Apple Still Looking to Greatly Improve Their Map Software

by Cody on Mar 25, 2011

If you remember correctly, back in 2009 Apple quietly purchased a GPS mapping software company named PlaceBase. The move was strange considering how big a part Google has played in iOS mapping software. But it is now clear Apple may be looking to independently develop mapping software for their mobile platform.

9to5 Mac has stumbled on an Apple job posting that calls for an iOS Maps application developer. The add specifically asks for an “exceptional developer“ that will help “radically improve how people interact with maps and location-based services.” What is Apple planning? Read More

 

FlipOver Allows You to Mute or Lock Your iDevice by Turning it Face Down

by Cody on Mar 25, 2011

I love it when an application is unobtrusive and functional. You don’t get many of these from Apple’s App Store because they have such strict rules for developers. There must be an icon added to the home screen and there are certain parts of iOS the app cannot access.

This is a big reason why my iDevices are jailbroken and why I like Cydia so much. It’s basically a hot bed for innovation as developers have far less limitations when submitting apps to the Cydia Store. FlipOver is a perfect example of that innovation… Read More

 

Reminder: Jailbreaks & Unlockers Should Stay Away from iOS 4.3.1

by Sebastien on Mar 25, 2011

A friendly reminder to all our friends that jailbreak and/or unlock their iPhones. As we reported earlier today, Apple released iOS 4.3.1. If you care about your jailbreak and your unlock, do not update to iOS 4.3.1.

There is no jailbreak or unlock for iOS 4.3.1 yet, so if you update to the latest firmware version, you will lose your ability to jailbreak. Most of you already know that but jailbreak novices might not be aware of the situation… Read More

 

iOS 4.3.1 is Now Live in iTunes

by Cody on Mar 25, 2011

It appears that the latest version of iOS has been posted to iTunes today. Loading up iTunes with your iDevice plugged in may cause it to automatically update to the newest firmware. Those who are jailbroken on 4.2.1 should hold off for the official 4.3.1 jailbreak to be released before updating.

The good news is that hackers i0n1c and Comex have been holding out on releasing their jailbreak software for 4.3.1 to be released. Now that it is, it should just be a matter of testing their exploit with 4.3.1 and making sure everything is stable.

MacRumors is reporting that the update fixes some bugs with the iPod touch and Apple TV. They also mention it relieves the ‘Cannot Activate Cellular Network’ glitch that has been plaguing iPhone users since 4.2.1 was released.

While the minor bug fixes would never entice me to update, the fact that an untethered jailbreak would be available for iOS 4.3.x has me foaming at the mouth. I want to take advantage of the new AirPlay enhancements that were released in 4.3 and I won’t update until an official jailbreak is released.

Stay tuned to ziPadblog for the latest in iPad jailbreaking news.

Has anyone updated to iOS 4.3.1? Notice any differences? Tell us below.

 

Apple Patent Hints at Graphics Driven UI in Future iOS

by Cody on Mar 25, 2011

For those not so familiar with the lingo, a patent basically gives an inventor exclusive rights to their invention. It prevents others from using your invention in their products. Patents are usually filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office long before an idea makes its way onto the shelf.

The reason why Apple patents are so popular is that everyone from Wall Street to gadget blogs wants to know what Apple’s next innovation is going to be. Although a lot of patents never reach consumer products, it still gives us a glimpse of what Apple is working on… Read More

 

iOS 4.3.1 Released in iTunes

by Alex Heath on Mar 25, 2011

Apple has released iOS 4.3.1 for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. If you “Check for Updates” in iTunes, you will now have the option to download and install the latest version of iOS.

iOS 4.3.1 fixes multiple bugs relating to graphics, enterprise authentication, and cellular connection glitches. Nothing that significant is contained in this latest build of iOS, and if you jailbreak, you’ll want to hold off from updating. Read More

 

The iPhone as the World’s Most Popular Camera [Infographic]

by Sebastien on Mar 25, 2011

“Every once in a while a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything”. That’s what Steve Jobs said minutes before introducing the first iPhone to the world. Boy was he right. In just about 4 years, the iPhone became the most popular phone in the world, but did you know it also became the most popular camera?

The guys at geekaphone put together this infographic that shows how the iPhone became the most popular camera in the world… Read More

 

iPad 2 Glass Thinner and Stronger Than Original iPad

by Cody on Mar 25, 2011

If you are still on the fence about purchasing an iPad 2, even after reading Sebastien’s review, then listen up. One of the questions I get the most about purchasing Apple products is about durability.

Well we already know the iPhone 4 can survive a 1000 foot drop out of an airplane, but what about the iPad 2? It looks so thin and fragile, if I knock it off the couch or the bed am I going to break the glass screen into pieces?

9 to 5 mac is saying no. They are showing off a video, made by the folks at iFixyouri, that shows just how durable the iPad 2′s screen is. They prove through several tests, that because the iPad 2′s screen is so thin, it is extremely flexible. Thus allowing it to take some serious punishment.

Check out the video below and let us know how your iPad 2 is holding up in the comments!

 

Revamped MobileMe to Include Music Locker Service, Cost $20 Per Year?

by Alex Heath on Mar 25, 2011

According to a report from The Music Void, Apple will be re-launching MobileMe this April, alongside a new, cloud-based music “locker.” MobileMe will most likely be a free service, but The Music Void claims this new locker service will cost $20 a year.

The streaming locker service would have to tie into the iTunes backend, and users would be able to stream content between iDevices and the desktop. No specific details have been leaked about the locker in the sky, but The Music Void says Apple has already been hounding record labels for the rights to stream their content…

Read More

 

FCC Official Goes Off The Record, Says “No Way Chairman’s Office Rubber Stamps” AT&T’s T-Mobile Acquisition

by Kickstar13 on Mar 25, 2011

With Sprint and ClearWire both opposing AT&T’s $39 billion deal to acquire T-Mobile, the FCC doesn’t seem to see this deal happening, either.

Today, the Wall Street Journal spoke off the record with a Federal Communications Commission official who claims that, “There’s no way the chairman’s office [will] rubber-stamp” AT&T’s $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA from parent company Deutsche Telekom. The anonymous FCC official added that the approval process will be “a steep climb at least.”

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