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iOS 6 review
Starting tomorrow, iOS users will be prompted to update their devices to the newest iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system. As difficult as it is to believe, we’re already onto the sixth version of the OS, which continues to be updated with new features on a yearly basis. After pushing out so many upgrades critical to plugging a few major feature holes, the vast majority of its 200 advertised enhancements are strictly granular, as Apple continues to polish its popular OS.
That doesn’t mean, though, that this build is coming to the masses without any jarring UI changes: Apple has declared independence from Google by adopting its own Maps, added a few nice features to Mail and iCloud, thrown Facebook integration into the mix and introduced the Passbook for paperless tickets. The question is, how does it stack up against previous refreshes? Read on to find out.
Tweetbot iOS App Updated With iCloud Sync Support
A new update has been rolled out for the popular Tweetbot iOS application this week, which has brought with it support for iCloud based syncing of account settings, timeline position, DMs and Mute filters.
Allowing users to transfer from one iOS device to another without missing out on any of the latest tweets. Currently the iPhone and iPad applications are available to purchase separately, and cost $2.99 each.
“Tweetbot is a full-featured iPhone (and iPod touch) Twitter client with a lot of personality. Whether it’s the meticulously-crafted interface, sounds & animation, or features like multiple timelines & smart gestures, there’s a lot to love about Tweetbot.”
Adobe Releases Photoshop Touch, To be Fully Available on Monday
Days before the rumored release of the third-generation iPad, Adobe Systems make waves by briefly releasing in the App Store its Photoshop Touch… for iPad 2.
Photoshop Touch, long available for Android users since November 2011 (hence the above screenshot), is the first in six touch-optimized apps to be release by the software giant. It has fairly extensive features to be enjoyed at $9.99, including its famous layers for combining multiple photos and photo effects that can rival that of Instagram, since it also supports Facebook and e-mail photo sharing.
It also has an advanced selection tool called Scribble for extracting parts of an image, while the Refine Edge will soften the edges of your selection. Photoshop Touch will also let one sync photo files between desktop and iPad through Creative Cloud, a cloud storage service from Adobe itself.
Adobe pulled out Photoshop Touch just right after it was released and briefly enjoyed by our friends in Oceania, but it will be back and available for download starting Monday.
via 9to5 Mac
NuForce Air DAC Wireless Audio System Unveiled
Nuforce has this week unveiled its new NuForce Air DAC’s wireless system. Which is being designed to enable you to stream music from your computers USB port directly to a variety of different receivers.
The NuForce Air DAC uses TX transmitters and DAC receivers are based on the new wireless technology called SKAA. Which provides seamless operation across multiple SKAA devices, and enables the system to easily be set up.
The new NuForce Air DAC system together with any device fitted with a matching TX transmitter can be connected to create a wireless audio network. NuForce explains:
“The Air DAC Wireless System is a combination wireless transmitter (iTX or uTX) and radio receiver (Air DAC) that operates in the 2.4GHz radio band. The Air DAC Receiver utilizes a premium quality Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) stage and simple one-button SKAA control.”
The iTX receiver is compatible with all Apple iOS devices that have the 30-pin connector, except Apple’s Shuffle media player. For more information on the new NuForce Air DAC’s wireless system jump over to the NuForce website.
Artifact for iOS puts the power of Photoshop in the palm of your hand (Video)
So, you got a shiny new iPhone 4S, and with its spiffy new camera, you’re itching to dabble in some Dada-esque picture composition. But, what if you’re an on-the-go type with no time to fix your pics on a laptop? Worry not photog friend, Artifact is here to let you photoshop right on your phone and give Adobe some competition. The app works on any device running iOS 4.1 or later, and lets you splice photos together with the greatest of ease. Once you’ve got two images to combine, simply open one to create a canvas layer, then open the second to have it it appear as a transparent layer on top. You can adjust them –individually or locked together — by rotating or with pinch to zoom, and painting selected areas of the top layer with your fingers combines them for good. It’s a really slick interface, and one you should see for yourself, so head on past the break so see Artifact in action.
Apple releases iOS 5.0.1, fixes bugs plaguing battery life and document syncing
Get ready to fire up iTunes and plug in that iOS device, because Apple’s just released iOS 5.0.1. The release notes are identical to the two beta releases, which include fixing bugs relating to battery life and document syncing, while also re-enabling app switching gestures that developers previously had access to on the original iPad. And for those down under, voice recognition has apparently been improved when dictating with an Aussie accent. Those not interested in the 790MB download from iTunes, can look for a 44.6MB delta — including only the changes — from their device Settings. You’ll find photographic evidence of the latter after the break.
