iPadPad

Apple Announces iPad Mini 3 With Touch ID Home Button, Gold Color Option

2014-10-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at its media event in Cupertino, Apple announced the iPad mini 3 with Touch ID Home button and a new gold color option. These updates appear to be the only significant changes over the previous generation, with the new model continuing to use the A7 chip from the original Retina iPad mini.

In addition to gold, the iPad mini 3 also comes in the previous space gray and silver color options. The pricing will start at $399 for 16 GB Wi-Fi version, with 64 GB and 128 GB variations priced at $499 and $599 respectively. As usual, Wi-Fi + Cellular models of the iPad mini 3 will be priced at a $130 premium over the Wi-Fi only models.

iPad mini 3 will be available for pre-order tomorrow, October 17, and will begin shipping next week.

Alongside the iPad mini 3, Apple is continuing to sell the iPad mini 2 in 16 GB ($299/$429) and 32 GB ($349/$479) variants. The original 16 GB non-Retina iPad mini is also still available for ($249/$379).

Data Source: via MacRumors (by Husain Sumra)

Read also:

A Comprehensive List of iOS 8 Hidden Features and Changes and how Can Be Accessed

Photos App in iOS 8

iOS 8 Brings New Option "Send Last Location" To Find My iPhone or iPad

Apple Announces iPad Air 2 with Thinner Profile, Touch ID, and A8X Processor

2014-10-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

At Thursday October 16 media event, Apple introduced the all new iPad Air 2. The second-generation tablet features an ultra thin profile that's just 6.1mm thick, much thinner than the 7.5mm original iPad Air.

The significantly thinner design was enabled through the use of a gapless laminated display panel that also produces sharper images. In addition to a thinner chassis, the new iPad Air also includes a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, a faster A8X processor, a new 8-megapixel iSight camera, and an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare by up to 56 percent.

According to Apple, the iPad Air 2 is 18 percent thinner than the first-generation iPad Air and its A8X chip features a 2nd-generation 64-bit architecture which is 40% faster than the A7 used in the first iPad Air in terms of CPU performance up to 2.5x faster when it comes to GPU performance. Like its predecessors, the iPad Air 2 gets 10 hours of battery life and it also includes an M8 motion coprocessor that gathers data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and an all-new barometer that senses air pressure to determine relative elevation.

Apple has added a Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the iPad Air 2, which was said to be the "most requested feature from customers." With Touch ID, iPad Air 2 owners can use their tablets to make Apple Pay purchases within apps that support the Apple Pay API. The iPad Air 2 does not have NFC support and thus cannot be used to make purchases in retail stores.

The iPad Air 2 has gained 802.11ac Wi-Fi with multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) capabilities. Apple states that the iPad Air 2 contains 2.8x faster performance with support for speeds up to 866 Mbps on Wi-Fi and now contains 20 LTE bands for faster LTE with support for speeds up to 150 Mbps via LTE Advanced.

Apple has also included a new 8-megapixel iSight camera on the iPad Air 2, which features an f/2.4 aperture and can record 1080p HD video. For the first time, the camera can take 43 megapixel panoramas and burst mode photos, and it is also able to shoot time lapse and 120 FPS Slo-Mo video. The front-facing FaceTime camera on the iPad Air 2 has also been improved, with an f/2.2 aperture that lets in 81 percent more light. It lets users take burst mode selfies, single-shot HDR photos, and HDR videos.

Pre-orders for the iPad Air 2 will begin on Friday, October 17, and the tablet will begin shipping at the end of next week. Available in gold, silver, and space gray, the iPad Air 2 is available with 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage capacities, priced at $499, $599, and $699, respectively, for the Wi-Fi models. Cellular models are also available and are priced $130 higher, at $529, $629, and $729.

Data source: via MacRumors (by Richard Padilla)

Read also:

A Comprehensive List of iOS 8 Hidden Features and Changes and how Can Be Accessed

Photos App in iOS 8

iOS 8 Brings New Option "Send Last Location" To Find My iPhone or iPad

Take a Look of Some Hidden Features in iOS 8 (Video)

2014-06-17T07:49:00.002-07:00

Apple has unveiled iOS 8 at WWDC with many new features, among the most prominent of these features, Health, Handoff, Family Share, QuickType, etc, Apple has also continued improving the existing apps like Messages, Siri, and photos. As well has opened many capabilities to developers for the first time.

Not doubt that there are many hidden features and tidbits in iOS 8 Apple hasn't addressed them, to let users to discover them. The video below, which created by Keaton Keller at TechSmartt demonstrates some of these hidden features, in one ten-minute to gives us a look on them.

iOS 8 is available to developers as a beta and it will be released to the public in the fall. You can also download it now but isn't recommended.

Read also:

iOS 8 Features

Finaly! iOS 8 may Bring Split-Screen Multitasking to the iPad

2014-05-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

After years of waiting, Apple may add split-screen multitasking feature to the iPad in iOS 8, reported 9to5mac. The feature would allow iPad owners to use two apps simultaneously on a single screen, the feature was a Microsoft swagger as an advantage for its Surface tablets over the iPad, so is focused on it in more than one of its Surface tablet ads.

