iOS devices refer to any of Apple’s hardware that runs the iOS mobile operating system which include iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Historically, Apple releases a new iOS version once a year, the current version is iOS 10. Here is the complete list of iOS 10 compatible devices.
“This transaction is very instrumental” in improving network service, said Stephenson at the event. “Virtually on the day you close the deal, getting a 30 percent lift in capacity in New York City: that’s a significant improvement in call quality and data throughput.”
Other things that would have helped: Adding capacity at the same rate you were adding customers.
Our friends over at iFixIt have analyzed all iPad models – a whoping eighteen different units – to pinpoint the differences between WiFi-only, 3G GSM and CDMA versions of the tablet. Like a CDMA version of iPhone 4 designed for the Verizon Wireless network, the Verizon iPad also has an additional antenna and an integrated GPS receiver. On the GSM iPad positioning is provided by a Broadcom chip. More interesting than that is Apple’s choice of baseband circuitry for Verizon and AT&T models.
Again, like the Verizon Phone 4 the new CDMA version of iPad 2 runs a Gobi chipset, the Qualcomm MDM6600. It’s compatible with both GSM and CDMA, supporting HSPA+ data rates of up to 14.4 Mbps and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A/Rev. B. The similarities between CDMA iPhone 4 and iPad 2 don’t stop there: Both devices pack in Toshiba Y890A111222KA, Qualcomm PM8028 Power Management IC and power amplifier modules the Skyworks 77711 and 77710. Continue reading for key takeaways that caught our attention…
Dying to compete with iPad, rivals are drumming up speeds and feeds in the absence of quality software. Unfortunately for them, the game is software, not hardware. Blogger Justin Williams took time to sort through Android Market and count apps that are featured for Android slates. How many did he count? Just seventeen apps.
My criteria for considering an app for this list is that it either requires Android 3.0 or have its user interface be specifically designed for a tablet experience. I didn’t count games or existing Android apps that are just upconverted to take advantage of the existing screen real estate. Based on my criteria, I found 20 apps in the Android Marketplace for the Motorola Xoom.
Apple’s first mover advantage with iPad is bearing fruits. A year since its release developers have written more than 65,000 apps that specifically take advantage of the iPad. This excludes iPhone apps that pixel-double to the tablet’s 9.7-inch 1024-by-768 display. Steve Jobs took a crack at Android’s app count at the iPad 2 unveiling: Expand Expanding Close
Avid gamers know about N.O.V.A. – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance, arguably the best iOS shooter that stuns with console-like visuals, huge environments and epic sci-fi storyline akin to Halo. The third installment of the series is being developed using Epic Games’s Unreal Engine 3, reports Pocket Gamer:
Word has it that shooter sequel N.O.V.A. 3 is among the four titles built around the engine and will be out later this year.
Yes, you read that right. The Telegraph yesterday ran an interesting piece that caught my attention. The basis for their story is a breakthrough development calling for a chip that can generate power from microscopic body movement such as the human heartbeat or the pinch of a finger. The new chip is “thousands times more powerful” than a previous prototype and it’s based on nanogenerators.
Scientists say it’s likely this tech will at some point enable gadgets that don’t require batteries because they will generate power from our body movement. It’s not sci-fi, mind you, they already have working prototypes:
The team, presenting their findings at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, have used it to power LCD displays and diodes, as well as to transmit a radio signal once its generated power has been stored.
Imagine what this could mean for the design of iOS gadgets we have on ourselves. Read on… Expand Expanding Close
Music publishers Universal and EMI are considering packaging more music albums as iPad apps, reports the New York Times. This will allow labels to charge app albums more than their standalone counterparts on iTunes because of the native experience and bonus multimedia content such as photos, video clips and lyrics:
The Universal Music Group has teamed up with a video company, Eagle Rock Entertainment, to create iPad versions of films about classic albums like Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” with social networking features that allow fan commentary. This month, Bjork announced that her next project, “Biophilia,” will encompass “music, apps, Internet, installations and live shows.
EMI already released “Until One”, a ten bucks app album for iPad by Swedish House Mafia, seen below. It weighs in at 659MB and comes with documentaries, image galleries and more. With app albums you get smooth experience and high interactivity without the overhead of iTunes LP (which in itself is a specially packaged web page with Javascript code and hooks for iTunes). Despite these bells and whistles, I see big problems with this new app album trend and here’s why.
