News

iPad 3 Retina Display? Samsung Thinks it's Possible

Cody Lee ∙ May 13, 2011

The iPad 2 hasn't even been out a full 3 months yet, and speculation regarding the next iteration of Apple's tablet has already begun. While we've heard rumors of a potential launch date and possible 3D technology, little else is known about the device.

Even though a new iPad isn't expected for quite some time, it is an Apple product. Investors and tech heads alike want to know every detail possible about it and how it's going to measure up to the competition.

The latest speculation regarding Apple's next tablet comes from a report that Samsung will be demonstrating a new 10.1-inch display next week at Display Week 2011. The screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600.

Not only is the display sporting 300 dots per inch (iPhone 4 has 326 dpi), it uses Samsung's PenTile technology which allows it to consume 40% less power than its counterparts.

Why is Samsung's new display connected with the next iPad? The Korean company has been providing components (including display panels) for Apple's iDevices since their inception. Even if Apple doesn't use this exact model, the fact that the technology is available is a testament in itself.

Expect to see something similar to this in the iPad 3, as Apple tries to keep up with the Jones' in the tablet market. They couldn't possibly try their 1024 x 768 again, which has quickly fallen to the back of the pack.

What do you think?

[Tuaw]

iKeyboard Promises Touch-Typing on Your iPad

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2011

One of the biggest downfalls of tablet PCs is the virtual keyboard. Folks who rely on their portable computers for heavy data input have avoided the new trend, due to the lack of a proper keyboard. Up until now, touch-typing on tablets has been a pipe-dream, but Cliff Thier is looking to change that with his invention, the iKeyboard.

This slip on accessory is guaranteed to make you type faster by eliminating the need for "hunt and peck" typing. iKeyboard slips over your iPad 2 in landscape mode, and outlines your virtual keyboard.

Not only does this make finding keys easier, it adds a layer of material on top of your iPad so you can rest your fingers on the keys without typing. This also provides for a similar tactile experience as a normal keyboard.

You can't pick one of these up at the local Best Buy just yet. Cliff Thier started a Kickstarter project for his iKeyboard and it is expected to be funded June 28. Though he has already reach his goal, feel free to pledge $30 or more to grab one of these before they hit the selves. My mouth's watering just thinking about typing with one of these things.

What about you?

Adobe Launches Photoshop Extension Apps for the iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 18, 2018

Adobe revealed their new Creative Suite 5.5 last week alongside their Photoshop Touch SDK. This was significant because with the new SDK, came a scripting engine that allows developers to make their own applications to interact with Photoshop. While the platform also supports Android and Blackberry Tablet OS, Adobe has chosen the iPad to debut their own Photoshop apps.

These 3 software titles are an extension of Adobe Photoshop, and not intended for stand alone use. The prices range from $2 to $5 and require Adobe PhotoShop CS5, version 12.0.4. Here is a brief breakdown of the 3 apps, courtesy of AppleInsider:

Adobe Eazel - This $4.99 app allows you to create your own masterpieces with Apple's tablet, and lets you quickly share your creation with Photoshop for further editing.

Adobe Color Lava - For $2.99, you can download this app that lets you use your fingertips to mix your own colors on the iPad, creating custom color swatches and themes for use in Photoshop.

Adobe Nav - At $1.99 this might actually be worth the price. This neat little app gives you intuitive controls of Photoshop tools on your iPad. Quickly switch between projects, zoom in, and adjust all kinds of Photoshop settings, right from your tablet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h5cKOccvpY

I don't use Photoshop frequently enough to justify purchasing any of these applications, but for someone who uses it on a daily basis, they could be lifesavers. I really like the idea of being able to adjust Photoshop settings quickly from the iPad, maybe we'll see this in other software suites like MS Office.

What do you think? Have you downloaded any of the Photoshop apps?

doubleTwist Invites Android Devices to AirPlay

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Typically, Apple's AirPlay function is exclusive to iDevices. Since the release of the inexpensive Apple TV2 last fall, Apple's AirPlay feature has really garnered some attention, both good and bad.

