Apple iPad 3 Rumors Heating Up, A6 Processor and Retina Display

It's about the time when rumors of Apple’s next generation tablet, the iPad 3 is heating up with speculations that the Apple iPad 3 will be unveiled within the next two to three months. The latest story has the next-gen tablet getting cameras that match the iPhone 4S’s 8MP shooter.

Such a camera upgrade would be an enormous improvement.Many Apple fans were hugely disappointed when Apple went low with the iPad 2′s cameras. The iPad 3′s front camerawould also supposedly get an upgrade to be capable of shooting HD video, just nice for a more advanced feel when making the Facetime calls.

Many tech enthuthiasts will expect that the iPad 3 comes with an A6 processor wrapped inside(should be no surprise). The Retina display is also expected to be embedded into the iPad 3.
Now about the timing; the previous rumor calls for the iPad 3 to arrive in January (on Steve Jobs’s birthday) doesn't sound believeable, as this would upset holiday shoppers who bought the iPad 2 over the past Christmas. So it would be a more realistic call to expect the iPad 3 at about the same time as the iPad 2 last year (March 11).

One factor which is hot in discussion now is the pricing of the iPad 3. Will Apple reduce the iPad 2 price in order to help combat Amazon's Kindle Fire? This same strategy was used by Apple for several years with outdated iPhones. Any price reduction will definitely help the new-to-tablet consumers hop onto the iPad bandwagon.

Apple iOS 4.2 Update Release for iPad (Also for iPod and iPhone)

The much-awaited update of iOS 4.2 from Apple is finally available to the public officially. Now you can fire up your iTunes and get the [number] MB update. This update will bring the much awaited multitasking feature to the iPad which disappointed Apple fanboys after the initial OS of the iPad, iOS 4.1 does not support multitasking even though it has been presented in the keynote by Steve Jobs during the unveiling of the iPhone 4. This iOS 4.2 update will bring the iPad closer to the purpose of a netbook replacement. Other features brought onboard by iOS 4.2 are folders, unified inbox, AirPlay wireless streaming and AirPrint wireless printing.

Steve Jobs said this update “makes the iPad a completely new product.” Apple pre-dominated the tablet market with iPad beginning April 2010 before other competitors started coming out with their own versions of touchscreen tablet to cash in on the hype, popularity and uptrend generated by the iPad. South Korea's Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab which runs on Android and has a smaller 7 inch screen and Canada's Research In Motion (RIM) who makes the Blackberry, are going to launch a version of theirs in the PlayBook.

Many of the features in iOS 4.2 were already available for the latest versions of the iPhone and the iPod touch but not for the iPad. So the victors are the iPad owners. With multitasking, iPad users can now switch between applications instantly and run multiple apps in parallel, something which the iPhone 4 users have been enjoying. Applications can now be organised into folders with a drag-and-drop feature. E-mail features a unified inbox for users with more than one account while Game Centre lets users of the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch play against friends or other opponents and discover games that others are playing.

A new feature called AirPlay streams music, video and photos wirelessly from the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to a television set equipped with Apple TV, Apple's TV set-top box.AirPrint allows an iPad owner to wirelessly print documents or photos to AirPrint-enabled printers.
Apple said that 40,000 applications have been created for the iPad and 300,000 for the iPhone and iPod touch. It would be difficult for the other makers to match the iPad’s popularity, so look forward to more dominance by the Cupertino giant.

Google Voice App is Coming to Your iPhone

The Google Voice app is finally approved for iPhone. Google Inc.'s Voice application has won approval to be on the iPhone after more than a year of haggling with Apple Inc. where the FCC inquiry of both Apple and AT&T were trying to prevent Google's popular app from competing with them. Google's Voice application has the edge in terms of cheaper rates on international calls and voice mail. The free app already has been available for Blackberry phones and devices running on Google's Android operating system. It now joins the more than 300,000 apps currently available on the App Store.

The FCC sent letters to Google, Apple and AT&T asking why Google Voice had not been approved for the iPhone during which Apple replied that it was blocking the app because it duplicated some of the iPhone's built-in features. AT&T initially only allowed Internet calling services through WiFi but later on started allowing iPhone owners to use Internet calling services on its 3G network.

