apple parts, as well as completely cleaned inside and out. Certified Macs are also installed with either the original Operating System or the latest one that is available. However, you must take note that the supply for these types of units is very limited. It’s better to buy from a reputable retailer, you can save more and they’d have a steadier supply of refurbished Macbooks.

The Takeaway

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a refurbished MacBook that you need to consider.

Pros

  • Lots of savings. Refurbished MacBooks are discounted as they are secondhand units that have been given new life. This could mean markdown costs that can spare you a couple of hundred bucks. Refurbished devices offer more value than a brand new phone.
  • Same Performance as Brand New. Thanks to the quality control of the devices, they are guaranteed to work with the same efficiency as brand new units. After all, the parts have been replaced with components that are legitimate and fool-proof. This ensures that they perform just like they did when they were first taken out of the box.
  • Direct Store Purchase. Purchasing from the official store brings added benefits in terms of peace of mind and confidence. You will do every part of the process on the online store and even receive benefits such as free shipping.

Cons

  • Limited Stocks. Available stocks of refurbished units highly depend on the number of Macs being returned to the company. This means that they are not always available for purchase and waiting for the units to replenish may take some time. As discussed above, if you buy from an Industry expert, you won’t be facing this problem. Reputable retailers make sure all in-demand products are in stock and in various Grades.

Pricing

Prices of refurbished MacBooks are discounted at around 15 to 18% in Apple’s official store. This might seem a bit low, but when equated to a MacBooks high price, it could mean savings up to $300. It is possible to get a lower price point when inquiring at third-party vendors. The price of a refurbished Macbook starts from $1000 AUD, it depends on the model and grade you’re buying.

A good tip before purchasing refurbished MacBooks coming from the non reputable retailer is to do a background check and look at the reviews that are on the page. This could separate the thin line between getting high-quality devices and disappointing ones.

After Purchase Warranties

Source:engadget.com

The warranty for a Refurbished MacBook is the same as brand new units. You get a one-year coverage with free delivery as well as returns. This can also be extended depending on your liking through AppleCare. This warranty period might be different when purchasing from third-party vendors as they have different processes and methods in repairs. Reputable retailers offer a warranty along with a change of mind policy, if anything does go wrong you can contact them either through call/online or visiting the store.

Conclusion

Buying a second-hand unit especially when it comes to MacBooks should not be viewed as bad light. Instead, it must be seen as a practical method to greatly save money while still acquiring high-quality goods. If you want a good-as-new MacBook at a lower price point, then Refurbished MacBooks fit you well. After all, they are quality-assured especially for units sold by the Apple company itself.

If you are careful with your decisions, you can even extend your savings further by purchasing a refurbished device from a third-party reputable vendors. However, you need to know your seller well as this could either mean huge savings or huge loss in the long run. Like any other stores, there are great third-party refurbished MacBook vendors and there are also awful ones. Make sure you check out the reviews and customer feedback to make sure you’re buying from a reputable vendor.

8 Most Innovative Companies in the World in 2021

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Being an inventor while living in a capitalistic society like ours can be a daunting task. Sometimes it seems like every single idea you have has already been thought out before. Still, this couldn’t be farther from the truth! You may only need some extra inspiration to get it started!

So, in this article, we decided to list our top 8 innovative companies to help you gain some courage to start inventing yourself!

So without further ado, let’s explore the list!

Tesla

Source:techsauce.co

Tesla’s innovations have changed the automobile industry in a major way. Elon Musk, the CEO, is one of the most innovative people in the world right now, but he’s not the sole reason for the company’s reputation. There are many innovative individuals in the company as it attracts them with its developed innovation culture.

As an innovator, it’s incredibly important that you have the necessary freedom and tools to be creative, and Tesla is a place that provides it. So, always look to work for people who will support your innovative mind and make you feel comfortable to share your ideas.

Apple

Source:techinfoz.com

We all know the famous story of Apple beginning in a garage. They’re one of the most innovative companies in the technology industry. Without their ideas, our smartphones would probably look much different today. They’re always upgrading and improving their designs with the newest ideas.