Good, because iDevice users can sling media content from their handheld devices, to their HDTV, without any kind of setup. Bad, because you must be using an iDevice with your Apple TV2, since the functionality is exclusive to the Cupertino company's products. Until now.

This is where doubleTwist comes in. The developers of the infamous "iTunes for Android" software just updated their already popular application in a big way. The new technology will allow users to wirelessly stream their media from their Android devices to Apple TVs and other DLNA-compatible products.

"doubleTwist now supports AirPlay for users who have upgraded to AirSync. When a supported device such as the Apple TV is recognized on the same WiFi network as your Android device, you can start streaming to it from the doubleTwist playback controls"

I would recommend grabbing this product while you can. I was surprised that Apple hadn't taken legal action against doubleTwist before, when they just allowed you to sync a non-Apple device with iTunes. Now that they have implemented AirPlay technology, I can't imagine Steve Jobs and company keeping silent.

Remember they're dispute with Palm? The original Palm Pre was able to sync natively with iTunes until Apple disabled the functionality via a software update. Maybe the folks at doubleTwist have all their bases covered. At any rate, the doubleTwist software is free in the Android market, but to get the new AirPlay compatibility you must purchase the AirSync feature for $5.

Has anyone tried this out yet?

[9to5Mac]

Even the Queen of England is Getting an iPad

Cody Lee ∙ May 9, 2011

The Queen of England is no stranger to technology. In fact, British publication The Sun quoted a royal insider as saying, "For a woman of her age she is very switched on. It was only a matter of time before she asked someone to go and get her one."

Apparently during the time Prince Will and brother Harry spent with their grandmother during the Royal Wedding festivals, they convinced Her Majesty to buy Apple's latest tablet. "She was particularly taken with how easy it was to use, the large screen and how light it was."

This wouldn't be the Queen's first iDevice. You might recall back in 2009, U.S. President and fellow Apple fan Barrack Obama presented the Queen with an iPod Touch. This is once again testament to Apple's ability to appeal to the masses.

The iPad 2 just launched a few weeks ago in the U.K., and has already sold roughly 20 million units. Apple's latest tablet seems to be on a tear around the globe, as it just recently rolled through China with overwhelming success.

What could they possibly do so differently next time around to draw out these kinds of crowds again?

What do you think?

iPad 2 Line in China Erupts in a Brawl

Cody Lee ∙ May 7, 2011

It's been a few months since Apple launched their new tablet here in the states, but it's popularity is still echoing around the globe. After the U.S. release, Apple has slowly pushed out the device to other countries.

The latest country to get hit with iPad 2 fever is China. While typical device launches are met with peaceful lines of Apple fans, the story of yesterday's launch paints a grimmer picture.

The Wi-Fi iPad 2 launched in China on Friday at 8 a.m. AppleInsider reported that there were still lines at the flagship Apple store in Beijing, around 10 a.m., with numbers in the hundreds. Apple employees handled the crowd very well, allowing just a handful of customers in at a time.

The article explains that at some point during the morning, a near "riot" erupted after retail employees tried to close the store down following a scuffle between Apple staff and crowd members.

The details of the tussle are sketchy, since most of the information is being derived from translated Chinese news reports. But what we've been able to gather is that Apple store employees got into an altercation with tablet scalpers outside the Beijing store. These individuals were reportedly selling Apple's new iPad for just a $30 markup over what the store was charging.

We're not sure exactly what spawned the brawl, but there are several reports that 2 young men and 2 men were injured. The 4 involved are currently hospitalized. The Apple store was forced to close for some time, while they cleaned up the mess of broken glass (valued at $46,000.00). It'll be interesting to see what, if anything, Apple has to say about the events.

What do you think?

The Dev Team Gives iPad 2 Jailbreak Update

Cody Lee ∙ May 6, 2011

Less than 3 days after Apple released the new 4.3.3 firmware, leaders of the jailbreak community have already provided provided several way to hack the new software.