Camera Gloss HD for iPad 2 and iPhone 4
iDevelopersLab Press Release
California based iDevelopersLab today introduces Camera Gloss HD for iPad 2 and iPhone 4. Use Camera Gloss HD for iPad 2 and iPhone 4 with built in Gloss photo filter to take professional looking photos. Offering a easy-to-use interface, Camera Gloss HD features an in-app camera and editor, supports large images and more. Users can undo all effects at any time with undo feature, encouraging experimentation, as well as share their images over Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more.
DelMar, California – iDevelopersLab today is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of Camera Gloss HD for iPad 2 and iPhone 4. Use Camera Gloss HD for iPad 2 and iPhone 4 with built in Gloss photo filter to take professional looking photos. You can undo all effects at any time with undo feature. The new level of camera software for your iPad 2 and iPhone 4.
Camera Multi-Lens for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S
Camera Multi-Lens for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S brings a professional level DSLR lens emulation feature to your photos. Featuring a simple, easy-to-use interface, Camera Multi-Lens includes an advanced lenses library for all purposes, supports large resolution images, effects, and more. Camera Multi-Lens for iPad 2 / iPhone 4S (v1.0) costs $4.99 / $2.99.
CreativeAppDev Press Release
New York based CreativeAppDev today introduces Camera Multi-Lens for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S. Camera Multi-Lens brings a professional level DSLR lens emulation feature to your photos taken in this app or loaded from camera roll/photo albums. Choose between camera lenses in app to get amazing effects with your photos. Featuring a simple, easy-to-use interface, Camera Multi-Lens includes an advanced lenses library for all purposes, supports large resolution images, effects, and more.
New York, New York – CreativeAppDev today is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of Camera Multi-Lens for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S. You have an iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, both devices don’t offer multiple lens support like a true DSLR camera does. Now you have! Introducing Camera Multi-Lens – its brings a professional level DSLR lens emulation feature to your photos taken in this app or loaded from camera roll/photo albums.
Just take/open photo and choose lens effect what you want. Camera Multi-Lens includes an advanced lenses library for all purposes. When you are done, just choose what you want to do with your photo – send it via email to your friend, tweet it to twitter, share it to Facebook or Tumblr service.
Smart Cover can unlock password-protected iPads running iOS 5 (video)
Psst. Hey, do you carry a spare Smart Cover around with you? Well, if you’re an unscrupulous sort, you can actually use it to bypass the lock screen of any iPad running iOS 5. This multi-step security hole will let you browse whatever’s running behind the passcode screen, whether that’s email, apps or the homescreen. To take advantage of the flaw, hold down the power button on the locked device until the power off slider appears, then whip the Smart Cover on, open and tap cancel. Fortunately for iPad owners, the rest of the tablet remains locked-down, but the main problem here is any sensitive information left on-screen. If you unlock the tablet to the main screen, you won’t be able to open new apps, although anyone feeling particularly nefarious can apparently delete apps from that meticulously arranged home screen. See how it’s done in the video after the break.
iOS 5 review
Now well into its fifth year of life, iOS has always been known for its exceptional polish — and also, its glaring feature holes. But, just like clockwork, each year since its 2007 debut, those shortcomings have been addressed one by one in a sweeping annual update. In 2008, the platform was opened up to developers giving us the App Store, 2009 saw the introduction of copy and paste — which we’d argue is still the best implementation to date — and last year “multitasking” finally made a presence. So what has Apple chosen to rectify in 2011? Well, for starters, notifications gets a complete overhaul with Notification Center, tethered syncing dies at the hands of iCloud and messaging gets a do-over with the birth of iMessage.
If you recall, we first got acquainted with iOS 5 in May after downloading the developer preview, but how does the final release stack up? And does it have the chops to compete with the latest from Mountain View and Redmond? After drudging through seven betas, we’re ready to conquer all that the final release has to offer, so join us, if you would, past the break.
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Benchmarks clock iPhone 4S’ A5 CPU at 800MHz, show major GPU upgrade over iPhone 4
Real Racing 2 HD Update Enables Wireless Splitscreen Multiplayer On iPhone 4S And iPad 2 (video)
If you enjoy a little racing on your iOS device you will be please to know that Firemint, the developers of the awesome Real Racing 2 HD racing app have this week announced a new updated which will bring with it wireless splitscreen multiplayer features.Currently you can stream the game wirelessly from an iPad 2 through an Apple TV onto a bigger HD screen but the new v1.2 update will feature a Party Play mode. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
The new Party Play mode update has been specifically designed for use with the new iPhone 4S and iPad 2 and will allow up to 4 people to engage in races using their iOS devices.