The feature besides the allowing the use of multiple apps at the same time, may also allows users to share data such as images, texts, and links between apps, these capabilities indicate that Apple is finally ready to support “XPC” services in iOS, making it easier for developers to share content between apps.

In addition to allowing for two iPad apps to be used at the same time, the feature is designed to allow for apps to more easily interact, according to the sources. For example, a user may be able to drag content, such as text, video, or images, from one app to another. Apple is said to be developing capabilities for developers to be able to design their apps to interact with each other.

The report also notes that the feature will work exclusively in landscape mode, and will target the 9.7-inch iPad display, unclear at this time if its extension will include the smaller iPad mini. It may also be a critical feature for the rumored iPad Pro, that may release either later this year or in 2015.

A split-screen iPad multitasking feature as mentioned has been requested by iPad users for quite a long time, some designers have even created a concept of how Apple could implement this feature.

In addition to the split-screen multitasking option, iOS 8 is expected to come with new features and improvements such as a Healthbook app, that is said to be a central location for all your health and fitness data, some major improvements to the Maps app like the offering transit directions, all-new Preview and TextEdit apps to make it easier to access documents in iCloud, standalone app for iTunes Radio, and user-interface refinements such as the simplification of Notification Center. Apple is expected to unveil iOS 8, at the WWDC 2014 Keynote on June 2nd.

Source: 9to5mac via MacRumors

Read also:

iOS 8 Concept Video Features Siri with Shazam iWatch-Synced Healthbook App and More

Gorgeous iOS 8 Concept Merging Multitasking with Control Center (Video)

iPhone Air Concept Features 17% Larger Display but the Device Just 8% Larger (Video)

Video: How To Creat a Nested Folder in iOS 7.1

2014-04-07T17:41:00.001-07:00

iOS 7.1 came in addition to a number of improvements, bug fixes, and new features like CarPlay. The new version also brought small design changes, but unfortunately Apple also in this update killed a very handy glitch, so that the ability to create nested folders (folders within folders) is no longer possible.

This glitch method might help a lot of organizing your iPhone's home screen or to creating an convenient filing system for your various app categories. luckily is still there a workaround to do that in the iOS 7.1.

Here are the steps to do it:

First you need two apps on your home screen (preferably two that you want to put into a folder) and make sure an existing folder is present on the same screen.

The creating of the new folder begin by putting the app over the other. Once the folder appears tap and hold on the existing first folder and drag it inside of the new folder and release your finger.

The process requires a bit of pre-planning, the video below from YouTube user Videosdebarraquito shows it.

Remember this just a glitch we don't expect it to survive another update, we hope Apple will officially implement a feature like this in the future with more possibilities

Data source: YouTube via TUAW

Read also:

Video: A Handy Overview on What's New in iOS 7.1

Here's How To Create Custom Vibration Patterns To Use As Ringtones In iOS 7

How to Delete Photos from iPhone?

Secrets of the iOS 7 keyboard

One Day After Release, Microsoft iPad Office Apps Top App Store Charts

2014-03-29T14:08:00.001-07:00

In his first major public event as Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella unveiled on Thursday at a press event in San Francisco a long-awaited version of Microsoft Office suite for iPad, bringing productivity applications Word, Excel and PowerPoint to iPad users.

Just like Office for iPhone, all three apps will be free downloads and will include viewing and presenting capabilities free of charge. But to create and edit documents, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription, which costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year for personal use, and $9.99/month, or $99.99/year for a Home Premium package allowing access from multiple computers and mobile devices. There are also separate business options available as well, with billing based on total seats.

Office 365 subscribers can simply add an iPad as one of their chosen devices included in their subscription benefits, and can create and edit documents with Word for iPad, PowerPoint for iPad and Excel for iPad. These apps are available as free downloads from the App Store, enabling people to read and present documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Office for iPad brings full file fidelity across Office on PC, Mac, tablet and phone, and along with cloud storage from OneDrive or OneDrive for Business your files are up to date, wherever you need them on whatever device you want to use.

Additional details, a first-run walkthrough, and an FAQ are included in a separate blog post from Microsoft.

The press conference is avialable for on-demand replay. Microsoft also has published its press release.

Microsoft acknowledged soon after the introduction of the original iPad back in 2010 that it was looking at the possibility of bringing its Office suite to the tablet. its plans remained in flux, however, with the company reportedly reluctant to embrace the iPad as it sought to push forward with its own Windows tablet initiative with Surface.

Just a day after being released into the App Store Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint now take the top three spots in the Top Free iPad app list. The redesigned Microsoft OneNote follows in the number four spot.

Microsoft is paying a 30-percent cut to Apple on Office 365 subscription purchases made within the Office for iPad apps, as Re/code reported. Both Nadella and Apple CEO Tim Cook exchanged pleasantries on Twitter after the unveiling of Office for the iPad.

Welcome to the #iPad and @AppStore! @satyanadella and Office for iPad
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2014

Thanks @tim_cook, excited to bring the magic of @Office to iPad customers #cloud4mobile
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) March 27, 2014

All three of Microsoft iPad Office apps can be downloaded from the App Store for free:

- Download Microsoft Word for iPad

- Download Microsoft Excel for iPad
- Download Microsoft PowerPoint for iPad

Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPad.

