News

Apparently People Stand in Line for the iPad 2 Everywhere

Cody Lee ∙ March 26, 2011

When I wrote about my disappointing 3 hour wait in line for an iPad 2 I knew my time was low. But I had no idea how microscopic it was compared to other Apple fanatics.

The iPad 2 went on sale in 25 countries around the world yesterday and the amount of people that turned out was astonishing. BGR is reporting that people were waiting as long as 53 hours prior to yesterday's launch in Sydney, Australia.

In addition, similar lines were reported across the globe including Germany, The Netherlands, and Canada. In fact, a BGR reader sent in a video of one of the lines at Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.

Those who remember the U.S. iPad 2 launch will recall that they did not go on sale until 5:00 p.m. We posted the video below and it's really worth watching, I couldn't believe how far back the line went. It's at least worth watching through the first minute ;p.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6dymsG2INs

How long did you wait in line for your iPad 2? Tell us below!

Verizon iPhone User Statistics May Surprise You

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

From its inception, the Verizon iPhone was destined to be in the spotlight. By the time the actual announcement had been made, rumors had been flying around tech blogs for years about the mystical CDMA iPhone.

Whether publicity is good or bad, it's still publicity. From the disappointing launch to the poor download speeds, Verizon's version of Apple's smart phone juggernaut has maintained our attention. But just how successful has the iPhone been for Big Red this year?

Judge Determines Apple’s iPhone Didn’t Infringe on Nokia Patents

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

It seems like everyone is suing each other in the tech world these days, particularly those in the mobile phone business. In case you haven't been keeping up with the latest in tech lawsuits, Apple and Nokia are suing each other over patent issues in the U.S. and Europe.

This specific court battle is being presided over by the ITC (International Trade Commission). Nokia has asked the ITC to bar the importation of Apple devices that infringe on Nokia Patents. While this move is just to block the shipping of Apple products that violate the patent laws, companion suits from Nokia are said to be under review by U.S. district courts seeking financial damages...

Apple Still Looking to Greatly Improve Their Map Software

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

If you remember correctly, back in 2009 Apple quietly purchased a GPS mapping software company named PlaceBase. The move was strange considering how big a part Google has played in iOS mapping software. But it is now clear Apple may be looking to independently develop mapping software for their mobile platform.

9to5 Mac has stumbled on an Apple job posting that calls for an iOS Maps application developer. The add specifically asks for an "exceptional developer" that will help "radically improve how people interact with maps and location-based services." What is Apple planning?

FlipOver Allows You to Mute or Lock Your iDevice by Turning it Face Down

Cody Lee ∙ March 25, 2011

I love it when an application is unobtrusive and functional. You don't get many of these from Apple's App Store because they have such strict rules for developers. There must be an icon added to the home screen and there are certain parts of iOS the app cannot access.

This is a big reason why my iDevices are jailbroken and why I like Cydia so much. It's basically a hot bed for innovation as developers have far less limitations when submitting apps to the Cydia Store. FlipOver is a perfect example of that innovation...

iOS 4.3.1 is Now Live in iTunes

Cody Lee ∙ March 25, 2011

It appears that the latest version of iOS has been posted to iTunes today. Loading up iTunes with your iDevice plugged in may cause it to automatically update to the newest firmware. Those who are jailbroken on 4.2.1 should hold off for the official 4.3.1 jailbreak to be released before updating.

The good news is that hackers i0n1c and Comex have been holding out on releasing their jailbreak software for 4.3.1 to be released. Now that it is, it should just be a matter of testing their exploit with 4.3.1 and making sure everything is stable.

MacRumors is reporting that the update fixes some bugs with the iPod touch and Apple TV. They also mention it relieves the 'Cannot Activate Cellular Network' glitch that has been plaguing iPhone users since 4.2.1 was released.

While the minor bug fixes would never entice me to update, the fact that an untethered jailbreak would be available for iOS 4.3.x has me foaming at the mouth. I want to take advantage of the new AirPlay enhancements that were released in 4.3 and I won't update until an official jailbreak is released.

Stay tuned to ziPadblog for the latest in iPad jailbreaking news.

Has anyone updated to iOS 4.3.1? Notice any differences? Tell us below.

iPad 2 Glass Thinner and Stronger Than Original iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

If you are still on the fence about purchasing an iPad 2, even after reading Sebastien's review, then listen up. One of the questions I get the most about purchasing Apple products is about durability.

