Hands On: CoconutBattery 3.2 (OS X, iOS)

Hands On: CoconutBattery 3.2 (OS X, iOS) - The curiously-named CoconutBattery 3.2 is a free app that examines the batteries in your MacBooks and your iOS devices. One click and you know everything: it gives you the skinny on every possible scintilla of information about the state your battery is in ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Logitech Keys to Go Review: The ultimate portable bluetooth keyboard

Logitech Keys to Go Review: The ultimate portable bluetooth keyboard - For those wanting an ultra-portable keyboard to use with your iPhone or iPad, but don't want the bulk and weight of a keyboard case should consider the Logitech Keys to Go.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Apple Helping Developers Finalize Apple Watch Apps at Cupertino Headquarters

Apple Helping Developers Finalize Apple Watch Apps at Cupertino Headquarters - Apple has invited third-party developers to its headquarters in Cupertino, California to allow them to test and finalize apps for the Apple Watch, according to 9to5Mac. The report claims that developers have been arriving at One Infinite Loop this month to work with Apple engineers on finishing WatchKit-based apps in categories such as sports, productivity and finance.

"The developers invited by Apple to Cupertino range from those behind titles for sports applications and productivity software. Apple has also been meeting with banks to work on WatchKit applications that assist with the Apple Watch’s Apple Pay functionality. Besides U.S.-based banks, Apple has been working on WatchKit apps with developers from Germany-based banks, which indicates Apple is likely in talks with more foreign banks to expand Apple Pay to more countries across the world."

MacRumors reported a few weeks ago that some developers have been asked to have Apple Watch apps readied by this month, although this report claims that Apple seems to be operating on a more urgent timeline, possibly in order to ensure that some apps are finalized for an upcoming marketing initiative or media event. In the meantime, Apple has reportedly been holding workshops to train retail employees about the Apple Watch in Los Angeles, Cupertino, Austin and Atlanta.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the Apple Watch will launch in April.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Kaspersky uncovers hacker group that infects hard drive firmware

Kaspersky uncovers hacker group that infects hard drive firmware - A secretive hacking collective that has been active for almost two decades has allegedly been uncovered by Kaspersky Lab. Dubbed the "Equation Group," because of their use of encryption algorithms and obfuscation methods, the hackers are apparently unique in that they created highly-professional tools and used "classic spying techniques" to retrieve data and affect systems used by high-value targets, such as governments, major national organizations, and other political targets ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Microsoft Office can now save files to Apple’s iCloud Drive

Microsoft Office can now save files to Apple’s iCloud Drive - Microsoft is really serious about enabling its services to run on all devices and work with other companies’ products. The latest example: The Office app for iPhones and iPads can now save files to Apple’s relatively new cloud storage service, iCloud Drive, along with other cloud ...

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Apple Watch to be 'most successful smartwatch ever' -- research firm

Apple Watch to be 'most successful smartwatch ever' -- research firm - Apple could sell 20M smartwatches this year, nabbing a quarter of the wearables market, market researcher says. But a flop would hurt everyone.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple makes iWork for iCloud beta free on Windows, Linux, Chrome OS

Apple makes iWork for iCloud beta free on Windows, Linux, Chrome OS - Add another option to the freely available online productivity software suites: Anyone can sign up for and use Apple’s iWork for iCloud, even if they don’t have a Mac or iOS device. The open access is actually in beta, so to use it, you’ll have to head ...

(Via TheAppleBlog.)