Apple is a classic story of how creativity can bring you incredibly far. So have some courage and don’t give up on your ideas! It doesn’t matter how impossible it may seem right now, if you believe in yourself, you’re guaranteed to succeed in achieving your goals!

Amazon

Source:thinkmonsters.com

Amazon is famous for changing retail business like nobody else before. Their unique way of approaching things, and their persistence in creating fresh new solutions to improve their customer’s experience is what makes them one of the top companies on this list. They’re always expanding their business to new markets so you’ll never have any reason to look for an alternative.

Also, their numerous inventions like Amazon Echo and Amazon Alexa are what make them stand out from many other companies in the same business. So, become a game-changer! Start small, and build up your idea to a point where it’s impacting the whole market.

Microsoft

Source:microsoft.com

Microsoft is one of the biggest companies in the tech world and it’s been on the top for many years. What’s allowed them to stay on top is more than just pure luck though! Their incredible inventions are what’s made them stay on top. They’re always first in creating the most clever solutions to further develop their business. Whatever is the trend in the tech world, chances are that it comes from Microsoft.

Just having an idea is not enough. A good invention should be updated frequently to stay fresh! So, always work on ways to improve your idea and keep it exciting!

Samsung

Source:news.samsung.com

The Korean tech company is one of the biggest innovators around. They’re always improving and adding fresh new products to their supply chain. We’re all benefiting from their inventions! The whole debate between Apple and Samsung is completely unnecessary,  especially because these companies are actively collaborating to bring amazing new products to their customers. Samsung is well-known to produce parts for Apple products, so every iPhone user actually has a little bit of Samsung inside of their devices.

So, yes, sometimes you’ll need a little help to bring your idea to life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Luckily, there are companies like inventhelp.com that specialize in this kind of work. So, always make sure to ask for help if you need it!

SONY

Source:schmidhuber.de

Another Asian conglomerate corporation, SONY is also one of the most innovative companies out there. They do some incredible work, and while they’re famous for their TVs and gaming consoles, they’re also the inventors of some of the most advanced tech products in the globe. Just two years ago, they’ve introduced a brand new version of AIBO, the world’s most advanced robotic dog. Isn’t that amazing? It’s a company that’s not afraid of challenges, and that’s what makes them so successful in innovating.

So, what can you, an aspiring inventor, from SONY? It’s simple: Be courageous and become an out of the box thinker! It’s what will make you successful in the long run!

Facebook

Source:retailsee.com

Facebook is the number one social media platform, and they’re absolutely deserving of the title! They changed the ways we use the internet, inspired millions of young inventors to start their own projects, and they’re still number one after more than a decade of existence. Facebook is famous for always adding new features to its platform, so its users never get bored of it.  It has revolutionized the internet lingo and it continues to do so every day.

Facebook’s story is an inspiration to many. It was created by a Harward dropout, and it started as a small start-up. Of course, it took a lot of time and effort before the idea took off and became so influential. So, it doesn’t matter how good your ideas are, if you’re not able to put your time, effort, and dedication into developing it, it will never be good enough.

Alphabet

Source:cantechletter.com

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is famous for its inventions. They started off their business by providing sorting algorithms to help people navigate the internet more easily. They’ve released many beta versions and used the feedback they were getting to keep on improving their algorithms. In fact, they’re still working on updating and advancing their service every day. Other than that, they’ve released many successful products and software like Google Maps, Google Cloud, and Youtube.

All in all, the invention process is filled with a lot of trial and error. If you try to invent something, you’re probably going to fail a lot of the time. Still, what counts is what you do after you’ve failed. Always take failure as an opportunity to further improve yourself! Don’t ever beat yourself down, but try to learn from your experiences, and you’ll definitely succeed!

How to Change Ringtone on the iPhone & Safeguard Your Data

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The same old ringtone can get boring very quickly. Hearing the exact same sound repetitively ring from your phone every time you receive a call might eventually lead you to silence your device just so you can escape the noise.

Then, you run into the issue of multiple missed calls. What if they were important? Like someone trying to alert you of data security issues. There is just no way to beat the situation – except there is. You can change the ringtone on your iPhone to whatever sound or song you desire.