Boss, the iPhone Alarm Was Late

There is a software glitch which will make iPhone alarms late this Monday. Apple iPhone users in the United States must remember to delete and then reset their phone's alarm clock -- otherwise they may say the above line on Monday morning -- for being an hour late for work.
This glitch in the iPhone's operating system will cause recurring weekday alarms not to ring on time on Monday morning because of the end of Daylight Saving Time, which occurs at 2 a.m. on Sunday in the United States.

The phone's alarm app doesn't recognize the time change and will ring an hour late if left as it is.
If you depend on the iPhone for your wake up call, then you should create a one-time alarm specifically for Monday morning! Similar event affected users in Europe on Nov 1 2010. Later this month, Apple will release an updated version of its mobile software, iOS 4.2, which will fix the problem.

If you're in the United States and want to create an iPhone alarm that will work Monday, follow these steps:

1. Open the Clock application.
2. Click on the Alarm icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click the "plus sign" icon in the top right corner.
4. Create an alarm and make sure you have the "repeat" option set to "never." (The glitch only occurs with repeat alarms, such as those workers set to wake them up at the same time each weekday).
5. Select the appropriate time and sound, and click "save."
6. After November 7, you can again create repeat alarms without trouble, but you should delete any recurring alarms that you set before that date.

New iPhone 3GS Annoucement Soon?

There's been quite a rumor about Apple announcing a new iPhone this coming WWDC. Codenamed iPhone 3GS they say with double the CPU speed and also double the RAM (that would kick it up a notch). With a rumored leaked photo of this new Apple iPhone 3GS which comes in matte and without any chrome lining, how much should we believe? As we all know, seeing is believing. And it won't be long..

New Next Generation iPhone Specs Leaked - 600MHz 256MB RAM

The rumored specifications (specs) of the new iPhone or the so called next generation iPhone are reportedly leaked online, albeit from a Chinese forum. As you can see from the screenshot on the right, all words are in Chinese characters. Seems like this "new" iPhone will slot in a 600MHz processor, up from its 400MHz predecessor. Other fun items include a possible digital compass and FM receiving (and transmitting?) capabilities. It's about time for them to bump of the numbers of its average camera resolution for it's sub par in performance compared to its peers competitors/performance group.
* Model number MB717LL
* 600MHz CPU Speed (up from 400MHz)
* 256MB RAM (up from 128MB)
* Digital Compass and FM
* 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus
* 32GB size
* No major changes in battery, screen and external casing.

Linux Arrives in iPhone

Linux has come to iPhone. Thanks to the Dev Team, Linux has been ported to the iPhone and iPod touch. This feat of bringing everyone's favorite open-source OS to Apple's handhelds is a great acomplishment and hopefully it will only get better. The Apple iPhone is the no.1 selling American phone since Earlier this month, the almighty RAZR fell from the top spot as America's best selling handset. However, this Linux in iPhone (iBoot) is far form perfect; no touchscreen drivers, sound, or WiFi/cell radio support. But it's pointing towards the right direction nevertheless. Read about it at iphone-dev.org. They call it a phenomenal reverse engineering job.

3G iPhone Release Closer Than We All Think?

The current status of the Apple store is showing the 8GB and 16GB iPhone as currently unavailable? Does it mean they are gonna roll out the 3G iPhone soon? Both the UK and US sites are showing the same thing. Something is up. It's either they are really running out of stocks or the 3G iPhone release it actually a lot closer than we all think. I doubt it's the former.

The Inevitable: 3G iPhone

We all know what is coming. Sooner or later, the 3G iPhone is going to be released. I don't see a reason not to market this piece of hype to the rest of the world, especially Asia. It's a no brainer. Tapping into the 3G Asian market for the iPhone. You'll never believe this, but it looks like Cupertino might be getting ready to drop a bomb this summer -- a 3G bomb, in fact! The latest beta release of firmware 2.0 for the iPhone has revealed a clue about the future of the 3G iPhone. In the preference screen, there's an option which allows users of the new model to turn off the 3G radio because it claims that "Using 3G loads data faster, but decreases battery life.", which is exactly true by the way.

