• apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  rumors,  touch

    iOS 4.3 Brings Back iPad Hardware Rotation Lock, Other Changes on the Way

    January 13, 2011 /

    It wasn’t that long ago that I was ranting about Apple converting the iPad’s hardware rotation lock slider switch into a Mute switch.

    Looks like Apple heard the iPad user community crying foul, and people who have played with iOS 4.3 Beta 1 for the iPad are reporting that Apple has made it possible for users to chose, via a preference, what behavior the hardware slider switch will perform.

    Multi-Touch Support, Hardware Changes

     In addition to getting our beloved hardware rotation lock switch back, Apple is also tossing in support for new multi-touch commands that will allow you to access things like the multi-tasking bar.

    Rumors are also going around on the Internet because BRG.com is reporting that one of the reasons why multi-touch support is coming to iOS devices is because Apple is rumored to be taking away the Home button located at the bottom center of the each and every iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch released to date.

    iOS 4.3 Device Compatibility

    Oh, and about previously released iDevices: iOS 4.3 drops support for the iPhone 3G and second generation iPod touch, leaving them stranded at iOS 4.2.1.  The first generation iPhone, the iPhone 2G, and the first generation iPod touch max out their software upgrades at iOS 3.1.3.

    [Via MacStories.net…]

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  • apple,  iphone,  rumors

    Rumor: White iPhone 4 On Track for Spring 2011

    December 5, 2010 /

    Apple has missed the target date for the white iPhone 4 twice now, so you’ll forgive me it I’m a bit skeptical of the newest target date of “spring 2011.”  This information isn’t new.  An Apple spokesperson also reported that the white iPhone 4 launch was rescheduled to spring 2011.

    The unofficial reasons that I’ve seen around the Internet range from the white parts of the phone not staying white and yellowing to there being problems to the cameras to an antenna redesign.  Whatever the reason, the end result is the same – customers still can’t buy a legit white iPhone 4.

    [Via 9To5Mac.com…]

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  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  rumors,  touch

    Rumor: iOS 4.3, Periodical Subscriptions Coming in December

    November 24, 2010 /
    It seems like just yesterday Apple rolled out iOS 4.2.1 to bring a number of new features to the iPad and refinements to the iPhone 4, both models of iPhone 3, and recent model iPod touch handsets.  Oh!  Wait!  It was just yesterday!
    But today is a new day, and with it came new rumors that Apple is already at work on iOS 4.3 which is rumored to have enhancements for AirPlay will feature a new set of application program interfaces, or APIs, that will support a new type of for pay subscription system for digital periodicals, like New Corp’s “The Daily” digital only “newspaper.”
    It is also rumored that Apple will make some noise with this update and will hold a media event.  This is where things can get a little bit sketchy.  According to an article that appeared on MacStories.net today, a source indicated that Apple had planned to have iOS 4.2 out within the first two weeks of November, with a public announcement and release of iOS 4.3 about a month later in the first half of December.  It is not clear what impact the discovery of a Wi-Fi bug in iOS 4.2 will have on the iPad maker’s plans for iOS 4.3 within the first fifteen dates of December.
    What will happen between now and when we close the book on 2010 is anyone’s guess right now.  Be on the look out for an Apple media event on or about December 9 and for iOS to start hitting iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches on or about December 13.
    Personally, I’m looking forward to a digital daily news paper, and will try out News Corp’s “The Daily” for about $4.25/month.  I’m also still looking for digital subscriptions to the paper magazines that I already subscribe to.
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  • blackberry,  blackberry os,  rim,  rumors,  verizon

    Rumor: BlackBerry Storm 9570 Coming to Verizon

    September 26, 2010 /

    Looks like we know why Verizon is EOL’ing (end of life) the BlackBerry Storm2 – a new Storm is a comin’.

