iPhone 5S Updated with Faster Apple A7 Chip

No matter what colors the iPhone 5S may carry on its exterior, upgraded hardware will ultimately set the device apart from the crowd. More information has surfaced revolving around the next generation Apple A7 chip to be featured inside the upcoming iPhone 5S. MacRumors previously identified a prototype of the handset with a new chip in Apple's series labeled APL0698.

A7 processor

Now 9to5Mac reports the A7 chip runs 31 percent faster than the current A6. Not only this, but the same source claims the A7 system will sport an independent chip designated specifically for motion tracking. This could mean Apple is working on new camera software for the iPhone 5S, or implementing new ways to interact with iOS without having to touch the display.

iPhone 5S to Launch in Four Different Colors?

Apple has even more surprises in store for those anticipating the iPhone 5S announcement early next month. According to parts leaked by Sonny Dickson, the company will add a graphite and black color to the lineup this fall. This could mean the iPhone 5S will be available in graphite and gold flavors in addition to the familiar slate and silver combinations of the iPhone 5.

iPhone 5S parts

Alternatively, Mendmyi claims the iPhone 5S will only be available in the new colors gold and graphite, in a shift away from the colors used on the iPhone 5. Offering only the updated color schemes would set the iPhone 5S apart from the iPhone 5. For comparison, all four colors are shown in the above photo of metal parts including the volume, sleep and mute buttons.

Manage iOS Apps and RAM with this Tweak

Checking up on apps and how they use iOS system resources is handled automatically, but some iPhone owners want to know what's happening behind the scenes. AppSwiper provides a new way to visualize what apps are running at a glance, and to display the amount of RAM being used. If necessary, apps can be stopped with a simple button press.

AppSwiper tweak Cydia iOS

For those with jailbroken devices, AppSwiper provides new functionality for $0.99 on the Cydia app store. Once installed, this tweak makes it possible to swipe up directly on a running app icon, which will display the amount of RAM taken up by the app. Tapping Kill immediately stops the app, freeing up system resources for other things. What's cool is that running apps are highlighted right on the home screen, by adding color behind the app name.

How to Bypass the Passcode OK Button

The iPhone has a variety of passcode features to help protect the device from prying eyes. Normally with a four-digit "simple" passcode, the iPhone unlocks as soon as the fourth number is entered. iOS users can set a complex passcode which includes letters, however when this is enabled an OK button appears. From then on, unlocking the device requires tapping an OK button after entering the password.

AutoOk tweak Cydia iOS

Now jailbroken iPhone users who use a complex passcode can skip the OK button with the free tweak AutoOk installed. Just as it's named, the tweak will automatically register the passcode OK button, making complex passcodes behave like simple passcode entry. As soon as the full password is entered the device will unlock.

Google Maps to Get Real Time Traffic Alerts from the Waze Community

We knew this was coming ever since Google acquired the Yelp of traffic apps, Waze, a few months ago. Google Maps users will now receive real time accident, construction and road closure reports from the Waze community, and Waze users will soon have access to Google Search and Street View.

Waze is a traffic and navigation service with over 50 million members. The Waze community uses its mobile app to keep each other informed about current traffic jams and road conditions.

Google Maps Waze Trafiic Alerts

"No one likes getting stuck in traffic," Google explained on its Maps blog. "That’s why the Waze and Google Maps teams are working together to harness the power of Google technology and the passion of the Waze community to make it easier to navigate your daily life."

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