The New 3G Apple iPhone? With GPS and 3G

Is this the rumored second-gen iPhone? With 3G and GPS support and appearance wise it is slightly thicker than the original iPhone. Rumor has it that the second-gen iPhone is already in its testing stage and as you know in America, we have product testers and beta users, so there'd be some units out there right now. It retains its previous shape and form factor as one would expect. And of course, now it has 3G (there you go, Asia) and GPS. The most noticeable physical difference is back of the phone is no longer metal -- the whole thing is glossy black, from top to bottom. The volume buttons are now chrome. Damn Apple, the battery is still not removable. This is unofficial, so there is still the possibility that the photo is a fake thanks to some Photoshop work. Keeping my fingers crossed for the 3G iPhone release. It's predicted to be in the later half of 2008, so start saving money people! Of course, pay off your debts first.

iPhone Interface Theme HTC Windows Mobile - iFonz 0.96 PPC

I just installed the iFonz 0.96 on my HTC Wizard 8125 to give it a try and I would say it looks pretty and certainly did its job. It loads up as a seperate application under Programs > iFonz. The default buttons are as the screenshot here. New SMS, Calendar, Images, Camera, Videos, Finance, Navigator, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings and on the lower panel bar, Phone, Messages, Internet and Music. Pressing the screen for a few seconds would bring up the settings page where you can tweak it to your preference(s). The Navigator and Finance shortcut does not work on my HTC Wizard 8125. Note that I am already running the Windows Mobile 6 Professional edition with TouchFLO in my HTC Wizard 8125 with this ROM. What's missing from this program is the Slide to Unlock feature, which you can add easily using this Slide2Unlock application.

However, there are still some things which are lacking from the splash screen.

If you wish to install this on your PPC or PDA phone, you can download the installation file here: http://w16.easy-share.com/1700041421.html

It is a .rar file containing the iFonz-0.9.6-Setup.cab file and some notes about the software (License, Readme and Shortcuts) This program is a freeware :)

For those who are not familiar on how to install, connect your PDA phone via USB to your PC and copy the iFonz-0.9.6-Setup.cab file to your phone/storage card. Run the iFonz-0.9.6-Setup.cab file from your phone/storage card and installation will be automated.

Other HTC related posts.

To Touch Or Not.....

I have recently pondered about owning a used version of iPod Touch, a 8GB model, which is available from a fellow blogger for $145 shipped. I am thinking of getting one to mess around with it and to get familiar with in preparation for eventually owning an Apple iPhone. With the release of the iPhone SDK recently, I see that the market for extra apps in the future as Apple released the first download numbers for their new iPhone SDK with more than 100,000 developers having already started to toy with the SDK. So definitely lotsa room for expansion even though it's facing the future release of Google's Android OS for mobile phones. This Touch idea of mine was sparked by the fellow's blogger's listing of her used jailbroken 8GB iPod Touch and also an iPod Touch commercial by Apple to promote the new 32GB model.

Oklahoma Christian University Gives Students iPhone and MacBook

Never heard of Oklahoma Christian University? Now you have. Thanks to their mobile learning initiative, new students enrolling with them will get a new MacBook and an iPhone or an iPod Touch.

"This summer, all faculty and all new students attending New Student Orientations will be issued a new Apple MacBook. Current students also will be given the opportunity to trade in their PC laptop for an Apple MacBook."
"In addition to the MacBook, the University will be able to offer students an option of either an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch."

ZiPhone by Zibri Jailbreaks Any iPhone! v1.1.1 v1.1.2 v1.1.3

Eversince the limited availability of iPhone hacks for the newer version of iPhone firmwares, start from the version v1.1.2, every iPhone owner wannabe is hoping that something like ZiPhone would be created and released by some other genius. And nothing beats free. Zibri's ZiPhone is reported to be the app to jailbreak any version of iPhone, up to the v1.1.3 without needing to downgrade. It also claims to be able to jailbreak the v1.1.3 iPhone straight out of the box (new).

It is advised that you do some research online or on Zibri's blog before proceeding to jailbreak your phone. It makes life easier for you. The ZiPhone has an updated version, now version 2.2, available for download here.

Update! The latest version as of Feb 25th is 2.4. Click here to download the Windows version! And here for the Mac version! Zibri moved the file to http://www.downloadziphone.org/.

iPhone Jailbreak v1.1.3 Released

A sentence everyone has been waiting for. The iPhone Dev Team has done it again. A working iPhone jailbreak for firmware v1.1.3 (latest version) is finally here. It is released in both Windows and Mac versions. Hacking/upgrading your coveted Apple iPhone is at your own risk. You may have to restore your iPhone if you fail. You can do this using iTunes and start the hacking/upgrading process again. Make sure to back up all the necessary data first! The v1.1.3 jailbreak works like an upgrade, very much similar to the 1.1.2 jailbreak.