    BBLeaks.com managed to snap a few pictures of the unreleased Storm2 refresh.  The new Storm, we’re still not sure if it will be called Storm2.5, Storm3, or something else, bumps up the specs of the current model Storm allowing it to run RIM’s new BlackBerry 6 operating system.  With just 256MB of storage space on the Storm2, there just isn’t enough space to squeeze in BlackBerry OS 6 and still have a well performing phone.
    CrackBerry.com wrote the following about the still unreleased BlackBerry:

    “As noted, the overall look of the device is just that of a BlackBerry Storm2. No physical design changes will be found here and it’s certainly not thinner in any way. All changes come internally with the memory upgrade and processor being the most significant. Between the minimal RAM and the slower processor of the original, this refresh was needed in order for the Storm2 form factor and SurePress to remain alive.”

    There are more photos of the BlackBerry Storm 9570 on BBLeaks.com.
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  • android,  apple,  google,  ipad,  mac os x,  macbook pro,  mobileme,  rumors

    Rumor: Apple To Give Mobile Me Subscriptions Away

    May 11, 2010 /

    File this under “Crazy Ass Rumor of the Week”, but if Electronista.com and MacDailyNews.com are right, Apple might be feeling some pressure from Google’s free cloud services.

    “A tentative new rumor asserts that Apple may turn MobileMe into a free service. The plan would drop the $99 annual fee and let anyone with an iPad, iPod, iPhone or Mac get the online sync service for free.”

    “Free MobileMe access would likely be a shot across the bow of Google, for whom online sync has been an inherent feature in most of its software. Android users can sync accounts and contacts for free through Google’s existing services. Apple handheld owners can already sync Google features to some extent but don’t have the live updating of more unless they use Exchange or MobileMe.”

    Personally, the only reason why I don’t have a MobileMe.com account is that I really don’t feel like paying Apple another $69-99 a year for an email account – all be it a really handy email account. If the service was made available to me for free since I own two iPods, an iPad, a MacBook, and my recently purchased 17-inch MacBook Pro, hell ya, I’d jump on MobileMe in a second. Google who?

    Until we get some more details, however, I’m going to stick with my Google Gmail and Calendar accounts.

    [Via Electronista.com…]

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  • foleo,  hp,  rumors,  tablet,  web os,  windows

    Rumor: HP webOS Tablet Later This Year

    May 11, 2010 /

    Over the last week reports have been popping up around the web that HP could have a webOS tablet ready to go sometime in the back half of 2010.

    Reported by webOSRoundup.com, HP could be ready to bring out a tablet computer running webOS as early as Q3, 2010 or as late as the 2010 holiday shopping season. Adding fuel to this rumor is another rumor that HP has killed a project to release a tablet computer later this year running Microsoft’s Windows 7.

    My personal opinion is that a commercial release of an HP tablet running webOS before November is an incredibly aggressive timeline. Even if HP’s hardware is ready to go, there is still the issue of actually acquiring Palm and the license(s) for webOS. Then there is the time required to recode the webOS Linux kernel to run on the new tablet, beta testing, manufacturing, software imaging, shipping, etc. Needless to say, there is a lot of work to be done. If HP wants it done, they can pull it off, but at what cost? The last thing that HP would want is to race to market with a new webOS tablet and to have it be a train wreck. That already happened with Palm’s Foleo. I would much rather see a product that can deliver on the promise of the Foleo that is done well and not rushed out against some imaginary schedule.

    [Via webOSRoundup.com…]

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  • apple,  iphone,  itunes,  rumors

    Rumor: iPhone OS 4 only for iPhone 3G, 3GS

    January 20, 2010 /

    BoyGeniusReport.com has some new details on what could end up being in the final version of iPhone OS 4.0, widely rumored to be either introduced or launched next week during Apple’s media event along side the fanboy insanity that could be the launch of the iTablet.

    According to BGR, the following could end up on a fruit themed smartphones near you very shortly:

    • There will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide. (Would make sense for that as the rumored OS for the iTablet is close if not the same as the iPhone)
    • “A few new ways” to run applications in the background — multitasking.
    • Many graphical and UI changes to make navigating through the OS easier and more efficient. We haven’t had this broken down, but we can only hope for improved notifications, a refreshed homescreen, etc.
    • The update will supposedly be available for only the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but will “put them ahead in the smartphone market because it will make them more like full-fledged computers” more than any other phone to date. Everyone is “really excited.”
    • The last piece of information is the most vague, but apparently there will be some brand new syncing ability for the contacts and calendar applications.