Want a quacking duck to alert you that you have a call? You got it. Do you want One Direction to blast from your phone whenever you receive a phone call? Done. Don’t let a boring ringtone cause you to miss important calls. Read on to learn how to change the ringtone on your iPhone.

How to Change Ringtone to a Different iPhone Sound

Source:techadvisor.co.uk

When you first buy your iPhone, the device will come set up with the standard ringtone. Just like your alarm sounds, text tones, and other notifications, you will need to customize your iPhone sounds to fit your preferences. Here’s how you can change your ringtone to another provided iPhone sound.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone

After unlocking your iPhone, navigate to the settings icon, and open the app. If you cannot find the app, simply type “Settings” into your search bar, and you will be able reach the app from there.

Step 2: Open the “Sounds & Haptics” Tab

Navigate to the “Sounds & Haptics” option, and click to open the tab. Once on the page, you will see options to put your phone on vibrate, adjust the volume of your notifications and ringtone, as well as many choices to change the sound or vibration pattern of the various notifications your iPhone may receive.

Step 3: Click “Ringtone” and choose from the list of ringtones that Apple provides

On the “Ringtone” page, you will notice a variety of ringtones that you can choose from for free. The names of the ringtones, such as “Apex” or “Sencha,” are not the most indicative of what the ringtone will actually sound like, so the best way to choose from this list is to click on each individual sound and give them a listen. Once you find a sound you like, simply click on the ringtone name. You have now set that sound as your ringtone, and you can exit the app.

An Alternative to Step 3: Click “Tone Store” and explore the list of sounds that you can buy from Apple to set as your ringtone

Apple provides you with the option to purchase popular sounds to set as your ringtone from their store. These ringtones can range from Halloween-themed music to top hits on the radio to the theme song of The Office. However, these sounds are not free. Each sound is $1.29, but if you are willing to pay for the sound, it is an easy way to set a ringtone of your choice for your iPhone.

How to Change Ringtone to a Sound or Song Not Provided by iPhone

Source:redmondpie.com

If you are putting in the effort to change your iPhone ringtone, you probably are not in the market to change it to another boring instrumental sound that Apple provides. Maybe you want a quacking duck or a TikTok sound or maybe even your friend’s voice telling a joke to notify you that you’re receiving a call. Here’s how to change your ringtone to a custom sound of your choice.

Step 1: Download iTunes

With apps like Spotify and Apple Music, you almost never have to use iTunes anymore. However, to set your own custom sound as your ringtone, you will need to download the latest version of iTunes from Apple onto your Windows PC (Mac comes with iTunes already installed).

Step 2: Select the sound clip you want to use as your ringtone

Whether it is a song you downloaded or a sound you recorded, you can use it as your ringtone. Make sure your sound file is under 40 seconds because iTunes will not accept a ringtone that is longer than 40 seconds. You can use a free audio editor to shorten the sound if it is too long.

Step 3: Convert the MP3 file to AAC

Source:.lifewire.com

In order for your sound to be accepted as a ringtone, it must be in AAC format. Once the file is converted, add it to your iTunes library.

Step 4: Rename your sound file

Rename your AAC file, so you can easily locate it when selecting the sound for your ringtone.

Step 5: Add the sound to your iPhone

Source:idownloadblog.com

Once you have the file prepared, connect your laptop device to your iPhone. You will likely receive a pop-up notification on your phone asking if it should trust your computer. Click “Trust”. Back on your laptop, navigate to the device icon in iTunes to the left of the word “Library.” Click the “Tones” option under the subsection “On My Devices.” Drag and drop the sound file into the “Tones” folder so your phone will now have access to the sound. If the drag and drop feature does not work, copy and paste the file into the “Tones” folder.

Step 6: Choose your custom sound in the Ringtone setting

Follow the steps from the “How to Change Ringtone to a Different iPhone Sound” section to select your ringtone. You will now receive calls with your personalized sound or song!

