One big advantage of iOS 5 is the ability to use it independently of a Mac or PC. Here’s how to cut the cord if you’d rather your mobile devices and traditional computers live separate (but connected) lives. Read more »
Sure, there are plenty of new features with iOS 5, but at what cost? Sometimes, the cost for software updates comes in the form of degraded performance of day-to-day core features that you may depend upon. Let’s see if that’s the case with iOS 5. Read more »
The TimeCommand will turn your iPod, iPhone or iPad into a Chumby-like device, and charge it at the same time. By itself, it’s an alarm clock. Plug in an iDevice, and it can wake you to music or Internet radio, or turn on a lamp. Read more »
On Wednesday, Oct. 12, Apple will release iOS 5 and iCloud for all users of its mobile devices and Macs. The arrival of this new software could lead to big changes in the way you use your Apple hardware, and big changes call for preparation. Read more »
One of the apps unveiled at Apple’s media event on Tuesday was Cards, an official Apple product that lets you send physical greeting cards easily to loved ones around the world. The official Cards page on Apple’s site now has new details about the service. Read more »
Thinking about getting a new iPhone and not sure what to do with the old one? Give it to the kids. Basically, what you’re doing is turning the iPhone into a kid-friendly iPod touch, which is a great way to put old tech to constructive use. Read more »
Apple is reportedly close to permanently cutting the iPod classic and shuffle from its line of media players. It isn’t the first time we’ve heard that, but now it makes more sense, and it might actually be great news for iPod fans in the long run. Read more »
I lean toward simple, puzzle-based challenges that grow in complexity with each level when it comes to iPhone gaming. Angry Birds not only fits that category; it defines it. But if you’re looking for a catapult-style game without the birds, we’ve got you covered. Read more »
New sales data from the NPD Group, as shared by Piper Jaffray, shows that Apple’s Mac sales are surging thanks to new models introduced in July. The other side of the coin is that iPod sales are in decline, but that’s nothing Apple isn’t expecting. Read more »
Apple is prepping a new online diagnostic tool that will work via mobile Safari on iOS devices, according to a new report. The system would be able to determine quite a bit of information about the device before a technician ever lays hands on it. Read more »
We witnessed the end of an era this week. Steve Jobs’ resignation as Apple’s charismatic leader has had, and will continue to have, an incredible impact on Apple’s image. But will this shift in power drastically alter the company, or will Apple continue its fiery trailblazing ... Read more at GigaOM Pro »
It happens to the best of us, and usually at the worst times: Your device freezes up or iOS decides to go on a long weekend without you. Don’t panic, though; there are a number of options to help get your iPhone/iPad/iPod up and running again. Read more »
Cablevision subscribers can now watch cable TV on their iPhone or iPod touch, thanks to the company extending the functionality of its iPad app to all iOS devices. However, viewing is restricted to a subscriber’s home, and some cable channels still don’t like the functionality. Read more »
Google released a relatively small update to its Google+ app for iOS on Monday. It doesn’t introduce any extraordinary new features, but does add compatibility with the iPad and iPod touch, and fixes bugs in iOS 5. There are also some additions to the Huddle feature. Read more »
Where do you look for iPhone and iPad accessories? Your local Best Buy? The online Apple Store? There are lots of places to look, but one destination in particular has become a unique and exciting go-to spot for accessory browsing: Kickstarter. Read more »
The iPhone and iPad are swimming in awesome game releases lately. Three titles worthy of special attention arrived on Apple’s mobile devices Thursday, including a little something for everyone, from casual gamers right up to those looking for a fairly rich RPG experience. Read more »
TaskRabbit, the online marketplace that allows people to outsource errands and other jobs, has debuted its first iPhone app. The whole point of using TaskRabbit is to save precious time, so the iOS app is great — it allows people to get things done on the go. Read more »
Not one but two reports say Apple is now working on an ultrathin 15-inch Mac notebook, with one claiming that a 17-incher is also on the way. Apple has long been preparing for this, and I wouldn’t be surprised if those preparations bear fruit this year. Read more »
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion went on sale on Wednesday, and already Apple is saying this release is selling “faster than any other OS release in Apple’s history.” It’s also the first time Apple’s done a major desktop OS release through its Mac App Store. Read more »
One of the latest additions in iOS 5 is gesture support that can replace various button functions and help navigate the user interface. While Assistive Touch appears for accessibility reasons, it could signal that future iOS hardware has fewer buttons or loses the Home button altogether. Read more »
The iOS 5 beta pot is still simmering, with Apple today releasing the third edition of its mobile platform, along with a corresponding new beta of iTunes 10.5. Here’s a quick peek at the most notable new fixes, updates and issues in the latest software version. Read more »
