The Tech Guru Blog

iPhone 4S And iPad 2 Untethered Jailbreak Close To Release

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:25:11 PST

The iPhone Dev Team recently released an untethered jailbreak for Apple’s A4 based devices, and they have been working on the same jailbreak for Apple’s A5 processor based devices, which include the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2.

Now it would appear that they are getting closer to the release of the untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2, and it could be released shortly.

We don’t have any specific details on when the untethered jailbreak for Apple’s A5 processor based devices will be released, as soon as we get some more information we will let you guys know.

Source The Tech Gurus

Apple Working On Siri API?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:47:40 PST

Some recent job postings for Apple may have revealed that Apple is working on a Siri API, although it isn’t clear whether Apple would open up this new Siri API to third party developers, allowing them to build Apple’s virtual voice activated assistant into their applications.

The guys over at 9 to 5 Mac discovered the job listings, one of which you can see listed below, and it certainly would make sense for Apple to enable Siri to be used by third party developers, especially if they intend to use Siri in future devices like the rumored Apple TV.

We are looking for an engineer to join the team that implements the UI for Siri. You will primarily be responsible for implementing the conversation view and its many different actions. This includes defining a system that enables a dialog to appear intuitive, a task that involves many subtle UI behaviors in a dynamic, complex system. You will have several clients of your code, so the ability to formulate and support a clear API is needed.

We suspect that Apple will open up Siri to third party developers at some point in the future, although when this will happen is anyone’s guess.

Source The Tech Gurus

Steve Jobs Dies At 56

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:15:43 PDT

We write about things that break here. The people that create them come into the conversation only in as much as they affect that creation process. However, those people break as well. The difference is, there is no improved model coming next year to replace them. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind some of the world’s best loved technology, has passed away at the age of 56.
There is no area of technology that Steve Jobs’ work has not directly influenced and profoundly transformed. He built products that transcended technology and dealt in meaning and wonder rather than hardware and software. There is one more thing, however. Farewell, Steve Jobs.

Taito InvaderCade Transforms iPad Into Classic Space Invaders Arcade Cabinets

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:38:19 PDT

If you are a fan of the original Space Invaders game, first launched back in 1978, you can now relive the experience using this great Taito InvaderCade, transforming your iPad into a Space Invaders authentic arcade cabinet.

The Taito InvaderCade is an official Space Invaders cabinet for the iPad the the original Space Invaders creators. Following in the footsteps of other iPad arcade cabinets such as Thinkgeeks iCade and recently Atari’s Acrade Duo. Watch a video after the jump to see the Taito InvaderCade in action.

Unlike the iCade which has 8 buttons the Taito InvaderCade is equipped with just one button and a joystick, just enough to allow you to play Space Invaders. Its measures 25 x 23 x 35 cm and charges your iPad whilst its docked and is equipped with stereo speakers and a headphone jack.

The InvaderCade will be arriving in Japan on October 11th for around $205, but currently there is no information on a worldwide release date as yet.

Source: The Tech Guru

Apple Stores Getting Signal Boosters For Sprint iPhone 5?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:53:34 PDT

We have been hearing rumors over the last few weeks that the iPhone 5 will also launch on mobile operator Sprint in the US at the same time as the other mobile networks in the US.

Yesterday we heard that Sprint may launch the iPhone 5 in the first week of October, and now more evidence of a Sprint iPhone 5 has been revealed, as according to a recent report, Apple stores in the US are being fitted with Sprint signal boosters.

This would mean that the iPhone 5 would be available from the Apple stores on Sprint from launch day, and as the report yesterday tipped the first week in October as the actual launch date of the Sprint iPhone 5, we suspect this will be Apple’s official launch date.

As I mentioned previously we are expecting Apple to announced the iPhone 5 some time this month, and start selling it at the beginning of October, this now looks more likely, although other reports have said it wont be announced until October, we suspect that Apple will officially announced the iPhone 5 this month.

Source The Tech Guru

Apple Wants Their MacBook Pro 3G Prototype Back

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:09:57 PDT

Some readers will remember the MacBook Pro 3G prototype that we featured on the site a few weeks ago, the device turned up on eBay and reached a massive $70,000 in bids before it was removed from eBay by Apple.

Now it looks like Apple want’s its prototype back, and there is also an interesting story behind the device, it was originally purchased by Carl Frega, who bought it on Craiglist.

Frega repaired the device, installed a new hard drive and then sold it, he ended up being taken to court by the buyer, and was ordered to pay costs for selling a fake device, as it was taken to an Apple Genius Bar and they said it was fake.