Read also:

Apple iWork vs. Microsoft Office 365 vs. Google Docs

Edit Office files and present on the go with hopTo for iPad

How to Delete Photos from iPhone?

How to Use Find My iPhone Pre and After the Losing of Your iPhone

Data source: Microsoft via MacRumors

Analyst: No iPad 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" Until 2015, this Year Just Updated iPad Air

2014-02-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

New report from KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple may be preparing to introduce only an upgraded iPad Air in 2014 and will likely delay the release of the large sceen 12.9-inch ''iPad Pro'' and newer iPad mini until next year.

The upgraded iPad that features an A8 processor, and Touch ID fingerprint sensor will be the new iPad version that Apple introduces this year. The report also claims that the company focuses on shifting its resources from the Retina iPad Mini towards developing the larger iPad "iPad Pro". kuo estimates the debut of iPad 12.9-inch will be in earlier 2015 or late this year with limited supply.

Compared with lower-margin iPad mini with Retina display, which shipments has been tepid, higher-margin iPad Air was a hot selling item in 4Q13, which will slow Apple in developing new iPad mini models. We believe Apple plans to launch upgraded iPad Air early this year, and will accelerate development of 12.9” iPad. As such, more resources will be allocated to these two products, which will affect the progress of the development of new iPad mini. All told, we think chances of the debut of a new iPad mini in 2H14 are slim. In addition, the 12.9” iPad is unlikely to be offered in 2014. For these reasons, we predict the only new iPad product in 2H14 will be the upgraded iPad Air.

As is well known Apple is working on a wearable device "iWatch" which Apple plans to release this year, it seems the company gives the iWacht operating system the priority over other devices as the report noted. However as Kuo states that the 12.9-inch iPad will act as a driver in allowing developers to create more interactive apps for a bigger screen. Also He expect Apple to restart production of the iPad 4 in Q1 2014 as it looks to wind down the production of iPad 2. Overall, the analyst predicts the iPad shipments to fall from 34 million units in Q1 2013 to below 30 million units in Q1 2014.

It has been widely speculated that Apple will launch a bigger iPad "iPad Pro" later this year. Kuo stated earlier before the release of iPad Air that the sixth-generation iPad would contain a 30-40% higher pixel density instead of a bigger screen.

Source: via MacRumors

iPad Air Battery Life Beats Other Tablets, Surprising Result with iPad 2

2014-02-13T16:46:00.001-08:00

New test conducted by Which? Test Lab, a consumer test organization in the United Kingdom appears that Apple' iPad Air outperforms competing tablets by relatively large margin when it comes in battery life.

The battery usage test covered both Internet and video use, and included also iPad 2 and Retina iPad Mini, that the iPad Air bested them as well as tablets competing companies like Samsung, Amazon, and Google.

They tested how long the battery in each of the tablet lasts when browsing the internet and watching video, Which? explains That:

Each time we test a tablet we check the battery life for web browsing over wi-fi, with 3G (if applicable) and for video playback. To ensure parity across products we set their screen brightness to 200 nits (a reasonable daytime brightness level) using a light meter. We’ll also test how long the battery takes to fully recharge.

In the internet browsing test, iPad Air’s battery lasted for 658 minutes, or nearly 11 hours. The Retina iPad mini came in second place with 614 minutes of battery life (just over 10 hours). Surprisingly, the iPad 2, which was launched in 2011, took the third place with 590 minutes (almost 10 hours). while the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 lasted just 483 minutes and 481 minutes (8 hours), respectively.

In the video test, the iPad Air lasted quite a bit longer than its competitors at 777 minutes (almost 13 hours). Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 came in second, it lasted for 714 minutes (almost 12 hours), followed by Google Nexus 7, which lasted for 669 minutes (just over 11 hours). the iPad 2 and the Retina iPad mini fared decently at 660 (11 hours) and 604 (just over 10 hours) minutes, respectively, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 came last, its battery lasted for only 465 minutes (7.75 hours).

Source: Which? Tech Daily via MacRumors

Analyst Doubts that 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" is a Viable Product

2014-01-31T17:39:00.001-08:00

Many rumors suggest that apple is working on ipad 12.9-inch "iPad Pro", last analyst from DisplaySearch are bullish on the idea of an iPad Pro, but new analyst IHS’ director of tablet and monitor research Rhoda Alexander according to CNET is not convinced Apple will adopt this form factor.

Alexander said there were a number of different larger panels, that could be potentially for a larger iPad "iPad Pro". Despite the possibility that Apple is working with some early prototypes, IHS Suppli is not factoring these panels into its forecasts.

We have not seen volume shipments yet of any panels,” she said. “We have to get a lot further down the line in terms of seeing really strong indicators from Apple that such a product exists, and we’re just not at that point.”

Alexander also doubts Apple is creating a larger iPad for the education or businesses market that are a looking for a hybrid tablet-laptop.

When this (rumored) product was first discussed, it was said that there were requests from the education market, which I think shows a lack of understanding about how that market works. Those products have to qualify over years. Most of the education market is still using the iPad 2.

Samsung lanched a larger Galaxy tablet wiht 12.2-inch earlier this year, some reviewers saying the device was not very portable and awkward to hold for long periods of time.

