BinaryLabs releases universal version of Dexteria for iDevices

Following the enthusiastic response it received on the iPad, BinaryLabs has decided to release Dexteria for all iOS devices including the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app was especially praised by therapists and parents of children with special needs. The company claims that the major challenge it faced with creating an app for the iPhone and iPod touch was the size of the screen. Therefore, it had to completely redesign the app to specifically suit the features of the iPhone and iPod touch, while retaining the same level of functionality that made it popular with iPad users.

Despite being only launched in March, the app managed to reach #1 in the iTunes App Store in June. There are overwhelmingly positive reviews of the app. It has been particularly noted for helping children with poor motor skills to improve their coordination and strength. The experience is different because manages to engage people at a higher level with all the fun and excitement that an iPhone is best known for. It is also a great alternative to exercises that are traditionally based on pencil and paper.

The universal app, as its name suggests, can be installed on any iOS device. Existing customers can purchase it free. Basically, the app comes with a variety of specific finger and hand movements that have been designed by professional therapists. They also incorporate principles of game design and occupational therapy to create a fun and interactive experience.

The app is available for download (App Store, $4.99) in English, French, Spanish and Chinese. Overall, it allows parents and doctors to engage children with special needs and help them improve their skills while also monitoring their long-term rehabilitation and progress. As noted earlier, the app was originally designed for the iPad, but its creators assure users that it is just as effective on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Best apps for freelancers

Freelance writers and journalists have one major advantage: good work flexibility. However, freelance writers also need to keep costs down and be as productive as possible because most of them lack the traditional office environment. Fortunately, as of late, tons of gadgets and applications have been created to help us achieve just that. Combine these apps with the most popular gadget (i.e.: the iPhone) and you could have a very productive work secession.

If you are a freelance writer or journalist who uses a multiple platforms, make sure that you look out for apps that support easy data transfer and compatibility with multiple devices.

 
The following are some of the best apps for freelancers.
 
Analytics Pro ($5.99): This allows users to track the volume of traffic to their websites through Google Analytic. The viewing can be customized to for hourly or daily updates. In addition, you can even choose a custom date range, popular keywords and other site information.

 
Reeder ($2.99): Staying informed is essential, especially if you are freelance journalist. This app lets you view all the important stories from different sites and even syncs the data to your Google Reader.

 
Notesy ($4.99): This handy app allows you to instantly sync your notes with your iPhone via Dropbox. This works both ways, so if you create and edit notes with a particular desktop app, and then sync it with your iPhone.

 
Time Scroller ($1.99): In a globalized world, it is not surprising to work for an international clientele. Time is always of the essence and to maintain good relationships with your clients, you need to know their time accurately. This is where Time Scroller comes in. It allows users to easily view the local time in different cities all around the world. The unique feature of this app is that it allows you to scroll ahead in time to view the relevant time in a city your international client is based.

Wheel steering gadget for the iPhone

We have already reviewed plenty of gaming accessories for the iPhone but this time we are looking at something that in our opinion has been a long time coming: appWheel. As the name suggests, this is a steering wheel gadget for the iPhone.

Naturally, this is an amazing accessory for every user out there is who hardcore enthusiast of racing games. This provides a completely new level of realism and really enhances the gaming experience with the iPhone. It also makes the iPhone a more viable rival to other gaming products like the Nintendo. At this rate, the iPhone may become a genuine replacement for your average standalone portable gaming console.
 
The appWheel is compatible with the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4. There is no overwhelming set up involved either. All that is necessary is to attach the iPhone into the appWheel and let the iPhone accelerometer begin creating the realistic driving set-up. Users will have full access to the display screen and menu button. The gadget is designed to work with any racing game that uses the accelerometer. The beauty of such a gadget is that it makes racing games so much more fun since your movements become more coordinated since you are using a wheel. Moreover, without the wheel, the game wheel quite unrealistic even with amazing graphics onboard.
 
The appWheel comes with the dock adaptors for the iPhone 3G, iPhone3GS, iPhone 4 and the 4th generation iPod Touch. The systems works measures around 18.5cm in diameter x 4cm. The gadget is small enough to be easily taken around and will fit in your backpack or suitcase. It is also features quite an elegant design; it feels sturdy in your hands.
 
The appWheel is now available for purchase via RED5.co.uk for £9.95. It is certainly worth the price.

Apple sends out iCloud Welcome email prematurely

It appears that Apple has prematurely sent out some emails welcoming users to iCloud

Welcome to iCloud. The Apple ID for your iCloud account is ____ and it’s what you’ll use to get your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC set up. Just follow these instructions and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Once iCloud is set up, it stores your content and wirelessly pushes it to all your devices. For example, buy a song with iTunes on your computer, and it will appear on your iPod touch and iPad. When you snap a photo on your iPhone it will automatically be sent to your iPad. You can start creating a Pages document on your iPhone, and put the finishing touches on it from your iPad. There’s no need to dock or sync to your computer. With iCloud, i just works.

We hope you enjoy using iCloud.

Unfortunately, the link to set up iCloud that Apple included in the email is not actually live, yet, which indicates that the email was sent prematurely.

iCloud is set to be released with iOS 5, the date of which is unknown. It is expected that Apple will announce an official release date during Tuesday’s Let’s talk iPhone event.

Source: AppleInsider

Apple launch: what exactly are they launching again?

Everyone knows that Apple has planned something big for annual release. There is an almost unanimous agreement amongst market analysts that Apple will be launching a new range of products in October. The focal point of the event is the new and improved version of the iPhone. This is Apple’s annual ritual and it has a powerful effect on tech geeks and Apple fanatics alike. However, while everyone is in agreement that the new iPhone will be coming out soon (October 4th)  very few actually have a good idea of the type of phone that will be released. As it stands, there are two competing views regarding the launch of the iPhone.

 
One group of analysts claim that Apple will not be launching an iPhone 5 per ce, in the sense it will not be including any revolutionary features, but it would simply be releasing an upgraded version of the iPhone 4. This would mean a bigger screen size, better memory and better processing power but no radical changes to the hardware. This would be something like the iPhone 4S.
 
Another group of analysts claims that Apple may launch two different types of the iPhone. One would indeed be an iPhone 4S and the other one would be an iPhone 5. The former would be a better-designed version of the iPhone 4 (no more antenna problems for one thing) and the latter would propel the iPhone 5 into the league of next generation iPhones. Make no mistake, as it stands, no matter what Apple says or does, it is actually playing a game of catch-up with the latest range of amazing Android phones.
 
Given the level of competition that Apple is facing, the chances are that the second analysis is correct. Apple cannot simply offer its users an upgraded iPhone 4 and then hope for the best. The chances are that the iPhone 4S will be a cheaper and more capable than the iPhone 4 (Apple’s attempt to attract lower-income users) and the iPhone 5 will be the high-end version.

31% of Android users set to jump the Apple ship

Every major manufacturer has two problems: attracting new customers and retaining the ones you have. In a fast-paced industry like that of consumer electronics, retention rates are becoming increasingly more important because they highlight brand loyalty and long-term consumer trends. Right now, the battle for smart phones is undoubtedly between Android and Apple. This is important for a various reasons because both platforms not only follow different strategies but also feature very different operating systems and marketing campaigns. Now a recent poll seems to cast some negative light on the ability of Android to hold on to its customers.