AirPlay, a technology from Apple for wireless streaming of media from iOS devices to the Apple TV, would be awesome if it wasn’t for one huge drawback: it’s only 720p. That didn’t stop enthusiasts Eric Govoruhk and Kelly McAteer to develop a full HD 1080p video mirroring for iPad 2 by using a wireless HDMI transmitter and a USB battery pack.
Check out the awesomeness in the above video. First OEM to do this gets a post here. Eric explained how they pulled it off over at the MacRumors forums: Expand Expanding Close
JBL, an American audio electronics company, is drumming up the OnBeat, an awesome-looking $150 iPad speaker dock that also works with the iPhone, iPod touch or other audio sources hooked up via a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary hack. It comes with a standard 30-pin dock connector allowing you to charge and sync your iOS device, even when the system itself is off.
There’s also a USB connection for desktop iTunes, an IR remote and an AC power supply. Another nice-to-have: A built-in composite video output that sends video from your iOS gadget to an a TV set or a compatible external display. The perks don’t stop here, quite the contrary. Read on for more juicy details and beautiful shots right after the break.
With the news that Apple’s already sold-out summer developer conference is a software-related show focused on Mac OS X Lion and iOS 5 (which apparently won’t be ready for prime time until Fall), TechCrunch chimed in with new purported details regarding the next major version of Apple’s mobile operating system. Author MG Siegler re-iterated claims that WWDC will only see a preview of iOS 5 come June 6, with the final code slated for a Fall launch. Then he added:
A year ago, Apple bought Siri, a virtual personal assistant startup that had released a very cool iPhone app. The Siri team and technology are now said to be a big part of iOS 5. The use of Siri’s artificial intelligence and assistance technology is said to be deeply integrated into the OS for all the different services offered. And the team is now putting the finishing touches on the elements that will be demoed at WWDC, we hear. This tech may also be opened to developers for use in third-party apps — though that information isn’t quite as concrete.
Watchful readers will remember this being a long-standing rumor…
It doesn’t looks like Apple’s iOS gaming ecosystem is in any immediate danger. Engadget just reviewed the Sony Ericsson Play (6/10)and came away with a “hold out hope for the PlayStation Phone 2.0.” There is exactly 1 title available exclusively for the Play (more are general Android games). More are on the way for launch. Also the screen “isn’t usable outside.”
The iPhone 5 puzzle has received a few new pieces and they both point to the product launch not taking place at this year’s WWDC. Jim Dalrymple – usually accurate – from The Loop claims that no hardware will be unveiled at the World Wide Developers Conference: no iPhones, no iPads, no Macs. But how could Apple kill their annual summer iPhone launch pattern?
Apple’s apparent focus on software in its WWDC announcement backs up what my own sources are saying about the annual conference. That is, expect a software show in 2011, not a hardware event.
At this year’s conference we are going to unveil the future of iOS and Mac OS,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “If you are an iOS or Mac OS X software developer, this is the event that you do not want to miss.
Apple even introduced a new Verizon iPhone 4 in January of this year and it only launched last month (February). Apple is also expected to release a white version of the iPhone 4 next month. These two iPhone 4 upgrades seem to allow Apple to push back the launch of their next-generation handset. Afterall, how could they release updated iPhone 4s in February and April then a whole new device in June? Apple on releasing a new iPhone in June after releasing the Verizon iPhone: “we’re not stupid.”
If it’s not coming at WWDC when will it? The usually well-sourced Macotakara.jp claims that the iPhone 5 is yet to hit the full production stage and says that the iPhone 5 will go into mass production late in Apple Q4 for an early Apple Q1 2012 launch.
According to Chinese sources, had been rumored to be announced for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 iPhone 5, it does not begin to manufacture the parts, the launch seems to be lost in fiscal 2012.
This would be around a year after the Verizon iPhone 4 launch, creating a new pattern for iPhone launches. The site reiterates earlier claims of a new, aluminum enclosure which is possibly taking longer to produce. A chinese site recently claimed the new iPhone would go into production in Q3 of this year – backing up an iPhone-less WWDC.
There are plenty of reasons to jailbreak your iOS gadget, the new version of Cydia, an unsanctioned app store, being one of them. Those that recently upgraded to iOS 4.3.1 and wondering about a plethora of wonderful free and paid apps banned by Apple, such as user interface enhancements and skins, could consider the latest jailbreak that leverages the new PwnageTool 2.0.1 by the iPhone-Dev team.