Image source: MacRumors

Apple Expands Availability of iBooks Textbooks and iTunes U Course Manager to other Countries

2014-01-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

Apple announced today that it has expanded the availability of iBooks Textbooks and the iTunes U Course Manager in new countries, such as Brazil, Italy, Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Textbook are now available in 51 countries while iTunes U Course Manager, available in 70 countries.

“The incredible content and tools available for iPad provide teachers with new ways to customize learning unlike ever before,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “We can’t wait to see how teachers in even more countries will create their new lesson plans with interactive textbooks, apps and rich digital content.”

Apple had launched iBooks Textbooks at an education-focused media event in January 2012.

Rumor: The Expected Launching Date for the iPad 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" is by the end of Q3

2014-01-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

According to the latest rumors "market sources" from Digitimes. Apple will release a12.9-inch iPad "iPad Pro" by the end of Q3 at the earliest. The report claimed that Apple is working with production partners and component suppliers to develop the next generation iPad Air and Retina iPad mini.

The report also mentioned that Apple and Samsung are going to remain the top tablet vendors this year, with shipments of 80 to 90 million and 60 to70 million units, respectively.

Samsung is allegedly working to launch more Galaxy Lite models with prices going down as low as $129.

Samsung is also likely to launch more Galaxy Lite models, with prices going down as low as US$129, the sources indicated, adding that Samsung's tablet shipments in 2014 are expected to reach 60-70 million units compared to 40 million shipped in 2013.

Many reports have suggested that Apple is working on a bigger iPad model. earlier in the month reports suggested the 12.9-inch iPad Pro could be a hybrid device combines the best of tablets and laptops. and powered by Apple’s next generation A8 chip.

Research firm DisplaySearch thinks that the iPad Pro could ship with a 12.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and 265 ppi.

Source: Digitimes

Image source: MacRumors

Skype's New Update Supports HD Video Calls On iPhone 5s, iPad Air, And Retina iPad mini

2014-01-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Skype today released an update for its iPad and iPhone app.

Skype 4.17 update supports two-way HD Video Calls on iPhone 5s, iPad Air, and Retina iPad mini. The update lets you receive messages even when the Skype app is closed, and chat messages sync much faster across devices.

What's New in Version 4.17

Two-way HD video calls are now supported on the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display.

Receive chat messages even when Skype is closed.

Chat messages now sync much faster across all your devices.

To review and download Skype for iPad on App Store click here. (iPhone version)

Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.0 or later.

Free Apps
Category: Social Networking
Updated: Jan 16, 2014
Version: 4.17
Size: 31.3 MB

Tim Cook to Reportedly Visit Turkey to Discuss $4B iPad Deal with Turkish president

2013-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

According to Turkish language publication emlakkulisi.com [Google Translate], Cook will travel to Turkey next year to meet with President Abdullah Gül over the country's so-called "FATIH Project," which seeks to replace blackboards and textbooks with modern computing devices like iPad and iBooks.

According to the report, Cook will also present for the opening of Apple's first store in the country. The store is located in the city of Istanbul at the new multi-use Zorlu Center and has undergone construction over the past few years, and was reported to open in the beginning of 2014.

In May, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Apple headquarters to inspect the tech giant's latest technological advancements before putting out a bid for his FATIH project.

The program's initial phase calls for the acquisition of 10.6 million tablets and could be followed by another purchase of between 2 to 2.5 million iPads. In total, the initiative is scheduled to roll out over a four-year period and is expected to cost between $3 and $4 billion.

Apple has been making a significant push into the Turkish market for quite some time, with having listed initial job postings for stores in the country last November.

Source: emlakkulisi

Turn your iPad into a ZX Spectrum computer from the 80s with this keyboard

2013-12-19T15:46:00.001-08:00

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum is something of a legend in computing circles, as it was one of the very first reasonably priced home computers on which it was possible to actually do interesting stuff.

By that we mean, of course, it could play games. The 8-bit machine took the UK by storm in the early 80s, and the rubber-keyed compact case is seen as an iconic piece of computer design today.

Now, the original ZX Spectrum is back, or at least it will be next year. However, it won’t be as a computer, but as a Bluetooth keyboard accessory for your iOS device and Apple TV. Produced under licence by Elite Systems, it will look exactly like the Spectrum of old, right down to the classic rubber keys. The idea is, it will link with your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV (using AirPlay), and control a variety of specially produced apps available through the App Store.

Of course, this means games, and if there is one thing the ZX Spectrum is famous for, it’s the many simple, but furiously addictive, titles released for it over the years. Elite has already released a series of ported over Spectrum titles on iOS, under the ZX Spectrum: Elite Collection name, and it has apparently secured several exclusives for release with the Bluetooth keyboard. Playing Spectrum games using a touchscreen is fine, but it’ll never match the tactile experience of using a keyboard, making this particularly exciting news for dedicated retro gamers.

Although it’s possible the Elite Collection games already on sale will be compatible with the Bluetooth keyboard, it’s not certain it’ll happen at launch. Although Elite isn’t promising anything, we hope it’ll offer compatibility with the existing apps from the start, and for free. It would go a long way to increasing the keyboard’s appeal.

