Sandy Morton • Author at Trinity News Daily - U.S. and World Latest News from Technology, Entertainment, Health and Sports

Area Schools Close after Reported Frein Sighting

October 21, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

Today, schools in Northeastern Pennsylvania shut down after a reported sighting of fugitive Eric Matthew Frein. According to Pennsylvania State Police, although law enforcement believes he was spotted on Friday and then again yesterday, he remains at large. Because of this, appropriate precautions are being taken.

One woman who was walking her dog last Friday thought she saw Frein in a wooded area near the town of Swiftwater. In a report to police, she explained the man was armed with a rifle, had mud on his face, and after seeing her, showed no reaction. She said the experience was both alarming and creepy.

Frein, 31, is officially charged of ambushing two officers at the Blooming Grove state police barracks on September 12. One trooper was killed and the other seriously wounded.

Since then, authorities have been conducting exhaustive searches, specifically in the wooded area around his parents’ home in Canadensis. However, because of the possible sighting on Friday, the main search area has moved five to six miles to the southwest.

In a statement from Col. George Bivens, law enforcement has put a tremendous amount of pressure on Frein, probably forcing him to move. Because of the most recent reported sighting, schools in the area are closed.

Yesterday’s sighting was reported by a Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department officer who saw a man in the woods dressed in green, in an area relatively close to the high school where Frein attended. Unfortunately, visual contact was lost, preventing a positive identification. In response, the entire area was searched but no one was located.

State police shared that blood droplets were discovered on the steps of a covered porch near Cresco but after DNA testing, it was discounted as being Frein’s. What appeared to be blood also showed up inside a screen door of another home in the vicinity but testing ruled it out as blood. Based on these two incidents, officials do not have any reason to believe that Frein has been injured in any way.

Currently, authorities have no clue why Frein ambushed troopers although he has openly spoken and written about his hate of law enforcement in general. Once identified as the shooter, authorities raided Frein’s home and after conducting a search on the computer’s hard drive, discovered the attack was well-planned.

Despite ongoing attempts in finding Frein, he continues to elude police. While not confirmed, authorities believe he is breaking into vacation homes or empty cabins in an effort to take shelter and find food. Regarding how long schools will stay closed will depend on what, if anything, authorities find.

Existing Home Sales Reach One-Year High

October 21, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

Sales of existing homes in the United States climbed in September to the highest level in one year, hinting that residential real estate could boost the economy.

Typically, closings take roughly 30 to 60 days once a contract is signed but this advanced 2.4% to a 5.17 million annual rate, this according to the National Association of Realtors. In addition, purchases increased 1.9% from numbers reported last year during the same period and with seasonal patterns adjusted.

Thanks to a stabilizing labor market coupled with declining mortgage interest rates, the economy is getting a buffer during a time when global markets are slowing. Experts believe that more people will be encouraged to buy because of faster wage gains and easier lending standards, especially first time homebuyers.

According to Guy LeBas, managing director at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC who projected an annualized pace of sales at 5.16 million, real estate is on a stable course. He feels that borrowing costs are relatively contained and that the rate of payroll growth is positive for the housing market even if on a modest level.

The average forecast of 77 economists surveyed was an increase in sales at a 5.1 million annual rate with estimates ranging between 4.95 and 5.2 million. In addition, as investors speculated that the European Central Bank would boost economic stimulus and reported earnings for companies like Travelers and Apple, stocks rose for a fourth day. The S&P 500 rose 1% to 1,923.64.

The average existing home price climbed 5.6% to $209,700 and in the South appreciation was led by a 5.1% year-to-date advance. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist told reporters that one or two years from now, the housing market will be better. New job creation is looking good, rates are down, and additional inventory is becoming available online.

Previously Owned Homes – Sales climbed 6% from 2013 to 2.3 million. At the current pace, it would take roughly 5.3 months to get those homes sold, down from last month’s pace of 5.5 months. Anything less than a five-month supply is deemed a “tight market”.