It’s becoming ridiculous at this point that Apple still hasn’t come to grips with mysterious bugs in the iOS software affecting time zones. According to BBC, some users have experienced a glitch on Monday that seems to be related to a Sunday Summer Time change in Europe when the clocks were set an hour forward. Expand Expanding Close
TechCrunch reports that Apple has decided to wait until fall 2011 to launch their rumored iOS 5 for iOS devices: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Major iOS upgrades are typically revealed by Apple during February or March then previewed again in early June alongside a new iPhone, then released on or around the new iPhone’s availability date. The report claims that 2011 will be different and that customers will likely only get their hands on the next-generation mobile operating system during the fall. It would make sense that Apple would unveil the final touches at their annual fall/September music event.
The report says we’ll most likely get our first glimpse at iOS 5 at Apple’s annual World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in early June, and we assume developers will get a preview download at that date. The report is scarce on iOS 5 details but it does claim that it’s a major revamp and it will be heavily cloud-based. This should go hand-in-hand with the rumored music locker service from Apple – in addition to Media Stream and Find my Friends. TechCrunch is again expected a new iPad for a fall announcement- that just doesn’t seem likely to us, though.
In terms of Apple launching a fifth-generation iPhone at WWDC with iOS 4 – it does not seem likely given Apple’s past release cycles but could be possible. In fact, we found references to an iPhone 5 with an A5 processor – same one as in the iPad 2 – in the iOS 4.3 development kit. Apple also appears to still be working on iOS 4.x as they released an update yesterday. In addition, Media Stream and Find my Friends were both found in the iOS 4.3 SDK. Apple is also rumored to launch a revamped MobileMe around April that is also heavily cloud-based. Perhaps the new (possibly free) service will tie together with Apple’s next-gen iOS.
TechCrunch has not been the most accurate when it comes to pinpointing Apple information. Less than a week after the iPad’s unveil in January 2010 they reported that Apple is already at work on a Mac OS X tablet – for a 2010 launch – with an intel processor. They were one of the many sites who pinpointed a January reveal of the Verizon iPhone 4, though. TechCrunch also said back in 2008 that Apple is working on their own search engine.
Jordan C. wrote in to let us know how magical the iPad really is. Long story short, Jordan purchased an iPad 2 and engraved “will you marry me on it?” for his then-girlfriend, Jessica. Here’s the full story:
I just wanted to share my excitement for Apple’s latest magical device bringing a little magic into my life! I stayed up all night to order my iPad with the inscription “Will You Marry Me?” Received mine this Monday, Took my then-girlfriend, Jessica, up to the National Redwood Forrest in Northern CA. After having to cross a river on a downed Redwood and dealing with the intermettant rain I found the largest tree in the world I kneeled down and gave it my best! Whether it was something I said or “Apple’s Magic” in action she gushed and said YES, now give me my iPad!!
Another picture from the scene is after the break and best wishes to Jordan and Jessica!
It’s no secret that iOS 4.3 hurt battery life for some iOS device users and with Apple issuing a bug fix-filled iOS update today, many have speculated that the release will include battery life improvements. Now that users have had some time to play around with iOS 4.3.1, readers have written in to report that their battery life issues appear to be resolved. One reader let us know that iOS 4.3.1 “significantly” improved his iPad 2’s battery life performance.
I have noticed significant improvement to my iPad 2’s battery life with the installation of iOS 4.3.1! I’m so relieved that the performance I was getting before isn’t its true capacity.
Others have expressed marginal to significant improvement in battery life through Twitter:
“iOS 4.3.1 was released today, seems like my battery isn’t dying as fast anymore.”
“4.3.1 update certainly did fix my battery drain issues.”
“Pleased that iOS 4.3.1 appears to have cleared the battery draining issue. Only gone down 15% in the last 6 hours.”
“Anyone else noticing significant battery life improvement on iOS 4.3.1 for iPhone 4?”
“My iphone is definitely draining battery slower under 4.3.1.”
“iOS 4.3.1 is out today, it seems to have fixed the battery issue on my iPhone 4.”
It appears that the battery life issue in iOS 4.3 is strictly software related. Perhaps the battery percentage meter is calibrated incorrectly in iOS 4.3 or maybe some background processess are unnecessarily activated. In any case, it appears that iOS 4.3.1 is improving battery life for some users. Did it help you? Use the poll after the break.
Apple has released yet another TV advertisment as a part of their latest “If you don’t have an iPhone” campaign. The new ad showcases the high-resolution Retina Display found on Apple’s iPhone 4 and latest iPod touch model. Apple has showcased their iPhone display before, with another TV advertisement in October 2010.