Firstly, the survey itself is small and by no means represents a vast collection of Android users. However, it does deserve some attention because as it stands 31% of Android users are supposed to be ready to switch to Apple’s latest version of the iPhone: the iPhone 5. The device is rumored to be coming out early next month, with dates ranging from the 4th to the 15th. However, despite the fact that analysts are not sure about anything regarding the specs of the iPhone 5, there is still a huge demand for the phone amongst both existing users and users of rival platforms including Android and BlackBerry.

Hence, there is a situation where Apple has been able to create enough hype for its upcoming product without even acknowledging a single fact about it. This is a testament to Apple’s marketing. Certainly, the company has done a miracle with regards to PR and brand image but the fact is that any rumored iPhone 5 (given the specs that we know of) will be actually outclassed in terms of hardware when compared to high-end Android models. Android, has seen its market share jump over the past few years. If we take short-term distortions out of the picture, we might very well see Android leading the field. 

Samsung Galaxy S2 sees record sales but still behind Apple

Samsung’s Galaxy S2 has secured the title of the most popular Android Smartphone and it has already passed the 10 million mark in under two fiscal quarters. This amazing performance is chiefly due to the very impressive specs that come with the phone. It also features a robust version of Android and a very slim and easy-going design. While, Android has managed to capture a larger share of the market for smart phones, no one particular phone has been able to out-perform the iPhone.

Despite the Galaxy S2’s awesome performance, it is dwarfed by that of the iPhone, which managed to sell more than 20 million devices in the 2nd quarter alone. On paper, the Galaxy S2 outclasses the iPhone 4 and may even outperform the iPhone 5. It is also one of the first phones to venture into the dual-core range (along with others including HTC and LG). However, what the Galaxy lacks is the smooth marketing skills that Apple has come to take for granted.  In addition, Apple has managed to develop an unrivalled level of product integration and support services that make the iPhone a virtually hassle free device to operate.
Despite its advantages, Apple is leaving nothing to chance. Recently, it filed multiple lawsuits against Samsung in Europe and Asia, accusing Samsung of infringing its patents. This has had a relatively adverse effect on the Samsung brand. However, it will take much longer to evaluate the long-term effects of all the legal battles.  Apple has also come under increasing fire from Android makers such as HTC, Samsung and others.  The next phase of the battle will be fought on US soil, as Samsung gears up to release the Galaxy in the US while simultaneously trying to block the launch of the iPhone 5 in various markets.

T-Mobile will not be getting iPhone

T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer recently posted a letter on the company’s blog stating that T-Mobile will not be getting the iPhone this time around or any time soon for that matter. This is interesting because it means that T-Mobile will be one of the only major service providers who will not be embracing the iPhone any time soon while AT&T, Verizon and (maybe) Sprint become part of the iPhone’s official carriers. So if the iPhone does not matter, then what does? Apparently, it is all about Android for now.

 T-Mobile may have plenty of reasons to just stick with T-Mobile for now. Android has launched a variety of high-end devices that can easily rival the iPhone 4 and even the iPhone 5. The upgraded Android OS and new and improved features are already making Apple’s strategists wonder about the future of the competition. Lately Android seems to have got a decisive edge over Apple but has  consistently failed to create the type of marketing  image and the support services that define the iPhone.
T-Mobile maybe focusing on Android for now, but that does not mean that it is planning to give up on the iPhone. The company emphasized the fact that almost a million unlocked iPhones operate on T-Mobile networks all over the US. Moreover, it plans on holding a “strategic meeting” to decide on its future role concerning the iPhone. If Android consistently improves the quality of its products and services, T-Mobile maybe less inclined to join other service providers become an official iPhone provider. It may also be less interested in making the move after watching Verizon’s much-hyped adoption of the iPhone. Contrary to many analysts, the Verizon iPhone failed to spur the high migrations that were forecasted.  Instead, it barely changed the dynamic of the competition between Verizon and other major providers.

SFPD makes a request for bar surveillance video

Earlier, the tech world was involved in a strong feeling of déjà vu as it emerged that an Apple employee had lost a prototype of the iPhone 5. This situation was similar to the same on that happened last year when a technician lost a prototype of the upcoming iPhone 4, which was eventually purchased by the tech site Gizmodo and the results of the evaluation were posted online. The experience proved embarrassing for Apple, which has a very strict policy against divulging information. However, it also showed a much darker side of Apple: that of a company willing to do whatever it takes to keep its information under wraps.

The latest security slip proved just as embarrassing for Apple but has not proved as damaging because the lost phone has not turned up at Gizmodo or any other site. However, the approach taken by Apple’s security teams has not done it any favours. Initially, it was reported that two members of the security team had approached the SFPD and told them that a valuable device had gone missing. They were then accompanied by four police officers as they went over to the home of the person they believed had the prototype, Sergio Calderon, and searched his home and car.
However, Calderon had a different version for the SFWeekly. He claimed that six men had come over to his home and identified themselves as police officers and the Apple security personnel did not identify themselves. He also further stated that he would never have allowed them to search his home if he did not think they were police officers. Apple originally focused on Calderon because they believed they had tracked the phone to his place. However, following their failed search, they are trying to get their hands on the surveillance footage of the bar the phone was lost in, which is called Cava 22.
The owners of the bar claim that the security footage may not be as reliable as Apple would think because the cameras only take pictures every three minutes and there is uneven lighting across the bar. Hence, details maybe a bit fuzzy. The owners of the bar have been willing to corporate but they say that Apple has so far not made a request for the footage.

iPhone will not feature increased internal memory

Despite rumoured upgrades to the processor, screen size, RAM and battery, the iPhone 5 will not come with increased internal memory. Like its previous incarnations, the iPhone 5 will only be available in 16GB and 32GB models. This has been confirmed by recent announcements by Vodaphone and other industry analysts. The fixed memory format has been an integral part of Apple’s product line-up and has been a defining characteristic of its iDevices since their inception. However, while the iPod touch and the iPad get the option of 64GB version, the iPhone will not be getting lucky.

Apple’s strategy of only allowing fixed amounts of memory, as opposed to the practice of most of its rivals who allow users to add as much memory as possible via memory cards, is very important to its overall business dynamic. This allows the company to tightly control the hardware makeup of the iPhone and sell different versions of the same phone, without having to make major design changes. This is usually not considered a major issue by iPhone users since even 16GB is a lot of space when you come to think of it. However, if the iPhone is supposed to be used for increasingly more important uses, memory does become an important factor.
It seems that Apple has made a conscious decision to limit the internal memory based on the idea of cloud computing, which is already gaining ground amongst the tech titans. Recently Apple launched the iCloud service that allows users to store their data online. It is reasonable to assume that Apple plans to increase the storage capacity of the service in time to come. This may make the internal storage issue outdated, but it is highly unlikely that Apple will give up on its trend anytime soon. Perhaps future iPhones will come with a standard amount of internal memory and the extra pricing may be decided on the storage capacity on the iCloud service. We’ll have to wait and see.  

