• android,  google,  motorola

    Verizon Pushes DROID Pro Update Out

    The Motorola Droid Pro isn’t exactly the most sexy or coolest member of the DROID product family, but it does get the job done. So I was surprised yesterday when I pulled out my Pro to see that there was a software update available from Verizon.

    The update, who’s official name is 4.7.3XT610.Verizon.enUS, is only a minor maintenance update rather than a full Google Android software upgrade.

    This update addresses:

    • Improved security with DigiNotar security patch.
    • Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System. 
    • Device will no longer lockup or reset after an Over the Air update. 
    • Device will no longer automatically power on after it has been powered off. 
    • Pressing the spacebar key will no longer cause the device to lockup. 
    • Improvements to keyboard backlighting. 
    • Smart Forwarding will no longer cause forwarded messages to remain in the Outbox.

    I’m glad that Verizon and Motorola have figured out a fix for OTA updates, because, well, 4.7.3XT610 is kinda an OTA update, so that’s progress, right?  I’m also glad to see Verizon and Motorola pushing out an update that improves the performance of the Pro’s keyboard.  Pressing the spacebar key should not hang up your phone, it’s never happened to me, but the backlighting on my phone was always a bit schizophrenic.

    And, any software update from Verizon wouldn’t be complete without some new bloatware, so Big Red has thrown in new versions of their V CAST and VZ Navigator apps.  I’m not sure why anyone is still using Verizon’s GPS navigation software when Google Maps and Google Navigation work well and don’t require the extra cost of an additional service on your monthly bill.

    Anyway, you can read the official change log and directions on how to upgrade your Droid Pro on the Verizon website.

  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  retail

    Apple iPad 3rd Generation is in the House!

    Ya, there was no chance that I wasn’t going to buy and Apple iPad 3rd Generation this weekend.  I was just getting my new “Business Tool” at the New Haven, CT Apple Store.

    The iPad’s screen looks AMAZING and is well worth the trip to pick one up this weekend.

    There are lots of units still in stock so go and grab yours now!!

  • android,  google,  sprint

    Sprint announces the ZTE Fury, available March 11th for $19.99

    I just saw this over at BGR, it looks like a new, super low cost Android smartphone is coming to Sprint in the very near future.

    “Sprint on Wednesday announced the “family-friendly” Android-powered ZTE Fury. This entry-level handset features a 3.5-inch capacitive display with a 1GHz single-core processor and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. 

    “Providing affordable, Android-powered devices, like ZTE Fury, in our lineup helps give families the tools and information to better manage their wireless usage while still providing the style and functionality they need to keep up with their busy lives,” according to David Owens, Sprint’s vice president-Product Development.”

    The ZTE Fury will sell for $69.99 with a qualifying service plan, and will be $19.99 after a mail-in rebate.

    [Via BGR.com…]

  • apple,  ibooks author,  ios,  ipad,  iphoto,  mac os x

    iPhoto ’11, iBooks Author Get Updates

    As part of this week’s massive Apple product rollout, a pair of Mac OS X applications also received updates: iPhoto ’11 and iBooks Author.

    iPhoto only received one update, but I think it will be a very popular one, the ability to delete a photo from the Photo Stream.  iDevices running iOS 5.1 also have this ability.

    iBooks Author received updates in two areas.  The first is support for iPad 3’s (ok, Apple calls the new iPad, “the new iPad”) new Retina display.  The other area is performance and stability updates.

    All in all, it’s been a nice week for the Apple fan club.

    Both apps are available from the Mac App Store.  iPhoto ’11 9.2.2 is a free update to customers who previously purchased the software.  If you need to buy iPhoto ’11, it can be purchased for $14.99.  iBooks Author is free.

  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    iPhoto Makes the Jump from Mac OS X to iOS

    As part of today’s massive software deployment from Apple, our old friend iPhone received an iOS, touch enabled makeover and is now available as a $4.99 app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    “With iPhoto for iOS, Apple brings Multi-Touch to photography in a breakthrough way. Browse, edit, and share your photos from your iPad or iPhone, like never before – all the powerful tools you need are at your fingertips. And with iCloud, you can share your experiences as stunning photo journals.”

    iPhoto for iOS is compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2 Wi-Fi, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G and requires iOS 5.1 or later.

    You can purchase iPhoto for iOS from the iTunes Store.

  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch,  itunes

    Apple Rolls Out iOS 5.1 for Current iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Models

    Earlier today, while unveiling the new revolutionary iPad with Retina display and the third generation AppleTV, Apple released iOS 5.1.

    The new iOS update can be used to upgrade the following iOS devices:

    • iPad 2, iPad 1
    • iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS
    • iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation
    A separate update will be released to upgrade the software in the second generation AppleTV which also runs iOS 5.

    To receive the update on your iOS 5 device, go to: Settings > General > Software Update.  If you prefer to update your iDevice the ‘old fashioned’ way, or haven’t yet installed iOS 5, connect your handset to your computer running iTunes 10.6, also released today, and sync your device.  Then select your iDevice from the iTunes source pane and click the “Check for Updates” button in the pane on the right.

  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple Updates Many of Their iOS Apps

    With today’s release of iOS 5.1 for current generation iDevices, Apple is also rolling out a number of software updates to their iOS titles.  iOS applications receiving an update today include:

    • iBooks 2.1
    • Find My Friends 1.1
    • Find My iPhone 1.4
    • iMovie 1.3
    • iTunes U 1.1
    • Keynote 1.6
    • Pages 1.6
    • Remote 2.3

    While some of the updates are specific to the new iPad and it’s new Retina display, there are some goodies for those of us with older iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches.

    The iOS versions of the iWork applications – Pages, Numbers, and Keynote – all received updates to take advantage of iOS 5.1 and the new iPad, but also gained support for creating and viewing stunning 3D bar, line, area, and pie charts.  The new versions of the iWork apps for iOS also include general performance improvements.

    To download the new software, I recommend first upgrading to iOS 5.1 on your supported iDevice, and then using the App Store application on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to make sure you have all the latest software installed.