All Things Apple

iOS 4.1 Available now!

2010-09-08T18:07:00.001-05:00

Right on schedule, Apple has released iOS 4.1 for the iPhone and iPod touch. The update, known as Build 8B117 and available for the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and second- and third-generation iPod touch models, brings several new features and fixes.

As detailed on Apple's site, iOS 4.1 enables the company's Game Center;social gaming network (for all iOS 4-compatible devices except iPhone 3G), support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos on iPhone 4, and HD video uploading to YouTube and MobileMe for iPhone 4.

The update has also been touted as addressing several high-profile bugs, including proximity sensor issues,performance issues on the iPhone 3G, and Bluetooth problems.

Apple's new fourth-generation iPod touch is shipping with iOS 4.1 already installed. That device has started appearing in storesand on customers' doorsteps today.

AppShopper

2010-09-07T17:14:00.000-05:00

AppShopper.com launched its official AppShopper app this morning. AppShopper is an app-tracking website that provides a running list of all the latest changes in the App Store. This includes finding new apps, updates and price changes. A variety of filters can also be used to pinpoint specific interests, such as popular iPhone games that are now free. Apps can also be added to personal "Wish Lists" to closely track app sales, price drops and updates.

The new Universal App offers a native AppShopper interface for both iPad and iPhone/iPod touch owners. It's now available as a free download. [iTunes link]

IOS 4.0 v 4.1 , big difference?

2010-09-06T13:35:00.000-05:00

Late last week, Lifehacker posted a video comparison of the performance of iOS 4.0 and iOS 4.1 on an iPhone 3G.
The video demonstrates the results, but here they are in all their glory:

- Messages: iOS 4.1 Wins (By a Little)
- Maps: iOS 4.1 Wins (By a Lot)
- Photos: iOS 4.1 Wins (Just Barely)
- Safari: iOS 4.1 Wins (Just Barely)

While the speed advantages ranged from marginal to significant, iOS 4.1 clearly outperformed iOS 4.0. It's still significantly slower performance than you'll get from a 3GS or iPhone 4, and we're still not sure it's a big enough improvement that 3G owners will want to ditch iOS 3. The most obvious difference was UI responsiveness. The UI didn't get stuck nearly as much on an interface element or when trying to enter text. If you are set on using iOS 4, the upgrade is worthwhile for that alone.

In late July, Apple acknowledged that it was looking into reports of performance problems for the iPhone 3G under iOS 4.0, and Apple CEO Steve Jobs confirmed late last month in an email to a customer that a software update addressing the issuing was forthcoming.

At last week's media event, Jobs announced the release of iOS 4.1 set for this week, noting the iPhone 3G performance issue as one of the bugs addressed in the update.

New Apple TV

2010-09-05T22:59:00.000-05:00

Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs showed off "one more hobby" Wednesday, with a newly redesigned Apple TV that costs less than half of the price of its predecessor -- $99.

The new Apple TV has a built-in power supply, HDMI, optical audio, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, all packed into a device that is a quarter of the size of the previous generation hardware.

"It's a fourth the size," Jobs said. "You can hold it in the palm of your hand."

Features

The CEO said that the new Apple TV does away with concerns of storage, as it is based on a rental model rather than purchasing. Users can rent first-run HDTV movies for $4.99, while single episodes of TV shows in HD will be available for 99 cents from Fox and ABC.

"We think the rest of the studios will see the light and get on board pretty fast," Jobs said.

Users can also stream content from an iOS device running version 4.2 or later. Jobs demonstrated streaming the movie "Up," instantly from an iPad over Wi-Fi.

The new Apple TV also offers access to Netflix streaming, YouTube videos, and photos from Flickr. Content can also be streamed from a Mac or PC, and from a MobileMe account. The new Apple TV will ship later this month.