Apple’s “If you don’t have an iPhone campaign”started last week with ads for the App Store, iBooks, and iPod + iTunes. Apple released a fourth ad earlier this week demonstrating the iOS Game Center social network.
Nokia sued Apple in May 2010, claiming the company infringed five of Nokia’s patents. The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, Nokia alleged. Nokia’s statment in May 2010 about the lawsuit:
Nokia has been the leading developer of many key technologies in mobile devices” said Paul Melin, General Manager, Patent Licensing at Nokia. “We have taken this step to protect the results of our pioneering development and to put an end to continued unlawful use of Nokia’s innovation.
Now, Reuters reports that the International Trade Commision has ruled that Apple in fact did not violate any of Nokia’s patents. Take that, Nokia!
A judge at the International Trade Commission, which hears many patent cases, said that Apple did not violate the Nokia patents.
With the iPad 2’s launch in 25 more countries yesterday, Reuters calculated the price of the device across Europe in comparison to the United States. The device starts at $499 in the United States for the 16 GB model and with taxes in the U.S., the device has an average total price of $547.
This compares to Europe in which most iPad 2-selling nations use the Euro as their form of currency. The iPad 2 starts at 479 euros in Europe and that converts to $678. Britain, in particular, is a little cheaper with their iPad 2 sales starting at 399 pounds, which converts to $642.
Notably, the iPad 2 starts at a converted $702 in Denmark. The iPad 2, before taxes, is over $200 cheaper in the United States than in Denmark. That’s still better than the thousands of dollars that people in some of the Asian countries are paying.
One of the notable omissions from the iPad 2 launch was an updated physical keyboard dock to work with the thinner and lighter design. After all, Apple did release a brand-new iPad 2 charging dock. Because of this a 9to5mac reader e-mailed Apple Senior Vice President of Marketing, Phil Schiller for an answer.
The 9to5mac reader ‘s email:
From what I’ve heard, the Apple keyboard dock is not made for the iPad 2. Is there an iPad 2 version that I can’t find on your online store – or is it coming soon?
Schiller’s reply does not directly answer the question but does make the point that Apple will not be releasing a new keyboard dock, specifically tailored to the iPad 2’s new design.
People prefer to use the iPad’s built in soft keyboard most all of the time, it works very well. Those that do choose to use an external keyboard most often choose to use Apple’s bluetooth wireless keyboard for the convenience it provides.
Instead, Schiller says users prefer the touch-screen keyboard (where’s the data, yo?) and if they really want they can purchase the bluetooth wireless keyboard. If you really want you can just buy a keyboard dock for the old iPad – it works!
Apple, in late 2009, acquired a mapping company called PlaceBase and since then many rumors have said that Apple is working to revamp their built-in maps application. Rumors have covered a redesigned iOS application all the way to Apple creating their own maps database – with PlaceBase’s data – to replace Google’s backend currently used in iOS maps.
Now, Apple has filed a new job opportunity for an iOS Maps application developer. Apple wants the candidates to work on a team that will “radically improve” maps and location services within their iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch operating system.
The Maps team is looking for an exceptional developer to join us in our mission to radically improve how people interact with maps and location-based services.
Apple also wants the candidates to have “excellent skills in object-oriented software design and programming” and they will be “collaborating closely with Apple’s peerless human interface team to add new and innovative features.” Additionally, the candidates should have “experience at the application and user interface level” and “experience with the iOS SDK and Cocoa programming.”
From that description, it seems that this person will be “radically improving” the entire maps application, not specifically the backend. We speculate that Apple would not revamp their whole maps app if they are not going to give it a whole new backend.
In iOS 5, Apple is expected to introduce a new “Find my Friends” map-based social network, so perhaps this team will be involved in implementing this as well. Apple has not really updated their built-in maps application since an iOS 1.x update.
Apple-designed Smart Cover is old news. Those yearning to stand out in the crowd should consider this beautiful and classy cover by Miniot, a Netherlands-based third-party accessory maker. Dubbed the Miniot Cover, it’s basically a Smart Cover redone in wood. Yes, it’s got magnets that snap it into place, just like Apple’s cover. Unlike Apple’s version, the Miniot Cover boasts the level of detail plus fit and finish that oozes with class. Read on… Expand Expanding Close
Apple is continuing their new “if you don’t have an iPhone…” campaign, this time showcasing Apple’s iOS social gaming platform Game Center. The new TV advertisement opens up by noting the vast library of gaming titles available on the iOS App Store then transitions to the main point about Game Center.