Existing Single-Family Homes – Sales increased 2% to an annual rate of 4.56 million last month compared to the prior year’s numbers but also the fastest pace seen in one year

Multifamily Homes – These properties, which include condominiums, climbed 5.2% to a pace of 610,000

Distressed Sales – Comprised of short sales and foreclosures whereby a lender agrees to less than the actual balance owed of the mortgage, distressed sales accounted for 10% of the total

First-Time Homebuyers – These buyers accounted for 29% of the market for a third month in September but represented just 30% of all buyers within 17 of the last 18 months

All Purchases – Cash transactions accounted for roughly 24%, which compared to this same time last year, was down from 33%. Investors, 63% who paid cash, represented 14% of the housing market in September, which for 2013, accounted for 19%.

As stated by John Stumpf, president and chief executive officer at Wells Fargo, even though the residential housing market has improved, which is great for the US economy, some recovery is still needed. He added that he feels strongly the housing market will continue to recover, driven by affordability and pent-up demand.

Royals Kick Off the World Series against Giants

October 21, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

After 29 years, the Kansas City Royals will host the opening World Series game tonight at Kaufman Stadium against the San Francisco Giants. The Royals played extremely well this year, becoming the first team in the history of major league baseball to start the postseason with eight straight wins. However, they go up against the Giants who are vying for their third World Series win in just five years.

At the start of the playoffs, no one anticipated a matchup between the Royals and Giants, both wild card teams. However, the Royals and the Giants have proved to be worthy opponents.

Kansas City Royals

In the wild card game against the Oakland Athletics, things did not look good for the Royals. The unusual pitching change ordered by Ned Yost prompted a five-run inning for the A’s. However, showing resiliency, the Royals rallied for a 9-8 win in 12 innings. The Royals went on to play the Angels, sweeping the American League Division Series in just three games.

The Royal’s good streak continued when they played the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Championship Series, taking all four games that brought them to tonight’s first World Series game, only the third time in the franchise’s history.

In all, the Royals won 89 games this season, thanks primarily to great defense and runs. Even though they led the American League with 153 stolen bases, the team’s 95 homeruns were the fewest in baseball. However, the Royal’s speed, timely hitting, defense, and strong bullpen will give the Giants a run for their money.

San Francisco Giants

In the meantime, the Giants has achieved a lot of wins, ending a 56-year drought when in 2010 they beat the Texas Rangers, followed by a 2012 sweep against the Detroit Tigers. If the Giants were to take this World Series, the team would join the New York Yankees as the only two clubs in the past four decades to have three championships in five years.

Just like the Kansas City Royals, the Giants started the year with a wild card win. They beat the Washington Nationals in four games, followed by winning against the St. Louis Cardinals in five games. The Giants clinched the sixth National League pennant in last Thursday’s game with Ishikawa hitting a three-run homer at the bottom of the ninth inning.

After going six games without a homerun, Giant’s player Michael Morse belted out the tying home run. According to tonight’s roster, Morse will be in the starting lineup as designated hitter. The biggest advantage for the Giants against the Royals is the starting staff, specifically Bumgarner, named NLCS MVP, who will start Game one of the series.

Fashion Designer Oscar de la Renta Dies at 82

October 21, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

World renowned fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta has passed away at the age of 82. In a handwritten statement from two company executives, Eliza Bolen and Alex Bolen, he died in his Connecticut home last night surrounded by family members, close friends, and his beloved dogs.

The statement went on to say that while de la Renta is gone, his spirit and intelligence remains the company’s core and that everything the company has done and will continue to do is driven by the designer’s values. The Bolens added that he was loved and every employee will work hard make him proud.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Oscar de la Renta dressed many famous Hollywood celebrities to include Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, and others. He was also the obvious choice by first ladies like Nancy Reagan, Jackie Kennedy, Laura Bushy, Hilary Clinton, and Betty Ford. However, his fashions are also popular among everyday women.

Just last month, Oscar de la Renta designed the gorgeous wedding gown worn by Amal Alamuddin, George Clooney’s new wife. As stated by former first lady Laura Bush, his generous and warm personality, unrivaled talent, and charm will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered as a gifted fashion designer who made women look and feel beautiful.

Although Oscar de la Renta’s primary design aesthetic was evening gowns, he also created beautiful and chic daytime suits. While some of his designs were subtle, he often used vibrant colors and exquisite embroideries, influenced by his native country.