Party Play will only available with the iPad 2 and the in-bound iPhone 4S and you’ll also need an Apple TV to be able to play.
Source: Kotaku
Apple rejects Samsung’s settlement offer in Australia, seeks to ‘maintain the status quo’
“Thanks, but no thanks.” That’s essentially what Apple told Samsung today, in rejecting an offer to end their ongoing patent dispute in Australia. Samsung’s proposed settlement, presented on Friday, would’ve allowed the manufacturer to sell its Galaxy Tab 10.1within Australia as early as this week, despite Apple’s contention that the tablet infringes upon a handful of its patents. The agreement would’ve also resulted in a speedy court decision, but today, Cupertino told an Australian court that the proposal was simply unacceptable. “It is one we don’t accept and there is no surprise,” Apple attorney Steven Burley told reporters. “The main reason we are here is to prevent the launch and maintain the status quo.” Samsung’s lawyers, meanwhile, acknowledged that the rejection now lessens the chances for any settlement at all, arguing that a truce “is not going to be achievable… given the positions advanced by each party,” and that the litigation may extend well into 2012. One of the Samsung’s attorneys, Neil Young, added that his client isn’t in a rush to conclude the dispute, speculating that it may take until March to prepare its defense. “If we can’t get a decision out by mid-October, there is no urgency,” Young explained. Neither Samsung nor Apple have offered official comment on today’s developments, but we’ll keep you abreast of the latest.
JBL On Tour iBT Bluetooth speaker now available for $150, iPad stand included
Have a soft spot for wireless speakers? There were tons of options out there already, but JBL just threw one more into the ring with its On Tour iBT. As we’d expect form the audio gurus, the system boasts wireless audio internals that play nice with both A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth devices. In addition to four JBL Odyssey transducers, the kit packs a built-in microphone for Facetime or hands-free calls, an adjustable iPad stand and a USB connector for charging — when the Katy Perry tune blastin’ device is plugged in itself, of course. Interested? It can be yours now via the source link for $150, but if you’d care to take a closer look before committing, peep the gallery below.
Sonoma GuitarJack 2 Transforms Your iOS Device Into A Portable Studio (video)
If you are looking for a pocket device to transform your iPhone or iOs device into a portable recording studio. The new second generation Sonoma GuitarJack might be definitely worth a look.
The device simply plugs in to the 30 pin port on your iOs device and provides a convenient way to microphones and instruments using the included 1/4 inch (6.5 mm) instrument input and 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo mic/line input (no phantom power is provided).Together with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo headphone/line output with increased drive for headphones.
The Sonoma GuitarJack Model 2 is the first device-powered iOS accessory to provide stereo recording, simultaneous voice and instrument recording, 60 dB of continuous level control, configurable Pad, Lo-Z and Hi-Z modes, with increased drive for headphones. GuitarJack is the perfect companion for GuitarTone, FourTrack,StudioTrack and Taylor EQ and works well with most third party audio apps.
The Sonoma GuitarJack is available at an introductory price of $149 (MSRP $199) and will ship in 4-6 weeks. The GuitarJack Model 2 Audio Interface is compatible with iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPad, and iPod touch (2nd, 3rd and 4th generation).
Source: Ubergizmo
iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of
We’ve seen all shapes and sizes of iPad cases, with varying degrees of utility. But, if you have use for a desktop PC-style dock / keyboard combo, you may want to check out some of the new offerings in iLuv’s WorkStation Series. First up is the iMM737, featuring a wired keyboard with iOS function keys that can be stowed in the dock’s base when you’re not typing away, a tilting / rotating bracket for easy customization and built-in speakers. Next, the iMM517 boasts an adjustable slate holder of its own, a Bluetooth keypad and jAura Sound technology. Need something a wee bit more portable? Perhaps the iCK826 or the iSK912 Professional WorkStation Portfolio cases will suit your workflow. Both offer a wireless set of keys that are detachable, should the need arise. Only looking for a keyboard? That’s an option too with the iBTKB20. You can grab any one of these you’d like for $180 to $50, from top to bottom. You’ll have to wait until November to pick up the iMM737, though — everything else will be hitting stores this month. Check out the gallery below for a look at all the above mentioned add-ons, or peep the full PR after the break.
iPad 2 LG risolve i problemi di qualità dei suoi display e torna a rifornire Apple
Qualche tempo fa vi abbiamo anticipato le intenzioni di Apple di affidarsi a ben tre produttori diversi per i futuri display (retina?) del prossimo modello di iPad. Nonostante l’azienda di Cupertino guardi sempre al futuro, ultimamente, ha avuto diversi problemi di fornitura per l’iPad 2, a causa delle difficoltà di produzione riscontrate da LG, il suo fornitore principale. Problemi che, pare, siano stati finalmente risolti.
