Tell me something I don’t know….
[Via Gizmodo]
Tag Archives: iPhone
iTunes 9 rumors, Blu-Ray support on the way?
Boy Genius Report has received information from “a pretty reliable source” spilling the beans on some of the upcoming iTunes 9 capabilities. First up is Blu-Ray support. Rumors spreading from Apple Insider are pointing to the next lineup of iMacs packing Blu-Ray disc drives, making this lastest tidbit of news all the more convincing. However, we cannot forget Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ “bag of hurt” comment from the notebook event in 2008: “Blu-ray is just a bag of hurt. It’s great to watch the movies, but the licensing of the tech is so complex, we’re waiting till things settle down and Blu-ray takes off in the marketplace.”
According to the same source, there were mentions of some sort of Facebook/Twitter/Last.fm integration with iTunes. No details about this were shared. Perhaps “…broadcasting what song you’re playing to your friends” is in the pipes. The last grain of news states that iTunes users will gain the ability to “visually orgainize and arrange” their purchased apps. It is likely we won’t have to wait long to find out if all of this is fact or fiction; Apple’s September iPod+iTunes event is right around the corner.
Netflix ‘Watch Instantly’ coming to the iPhone?
Rumor alert: According to “an industry executive familiar with Netflix’s plans,” said company is planning on releasing an app for the iPhone and iPod touch that will allow users to bring their Watch Instantly queues on the go. The feature will most likely be limited to WiFi-use only. Attemping to stream full length movies or TV shows to your iPhone over an unstable 3G connection could be risky. Although this rumor feels shaky at best, it is something to cross your fingers and hope for; imagine a world where you could watch your favorite movies and TV shows on your computer, Xbox, and on the go with iPhone/iPod, granted you have a Netflix account!
[Via Engadget (image, too)]
The Onion: Apple releases the iPhone 3GI
“I am proud today to introduce to those who really, truly deserve it, our most incredible iPhone yet,” announced Apple CEO Steve Jobs, extending his seemingly empty left palm toward the eagerly awaiting crowd. “Not only is this our lightest and slimmest model ever, but as any truly savvy Apple customer can clearly see, it’s also the most handsome product we’ve ever designed.” …
“Oh my God, I can’t believe how much faster you can get online with this,” said Delaney, who exited the store holding a cupped hand up to her ear and yelling into her wrist about how wonderful the new phone was. “The reception is so clear, and you can pretty much get a signal no matter where you go.”
The Onion at its finest. Click here to read the full article. It’s genius.
[Article and Images via The Onion]
Apple: What recession?
Today Apple held their fiscal 2009 thrid quarter conference call with investers and analysts. Apparently Apple had the “best non-holiday quarter [in terms of] revenue and earnings.” From their official press release:
The Company posted revenue of $8.34 billion and a net quarterly profit of $1.23 billion, or $1.35 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $7.46 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.07 billion, or $1.19 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 36.3 percent, up from 34.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 44 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
Apple admitted that “we expect traditional MP3 players (read: iPod classic, nano, and shuffle) to decline over time as we cannibalize ourselves.” Basically, Apple points out here that all iPod models (except for the touch) are “walking dinosaurs.” Apple sees the iPod touch and iPhone continuing to dominate the market well into next year, while the traditional iPods will continue to decline in sales. More from the offiicial press release:
The Company sold 10.2 million iPods during the quarter, representing a seven percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter. Quarterly iPhones sold were 5.2 million, representing 626 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter.
If you’re wondering about Mac sales: Apple sold 2.6 million Macintosh computers during the quarter, representing a four percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter.
Other notable mentions include…Apple on its relationship with AT&T: “I think it’s an excellent relationship and we’re very happy with it.” …Apple on the netbook rumors: “At this point we don’t see a way to build a great product for this $399, $499…for this kind of pricepoint unit. Some customers, maybe many customers buying these become disappointed and disenchanted buying these.” …Apple on the recent tablet rumors: “…without discounting anything for the future, I think most customers buying a portable want a full-featured notebook.” And “many people won’t be happy” with the crappy experience of a netbook, so Apple is “only going to play in something that’s very innovative that we’re very proud of.”
The title of the official press release summarizes it best: Apple Reports Third Quarter Results – Best Non-Holiday Quarter Revenue and Earnings in Apple History. Way to go, Apple!
Facebook 3.0 for iPhone OS 3.0
Facebook’s next big update for the iPhone looks to be just that–a massive UI overhaul that appears to make viewing and managing your account a much simpler and user-friendly task. Facebook has officially announced the following 15 new features in 3.0:
1. The “new” News Feed
2. Like
3. Events (including the ability to RSVP)
4. Notes
5. Pages
6. Create new photo albums
7. Upload photos to any album
8. Zoom into photos
9. Easier photo tagging
10. Profile Pictures albums
11. A new home screen for easy access to all your stuff, search, and notifications
12. Add your favorite profiles and pages to the home screen
13. Better Notifications (they link to the comments so you can reply)
14. Quickly call or text people right from the Friends page
15. Messages you are typing will be restored if you quit or are interrupted by a phone call
According to Facebook, the new app is about “98% done.” They also noted that push notifications will be included in future version 3.1 which will come out this summer to the App Store.
[Via InsideFacebook]
Sprint Takes a Bite Out of Apple
Touting multi-tasking support and more, Sprint creates an ad for the Palm Pre that pits Apple in the corner. Apple, your move.