Busted Chinese Fake iPhone Ring Uses Real iPhone Parts

style="text-align: center;">href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/HiPhone-5-The-clone-of-the-I-phone-5-is-sold-out-for-31-USD.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23848" title="HiPhone-5-The-clone-of-the-I-phone-5-is-sold-out-for-31-USD" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/HiPhone-5-The-clone-of-the-I-phone-5-is-sold-out-for-31-USD.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="480" />

This sounds like a bit of a philosophical conundrum. Is a fake iPhone still fake if it uses legit Apple parts? href="http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/Fake-iPhone-ring-busted-China-rsg-2312826630.html?x=0&.v=1">According to Reuters, a gang of counterfeiters in China has been busted for making ripoff iPhones, but using components that they bought in Guangdong, and assembled in an apartment. The news comes from the Shanghai Daily, who point out the savings on buying a fake wasn’t exactly steller:

The cost to make one fake iPhone, which used some genuine parts, was around 2,000 yuan ($313). It was sold on unauthorized markets and on the Internet for around 4,000 yuan, only a few hundred yuan cheaper than the real iPhone, the newspaper said.

Unlike, say, the hiPhone 5 above, these counterfeits would be very difficult to tell apart from the real thing, seeing as they were just made from the actual parts on the cheap. So would they even really be a fake? Or more like a pirated version, an unauthorized copy…

Apple removes click-wheel games from iTunes, iPod classic next to go?

Previously, users could access and download click-wheel games for the iPod classic by clicking on a drop down list next to the App Store button within iTunes, but it looks like the option has now been removed completely. With Apple gearing up to announce the next iPhone on October 4th, this could mean they’re making preparations to remove the classic from the iPod lineup altogether.

TUAW got a tip earlier this week that Apple is indeed planning to get rid of the platter-based iPod in addition to the iPod Shuffle to help streamline the product line and go touchscreen-only.

It seems that the “product transition” Apple mentioned on the last earnings call could very well be within the iPod line. Specifically, if you want to buy an iPod shuffle or iPod classic from Apple, you should do it sooner rather than later. We’ve heard those two iPods are getting the axe this year.

Could we see the iPod classic go the way of the Dodo or will Apple keep it around for nostalgia’s sake?

Source: AppleInsider, TUAW

Chinese Carrier Says iPhone 5 To Get 4G

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/china_unicom_iphone_5_hspa_plus.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23851" title="china_unicom_iphone_5_hspa_plus" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/china_unicom_iphone_5_hspa_plus.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="452" />How’s this for an 11th hour rumor? The ever sketchy href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/index.php?ID=14309">Macotakara has a shot from a China Unicom presentation at MacWorld Asia 2011. See the iPhone 5 up there? It’s labelled HSPA+ 21Mbps, aka 4G:

Japanese IT news site “PC Watch” tells that, Research vice president of China Unicom, Huan Wenliang, told iPhone 5 will support W-CDMA based high-speed data transfer standard HSPA Evolution “HSPA+” (21Mbps) at keynote speech in Macworld Asia 2011.

The general assumption was that Apple was going to stick away from 4G LTE for another year until it was better handled by modern phones, but that was based on a Summer release of the iPhone 5. By delaying until Fall, Apple may be pulling together a better, faster, more advanced model with the ability to use the much higher speed network (and eat through your data that much faster).

[via href="http://www.macpost.net/1666/iphone-5-supports-hspa-as-appeared-in-china-unicom-slides/">MacPost, href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/09/29/iphone-5-to-support-21-mbps-hspa-4g-technology/">MacRumors]

Editorial: Why One New iPhone Is More Than Enough

For as long as I can remember, there have been rumors of the mythical iPhone 5. We’ve been tracking them for quite some time. They often include potential iPhone 5 parts, cases and a healthy dose of analyst speculation. There have been plenty of unconfirmed rumors that Apple would announce more than one new iPhone, with speculation that we’d see both an iPhone 4S and an iPhone 5.  Those rumors have certainly ramped up before the usual summer release schedule and previous to the now href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/apple-confirms-iphone-5-event-for-october-4th/2011/09/27/">official October 4th iPhone event. Yet, days before the event, we’re all in the dark. This year’s release is already particularly different from those in the past and the specter of this new iPhone being a 4S and not the iPhone 5 has most everyone in a bit of tizzy. The picture will become clearer on Tuesday, but will only one new iPhone be enough?

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/one-finger.jpg">class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23854" title="one-finger" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/one-finger.jpg" alt="One new iPhone" width="350" height="520" />

id="more-23853">/> Each year, since 2007, there has been only one iPhone released per year. After the iPhone 4 was released, the iPhone 3GS has slotted nicely into the value position, with AT&T first offering it for $99. That price is now just $49. While it may be over two years old, it can still command a new contract from those unwilling to pay the $199 admission price for the latest and greatest iPhone. AT&T is still advertising this phone. When was the last time you saw AT&T or any wireless carrier advertising a phone that’s over 2 years old? If you want to purchase a new iPhone today, there are two options. You can buy the iPhone 3GS or the iPhone 4.

When Apple announces at least one new iPhone next week, it will likely mean the end of the line for the iPhone 3GS. If Apple can pull it off, they can slot the current iPhone 4 as the new “value” model. Considering the over one year old iPhone 4 is a tremendous value at $199, just imagine the value at $99. Like the iPhone 3GS, the older model could be sold exclusively at carriers. I believe that speculation of the two new iPhones rumors were fueled by a need to make a low-cost iPhone. Let’s speculate that perhaps the iPhone 4S would offer many of the current features of the existing iPhone 4, but offer only 8GB in storage to reduce Apple’s manufacturing costs. This allows Apple Stores to have the new iPhone front and center, not having to explain the differences between the older model and the model that will be announced on October 4th.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mainimage_us-300x267.jpg">class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23815" title="mainimage_us-300x267" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mainimage_us-300x267.jpg" alt="iPhone 5 event" width="300" height="267" />

The big question that so many are asking is whether the new iPhone will be an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5. Regardless of specifications, the brand cachet associated with an iPhone 5 will certainly result in lines of epic proportions. 5 is greater than 4. One whole Roman numeral must mean this iPhone brings with it a slew of upgrade worthy features. But what if Apple decides to go the iPhone 4S route? Certainly anyone who moved from the iPhone 3G to iPhone 3GS can attest to the benefits of that upgrade. If this move happened in the summer, as is typical with iPhone release cycles, perhaps an iPhone 4S would have been sufficient. You can bet that plenty of iPhone 4 owners would have sat on the sidelines waiting for yet another new model. These are the same folks who held out when Apple released the iPhone 3GS. In many respects, that was not so terrible a decision. Why get locked into another two years for what some could deem an evolutionary upgrade.

If Apple announces an iPhone 4S next Tuesday, it would bring with it a nice number of upgrades over the current model. Faster processor, improved camera are no brainers. It will still sell in droves and the current iPhone 4 would continue to see brisk sales if it were to be slotted as the new value iPhone. Apple doesn’t need to announce more than one new iPhone on Tuesday. It’s just a matter of whether they want to hit a double up the gap or a home run. If I were a betting man, expect them to swing for the fences on Tuesday.

Case-Mate iPhone 5 Cases Hit AT&T Systems

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/BGR-case-mate-iPhone-5-cases.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23860" title="BGR-case-mate-iPhone-5-cases" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/BGR-case-mate-iPhone-5-cases.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="478" />Remember href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/case-mate-accidentally-leaks-iphone-5-product-line/2011/09/15/">that big Case-mate leak from a couple of weeks ago? The one that saw a bunch of iPhone 5 cases rendered and posed all pretty like, which spread across the internet like wildfire? Well, a source has href="http://www.bgr.com/2011/09/29/iphone-5-case-mate-cases-appear-in-att-inventory-system/">sent BGR a photo from AT&T’s inventory, and those same cases are showing up there.