Attention! You need to have a v1.1.1 or v1.1.2 jailbroken iPhone for you to jailbreak v1.1.3.

A good source to do more research about this topic is here. Good luck!

iPhone upgraded/updated to v1.1.3 can't be downgraded...?

It's said that when you update your Apple iPhone to firmware version 1.1.3, you would not be able to downgrade back to previous versions (v1.1.1 and v1.1.2). According to Nate, downgrading from v1.1.3 would brick your iPhone.

"If your iPhone has never been unlocked, downgrading from 1.1.3 will leave you bricked until you upgrade back to 1.1.3, as far as I can tell. The phone (even with an authentic AT&T SIM) reports an Incorrect SIM while iTunes says there's no SIM at all, when you've downgraded back to 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 (1.0.x untested). If your phone was unlocked, the baseband upgrade fails on 1.1.3, so you will not have this problem but will not get 1.1.3 to work. "

Note: The firmware version v1.1.3 has not been officially released by Apple yet.

Apple Store Black Friday Sale Special

Apple Store is having a Black Friday Sale Special this year. November 23 only. It says "Come back to the Apple Online Store the day after Thanksgiving for a special one-day-only holiday shopping event. You'll find dozens of great iPod, iPhone, and Mac gift ideas — all with free shipping." Check back on Black Friday. Maybe there'd be deals on the Apple iPhone or iPod. Fingers crossed.

iPhone v1.1.2 GUI Jailbreak Software Released (Apple Hack)

Conceited Software /TouchFree has just released its GUI jailbreak. This is the "final bit" that performs the jailbreak after you run OktoPrep in v1.1.1 and then upgrade to v1.1.2. This verifies the previous post I had about downgrading to v1.1.1 before upgrading back to v1.1.2 to go around the jailbreak.
The software (OS X and Windows both ok) grabs the data off the iPhone (also iPod Touch), performs the upgrade with the Jailbreak, installs Installer.app and SSH.app, and reloads it back to your unit. The whole process takes up about 10 minutes or so. Once you're done, you have a fully updated v1.1.2 jailbroken iPhone system.

Yes, you must downgrade to v1.1.1 if you have an iPhone with v1.1.2 in it. This includes any iPhone bought after Nov.8 2007. The jailbreakme.com webpage has been updated with v1.1.2 details. This procedure is only for iTunes-activated iTunes and iPod touches--"hactivated" iPhones need not apply. That's because once you upgrade to v1.1.2, you need an iPhone that's activated before running the jailbreak v1.1.2 program.

Jailbreak for v1.1.2 Firmware iPhone!

Here is how to jailbreak the LATEST iPhone 1.1.2 firmware. As soon as apple released the new iPhone update v1.1.2, it was hacked in almost no time.. The idea is to downgrade to 1.1.1 first then jailbreak the iphone the old way, and then upgrade to v1.1.2. Detailed instructions can be found at http://yahyology.blogspot.com/. Thanks for the notification, Medo.
Related link: iPhone: The Missing Manual

iPhone Firmware Update v1.1.2 Kills Jailbreak

The news of the release of the v1.1.2 firmware update for the Apple iPhone made my friend buy his iPhone on Tuesday. Reason: to make use of Jailbreak. Because once Apple releases the v1.1.2 firmware, jailbreak cannot be used to unlock the SIM and phone anymore for those who would like to own an iPhone but remain reluctant to pay an extra $20 per month for the required unlimited data plan package from AT&T. Jailbreaking v1.1.2 would probably take a few more weeks. So potential iPhone owners who would like to unlock the SIM and phone would need to sit and wait or get a v1.1.1 iPhone from somewhere else (for eg. eBay). If you already have a v1.1.1 iPhone, here is the link to a complete illustrated guide to hack your iPhone. The step by step illustrated guide is very clear and easy to follow and it all can be done in less than 5 minutes! A video is also posted to show us how easy it is. Enjoy. Till then, I am continuing to enter online sweepstakes to win my iPhone.
Related link: iPhone: The Missing Manual