Month: August 2011

Sprint Raises Early Termination Fee to $350, iPhone Incoming?

Sprint has increased its early termination fee from $200 to $350, bringing it in line with both AT&T and Verizon. The new fee only applies to 'advanced devices' which, we assume, means smartphones and tablets.

According to an article on CNET, the fee will be prorated for now, depending on how long you have left on your current contract, which kind of makes sense. And that's the reason we're surprised Sprint is making this move...

Apple Releases iOS 5 Beta 7

Not even two weeks after releasing iOS 5 Beta 6 to developers, Apple just released iOS 5 Beta 7. If you're already on Beta 6, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update in order to update your iDevice. That is, unless you are jailbroken, in which case, you will not be able to update over-the-air. But you can always update via iTunes.

Seven beta versions for an iOS firmware is unheard of so far. Apple sure is polishing this new software, which should be released to the public in the next few weeks.

We have the full change log below...

Icon in Photo Stream Beta Indicates Completely Redesigned iPhone 5

If you've been around the Apple community for a while, you're likely aware of the company's habit of seeding beta version of upcoming software to developers. They do this so app makers can test their software, and it's also a nice way to help iron out the kinks.

But lucky for us, it's also a way for us to get an inside look at Apple's future plans. We've been able to spot unannounced Nuance and Siri features from within the betas, and now we may have just gotten a glimpse of what the iPhone 5 will look like...

Not Again: Another iPhone Prototype Lost in a Bar

The infamous Gizmodo/iPhone 4 debacle grabbed all kinds of headlines last year. No one believed that a company as secretive as Apple could let an iPhone prototype device loose in the wild months before it was slated to be announced.

Believe it or not, it's happened again. CNET is reporting that they have learned that another unreleased iPhone has been lost in a — wait for it — bar in San Francisco...

Jailbreak Dynamic Duo: PasswordPilot and StayOpened

Two is always better than one, right? Well, in the case of PasswordPilot and StayOpened, two is indeed, most definitely better than one.

StayOpened is the Robin to PasswordPilot's Batman. Their mission? To make App Store purchases easier!

Inside, I'll show you why you should consider this Lebron James + Dwyane Wade type of combo to conquer what ails you about the App Store...

Refurbished iPad 2 Models now Available at Apple.com

It seems the trend of discounted tablets isn't over yet. Word on the street is that HP is gearing up for another production run of its TouchPad slate, and even Amazon sounds like it wants to get in on the action.

But if the obsolete tablet or the rumored beefed-up Kindle haven't peaked your interest, you might be happy to hear that Apple's online store is now offering refurbished iPad 2s at a decent discount...

UK City Council to Buy iPads For 22 Garbage Trucks

Every so often a story comes along that requires a second read. This story took three or four.

If we're fully understanding this, and we fear we might be, the council of one UK town is set to spend £9000 ($14,680) on iPads. iPads for what you ask?

iPads for garbage trucks. Yeah, really...

Apple Cooking Up Diagnostic Tool to Repair Your iPhone Remotely [Updated]

With iOS 5, Apple has made some significant changes to help us "cut the wire." Instead of needing to plug your iDevice into your computer to sync with iTunes, the new firmware will allow you to do this Over-the-Air via iCloud.

But it doesn't look like the Cupertino company is stopping there. HardMac is reporting that the iPhone-makers have passed an internal message on to employees that it is planning to roll out a wireless iDevice diagnostic tool this Fall as well...

Spotify Now Open to iOS Developers

Online music streaming service Spotify has launched a new API that will allow independent iOS developers to bring the service to their own apps. The API, called Libspotify, means we could see Spotify built into all kinds of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch applictions moving forward.

While there is currently no word on whether the new Libspotify API will find itself to Android, it's perhaps interesting to note that the API is offered on a none-commercial basis, meaning paid-for apps will not be allowed to use it...

Elgato to Launch iPad TV Tuner

Elgato, the company well known for making TV tuners and the like for the Mac, is set to release an iPad accessory that will effectively turn an iPad 2 into a freeview television.

Aimed squarely at the European market, Elgato's tuner will come complete with a telescopic aerial and will receive the DVB-T frequencies. A companion app will also be available in the App Store, which promises the ability to record live television using the dock connector tuner accessory...

U.S. Government Files to Block AT&T/T-Mobile Merger

Much like Google's buyout of Motorola Mobility we told you about a few weeks ago, I don't think anyone saw the AT&T/T-Mobile deal coming. The nation's second largest carrier unveiled it's plans earlier this year to acquire the operator for $39 Billion.

The acquisition would leave only three major wireless companies in the US, angering both customers and other carriers along the way. But with the industry's long history of buyouts and mergers, I think most folks just accepted that it was going to happen, until now...