It looks like AT&T are getting a hard case, a soft case, and a sleek skin for their stores to sell if you pick up an iPhone 5 through them.

Does this mean anything? Not really, though it’s probably a hair more evidence that we’re going to get an iPhone 5 rather than an iPhone 4S — but we don’t even know that. Heck, the iPhone 4 could be in an iPhone 4 body just with a whole new number rather than an S suffix. We’re just going to have to wait until Tuesday to find out.

 

Sprint has iOS 5 on their CelleBrite machines?

Seems a little premature since Apple hasn’t even released a gold master (GM) seed of iOS 5 yet, but if this TiPb tip is accurate, Sprint seems to think it’s the right time to add iOS 5 to their CelleBrite data transfer machines.

Interesting.

Double Fine Releases A Psychonauts App, But Not The One We Want

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mzl.galvjmoi.320x480-75.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23864" title="mzl.galvjmoi.320x480-75" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mzl.galvjmoi.320x480-75.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" />href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychonauts">Psychonauts, for those of you who aren’t gamers, was a platforming puzzle game for the XBox and PS2, and widely regarded as one of the finest video games ever created. While not perfect, it’s one of Tim Schafer’s greatest works and a gaming classic. And it recently came to the Mac App Store — which is great, but you can understand my excitement when I found out that Double Fine has released a Psychonauts iOS app. The only problem is, it’s not the game.

Instead, it’s href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/psychonauts-vault-viewer!/id464585178?mt=8">Psychonauts Vault Viewer! a free universal app and companion to the full thing, and is merely a viewer for all the Memory Vaults from the game, allowing you to relive your favorite cutscenes away from your computer.

Yeah, I’ll be a lot more excited when the actual game comes to the iPad.

[via href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/09/29/double-fine-releases-psychonauts-app/">TUAW]

iPhone 5 Silicone Sleeves Hit AT&T In Person

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/att_iphone_5_sleeve_1.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23871" title="att_iphone_5_sleeve_1" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/att_iphone_5_sleeve_1.jpg" alt="" width="244" height="408" />href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/att_iphone_5_sleeve_2.jpg">/> Add another tick to the iPhone 5 redesign pile. MacRumors href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/09/29/iphone-5-silicone-sleeves-already-arriving-at-att-retail-stores/">got pictures of an iPhone 5 case that was found in an AT&T store. Not online through some shady Chinese reseller, not a sketchy dude at a mall, but a legit AT&T store. Sure, it’s an utterly generic silicone sleeve, but that’s the tapered reconfiguration that many are pegging as the basis of the iPhone 5.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/att_iphone_5_sleeve_2.jpg">class="aligncenter" title="att_iphone_5_sleeve_2" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/att_iphone_5_sleeve_2.jpg" alt="" width="244" height="408" />

Next iPhone To Hit 64GB?

href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/09/29/next-iphone-to-likely-come-in-64gb-32gb-and-16gb-capacities">According to 9to5 Mac’s sources, the next iPhone will come in three sizes — which they’re pegging as 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, all of them in black and white too. Based on their knowledge and access to Apple’s inventory system, href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/09/29/iphone-4s-appears-in-apple-inventory/">they’re pegging this as the N94, a redesigned iPhone 4S, with a rolled back 8GB iPhone 4 also going on sale.

However, they’re not certain about it being an iPhone 4S, and frankly, the weight of accessory designs is firmly in the camp of the href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/iphone-5-silicone-sleeves-hit-att-in-person/2011/09/30/">iPhone 5 with a total overhaul to look and feel.

One way or another, Apple has done a magnificent job of confusing people as to what Tuesday’s announcement will be.

AT&T Begins Data Throttling

style="text-align: left;">href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/x7Y61.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23876" title="x7Y61" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/x7Y61.jpg" alt="" width="384" height="576" />October 1st. That’s the day AT&T was meant to href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/att-confirms-data-throttling/2011/07/29/">start throttling heavy data users, and just one day before we’re seeing reports of the first messages being sent out to heavy data users. This message href="http://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/kv8it/and_so_begins_the_throttling/">comes via Reddit, where one user skelatwork claims he was sent the message after passing 11GB of usage during his billing cycle — which may sound like a lot, but he wasn’t using it for anything too severe:

I listen to podcasts and Pandora while I drive to work. When I get to work, I occasionally Tether to bypass Fortiguard (web filtering). I wasn’t going to be ‘naughty’ until I discovered they had ESPN Fantasy Football blocked… Bastards.

Have any of our readers being sent this message? How much has it slowed you down to be put on AT&T’s blacklist? Let us know in the comments.

[via href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/09/29/so-it-begins-att-starts-sending-out-throttling-warnings/">9to5Mac]

Check Out This Awesome Mockup Of Assistant

width="560" height="315" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0">name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aZ-xC3g0duA?version=3&hl=en_US" />name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />width="560" height="315" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aZ-xC3g0duA?version=3&hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" />/> href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/09/30/a-look-at-apples-assistant-interface-for-the-new-iphone/">MacRumors have put together href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/9to5-mac-reveals-assistant-as-major-iphone-5-feature/2011/09/26/">the floating rumors about Assistant and hired an artist to put together a demo of what it could look like. What they’ve put together is based on the pretty substantial rumors that arose last week, but much of the interface and look is based on their own supposition of what it’ll be like.

The big problem with services like this is always accuracy and interface, so if Apple manages to pull together something as good as this demo, I’ll be impressed. Don’t know how often I’ll use it, but I’ll be impressed. I just hope it comes to the iPhone 4 too.

What’re your thoughts? Useful? Useless? A waste of time? Let us know in the comments.

How To Check If You’re Eligible For An iPhone 5 Upgrade

style="text-align: left;">href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_0919.png">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23883" title="IMG_0919" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_0919.png" alt="" width="358" height="538" />Super eager for the iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) announcement on Tuesday? Want to see if you can upgrade without spending an arm and a leg? If you’re on AT&T, there’s a really simple way to see if you’re eligible to get the iPhone 5 upgrade when it comes out — especially if you bought the iPhone 4 at launch and aren’t sure. All you need to do is grab your iPhone, and dial *639#, and a message will be sent your way presently.

style="text-align: left;">Even though I picked up the iPhone 4 on day one so shouldn’t be eligible for an upgrade yet, AT&T told me “as a valued customer, we can offer you an upgrade with a new 2-yr commitment and an 18 upgrade fee.” I’m guessing they’re just happy to get me signed up for an extra two years, and prevent any chance of me jumping ship to a different carrier.

style="text-align: left;">For Verizon users, you can check out a guide on how to find out href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/09/28/how-to-check-if-youre-eligible-for-an-iphone-upgrade/">over here at TUAW, but I believe you can dial #UPG (#874).

style="text-align: left;">Are you already eligible? Will it change your plans to get an iPhone 5?

MobileMe Mail, Me.com, Find My iPhone experiencing issues

Apple’s MobileMe Status board is showing multiple problems at the moment, including MobileMe Mail, Me.com web apps, and the Find my iPhone utility.

MobileMe Mail: 25% of MobileMe members may be unable to access MobileMe Mail. Normal service will be restored ASAP. We apologize for any inconvenience.

www.me.com web apps: Some MobileMe members are unable to access MobileMe applications at me.com. Normal service will be restored ASAP. We apologize for any inconvenience. Read more

MobileMe Find My iPhone: Some MobileMe members may be unable to access Find My iPhone. Normal service will be restored ASAP. We apologize for any inconvenience.