The joys of using a Spectrum keyboard again today won’t be limited to iOS owners for long either, as an Android and Windows Phone app is also promised, along with support for PCs and Mac computers too. We’re told to expect non-gaming apps in the future.

The Bluetooth ZX Spectrum keyboard is expected to cost between £40 and £50, which is around $65 to $80, and it’s possible to register your interest in it through this website. It appears there’s the possibility of a Kickstarter campaign in the near future, where the keyboard has a projected September 2014 shipping date. However as the project isn’t live yet, this may not be final. We’ll keep you updated.

Data source: via Digitaltrends (By Andy Boxall )
Origine source: bluetoothzxspectrum

The TabHandler Adds A Handy Handle To Your iPad

2013-12-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

The TabHandler is another handle that sticks to the back of your iPad, only it beats the competition in a few ways:

First, the permanent circular mount is small enough not to annoy when attached. Second, the handle is almost absurdly useful in its range of positions. And third, the voiceover guy on the video sounds amazing, like he should be selling saddles and lassos to cowboys, not iPad accessories to soft-skinned cubicle-dwelling troglodytes (cublodytes) like us.

See? What voice!

The TabHandler consists of two parts: a disk which sticks onto your iPad, and a handle that clips onto it. This handle can be spun through 360˚, and is hinged at its base. This lets you use it as a stand as well as a handle, twisting it in any direction to get the perfect grip.

As you can see in the video, the TabHandler really shines when in the hand. You can use it to hand the iPad over an open hand, or grip the handle “like a cup of coffee,” or even (maybe my favorite) to hook the iPad onto your pocket to give you two free hands for a while. You can even install it on a smooth-backed case if you don’t like sticking things to your iPad.

The TabHandler will cost you $50, and is available now.

Data Source: via CultofMac (By Charlie Sorrel)

Origine source: Tabhandler

Apple patents 'desk-free' computer with intelligent, laser-powered projector and wireless charging

2013-12-17T07:17:00.001-08:00

Source: USPTO

Apple's U.S. Patent No. 8,610,726 for "Computer systems and methods with projected display" imagines a portable computing system devoid of built-in display, keyboard and nearly all peripheral wires.

Instead of the normal laptop trimmings, the box would be featureless, save for the LED or laser light projection system and speakers. The invention even calls for inductive charging to do away with unsightly power cords.

Basically, Apple's patent describes a computer housing with advanced smart projection technology. The device is not merely a projector, however, as the document clearly points out functionality would be equal to or greater than existing laptops and desktops. Further, with the integrated projection system, the device may be carried and mounted in a variety of spaces, while freeing users from fixed screen sizes.

The patent dubs the device a "desk-free computer," as its form factor is neither a laptop nor a desktop, but something else entirely. The document notes that the invention is not to be confused with so-called "smart projectors," which are limited in their image processing and color correction capabilities.

From top left: front, rear, top and side views of Apple's "desk-free computer."

Unlike traditional projectors, the desk-free computer would be able to process raw image data from a DVD or other digital medium. Conventional projectors receive processed data as a specific video protocol and at a predefined resolution output, both of which are determined by a DVD player or other multimedia component. Apple's system is able to read data in the "raw space," or pixel-level output prior to rasterization or other preprocessing.

Unlike static projection setups, the desk-free computer is able to dynamically change its image settings based on sensor data, like that from an on-board camera. Other sensors include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor and depth sensor. Together, these components collect data regarding a display surface's color, texture and other features to dynamically produce an optimized image.

Image tweaks would be "lossless" in that pixel densities may be dynamically adjusted for keystoning, or the compensation of an image shape to be presented as a right square or rectangle if the projector is set at an angle. Also, the computer's user interface may be changed based on its distance from a display surface, which is some embodiments throws a 40-inch image from less than 15 inches away.

In addition to an integrated projector, the desk-free computer would also be substantially or entirely wire-free, with peripherals like a keyboard and mouse connected wirelessly. Further, power may also be transmitted via inductive charging, or through integrated batteries.

The future of Apple's invention is uncertain, though the technology exists to implement many of the features described above. While the form factor may be impractical compared to modern devices like the iPad and MacBook Air, projectors are still popular with some users and parts of Apple's patent may indeed be incorporated into a consumer product.

Apple's desk-free computer patent was first filed for in 2008 and credits Aleksandar Pance, Reese T. Cutler, Aaron Leiba, David Robbins Falkenburg, Jason Hau-Ping Chen, Alex Crumlin and Ken

Data source: via AppleInsider (By Mikey Campbell)

Yahoo Weather app comes to iPad, looks crazy beautiful

2013-12-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

When Yahoo unveiled its new Yahoo Weather app for iPhone last April, it won all kinds of critical praise for its beautiful, streamlined design with gorgeous Flickr-powered images. However, it was only available on the iPhone. Well, no longer! Today Yahoo has released version 1.5 of Yahoo Weather, bringing with it full iPad support.