So he got the device back and then decided to put it up on eBay, and this is when it came to everyone’s attention, and obviously Apple’s as well as they have requested that he return it to them, which he has agreed to do.

As the device was from around 2007, we know that Apple has been working on a 3G version of the MacBook Pro previously, which could mean that they are still working on a 3G MacBook and we could see one launch in the future.

Source The Tech Guru

Apple To Offer Web Based Diagnostic Tool For iOS Devices

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:56:40 PDT

It looks like Apple is planning on releasing a new web based diagnostic tool for iOS devices, according to a recent report from Hardmac, and the new tool could be used by Apple technicians to diagnose problems with Apple devices remotely.

This would enable Apple to potentially fix any problems with your iOS device over the phone, without having to actually take it into an Apple store for it to be fixed.

Apple announced (internally) that they have put the final touch to the tools that will facilitate a diagnostic. It will be simple to use and can be used remotely. In effect, this systems operates entirely online. An email is sent to the device containing a URL (this can also be entered by hand) and the device will connect via Mobile Safari and the telephone to start internal checks and sends the result of it to the Apple servers to which the service centres are connected.

This could end up being very useful for both iOS device owners and also Apple, as it would enable them to fix many problems over the phone, which could save you a trip to the Apple store to get you device fixed.

Source The Tech Guru

iPhone 5 Headed To T-Mobile?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:24:35 PDT

We have already heard rumors in the past that T-Mobile would be getting the new iPhone when it arrives later this year, and after the recent rumors that the iPhone 5 would also be headed to Sprint, we hear once again that the iPhone 5 will be headed to T-Mobile.

According to a recent report by the BGR, the T-Mobile iPhone 5 is expected to launch some time in October, which would tie in with the previous reports we have heard.

That would mean that the iPhone 5 would be available with all the major carriers in the US, which would include AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, and this would be great news for Apple and we suspect this could lead to the iPhone 5 becoming the most popular iPhone to date.

Source The Tech Guru

The above image is of an iPhone 5 concept design and not the actual iPhone 5.

Apple Releases iOS 5 Beta 6 To Developers

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:40:24 PDT

Over the weekend Apple has rolled out a new version of its iOS 5 software with the unveiling of iOS 5 Beta 6 to developers. So if you have Apple developer access the new release is now available to download from the Apple website.
The latest iOS 5 Beta 6 has been release by Apple as expected and on schedule, with only around two weeks passing since the previous edition was made available.

iOS 5 Beta 6 takes another step closer to that all important Gold release but includes very little in the way or radical new features and mainly consists of bug and stability tweaks, as Apple now approach the end of the iOS 5 beta development stage.
You can now download the new iOS 5 Beta 6 from the Apple developer site now.

Source: Apple

Vuzix Debuts Cool Wrap 1200 Video Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:43:15 PDT

Like the idea of video glasses where you can wear these shades and get a giant virtual screen rather than having to watch on your smartphone or notebook screen. The reality is it’s very hard to not look like a weirdo sitting on an airplane wearing these glasses. Vuzix has unveiled a new set of glasses called the Wrap 1200 that simulate a 75-inch screen.

Inside the glasses are a pair of little LCDs and it looks like you are viewing a 75-inch screen from ten feet away. The screens have a 16:9 aspect ratio and support 2D and 3D content. The resolution of the little LCDs is 852 x 480 and they have a 60Hz progressive scan rate.

They support 24-bit colors and the lenses are angle adjustable and have tech to allow you to customize them for the distance between your eyes for ideal quality. The glasses come with rechargeable batteries and have integrated headphones for audio. The batteries inside are good for 7-hours of use. You can buy them for £308 right now.

Apple’s iPhone 5, iOS 5 And iCloud Event Scheduled For September 7th?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 02:20:10 PDT

Apple normally holds its annual iPod event each year in September, this year we are expecting Apple to launch iOS 5, iCloud and the new iPhone 5 at the same time as they announce this years iPod Touch.

We have heard rumors that it would be held near the end of September or beginning of October, much later than they normally hold the event, but now it looks like we may have a possible date of the 7th of September 2011.

According to Japanese website Kodawarisan, Apple’s annual iPod event will take place on the 7th of September, and if this date turns out to be correct we can expect to see the new rumored iPod Touch 3G, the iPhone 5, and Apple’s iCloud and iOS 5.

Apple may actually launch the iPhone 5 on this date but it may not go on sale until later in the month, which would tie in with the previous rumors we have heard for the end of September, start of October iPhone 5 launch date.

As soon as we get some more information on what exactly Apple will be announcing, and confirmation of the exact date we will let you guys know.

The above image is of an iPhone 5 concept design and not an actual Apple product.

