Month: May 2011

iOS 5 Concept: ‘Slide to Unlock’ Push Notifications

iOS 5 is right around the corner, and there's plenty of speculation taking place over what Apple will do with the next major version of their mobile OS.

We've shown you plenty of concepts for iOS, including different styles of push notifications and voice integration. Concepts are interesting, as they show potential for how Apple could reinvent parts of the iOS interface with its upcoming preview at WWDC...

The Great Measures Apple Took to Keep Verizon iPhone a Secret

Although the iPhone 4 was already 7 months old when it launched on the Verizon network, Apple still went to great lengths to keep the CDMA version of the device a secret. Learning from its mistakes it made with the iPhone 4 prototype last year, Apple set strict rules and implemented tight security measures to ensure it didn't happen again.

Verizon staff weren't authorized to field test the device until just two weeks before its launch, after signing non-disclosure agreements promising they wouldn't let details slip. Those entrusted to test the device weren't allowed to call it an "iPhone" – it was given the code-name "ACME" and that's what it had to be called…

Rumor: iPhone 4S to be Shown Off at WWDC After All?

If you've been keeping up with the iPhone 4S and 5 rumors, you'll recall that almost all of the evidence so far has pointed to a later-than-normal refresh this year. From supply line checks to industry insiders, everyone is pegging the next-gen iPhone to launch in September.

Maybe that's just what Apple wants you to think. Rumor or not, this is the first bit of speculation we've seen in a while that points to a hardware announcement at Apple's WWDC event next month. Could it be true?

You Gotta Watch This Guy Playing an Amazing Guitar Solo on his iPad

The latest iPad 2 commercial says that for musicians, the iPad is inspiring. Apple sure got this one right!

We've seen our share of musicians using iPhones and iPads to create amazing stuff but this video just blows my mind. Guitar shredding on an actual guitar is impressive, but shredding a solo on an iPad using GarageBand is just unbelievable.

Don't take my word for it though. Check out this guy killing it on his iPad...

Apple Gets to Have a Peek at Samsung’s Yet-to-Be Released Phones

There is a legal battle going on between Apple and Samsung right now. You might recall last month when we reported that Apple was suing Samsung for copyright infringement. Apple claimed at the time that Samsung's latest devices strangely look similar to their iPhone. It took only 11 days for Samsung to countersue Apple, with 10 patents infringements claims.

Things are looking up for Apple as a San Jose judge ruled that Samsung shall give 5 of its latest devices to Apple's legal team for them to make sure those devices do not copy the iPhone in any way...

Apple Sued for Racial Discrimination, Doesn’t Have Anything to Do with the White iPhone 4

As a French citizen living in the US, I am amazed by the amount of lawsuits filed by Americans on a constant basis. There always seems to be a good reason to sue someone, even if it sounds frivolous.

Racial discrimination is a valid reason to sue someone for sure, and Apple is about to verify that as 2 NY men are suing the company on the grounds that they are black. Apparently, two gentlemen from NYC were told by an Apple security agent that they were not welcome because of their race...

The iPhone Finally Makes its Way to India with an Interesting Subsidy Model

iDB readers that don't live in India (that would be 99% of you) might just want to skip this post, unless you want to learn about an interesting subsidy model this Indian carrier is using.

I often get emails from Indian readers complaining about Apple not selling the iPhone 4 in India. As powerless as I am, my only response usually is "I'm sorry but there is nothing I can do". Today, I'm glad to report to our Indian readers that the iPhone 4 is finally making its way to India.

According to TUAW, the iPhone 4 is going to hit the Indian market this Friday, May 27th, compliments of local carrier Aircel...

Alarm Dock – Where Retro and Contemporary Meet

We've talked about some pretty cool accessories for your iPhone here on iDB. We've mentioned everything from cases to portable battery chargers, and even one that did both.

While we've seen our fair share of iDevice attachments, we've yet to see anything quite like this. Tuaw points to an iPhone dock that uses a retro design in a contemporary world. What is it called?

iOS Developers Joining Forces in the Event of a Lodsys Battle

Unless you've been living in a cave for the last month, chances are you've heard of Lodsys. The patent licensing company has been sending letters to iOS developers threatening legal action. They believe that in-app purchasing infringes on a patent of theirs, and they want to get paid.

After weeks of silence, Apple finally decided to speak up on the matter. While they publicly defended their developer's rights, they have not given any indication that they would help with legal fees, should Lodsys' threats ever materialize...

Twitter Promises to Not Change TweetDeck

Twitter just announced on its blog that it has officially acquired TweetDeck. On top of that, Twitter has promised to maintain the TweetDeck that "users know and love."

When it was revealed that Twitter was purchasing TweetDeck for nearly $50 million, TweetDeck users got a little nervous. Would a Twitter buyout mean that the TweetDeck faithful would be left out in the cold? Twitter has assured that it has no plans to fundamentally change the popular third party client that so many people rely on...

AT&T Rolls Out LTE in 5 Cities, 10 More to Come by End of Year

AT&T issued a press release today saying that the company was going to roll out LTE in 5 cities by the summer, namely Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio. Additionally, AT&T will add LTE to another 10 cities by the end of the year.

Although I'm very excited AT&T is deploying LTE in more cities, we iPhone users will most likely not be able to enjoy this technology for a while, as it was reported the iPhone won't support LTE until 2012...

Opera Mini for iOS Gets Major Update, Faster Browsing Included

It'll be interesting to see if Apple gives Safari a facelift in the upcoming iOS 5 update. It's already rumored that several areas like voice control will receive an overhaul, but will the tiny browser see any improvements?

If you're not currently happy with Apple's default browser, there are several alternatives in the App Store. iCab and Atomic are awesome choices, but what about Opera Mini? Even if you didn't like the browser before, you might want to check out the latest update...