Apple has recently patented a virtual "locker" for encrypted data storage in Mac OS X. Speculation is that this new feature will work with Apple's revamp of MobileMe and heavily integrate with iOS.
This virtual vault will further Apple's focus on cloud-based technologies and probably work like Dropbox. Files dropped into said folder on OS X will sync with Apple's cloud-based storage service (probably replacing iDisk) and encrypt data as it is uploaded to the cloud.
Twitter has integrated App Store previews into its website for tweets containing links to iOS apps. If you tweet a link to the App Store, Twitter.com will automatically show a preview of the app with a description and screenshots.
This new feature allows for easy viewing of apps in tweets before being redirected to iTunes. The previews are only available on Twitter's website...
Following yesterday's announcement of the new in-app subscription program and policies, Apple has also updated their iOS App Store review guidelines.
Apple has strictly stated that developers who try to "cheat the system" (such as tricking the review process, stealing data from users, stealing another developer’s work, or manipulating the ratings) will have all their apps removed from the App Store and additionally, they will be permanently expelled from the developer program...
Did you know that the iPhone had a "Safe Mode?" Safe Mode on the iPhone has been apart of jailbreaking for years now, but many people still don't understand it. If your iPhone is jailbroken, Safe Mode will be invoked when MobileSubstrate (the Cydia support framework) crashes.
Desktop operating systems, like Windows and Mac OS X, have had a "Safe Mode" for a long time. On the desktop, safe mode is used for removing corrupted processes that may be causing the operating system to not function properly.
The iPhone has a "Safe Mode" for that exact same reason. A simple Cydia app called "Safe Mode Launcher" allows you to invoke the iPhone's Safe Mode with one tap. Let's take a look...
Here is an interesting rumor started by Cult Of Mac, which claims that Apple is working on revamping their notification system. No big surprise here so far as the iOS notification system is passable at best, and usually is one of the top complains from heavy users.
The surprising bit of information is that Apple might be buying out an iPhone developer company, instead of working on its own. According to Cult of Mac, Apple is currently talking to one small developer to purchase his company to improve and integrate his work in a future version of iOS...
Could Apple possibly be working on implementing LTE technology into the next iPhone? LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a new wireless data technology that is supposed to offer higher peak throughputs and better data performance. Following 3G, LTE is the next stage in the evolution of wireless data technologies.
A new Apple job posting hints that the company is looking to implement LTE into their iOS platform. While LTE knowledge has been part of other Apple job requirements, this specific job listing is the first time that LTE has been called a "specific duty."
This job listing is not necessarily empirical proof that Apple will implement LTE in the near future, but it's definitely a strong indication of Apple's roadmap for iOS...
The Macworld Expo is a giant technology conference that takes place once a year in California. Unlike the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Macworld is totally focused on everything Apple. The entire conference is devoted to Macs, iPhones, iPads, iPods, hardware, accessories, etc. Journalists and Apple pundits meet at Macworld to discuss the state of Apple's technology and speculate about what is to come.
Hardware is a huge part of Macworld, with more and more attention increasingly being given to iOS hardware and accessories. The guys over at Mac Life posted a great gallery of some iOS hardware/accessories that stood out at Macworld this year. Here are a couple highlights from their findings...
The iPhone has had "Voice Control" for quite awhile. And although many verbal commands are supported, the iPhone's Voice Control still lacks the potential it could have.
You can already use Voice Control to make a call and play a song, but it's a shame you can't have more varied types of commands. Wouldn't it be nice if you could use the iPhone's native verbal recognition to look up a webpage or launch an app?
A new jailbreak tweak, by popular developer chpwn, will soon be released in Cydia. Its aim is to provide more customizability and functionality to the iPhone's Voice Control...
Well, that's a big shocker. Apparently iPhone users care more about native apps than web apps.
The guys over at Appsfire, a cool app discovery service, made an infographic report demonstrating how most users like regular apps over web apps. Appsfire analyzed 1,000 of its user's devices to determine some insight into the web v.s. native app debate.
Web applications are becoming more and more advanced everyday, but they still can't replicate certain functionalities of native iOS apps. The infographic from Appsfire is pretty self-explanatory. Let's check it out...
Luckily, there are plenty of great options for task management on the iPhone. (Check out iDB's roundup of 5 awesome task management apps.)
Wunderlist, by 6wunderkinder, is a sleek and robust task management solution for the iPhone and Mac. Wunderlist is simple and easy to use, and it can also be used as a collaborative, over-the-cloud task management solution. A full-featured, sync-able desktop and mobile task management suite would normally have a price tag wouldn't it? (I love Things by Culture Code, but the desktop and iPhone app combined cost me $60.)
Wunderlist is totally free for both the desktop and iOS version. Let's see what the app has to offer...
There's a new iPhone IM client on the block. Verbs, by #include tech software, is a simple and beautiful IM app that looks like it was designed by Apple itself.
There are a ton of IM apps on the App Store (IM+, BeejiveIM, fring, AIM and Yahoo! Messenger to name a few). I've used many, and honestly, most of them look pretty awful. I was so excited when I saw the Verbs design mockups several months ago, and the app recently received an update in the App Store that makes it definitely worth reviewing.
While I'm not someone who constantly relies on instant messaging to communicate, I do see the benefit of having a solid IM app on the iPhone for occasionally hopping on Google Talk. The good thing is that Verbs has more to offer than just good looks...
Microsoft already has a few apps in Apple's App Store, such as, Bing and Windows Live Messenger. However, no Microsoft Office programs have made their way to the iOS platform - that is, until now. (Don't get your hopes up, there's still no Word app for iPhone.)
Microsoft has released its note-syncing app in the App Store, which will work with its Windows desktop counterpart. This move by Microsoft is an obvious attempt at further reaching out to the mobile worker and student. OneNote is packaged in the Mac bundle of the Microsoft Office suite, but Windows users will be happy to know they can now take their Office notes with them thanks to the beauty of cloud-sync technology...