At age 18, de la Renta left home to study painting in Spain but within a short time, fashion became his true passion. After viewing some of his sketches, the wife of the US Ambassador to Spain asked if he would design a dress for her daughter. De la Renta complied and that very dress made the cover of Life Magazine.

With his impeccable work exposed to the world, de la Renta was offered an apprenticeship with Cristobal Balenciaga. Once completed, he moved to France where he began working for Lanvin, which creates couture designs. From there, he went to work for for Elizabeth Arden couture in New York in 1963 but just two years later, launched his own brand.

In addition to his beautiful fashion designs, de la Renta launched numerous perfumes, starting in 1977 with Oscar and more recently, his Rosamor fragrance. He was also a patron of the arts, serving on several boards to include The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.

Oscar de la Renta also leaves a legacy of having a love for children. Much of his time was devoted to various charities such as New Yorkers for Children but he also funded multiple daycare centers and schools in Punta Cana and La Romana in his native Dominican Republic.

Oscar de la Renta is survived only by an adopted son, Moises, who currently works as a designer for the company.

LA Kings Defenseman Slava Voynov Suspended After Arrest

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

The National Hockey League (NHL) has indefinitely suspended Los Angeles Kings’ Russian-born defenseman Slava Voynov over charges of domestic violence. Reportedly, the woman’s injuries were so severe that she was rushed to the hospital, accompanied by Voynov.

Shortly after arriving, staff members summoned the police and reported Voynov as the person suspected of the assault. After law enforcement officials showed up at the hospital around 1:00 am this morning, he was arrested and while not yet confirmed, the woman claims the two were in a relationship. Following his arrest, Voynov posted a $50,000 bond and was released.

This year, domestic violence has plagued the National Football League (NFL) and after being criticized for inappropriately dealing with players involved, the NHL took swift action in the case of Voynov. As of today, Voynov who agreed to a six-year $25 million extension in June 2013 has been suspended indefinitely from all practices and games.

However, during the suspension period and while the official investigation is underway, Voynov will continue to receive his pay.

At this time, the reason for the assault is unclear and when questioned, the LA Kings provided no further details regarding the case. In a statement by Igor Eronko, Russian hockey writer, Voynov has a girlfriend from his hometown of Chelyabinsk although whether she was or was not the victim in this incident remains a mystery.

After announcing Voynov’s suspension, the NHL cited a particular section of the collective bargaining agreement, giving them power to suspend a player during a criminal investigation. Also stated in the agreement is significant risk of material harm to the league’s reputation and/or legitimate interest by not suspending a player.

Voynov’s case comes just one year after the NHL failed to enact a suspension or make comment pertaining to Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov’s assault charge, which was eventually dropped. Just last month, Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner spoke about the domestic violence policy for the league saying that according to the code of conduct, players are expected to do the right things and if not, they will be held accountable.

Bettman told a Canadian news outlet that using experience gained to-date, the league firmly believes that all of the proper procedures are in place for dealing with these types of situations, which in turn allows them to take the appropriate action on an individual case bases. He added that the NHL will address situations regarding the form of discipline but that they try to focus on education and counseling.

Oscar Pistorius: Sentencing Fate Revealed Tomorrow

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

Over the past eight months, jurors in the Oscar Pistorius case have listened to a wealth of information and evidence. At the end of each day, the defendant has been escorted by bodyguards and driven to his uncle’s mansion. However, Judge Thokozile Masipa’s ruling tomorrow will determine if Pistorius goes home for good or spends time in prison for the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Initially, Pistorius was charged with murder but ultimately convicted of the much lesser crime of manslaughter. At the time of the killing, Pistorius and Steenkamp lived together. According to testimony, he heard someone in the house so grabbing his gun he fired four shots into a closed bathroom door believing the intruder was hiding inside. However, it was actually Steenkamp in the room on Valentine’s Day who was hit and killed.

As reported by Ulrich Roux, director with BDK Attorneys in Johannesburg, there is a distinct possibility that Pistorius will be given a short-term prison sentence opposed to house arrest and community service. He adds that when it comes to sentencing, many variations are considered.

After concluding their sentencing arguments before Judge Masipa, she has the task of considering the request by the defense team of punishment in the form of house arrest along with community service or the prosecutor’s request that Pistorius be sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in jail.