Safeguard Your Data for Security

Now that you’ve walked through the entire handbook on how to change ringtone on the iPhone, you can take a closer look at your security. While you may have a unique ringtone for some or all of your contacts, what if you aren’t protected enough? Are your contacts encrypted? Sadly, a custom ringtone is hardly a proper screening mechanism.

In the modern digital world, encrypting your phone is just another must-have. How can you safeguard your data from hackers and malicious users? Whether you are using your device for personal or business purposes, it is paramount that you have the proper data protection in place.

Our friends at Covve present three easy steps for you to do just that:

  1. Encrypt Your Phone

It’s simple, I know, but the first step is to encrypt your phone (or phones if you have one for work and one for personal use). Encryption will protect you if you lose your phone or it is stolen. iPhone users can simply open Settings and enable password or biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or FaceID.

Using the strongest authentication method available on your iPhone model for the most protection. Similar to any online accounts, a complex alphanumeric passcode is going to protect you better than both a numeric passcode or biometric authentication simply because it’s harder to fake.

  1. Set a Mobile PIN

Source:ccm.net

Chances are you have apps or logins on your phone for important things, like your bank account. Curious how hackers can gain access to accounts that you’ve taken extra precaution to set two-factor authentication?

It’s a little something called SIM-swapping. Hackers bypass 2FA accounts with SIM-swapping attacks. This tactic also jeopardizes any online services that use text passcodes to reset passwords. If your phone number is hijacked from SIM-swapping attackers, they can also access your text messages and gain access to your accounts.

Setting a mobile PIN on your phone account is crucial for fighting against these attacks. With a PIN, you are disabling the ability to transfer your phone number without that PIN. You can do this with your carrier: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T.

  1. Activate Automatic Updates

Auto-update can save you from the vulnerabilities of outdated software that can have bugs and increased threats of attack. Software updates ensure your phone’s operating system (OS) is safe and maintains the regular (and adjusted) security fixes from the developers.

To set up automatic updates for iOS:

  • Open the Settings app
  • Go to General > Software Update > Automatic Updates
  • Toggle Automatic Updates on

And you’re all set! Securing your phone so that you can add that popping ringtone and keep your information safe is extremely important. There are simple steps in place, like encrypting your phone and implementing multi-factor authentication, that can keep out unwanted guests.

Steve Wozniak, American Computer Engineer And Programmer

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Stephen Gary Wozniak is an American computer engineer and programmer. According to him, he has made a whopping $ 100 million in his career, and behind it is a very interesting story. Let’s start from the beginning.

He was born on August 11, 1950 in San Jose, California. He was the son of Francis Jacob Wozniak of Michigan, and Margaret Louise Wozniak born in Kern in Washington. He graduated from Homestead High School in 1968. On one occasion he mentioned that he had a Polish surname, and when he spoke of his origin he said that he was not an expert and did not know other people with the same surname.

In 1969, Wozniak returned to San Francisco Bay after being expelled from the University of Colorado Boulder for breaking into the school’s computer system. Before focusing on Apple, he took a job at Hewlett-Packard, where he designed calculators. During this period he befriended Steve Jobs, his business partner.

img source: bitcoinist.com

The 1970s and 1980s are very important for this famous electronics engineer and great programmer. Together with Steve Jobs, he founded Apple in his parents’ garage. He was not only the co-owner but also a great designer of computers and software. Following the success of “Apple 1”, Wozniak designs “Apple 2”, the first personal computer to display color graphics. The successor to the Apple 2, the Apple 3, which went on sale in 1980, was nowhere near as successful as its predecessor. According to Wozniak, the Apple 3 had 100% hardware errors because it was designed by employees of the marketing department, not engineers. The driver’s apartment in San Jose was filled with monitors, electronic devices and computer games that he developed. The “Apple 1” retails for $ 666.66, and it’s just a coincidence as the developer later explained he didn’t know it had anything to do with the biblical prophecy, and he chose the number because of his affinity towards repeating numbers, yep coincidence.