Other features, according to Apple, include:

Silent, cool, and small: The new Apple TV is quiet, energy efficient, and so small it fits just about anywhere.
Less clutter with HDMI: Play audio and video though a single HDMI connection.
Apple Remote included: Control Apple TV with the sleek, aluminum Apple Remote.
Integration: Includes access to Netflix, Flickr, Rotten Tomatoes, and MobileMe.
Photos, music and videos: View your own content on the new Apple TV. And stream content wirelessly via an iOS 4.2 or later device using the new AirPlay technology.
Remote app for iPhone or iPod touch . Remote uses the same easy-to-use interface you already use to browse music and video on your Multi-Touch device. So right away, you know how to navigate. If you want to find something specific, use your device’s QWERTY keyboard to quickly tap out the title instead of clicking letters on the Apple TV screen.

"The new Apple TV, paired with the largest selection of online HD movie and TV show rentals, lets users watch Hollywood content on their HD TV whenever they want," Jobs said in a press release. "This tiny, silent box costing just $99 lets users watch thousands of HD movies and TV shows, and makes all of their music, photos and videos effortlessly available on their home entertainment system."

Technical Specifications

Size and weight:

Height: 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Width: 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Depth: 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Weight: 0.6 pounds

In the box:

Apple TV
Aluminum Apple Remote
Power cord
Documentation

Environmental Status Report:

BFR-free
PVC-free (internal cables and components)
Meets ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 requirements for set-top boxes

Processor: Apple A4 chip

System requirements:

AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b, g, or n wireless network (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n) or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network
iTunes Store account for renting movies and TV shows
Netflix account for streaming Netflix content
For streaming media from a Mac or PC: iTunes 10 or later; iTunes Store account for Home Sharing

Ports and interfaces:

HDMI2
Optical audio
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
Built-in IR receiver
Micro-USB (for service and support)

Environmental requirements:

Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
Storage temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet (3000 m)

Power: Built-in 6-watt universal power supply

Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi (a/b/g compatible), 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Ping

2010-09-05T22:29:00.003-05:00

Apple today announced that over one million users have joined Ping, the company's new social networking feature focused on music and built into iTunes 10. According to Apple, one-third of the people who have downloaded iTunes 10 in its first 48 hours of availability have joined Ping.

"One-third of the people who have downloaded iTunes 10 have joined Ping," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Internet Services. "As many more people download iTunes 10 in the coming weeks, we expect the Ping community to continue growing."

Ping has been receiving mixed reviews from users so far, as well as having to deal with several early issues involving a premature launch of Facebook Connect integration and a spam problem.

Apple to Provide Live Video Streaming of September 1 Event

2010-09-01T07:12:00.001-05:00

Apple announced this evening that they will be broadcasting their media event live over the internet.

Apple will broadcast its September 1 event online using Apple’s industry-leading HTTP Live Streaming, which is based on open standards. Viewing requires either a Mac running Safari on Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard, an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 3.0 or higher, or an iPad. The live broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. PDT on September 1, 2010 at www.apple.com.

This is the first time for many years that Apple has decided to offer a live video stream of their media events.

New ipod Nano, based on cases!

2010-08-30T17:23:00.002-05:00

With Apple's media event just two days away, iPod rumors are swinging into high gear. Rumors of a smaller iPod nano kicked off late last week and have been quickly followed by a flurry purported case leaks and additional claims supporting the belief. 9 to 5 Mac and AppleInsider share some additional cases and screen protectors that have popped up on Asian e-commerce sites with claims that they are for a forthcoming iPod nano model.

Mockup of next-generation iPod nano - almost certainly a speculative design concept
One of the new case leaks offers enough detail that we can begin to guess at some of the physical features of the next-generation iPod nano. A long slot on the edge of case certainly appears to be designed to accommodate Apple's 30-pin dock connector, which has been claimed to be included on the new device. An elongated hole on the opposite edge likely represents an on/off or hold switch as found on several previous and current iPod models.