[Via Engadget]
iPhone 3GS Hardware + iPhone 3.0 Software Out Now
As of June 17 and June 19, Apple released the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3.0 software update, respectively. There are just a few differences between the older iPhone 3G and the new 3GS. The 3GS has the following updates: speed (about 2x faster), a 3.0 megapixel camera with video capability (with editing features), voice control (for contacts and music), and an internal compass. The exterior of the phone is exactly the same (except for the updated “oilphobic” screen that repels finger smudges). It comes in two models, 16GB ($199) and 32GB ($299), available in black and white. The 3G sells for $99 now in a 8GB model (black), only. Just make sure you are eligible for an upgrade if you really want one!
It is the iPhone 3.0 software update where most of the new changes can be found. Some new features include: cut, copy, and paste, landscape keyboard for Mail, Messages, Notes, and Safari, MMS (sending pictures, audio, and contact info), Spotlight search (universal search of the phones contents from the home screen), voice memos, improved calender, an updated iTunes store (you can now purchase videos from TV and Movies; audiobooks), an enhanced Stocks app, stereo Bluetooth, and tethering (connecting your phone to a computer providing you internet on the go). The MMS and tethering features will not be available until late summer due to AT&T sucking big time. The 3.0 update is available to download in iTunes right now, free for iPhone, 3G, and 3GS users; $9.99 for iPod touch users.
[Via Apple]
"Find My iPhone" feature is a life-saver
The new “Find My iPhone” feature apparently works exactly as advertised. If you are a member of Apple’s Mobile Me service and have a iPhone, you are entitled to a service that allows you to track the location of your iPhone if you happen to lose it. If you lose your phone, you can log onto your Mobile Me account from a PC or Mac and locate the exact location of your phone, as long as it is on and has a charge. You also have the option of sending it a personal text message that will make the phone emit an alert “beep” sound. So, for example, if you left your phone at a resturant, you can go on your computer, log into Mobile Me, find the location of your phone, and send it an alert message saying “IF YOU FIND ME, PLEASE CALL THIS NUMBER TO RETURN TO OWNER.” And the alert goes off whether the phone is set on silent or not. Click here to read a real-life story involving this feature. Blogger Kevin Miller takes you on an exciting journey to find his lost (and stolen) iPhone. It’s a good read.
[Via Gizmodo; Kevin Miller]
iPhone OS running on a 24-inch monitor?
Most likely fake, but very cool nonetheless. Just imagine.
Apple WWDC Round-Up
Apple. WWDC. San Fransisco. June 8, 2009. Keeping it simple.
Apple announced an updated line of its laptop products, gave an updated preview of its new OS Snow Leopard, and unveiled the next version of the iPhone.
All sizes of Apple’s laptop line (13” (!), 15″, and 17″) are now called MacBook Pro, thus blurring if not entirely removing the distinguishing features between the cheapest and most expensive MacBook. They all have updated screens (better color gaumet) and longer battery lives (up to seven hours, non-removable (eight hours for the 17”)). The 13” and 15” now have SD card slots which replace the ExpressCard slot, which is only found in the 17″ model now. Also, Firewire returns to all the MacBook Pros. The 13″ starts at $1199, 15″ at $1699, and 17” at$2499. The MacBook Air also took a price cut; it starts at $1499. The white plastic MacBook stands at $999.
Snow Leopard looks to be a great upgrade to Apple’s successful Leopard OS. It has 64-bit architecture, among other updates. It will be available this September for only $20 for those who are upgrading from Leopard.
The new iPhone 3G S looks the same as the current 3G model on the outside; it is the inside where things are different. The 3G S has a faster processor (about 2x faster than 3G), a better camera (3 megapixels, can capture video), and even a compass. It also has voice control that can be used when calling someone or controlling your music playlists. The iPhone 3G S will be available in 2 flavors, 16GB ($199) and 32GB ($299), on June 19th. The current iPhone 3G is now available for the low price of $99 (8GB). The new iPhone 3.0 OS will ship on the 3G S and will be available for a free download to all current iPhone and iPhone 3G users for free on June 17th (iPod touch users must pay $9.99). *Side-note: AT&T sucks. It was announced that MMS and tethering are included features to the iPhone 3.0 software. Laughter filled the auditorium when it was said that the MMS feature on AT&T would not be enabled until “later this summer.” Also, AT&T was not among the carriers named that will allow the tethering feature. WTF, AT&T!
Check after the break for images of the new products.
[Image via Engadget]
The iPhone 3G '09 Rumor Mill Keeps Spinning [Updated]
Monday cannot come soon enough. On June 8th, Apple’s WWDC (World Wide Developer’s Conference) will bring news on the iPhone and “Snow Leopard” (Apple’s next OS version) fronts. The lastest rumors for the new iPhone hardware include a change from a glossy back and metallic sides to a matte back with no silver lining; the second rumor is far more interesting, and oh-so-exciting–a front-facing camera, which would allow VIDEO CHAT functionality. Although this specific rumor has been around since last year, there are some leaked images that may prove this new addition is on the way. Photoshopping is rapant these days, but I will take what I can get. Check out the newest photos after the break that show off new screenshots of the front-facing camera in action. Monday, Monday Monday… [UPDATE: After further investigation, the video-chat images have been debunked as photoshopped fakes. If you look closely, the bottom bar is from the the Skype app. Here’s hoping we still get this funcionality, even though these specific images were false.]
[Images via Nouveau here and here] Continue reading The iPhone 3G '09 Rumor Mill Keeps Spinning [Updated]