All other MobileMe services are online and fully operational

Web services go down, it’s their nature. What matters is how fast and how well companies get them back up. As Apple transitions from the niche, paid MobileMe service to what will likely be the far more mainstream, free iCloud service, that’s what matters.

If you’re having trouble, let us know what, and if it starts working again, let us know when.

Source: MobileMe Status

Apple files patent to use accelerometer and gyroscope for video stabilization

Apple has filed a patent to use the accelerometer and gyroscope in conjunction with the video camera of your device to improve image stabilization. The three core features could work together to hugely improve the look of your videos.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for video processes that selectively control the operation of motion stabilization processes. According to the present invention, motion sensor data indicative of motion of a mobile device may be received and processed. A determination may be made by comparing processed motion sensor data to a threshold. Based on the determination, motion stabilization may be suspended on select portions of a captured video sequence.

There are already software based video stabilization techniques that are widely used. The problem with software based solutions is the resources they use on the device; this can seriously reduce battery life. Not a great compromise on a portable device. Also the results can be very erratic.

Apple does point out within the filing that even this hardware method can produce far from perfect results. I guess the only real solutions to the shaky video problem is a tripod or to work on those arm muscles!

Source: Apple Insider

 

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Friday, September 30

Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

Photo Slideshow Director HD: Turns your photos, picasa web albums into dynamic HD slideshow on iPad easily. Export to videos for sharing on YouTube, Facebook and plays on HDTV at 1920×1080 hi-resolution. [$0.99 for iPad - App Store link]

Contractor Expenses: An advanced expense and mileage tracking app designed specifically for IT Contractors/Freelancers. [$1.99 for iPhone - App store link]

PDF Reader: A mobile reading master. With PDF Reader, managing files is no longer a burden. It is a sophisticated but easy to operate app that gives you the ability to read just about anything such as MS Office, image files, and audio files. [$2.99 for iPhone - App Store link]

Mazen: A simple classic game where you try to find your way out of the randomly generated maze by solving it. Replay a maze to get a better score, challenge your brain, try to memorize the path! [$0.99 for iPhone - App Store link]

Slide ur Buddy!: Enjoy sliding tiles, racing with time, and solving the traditional sliding puzzle…but with a “buddy” twist in the game. [Free for iPhone - App Store link]

Any other big app or game releases or updates today?

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Apple releases iTunes 10.5 beta 9 to developers

While there haven’t been any new iOS betas for iPhone or iPad since beta 7, iTunes is still getting some attention — beta 9 was just released to developers.

If you’re a registered dev, just hit the link below and go grab it.

Source: developer.apple.com

Create your own bedtime stories with Picturebook for iPhone and iPad [Kids Corner]

Picturebook is a new iPhone and iPad app for kids to create their own stories. It’s designed so that even young children who do not know how to read or write can use Picturebook as a digital sticker book.

Picturebook is very easy to use and most kids will be able to dive right into story-writing without any guidance. The clipart that comes free with the app is a little limiting, but there is much more available as in-app purchases. I haven’t been able to test this out on a child yet, but when I do, I’m certain it will be a big hit.

Create and share your very own illustrated stories in a few simple steps!

Picturebook is available on the iPhone and iPad for free. The add-on picture sets available as in-app purchases are on sale in celebration of Picturebook’s launch.

App Store link

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Clock in and out with Timecard Pro for iPhone and iPad

Timecard Pro is an iPhone and iPad app that lets you keeps track of the hours you worked and supports multiple jobs. Additionally, it will calculate how much money you’ve earned after each day and keep and running total.

Timecard Pro is a multi-use app to keep track of your hours worked. It’s great for freelance workers, employers to track their employees, or for anyone who wants to see a live view of how much money they’re earning.

Simply add your Job(s) or employees, and then clock in and out whenever needed. At the end of your pay period, you can export your timecard and email it to your boss or client.

Timecard Pro is available on the iPhone and iPad for $0.99.

App Store link

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

LEGO embracing the digital age with Life of George iPhone and iPod touch game [video]

Well known children’s toy company LEGO is bringing its toys into the digital age with the upcoming release of “Life of George”. The game consists of three main parts, a pile of LEGO blocks, a play mat and most importantly an iPhone app.

The idea of the game is to build the models shown on the iPhone with the actual Lego blocks. When a player thinks they have completed the model they need to take a picture with the iPhone or iPod touch. The app will then calculate a score based on the speed and accuracy of the finished model.

The game has twelve levels all based around a character called George, a software engineer. Each of the twelve levels has ten models to build; so plenty to keep your little ones entertained. There is also a “My Life” mode which allows players to create their own designs.

The game will be available in October, exclusively in the U.S for around $23.

Source: Macworld

Samsung settles with Microsoft, offers Apple a deal

What a difference a week makes. Last we heard Samsung sounded like they had only just begun to fight, now they’ve signed an agreement to cross-license and pay Microsoft a fee for every Android device they’ve sold, but according to the Wall Street Journal, they’ve also offered an olive branch to Apple as well.

It wasn’t clear what benefit Apple would gain from any agreement, as details of the proposed deal were not discussed in full in front of the court. But Apple’s attorney, Stephen Burley, conceded there was some potential benefit from an agreement on the matter. “(Samsung’s) inconvenience would be diminished and we would be comforted” by such a deal, he said.

Microsoft’s benefit was easier: money.

“Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and we’re investing to make that a reality,” said Andy Lees, president, Windows Phone Division, Microsoft. “Microsoft believes in a model where all our partners can grow and profit based on our platform.”

“Through the cross-licensing of our respective patent portfolios, Samsung and Microsoft can continue to bring the latest innovations to the mobile industry,” said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy at Samsung’s mobile communication division. “We are pleased to build upon our long history of working together to open a new chapter of collaboration beginning with our Windows Phone “Mango” launch this fall.”

Apple doesn’t want money from Android ODMs, however. They don’t want to make Android more expensive. They want to stop Samsung from “copying” them in order to make it less usable — they want what they consider to be Apple patented technology taken out.

Google called the Microsoft deal “extortion”, if Samsung does come to terms agreeable to Apple, what would Google call that?

Hopefully “done”. Overly violating and overly litigating patents are too extremes I for one have had about enough of. Restoring some respect and balance to the equation might just allow everyone involved to stop investing in lawyers and start re-investing on the innovation that brought us iOS, Gingerbread, and Mango.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Microsoft, TechCrunch

iPhone 4S to offer 64GB storage option?

9to5Mac‘s Mr. X claims that not only has the iPhone 4S begun appearing in Apple’s internal inventory system, but that it’s appearing in 3 capacities. For the last couple of years, Apple has only offered 16GB and 32GB iPhones, with the previous year’s model going the budget 8GB size. Could iPhone 4S once again raise the storage stakes to a full 64GB?

Given that we’ve also heard from manufacturing sources that Apple has at least been prototyping 64GB versions of the new iPhone, we would say it’s fairly likely that Apple’s new iPhone will come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities; just like the iPad.