Speculative identification of next-generation iPod nano physical features
The remaining three holes visible on the claimed iPod nano case are less obvious in their functionality, but one (possibly the one next to the dock connector) is certain to be a headphone jack. The remaining pair of holes in close proximity along the opposite edge could accommodate physical volume buttons similar to those found on the iPhone 4, although that conclusion is the most speculative of the identifications.

Finally, all of the purported cases contain either a completely open back or an open slot on the rear of the case, a feature that is rumored to accommodate a clip as was found on earlier-generation iPod shuffle models.

iPad App Roundup: Food Diaries and Calorie Counters

2010-08-27T23:57:00.001-05:00

You’ve decided it’s time to lose a few pounds, and want to use your iPad to help. We’ve got you covered with a rundown of the top food diary and calorie counter apps for the iPad. Can you convince your accountant that the iPad is a legitimate medical expense? Probably not.

C alorie Tracker — LIVESTRONG.COM ($2.99)

This application is an iPad version of Livestrong.com, a website developed by Demand Media and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (remember those ubiquitous yellow wristbands?). The iOS app is universal, and syncs your food diary among all your iOS devices and on the web.

Of all the apps I reviewed, Livestrong had the most extensive database of food and exercise. I was simply amazed at the details it had on various ethnic dishes and esoteric foodstuffs. You have no excuse for not counting your calories with this app, except if you lack an internet connection. Like many other apps, Internet access is required in order to track calories.

The user interface of the app features the standard yellow and black of the Livestrong brand, and is lacking in terms of pizazz. Every food entry shows up as a generic apple and any exercise shows up with a dumbbell icon. Although the application was best of breed in recording food and exercise, it made poor use of the screen size and power of the iPad. Still, this is the app I settled on for my own weight loss program due to its stellar database of information.

MyNetDiary — Food and Exercise Diary for iPad ($9.99)

Unlike Livestrong, MyNetDiary is a complete rewrite of their companion iPhone App, “My NetDiary,” and is sold separately. The use of screen real estate is outstanding, and the user interface is reminiscent of the top screen tabs of “Numbers.” Not only can you see what you ate for the day, but on the same screen you can see the calories, fat, carbs and protein breakdown to more accurately plan your next eating choice.

The other tabs in the app include “Plan,” in which you set your goals and calculate your Body Mass Index and your Basal Metabolic rate: two key factors in determining your weight loss strategy. “Exercise” is tracked in a separate tab and leaves rooms for notes so you can track how winded or refreshed you were after the workout.

Included with the app is a great little library of weight loss topics such as “the dreaded weight Plateaus” and “vegetarian diets.” Similar to Livestrong, the MyNetDiary website database requires internet access and syncs your data among your devices. MyNetDiary is an excellent use of the iPad features and is a great choice if you’d prefer a more feature-rich app, though with a slightly smaller food information database.

Calorie Counter by FatSecret for iPad (Free)

If you want most of the features of Livestrong and MyNetDiary, but don’t want to shell out the money, then FatSecret is the app for you. Fat Secret supports syncing to a website and other iOS devices and is ad-supported. This iPad-only app is very similar to its separate FatSecret iPhone counterpart, but uses the larger iPad screen to ease navigation and display more nutritional data.

Unique to FatSecret is the ability to scan or enter the barcode of the item you are eating and receive nutrition information if you’re connected to the internet. If you want to start tracking what you eat, but also want to save a few bucks, and don’t mind ads and a more limited food and exercise database, then this app is a great value.
GoMeals HD (Free)

For people who only want to track what they eat and have no desire to sync their food diary with other devices or a website, GoMeals HD might be the app for you. Unlike the previously mentioned apps, the database is accessible offline, making this app ideal for those calorie counters who don’t always have internet access.

The application is supported by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis, but doesn’t have any direct ads. When the iPad is connected to the Internet, the map function will look up restaurants nearby so you can make healthy eating choices. This is a great free app for those needing basic calorie counting.

