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Apple releases iTunes 11.0.3 with redesigned MiniPlayer, optimizations

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Music, PC / Laptop, Software,

iTunes MiniPlayer 11.0.3

Apple's iTunes multimedia application has been updated to version 11.0.3, the highlight of which is a redesigned and improved MiniPlayer that now includes rich album artwork and a progress bar. Songs view also brings album artwork into the fold, and now multi-disc albums appear as a single album rather than taking up multiple entries in your library. Here's the rundown list of what's included in the update.

This version of iTunes comes with several new features and improvements, including:

  • New MiniPlayer. MiniPlayer now includes a beautiful new view that showcases your album artwork In addition, a progress bar is now built right into MiniPlayer.
  • Improved Songs View. You can now enjoy your album artwork while in Songs view.
  • Multi-Disc Albums. Albums with multiple discs now appear as a single album.

This update also provides performance improvements when searching and sorting large iTunes libraries.

Read More | Apple

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Mophie Juice Pack Plus more than doubles battery life of iPhone 5

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones,

Mophie Juice Pack Pro iPhone 5

Following up on the Juice Pack Helium ($71) and Juice Pack Air ($92), Mophie has announced the Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5. This is the highest-capacity iPhone 5 battery case offered by Mophie, the company that made these accessories a common purchase for Apple smartphones. On the inside of the Juice Pack Plus you'll find a 2100mAh battery that the company says will add a whopping 120% of extra battery life to your iPhone 5, which is good enough for 10 additional hours of talk time, 12 hours of Wi-Fi Internet usage, and 12 hours of video playback.

The Mophie Juice Pack Plus is available in black right now, with white and Product (RED) versions shipping within the next two weeks. All models cost $120.


Watch this: Bill Gates gets emotional reminiscing about his last talk with Steve Jobs

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Microsoft, Videos,

Bill Gates reminisces Steve Jobs

Microsoft co-founder, former CEO and current Chairman, Bill Gates, described his last conversation with the late Steve Jobs (among other topics) during an interview with Charlie Rose on 60 minutes. Watch the video after the break:

Click to continue reading Watch this: Bill Gates gets emotional reminiscing about his last talk with Steve Jobs

Read More | 60 Minutes

Do the rumored AppleCare changes mean worse iPhone customer service?

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

AppleCare Protection Plan

The rumor mill has been buzzing with regards to significant changes that will be coming to AppleCare, Apple's popular standard and extended warranty program. Interestingly, it appears that AppleCare support for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad is about to become much more of a pain for customers. This marks a significant change where Apple will seemingly make a decision to make the customer service experience worse rather than better, all in the name of saving a ton of money.

Click to continue reading Do the rumored AppleCare changes mean worse iPhone customer service?


T-Mobile sells over 500,000 iPhone 5s in under a month

T-Mobile iPhone 5

Despite being the last major carrier to pick up the iPhone, T-Mobile is still seeing massive success thanks to the Apple smartphone. In fact, the company revealed that it has sold over 500,000 iPhone 5 units since the device went on sale on April 12th, less than a month ago. On that day, T-Mobile locations had lines out the door, which is almost unheard of for the carrier. Technically, the iPhone 5 went on sale after the end of the first quarter, so those 500,000 sales weren't accounted for. We will have to wait until next quarter to see how the iPhone is affecting T-Mobile revenue.

Read More | T-Mobile

Bill Gates thinks iPad owners are frustrated without keyboard, Office

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Handhelds, PC / Laptop, Videos,

Bill Gates Disses iPad

Former Microsoft CEO, current mosquito-wrangler and public donator of his vast wealth, Bill Gates, was talking on CNBC about how he feels iPad users are frustrated about not having a physical keyboard and the lack of Microsoft Office. Curious among many where he is getting his data. Bill didn't waste any time proposing the Microsoft Surface tablet, which has Microsoft Office, as a better alternative, despite sales indicating the contrary. Perhaps, it might behoove Microsoft to go to its roots and start selling software instead of trying to sell an ecosystem. After all, we're in the 'Post PC-era' as coined by the late Steve Jobs. On the other hand, Bill is saying tablets are growing in popularity, and that, eventually, they'll be hard to distinguish between them and PCs. Catch the video after the break.

"With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to gain share in what has been dominated by the iPad type device. A lot of those users are frustrated. They can't type. They can't create documents. They don't have Office there. So we're providing them something with the benefits they've seen that have made that a big category but without giving up what they expect in a PC." - Bill Gates

Click to continue reading Bill Gates thinks iPad owners are frustrated without keyboard, Office


OS X 10.9 rumored to include tabbed Finder, Siri, Maps, and more

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

OS X 10.9 features

Apple is set to show off OS X 10.9 at WWDC 2013 (which sold out in less than two minutes this year) and the current rumors point to the inclusion of a tabbed Finder and iOS-style multitasking that will allow background apps to pause, freeing system resources up for the apps you are using at the time. Additionally, the Mission Control complaint that users with multiple monitors have been complaining about since the release of OS X 10.7 Lion will finally be addressed--if you have multiple monitors, you'll be able to have a space open on each one.

Other rumor mill nuggets point to both Siri and Apple Maps making their OS X debuts as well. We'll know more on June 10 when WWDC kicks off!

Read More | 9to5Mac

Belkin Thunderbolt Express dock finally available for $299

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, USB, Apple, PC / Laptop,

Belkin Express Dock

Belkin has finally announced the release of its Thunderbolt Express Dock. Originally set for release in July 2012, Belkin's Thunderbolt Express Dock has seen multiple delays, but is now available to order beginning today. To refresh your memory, the Dock allows you to connect multiple peripheral to it, and then connect one Thunderbolt cable from the Dock to your Mac, giving you access to all of the devices connected to the dock. Here a list of all the ports that the Thunderbolt Dock sports:

  • 2 Thunderbolt ports (1 upstream, 1 downstream for daisy-chaining up to 5 additional Thunderbolt devices)
  • 3 USB 3.0 ports (Belkin added USB 3.0 ports back in June 2012)
  • 1 FireWire 800 port
  • 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
  • 1 3.5mm audio-out port
  • 1 3.5mm audio-in port

In total, you get access to 8 different devices on your Mac by simple connecting on cable to a fully-stocked Thunderbolt Dock. Not bad at all. You can pick up the Thunderbolt Express Dock now for $299.99 by using the link below.

Read More | Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock

Bleeding Edge TV 478: Sensus Touch Case for iPhone

We got a look at the Canopy Sensus Touch Case, and walked away impressed. The Sensus Touch Case gives iPhone users 10-point touch input along the back and sides of the device, which means you can do things like play games by swiping along the back of the iPhone, leaving the display free and clear of your fingers. You can also do things like snap images by tapping the side of the phone, or zoom in and out of objects with a slide of your finger. Expect to see the case launch later this summer, priced somewhere between $59 and $99.

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Watch this: Samsung S 4 & Galaxy S III vs iPhone 5 drop test [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Design, Handhelds, Videos,

iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S4 Drop Test


GizmoSlip has done a drop durability test of Apple's iPhone 5, Samsung's Galaxy S IV and Galaxy S III.  See how they fair in the video. Hint: the protruding camera design was a bad idea.

Click to continue reading Watch this: Samsung S 4 & Galaxy S III vs iPhone 5 drop test [Video]

Read More | YouTube

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