Year: 2012

Study shows nearly 50% of US consumers don’t care about LTE

iPhone 4s

Even though we haven't seen much evidence, the tech world seems pretty convinced that the new iPhone will be LTE-capable. After all, Apple's latest tablet supports the 4G tech. And Android devices have for years.

But as it turns out, folks may not end up caring that much about whether the new iPhone supports LTE or not. A new report is out this morning, claiming that nearly 50% of US consumers don't feel that they need it...

MissionBoard: a replacement app switcher for iOS

Replacement app switchers have long-since been a favorite for jailbreak developers. Because while Apple's own implementation is solid, it's pretty basic, and leaves a lot of room for improvement.

We've seen a number of these app switchers recently — tweaks like Imperium and Aero, to name a few. And today, we're adding another one to that list. Ladies and gentlemen, meet MissionBoard...

AT&T: FaceTime fears are ‘wrong’

AT&T Wednesday tried to clarify its position on limiting the iOS 6 FaceTime over Cellular feature to its Mobile Share data plan customers. The carrier called concerns that last week's move might require subscribers change data plans "wrong" and "another knee jerk reaction" about net neutrality.

"The FCC's net neutrality rules do not regulate the availability to customers of applications that are preloaded on phones. Indeed, the rules do not require that providers make available any preloaded apps," AT&T said in a blog post. The cell provider said subscribers can download a number of video chat apps that compete with AT&T's service, a requirement of net neutrality laws...

Foxconn improves, corrects nearly 300 workplace violations

Foxconn, Apple's largest manufacturer of iPads and other iOS devices, has been taking heat for several years now for its poor working conditions. These conditions were said to be a major factor in a string of suicides at the company.

The bad press reached a fever pitch earlier this year, when The New York Times published a lengthy article that painted a bleak picture of the electronics-maker. But according to a new report, it's turning things around...

T-Mobile to start offering new truly unlimited data plans September 5

The unlimited data plan, for all intents and purposes, is dead on two of America's largest wireless carriers. Both AT&T and Verizon recently switched to Shared data plans, and they're not looking back.

But while other operators are eradicating the unlimited plan, T-Mobile is embracing it. The carrier just announced that it is going to start offering new unlimited, unthrottled data plans next month...

Unique keyboard accessory turns iPad into typewriter

Of all the interesting iPad accessories we've seen over the years, this one has to be towards the top of the list. It's a real, working typewriter keyboard, that's compatible with your Apple-branded tablet.

The invention comes courtesy of industrial designer Austin Yang of Edinburgh, Scotland. And it's essentially a typewriter with capacitive touch hammers that press the keys on your iPad keyboard. Watch:

Rare iPhone 4 prototype spotted on eBay, yours for $10,000

What's the going rate on eBay for a rare iPhone 4 prototype running internal testing software? Apparently it's the same as a factory-sealed first-gen iPhone: $10,000.

The handset is of the 32GB, GSM variety, and carries a model number of N90AP. It's described as a prototype/tester unit, and has a couple of interesting features...

Apple and Samsung make their closing arguments

It's been a long few weeks, but the high-profile trial between Apple and Samsung is finally starting to wind down. Yesterday's peace talks between CEOs failed to yield any results, so tomorrow, the case will get handed to the jury.

Attorneys used their last day in court today to make their closing arguments and rebuttals. And while both parties made some compelling comments, it seemed like Samsung's side made the more memorable impression...

New DietBulletin tweak makes notification banners smaller

When iOS 5 launched last fall, it brought with it a slew of changes. Among those changes was an all-new notification system, which included a pull-down menu and new banner-style alerts.

Admittedly, the banners are a huge improvement over the popups. But there's still one problem: they're too big. And this can sometimes intrude on your work space. Enter DietBulletin...

Apple reportedly asking resellers to clear iPad display space

Apple is going to unveil a new smartphone next month, there's very little doubt about that. And an iPod refresh is also pretty much a given. But a new, smaller iPad, though, seems to be much less of a certainty.

A new report, however, is out this afternoon, that adds weight to the theory. According to some of Apple's premium retailers, the company has recently asked them to start tripling their iPad display space...

Verizon vacation blackout suggests iPhone 5 may be available September 21

It's not often that vacation schedules mean much to anyone other than the person getting some days off. But Verizon's vacation schedule has iPhone fans predicting Apple's newest handset will appear Sept. 21. Today's report mirrors one earlier this month that AT&T is also expecting something big in late September.

Citing a "trusted Verizon employee," TechCrunch writes the carrier has forbidden worker vacations between Friday, Sept. 21 and September 30. The next iPhone "will almost certainly be available in stores" on the first day of that vacation blackout, the blog claims. Earlier this month, we reported on another claim that AT&T (which also offers the iPhone) was preparing for a "huge announcement" during the third or fourth week of  September...

LA hosts first Mobile Arts Festival for iOS-created content

This is kind of cool: the first ever Los Angeles Mobile Arts Festival is going on right now, in Santa Monica, California. Hosted by iPhoneArt.com and the Santa Monica Art Studios, the festival spotlights art created explicitly with iOS devices.

The event is like one big digital art gallery, featuring iPhoneography, artwork and more. That art on the car in the above image? Made on an iPad...