Reportedly, Pistorius first gave conflicting evidence and according to prosecutor Gerrie Nel, he intentionally fired the gun, hitting and killing Steenkamp. On the other hand, the defense attorney, Barry Roux, was successful in arguing that there was no intent to kill, thus the conviction of manslaughter.

Pistorius is the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympic Games, prompting his defense team to recommend a sentence that would allow him to stay at home and train, go to church and the doctor at will, and do a few days of community service per month. This recommendation was scoffed at by Prosecutor Nel.

As stated to the court last week, Joel Maringa, a prison department social worker felt correctional supervision and community service of 16 hours per month was fair. The actual recommendation chosen by the judge will remain a mystery until she hands down the verdict tomorrow.

Pistorius was given the name “Blade Runner” because of his J-shaped prosthetic running blades and although he won six gold medals in the Paralympic as a double amputee, lucrative sponsorships dissolved because of the shooting incident. If he is not given a lengthy prison sentence, Pistorius will be free to complete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Shots Traded by North and South Korea Soldiers

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

In a new report, guards from both North and South Korea have exchanged gunfire along the heavily fortified border area as tensions continue to rise. According to South Korean officials, this is the second incident of its kind in fewer than 10 days.

In a statement from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, 10 soldiers from the North Korea side were approaching the military demarcation line within the Demilitarized Zone that separates the Korean Peninsula when soldiers from South Korea gave warning, followed by firing shots.

According to analysts, this second exchange of fire is North Korea’s attempt to pressure South Korea to stop dropping anti-Pyongyang leaflets to its citizens. An earlier conflict erupted on October 10 in regard to propaganda-carrying balloons. One insider stressed that activist groups for South Korea, many who are North Korean deflectors, are determined to continue sending the leaflets.

The October 10 incident was in response to repeated orders coming from North Korea that South Korea activists stop releasing leaflets, an order that has been ignored citing freedom of speech. According to North Korean officials, this act encourages its citizens to rise up against their leader, Kim Jong Un.

In this latest incident, North Korean soldiers turned back after the shooting, this according to a statement from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. As reported, there were no casualties from either incident.

At this point, South Korea is not paying attention to the orders, which North Korea says unspecified and stronger measures will be taken if their warnings are not heeded.

One analyst at Sejong Institute, Cheong Seong-chang, said the gunfire exchange yesterday shows that North Korea is trying to purposely escalate military tension in an effort to spread fear about casualties if South Korea continues to drop leaflets.

There have been tensions between the two countries for a long time, which is a clear reminder from yesterday’s gun battle, despite hopes of easing animosities after a rare visit by top North Korean officials earlier this month. During that meeting, the first in three years, the two countries agreed to resume talks at senior level but whether that happens or not is to be seen.

Bob Seger Launches New “Ride Out” Album and Tour

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

Bob Seger confirms that he is preparing for a new tour by cutting back on bicycling 10 miles a day and the amount of cigarettes he smokes. In a recent interview, Segar said he was in good shape but in order to promote the “Ride Out” album released last week, he underwent a complete physical checkup.

This is the first album release since 2006, something diehard fans are excited about but even more thrilling is the upcoming 25 citywide tour that starts on November 19. The tour will begin in Saginaw, Michigan at the Dow Event Center and then proceed to other cities well into 2015.

Additional stops for Seger’s new tour are Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, Toronto, Houston, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Buffalo, Atlanta, and Cleveland. After the first leg ends on December 19 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, he and his band will enjoy the holidays off before resuming on January 22 in Pittsburgh.

People have asked if he will tour again after this to which he replied that he takes just one tour at a time. While Seger believes the new album will do well, he admits that getting radio time for his music is much more challenging than it was before. He believes that the industry is about 50% smaller than it was 10 years ago because of the digital transformation.

Seger, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, expects to play a number of songs from his new album, as well as several of the old songs that fans want to hear such as “Turn the Page”, “Mainstreet”, and “Night Moves”. According to Segar, there are roughly eight songs that fans insist on although his Silver Bullet Band has tried to drop a few from the play list over the years.