Yahoo Weather -- now for iPad!
- The design, layout and interactions you love optimized for the larger screen
- Experience stunning, interactive animations as you scroll through the forecast

Share the weather
- On iPhone, share a screenshot via Mail, Messages, Facebook or Twitter by selecting "Share" in the sidebar
- On iPad, share by selecting the share icon on the home screen or "Share" in the sidebar

Now that Yahoo Weather supports the iPad, hopefully Apple will take notice and bring its beautiful iOS 7 Weather app to the big screen. Both apps are similar in design and in the use of stunning imagery. It's a shame to restrict such great work to the small screen.

To review and download Yahoo Weather on the App Store click here.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Free Apps
Category: Weather
Updated: Dec 16, 2013
Version: 1.5
Size: 15.7 MB

Data source: via TUAW (By Michael Grothaus)

Turn Your iPad Into The Neverending Story

2013-12-13T16:24:00.002-08:00

Have you always wanted to own a copy of The Neverending Story? Now you can! Modern tablets can holds thousands and thousands of books – truly a never-ending supply! Customize your iPad with a cover that will bring back the nostalgic moments of luck dragons, noble warriors, and epic quests.

These tablet covers are hand-crafted from high quality faux leather and microsuedes and bound with filigree and an auryn on the cover, just like the book we all know and love. These are made to fit the classic iPad, the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad Mini. They’re a perfect way to protect your tablet, while attracting the attention and covetous glances of friends and passersby.

The cover available for around USD$65, and you can get it from Amazon.

Data source: Hollyshop

'The Room Two' Now Available for iPad

2013-12-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Developer Fireproof Games has released The Room Two for iOS devices, which acts as a follow up title to Apple's 2012 selection for iPad Game of the Year, The Room. Much like its predecessor, The Room Two centers around puzzle-based gameplay as the player attempts to solved a general mystery left behind by a scientist, traveling through various locations in search of various clues.

The game also includes iCloud syncing and Game Center Support for saves and leaderboards respectively, as well as dynamic sound effects that adapt to the game environment.

Welcome to The Room Two, a physical puzzler, wrapped in a mystery game, inside a beautifully tactile 3D world.
The much anticipated sequel to ‘The Room’, Apple’s Game of the Year 2012 and recipient of a BAFTA award, is here at last.
Follow a trail of cryptic letters from an enigmatic scientist known only as "AS" into a compelling world of mystery and exploration.

To review and download The Room Two on the App Store click here.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iPad Wi-Fi (3rd generation), iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (3rd generation), iPad Wi-Fi (4th generation), iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (4th generation), iPad mini Wi-Fi, iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini with Retina display, and iPad mini with Retina display Wi-Fi + Cellular.

$4.99
Category: Games
Released: Dec 12, 2013
Version: 1.0.1
Size: 272 MB

Data source: via MacRumors (By Richard Padilla)

4 best FaceTime alternatives for the iPad

2013-12-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

Despite what Apple promised when it launched FaceTime, the video app has never been made into a cross-platform standard. It integrates well on the iPad and iPhone, but leaves out those swaths of people that use alternative platforms for video communication.

When looking to connect through video calls, look to these staple apps as essentials to have on your iPad.

Skype

The fact that Skype is used as a verb speaks to its pervasiveness in the video calling space. Microsoft has been effective at ensuring it is on all major platforms: iOS, Android, and of course its Windows devices.

Skype is especially well done on the iPad, offering easy access to starting and receiving video conversations as well as instant messages. The most recent update gave it a fresher coat of polish that blends well with iOS 7.

Google+ Hangouts

One of the most successful elements of Google's social network had been its Hangouts video chat function. Google has pushed hard to make it a strong, cross-platform conversion tool. On the desktop there are additional apps to enhance discussions, such as sharing Google Drive files.

One can also record a Hangout so it can be shared on a company web site or sent to others who were unable to attend the discussion. Hangouts are also integrated as part of Google Apps accounts, making them easy to use across an organization.

Tango

Tango has had a long run as an excellent video chat service. While more geared toward the consumer market, it does function well at handling video calls. If you need to kill some time, explore the marketplace of connected games that Tango has integrated into its service, such as status updates or a variety of animations to enliven a conversation.

Facebook chat

Considering that nearly everyone uses Facebook, it means that connecting through the social network for chatting is a viable option. Instead of a separate application, the video chats are baked in to the company’s suite of mobile apps.

Data source: via TabTimes (By Derek Walter)

Pixel Press wants to turn your drawings into video game levels

2013-12-10T08:53:00.002-08:00

Did you design video game levels when you were a kid? Growing up in the era of the SNES and Genesis, I spent countless hours drawing pits of fire and dragon's lairs, dreaming of the day when I could lead a pixelated hero to victory over the villain who rules my levels. It was a nice dream, but it was out of reach when I was 10. While development has gotten easier in the time since, it still requires you too know something about coding. But Pixel Press is aiming to fix that.

Pixel Press is a mobile and web app that lets users design their own video game levels from their own drawings. The project recently finished its initial Kickstarter funding campaign, surpassing the original funding goal by US$8,950 dollars.

The app's level creator lets you design five floors of a video game level, much like the different stages found in Super Mario Bros., which saw you move across fields, then underground, then back through fields, until you finally ended up at the castle of the boss. Simply draw your level map on the free Sketch Kit paper provided by Pixel Press and draw your level. Using a simple system of shorthand, you can add platforms, spikes, traps and portals.

