New iOS 7 concepts imagine Jony Ive’s ‘very flat’ iOS redesign [video]

Jordan Kahn

Since we’ve posted our exclusive details on what Apple and Jony Ive has in store for iOS 7, there have been a ton of great concepts popping up that take into account the company’s new “very flat” approach to redesigning the OS. The first concept, above, comes to us from Simplyzesty.com’s  art director Philip Joyce who has imagined a flat iOS including a new look for Siri and the lock screen, a customizable home screen, and redesigned icons that all take the “flat” approach to heart.

Another new concept for iOS 7 was posted today by apfelpage.de, below, that shows off a flat look for shortcuts, a new multitasking experience, widgets, and much more: Read more

An à la carte Apple TV concept integrates Siri, FaceTime, and cable/satellite providers (Gallery)

Jordan Kahn

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A member of The Verge forums, going by the name of “Knowledge”, posted the Apple TV concept below that envisions a future Apple TV OS where users could tap into multiple content sources from cable/satellite providers, local devices, and elsewhere. It would also integrate Siri (and Facetime) for scheduling recordings, changing channels, etc., and a unified search of all content.

Unified search looks for content in library, app store, iTunes, and TV Guide. Also brings the ability to use Siri for scheduling recordings, setting reminders, changing channels, playing music, playing video from library, opening an app, finds content available for purchase in iTunes, etc etc.

The full gallery is below: Read more

This is how Apple can improve text editing in iOS [Video]

Jordan Kahn

Update: looks like it is happening in the Jailbreak community.

Editing text on an iOS device can often be cumbersome. Currently, it requires you to tap twice to select text, and then drag small blue cursors to highlight a portion, or try to tap in between letters to set the cursor. To demonstrate a more efficient method of navigating text on an iPad, YouTube user danielchasehooper posted the video above showing a concept of moving the cursor and editing text with gestures.

When performing lots of edits in larger documents the direct interaction metaphor falls apart for cursor control. Even short portions of text can be painful to edit when you need to move the cursor to a precise location. Would you ever want to write a document on your computer without using the arrow keys? This is the reality iPad users face because they do not have the equivalent of arrow keys. There is a better way.

In the video, we see a dragging gesture on top of the keyboard being used to control the cursor. We also see a two-finger drag to move it faster and the ability to select a portion of text by holding a button while dragging. The video certainly makes a good case that Apple’s current implementation could be improved. The video’s creator urges iOS users to contact Apple and request the feature with the following provided instructions:

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Look! These fake iPads don’t have home buttons

Jordan Kahn

Aatma Studio just posted this iPad 3 concept. However, by the looks of it, we might have to wait for the iPad 5 for most of these features. The same studio has done other Apple product concepts in the past like this iPhone 5 concept. This, of course, follows Apple’s announcement earlier today confirming the next-generation iPad will unveil March 7 in San Francisco. We will bring you live coverage of the event next week as it goes down.

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Verizon, like everyone else, set to copy Apple Store concept

Jordan Kahn

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Microsoft’s attempts to mimic Apple’s retail success are obvious with the Redmond-based company’s habit of opening a shop right across the hall/street. Not just the location, but the interiors of Microsoft’s retail locations also often borrow from Apple. They feature long wooden harvest tables displaying devices, an Answer Desk instead of Genius Bar, and an overall clean industrial aesthetic. Now, Verizon plans to take inspirations from Apple to improve its retail store experience with the introduction of the “Evolution 2.0″ concept store this morning in Toms River, N.J. (via PocketNow).

There’s no mention of a Genius Bar or Answer Desk, but the store will hold workshops and staff 21 full time employees in a 3,100 square foot sales space that is undeniably taking a cue from Apple’s retail store designs. Expect Verizon to roll out the new store design if the one concept store receives positive feedback. In case you are wondering what the store looked like before the renovations, head past the break for the before shot.

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Awesome iPhone 5 mockup

Jordan Kahn

ADR Studio’s Antonio De Rosa, the designer behind many unofficial Apple concept products in the past, just published his latest design— the iPhone SJ. According to ADR, the concept would include a “Totally glass capacitive screen on a polycarbonate lightweight body” and a moniker inspired by Steve Jobs.

Other specifications imagined by De Rosa as part of the concept include a new 10-megapixel camera and an A6 dual core processor; although, those specifications are obviously just a wish list at this point. As you can see from the mockups, the concept has a much slimmer design and a slightly rounded edge from the back and front panels to the bezel. Otherwise, the concept borrows much of its design from the current iPhone 4 and 4S.

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