His new album, “Ride Out”, features a unique mix of rock and roll, ballads, and cover songs. Seger was asked why at his age he wants to tour to which he responded that it is all about his kids. He realizes he is getting older and as such, wants to secure their future.

Bethenny Frankel Returning to “The Real Housewives of New York”

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

After a long hiatus, it is official – Bethenny Frankel will rejoin the cast of the reality television show, The Real Housewives of New York.

Since her departure from The Real Housewives franchise in 2010, 43-year-old Frankel has built a mega empire, gone through a very nasty and public divorce and child custody case over her four-year-old daughter Bryn, and endured an array of legal issues pertaining to her Skinny Girl brand. Although some people were happy to see her go, her loyal fan base is excited to have her return.

In an official statement, Frankel states that she and Bravo had maintained a strong partnership and relationship over the years, something of which she is very proud. She adds that The Real Housewives of New York is where things began for her and that it is important to never forget your roots.

Frankel believes this is the perfect time for her comeback, especially since her short-lived talk show was cancelled back in February. She admits to having doubts about ever being on television again after the show was taken off the air, citing concerns of exposing herself to public scrutiny. However, being fortunate enough to connect with the audience and inspire them to fulfill their dreams, she is ready to try again.

She continued by saying that she missed being on this incredible journey with fans and after hesitating for several years, decided to go back to her roots. To Frankel, her return to The Real Housewives of New York feels like going home.

Frankel claims to be a very different person than who she was toward the end of her housewives’ reign, saying she is both excited and anxious. She strongly believes the upcoming season will be an entirely new experience than the first go-around. During the last season of being on the show, there was a lot of bad energy and too much muck.

When she first joined The Real Housewives of New York, Frankel was younger, unmarried, had no children, and did not own her own successful business. Now, she has a positive vibe about returning. In her closing comment, Frankel jokes that ironically, she is never a “housewife” when she’s a housewife.

While Frankel’s return has been confirmed by Bravo, the status of other cast mates to include Ramona Singer and LuAnn de Lesseps has not been revealed. Ramona has faced some difficult personal problems this year stemming from her husband’s affair so some people believe she should bow out but as for LuAnn who has not been on the show for years, fans love her and want her back full-time.

Depression Risk Higher in Women who Suffer Heart Attacks

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

According to new research presented by Professor Pranas Serpytis from Luthania at the Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014 event, women more than men are at higher risk for suffering from depression and anxiety following a heart attack.

Involved in the study were 160 patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction, with focus on the impact of gender and risk of heart disease as related to the development of depression and/or anxiety.

In the most recent statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDP), roughly 720,000 adults suffer heart attacks annually in the United States. A heart attack happens when there is a compromise in the flow of oxygen rich blood going to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. With this, oxygen is prevented from reaching that part of the heart, causing the heart muscle to die.

All of the participants of the study were admitted to the Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics in Lithuania and for one month after having a heart attack, interviewed to gather specific data such as demographics, history of mental health disorders, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Researchers found that depression was a problem for nearly 25% of those patients and of those, about 28.2% had been treated with antidepressants. The study also revealed that more than men, women had a higher risk of developing depression and/or anxiety subsequent to a heart attack.

Professor Serpytis explained that people who struggle with depression are six times more likely to die within six months after a heart attack than people without depression. In addition, this increased risk persists for up to 18 months. Unfortunately, while depression following a heart attack is relatively common, it often goes undiagnosed and thereby untreated.

The obvious first step is prevention by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen but also seeking professional help when symptoms of depression and/or anxiety first appear.

Although many people feel embarrassed or ashamed when facing mental health issues, experts strongly agree that a healthy lifestyle coupled with quick intervention, especially for women, are the keys to living a long and productive life.

Scientists Grow Human Intestine May Help Patients

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

In a laboratory setting, scientists have successfully grown human intestine that they believe will prove beneficial to cancer patients and those suffering from stomach problems. The findings of this study were published in the Nature Medicine journal.

Using adult stem cells, scientists grew tissue fragments known as organoids that are three-dimensional organ buds capable of developing into tissues with specific functions. After being transplanted in mice, substantial amounts of fully-functioning human tissue were produced.

