iOS 6 to be released on September 19

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors, Software,

We just received a fairly obvious tip that makes perfect sense to us--Apple is set to release iOS 6 to the general public on September 19th. That would put its release two days before the rumored launch date of the iPhone 5, which is in line with all iOS software release ever since iPhone OS 2.0 launched a couple of days prior to the release of the iPhone 3G back in July of 2008. We expect that Apple will release a Golden Master version of iOS 6 tomorrow after the iPhone 5 event.

iOS 6 brings new features like Passbook, shared Photo Streams, expanded Siri functionality, Apple Maps, and more, and will be compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, ipod touch (fourth generation,) and all iPads.

Bleeding Edge TV 455: Amazon reveals Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Paperwhite

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Features, Handhelds, Podcasts, Videocasts, Videos,

Amazon revealed a ton of new Kindle hardware at its 2012 Kindle Press Event last week, and we've got the event here for you to check out. Get a look at the new Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire, and the entry-level $69 Kindle as introduced by Jeff Bezos. The event ran a little long, so we've condensed it down to make it easier to enjoy. All the gadget news without all the awkward pauses or drawn out demos. There was a lot of info packed into just over an hour, and we've squeezed it down to just over 25 minutes for you. Check it out for all the info on Amazon's latest e-book reader hardware, and admire Jeff Bezos doing his best to stick it to Apple and Google. Oh, and if you wanna read our play-by-play, you can check out our live coverage of Amazon's Kindle event.

Rumored iPad mini design detailed in images

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Rumors,

Nowhere Else is at it again, this time publishing a few images that show the alleged design of the upcoming iPad mini, that being the heavily-rumored 7.85-inch version of the Apple tablet. We must point out that the device certainly doesn't look to be an actual product, but rather something simply based on the rumored design specifications. That said, it looks pretty nice, no? Apple is expected to reveal the 7.85-inch iPad sometime next month, as it's dedicating tomorrow to the iPhone 5 unveiling.

Read More | NWE

Google releases official YouTube app for iPhone

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Entertainment, New Apps, Video Apps, Google, Free Apps,

YouTube, the baked-in but soon-to-be-exiled from iOS 6 app, is back in the form of a Google-submitted app in Apple's App Store. The timing couldn't be more perfect since the public release of iOS 6 is just eight days away. Apple is slowly but surely detoxifying itself from Google. So, if you're thinking of updating your hardware to iOS 6 next week, and can't live without watching your precious cat videos, be sure to download this app. An iPad-optimized version will be released "shortly." Also, be sure to subscribe to Gear Live on Youtube.

Read More | YouTube for iPhone

Will FaceTime HD come to the iPhone 5 by way of a high definition front camera?

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Cameras, Smartphones, Editorial, Handhelds,

Disclaimer: this is pure speculation based on rumors, track record, and wishful thinking. So, no hurt feelings if it doesn't come to pass.

The way we see it, Apple methodically has been updating its entire Mac lineup with HD front facing cameras. The first to receive it was the iMac in mid-2011, quickly followed by last year's Macbook Pro lineup and subsequently the newly refreshed generation of MacBook Pros and Macbook Air; the lineup includes the 11-, 13-, and 15-inch as well as the flagship Macbook Pro with Retina display. The result is 720p high-definition video chat. The missing ingredient is the inclusion of HD FaceTime chat for iOS devices. Sure, the back of an iPhone 4/4S, iPad 2, and new iPad are technically HD cameras, and one could switch to that camera with a quick toggle, but it's still not ideal for most video chat interactions. I'm postulating that Apple could potentially introduce its first HD front-facing camera for iOS devices with the iPhone 5.

Click to continue reading Will FaceTime HD come to the iPhone 5 by way of a high definition front camera?

Big Picture Mode brings Steam into the living room

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: PC / Laptop, Software, Video Games,

Steam Big Picture Mode has arrived, bringing a long-awaited Steam interface to the television. You'll need to have a PC connected to your television to take advantage of the software while we wait with hope for a dedicated Steam game console. Steam Picture Mode offers users all the same features that they're used to--playing games, buying games, and the like. There's also a built-in web browser, and all-new controller input support. This is all about bringing the Steam experience into the living room, where people prefer playing games. This is PC-only for now, but the Mac version should be arriving soon.

Read More | Valve via Kotaku

SOL Republic Tracks HD Anthem edition inspired by Michael Phelps for $149.99

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Design, Music,

We love us some SOL Republic here at Gear Live. They sound great, look great, and are super customizable. Now, the company is set to release the SOL Republic Tracks HD Anthem edition, which are inspired by Michael Phelps.  If you watched the summer 2012 Olympics, you probably caught footage of Phelps rocking a bunch of different pairs ot SOL Republic headphones prior to each of his races. These are just a custom-designed version of the standard Tracks HD headphones, but expect to pay $149.99 for the Anthem edition, a $20 premium over the standard Tracks HD. We've got one more image after the jump.

Click to continue reading SOL Republic Tracks HD Anthem edition inspired by Michael Phelps for $149.99

Check out Nokia’s first Lumia 920 promo video

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Videos,

We're looking forward to getting our hands on the Nokia Lumia 920 later this year. The hardware looks to be as beautiful as it is powerful (that yellow is definitely striking!) and pack in a ton of nice features. Nokia is definitely proud of its upcoming flagship device, so much so that its put together a video showing off all the things that set it apart from the competition. Check it out after the break.

Click to continue reading Check out Nokia’s first Lumia 920 promo video

Hidden message in Apple’s Yerba Buena signage?

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Design, Rumors,

With a burst of imagination and a little deciphering, a MacRumors forum member uncovered that the Yerba Buena Gardens decor, being prepared for the big iPhone 5 reveal, are stretched out iOS app icons.

Apple enthusiasts are theorizing that this is a subliminal Apple marketing message hinting at a stretched, or elongated, iPhone 5. This is, hands down, the biggest tech news of the year. So, why not join in the hysteria?

Click to continue reading Hidden message in Apple’s Yerba Buena signage?

WSJ: The iPhone 5 will support 4G LTE in multiple areas worldwide

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors, Wireless / WiFi,

This afternoon, the WSJ is reporting that Apple's iPhone 5 will indeed support LTE. There's additional good news for frequent travelers:  it will support more LTE bands for global coverage throughout the United States, Europe, and Asian markets. Currently, Apple offers two flavors of LTE for the third generation iPad, which also runs on both Verizon and AT&T networks.

Click to continue reading WSJ: The iPhone 5 will support 4G LTE in multiple areas worldwide

Read More | WSJ