FoodTrackerPro – Daily Eating Log ($1.99)

If calorie counting isn’t your goal, and all you want is to be aware of what you eat, this universal app keeps things simple. Just click on the picture of the food group you ate from, mark the number of servings and you’re good to go. I’m not sure “sweets” count as a food group, but they’re included in FoodTracker.

This app contains no database and no syncing — just some pictures. The app might be good for those for whom literacy is a barrier to their calorie counting, and pictorial representations serve as a simple way to provide rudimentary tracking.

iFoodDiary($2.99)

For free-form entry of calories consumed, iFood Diary is a great app. Unlike Foodtracker, this is all about words. Write down what you ate, where you ate it, and any notes you want to add. Although the app doesn’t support syncing, it does allow you to email your diary to yourself and your nutritionist.

There you have it! Of course, none of these will actually remind you to log what you eat, but they should at least provide a helping hand on the path to weight loss.

More Claims of Smaller, Square iPod Nano Next Week, Along With Possible 3G iPod Touch and iLife3

2010-08-27T23:22:00.000-05:00

AppleInsider offers new claims of a significant redesign of the iPod nano scheduled for release at next week's media event, lending additional weight to the square cases and earlier rumors associated with the device.
People familiar with the matter indicated that the size and shape of the device, revealed this week through photos of third-party cases, will be more akin to the iPod shuffle than the current-generation iPod nano. Even with this small size, however, it is expected to have a traditional iPod dock connector, allowing compatibility with the existing iPod accessory ecosystem.

The new iPod nano is said to utilize a tiny 3cm-by-3cm display that was revealed in its bare form as unknown Apple-branded component earlier this summer. For comparison, the second-generation iPod nano had a screen that was about 3cm by 2.5cm.

In addition to the iPod nano, the report notes that Apple has been toying with plans to release a version of the iPod touch offering 3G cellular data access. The company is said to have begun seriously considering the idea after seeing the success of the 3G-capable version of the iPad released earlier this year, and prototypes of 3G-capable iPod touches are claimed to be in existence.

Finally, rumors of an update to Apple's iLife suite persist, with today's report suggesting that a portion of next week's media event might be devoted to a new version of Apple's multimedia suite. With Apple having moved to an approximately 18-month release cycle over the last few versions of iLife and the current version having been released in early 2009, an update in the near future would be a reasonable guess. One claim from late last month predicted an August 17th release for "iLife '11", which is rumored to see the discontinuation of iDVD, a significant revamp of iWeb, and a new "mystery" application. The claimed release did not, however, occur on the predicted date.

Apple to Purchase Chinese Game Developer Handseeing?

2010-08-05T17:17:00.000-05:00

CNET reports that Apple has developed a software fix for the iOS security hole exploited to enable a Web-based jailbreak over the weekend, and that the fix will be deployed in an upcoming software update.
On Wednesday an Apple spokeswoman said in a statement, "We're aware of this reported issue, we have already developed a fix and it will be available to customers in an upcoming software update."

Apple declined to say when the update would be pushed out.

Apple had reported just yesterday that it was investigating the issue, which actually comprises a pair of flaws, and has obviously moved rapidly to close the security hole.
There are two distinct vulnerabilities in the iPhone uncovered with the jailbreak software's release, principal analyst Charlie Miller of Independent Security Evaluators told CNET Tuesday. One flaw is in the way the browser parses PDF files, enabling the code to get inside a protective sandbox, and the other hole allows code to break out of the sandbox and get root, or control, privileges on the device.

While the vulnerability was exploited to offer users a simple method to jailbreak their iOS devices in this case, it could easily be used as an entry point for the execution of malicious code.

Apple Investigating iOS Vulnerability Allowing Web-Based Jailbreak

2010-08-03T22:44:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, a new Web-based jailbreak became available for iOS devices, offering users a simple method to open their devices to installation of unauthorized third-party applications.