In 1983, he wanted to revisit Apple products instead of the festival. As other engineers joined the growing company, he felt less and less needed in those projects, so in 1985 he decided to leave the job permanently. According to him, the company started to develop in the wrong direction and he decided to sell most of his shares. In a 2013 interview, Wozniak says another reason for his departure was that Jobs took the project into his own hands when he had a plane crash and was not there. Although he left Apple he never wanted to get him off the employee list, he represented the company whenever he had the opportunity at some important events. They gave him $ 120,000 a month for the job.

After completing his career at Apple, Wozniak enrolled at Berkeley University to complete his studies. At the time, his name was quite familiar so he had to enter under the fake name Rocky Racoon Clark, that name was spelled out at graduation. He remained on friendly terms with Jobs until his death in October 2011.

He taught computer science to children in grades five through nine, as well as their teachers. In 2001, he founded Wheels of Zeus – WOZ to create wireless GPS technology to help every person in their day-to-day business. In 2002, he joined the Board of Directors at Danger the creator of Hip Top. In 2006, Zeus Wheels closed, and Wozniak founded Acquicor Technology, a company that takes over technology companies and develops them. From 2009 to 2014, he was the Chief Scientist at Fusion-io, and since 2014 has been given the same position at Data Primers.

Airplane crash:

img source: vox-cdn.com

The plane crash happened on February 7, 1981. Immediately after takeoff, a plane operated by Wozniak crashed. The plane slowed on its ascent, bounced off the runway and went through two railings and hit an embankment. The pilot, his then fiance Candice Clark, his brother and his brother’s girlfriend were injured. Wozniak sustained several injuries to his face and head. He did not remember the accident, he did not know how to say his name in the hospital, as well as the things he did after his discharge from the hospital. He later said that games with Apple 2 helped him regain his memory.

His acknowledgments and awards:

img souce: wordpress.com

He has received several awards and honors in his career for his contributions to technology. He was awarded an honorary degree from Santa Clara University, Michigan State University, University of Colorado Boulder 1989, North Carolina State University 2004, Kettering University 2005, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale 2005, ESPOL University in Ecuador 2008, Concordia University in Montreal, Canada in June 22, 2011, and many other higher education institutions. In the 2000s he found himself in the home of famous national inventors. The city of San Jose has named its street Woz Way in his honor. Because of his contributions to technology, he received 12 honorary degrees as a Doctor of Engineering. Wozniak has been mentioned and interviewed in the media on several occasions, and has also appeared in various films, series and shows.

Private life Steven Wozniak:

img source: motor1.com

Steven lives in Los Gatos, California. In 2012, he applied for Australian citizenship and said he would like to live in Melbourne in the future. He joined the Masons to spend more time with then-wife Alice Robertson. Wozniak’s second wife was Candice Clark from 1981-1987. They have three children and the youngest child was born after their divorce. After a famous affair with actress Kathy Griffin, he married Janet Hill, who is still his wife today. As for religion, Wozniak says that he is an atheist and does not believe in God. His favorite game is Tetris, and in 1990 he sent his record to Nintendo Power so many times that they stopped printing his records, so he started sending them under the alias “Evets Kainzow”. There are more nicknames. They call him “Woz” then “The wonderful Wizard of Woz” and they say that he is also “Second Steve”, referring to his longtime business partner and friend.

Companies With The Best Customer Support

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Nowadays, a valuable part of a company is its customer support. When you offer a product to the general public, you should expect feedback on your product. Sometimes, that feedback can be negative and people will complain or ask questions. It is specifically for this purpose why companies pride themselves on having excellent customer support.

But who are the companies that have the best? In this article, we are going to take a look at the companies with the best customer support.

1. Apple

Apple, being one of the leading brands in the world of smartphones, desktop PC’s, etc, has millions of customers worldwide. These customers visit retail stores on a daily bases, so normally you would expect questions to be asked. Well, the employees not only make sure that you get the best possible assistance, but they also strive on delivering an excellent experience, exceptional customer support, and selling their product at last. This is because most Apple employees are trained to engage with people and help in any way possible. They offer a helping hand whenever you need to ask why your iPhone won’t turn on, and they do it by offering innovative solutions. Apple employees are trained to listen, offer a solution, and resolve an issue.