According to Dr. Michael Helmrath, lead scientist who works with the Intestinal Rehabilitation Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, this breakthrough could have many different implications. For one, it opens the door to studying the various conditions that cause intestinal failure, to include cancer, Crohn’s disease, and even genetic disorders that appear at birth.

However, the longer-term goal of growing tissues that can replace damaged human intestine is advanced by studies such as this. To get the desired outcome, scientists first created pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by genetically engineering human skin cells and blood, which are stem cells that revert to an immature embryonic state. Similar to stems cells extracted from early stage embryos, IPSCs can become any type of tissue.

Scientists then grafted the organoids onto the kidneys of laboratory mice, which produced blood supply for cells to grow and multiply on their own accord into human intestinal tissue. To increase surface area and recesses known as crypts that contain intestinal stem cells that renew stomach lining weekly, inward protruding finger-like villi was included.

After a six-week period, bundles of cells within the kidneys were larger but they had also grown into the kind of tissue needed to carry out vital function such as absorption and digestion in humans. In addition, organoids developed layers of muscle used to push food through the stomach, as well as nerve cells that cause muscles to contract.

Because the mice were genetically altered so their immune system would accept human tissue, bundles of cells were not rejected. Scientists believe that treatments using IPSCs in the future that come from a patient’s own skin cells would eliminate any risk of transplant rejection but also the high cost of anti-rejection medicine taken for life.

Apple’s iOS 8.1 Hits Today: Return of Camera Roll and More

October 20, 2014 By Sandy Morton Leave a Comment

Later today, iOS 8.1, the latest update to Apple’s mobile operating system will be available for download. This update adds support for Apple Pay and launches the iCloud photo library.

Apple’s iOS 8.1 was first unveiled last Thursday at the company’s iPad and Mac event. As described by head of software, Craig Federighi, this operating system brings back the camera roll and marks the debut of the iCloud photo library. However, it also provides support to Apple Pay, a new service whereby owners of the latest devices can make online and in-store purchases with the touch of a finger on Touch ID.

Under the direction fo Federighi, along with head designer Jony Ive, the iOS 8 is the second operating system to be released. Last year, iOS 7 with updated typography, a flatter design concept, better color schemes, and a new control center was launched. Although the iOS 8 is not as grand as the iOS 7, it still offers a slew of exciting new features, which focus more on functionality than visual effects.

In addition to new software that handles long-time issues with the notification system, iOS 8 has connections with Apple’s desktop OX X software, as well as native SMS client Messages, and iCloud. Unfortunately, after the September 17 release of iOS 8, consumers begin to complain.

The biggest problem was glitches with Wi-Fi connectivity. However, users also reported major issues with battery drain and slow performance in Safari, as well as a number of other things. Developers also faced a problem of not being able to launch HealthKit applications in the App Store because of an operating system bug.

Released on September 24 was the iOS 8.0.1 update, which was recalled after just one hour of becoming available due to additional problems surfacing such as no connectivity and not being able to unlock the mobile device using Touch ID. To remove the update for users who had downloaded iOS 8.0.1, Apple provided step-by-step instructions.

Then on September 25, Apple released iOS 8.0.2 but adoption has been extremely slow, at just 47% as of October 5, up only slightly from 46% on September 21. In spite of the ongoing problems, Federighi offers a more positive spin on the iOS adoption last week, citing that most Android users run an OS that is over two years old.

Obviously, it is imperative that Apple convince users to adopt the iOS 8.1 software so they can enjoy new services and features. One big change that users are excited about is the return of camera roll, which was eliminated from the previous update version.

With camera roll, users had a folder on their iPhone where photos snapped with the phone were stored but with the earlier update, rather than go to camera roll photos were sent to a folder called “recently added” where literally all photos taken were stored, as well as those deleted within the past 30 days.

Because iOS 8.1 brings back camera roll, users will once again have the ability to separate and delete photos. Also available is the iCloud photo library, which taps into users’ iCloud storage. This feature allows users to edit photos and videos on any of their mobile devices, with changes being reflected immediately and simultaneously on all of them.

As part of the rollout of iOS 8.1, users will pay nothing for the first 5GB of storage, which then goes to up $0.99 a month for 20GB, $3.99 for 200GB, and if preferred, users can pay more for storage tiers that climb up to 1TB.

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