Cheaper 8GB variant of iPhone 5c launched in certain markets

Apple has reportedly launched a cheaper 8GB variant of the colourful iPhone 5c to attract more users in the entry level of the market and hopefully get users of older iPhone 4 and 4s models a chance to run on a larger display and more updated hardware and features. Selling in the UK's Apple Store online for £429, the 8GB model joins exisiting 16GB and 32GB versions of the iPhone 5c. Canada's own page hasn't been updated to reflect the new model offering but we will keep our eyes peeled for any changes.

The iPhone 5s brings the power and features of the popular iPhone 5 in a more colourful and plastic enclosed design. While initially not as popular as the flagship iPhone 5s, the iPhone 5c has found success in the consumer market as well as in the enterprise and BYOD market with many companies opting for the cheaper iPhone to replace older office issued smartphones.

Source: The Guardian

The Apple Beat: Two books and Jony Ive's rare Time Magazine profile

“Steve and I spent months and months working on a part of a product that, often, nobody would ever see, nor realize was there,” Apple's Jony Ive opens up about design in a recent interview with Time - Photo by Gadjo C. Sevilla

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

It's that time of year where the scarcity of Apple product news and announcements leaves a void that is soon filled with rumours, unbridled speculation on new products and services that haven't been announced. 

With a news cycle running dry until around June, publishers seem to have timed the release of Apple-related books focusing not just on the company but on the personalities that shape its future.

Click to read more ...

Microsoft to reportedly debut Office for iPad this month

Following the release of OneNote for Mac OS, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella will be hosting a cloud- and mobile-focused event in San Francisco on March 27. The Verge reports that Microsoft plans to unveil the Office for iPad at the said event. The iPad version of Office will reportedly look similar to the iPhone version and will need users to have an Office 365 subscription to edit documents. Document creation and editing will be available for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The March 27 event is said to set the stage for the announcements that will be made at the company’s Build developer conference on April 2. 

Trailer for first ‘Angry Birds’ RPG comes out

Rovio has unveiled that the medieval-themed Angry Birds game is going to be the franchise’s first RPG entry through its first trailer. Angry Birds Epic will be free to play and feature leveling mechanics and collectible items. It makes use of the same cartoon graphics with turn-based combat. Hopefully, in-app purchases and advertisements won’t ruin the experience as much. The game is coming out today in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to obtain feedback on the game before its international release.

Source: The Verge