Img source: fortune.com

2.    Google

According to 800-number.info, Google is best known for providing its services to everyone, and they also provide support via phone in more than 40 languages! In the past, Google received a lot of criticism from its customers for having poor customer support. But nowadays, Google is leading the way in how a company should treat its customer. With a phone call, Skype calls, and even chat, Google offers the best possible customer support whenever you need it, wherever you need it.

Img source: curt-rice.com

3.    Rackspace

Rackspace is a leader in Internet hosting providers, but it is a leader in customer relations. Rackspace offers its product to everyone who wishes to purchase a web hosting package, and they are widely renowned for having the best customer support possible. One Reddit user has even said that he managed to set up his website without even clicking anything. Their customer support is so dedicated that they used their private numbers to take customer calls during a complete system failure that took out the servers and the phone system as well. Rackspace is a leader in web hosting and an example of how a hosting provider’s customer support should act.

Img source: Hortonworks.com

4.    Amazon

You can’t be the leader in online retailing without having excellent customer support. What’s more interesting, Amazon searches for new and innovative ways on how to improve their customer support. With loyalty programs, voice-activated purchasing software, and even excellent return policies, Amazon always searches for new ways on how to improve the relations between the company and the customers.

Img source: optimizemyamazonlisting.com

5.    Netflix

The leader in the streaming industry, Netflix uses some serious data and analytics to give you the most personalized and most accurate TV show recommendations to you.  Netflix prides on providing the best entertainment to its customers, and they do that by monitoring what you watch. They later throw the best TV shows that are similar to what you’re watching to keep you more entertained. What’s even more interesting is that Netflix has some of the best customer support that is easily reachable through phone, chat, and even video call.

Img source: 9to5mac.com

 

Apple’s New Credit Card – A Revolution in Banking?

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Fintechs have been trying for years to relegate banks to mere infrastructure companies, but so far had little success. The reason for this was that they were just too small to have a decisive impact on the sector. That is why banks were closely monitoring Amazon, which is big enough to cause them trouble. While they were doing that, Apple quietly pulled a coup.

In association with Goldman Sachs, the tech giant has taken advantage of all the weakness of the current system in order to create its own. Backed up with the most loyal customer base in the world, it launched a product that has been a sole purview of banks until now.

“Apple is not a small finch,” says David Murphy, SVP EMEA & APAC Banking Lead, Publicis Sapient. “They can put pressure on pricing and steal significant share.”

That is why the launch of the Apple card got more attention than all fintech news in the last few years combined.

Apple has been built on innovation and is the original fintech company. Everything they do comes with a hefty dose of innovation and change and their card will be the same.

Img source: proactiveinvestors.co.uk

“Apple has re-engineered everything we have come to know about the entire [credit card] experience,” says analyst Brian Roemmele.
Apple saw a chance to completely rehaul and rethink the card experience and they jumped on it, but it would seem their plans don’t end there. They do have some other, bigger ambitions in their sleeve.

“Everyone’s looking at this and comparing credit card to credit card,” Forrester Research Principal Analyst Alyson Clarke states. “It’s not about that. It’s the start of a relationship and a very different way of banking — digital from the ground up. It’s more secure and it’s about helping you improve your financial position. I completely expect to see Goldman and Apple extend this relationship into a day-to-day banking product where you can put your salary and pay your bills with a savings product. That should scare a lot of banks including a lot of the digital banks.”

Issued by Goldman Sachs, Apple Card will be on market this summer. It is a virtual card that will run on Mastercard network and it can be used online, in apps and in all stores that accept Apple Pay, which is 70% of all stores in the United States, according to Apple.

It will also double as a financial coach, drawing from success Apple had with its Health app. It will encourage customers to pay less interest and provides them with a better understanding of long-term cost. It will also give them weekly and monthly summaries on their spending, with categories for each payment. The card won’t have a minimum payment and it will be based on a monthly cycle.

via GIPHY

 

Apple card will have a 2% cash back on every transaction, which is about the average cash reward. Payments made directly to Apple will have a 3% cash back. Instead of giving huge cash rewards, Apple and Goldman Sachs decided to give their customers something called Daily Cash. This reward is paid directly to Apple Wallet and can be used to reduce the card balance or for purchase. You can even send it someone via Apple Pay Cash. This is a unique feature no other card is offering. “No one pays daily cash rewards that are instantly redeemable,” Richard Crone said in a LinkedIn blog.