The infamous Dev Team updated their popular PwnageTool and RedSn0w applications to jailbreak all iDevices that support Apple's latest firmware, excluding the iPad 2.

I know, the wait is becoming unbearable. Luckily, the Dev Team gave us an update on the current status of the iPad 2 jailbreak:

The iPad2 jailbreak remains under development. As you may know, the original exploit @comex developed in the first week of the iPad2 release was mysteriously fixed by Apple within days of its development. Partly because of this, don't expect much public discussion of the iPad 2 jailbreak until its actually finished and ready for release (and please avoid asking about it). In all likelihood, it will be a userland exploit like the first (unreleased) one, not dependent on bootrom dumps.

For those of you wondering why hackers have the ability to jailbreak the iPad 2 and haven't shared it with the masses yet, the Dev Team explains:

The first one can't be released even for those with the original 4.3 firmware due to legal (distribution) reasons.

It's good to know the Dev Team has not forgotten about us folks who are starving for a jailbreak solution for Apple's latest tablet. It'll be interesting to see if members of the Dev Team can beat Geohot and the Chronic Dev team to the iPad 2 jailbreak, who are reportedly using a method that requires a bootrom dump.

What do you think?

iPad 3 to House a 3D Display?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

3D has been quite a popular technology lately. First we saw it in theaters, then it made its way into our homes. More recently, it's been finding its way into our portable electronic devices.

The Nintendo 3DS led the way with their glasses-free 3D implementation. HTC has also been showing off their latest smartphones, capable of capturing and viewing in 3 dimensions. Heck, even RIM has been touting their PlayBook's ability to output 3D graphics.

While Apple has yet to add 3D to any of their products, the rumor mill is certainly turning on the topic. RCR Wireless is reporting that they are hearing from a "Hollywood insider" that Apple's next tablet is already in advanced planning stages, and very much 3D. The source is quoted by the website, saying:

"The fact that the iPad 3 is 3D is a dead cert"

She claims that major film studios are currently running around like "blue arsed flies" trying to get their 3D content in order, in time for the launch of Apple's next tablet. Music industry insiders have been dropping tidbits about Apple's future cloud service, so it's no secret that folks in the entertainment business hear exclusive information from the Cupertino company.

If Apple is really going to include 3D technology in their next tablet, I hope it's glasses-free via head-tracking technology. I personally don't see why you'd want 3D graphics in your iPad, I'd rather see something closer to retina display.

I've also read rumors that Apple has been experimenting with layered E-Ink displays, you'd think that'd make more sense in a tablet than a 3D display(especially with Amazon building a tablet). I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Steve Jobs and company have up their sleeves.

What do you think?

iPad holds 82% of the U.S. Tablet Market

Cody Lee ∙ May 5, 2011

Remember back when Apple announced the original iPod? Though there were portable MP3 players available before it, there was something about Apple's design that attracted consumers. Apple has since held a firm grip on the portable media player market, and it looks like their iPad is destined for the same fate.

When Apple's original tablet launched in early 2010, there were certainly mixed reviews. But it seems as though the consumers outnumbered the critics, as the Cupertino company's first entry in the tablet market flourished.

Their second model was even more successful. Folks gathered all around the world to wait in line for a chance to buy the iPad 2. In fact, just yesterday I was at my local Apple Store and asked a clerk what their iPad 2 stock looked like. He mentioned that they get them nearly everyday, but there is generally a line outside and they sell out quickly. A line, 2 months after it was released?

Having known all of the previous, it didn't shock me too much when I saw a report from the Nielsen company on AppleInsider today. The survey of tablet owners found that the iPad currently has an 82% market share of tablets in the U.S. The closest competitor was the Samsung Galaxy Tab with a 4% market share.

The questionnaire also determined that half of the iPad users owned a 3G model, and half of all tablet users didn't share their tablet with anyone else. I thought it was interesting that nearly 80% of the users reported using their tablets for actions which they would have previously used a computer for. I guess that's why companies like Acer are so nervous.