Recent developments in the vehicle industry suggest that 2011 could be the year of the car as a major platform for apps. From BMW’s support for Apple’s iPod Out feature to the emergence of Nokia’s Terminal Mode, a system that integrates mobile applications and the car, automakers and app developers are jumping on board the in-vehicle app movement. This report examines that landscape, its major players and their offerings, and how the market is shifting from device to car and, eventually, to the cloud. Increased broadband speeds, electronic vehicles and social apps such as those powered by Twitter will play major roles on this journey. Additional companies mentioned in this report include Ford, BMW, Geely, Nissan and Google. For a full list of companies, and to read the full report, sign up for a free trial. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
iOS 5 beta 2 arrived late last week for registered Apple developers, and the update did more than just smooth things out. It also brought some changes to the way the OS looks, feels and acts, according to reports. Here’s a breakdown of the major changes. Read more »
A new iPhone app released on Thursday brings a music social network to the iPhone. Not for the first time, mind you, but it does get a lot of things right that previous offerings, including Apple’s own Ping, haven’t yet been able to nail down. Read more »
The iPhone 5 could arrive this fall, and specifically in September, according to a new report. If true, it could set up a record quarter, and pave the way for a more balanced yearly revenue picture for Apple from here on out. Read more »
Mobile devices, led by the iPad and Android phones and tablets, have overtaken computers on Wi-Fi networks, according to a new report. It’s another sign that when it comes to getting connected, people are leaving the laptop closed and reaching for their pockets. Read more »
While you’re outdoors this summer, you may want to share your music with those around you. There are lots of portable boom boxes, but here are a few unusual ways to turn your iPod or iPod touch into a music machine to share with friends. Read more »
This is Swoop, the “first mobile plush for your iPhone and iPod touch.” Yes, it’s funny, but we do sleep with our phones according to quite a few studies, and that’s a really cute owl. Plus, he’s good with kids and won’t mess up the carpets. Read more »
Is Twitter a platform now that Apple has endorsed it with integration in iOS 5? A new app called WITH seems based on the presumption that it is, leveraging the Twitter network to create its own service that lets you check in with friends and photos. Read more »
One of the many traditions of Apple’s WWDC is the presentation of Apple Design Awards (ADA) for “excellence in iOS and Mac OS X app design and development.” This year, the winners include some familiar names, as well as some you probably won’t recognize. Read more »
Nintendo is making a home console that incorporates a tablet, and the Sony PlayStation Vita borrows liberally from this generation of smartphones. But thanks to OnLive, gamers may not have to go looking for devices similar to their iPads and iPhone for a top-tier gaming experience. Read more »
Apple unveiled iOS 5 during the WWDC keynote Monday. It brings over 20 new features for users, and 1500 new APIs for developers. It arrives this fall for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad and iPad 2 and 3rd and 4th gen iPod touch. Read more »
Video chat provider ooVoo has just released an iPhone app, allowing users to leverage multiplatform video chat on their Apple devices. By doing so, iPhone and iPod touch users can launch video chat sessions with up to five of their friends, wherever they are. Read more »
Mobile video is still a small part of overall online viewing, but it’s a part that Apple dominates. According to new data from video ad startup FreeWheel, the vast majority of video views that occur on mobile devices happen on Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Read more »
On the eve of Apple retail’s ten-year anniversary, rumors are suggesting big changes inside Apple Stores this weekend. Those changes might include iPad-based payment terminals and interactive displays, dedicated product setup areas, and more changes designed to improve the brick-and-mortar shopping experience. Read more »
Thursday, Apple filed a patent application for “personalized fitness services” on a handheld device, focusing on exercise in a gym setting. Features would include how-to videos for equipment, as well as the ability to check on classes and possibly schedule training sessions. Read more »
Coming in below expectations on iPads, down on iPod sales, but up big on iPhones and Macs, Apple announced record second quarter earnings today. Apple reported earnings revenue of $24.67 billion and a net quarterly profit of $5.99 billion, or $6.40 earnings per share. Read more »
Apple just released iOS 4.3.2 for iOS devices. The update includes various bug fixes and improvements, including the resolution of the FaceTime random image capture bug, and an a fix for problems some international users were having connecting to 3G networks on the iPad. Read more »
Apple is said to be in the process of bringing on Rob Saunders and Nick Grange, two top gaming industry PR execs, according to reports. If true, this could signal a move by Apple to play to its strengths in the ongoing mobile wars. Read more »
Apple may be working on hybrid displays that have all the benefits of e-ink and LCD with none of the downsides, and interactive bezels for iOS devices. That’s according to two newly published patents that provide glimpses behind Apple’s aluminum and glass curtain. Read more »
