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

    Apple Apologize for Disappointing Maps App

    September 30, 2012 /

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, as posted and open letter apologizing Maps upgrade in iOS 6.  The letter appears below.

    To our customers,



    At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.

    We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS. As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.

    There are already more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day. In just over a week, iOS users with the new Maps have already searched for nearly half a billion locations. The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you.

    While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.

    Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world. We know that you expect that from us, and we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard.

    Tim Cook
Apple’s CEO

    [Via Apple.com…]

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  • apple,  ios,  iphone,  retail

    Apple 5th Ave Store on iPhone 5 Eve

    September 21, 2012 /

    I was in Manhattan late last night/early this morning to try to get a few pictures of the massive glass cube that marks Apple’s 5th Ave 24-hour retail location.  What I was greeted by was Apple employees getting ready to launch the iPhone 5 at 8am Friday morning.

    As you can see from the photos, the iconic glass cube is shrouded in a black curtain.  Before big launch events, Apple tends to block out the windows while they are setting things up.  In the case of the 5th Ave store, the whole above ground structure is cloaked.

    While it ruined my chance at an evening shot of the store, you can see that people are getting in line, NYC police are on the scene.  While I didn’t get a picture of them, street vendors are selling hot dogs and the such and a local news crew is on hand too.

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  • app store,  apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple Updates Many of Their iOS Apps

    September 20, 2012 /

    Along side of today’s iOS 6 software release, Apple also updated many of their iOS applications today. Immediately after installing iOS 6 on my iPad, I launched the App Store and was greeted by a dozen updates.

    Once you’ve installed iOS 6 on your current model iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, make sure you head over to the App Store and install the latest software updates for your applications.  Doing so will provide you with new features and continued stability and compatibility with your new operating system.

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  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple iOS 6 is Now Available for Download

    September 19, 2012 /

     At about mid-day today, Apple made the iOS 6 software update for current model iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches available for download.

    To install the software, you can connect your supported iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to a Wi-Fi network and download the software update over the air.

    The over the air update can be started by tapping:
    Settings > General > Software Update

    For the more traditional crowd, you can connect your supported iDevice to your Mac or Windows PC running iTunes 10.7 and download and install the software update using your sync cable.

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  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Apple iOS 6 Set to Arrive Today

    September 19, 2012 /

    iOS 6, the next major operating system update for Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices, is scheduled to arrive today.

    iOS 6 includes a completely new Maps application, replacing the Maps offering that was powered by Google data and has been around on the iPhone since it was released in 2007.

    Apple is also upgrading the features and capabilities of their personal assistant, Siri.

    Also included in the iOS 6 update is Facebook integration similar to last year’s Twitter integration, the ability to share your Photo Stream with the people you choose.

    Passbook is Apple’s new tickets and “rewards cards” system that has the potential to become a big hit with customers and retailers if Apple turns it into a full fledged alternative to Near Field Communications (NFC) payment systems being offered by by Google and others.

    The Phone application has been enhanced with some much needed features on call management when you are unable to answer the call right away – like when you are sitting in a meeting.  Something that I have been waiting a long time for because this is a feature that my 2007 Palm Treo 700 had.

    The Camera app now has a cool panorama photo mode that helps you take some amazing panoramic photos.  I’m actually looking forward to playing with this feature during outdoor fall activities.  It should make for some very nice photos.

    Apple has also included updates to Safari, Mail, and FaceTime.

    To learn more about the major new features in iOS 6, check out the Apple website.

    The iOS 6 upgrade will be available for the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, and iPhone 3GS; for the iPad 3 and the iPad 2; and the 5th and 4th generation iPod touch.

    The iOS 6 upgrade is a free upgrade that will be available as an update delivered over-the-air or a download package when you sync your device over the wire with your Mac or Windows PC running iTunes 10.7.  iTunes 10.7 can be downloaded directly from Apple.

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  • apple,  att,  fcc,  ios,  sprint,  verizon

    FCC Complaint To Be Filed Against AT&T’s FaceTime Rules

    September 18, 2012 /

     With Apple’s new iOS 6 operating system being released to current model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners, customers are eager to get the new update on their devices.  But wireless carrier AT&T will be raining on some customer’s parades tomorrow.

    iOS 6 is the software that allows the iPhone and iPad do all the amazing things we do with them.  One of the new tent pole features of the software is FaceTime video calling over 3G and 4G cellular networks.  Up until now, it has only been possible to make a FaceTime call over a Wi-Fi connection and iOS 6 aims to change that.

    However, AT&T has stated that they will only allow customers who sign up for their new Mobile Share plans will be allowed to place FaceTime calls on their cellular networks.  While customers have been crying foul, AT&T has been trying to limit the congestion on their 3G and 4G LTE networks that caused so much bad press for them with earlier iPhone models, most notably, the 2010 iPhone 4.

    When you look at the Mobile Share plans, AT&T tells you that you can have up to 10 devices included on a single share plan.  Then you look at the pricing structure and the sticker shock sets in.

