iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

iOS 5.1 Release Date Rumoured for March 9th?

Gary Ng — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:35:26 +0000

iOS 5.1 beta has been available to developers since the end of last November, and currently sits at beta 3, released last month. When will the final GM release come out? According to YourDailyMac (via BGR), evidence within carrier profiles leads them to believe it will be Friday, March 9th:

We today discovered that Apple published eleven new profiles for various iPhone-operators. These files are compatible with iOS 5.1 and are set for release on March 9. This could indicate that iOS 5.1 will be released around that date, is will be available for the following devices; iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 3G/4G, iPad, and iPad 2.

The profiles that have been found by us are intended for operators in Japan, France, Greece, Finland, and Sweden.

iOS 5.0.1 was released on Thursday, November 10th and iOS 5.0 was released on Wednesday, October 12th of last year. Take this rumour for what it is, as we would expect at least one more beta and GM to arrive before the final release. If the March release is correct, maybe it’s to coincide with the debut of the iPad 3?

iOS 5.1 Release Date Rumoured for March 9th? is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Save $10 Off $50 iTunes Cards at Shoppers Drug Mart [COUPON]

Gary Ng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:04 +0000

Shoppers Drug Mart has a coupon available for customers to save $10 off $50 iTunes Cards, a 20% discount. Just click here to download the coupon and print it. The deal goes until February 15th.

Other iTunes Cards sales are also upcoming at London Drugs starting February 10th (a similar deal), and also 7-11 has $25 cards for $20.

iTunes Cards can be used to fund your Apple ID for purchases in the App Store, iTunes, and Mac App Store.

[via RFD]

Save $10 Off $50 iTunes Cards at Shoppers Drug Mart [COUPON] is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

aTV Flash 1.3 (black) Update Brings Automated Firmware Backups

Gary Ng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:22:37 +0000

For those using aTV Flash (black) for their second generation Apple TVs, Firecore has just announced their 1.3 update that includes automated firmware backups and other miscellaneous features and bug fixes. The former 1.2 update was released back in mid-January brought various zoom options.

It’s not quite Valentine’s Day, but we couldn’t wait to show how much we love you all – so today we have a fresh new version just for you. Version 1.3 includes an all-new firmware backup option, new translations, playback enhancements and a whole slew of other improvements and fixes.

aTV Flash is essentially an easy way to enhance your jailbroken Apple TV. You can check out the full change log here. You can install this update by going to the Maintenance –> Manage Extras menu on your Apple TV.

aTV Flash 1.3 (black) Update Brings Automated Firmware Backups is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Donate to Bell’s Let’s Talk Day Mental Health Campaign via Text, Call, or Retweet Today

Gary Ng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:22 +0000

Today is Bell’s Let’s Talk Day, an initiative to raise awareness and discussion about the lingering stigma that surrounds mental health and illness. Olympian Clara Hughes is the spokesperson for the campaign:

“Fighting stigma is critical to advancing Canadian mental health, and it’s the first pillar in the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative,” said Clara Hughes, Canada’s six-time Olympic medalist and the smile at the forefront of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. “By telling my own story, I’m proud to be a part of the conversation that is having such a positive impact on the lives of every Canadian affected by mental illness. We’re really looking forward to topping the more than 66 million texts and calls made on Bell Let’s Talk Day last year – and based on the incredibly positive reaction to Bell Let’s Talk I get from people everywhere in this great country, I know we can do it!”

You can get involved today to help raise awareness too by…

Sending a text, making a call, retweeting or uploading a picture of your smile alongside Clara’s at Bell.ca/LetsTalk or at facebook.com/BellCanada. Every message sent will result in a 5 cent donation by Bell
Follow the campaign on Twitter @Bell_LetsTalk and keep the conversation going – for every retweet of the Bell Let’s Talk Day message today, Bell will donate an additional 5 cents.

According to Bell, last year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign resulted in total of 66,079,236 text messages and long-distance calls by customers and resulted in the company donating $3,303,961.80 to Canadian mental health programs. Let’s get calling, texting, and retweeting folks!

