Year: 2012

OS X 10.8.2 released, featuring Facebook integration, and better iMessage support

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 19, 2012

A few days ago, I highlighted my experience with OS X 10.8.2, which is like the perfect supplement for Mac users who've just upgraded their mobile devices to iOS 6.

Some of the biggest features included is phone number support for iMessage, which makes the entire iMessage experience lightyears better than before, and Facebook single sign on integration.

Don't be misled by the ".2", as OS X 10.8.2 is a huge upgrade over OS X 10.8.1. Take a look inside for the change log, and stay tuned for videos showing off the new digs.

Samsung airs Galaxy ad ridiculing folks who’d wait in line for the iPhone 5

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 19, 2012

As expected - and right on time ahead of Friday's iPhone 5 launch - Samsung has taken another cheap shot at Apple with a new television commercial. Like last year's anti-Apple campaign, this one again pokes fun of people who would wait in the line for a new iPhone (even if the vast majority of readers in iDB's non-scientific poll said they pre-ordered their device).

It increasingly appears Samsung is attaching its brand name to Apple in the hope of getting the kind of exposure, recognition and reputation Apple is enjoying. Don't take it all to hear - Samsung's ad is funny at times. And to those who beg to differ: we can always laugh at ourselves (here, here and here)...

An iOS 6 review from a jailbreaker’s perspective

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 7, 2024

I know everyone may not agree with this, but I think iOS 6 is worth ditching a jailbreak for, at least temporarily until a jailbreak surfaces. People that say you can get all of iOS 6's features with a jailbroken version of iOS 5 are kidding themselves.

iOS 6 is an interesting piece of work, and it's available now. The biggest story about iOS 6 is Apple’s banishing Google from nearly all facets of the OS. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the new Maps app — arguably the biggest feature of iOS 6.

Some claim that Google’s demotion within the Apple ecosystem is actually a step back for iOS, but I say otherwise. After months of usage, it’s clear that iOS users are much better off with an Apple designed Maps app. The Flyover (3D maps) option contained within iOS 6 shows promise, but without a doubt the inclusion of turn-by-turn navigation is my most used feature. Combined with Siri voice commands, it works gloriously...

iOS 6 now available for download

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 7, 2024

As expected, Apple has released iOS 6 this morning. After months of seeding beta versions of the new software to developers, it has finally made the update available to the public.

iOS 6 is the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system, and it adds over 200 new features to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. But there are a few things you should know before you update.

Note: If you're not seeing iOS 6 yet, don't worry. It's a rolling update, so it will get to you eventually. Also, downloads might be running slow right now given Apple's servers are slammed...

Time Warner would give control of the TV UI to Apple but wants to keep ‘customer relationship’

Ed Sutherland ∙ September 19, 2012

Will Apple fans buy a device that doesn't have the Apple logo plastered everywhere? That's the question being considered in Cupertino and elsewhere amid a report media giant Time Warner Cable may give Apple control of a TV user interface -- with a catch. Time Warner wants to retain the "customer relationship," not Apple.

Time Warner Cable is "hard at work at a cloud-based guide experience," according to the Hollywood Reporter. The cable giant wants the new interface on the iPad and iPhone. However, speaking to investors Wednesday, president and COO Rob Marcus said Time Warner is not willing to give up the customer experience...

Poll: should Google write native iOS Maps app?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Coincidentally or not, The New York Times reports that Google will update its Maps for Android app today with new features, just as Apple is prepping to release iOS 6 for public consumption. iOS 6, as you know, drops a Google Maps-backend in favor of Apple's own mapping solution. But Apple Maps are lacking in several areas.

For example, with Apple Maps users don't get as high quality satellite imagery as with Google. Street-level photography is non-existent and transit directions are provided via dedicated App Store apps. And although Apple partners with local providers for accurate data, it currently cannot match Google, which has manpower and assets to collect its own data (and has been doing so for years).

But while Google released a standalone YouTube app for iOS following Apple's removal of the stock app, the search Goliath stopped short of saying whether a standalone Maps app is in the works for iOS devices. With this in mind, we've put together a little poll so place your bets now...

Skitch gets cleaner UI, new features, now supports the iPhone natively

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

Today's update bonanza has seen mainstream iOS apps improved with support for the iPhone 5 and its taller display. By the way, Apple really pushed those updates at a rapid pace, didn't it?

Among them is Skitch, a Mac and iPad annotation and image editing software, which got refreshed today with a revamped interface and a slew of new features, such as pixelate and highlighter tools, social sharing options and more .

The new Skitch version 2.0, now a universal binary, finally supports the iPhone and we've got you covered with a quick overview and promotional video...

Some AT&T pre-orders placed before 9am last Friday won’t ship until September 21st

Sébastien Page ∙ September 19, 2012

I just got a bit of infuriating news from AT&T about iPhone 5 pre-orders.

Like many people, I stayed up late last Thursday night in order to pre-order my iPhone 5. Because Apple's website wasn't loading for me, I decided to go to AT&T's website instead to place my order. The order went through within seconds, and I received a confirmation email telling me my iPhone would be delivered on September 21st. Great, I thought at the time.

Fastforward to today and my order still show as "processing," which of course freaks me out. In the meanwhile, my wife's iPhone which I pre-ordered Friday morning around 10am shows as "shipped." What the heck?

So I decided to give a call to AT&T to find out what the hell is going on with my order...

Steve Jobs wax figure unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

Marking the upcoming one year anniversary of the his death, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has unveiled a new Steve Jobs wax figure that, unsurprisingly, looks strikingly realistic.

The statue costs just shy of $200,000 to create, and is the result of three months work from a dedicated team of sculptors. The figure will be officially revealed on September 27th, 2012, at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, prior to touring other locations in Asia.

Apple to seek $3B in damages from Samsung

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Apple will seek $3 billion in damages from Samsung when the two companies meet in court on Friday, a Korean newspaper reports Wednesday. The amount is triple that awarded in August, when a California jury ruled the South Korean firm violated Apple's patents.

According to the Korea Times, citing a "reliable source," Apple will ask for the $3 billion because the iPhone maker "wants to quickly address the harm that Samsung's infringing products are said to be causing." If granted, the $3 billion would mark a record reward for technology patent lawsuits...

Mini iPad dummy caught on video

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 19, 2012

Remember photos of an alleged iPad mini dummy unit from yesterday? Gizchina has gotten its hands on one of the units floating around in Asia, presumably made according to guesstimates by case vendors concerning the device's purportedly smaller design. A video the site produced gives us a better understanding of what the alleged device may look like, though we couldn't vouch for its authenticity. Also note that case vendors quite often get it wrong (remember a teardrop-shaped iPhone from last year) so take this clip with a few grains of salt...

Apple is the best brand and design studio of the last 50 years

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 19, 2012

Apple's design team lead by SVP of Industrial Design Jonathan Ive was summoned at the 50th anniversary celebration of Design and Art Direction (D&AD), one of the world's most prestigious prizes for advertising and design. Apple was named both the best brand and best design studio of the last 50 years. In order to mark the occasion, Apple did something it's never done before.

The Cupertino company flew its entire 16-member industrial design team to London and made them available for a unique photo-op. These are the people that made your iPhones, iPods, iPads, Macs and numerous other products that ooze with style and sexyness...