Source The Tech Gurus

Will The iPhone 5 Look Like This?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:07:08 PDT

We have seen quite a few different design concepts for the iPhone 5, the latest one comes from the guys over at Mac Rumors, and the design is based on a case from Chinese manufacturers which was reportedly designed on the iPhone 5 specifications.

As you can see from the photo, the design has many of the features that we have been hearing about over the last few months.

We are not sure if the iPhone 5 will look exactly like this one, however we will find out when it launches in September or October.

Source The Tech Gurus

Vudu Begins Streaming Movies To iPads Via Web App

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:19:48 PDT

From today Vudu iPad users can now browse through Vudu’s library of more than 20,000 films. That contains independent films, Hollywood classics and TV episodes and start watching instantly on their iPad device, after purchasing or renting.

Vudu has created their new iPad movie streaming service as a web app allowing them to navigate around Apple’s revenue taxes, and following on closely from the recent launch of their streaming service for computer browsers.

The new web app uses Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) adaptive bit rate streaming to ensure the best video quality based on network conditions, but currently only provides standard definition feeds the same as their browser version.

Apple’s iPad is the first device to benefit from being able to access the Vudu storefront direct from the device, however Vudu is currently working on bringing the same access to other mobile devices including Android tablets and smart phones.

“For one touch access to VUDU, customers can add a VUDU icon to their iPad desktops by clicking the “Add to Home Screen” button when on VUDU.com”

Source: The Tech Gurus

Stabile Pro iPad 2 Stand

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:59:18 PDT

Thoughtout has this week unveiled their new Stabile Pro iPad 2 stand, which has built on their original Stabile stand design. The stand provides an easy way to transform your iPad 2 into a monitor which can be used in conjunction with the Bluetooth Apple keyboard, or view media.

The new Stabile Pro iPad 2 stand is now fitted with a ball joint which allows you to pivot and tilt your iPad 2 while on the stand, either in landscape or portrait orientation and provides 80 degree motion left to right, forward and back. Watch the video of the Stabile Pro iPad 2 Stand in action after the jump.

Stabile Pro iPad 2 stand is constructed from solid steel and is available in 3 finishes black, silver and white.

Apple Finally Closes OS X Downloads Site

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 02:54:19 PDT

Today Apple has finally closed down its OS X download site, replacing the site with a colourful banner advertising its replacement the new Mac App Store. The fate of the once busy OS X Download site for Mac programs was sealed after Apple introduce their new Mac App Store concept back in October 2010 at Apple’s “Back to the Mac” event.

The new Apple Mac App Store was then launched on January 6, 2011 as part of the free Mac OS X v10.6.6 update for all current Snow Leopard users, and within the first 24 hours had passed the million download mark.

Similar to the App Store of iOS device you can browse applications via categories such as business, games, productivity, music, and more. Or do a quick search for something specific, with developer descriptions explaining the applications functions and user reviews. Only only thing you cant do with the Mac App Store is access it via browser.

The move by Apple to shut the site comes as no surprise, especially with the immanent release of its new Lion OS X expected any day now. Bye, bye Apple Downloads may you RIP.

Source: The Tech Gurus

Apple Wants to Stop You from Recording Concerts on Your iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:33:54 PDT

If you enjoy taking videos of your favorite bands live, it might be time to ditch your iPhone.

According to the Daily Mail, Apple has applied to patent technology that would shut off the gadget’s camera if it suspected you were filming a concert.

They would install infrared sensors in the venue that would detect when an iPhone was filming and remotely force the camera to shut down. The rest of the phone would still work, you just wouldn’t be able to film. There’s no detail on how long the camera would be off, or if you have to do something to get it to turn back on like enter a password or go to the Apple store and beg for mercy.

The technology is likely an attempt to placate the music industry so they could butter the record labels up and have their cooperation with iCloud.

There might be some technical copyright issues with filming at concerts, sure, but there isn’t really any financial impact on the labels. In order to record, you have to have paid for a ticket to get in.

Live videos don’t have high enough quality to replace downloaded or purchased music for everyday listening, so they aren’t going to replace albums obtained through other means — and whether or not you watch a concert video isn’t going to impact your decision to buy or illegally download anything.

If anything, seeing a band’s live videos might make fans more likely to buy tickets to the next show. So unless the artist is planning on selling a live show DVD, there’s no money lost. The people most negatively affected are those standing directly behind the people doing the filming. And let’s not pretend this is out of concern for them.

So, if this technology ever comes to fruition, it might be time to switch to a different kind of phone.

