Apple published a new support document today confirming the Apple TV will be used as a hub for HomeKit devices. The document notes that in order to control HomeKit-enabled accessories when you are away from your home, you must have a third-generation or later Apple TV.If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you’re away from home using your iOS device.Sign in with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV, and you’ll be able to use Siri commands to remotely control your accessories.The support document also outlines how to setup and get started with HomeKit. HomeKit accessories require a separate app download, which you can find in the App store. Once the app is downloaded, you must pair your accessory to your iOS device use a special pin code. Once paired, you can use Siri to control your accessories, group your accessories together, and more. Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Apple Outlines HomeKit Setup, Apple TV Required to Control Accessories While Away From Home

Fantastical 2, the popular calendar and reminders app, has been updated with support for the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch app includes a list upcoming events and reminders, and also has a glance with easy access to your daily schedule. You can even add new events right from your wrist. Just enter “Lunch with Elon in Palo Alto on Friday” and Fantastical 2 will schedule it! Or type in “todo buy milk at 5pm” and a reminder will alert you at 5PM! If your device supports dictation, you can speak the details for your event or reminder and Fantastical 2 will handle the rest.Features? Reminders!? See your events and dated reminders together in the main list? Add reminders directly from the Reminders list or new event screen – just flip the switch to toggle between events and reminders? Set dates, times, and geofences (when I arrive/when I leave)Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Fantastical 2 Calendar and Reminders App Updated with Apple Watch Support

The Google Drive app for iOS has been updated with the company’s new Material Design look, faster syncing and image viewing, improved scrolling performance, and more.Get started with Google Drive for free and have all your files within reach from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. All your files in Drive – like your videos, photos, and documents – are backed up safely so you can’t lose them. Easily invite others to view, edit, or leave comments on any of your files or folders.Features:• View documents, PDFs, photos, videos, and more• Search for files by name and content• Easily share files and folders with others• Set sharing permissions to view, comment, or edit• Quickly access recent files• See file details and activity • Enable viewing of files offlineShare Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Google Drive App for iOS Updated With Material Design, Faster Syncing and Image Viewing

As previously reported, Showtime has announced its plans to offer programming over the internet as a standalone streaming service.Starting in early July, you can subscribe to Showtime on your Phone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV anywhere in the US for $10.99 a month, with more platforms coming soon.The new standalone service will simply be called ‘Showtime.’ “Going over-the-top means Showtime will be much more accessible to tens of millions of potential new subscribers,” said Moonves. “Across CBS, we are constantly finding new ways to monetize our programming by capitalizing on opportunities presented by technology. This works best when you have outstanding premium content – like we do at Showtime – and when you have a terrific partner like Apple – which continues to innovate and build upon its loyal customer base.”Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Showtime Standalone Streaming Service Officially Announced for Apple TV, iOS

According to a report from Variety, CBS is set to announce a broadband-only Showtime service, which could debut on the Apple TV.CBS is expected to announce the standalone version of Showtime as soon as today or Thursday. According to the report, the service could be exclusively available on the Apple TV, with other partners soon following. Currently, there are no details regarding the name or the pricing of the subscription, but it would the be the first time Showtime would be available without a satellite or cable subscription. Popular Showtime series include Homeland, Masters of Sex, Dexter, Ray Donovan, and more.Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: CBS Set to Unveil Standalone Showtime Service on Apple TV

Apple has issued a voluntary recall for the Beats Pill XL speakers due to a fire safety risk. Apple has determined that in rare cases, the battery in the Beats Pill XP may overheat and post a fire safety risk.Apple is asking all customers to stop using their Beats Pill XL speakers and will issue a $325 refund. The recall does not affect any other other Beats speakers, including the smaller Beats Pill. The Beats Pill XL originally was introduced by Beats in November 2013, but Apple acquired the company in June 2014.Customer safety is always a top priority at both Apple and Beats, and we have voluntarily decided to recall this product. If you have a Beats Pill XL Speaker, please stop using it and follow the process below to send it to Apple. In exchange, we will provide you with an Apple Store credit or electronic payment in the amount of $325 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency.Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Apple Recalls Beats Pill XL Speakers Due to Fire Safety Risk

Apple has updated a support document today (via MacRumors) with 12 additional banks and financial institutions that support Apple Pay. Apple Pay works with most of the major credit and debit cards from the top U.S. banks. Just add your participating cards and continue to get all the rewards, benefits, and security of your cards.Apple now has well over 300 participating banks and issuers onboard with Apple Pay. Here are the new banks and issuers listed on Apple’s site today:Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Apple Pay Gains Support for 12 New Banks and Issuers

Tim Cook was honored for ‘corporate leadership’ during EPIC”s Champions of Freedom event in Washington last night. To accept the award, the Apple CEO spoke remotely to the audience on guarding customer privacy and ensuring the right for security. In his speech, Cook first discussed the tradeoff between privacy and security that consumers are increasingly forced to make. “Like many of you, we at Apple reject the idea that our customers should have to make tradeoffs between privacy and security,” Cook started. “We can, and we must provide both in equal measure. We believe that people have a fundamental right to privacy. The American people demand it, the constitution demands it, morality demands it.”Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Tim Cook Discusses the Importance of Privacy and Security in Awards Dinner Speech

Apple has started decorating the Moscone Center with WWDC 15 banners ahead of the keynote scheduled for Monday. So far, workers have only added the first bits of the Apple logo, but many more banners are expected to be unveiled throughout the day and week with the “epicenter of change” tagline. Apple is also expected to reveal the logos for iOS 9 and OS X 10.11, like it has done in years past. Apple will be live streaming WWDC 2015, where it is expected to announce iOS 9, OS X 10.11, Apple Music, and new Apple TV hardware. Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: Apple Begins Putting Up WWDC 2015 Banners Ahead of Monday's Keynote

Macs older than one year are vulnerable to an exploit that can overwrite a machine’s firmware, letting attackers control devices even after they are formatted or restored. The vulnerability, discovered by OS X Security researcher Pedro Vilaca, target a machine’s BIOS after it wakes from sleep. Normally, protection known as FLOCKDN, would prevent any apps write access to the BIOS region, but for some reason, the FLOCKDN protection is inactive after a Mac wakes from sleep. That leaves the operating system open to apps to reflash the BIOS and modify the extensive firmware interface (EFI).”The bug can be used with a Safari or other remote vector to install an EFI rootkit without physical access,” Vilaca said in his blog post. “The only requirement is that a suspended happened in the current session. I haven’t researched but you could probably force the suspend and trigger this, all remotely. That’s pretty epic ownage ;-).”Share Article:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Email,   Reddit,   Digg,   Delicious,   StumbleUponFollow iClarified:Facebook,   Twitter,   LinkedIn,   Google Plus,   Newsletter,   App Store,   YouTubeAdvertise Here

Source: iClarified Read More: New Exploit Lets Attackers Control Macs Even After They Are Formatted