LG è stata, fin dal lancio di iPad, uno dei principali fornitori di display per Apple e per i suoi tablet. Da qualche tempo, però, il colosso coreano aveva riscontrato delle problematiche relative alla produzione dei suddetti display per iPad 2che risultavano essere di scadente qualità (a causa, pare, di una sorta di “perdita di luminosità”). Questo problema, subito apparso piuttosto grave per gli standard di Apple, aveva costretto LG a sospendere la fornitura di display per iPad 2.Secondo DigiTimes, però, LG è riuscita finalmente a risolvere il problema e tornerà presto a rifornire Apple, non appena entrerà di nuovo a regime la sua produzione. Il colosso coreano ha prodotto ben 4 milioni di display per iPad 2 ad agosto, e si prevede possa realizzarne altrettanti entro la fine di questo mese.
Un’ottima notizia sia per Apple, sia per LG, sia per tutti quegli utenti che hanno pensato di acquistare un iPad 2 entro la fine dell’anno: viste le incredibili previsioni di vendita per il terzo quadrimestre dell’anno che si aggirano intorno alle 12-15 milioni di unità, la possibilità di poter contare sul proprio principale fornitore di display farà sicuramente rispettare ad Apple i tempi per le spedizioni già pianificate.
Elgato EyeTV Mobile eyes-on (video)
Elgato’s been experimenting with live TV on the iPad for over a year now, but until now, that meant streaming programs that were already broadcast online anyway — a mighty large limitation, wouldn’t you say? This week, though, the company announced EyeTV Mobile, a TV tuner that plugs into the iPad 2′s 30-pin connector, allowing it to pull in broadcast television. We just happened to stumble on Elgato’s booth here at IFA and treated ourselves to a short TV break. The tuner, which fits easily in the palm of your hand when the antenna is collapsed, only allows you to draw in signals using the DVB-T standard, so make no mistake this is a product just for our European readers. (Although Elgato says it hopes to release something similar in Japan.) Even more than the hardware or the programming selection (fútbol, anyone?), we remain impressed by the free EyeTV iOS app, whose interface is pretty much the same as the HDHomeRun for iPad app, with the ability to swipe the screen to change channels and, in this case, save your location. It’ll be available across the pond for €99.95 / £99.95 at the end of this month.
Apple wins German injunction against Samsung, Galaxy Tab 7.7 pulled from IFA
Invoxia NVX 610 desktop VoIP phone for iPhone and iPad hands-on (video)
If we’re going to spend $599 on a phone for our phone, it needs to offer unparalleled audio quality, absolutely seamless device integration, and a drop-dead gorgeous design. Invoxia, a new entrant to the world of VoIP telephony, claims to have created just that, with its NVX 610. The desktop unit uses an iPhone (or iPod touch or iPad) app as its control interface — the hardware itself includes only touch-sensitive volume, mute, speakerphone, and voicemail keys. With the exception of accessing your iOS device’s address book, however, all of the phone’s hardware is self-contained. Calls are processed using the built-in ARM Cortex-A8 processor, and can be made via Skype or any third-party SIP. You can also take incoming iPhone calls using the handset or speakerphone, but all outgoing calls are processed using VoIP, not your iPhone’s mobile network. We took a peek at the NVX 610 at IFA, and definitely liked what we saw. Jump past the break for our initial impressions, and a (somewhat noisy) intro video from Invoxia CEO Serge Renouard.
From what we saw, the NVX 610 appeared to be conceptually sound, though because of connectivity issues we were only able to listen to a simulated demo mode. The device connects to your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad using the 30-pin dock connector, or over Bluetooth (a built-in connector and attachments can fit a variety of iPhones and iPod touches, and you can connect your iPad using an Apple-supplied dock connector cable). Renouard insisted that audio quality was identical when making actual phone calls, and if that’s really the case, we could easily see this replacing both corporate desk phones, which can sometimes cost close to the 610′s $600 retail price, and conference room speakerphones, which occasionally cost even more. And since the device can access your iPhone or iPad’s address book, being able to use multiple phones in the office while maintaining access to all of your contacts could prove invaluable.
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