At the time, we noted potential security implications of the method, which involves a security hole in how the mobile Safari browser included on all iOS devices handles embedded fonts. Exploiting the hole allows a remote site to gain control over a user's device. In the case of the new JailbreakMe site, the exploit is offering a convenient delivery method for a service, but others could use the same method for malicious purposes.

Reuters reports that it has received an official response from Apple on the issue, which notes only that it is investigating the security hole.

Company spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said the company was aware of the report.

"We're investigating," she said.
There is no word yet on a timetable for a fix. While many users are no doubt appreciative of the simple jailbreak method, Apple will certainly want to close the security hole as quickly as possible to both prevent malicious exploitation of it and to thwart the simple jailbreak process, a system modification frowned upon by the company.

How to setup iPad for AT&T 3G

2010-04-30T21:45:00.001-05:00

Curious how to setup an AT&T account on Apple’s iPad Wi-Fi + 3G? Dieter’s going to take you through it, step by step, in fine video form after the break.

1. Either tap the popup that asks if you want to setup a 3G on startup, or tap the Settings app.
2. Go to Cellular Data
3. Tap view account (and then wait, it takes a while).
4. Enter your user personal info and credit cards details and create a login.
5. Choose your plan, $14.99 for 256mb or $29.99 for unlimited
6. Remember, it rolls-over automatically so you’ll get billed again next month!
7. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the terms of service (seriously?) and tap to agree.
8. Add international data if you’re a traveler.
9. Wait for them to notify you when it’s complete.
10. Once you get the notification, you are good to go!
11. (If you want to, you can go back to Settings and make changes to your account).

Done? Done! Let us know how it worked for you!

French, Irish iTunes Stores open up movie sales

2010-04-30T21:39:00.002-05:00

Apple has expanded the French and Irish iTunes storefronts, adding movie sales to them for the first time. Visitors to either can buy and rent movies from major American studios, including Fox, MGM, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Disney and Warner Brothers. Of special interest though may be the regional studios, as Irish shoppers will have access to movies from E1, Optimum and Lionsgate UK, while French shoppers will have access to Pathé, SND and StudioCanal.

Because both countries rely on the Euro, pricing is identical. Rentals are €3 for older titles or €4 for new releases, with a €1 premium on HD quality. Actually buying a movie starts at a minimum of €8 for old films, €10 for recent ones or €14 for new releases. When renting viewers have a 30-day window to start a movie, and 48 hours to finish. The latter contrasts with the US, which is alone in forcing people to finish within 24 hours.

France and Ireland bring the number of storefronts with movies up to eight. This leaves most iTunes Stores without the feature, most likely because of the difficulty of negotiating international distribution.

iPhone SDK beta expands video conferencing code

2010-04-27T22:20:00.000-05:00

The latest iPhone 4 SDK beta appears to include new code related to video conferencing functionality. Although basic video conferencing provisions have been included in the past firmware releases, the latest offering expands a number of status and error strings.

One of the new messages, posted by MacRumors, hints at a registration requirement, alerting users if the "device has not been registered for video conferencing." The list of new strings also indicates the service will be integrated into the Game Center, allowing users to join video calls with other gamers.

The list of error messages has been modified, with new messages related to Wi-Fi connectivity but no references to 3G or cellular connections. It is unclear if this is an indication that Apple will allow video conferencing to be used on cellular networks.

Video conferencing is widely expected with the next iPhone, as the leaked prototype clearly integrated a front-facing camera. Apple has yet to officially confirm any of the specs, however.

How do you use your iPhone/iPad as a remote control?

2010-04-27T22:17:00.000-05:00

How do you use your iPhone/iPad as a remote control, and what do you use it to control?
When Apple introduced the iPhone, they also introduced Remote, and app that you could use to control iTunes or your Apple TV. Since then a variety of other, more wide-ranging remote control apps have become available in the iTunes App Store for controlling media, entire computers, and even complete household automation.
With the introduction of the iPad, there’s even 9.7″ of screen real estate to fill all your controlling needs.
Let us know your favorite remote control apps for iPhone and iPad, and favorite ways for using them in the comments!