    For unlimited, traditional voice calling and text messaging plus 1GB of shared data, you will have to spend $40/mo for the service plus and additional $45/mo for each smartphone participating in the plan.  For 4GB of data, the price jumps up to $70/mo plus $40/mo for each smartphone. AT&T is also offering shared data packages in 6GB, 10GB, 15GB, and a 20GB pool.  The larger the pool of shared data, the larger the base monthly fee is, but the monthly cost per smartphone drops.

    As you can see, the monthly totals can add up quickly if you are trying to share a pool of data amongst family members.

    And that’s why Free Press, Public Knowledge, and the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute have banned together to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission.  The trio feel that it is unfair for customers to have to buy into a shared data plan like AT&T’s Mobile Share plans just to be able to make a FaceTime call over a cellular network.  While they did provide AT&T with notice of the impending filing, at least publicly, no date has been given as to when the filing will be made.

    Customers looking to sign a new service agreement with AT&T do have other options.  Sprint, for example, will be allowing customers who have signed up for their Simply Everything plans ranging from $79.99 – $109.99/month to make FaceTime calls on their network.  Verizon Wireless’ Simplify with Share Everything 4GB share package offers similar features to that of Sprint’s, but will run you about $150/mo when sharing data across two smartphones.

    [Via GigoOm.com…]

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  • android,  games,  ios,  mac os x,  rovio,  windows

    Rovio Bad Piggies “Launches” Sept 27

    September 18, 2012 /

    Rovio announced today that their next game, “Bad Piggies” will launch for iOS, Android, Mac OS X, and Windows on September 27.

    “Bad Piggies” is based on Rovio’s Angry Birds universe, but is not an Angry Birds game.  Think of Bad Piggies as what Amazing Alex should have been, and cross it with Angry Birds.  Check out the linked to video for a preview of what the game play is expected to be like – Bad Piggies Game Play Trailer.

    [Image via BGR.com…]

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  • apple,  apple store,  att,  ios,  iphone,  sprint,  verizon

    Apple: iPhone 5 Pre-Orders Top 2 Million in 24-Hours

    September 18, 2012 /

    Earlier today, Apple announced that pre-orders for the iPhone 5, which goes on sale Friday, September 21, sold over 2 million units in the first 24-hours of being available for online ordering.  At this point, if you want an iPhone 5 on launch day, and weren’t able to secure a pre-order slot, you’ll be waiting in line at an Apple Store or at a wireless carrier’s retail location near you.  Apple’s press release appears below.

    CUPERTINO, California—September 17, 2012—Apple® today announced pre-orders of its iPhone® 5 topped two million in just 24 hours, more than double the previous record of one million held by iPhone 4S. Demand for iPhone 5 exceeds the initial supply and while the majority of pre-orders will be delivered to customers on September 21, many are scheduled to be delivered in October. iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina™ display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology*—all while delivering even better battery life.**

    “iPhone 5 pre-orders have shattered the previous record held by iPhone 4S and the customer response to iPhone 5 has been phenomenal,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPhone 5 is the best iPhone yet, the most beautiful product we’ve ever made, and we hope customers love it as much as we do.”

    iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new user features including: an all new Maps app with Apple-designed cartography, turn-by-turn navigation and an amazing new Flyover™ view; Facebook integration for Contacts and Calendar, with the ability to post directly from Notification Center; Passbook®, the simplest way to get all your passes in one place; new Siri® features, including support for more languages, easy access to sports scores, restaurant recommendations and movie listings;*** Siri and Facebook-enabled apps like Photos, Safari® and Maps; and Shared Photo Streams via iCloud®.

    Pricing & Availability
    iPhone 5 will be available at 356 Apple retail stores in the US beginning at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, September 21. Every customer who buys an iPhone 5 at an Apple retail store will be offered free Personal Setup service, helping them customize their iPhone 5 by setting up email, showing them new apps from the App Store and more, so they’ll be up and running with their new iPhone before they leave the store.

    iPhone 5 comes in either white & silver or black & slate, and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the 64GB model. iPhone 5 will be available from the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, and through AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, select Best Buy, RadioShack, Target and Walmart stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iPhone 4S will also be available for just $99 (US) and iPhone 4 will be available for free with a two-year contract.****

    * LTE is available through select carriers. Network speeds are dependent on carrier networks, check with your carrier for details.
    ** Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.
    *** Not all features are supported in all countries.
    **** Availability varies by carrier.

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  • apple,  ios,  iphone

    Apple Sends Out Sept 12 Event Invitations

    September 5, 2012 /

    Yesterday, Apple sent out media and press invitations to a September 12 event that is widely expected to be the unveiling of the next generation iPhone, the so called ‘iPhone 5’.  The final golden master version of iOS 6, which was previewed at this year’s World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) is also expected.

    As you can see from the graphic, the date is 9/12 and the ’12’ is casting the shadow of a ‘5’ indicating the ‘iPhone 5’ that has been rumored for months now.

    AppleInsider.com, who received an invitation, writes:

    “The invitations sent out read “It’s almost here,” with a large number 12. Below the date of the event is a shadow cast with a number “5,” implying the unveiling of Apple’s next-generation iPhone, the successor to the iPhone 4S.
    The event will be held next Wednesday at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, Calif.”

    [Via AppleInsider.com…]

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