Apple has paid special attention to security. The use of the card is authenticated by facial ID or fingerprint. Apple doesn’t get to see transaction details since all of them are happening on the phone and not on company servers. Both Apple and Goldman Sachs have committed to not selling cardholders’ data to anyone. In today’s day and age, this is something many customers will find appealing.

In line with its branding strategy and product design, Apple has achieved that a simple credit card looks breathtaking. It’s sleek and minimalistic design reflects the Apple brand perfectly. It is made of titanium, with laser-etched user’s name and Apple logo. The physical card will be used wherever Apple Pay is not yet accepted, which won’t be many places. The metal card probably won’t be free, but many would gladly pay to have it and flash it around.

Is China Really to Blame for Slowing iPhone Sales?

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In January 2019, iPhone maker Apple made the surprise decision to cut its sales forecast. It caused the price of Apple shares to drop, and the company is believed to have lost billions of dollars as a result.

In a note to investors, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that slow iPhone sales and the revised sales forecast are because of a sales slump in China. “While we anticipated some challenges in key emerging markets, we did not foresee the magnitude of the economic deceleration, particularly in Greater China,” explained Cook.

The Chinese economy has been affected by trade relations with the United States and Apple also suspects that some Chinese consumers have shied away from buying an iPhone because Apple is an American brand.

China is a major region for companies like Apple. There are more than 800 million Internet users in the country, and 98% of them are on mobile, so there is a huge potential market. However, analysts and critics of Apple disagree that slow sales in China are the only reason why Apple has lowered its sales forecast, saying that there are more factors causing consumers to buy fewer phones from Apple.

Apple is Being Priced Out of the Chinese Market

Img source: pexels.com

It is true that Chinese consumers are buying fewer smartphones than before. A study on Chinese consumer buying habits, published by (Tencent-backed) research firm Penguin Intelligence, surveyed 70,000 Chinese smartphone owners on their plans for buying a new smartphone. Of those surveyed, around half said that they would purchase a phone once every two years. However, just 16% of iPhone owners in 2017 said they would buy a new phone each year (down from 27.8% in 2016), compared to 23.5% of Android owners (down from 34.7% in 2016).

Apple is hardest hit by the decline in Chinese smartphone sales, and it has the least brand loyalty. One reason for this is that the Apple iPhone is a lot more expensive than homegrown, Chinese competitors. When the OnePlus 6 launched in China in 2018, its starting price was 3,199 Yuan (approximately $503), and its hardware specs of 6GB of RAM, an octa-core processor, and 20MP camera are more powerful than the iPhone XS Max specs of 4GB of RAM, hexa-core processor, and 12MP camera. However, iPhone XS Max launch prices in China began at $1,397 which is almost triple the price of the OnePlus 6. In China, the iPhone was also nearly $300 more expensive than in the United States, where the iPhone XS Max was launched at $1,099.

Refurbished Phones Are a More Affordable Alternative

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It’s not just China where pricing is causing a decline in iPhone sales. In Western regions, such as the United States, brand new Apple iPhones are losing out to more affordable alternatives. Apple is still very popular in the West, and consumers love the quality of the phones and how easy they are to use. However, not everyone can afford to buy a brand new iPhone which is why many have begun to look at refurbished phones.

Refurbished phones offer the same quality as a brand new phone and have been tested to confirm that they are in working order. Consumers can also buy refurbished iPhones in excellent cosmetic condition (refurbished grade A) which means it will look like new and the only difference is the price. There are big savings to be had on refurbished phones, and you can see this by looking at the cost of a refurbished iPhone X unlocked. Prices of a refurbished iPhone X start at around $700, with some unlocked models available for $669. This is more than $300 less than the $999 launch price from November 2017. Although the unlocked version of the iPhone X (not locked to a cell phone carrier) are more expensive than locked versions (locked to carriers like Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T), shoppers could still potentially save hundreds of dollars by buying refurbished than brand new from Apple.