Facebook video goes iPhone and iPad compatible with H.264

2010-04-27T22:04:00.002-05:00

Facebook have joined the growing list of sites that are now providing video for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad compatible playback. Facebook isn’t using HTML5, they’re pushing the video straight to the iPhone and iPad’s native H.264-compatible QuickTime player.

That list of compatible sites now includes YouTube and Vimeo powered sites such as New York Times and Time Magazine,(in trial form), Good news for us and for Apple, not great news for Adobe on the video front, as yet another reason for needing Flash bites the dustAnd boy does Hulu look like la st-mover these days

How-to fix the iPad “App Store is not supported in your country” error for international users

2010-04-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

If you’re an international user who just picked up an iPad in the US and want to get some apps via the on-device App Store app, you ‘re out of luck: “Cannot Connect to the App Store. The App Store is not supported in your country” That’s what you’ll get if you synced via iTunes on your Windows PC or Mac using an international account, like Canada, Australia, UK, etc. and then try to use the iPad App Store app.
Of course, you can just keep on syncing via iTunes but for the convenience of the on-device downloads, you’ll need a work-around.

Set-up a free US iTunes account.
Open the iPad iTunes Store app (which does work.
Scroll down to the bottom and log out of your international account
Log back in with your US iTunes account

And boom, the App Store app will start working. Now the bad news: anything you download will be locked to your new US account, which makes managements more of a hassle. And if you want to buy apps, you’ll need a US credit card or US iTunes gift cards. But if you gotta have it now, that’s the only solution we have working (if you know a better one, drop it in comments!)
Hopefully before the iPad launches in more countries in “late April” Apple will sort out this little problem and we’ll all have on-device App Store access no matter what country we’re in…

Wi-Fi Sync iPhone with iTunes

2010-04-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

Engadget points to a YouTube video posted by a developer apparently showing an iPhone application called Wi-Fi Sync that will enable users to wirelessly sync their iPhones and iPod touches with their computers via a local Wi-Fi network.

As the name implies, the app promises a complete sync of your iPhone or iPod touch with iTunes without having to tether and looks pretty straightforward (and occasionally useful) based on the video demonstration found after the break.
According to comments from the developer, he believes that the application fully complies with Apple's developer rules and will be submitting it for inclusion in the App Store later this week.

The application requires a separate syncing application to be installed on the user's computer. The video shows a Mac OS X version of the application in action, and the developer promises that a Windows version is under development.

Android running on iPhone

2010-04-25T14:02:00.003-05:00

There are matches made in heaven, and on the other side of the spectrum, there is David Wang's accomplishment: booting Google's Android operating system on Apple's iPhone
Wang, the "planetbeing" member of the a group called the iPhone Dev Team devoted to hacking iPhones, on Wednesday posted a video demonstrating Android on an iPhone.
The demo shows the boot process--complete with the Tux Linux mascot--and Wang using Android for browsing, receiving a text message, answering a phone call, and playing music. The phone is set up with a dual-boot configuration and indeed the video begins with the device running iPhone OS.
"It's not really production-quality yet," Wang said on the video. "I'd say it's alpha quality. But pretty much everything works."
The Android-on-iPhone hack is a notable technical accomplishment, but it's not likely to transform the industry or alter what mainstream users do. It does indicate, though, that the hacking ethos is alive and well despite Apple's attempts to keep its mobile phone locked down.
Wang has been working since at least 2008 to boot Linux on the iPhone, according to his blog. The demonstration uses a first-generation iPhone, but newer models should be supported at some point.
"It should be pretty simple to port forward to the iPhone 3G. The 3GS will take more work," Wang said on the blog. "Hopefully with all this groundwork laid out, we can make Android a real alternative or supplement for iPhone users. Maybe we can finally get Flash. ;)"