While iCloud theoretically changes the dynamics of local storage, audiophiles, videophiles, and other who still want to carry around a large volume of media and other files would no doubt still want and use 64GB on-device. It would likely require double density NAND Flash chips to achieve, since iPhone has traditionally had half the storage slots as an iPod touch. If Apple does start using those chips, could a 128GB iPod touch be on the horizon as well, allowing Apple to retire their aging iPod classic player?

We’ll find out Tuesday.

Source: 9to5Mac

Daily Deal: OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G only $9.95

For today only, the TiPb Store has the  OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G in hot pink or cool white for only $9.95 — Get them before they’re gone!

New iPhone to Be Announced This Weekend?

As the days of September dwindle down and fall begins taking grasp, we cannot help but wonder one thing we have been speculating about for months: when is the announcement of the new iPhone(s) going to be? Well, we still do not know for certain. However, the best speculation pointed towards a specific date would have to be the September 22-25 timeframe set by Macworld Asia.

Case-Mate is making headlines once href="http://www.iphonealley.com/image/case-mate-advertises-iphone-5-cases-with-revealing-photos">again by stating that we now have a solid countdown for the new iPhone release. They go on to tell consumers that Apple is expected to announce in conjunction with the Macworld Asia conference, implying that the introduction would indeed be held in the United States while the event is ongoing.

Held in Beijing, Macworld Asia 2011 will bring together developers, accessory manufacturers, and enthusiasts alike with events and exhibitions akin to the annual Macworld convention in San Francisco.

Despite past participation in Macworld, Apple decided to drop out of the event in 2009. Thus it is unlikely that the company would return for such a major reason. If the Macworld conference and iPhone 4S/5 announcement do coincide, then it would be coincidental.

Once again, we have to question Case-Mate’s sources. If leaked information could be found, we do not doubt that they would attempt to be on top of things with vicious bidding for the much-anticipated details. That alone makes this a little more credible than a typical rumor report. Either way, we will find out as the weekend comes and goes whether we can begin planning line-standing parties with a clear “when.”

Since Case-Mate has pulled the potential insider information from its, we have copied it in its entirety:/> />

“Days away from Macworld Asia, the countdown to the iPhone 5 announcement and launch is officially on. More and more reports have surfaced reporting that Apple is expected to reveal the long awaited iPhone 5 coinciding with the conference in Beijing. As Apple fans around the globe patiently wait out the final days, our inside resources have the sought-after details on the iPhone 5 features, including the form factor and launch date.

The new iPhone 5 will feature a completely different form factor than its predecessor. Wider and thinner, the redesigned device features an extended home button. The screen size could see an increase to 4 inches.

Also included in the iPhone 5 will be an A5 dual-core processor, similar to the one used in the onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad 2. It will also be equipped with an 8 mega-pixel camera, wireless charging and iOS 5, which features iCloud portable storage capabilities…

The debate continues on whether the new iPhone will be an iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S. From our inside resources, it appears that Apple will be indeed launching both an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 4S in early October. The iPhone 4S will feature the same form factor as the iPhone 4 but will be upgraded with the latest technology, including the A5 dual-core processor and 8 mega-pixel camera.”

The new iPhone 5 will feature a completely different form factor than its predecessor. Wider and thinner, the redesigned device features an extended home button. The screen size could see an increase to 4 inches.

Also included in the iPhone 5 will be an A5 dual-core processor, similar to the one used in the onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad 2. It will also be equipped with an 8 mega-pixel camera, wireless charging and iOS 5, which features iCloud portable storage capabilities…

The debate continues on whether the new iPhone will be an iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S. From our inside resources, it appears that Apple will be indeed launching both an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 4S in early October. The iPhone 4S will feature the same form factor as the iPhone 4 but will be upgraded with the latest technology, including the A5 dual-core processor and 8 mega-pixel camera.”

[quote via onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.tipb.com/2011/09/15/casemates-sources-iphone-5-complete-redesign/');" target="_blank" href="http://www.tipb.com/2011/09/15/casemates-sources-iphone-5-complete-redesign/">TiPb]

iPhone 5 Announcement on Oct. 4?

According to an article from onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/allthingsd.com/20110921/apple-to-hold-special-event-on-october-4/');" target="_blank" href="http://allthingsd.com/20110921/apple-to-hold-special-event-on-october-4/">All Things Digital from sources close to the situation, Apple is planning a media day for Tuesday, Oct. 4.  Granted how many times this year have heard different rumors about when they’re going to announce the new phone?

This still leaves the question of when will you be able to buy the new phone.  The source that spoke to All Things Digital said the plan was to have the phone for sale “within a few weeks.”  Sounds like the iPhone 5 will be THE Christmas present this year!

One thing I’m still wondering about is when the new iOS will be available.  I’ve been looking forward to it since the announcement in June and it still hasn’t been released.

This media announcement is not only important to Apple fans and customers, but also to the company as a whole.  This announcement will be the first since Steve Jobs resigned and Tim Cook and Apple will have to reassure customers, stockholders and the audience that he is capable of being CEO and will continue to grow and better the company.

With any source, we don’t know if the facts are 100 percent correct but one date you can mark on your calendar for news about the iPhone 5 is Oct. 4!

Apple Board Member Al Gore Confirms New iPhones in October

Time to settle a question that has been nagging at analysts, as all of which seem to enjoy contradicting one another: When will the next iPhone lineup be released and how many models will there be? We finally have an answer that is not too far from an official source.

Al Gore, currently an Apple board member, had told a South African crowd that the next iPhones will be released next month in his Discovery Invest Leadership Summit speech. While discussing solar energy and more specifically Moore’s Law, he drifted off into saying “Not to mention the new iPhones coming out next month.” Former Vice President, Sir, you did just mention it.

In a jocular and probably nervous matter, he swiftly followed up adding that “that was a plug.” Surely, Apple would not be happy with unintended clarification, even if promotional, before they officially introduce the products. Nonetheless, that certainly is a good way to gain additional audience interest during a “passionate” global warning speech if a plug was necessary to do so.

The concurrent launch of two brand new devices spells out an important development in the iPhone lineup. Sources say that there will be an iPhone 4S that is similar to the current-generation iPhone 4 though boasting speedier hardware along with a redesigned, premier iPhone 5.

Al Gore’s knowledge of such confidential information can be debated, though we would imagine that he has a higher standing than many other board members.

As if we have not heard this reported enough, well there you have it. Straight from someone who would know. Unless he just reads iPhone Alley and was quoting us…

[via onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/thenextweb.com/apple/2011/09/21/apple-board-member-al-gore-speaking-at-conference-confirms-iphone-5-in-october/');" target="_blank" href="http://thenextweb.com/apple/2011/09/21/apple-board-member-al-gore-speaking-at-conference-confirms-iphone-5-in-october/">The Next Web]

Who’s More Dedicated, Android or iPhone Owners?

The iPhone / Android war is an interesting one: In one corner you have Apple fans who believe Steve Jobs can do no wrong. In the other corner you have Android fans who think the iPhone is the devil. But does every Android owner really love their smartphone? According to a study of 515 people conducted by USB Research, Apple keeps 89 percent of their iPhone owners happy, but only 55 percent of Android users are return customers. HTC has a retention rate of about 39 percent. Samsung has a retention rate of 28 percent.

The sample size for this study may be small, but I have to believe a lot of people own an Android device because of the low cost options. It has to be pretty tempting to a casual shopper when their choices are: Do you want the oldest version of the iPhone for $50, or the newest Android handset for $80? The new Android phone comes with a dual-core processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and front-facing VGA camera…

This might sound idiotic to an Apple fan, but to a regular person who just wants to be able to text their friends, it probably sounds like a great deal. However, it doesn’t mean the same person doesn’t dream of being the first person on their block to own an iPhone 5. It just might not be an option for them.