    If the iTablet does end up running iPhone OS, and I think that makes the most sense and allows Apple and their third-party developers to leverage the existing iTunes ecosystem, the changes coming in iPhone OS 4 make a lot of sense and are probably right on.

    The bad news is that that, if true, the rumor suggests that folks using the original first generation 2G iPhone will be shutout from future OS updates. Also missing from the rumor is the fate of the current pool of iPod touch owners. If the iPhone 3G and 3GS are eligible for the upgrade, it follows that the most current iPod touch would be also.

    Man, I’m suddenly not all that excited about losing access to new software updates on my first generation iPod touch and iPhone. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next week.

    [Via BoyGeniusReport.com…]

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  • apple,  iphone,  rumors

    Rumor: Next Gen iPhone Due Up in April

    January 13, 2010 /

    File this under the WAG rumor department, but new rumors about Apple’s next generation iPhone and iPhone OS 4 are making the rounds on the Internet.

    “The Korea Times claimed Tuesday that sources at KT said the new phone would have an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, would feature video chat functionality, and a removable battery is “highly likely.” The report also said the new iPhone would include dual-core processors, more powerful graphics capabilities, and a superior camera.”

    I can see Apple breaking out their design kung-fu to bring us new OLED screens and even a forward facing camera for video conferencing, but a removable battery? Apple? Come on. Apple is dropping removable batteries from their MacBook and MacBook Pro note books. Can you really see Apple switching to a removable battery on the iPhone? I’m less sure about the addition of a dual core processor on the iPhone. Sure, the extra horsepower could be used in next generation 3D games, but I’m concerned with how a dual core processor will impact the battery.

    Read the full article over AppleInsider.com.

    [Via AppleInsider.com…]

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  • apple,  rumors

    Rumor: Multiple Versions of the Apple “iTablet” On Tap

    November 17, 2009 /

    AppleInsider has a new article up today talking about a new round of what I’m calling “iTablet silly season.” According to AppleInsider, a number of tech stock analysts have received new information about Apple’s unconfirmed tablet computer that is suppose to hit store shelves before the end of Q1, 2010.

    “In a roundup of speculation on the still-unannounced device, CNNMoney.com spoke with a number of analysts about the forthcoming tablet, set to debut in the first quarter of 2010. Most analysts heaped praise on the mythical device, predicting that it will take on a number of markets and eliminate the need for numerous devices.

    One analyst, Laura DiDio with ITIC, reportedly provided supposed specifics on the hardware. She said the device will sport a “high-end graphics card” that will offer picture at a “stunning resolution” greater than the iPhone and iPod touch. She also stated that the device will come in “several different models,” suggesting that a 3G-enabled version would be tied to a contract with a wireless carrier such as AT&T.”

    You can read the full article on the AppleInsider website…

    [Via AppleInsider.com]

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  • apple,  rumors

    Rumor: iPod touch Shipments Delayed

    September 8, 2009 /

    Bad news, iPod fans! If a recent article on AppleInsider is correct, new iPods could be delayed due to bad cameras – a feature long rumored to be in the next generation of Apple’s music players.

    “A person with a strong track record in predicting Apple’s upcoming product launches recently told AppleInsider that the iPod maker has experienced technical problems (bad parts) with the cameras modules. The person said that it was uncertain whether the new hardware, which has been widely expected to debut at Wednesday’s “Only rock and roll” media-centric event, would make the cut for early September retail distribution.”

    I doubt that this news will derail the Apple event scheduled to take place tomorrow. It can, however, put a damper on things. If Apple does unveil a new iPods with digital cameras, don’t expect wide availability of the new devices for a few weeks.

    We’ll have more from the Apple front after tomorrow’s keynote.

    [Via AppleInsider.com…]

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