Well we already know the iPhone 4 can survive a 1000 foot drop out of an airplane, but what about the iPad 2? It looks so thin and fragile, if I knock it off the couch or the bed am I going to break the glass screen into pieces?

9 to 5 mac is saying no. They are showing off a video, made by the folks at iFixyouri, that shows just how durable the iPad 2's screen is. They prove through several tests, that because the iPad 2's screen is so thin, it is extremely flexible. Thus allowing it to take some serious punishment.

Check out the video below and let us know how your iPad 2 is holding up in the comments!

Djay for iPhone Makes Listening to Music Fun Again

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 17, 2018

I must admit, it's been quite some time since an application took me by surprise. But when I read that algoriddim's djay app was coming to the iPhone, I seriously underestimated its entertainment value. I don't typically fall into the 'DJ' category, but it's fun to pretend. I love music, but wouldn't have a clue what to do if you put actual mixing equipment in front of me.

I've played with these kinds of apps before, but only on my iPad. The 10" screen allowed me plenty of room to spin my records, and that's about all I ever did. The novelty usually wore off within 5 minutes. So how could djay for the iPhone give me hours of entertainment?

Microphone Differences Between Wi-Fi and 3G iPad 2?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

If you're still on the fence about which iPad 2 model to go with, pay attention. The folks over at iLounge have been giving their next-gen iPads a workout. They've written an in depth comparison between the 3 models (Wi-Fi, 3G AT&T, 3G Verizon) and have found some unique differences.

One of the most interesting finds was the difference in microphone quality. In their review they found that the microphone on the Wi-Fi iPad 2 offered considerably better sound quality versus either of the 3G models.

They note that the 3G versions had a bit of an echo and sounded muffled. The microphone on the Verizon model seem to suffer from the issues more severely, but they were clearly evident in both.

What could be causing the deteriorated sound? The answer could be simple. The mic sits right above the FaceTime camera, which in the 3G models is exactly where they stick the plastic antenna strip.

They note the microphone problems were more evident when the iPad's screen is facing the user, such as in a FaceTime call.

If you are still looking for help in making your iPad 2 decision, check out Sebastien's review with sample pics and video.

Has anyone seen these mic issues with their iPad 2 3G? Tell us below!

Apple Adjusting iPad 2 Inventory Shipping Strategy?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

Analysts are predicting that Apple sold close to a million next-gen iPads during launch weekend. They are so backed up, online orders are showing shipping dates 5 weeks out.

Apple Insider is reporting that the iPad 2 shipments that some stores got this past Tuesday actually arrived Monday. Their source, who claims to be familiar with Apple's retail operations, states that the change is a direct result of previous device launch issues.

Apple's previous strategy has been to get the products from truck to shelf as soon as possible. But apparently it led to inventory inaccuracies and other problems at Apple retail locations. The new 24 hour delay is to give retailers ample time to check the iPad 2 shipments in, calmly and properly.

To the majority of us, an extra 24 hours may not seem like a big deal. But to the faithful that are still lining up at Apple stores every time there's word of an iPad 2 shipment, it can be a lifetime.

Has anyone been able to snag an iPad 2 since launch weekend? Tell us below!

White CDMA iPhone 4 Icon Found in iTunes

Cody Lee ∙ March 16, 2011

The white iPhone 4 is more fiction than fact these days. After it was shown off during the original iPhone 4 announcement, the white device has been yet to be seen again. It started off as a two-week delay. Then Apple realized how serious the problem was and the weeks turned into months.

After several months in hiding, the white iPhone 4 might be making a come back in the near future. Although there's still no official release date, evidence is piling up that we may soon see this mythical gadget...

Yahoo! Finally Fixes iPhone IMAP Data Leak

Cody Lee ∙ March 16, 2011

I am a devoted Gmail user, and have been for a long time. I had a Yahoo! Mail account years ago. I switched over to Gmail because at that time, I couldn't sync my Yahoo! Calendar to my newly purchased iPhone. Even though the calendar issue has since been remedied, they keep giving me good reasons to stay away.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that Yahoo! Mail was the cause of false data usage by smartphone users. In the land where the unlimited plan is becoming more extinct, this could possibly amount to hundreds of dollars in overage fees. The study noted that Apple iPhone and Windows Phone users were among the most affected...