This is why the revamped low-end iPhone 4 rumors are so believable. It’s the perfect way for Apple to nab new customers. Instead of offering people the iPhone model that’s on its way out at a discount, new Apple fans can get the latest iPhone for an affordable price. Yeah it’s not the iPhone 5, but you won’t be out of style by owning the new and improved iPhone 4.

I know there are dedicated Android fans out there… Trust me I have faced their wrath many times, but it still seems like more people are Android owners by default, and there are more iPhone owners by choice. I just don’t know many people who are stuck with an iPhone because they couldn’t afford Verizon’s Pantech Breakout.

What Feature Does iOS 5 Desperately Need?

With the release of iOS 5 forthcoming in the very near future, there are quite a few revisions and new features users can look forward to. Even with an extensive amount of additions, iOS 5 is still missing crucial features. Our question to you is: what is that number one thing that the new update will be missing that could have added a new layer of functionality to your experience?

Perhaps the most disabilitating omission for myself is the ability to multi-task with apps running side-by-side. As a writer, I like to constantly check facts to ensure I can cover as much of a story as possible and that every detail is correct. Not only that, but I find myself using a thesaurus and dictionary quite frequently to sharpen my knowledge of the English language. Simply put, it is an annoyance to not have such features instantly-accessible to me when attempting to write more than a note on an iOS device.

Sure, I could exit a document (with the risk of something going wrong in its saving) to open Safari, create a new tab, enter a site address, then access info I need on the site. Of course, that takes too much time to do over and over, and breaks up thought flow. As a result, I am considering a netbook or ultraportable to also carry with me so that I can comfortably write wherever I am. Don’t get me wrong though, typing on the iOS keyboard is fine, it is just how the lack of completely versatile multi-tasking hurts the platform’s capabilities.

Maybe it is not up to Apple to fix everything. For example, my issue, if you want to call it that, could be solved by an app developer creating an app suited for all styles of writing and research (huh, should I roll with that idea?). Also, they have to leave something to add in the future.

What glaring hole is in iOS 5′s feature set that you wish would be filled? Let us know your top request in the comments. Heck, if you are part of the minority that would not like any specific additions, we are also interested in hearing about why iOS is totally perfect to you.

New iPhone Launch Imminent for the Second Week of October?

Originally discovered by onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/09/24/apple_blacking_out_vacation_days_during_second_week_of_october.html');" target="_blank" href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/09/24/apple_blacking_out_vacation_days_during_second_week_of_october.html">AppleInsider, Apple has begun to deny vacation requests for employees during the second week October. This could be reflective of an iPhone launch. Read below to find out more. id="more-22112">

I so clearly remember the day when a few friends were having a discussion on the new iPhone – this was a few months ago, around March/April. A friend bragged “knowingly” that the new iPhone would be coming out that Summer, and this was after the news was out that it would probably be coming in the Fall. So I casually walked up to him, proved him wrong and then made a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.gamblingiq.com');" target="_blank" title="bet" href="http://www.gamblingiq.com">bet that the iPhone 5 wouldn’t be announced in June but instead in the Fall. I still have the 20 that materialized after WWDC passed without any word on the new phone. And the day when I can actually rub it in my friend’s face is coming ever so close. Enough with the personal story, though. Below is the actual news.

Stated in AppleInsider’s article on the according matter:

Apple is quietly denying requests for employee vacations during the second week of October, hinting that the company currently anticipates an influx of customers to its stores around that time related to availability of its new iOS 5 and fifth-generation iPhone products.”

Apple could be anticipating an influx of customers in their various Apple Stores, which could be the reason behind the denying of requests stated above. Why? Apple may be preparing for the launch date of the next generation iPhone and iPod lineup as well as the launch of iOS 5, the newest of the, havoc-wreaking for other OSs, operating system that was announced this summer at WWDC.

The specific dates are October 9th through the 12th and October 14th through the 15th. The first of the two dates will most likely be when iOS 5 will be released to the public while the latter will be the actual iPhone 5, anticipated iPod Touch 5th generation and other iPod launch date.

This supposed rumor, if true, would nicely go hand in hand with the plethora of previous iPhone 5 launch date rumors, stating the device was to be launched in mid-October.

Though it’s still not 100% confirmed, it’s been over a year since the iPhone 4 was announced, and is extremely probable that Apple will indeed launch the iPhone 5 during the second week of October when all of the previous rumors are taken into account and are considered. The amount of proof that has lately been circulating around the web does nothing but further confirm that week.

As always, iPhoneAlley will keep you posted on any future developments. The expected announcement date is October 4th, so for all of the news on that day tune into our homepage and follow us on onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.twitter.com/iphonealley.com');" target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/iphonealley.com">Twitter.

In the meantime, to considerably whet your appetite for all of you potential iPhone 5 buyers, here are a few articles which can semi-explain what the iPhone 5 will probably look like:

href="http://www.iphonealley.com/image/case-mate-advertises-iphone-5-cases-with-revealing-photos">Case-Mate Advertises iPhone 5 Cases with Revealing Photos

href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/what-case-makers-say-about-the-iphone-5">What Case Makers Say About the iPhone 5

Stardash App Review – Mario Fans, Check This Out!

The amount of decent platformers available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad have undoubtedly escalated in the better of the 2011 year. I remember when I was first introduced to the iOS world of applications, otherwise deemed and more commonly referred to as the App Store, there was practically not nearly enough worthy games to satisfy a platformer junky like me. Nonetheless, the amount there are now is enough to suffice any platformer fan – especially, most recently, a fan of the Mario series due to the release of href"http:>Stardash from iPhone developer Orange Pixel.

Very Mario-esque, Stardash has you controlling a character through a plethora – 40 to be exact – of scrolling platformer levels in order to reach the end of the level in the given, or in less than, time while also attempting to collect all of the coins littered cleverly throughout the level. The two challenges, time and coins, won’t be achievable at once of course, so you’ll have to redo the level at-least twice (along with all of the other hundreds of times you do after you die) to collect the two accompanying badges that go along with each challenge. There are also “temple keys” hidden throughout each level, usually in hidden passages which are accessible through the sides of certain platforms. When you collect the key from each of the 9 levels in the four different worlds, you’ll unlock a bonus, tenth, “temple” level; there are 4 in total.

Mario fans: there’s no other game so alike to the awesome series that Nintendo once created than Stardash. It features the same, short, quick and right to the point level design while also incorporating the same sort of persistent enemies that just sort of piss you off by the 20th time they’ve killed you. href="http://www.iphonealley.com/application_reviews/stardash-app-review-mario-fans-check-this-out/attachment/stardash" rel="attachment wp-att-22119">src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/stardash-300x200.jpg" alt="" title="stardash" width="300" height="200" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-22119" />This is not to say that the game lacks its own creativity and uniqueness, but instead says that it’s got your favorite elements while also bringing some fresh and new things to the platformer table.