When you're done, snap a picture of your level with your iOS device and the app digitizes your drawing into a customizable world. With the aid of the app's design tools, you can color in your level as well as add textures, music, sound effects, different characters and fine details.

Once you finish, play your level and/or share it with others in the apps community as you try your hand at the work of other users.

Upgrades to the app, including new templates and level skins, will be available using in-game credits. When asked by Kickstarter supporters to explain if Pixel Press is going to be dominated with in-app purchases, the developers explained their system accordingly:

A lot of users are wondering if Pixel Press will be like many of the other games out there, where in-app purchasing dominates the experience. Pixel Press will work something like this: Items like new level skin packs will be available periodically, you can buy these to use for your levels OR you can download them for free using the credits/points you earn for playing other peoples levels, submitting levels, etc.

Given how much potential this app has to allow me to fulfill the childhood dream of building my own video game, I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.

You can watch a trailer for Pixel Press below. While it's still months from release, its successful Kickstarter campaign makes this as good a time as any to put it on your radar. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Data source: via TUAW (By John-Michael Bond)
Origine source: Pixelpress

How to Lock Down Your iPad For Kids

2013-12-09T06:58:00.001-08:00

iPads and iPhones give you control over how your kids can use your devices. You can quickly lock your device to a certain app before handing it over or lock down an entire device with comprehensive parental controls.

These features are named Guided Access and Restrictions, respectively. Guided Access is ideal for temporarily handing your iPad or iPhone to a kid, while Restrictions are ideal for locking down a device your kids use all the time.

Guided Access

Guided Access allows you to lock your device to a single app. For example, you could lock your device to only run a specific educational app or game and then hand it to your kid. They’d only be able to use that specific app. When they’re done, you can unlock the device with a PIN you set, allowing you to use it normally.

To set up Guided Access, open the Settings app and navigate to General > Accessibility > Guided Access. From here, you can ensure guided access is enabled and set a passcode.

To enable Guided Access, open the app you want to lock the device to — for example, whatever educational app or game you want your kid to use. Quickly press the Home button three times and the Guided Access screen will appear.

From here, you can further lock down the app. For example, you could disable touch events completely, disable touch in certain areas of the app, disable motion, or disable hardware buttons.

You don’t have to configure any of these settings, however. To start a Guided Access session, just tap the Start option at the top-right corner of the screen.

If you try to tap the Home button to leave the app, you’ll see a “Guided Access is enabled” message at the top of the screen. Press the Home button three times again and you’ll see a PIN prompt. Enter the PIN you provided earlier to leave Guided Access mode.

That’s it — whenever you want to enable Guided Access, just open the app you want to lock the device to and “triple-click” the Home button.

50 Development Activities For Kids

Restrictions

Restrictions allow you to set device-wide restrictions that will always be enforced. For example, you could prevent your kids from ever using certain apps, prevent them from installing new apps, disable in-app purchases, only allow them to install apps with appropriate ratings, prevent access to certain websites, and lock down other settings. Settings you select here can’t be changed without the PIN you provide.

To set up Restrictions, open the Settings app and navigate to General > Restrictions. Enable Restrictions and you’ll be prompted to create a PIN that you’ll need whenever you change your Restrictions settings.

From here, you can scroll down through the list and customize the types of apps, content, and settings you want your kids to have access to.

For example, to enforce content ratings, scroll down to the Allowed Content section. Tap the Apps section and you can choose which types of apps your kids can install. For example, you could prevent them from installing apps with the “17+” age rating.

Tap the Websites option and you’ll be able to block the Safari browser from loading certain types of websites. You can limit access to certain types of adult content or choose to only allow access to specific websites. You can customize which exact websites are and aren’t allowed, too.

If you wanted to block access to the web entirely, you could disable access to the Safari browser and disable the Installing Apps feature, which would prevent your kids from using the installed Safari browser or installing any other browsers.

Other settings allow you to lock certain privacy and system settings, preventing them from being changed. For example, you could prevent your kids from changing the Mail and Calendar accounts on the device. Near the bottom, you’ll also find options for Game Center — you can prevent your kids from playing multiplayer games or adding friends in Apple’s Game Center app.

The settings you choose will always be enforced until you enter the Restrictions screen in the settings, tap the Disable Restrictions option, and provide the PIN you created.

iOS still doesn’t provide multiple user accounts, but these features go a long way to letting you control what your kids can do on an iPad, whether the iPad is primarily yours or primarily theirs.

Guided Access and Restrictions will work on an iPod Touch, too. If you purchased an iPod Touch for your kid, you can lock it down in the same way.

50 Development Activities For Kids

Data ource: via Howtogeek

Babysitter’s dream: An iPad case for babies

2013-12-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

Busy moms and dads who have no time to read to or talk with their infants can now belt the tykes into a baby seat just inches from an iPad – and let the computer take care of those pesky parental duties.

Just in time for Christmas, toymaker Fisher-Price has unveiled the “Newborn-to-Toddler Apptivity Seat for iPad,” a baby seat that features a plastic case designed to hold an iPad smack in front of baby’s eyes – and developing brain.