Although we've played devil's advocate on the blog from time to time, we are certainly fans of our iPads. Apple didn't sacrafice design, battery, and reliability for 4G, and they didn't risk size for things like USB ports. But with a commanding lead in the tablet market, in the U.S. anyways, the Cupertino company is obviously doing something right.

What do you think?

Apple Reportedly Hires THX Founder

Cody Lee ∙ May 4, 2011

Tech sites are buzzing today in response to an interesting tweet this morning by known tech guru Leo Laporte. The former spokesman for Tech T.V. told the Twitter world that he had heard on "good authority" that Apple has hired Tomlinson Holman to head up the company's audio projects.

For folks who aren't familiar with Holman's work, just check out any THX-certified movie or stereo system. The audio pioneer developed the technology back in the early 1980's while working at Lucasfilms. He also engineered the world's first 10.2 surround sound system.

What could Apple want with an audio specialist of this caliber? One theory is that Apple has brought Tomlinson on board to help work on their rumored TV device. Apple's motto has always been to make technology easier for the everyday person, what if they were looking to do that with home theatre?

Imagine a mid-sized T.V. set (24"-37") with new LED technology and state-of-the art sound. Combine this with current Apple TV amenities like AirPlay and you have a pretty interesting concept.

Although Apple hasn't commented on the hiring of the Lucasfilm expert, it wouldn't be the first time they hired a high profile employee. Apple recently hired PR executives from Activision and Nintendo, fueling speculation that they are looking to bump up their share of the gaming market. With all of these new talented editions added to their roster, it'll be interesting to see what the Cupertino company comes up with next.

What do you think?

iOS 4.3.3 Just Went Live, Jailbreakers Stand Down

Cody Lee ∙ May 4, 2011

If you've been living in a cave the last few weeks, you may have missed all of the controversy involving Apple's iOS. A research team uncovered a hidden file deep within Apple's mobile operating system, that kept a record of users' travels. When they broke this information to the public, a lot of curious folks turned to Apple for answers.

The secret file was just a programming glitch, but the public has a tendency to be really concerned about their personal privacy. In the wake of the discovery, Apple decided to patch the bug in a new firmware update, which just went live a few minutes ago.

Original iPad owners who are jailbroken and iPad 2 owners that hope to jailbreak in the future should avoid upgrading to the new firmware. As with any new software update, Apple could have patched the exploit that the current jailbreak is using, and you could be stuck with stock iOS for a while.

Although a jailbreak for the iPad 2 has not been released yet, owners of Apple's latest tablet are encouraged to stay away from the new software as well. There are members of the Chronic Dev team and others that currently have jailbroken iPad 2s, the exploit is just not ready for the masses. Updating your firmware could disqualify you from the possibility of a future jailbreak.

iOS 4.3.3 was specifically released to erase the file that was recording locations. While I don't think we'll see any surprises in this update, I would still recommend holding off until we have official word from the community that it's safe. We'll keep you updated.

Are you more worried about Apple's location bug or your jailbreak?

New iPad 2 Commercial

Cody Lee ∙ May 4, 2011

About a month ago, we brought you Apple's first official TV ad for their latest tablet. Although the new iPad certainly hasn't needed any assistance from their marketing team, the commercial was really well done. It basically laid out the Cupertino company's formula for making electronic products for the masses, which is focusing on the user experience and not so much on the technology behind it.

It looks like Apple's ad agencies have done it again. In their follow up 30 second spot for the iPad 2, Apple repeatedly completes the sentence, "If you asked..." The two most interesting lines come at the end of the commercial when the voiceover reads, "If you asked a child, she might call it magic. And if you asked us, we'd say it's just getting started." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdSCCwJWwXQ

Although I'm not sure that there's anyone in the world capable of imagining what Apple will come up with next, the last line of the advertisement certainly makes you think. The iPad is still very early in its life, imagine what it will look like in 5 years. Just look at the current iPod line and how much it has changed since Steve Jobs unveiled the original model back in 2001.

What do you think the iPad will look like in 5 years?