On Gear Live: Circuit Breaker: The Tech Newsletter that Elevates Your Gadget Game

Latest Gear Live Videos

Apple releases iOS 7 beta 3 build 11A4414e, full changelog

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

iOS 7 beta 3 download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 3, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 3 build 11A4414e works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and is available as an over-the-air update to users already running a previous iOS 7 beta on their devices. We've already found a few tweaked settings and UI improvements, including a larger lock screen status bar, Weather app font improvements, and more transparent home screen folders. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com. Apple originally showed off iOS 7, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2013. We've got the full  beta 3 changelog for you after the break.

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 7 beta 3 build 11A4414e, full changelog


Advertisement

Apple releases iOS 7 beta 2 with iPad support

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

iOS 7 beta 2 download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 2, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 2 build 11A4400f brings with it support for the iPad, which was left out of the initial beta released at WWDC 2013 two weeks ago. Additionally, the Voice Memos app has returned to the iPhone and iPod touch in this build. Additionally, the new Siri voices are now present in this build, giving Apple's digital assistant a less robotic tone. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com.


Microsoft details Windows 8.1 features [Video]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software, Videos,

Windows 8.1 preview

Microsoft has prepared a video first-look at Windows 8.1, the upcoming update to its major desktop operating system, due out later this year. Using a Surface Pro to demo the software, Jensen Harris of the Windows User Experience team walks us through some of the improvements, including the new cloud-powered lockscreen, new Start screen tile sizes, app sorting, Start screen arranging, new personalization options, motion accents for wallpapers, and more. Two pretty big items not touched upon are the return of the Start button, and that Outlook 2013 is coming to Windows RT 8.1. Check out the full video after the break to see what awaits you in Windows 8.1, the preview of which will be available on June 26.

Click to continue reading Microsoft details Windows 8.1 features [Video]


Purported iPad 5 case leak points to redesign with reduced bezel size [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Accessories, Apple, Handhelds, Rumors,

Leaked iPad 5 case

The folks over at Tinhte.ven, who have a fairly good track record with Apple leaks, have managed to get their hands on some cases that are said to be designed for the expected iPad 5. This is becoming the norm, as we speculate that case makers pay leakers for design schematics in order to get a leg up when the Apple product goes on sale.

Rumors are pointing to a redesigned iPad 5 that has slimmer and lighter characteristics and reduced bezels, similar to those found on the iPad mini. If you're looking into buying a new iPad, we suggest waiting a bit longer if you want the latest and greatest--our guess is we will see the new models in about 3 months. Check out the video after the break.

Click to continue reading Purported iPad 5 case leak points to redesign with reduced bezel size [Video]


Amazon discounting Kindle Fire HD to $179 for Mother’s Day

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals,

Kindle Fire HD 8.9

If you've been thinking about picking up a Kindle Fire HD for Mom (or even yourself!), now might be the time, as Amazon is offering a nice discount its 7-inch flagship models through May 12th. Using promo code FIRE4MOM during checkout, you'll save $20 on the tablet, bringing the price down to $179 for the 16 GB model, and $209 for the 32 GB version. We're sure that Mom wouldn't mind receiving one of these for Valentine's Day, especially with all the Amazon Prime benefits, and we'll keep the fact that you got it on sale between us, okay?

Read More | Kindle Fire HD

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


Google Play Store 4.0 update begins worldwide rollout

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software,

Google Play 4.0

The Google Play Store is getting a fresh coat of paint beginning today with the release of the official 4.0 update. What's so great about Google Play 4.0? Well, for starters, the images are larger, making it easier to see what exactly your about to download. Content grouping has also been improved, providing better recommendations of other items you might be interested in, and the checkout process also sees a slight overhaul as well. Google Play 4.0 starts worldwide rollout today, and may take a couple of weeks before hitting your particular device. It'll run on any smartphone or tablet running Android 2.2 or later.

Read More | Android Blog

Bleeding Edge TV 467: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 review

Corning Gorilla Glass 3 was announced at CES, and we bring you a cool demo. Gorilla Glass appears in products like the iPhone, Android smartphones, and tablets. The demo shows you how Gorilla Glass 3 is thinner and lighter than the previous version from last year, while being a lot more durable and able to resist shattering under pressure and when dropped. It's already been announced that Gorilla Glass 3 will be included in the Samsung Galaxy S 4. Check it out!

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel!


Report says iPhone 5S coming in August, new iPad & iPad mini in April

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

iPhone 5S

The big rumor today is that Apple is set to launch the iPhone 5S in August, with a new 5th generation iPad and 2nd generation iPad mini appearing in April. Rene Ritchie at iMore has received reports that Apple is seriously considering the launch of the next iPads next month, including a redesigned iPad, and an iPad mini that may possibly see a Retina display. Meanwhile, the iPhone 5S will carry the same outer design that the iPhone 5 sports, but with a faster A7 processor, and improved camera (we're hearing 13 megapixels.) One rumor also says that the iPhone 5S may also coming in multiple colors, similar to the iPod touch. For now, iPhone 5 users need to rely on services like AnoStyle to get custom colors on their smartphones.

Read More | iMore

More Microsoft Surface Pro 128 GB units in stores this Saturday

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,

Microsoft Surface Pro

Those hoping to score a 128 GB Microsoft Surface Pro have been frustrated by lack of supply, but that should be changing this Saturday. While Microsoft has been tight-lipped regarding Surface Pro 128 GB stock since launch, the company has promised that more of the tablets will be available in stores on Saturday. This includes Microsoft stores and Best Buy, with Staples being questionable--so if you want one, we recommend going with one of the first two.

Many would-be Surface Pro purchasers were disheartened to find stock so limited upon launch, since Microsoft didn't allow for pre-orders of the devices, leading many to believe that there would be plenty for everyone, which was far from reality. You can also try your luck at grabbing a Surface Pro from the Microsoft online store.


Advertisement