Latest Gear Live Videos
iOS 6.1 beta 2 now available
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,
Apple has just released iOS 6.1 beta 2 as an over-the-air download a few minutes ago. This release comes just 11 days after the initial iOS 6.1 beta was released to developers, alongside the public release of iOS 6.0.1. iOS 6.1 will make it easier for users to report issues with the Apple Maps data, bring better music controls to the lock screen, makes it easier to find Passbook apps, and more. If you're already running the iOS 6.1 beta, check Software Update in your settings app to grab the latest update - if not, head over to the Dev Center for the download!
Advertisement
FaceTime coming to AT&T cellular tiered data plans in 8-10 weeks
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Wireless / WiFi,
AT&T has announced on its public policy blog that FaceTime over cellular will be available to iPhone and iPad users with several caveats. Users must have LTE versions of iPads and iPhones and must be on a tiered plan. Previously FaceTime on AT&T was only available for customers on mobile shared plans. However, the rollout is not immediate. AT&T expects it to take 8-10 weeks, which is unusually slow. The decision has come after much pressure from customers, public advocacy groups, and the media.
Still, AT&T's policy change is a half-hearted attempt as it doesn't fully cave in to demands. It omits a larger group of customer that are not on LTE from using FaceTime over cellular on 3G and "4G." Also, it continues its hostility toward customers of grandfathered unlimited data plans on any cellular mode. The FCC has warned that discriminatory practices on citizen owned spectrums will not be tolerated in accordance with net neutrality regulations. AT&T is cherry picking customers based on monetary gains and not necessarily reasons of management of network congestion.
Public advocacy groups, like Public Knowledge and Free Press, have made statements regarding the changes.
Click to continue reading FaceTime coming to AT&T cellular tiered data plans in 8-10 weeks
Read More 
| AT&T
Apple Store app updated with Passbook and Siri Integration
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Lifestyle, App Updates, Passbook, Apple, Free Apps,
Apple has released an update for its Apple Store app, bringing it to version 2.4. This one adds both Passbook and Siri integration. Now users can send gift cards straight from the app and have them emailed directly to the recipient; it is housed digitally in the Passbook app for convenient access. In addition, Siri's API protocol is now enabled to access the Apple Store's catalog.
What's New in Version 2.4
- Buy new gift cards and email them to friends and family right from the app. These gift cards are easily integrated with the new Passbook app (U.S. only, iOS 6 required).
-
Ask Siri to help you find prices and shop for Apple products. (Siri-enabled device required.)
Read More | Apple Store
Unboxing Live 100: Apple iPad mini
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, Handhelds, Videocasts,
We come to you live from the Apple Store at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington for this edition of Unboxing Live! The brand new iPad mini has launched, and we were first in line to enter the store and make our purchase (and we'll show all of the festivities in our follow-up video, along with our iPad 4th generation unboxing!) The iPad mini is Apple's smaller, 7.9-inch iPad. Check out our unboxing and let us know what you think, and don't forget to check out our iPad mini unboxing gallery as well!
Big thank you to GoToMeeting for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! GoToMeeting with HDFaces provides rich, super-simple collaborative virtual meetings.
Guest Post: On the storage capabilities of the iPod touch
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Portable Audio / Video,
The following article is brought to you, and sponsored, by Argos:
The iPod Touch from Apple comes with various storage capacities. An 8GB iPod Touch will store 1750 songs, 10,000 photos or 10 hours of videos. A 32GB iPod will store 7000 songs, 40,000 photos or 40 hours of video. A 64GB iPod Touch will store 14,000 songs, 90,000 photos or 80 hours of video. These storage details are obviously based on if you were to completely fill your iPod with just music, or just videos, etc. The 5th generation iPod Touch is available with either 32GB or 64GB storage capacity, and these storage details still apply.
Click to continue reading Guest Post: On the storage capabilities of the iPod touch
Siri will be able to purchase movie tickets for you in iOS 6.1
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Software,
We often wonder when Apple will add more abilities to Siri, such as being able to purchase a movie ticket on the go. Well, it appears that Siri will do just that in the upcoming iOS 6.1. 9to5Mac has received word from developers who are using the beta version of iOS 6.1 that Siri now has the movie purchase functionality. However, since the transaction is processed through Fandango, the Fandango app needs to be installed, otherwise Siri prompts the user to download it. This functionality works somewhat like when users make a restaurant reservation with Siri, requiring the OpenTable app to function. Currently this feature only works with select US movie theaters.
Read More | 9to5Mac
Apple iPad mini unboxing gallery
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, Galleries, Handhelds,
We are hard at work on our iPad mini review, but in the meantime, we've put together a bunch of images in our iPad mini unboxing gallery for you to check out. If you haven't seen it in person for yourself, the iPad mini is a result of ingenius industrial design. Head on over to the gallery to check out all the photos, and stay tuned for our full review.
You can order the iPad mini from Apple.
Gallery:
Apple releases iPhoto 9.4.2 and Aperture 3.4.2
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Software,
Aside from today's iOS 6.0.1 update, Apple was so inclined to also release updates for both Aperture and iPhoto. You can grab Aperture 3.4.2 and iPhoto 9.4.2 now in the Mac App Store. Both updates include a host of new tweaks and optimizations, and we've got the full rundown after the break.
Click to continue reading Apple releases iPhoto 9.4.2 and Aperture 3.4.2
2012 Holiday Gift Guide: iPod touch 5th generation
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Techies, Teens, Under $250, Under $500,
Apple's focused on the iPod touch as being the "funnest iPod ever" for a while now, but the introduction of the fifth generation model put it over the top. You've got the new 4-inch Retina display, FaceTime HD video chat, 5 megapixel rear camera with 1080p video recording, and built-in gyroscope all packed into the thinnest iPod touch ever--and now it's available in a bunch of colors - silver, pink, green, blue, black red, and yellow. Of course, you need great software running on hardware like this, and the App Store fits the bill with over 700,000 apps available. A great gift for teens who don't need an iPhone, or anyone who wants a mobile iOS device that isn't a phone. Prices start at $299 (or $295 on Amazon) for the new 5th generation model, and $199 (or $195 on Amazon) for the older 4th generation version:
Be sure to check out the rest of the stuff in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, we're adding new suggestions every day!
Philips introduces the Hue, an app-controlled smart LED lightbulb
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,
Ever wanted to add extra ambience to your living space? Well, Phillips has a cool new set of lightbulbs that does just that. They're called Hue. LED lightbulbs that change color with iOS app wirelessly via WIFI network. Pretty much any color in the rainbow is at your fingertips. In addition, one can set a schedule for when you want Hue to go on or off, which is a nice security incentive.
Click to continue reading Philips introduces the Hue, an app-controlled smart LED lightbulb
Read More | Phillips