Feb 8 is #BellLetsTalk day. Help end the stigma. For every RT today, Bell gives 5¢ to #MentalHealth bell.ca/letstalk

— Bell Let’s Talk (@Bell_LetsTalk) February 8, 2012

Donate to Bell’s Let’s Talk Day Mental Health Campaign via Text, Call, or Retweet Today is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

The Crown in Canada iPhone App Launched to Celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee

Gary Ng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:24:52 +0000

Queen Elizabeth II recently celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, 60 years of ruling the throne and to celebrate the Government of Canada has launched the Crown in Canada iPhone app, as part of Diamond Jubileeweek. The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, James Moore:

“Our Government supports commemorating important milestones in Canadian history, such as the Diamond Jubilee,” said Minister Moore. “Part of commemorating such a special anniversary involves trying to reach new audiences, including young Canadians. These new applications will provide an opportunity to encourage Canadian youth to participate in this celebration of our country’s traditions, history, and institutions, and encourage all Canadians to learn more about the role of the Crown in Canada.”

iTunes app description:

The official Crown in Canada app is here!

Get updates from the department of Canadian Heritage on the Crown and monarchy in Canada.

This app will be your main source for photo and video updates regarding the Crown. Check out what is being said on Twitter or RSVP for public events via the official Crown in Canada Facebook page. You can also send postcards to Her Majesty and access the calendar or events related to Royalty.

Itineraries will also be included within the app so you are always up-to-date on where the members of the Royal Family are during their stay in Canada.

This app allows you to send a postcard greeting to the Queen to help celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, plus has other information such as calendar events and itineraries of visits by the Royal Family to Canada.

Click here to download the Crown in Canada–it’s free.

The Crown in Canada iPhone App Launched to Celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Paul McCartney Concert Will Be Streamed Live On iTunes & Apple TV, Announces Apple

Usman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:36:27 +0000

Today, Apple has officially announced (via MacRumors) that it will video stream Paul McCartney’s concert live on Thursday, February 9, supporting his new album’s release. The concert is not only being streamed via iTunes on Mac and PC, but will also be available directly on users’ Apple TVs, signaling new efforts by Apple to increase the utility of its set-top box. For past many years, Apple has been streaming the annual concert festival in London via iTunes as well as through an App Store app for the 2011 series.

Here is the announcement:

To celebrate the release of Paul McCartney’s latest album — available now — we’re streaming his exclusive performance at Capitol Studios on February 9 at 7 p.m. (PST). Watch the concert on iTunes on your computer, or stream it on your TV using your Apple TV — just choose iTunes Live from the Internet menu.

Here is a video showing Paul McCartney discuss his new album:

Paul McCartney Concert Will Be Streamed Live On iTunes & Apple TV, Announces Apple is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

New VoIP Calling iOS App By Dell & Fongo Helps Canadians Cut Their Phone Bills

Usman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:45:37 +0000

Today, Dell Canada and Fongo have launched a new iOS app called Dell Voice, a free to download full feature VoIP phone alternative that may help Canadians save money on their mobile phone bills. The app is compatible with iPhones, iPod touches and iPads and can be used to receive and place calls to landline and mobile phones using Dell Voice service which offers free local and long-distance calls to most of Canada, free unlimited incoming calls, free Voicemail, free Caller ID and free Call Waiting. Canadian cities that Dell Voice users can call for free are listed here.

John Stix, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Fongo said:

“Dell Voice aims to help Canadians reduce the cost or even eliminate the need for a voice plan. I believe Dell Voice is a game changer that has the potential to transform the telecommunications industry, while helping to put money back into the pockets of Canadian consumers and business owners.”

Detailing via official press release:

Dell Voice uses Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to receive and place calls with users existing data connection (i.e. 3G, 4G or WiFi) on the Fibernetics network. Fongo enjoys privileged access to Fibernetics, a Canadian CLEC that owns and operates its own coast-to-coast network in Canada. By using the Fibernetics network, users can choose a local Canadian phone number for their Dell Voice line, as well as place emergency VoIP 911 calls.

For more information on Dell Voice visit www.dellvoice.ca

Below is the direct download link to Dell Voice iOS app:

Dell Voice App For iPhone, iPod touch and iPad [Canadian App Store]

New VoIP Calling iOS App By Dell & Fongo Helps Canadians Cut Their Phone Bills is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Reminder: Save Your iOS 5.0.1 SHSH Blobs Before It’s Too Late

Usman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:52:25 +0000

Apple could release iOS 5.1 to the public anytime now and when that happens, the window for saving iOS 5.0.1 SHSH blobs will be closed forever. As of now, every iPhone, iPod touch and iPad model is jailbreak-able untethered on iOS 5.0.1 using latest versions of popular jailbreak tools like Redsn0w, Absinthe or CLI. Therefore it is highly recommended that you save the latest SHSH blobs for all your iOS devices using latest TinyUmbrella.