As you might expect, there are problems with Android on the iPhone. "It's slightly buggy because I didn't bother to implement all the Android-specific driver extensions," he said in the video demonstration. And it's slow, since Wang using a debug version of Android.
He can type using a virtual keyboard, but the iPhone's one-button interface doesn't mesh well with Android, which runs on phones typically with five or more buttons.
"There's a little bit of a button shortage on the iPhone," Wang said.

iPads selling fast

2010-04-25T12:49:00.004-05:00

On April 8th, just six days after the iPad went on sale, Chitika Labs (who had been tracking iPad sales by counting cookies of new iPads hitting the Internet) claimed that Apple had sold 564,257 units. The method used is admittedly not the best of all possible metrics, but it does provide an indication of how many new iPads were leaving the shelves. Today, 15 days later, Chitika reported that over 1,000,000 iPads have been sold. They also claim that over 32,000 new iPads were seen on the Internet today, representing 4% of all total iPad sales.

No, Google’s Free Turn-by-Turn Navigation Is Not Coming to the iPhone

2010-04-24T18:24:00.003-05:00

Despite numerous reports earlier this week claiming that Google was planning to bring its free turn-by-turn navigation to the iPhone, it turns out that the search giant currently does not have any such plans.

Word regarding the alleged move first broke when a Mac User report claimed that a UK-based Google executive had revealed details about introducing the navigation tool to the iPhone, in addition to other mobile devices. The comments were apparently uttered during a London press conference in which Google launched its popular Maps Navigation tool for UK Android devices.

However, in order to kill the rumor before it became any more widespread, Google has now confirmed to PCWorld that this is not the case. PCWorld’s report includes comments from a Google spokesperson who said the following:

“We did not say we would bring it to iPhone, we said to date we’ve had it on Android and that in the future it may come to other platforms but did not confirm this will be coming to iPhone at all.”

For those that don’t know, Google’s Maps Navigation is a free GPS 3-D mapping service which offers turn-by-turn navigation, automatic rerouting and voice guidance for Android users. Sadly, no doubt at the joy of GPS makers such as Tom Tom and Garmin, Google’s service will not be on the iPhone anytime soon.

iPad camera adapter supports USB audio, keyboards

2010-04-24T17:58:00.000-05:00

A handful of discoveries in the past day have revealed that the iPad's Camera Connection Kit can be used for USB devices beyond just cameras. One test by TidBITS has discovered that it will work with most any USB headphone, headset or microphone, making it possible to either listen to music or take a VoIP call with normally computer-oriented add-ons. The call quality is "terrific" and could make it considerably easier to use Skype for those who don't want to use Bluetooth headsets.

The functionality also extends to keyboards, as a near-simultaneous check has shown that USB keyboards will work as well, although this was partly expected given the functionality of the official iPad Keyboard Dock. The convenience of the USB keyboard is also reduced as there's no stand when using the adapter.

In its intended role, the adapter works as expected and will add images to the Photos app when plugged in. Besides supporting RAW from high-end cameras, the iPad will import any captured photos at full resolution, including the EXIF metadata from the original shot. Video is also supported, and surprisingly the iPad will let photographers trim videos much as you do with the iPhone 3GS' simple editor. Clips are cut short, iLounge notes; any video larger than 640x480 and 5MB will be shrunk in resolution and length to fit the length. It's not certain why this is, although it may be a holdover from the iPhone.

Apple stock, price targets surge following Q2 results

2010-04-24T17:37:00.006-05:00

Apple's stock value has risen sharply following yesterday's second-quarter results, but it may have yet more room to grow, according to analysts. Pricing climbed more than $13 in overnight trading, and as of this writing it sits at approximately $259. RBC Capital Analyst Mike Abramsky has increased his target for the stock to $350, largely on the basis on the iPhone, and the future of the iPad. Third-quarter iPad margins are expected to slot between 18 and 26 percent, and 1.5 to 2.5 million units could translate into an extra $1 to $1.6 billion in revenue. FY2011 iPad numbers have been bumped from 8 to 9.2 million.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has pushed his target to $323, citing not only Q2 iPhone sales but the prospect of a new iPhone around the corner. Oppenheimer's Yair Reiner has chosen a $320 target, complimenting not only the iPhone but the iPod, the death of which has allegedly been "greatly exaggerated" given that units were down just 1 percent year-over-year. Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros. has increased his target for the second time in the space of a week, from $305 to $315. Apple's guidance for the next quarter is less conservative than usual, according to Wu.

JP Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz has opted for $316. He suggests that revenue and earnings growth will stay over 20 percent during the next few years, as Apple has plenty of opportunities including iAd, Mac and iPad expansion, higher profit margins, and deeper iPhone penetration in China and the US, the latter through the addition of one or more carriers.

UBS' Maynard Um has shifted his figure from $280 to $315, echoing Wu's reasoning. Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty, finally, has scaled her target from $250 to $275, predicting high margins in Q3 from things like accessories, the iPad 3G and general component costs.

iPad Contacts

2010-04-24T17:13:00.003-05:00

All of us want to make sure that we want to stay in communication with those we meet everyday, especially those that we have close connections to, may it be personal or business. But with so many people who we want to stay in touch with, it would definitely take a very thick organizer with a contact list in it that surely will not fit all the contact information of our friends, clients, relatives, and just about anyone you can ever think of!

Because the iPad has also kept up with the booming population, and the constant innovations in technology, it has made storing your contacts more fun, easier, and even entertaining. The contacts on your iPad make it so easy for you to access them. As you group them in different categories, or simply in an A-Z manner, you can easily browse the contact details of your business partners, friends and family members. When sending out emails, the contacts section can easily be accessed as well for a faster operation.

When syncing or adding contacts on your iPad, you can do the following easy steps:

* You can sync the contacts from the applications in your computer, or from Yahoo or Google when using the iTunes.
* Have your contacts enabled when you are using MobileMe or Microsoft Exchange in your iPad.
* Make sure that a profile exists when you are installing Microsoft Exchange account with enabled contacts.
* If you want to access business or school directories, set up an LDAP account on your iPad.

When searching for contacts, you can do so by the family name, first name, or by company name. You can also view the contacts in your organization if you have a Microsoft Exchange account in your iPad that has a Global address list. In the home screen, you can tap on the search box and type the contact. The ones with matching information will appear. When searching for a Global Address List, simply tap Groups, the Exchange server name and then type in the name or company name. Unfortunately, you cannot save these kinds of contacts. You can do the same when searching for LDAP.
Add Photo to a Contact on the iPad

Of course, with the hundreds and thousands of people we come across and get acquainted with everyday and exchange numbers with, it is just but natural for us to not want to be rude. So when we enlist them in our contact list, we make sure that we remember them so that when they contact us, or when we contact them, their photo just instantly appears along with their names on it. So how do we attach a photo on a contact then? It is just quite easy.

* Go to the Contacts app, and pick a contact.
* Edit it by tapping on “Add Photo” or replace by tapping on the existing photo.
* Go to an album and choose a photo. Tap the photo that you have chosen.
* You can drag and scale the photo to fit your needs.
* Then, simply tap on the Choose button.

The Contact’s picture will now be included in the iPad for future reference and to help you always remember a name with a face.

iPad Tip of the Day

2010-04-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Another iPad tip, for those who lament the lack of full punctuation options on the soft keyboard. Looking for a quicker way to get to the apostrophe? Try holding down the exclamation point/comma key for a moment. Just like the accented letters that are accessible via that technique, the apostrophe will pop up for your use.

Most words that normally take an apostrophe will get one automatically via the iPad's correct-as-you-type approach, so you may be better off just going full stream ahead for some writing. (Just don't mix up "its" and "it's," we beg of you.)