Evident by the developer’s name, most all of their games (tons of their games are currently available on the Android Marketplace; bleh!) are constructed carefully pixel by pixel. Similar in Stardash, everything from the menu title and UI buttons’ fonts to the actual game’s sprites and backgrounds are made pixel by pixel reflective of the artist’s hand, technique and skill to do such a thing. Additionally, the gameplay brings back a wave of nostalgia to any retro gamer with its unique, selective color palette while also retaining modern aspects such as retina and such. For me the artwork is absolutely wonderful to be greeted with every of the 1,000 times I open the application each day which simply proves that an old gamer, if you will, will definitely enjoy playing the game not only because 1) it’s so similar to Mario with its gameplay and elements, but also because 2) the artwork truly meets the standard of retro games.

All I ask from the developer is that the times that levels have to be completed in to collect the according badge be adjusted for less-hardcore gamers. It’s recommended on my behalf that another difficulty mode be added for those casual gamers.

There is already a fifth world promised in a future content update, as will you if you purchase onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/itunes.apple.com/us/app/stardash/id465071724?mt=8');" target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stardash/id465071724?mt=8">Stardash. As I’ve stated before, retro fans and pure genre fans will surely have a joy playing through the many cleverly designed levels and spending an excessive amount of time to get both badges for each level. The amount of challenge does get a bit frustrating, but the difficulty curve is such that the ramp of difficulty happens at exactly the right moment. If everything above hasn’t yet sold you then here’s my final verdict: you should give a wonderful developer your $1.99 by purchasing the game this instant.

Gameplay Video:/> width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7d49phm4gHk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Apple Sends Out Invitations To October 4 Media Event

At least one rumor turned out to be true so far. Apple Insider received an invitation to Apple’s press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The invite was decorated with icons of a clock, the date, a map and a phone with the tagline “Let’s talk iPhone.”

So it’s official, October 4th will be the date when we find out what other iPhone rumors are true. One thing we know for sure; the iPhone 5 will not be released in August or September like some tech blogs claimed.

The biggest question that still remains is what will CEO Tim Cook actually be announcing? A redesigned iPhone 5, a revamped version of the iPhone 4, or both?

Other questions that will be answered: Will href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/sprint-iphone-rumors-heating-up">Sprint or href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/is-sprint-and-t-mobile-both-joining-the-apple-family-in-october">T-Mobile be joining the Apple family? Will Steve Jobs make a cameo after href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/steve-jobs-the-scoop-on-his-resignation">stepping down? Will the iPhone 5 even be available in 2011, and what are the actual href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/breaking-iphone-5-design-officially-revealed">specifications?

The event is being held at Apple’s Cupertino, California campus at 10 a.m..

On Tuesday, onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/mashable.com/2011/09/26/facebook-ipad-app-iphone-app-exclusive/');" target="_blank" href="http://mashable.com/2011/09/26/facebook-ipad-app-iphone-app-exclusive/">Mashable announced Facebook will also launch their onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad app at the event… But an already leaked Facebook app hardly seems as exciting as the next generation iPhone.

[via onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/09/27/apple_invites_press_to_talk_iphone_at_media_event_on_oct_4.html');" target="_blank" href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/09/27/apple_invites_press_to_talk_iphone_at_media_event_on_oct_4.html">Apple Insider]

Next Generation iPod and iPhone Appear in Apple’s Inventory

The end to all the next generation iPhone rumors is near, and on href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/apple-sends-out-invitations-to-october-4-media-event">October 4th we will know all we need to know. The scary part is there are more signs pointing to the iPhone 4S than the iPhone 5. For example, two of Apple’s next generation devices have been revealed in their internal inventory system. Three new iPods codenamed N81A (4th generation codename N81) and two SKUs for the iPhone 4S, N90A, were discovered by 9to5Mac.

The Apple blog doesn’t believe the iPhone 5 would be listed under N90A, because new hardware normally receives a new codename. The two listings could represent black and white models, and it’s possible N90A could be the SKU for the rumored href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/is-apple-releasing-an-8gb-iphone-4-in-a-few-weeks">8GB iPhone 4.

While I’m positive the iPhone 5 will make an appearance on Tuesday, the rumblings about a possible onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.iphonefaq.org/archives/971551');" target="_blank" href="http://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/971551">bubble defect in the touch panels and shortages have me worried. Especially since Apple’s focus seems to be on expanding its customer base by launching a low-end iPhone, and increasing its href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/apple-set-to-explode-with-two-new-iphones">carriers in China and the U.S..

I’m probably just being paranoid, but until I have an official iPhone 5 release date, I’m not counting my chickens…

[onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/9to5mac.com/2011/09/28/new-iphone-4-and-ipod-touch-appear-in-apples-inventory-system/');" target="_blank" href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/09/28/new-iphone-4-and-ipod-touch-appear-in-apples-inventory-system/">9to5mac]

Commander Pixman App Review + Win A Promo Code

Had you been a gamer back in “the day”, if you will, you’ll definitely recognize the retro art style used in One Minute Games’ platformer, onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/itunes.apple.com/app/commander-pixman/id458942103?mt=8');" target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/commander-pixman/id458942103?mt=8">Commander Pixman, which grazed the App Store just today. Even though I wasn’t quite an olden gamer, I like me some pixel artwork regardless!

Commander Pixman is yet another platformer for iOS boasting a whopping 80, short, time-based levels to play through. You’ll control commander pixman, evident by the app’s name, while navigating through a variety of obstacles. href="http://www.iphonealley.com/application_reviews/commander-pixman-app-review-win-a-promo-code/attachment/commanderpix" rel="attachment wp-att-22157">src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/commanderpix-300x200.jpg" alt="" title="commanderpix" width="300" height="200" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-22157" />There are spikes, monsters, shooting enemies and a whole plethora of others./> Using the virtual buttons, which has become quite the standard for iOS platformers nowadays, you’ll be able to move left and right, jump and shoot at enemies.

The controls did take some getting used to. Compared to a game such as League of Evil, for example, the virtual buttons in Commander Pixman aren’t too desirable. They’re not completely horrible in themselves, but they are loose and were not very responsive until I got the hang of them.

Each of the 80 levels will hold its own challenge. The only gripe I had was that the difficulty curve wasn’t that great; the first level itself wasn’t too forgiving, especially considering the fact that you’re only just starting and the rest are near impossible – that is the beauty of such a game, though, as the levels have you constantly aching to score a better time and will usually take multiple tries to successfully complete. In addition, each level has a rating system which consists of three stars and a ribbon. You get three stars for completing the level faster than the time inputted by the developer, while receiving a ribbon for a level is achieved by killing all of the monsters.

Along with the aesthetically-pleasing, retro artwork (for me, anyways), each level had a unique chiptune that fit perfectly with the game’s theme. That said, if you’re a true fan of retro games as described and of huge pixels in terms of artwork, then onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/itunes.apple.com/app/commander-pixman/id458942103?mt=8');" target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/commander-pixman/id458942103?mt=8">Commander Pixman should float your boat. It’s got that frantic, arcade-ish feel as well as an undeniably large amount of content, so for only $0.99, it’s something you can’t miss out on, especially if you fancy a challenging platformer.

Plus, iPhoneAlley has teamed up with One Minute Games to offer you the chance to win a promo code for the game – in other words, you can get the game absolutely free. All you have to do is follow onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.twitter.com/iphonealley');" target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/iphonealley">@iPhoneAlley and retweet onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/twitter.com/#!/iPhoneAlley/status/119528899272126464');" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/iPhoneAlley/status/119528899272126464">this tweet before 12 AM EST tonight!

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