Apple Fails to Find Success in Emerging Markets

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With the price of an iPhone causing sales to decline in major regions such as China and the United States, it’s little surprise that in emerging markets, which are more price sensitive, Apple is failing to find success. While there is some interest in premium handsets in emerging markets like India and the African continent, consumers have a different idea of premium pricing than what you may expect. To many in these regions, a premium smartphone is one that costs around $400. The iPhone, which may cost more than $1,000, is way above that.

Emerging markets provide a brilliant opportunity for Apple. Africa has one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world, and over the past five years, the region’s annual mobile usage has increased by 65%. The average selling price of a smartphone in Africa is $150, so smartphones like the iPhone XS, which cost more than $1,500 in the region are unable to gain much traction.

There are lots of things that Apple could do to increase iPhone sales, such as offering more powerful specs and innovative features. However, it’s the price that may make the biggest difference as mobile markets all over the globe are in Apple iPhones, but at a much lower price.

How to properly clean the iPad screen without any damage

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iPad is one of the precious and the most applauded electronic devices in the market. Though the iPad has a certain loyal customer-base, still its popularity is thriving hurriedly due to its smart look, exclusive features, and functions. If you are one of those iPad users, you need to use it very carefully so that it doesn’t get damaged easily. Though Apple claims that iPad screens are oil and fingerprint resistant, still they are not utterly smudge-proof. This means that your iPad screen can get engrossed by dust and grimes. But there are many ways which will help you to clean your iPad or iPhone screen properly without damaging your device.

If your screen is not cleaned after taking all the necessary steps, the best way is to take it to a service for an expert iPad screen fix. Now, let’s take a look at how can you clean your display properly.

image source: youtube.com

But before that, you should know what to avoid while cleaning your iPad screen.

  1. Don’t use any type of spray: Apple’s support also claims that don’t use any kind of sprays like aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives while cleaning the screen of your iPad.
  2. Don’t leave your device plugged in: While cleaning your device make sure that no power cables are attached to your iPad. This point is also highlighted by Apple’s support for the safety of your device.
  3. Avoid paper towels, towels, hand towel, or other abrasive cloths: You should avoid all types of household cleaners while cleaning your iPad’s screen. Apple doesn’t encourage its users to use any towel, paper towel or other abrasive materials to clean their iPad’s display. Because according to them, these materials can cause severe damage to your iPad.
image source: 9to5mac.com

Now, we are going to describe how effectively can you clean your iPad screen without causing any damage.

  1. Unplugged your device: Before cleaning make sure that your device is unplugged properly.
  2. Turn on sleep mode: Turn on sleep mode or switch off your device completely before cleaning it.
  3. Use soft cloth: Always try to use a soft cloth which is completely lint and chemical free. You can use a similar kind of cloth that you used to clean your eyeglasses.
  4. Follow small circular motion: Don’t give too much pressure while cleaning your iPad screen. Rather use a small circular motion while cleaning the screen of your iPad.
  5. Can use dampen or wet cloth: If required, you can use a dampen (slightly wet with water) cloth to clean the screen. While you are using a dampened cloth to clean, always take some extra care and precautions. Because you don’t risk moisture to enter into your device and destroy your iPad. Many sources claim that a tiny amount of water is good while cleaning the screen, while others recommend using various cleaner solutions. But don’t directly apply any spray to the display of your iPad rather you can put a small volume of spray in the cloth and then, follow circular motion to clean the screen.
  6. Not use damp cloth in the perimeter: It would be a prudent decision for you if you don’t use a damp cloth along the perimeter of your iPad. Use only a dry, soft, lint and chemical free cloth to clean the perimeter or edges of your favourite iPad.
image source: macrumors.com

These are some tips which will help you to clean your iPad properly. These fruitful tips will make your device free from dust and grime and will also add a sheen to your gadget. These days, the markets are thronged with several types of cases which will keep your iPad safe from all the dust, grime, and moisture. If your iPad’s screen is still vague, then contact the nearest service centre.

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