“Lock your iPad device inside the case to protect from dribbles and drool. Play and learning are at baby’s fingertips, with free apps you can download for your iPad,” the company’s product listing on Amazon gushes.

The $79.99 seat is also “designed with a 3 point restraint for safety” – and to make sure junior can’t escape.

But while some lazy parents might jump at the chance to let their babies vegetate watching the high-tech boob tube, others were outraged at the idea.

“Don’t buy it, tell all your friends not to buy it, and for goodness sake don’t give it to a BABY!!” Hope Moffatt commented on Amazon.

“I am disgusted with Fisher Price and urge Amazon to reconsider carrying this terrible contraption!! … the American Pediatric Association recommends NO SCREEN TIME for babies under 2. babies need to move to understand and explore their world and they need to manipulate things, not passively watch them!” she fumed.

“Horrible. Damaging. Terrible idea,” added Jood Milne Home, another Amazon reviewer.

“If you want to damage your child’s development, buy this chair. Children of a very young age are genetically programmed to respond positively to interacting with PEOPLE. Even if they are just watching the world go by. This is a horrible gadget,” she wrote.

Dr. Nava Silton, a child psychologist, told Fox News the main worry is that parents will use the seat and iPad as a babysitter, exposing their kids to the screen for hours on end.

But a Fisher-Price rep defended the product, saying it’s up to parents to decide if they want to expose their children to a bombardment of pre-school digital programming.

“We created the Seat iPad feature for those times when parents want to use this visual display option as another way to stimulate and engage their baby,” said Kathleen Alfano.

“If parents don’t want to use the iPad, they can remove the device and a mirror will be overhead, or they can remove the bar completely. The choice is theirs.”

Discover Little-Known Secrets for Hosting the Perfect Baby Shower

Data source: via Nypost (By Bob Fredericks)

iPad Air Receives 50% Boost in Activations Over Black Friday Weekend

2013-12-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

A number of retailers have noted that the iPad Air was a top seller over the Black Friday shopping weekend, and new data from Localytics indeed shows that to have been the case.

Localytics, which tracks the number of new devices showing up through its analytics network of over 20,000 apps and over one billion devices, saw a 51% increase in new iPad Air devices compared to the previous weekend.

The first-generation iPad mini also performed well, seeing 28% growth compared to the previous weekend, while the iPhone 5c came in third with 26% growth. All three products were available in significant quantities for the Black Friday weekend and in many cases saw steep discounts. Products with tighter supplies and lower discounts, such as the Retina iPad mini and the iPhone 5s, unsurprisingly saw smaller spikes in activations.

According to Localytics’ data, a whopping 51% more new iPad Air devices were seen than the previous week. This is due to a combination of factors, including Apple’s promotion of giving gift cards with purchases of the iPad Air and iPad Mini (but not iPad Mini 2nd gen) devices. This, combined with a smaller base of iPad Air devices and the novelty of the iPad Air (released on November 1st) resulted in the iPad Air dominating on Black Friday weekend. Apple’s older iPad Mini model finished second, and the iPhone 5c took third.

Data from Localytics of course does not include devices purchased over the Black Friday weekend but set aside as future gifts, suggesting that the spike in sales was likely even higher than shown in the data.

While Apple's iPad Air has seen strong sales in part due to its recent introduction and dramatically thinner and lighter design, the device has also benefited from a general surge in popularity for tablets, with 39% of consumer electronics shoppers over the Black Friday weekend indicating that they planned to purchase a tablet. Given the iPad's market-leading position and plentiful supplies of the iPad Air, it is unsurprising that the device saw strong sales over the weekend.

Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)

Rumor: Apple considering 12.9-inch iPads with 2K and 4K resolutions for 2014 launch

2013-12-04T15:39:00.001-08:00

Citing a people familiar with the matter, Chinese publication PadNews claims Apple is testing five different 12.9-inch iPad models built by partner manufacturer Foxconn. Further, the company may launch a version with a 2K resolution screen in the first half of 2014, then debut an even higher resolution 4K model a few months later.

The publication quotes sources as saying the first of the larger iPad models could hit store shelves in April, with the 4K ultra-HD iteration coming during the regular iPad product update cycle in October.

While the terms "2K" and "4K" were tossed about in the report, it made no mention of specific panel resolutions. Currently, the iPad Air boasts a 9.7-inch Retina display with a 2,048-by-1,536 pixel resolution, which by many standards is already a 2K panel.

Tuesday's rumor is not the first suggest Apple is building a larger-sized iPad. In November, a report from The Korea Times cited an official at a local Apple parts supplier as saying the 12.9-inch Retina display was already being manufactured by a "first-tier" Korean display maker. Earlier that month, the source of today's rumor said Apple was in advanced testing of either an 11.4-inch or 12.9-inch tablet.

Finally, separate reports from The Wall Street Journal and Chinese publication United Daily Newsclaimed a larger iPad was in the works.

As tablets continue to take over the PC landscape, Apple could be looking to stay ahead of the curve with additional screen size offerings. A 12.9-inch iPad panel would come close to the company's smallest MacBook Pro and surpass the 11.6-inch MacBook Air thin-and-light.

Data source; via AppleInsider (By AppleInsider Staff)