Users on other news sites suggest putting tape over the phone’s sensor or putting the device in airplane mode, but you could also invest in a Flip camera or point-and-shoot that does video, which can’t be disabled remotely.

If you don’t like Apple controlling your video and photo endeavors, there will still be ways around it.

It will also be interesting to see if individual artists will get any say in whether or not their fans can film or if they will also be at the mercy of venues and Apple.

iOS 5 Hints At iPhone 5 And iPad 3

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:26:19 PDT

Apple announced iOS 5 on Tuesday and also released the iOS 5.0 SDK to developers, we have already seen a number of features that will be available in iOS 5, and now the guys over at TUAW have spotted references to future models of the iPhone and iPad.

In the system files of iOS 5 there are references to unreleased iPad models, ‘iPad 3,1; and ‘iPad 3,2′ and also references to the fith generation iPhone ‘iPhone 4,1′ and ‘iPhone 4,2′, as TUAW point out these would relate to the iPhone 5 as Apple refers to the iPhone 3G as the 1st generation iPhone.

We have been hearing rumors that Apple would launch an iPad 3 later this year, with an upgraded Retina display, and these new references could mean that we will see it later this year.

Also the new references to the iPhone 5 could mean that Apple will announce it later this year at the same time the release iOS 5, which would tie in with what they have done historically when they release a major update to iOS.

Source The Tech Guru

Windows 8 Is Gorgeous, But Is It More Than Just A Shell? (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 04:07:00 PDT

Yesterday, Microsoft showed off Windows 8 for the first time, and it’s gorgeous (check it out in the video above). It’s also the biggest change to the look and feel of Windows since Windows 95.

Windows 8 is all designed around a touch interface, with tiles replacing icons and swiping replacing drag-’n-drop. Instead of a Start button that pops up at the lower lefthand corner of your screen, you are greeted with a grid of tiles as the new Start screen. The tiles also function as mini-apps, displaying realtime information and updates which might spur someone to launch an app.

You can switch quickly between running apps with a flick from the side panel. And these apps can be written in HTML5 and Javascript just like Web apps.

With this new touch user interface, Microsoft is hiding the complexity of Windows, but that complexity still exists underneath. Whether or not this is a flaw or a feature is already being debated.

Is Windows 8 as radical a departure as it appears to be for Microsoft, or is it simply a pretty shell?

Microsoft, after all, has a legacy to protect and many users will not feel comfortable abandoning the familiar desktop metaphor. So Microsoft is not abandoning its old UI completely. It will still be available to anyone who wants to switch back to that more familiar mode, which still makes sense for most desktop and laptop machines with mice and keyboards.

Microsoft is very much responding to Apple with Windows 8, and they are doing so in a thoughtful way. If the future of computing is all about touch, then Microsoft is more than willing to embrace and extend that future. The issue here is that Microsoft seems to want it both ways. Windows 8 is being designed as a great touch interface, but with the old desktop UI as a fallback.

Contrast that with Apple’s approach, which so far has been to bring touch to new mobile devices (iPads, iPhones, iPods) with iOS, while keeping its desktop OS X operating system separate. Although Apple’s two operating systems may converge over time. We certainly see the beginnings of a transition to a touch interface on Mac desktops and laptops with OS X “Lion.”

So maybe Microsoft is ahead of the curve here by combining desktop and touch into one operating system for all devices spanning desktops to tablets. It will probably want to keep its desktop and phone operating systems separate for a while, but even those overtime will look more and more alike.

Windows 8 already borrows some cues from Windows Phone 7, which is also tile-based and fairly elegant.

Yes, Microsoft is playing catch-up. And its chances of dominating the touch era of computing the way it did the desktop era are slim. But this is going to be a long game and it’s still early. Give Microsoft credit for realising that the game has changed and adjusting its strategy so that it can still be a player.

Skype Goes Down, Many Users Unable To Log In

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Fri, 27 May 2011 01:48:09 PDT

Many of our readers are reporting that Skype is still not working, Skype has said that they will be releasing a software update later today which should fix the problem.

Updated 14.04 PM (GMT) 26th May 2011

Skype has now issued a fix for the problem, anyone able to sign in can find instructions on how to get Skype working again on both Mac OS X and Windows, you can find out full details here.

We just tested it on both Windows 7 and Mac OS X and it works, managed to get signed into both. Skype haven’t as yet released any details on the outage, we will keep you updated when we get some more information.

If you use Skype, then you probably know that Skype is now down for many, with many users unable to log in to Skype, and it seems to be quite a major outage as many reports are coming in from all over the world about users being unable to use the service.

Skype just announced on Twitter, that they are aware of the problem, although they haven’t as yet provided any information on a possible fix for the problem.

