Garmin's Connect IQ is an open SDK for wearable apps

Garmin International Inc.  announced Connect IQ, the first-ever open platform for third-party developers to create apps for Garmin products. The software development kit leverages the trusted technology that Garmin is known for, with an emphasis on low power consumption, extended battery life and connectivity to smartphones and peripheral sensors through Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and ANT+.

Garmin prides itself on creating active lifestyle products that become an essential part of customers’ lives, and now with Connect IQ, third-party developers can utilize the expanding line of world class wearables, while also taking advantage of the loyal customer base and diverse distribution channels.

Click to read more ...

Apple offers workaround to iOS 8.0.1 issues, reinstall iOS 8

Apple has released a workaround for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus units that may have lost cellular connectivity or Touch ID support. 

“We have a workaround for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who lost cellular service and Touch ID functionality today after updating to iOS 8.0.1. Affected users can reinstall iOS 8 through iTunes, for more information visit http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6487. We apologize for the great inconvenience experienced by users, and are working around the clock to prepare iOS 8.0.2 with a fix for the issue, and will release it as soon as it is ready in the next few days.”

SlideShow: BlackBerry Passport from the Toronto launch event

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Is it really hip to be square? BlackBerry would like us to think so, and that seems to be the rationale behind the new Passport. Featuring a large 4.5-inch display (1440 x1440 resolution) and a large touch-keyboard, this could be the most monolithic BlackBerry yet and one that could arouse curiosity and desire from members its dormant fan base. 

The Passport is easily the Humvee of super-smartphones, it revels in its humongousness but also serves multiple functions that no other smartphone has right now. Above are some photos taken from today's launch event. Excuse the shoddy lighting, we were in a sports bar after all. My take on the the Passport is that it is definitely a unique device, different enough from the pack to really pave it's own user base. The app situation, even with Amazon on board, still isn't awesome but stay tuned as I immerse myself in the device and what it has to offer. In the meantime enjoy the photos.

Apple recalls iOS 8.0.1 update to investigate reported issues

As with any new massive software update, there will be bugs and issues affecting some users. In the case of the iOS 8.0.1 update that was recently made available, Apple has heard user's woes and has pulled the update for the time being so it can focus on finding any bugs and squishing them. Below is Apple's official statement on the matter plus a list of fixes pertinent to iOS 8.0.1.

Click to read more ...