As for iMessage, many have speculated that the app may be integrated into the OS X iChat application, and this may see the light of day as well, but sources are saying that a decision on whether or not iMessage will be released as a standalone product or as an integrated featured into iChat has not been finalized. The iMessage app will connect to iMessage for iOS, which debuted as a free messaging client for iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches running iOS 5.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Apple Developing Airplay Mirroring, iMessage for Mac OS X
Self-Checkout Coming To Apple Stores Using iOS App
MacRumors is reporting that Apple will launch an update to the Apple Store iOS app that will enable customers to self-checkout for accessories and other lower-cost items. Purchases made will be charged to the customers iTunes account. If you’ve spent any time in an Apple Store, there are no shortage of crowds, even on a regular non-launch day. The report does not provide information on how Apple will manage customers who are purchasing via the app and then leaving the store.
If it’s similar to other self-checkout systems, you can expect an Apple representative to assist those using iOS apps to checkout. One method could be to have the customer receive a bar code at the completion of the transaction, which could then be scanned by a floating Apple Store rep. While it would still require staffing on Apple’s part, it would make for a faster checkout.
Source:
New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Monday, October 31
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!
Orchestra To-Do: The to-do list that’s connected to everyone you work with. It not only helps you organize what needs doing, it also helps you communicate with others to get things done. [Free for iPhone - App Store link]
Mad Rush: Once upon a time, there lived a little rabbit. He grew up without his father, who disappeared many years ago in a galactic racing tournament. But despite the rabbit’s small size and the absence of a father, he was born with a powerful force beating within his heart! Little did he know that when they are most needed, his powers would awaken from deep inside, helping him defend his home from the evil Mr. Storm, who has his sights set on destruction! [$0.99 for iPhone and iPad - App Store link]
Howdy: Choose an e-card, snap a photo or video with your iPhone, type your message and have Howdy send it over. Easy as can be! [Free for iPhone - App Store link]
Buildo Rescue Sticker Book: Features 103 hand designed, full-color stickers themed around the Emergency & Rescue Services. There are boats, police cars, ambulances, helicopters, jet skis, scuba divers, doctors, nurses and loads more to choose between! Simply drag a sticker into one of four panoramic soundscapes and watch as an imaginary world comes to life! [$1.99 for iPhone and iPad - App Store link]
Ringtones Complete: If you’re looking for normal, elegant, and professional ringtones – without the annoying cartoon sound effects or pop songs – then you’re looking for RCP Ringtones. We design the smartest and best sounding normal tones available. [$4.99 for iPhone - App Store link]
Any other big app or game releases or updates today?
Check out the promo video for Mad Rush below!
Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an App Store link), and we’ll take a look.
Read for iPad
Read is an iPad for reading websites and blogs without clutter. Say goodbye to ads and sidebars filled with useless information – Read strips it all away leaving you with only the content you wish to read. Read is preloaded with a wide variety of sources and the list continues to grow each day.
A beautiful and efficient way to read the web’s best blogs and news sites. Going through articles is an estimated 170% faster than regular browsing. Since all the clutter is gone, Read will only load the most important stuff: content.
Read is available on the iPad for $2.99.
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 to enable self-service checkout at retail via Apple Store app?
MacRumors and Heylookitsseric are both claiming Apple will be updating their Apple Store app to allow customers self-service checkout for off-the-shelf items like iPhone and iPad cases at Apple Retail.
Apple is also updating its own Apple store app on iPhone/iPod to incorporate EasyPay that allows customers to check themselves out for accessories purchases. EasyPay is the same platform Apple employees use to complete those in-store credit card purchases. Since higher priced Apple products are all stocked up in the backroom, you’ll still have to find the help of an employee. Expect the update in a few days on November 3rd, just in time for the holidays.
Hopefully Apple and their customers are both nerdier and more competent than those at my local grocery store or turn self-serve into an ordeal far beyond any staff-driven transaction. “Beep. Put the item down.” “I did.” Beep.Put the item down.” “I DID!” “BEEP! Y U NO PUT ITEM DOWN!” “HULK SMASH PUNY MACHINE!” And, well, we all know how that ends.
IN addition to in-store pick up of online orders, which Apple has also begun experimenting with in San Francisco, they’re also reportedly looking into shipping to multiple address on Apple Online to make gift-giving easier than ever.
In this day and age, when other online retailers like Future Shop make it so onerous and restrictive you don’t even want to order from them anymore, it’s nice to see Apple trying to offer more, not less, and shift the transactional burden off the customer where it never belonged.
Let’s hope it works out for everyone because either way we’re in for an interesting Black Friday and holiday shopping season.
Source: MacRumors, Heylookitseric
Mobile Nations Monday Brief: October 31, 2011
AirPlay Mirroring and iMessage on their way to the Mac?
According to “sources familiar with the future of Mac OS X”, AirPlay Mirroring and iMessage are both set to make an appearance in the not too distant future. The sources, talking to 9to5Mac claim that both of these applications are in development although they could be shelved just as easily.
AirPlay Mirroring would certainly be a welcome addition to the Mac OS X platform, allowing a user to mirror the screen of their Mac without the need for an expensive projector. You could see Apple TV’s popping up in company boardrooms attached to smaller LCD panels.
iMessage may be introduced into the current iChat application after references were discovered in its code. No firm decision has been made yet and it may even end up as a standalone application. According to the source, both solutions are being developed. iMessage would allow a Mac user to message any iOS device for free.
It makes a lot of sense for Apple to offer these features on the Mac OS X platform, it now looks like it is going to happen in a future update.
Source: 9to5Mac