When users try to log into Skype, the App crashes and it seems to be happening on both Mac OS X and also Windows. If you have managed to log into Skype or are having problems logging in please leave a comment below and let us know as we are interested to find out how widespread the problem actually is.

Source : The Tech Gurus

Apple’s iPad 3 To Use AMOLED Display?

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Thu, 26 May 2011 06:13:14 PDT

The iPad 2 was only recently announced a couple of months back, and now we are starting to hear rumors about the iPad 3, the latest one is that the iPad 3 will feature an AMOLED from Samsung.

According to a recent report, Apple’s COO, Tim Cook recently visited Samsung’s Gen 5.5 plant which produces AMOLED displays, and discussed the possibility of using them in the next generation of the iPad.

Of course this is just a rumor at the moment, and we will probably have to wait until next year to see what display is used in the new iPad 3, one thing we are hoping for is a higher resolution display the the current iPad 2.

Source The Tech Gurus

BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 Smartphone - On Sale NOW !

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sun, 22 May 2011 05:25:41 PDT

BlackBerry Curve 3G features a full QWERTY keyboard, built in GPS and WiFi, a range of dedicated media keys, a camera, a microSD/SDHC card slot that can take up to 32GB of memory and support for 3G. ON SALE HERE: via : Ebay

Specifications:

General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 850/1900/2100, HSDPA 900/1700/2100
Dimensions: 109 x 60 x 13.9mm, 104g
Display: 2.46" 65K-colour TFT LCD, 320 x 240 pixels
Platform: Blackberry OS 6.0
Memory: 256MB, microSD card slot up to 32GB
Camera: 2 megapixel with video
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, standard microUSB port, 3.5mm audio jack
Standby/Talk time: 456h/5.5h
Misc: MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/FLAC/MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV player

Specification:

System:	Quad-Band: GSM 800, 900, 1800 & 1900
Size:	109 x 60 x 13.9 mm
Weight:	104g
Standby time:	Up to 348 hours
Talk Time:	4.5 hours
Display:	65K TFT Colour Display

Apple Patent Reveals Future iPhone, iPad And iPod Displays To Feature Privacy Mode

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Sun, 22 May 2011 04:22:03 PDT

The latest Apple patent, which has been discovered by the guys over at Patently Apple has revealed that Apple has something new planned for future displays on its iPhone’s, iPad’s and iPod’s, a privacy mode.

The patent shows a new privacy mode which will allow a user of a device to steer display light beams in a range of directions, which would provide them with a new privacy option and would mean that only someone looking directly at the device would be able to read what is displayed on the screen.

The new privacy option mode only allows those directly in front of the display to view its content. Anyone on the periphery would simply see a blank display. A number of professions may find this feature very appealing. The patent also vaguely points to this technology being used in association with a future pico-like projection system and/or 3D Holographic Display.

It certainly sounds very interesting, and we suspect it wont be long before we see this future integrated into Apple’s range of iOS devices and iPod’s, you can find out full details of the patent over at Patently Apple.

Source The Tech Gurus

Pix and Stix Rubberised iPad Drum Sticks And Guitar Picks

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:40:59 PDT

If you enjoy playing Garage Band on your iPad, it might be time to invest in some new equipment to help shape that musical talent with the Pix and Stix rubberised iPad drum sticks and guitar picks.

The new accessories have been specifically designed for the iPad and enable users to get even more control over their notes and rhythm. The startup is currently looking for funding to get their project off the floor and are already 25 percent of the way to raising the required $8,000.

So if you think the idea is something you can see yourself using jump over to the Pix & Stix website to make your contribution, and dont worry if the funding doesn’t reach its target you will get your funding refunded.

Source : The Tech Gurus

Stuckbuddy The Universal Suction Cup Stand

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:57:19 PDT

Mobilefun is running a promotion on these little guys. With any order, type in the word BUDDY in the rebate code section at the checkout to get a free Stuckbuddy!

iPad 2 Now Shipping Drops Back To 1-2 Weeks Worldwide

noreply@blogger.com (The Tech Guru) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:23:35 PDT

Now the initial rush for iPad 2 devices is slowing slightly, Apple has been able to drop its worldwide shipping dates back to 1-2 weeks for orders via their website.

On March 11th 2011, launch day for the iPad 2, the order time jumped from three to five days to 3-4 weeks and has been that until now over 40 days later. iPad 2′s are still difficult to purchase in stores by the reduction in waiting times for online order does indicate that some normality is resuming to the ordering process.

The new 1-2 week estimates have gone into effect for Apple’s online stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand and European countries.

Source : The Tech Gurus