@Notcom has posted a short reminder regarding this on TinyUmbrella blog:

“With the quiet time between jailbreak and iOS version, make sure you get your SHSHs saved. I’ve been working on the TinyUmbrella rewrite (albeit sparingly due to real life demands). It’s important to make sure you have your 5.0.1 SHSHs tucked away safe. There is no guarantee that we’ll have things this good again.”

You can get the latest version of TinyUmbrella for your operating system via the following links:

Reminder: Save Your iOS 5.0.1 SHSH Blobs Before It’s Too Late is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Apple Notifies Developers Retina Display Optimized Screenshots Are Now Required

Gary Ng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:30:42 +0000

Apple has notified developers via its iTunes Connect email blast of a couple important updates, including the requirement of Retina Display optimized screenshots and also a new notification for binary app sizes larger than the cellular network download limit size of 20MB:

Dear _________,

We would like to make you aware of the following:

Required iPhone & iPod touch Screenshot Upgrade for Retina Display

When you create or update your apps in iTunes Connect, you must upload screenshots that are high-resolution. We require your screenshots as high-resolution images so that your app is optimized for the Retina display.

The requirements for high-resolution images are 960 x 640, 960 x 600, 640 x 960, or 640 x 920 pixels. Images must be at least 72 dpi, in the RGB color space, and the file must be .jpeg, .jpg, .tif, .tiff, or .png. You can update your screenshot files at any time in iTunes Connect.

New Notification for Binaries Exceeding Cellular Network Download Size Limit

Admin and Technical users will now be notified if your resulting binary size for the App Store exceeds the cellular network download size limit of 20MB. Exceeding the limit requires your app to be downloaded over Wi-Fi. This information can help you determine if you want to resubmit your binary in order to reduce the size of your app.

Regards,

The App Store team

The days of pixelated, blurry screenshots in the App Store are over. From now on, everything will be Retina Display quality.

A separate update also noted iTunes Connect would be down for scheduled maintenance on Monday, February 13th from 7PM to midnight PST.

Thanks tipster!

Apple Notifies Developers Retina Display Optimized Screenshots Are Now Required is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Path’s CEO Responds to Discovery your Entire Address Book Uploads to its Servers

Gary Ng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:14:56 +0000

Update 1: Path’s CEO has apologized on the company blog and an update has been released in the App Store to enable an option to opt in for your address book.

Path is a hugely popular social network app for iOS users, created by Dave Morin, a former Facebook engineer. It was revealed earlier today the app actually uploads your entire iPhone address book to its servers–without your permission or knowing. This is a violation of Apple’s App Store guidelines and it was shockingly discovered by developer Arun Thampi:

Upon inspecting closer, I noticed that my entire address book (including full names, emails and phone numbers) was being sent as a plist to Path. Now I don’t remember having given permission to Path to access my address book and send its contents to its servers, so I created a completely new “Path” and repeated the experiment and I got the same result – my address book was in Path’s hands.

Here is Path’s CEO, Dave Morin’s response:

Arun, thanks for pointing this out. We actually think this is an important conversation and take this very seriously. We upload the address book to our servers in order to help the user find and connect to their friends and family on Path quickly and effeciently as well as to notify them when friends and family join Path. Nothing more.

We believe that this type of friend finding & matching is important to the industry and that it is important that users clearly understand it, so we proactively rolled out an opt-in for this on our Android client a few weeks ago and are rolling out the opt-in for this in 2.0.6 of our iOS Client, pending App Store approval.

Dave Morin

Co-Founder and CEO of Path

There are certainly many other apps that use your address book to help find other friends, but it has never been discovered to also have uploaded their numbers, emails, and full names to external servers. I tested out Path initially when it launched, but I haven’t used it since. There are just way too many social networks to manage nowadays.

Are you an active user of Path? Do you care that your data was uploaded without your permission?

Path’s CEO Responds to Discovery your Entire Address Book Uploads to its Servers is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource