Posts in news

Vodafone Reportedly Blocking VoIP Applications Over 3G

There are reports coming in tonight that Vodafone within Europe has begun blocking all VoIP applications from functioning over the 3G networks, restricting them to use WiFi.

iSpazio notes specifically that the ban seems to be enforced in Italy with VoIP apps such as Skype, Viber and Tango no longer functioning over a 3G network and that when Viber tries to make a call over Vodafone’s 3G network that the following message is displayed;

An Internet connection is required to place free calls Viber. Check your connection and try again. Place a regular call instead.

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AT&T’s New iPhone Commercial Is About Old Tricks

With Verizon airing minimal yet emotionally powerful iPhone commercials to feature the product (they don’t even have to mention the name “iPhone” in the ads) that’s launching on their network on February 10th, you’d think AT&T would come up with something of a little more impact than the usual “talk and surf the web at the same time” story.

Well, apparently they still think that’s all they can have in their commercials. Personally, I think that while it’s incredibly cool to be able to have a phone call and use a browser at the same time, I can’t remember a single situation where I found myself needing to do that. It’s cool and it’s there, but it’s old stuff we know and, quite possibly, never used as much as AT&T wants us to.

As 9to5mac says, maybe it’s too late. Read more

60% Of Initial iPad 2 Shipments To Be 3G Models

According to AppleInsider, a new report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities details the amount of different iPad 2 models that will be shipped in the “first wave” of the device’s introduction.

According to the report, 60% of these units will be 3G-enabled models, either GSM/UMTS units or iPads capable of running on CDMA/EVDO networks.

In speaking to AppleInsider, Kuo said his checks in the Far East indicate production figures of 38 percent for the K93 WiFi model, 46 percent of the K46 3G model, and 16 percent for the Verizon-compatible K95 CDMA version. This indicates that Apple apparently expects most iPad 2 users will opt for 3G models, even on Verizon where new iPhone buyers have the option to pay $20 for hotspot service through their new smartphone.

Last week, Ming-Chi Kuo claimed the iPad 2 won’t have a Retina Display but an anti-reflection screen similar to Amazon’s Kindle, iPod touch-like cameras and a faster processor. Right after the official announcement of the Verizon iPhone, a report suggested Verizon would start selling an iPad “that can connect directly to its network” soon. DigiTimes also reported the 60% of iPads shipped during the December timeframe were 3G models.

On a side note, iPad owners that also have an iPhone will soon be able to share an internet connection through their phone to the tablet thanks to the Personal Hotspot functionality that will be introduced with iOS 4.3. Undoubtedly, the ease of use of Personal Hotspot will make unnecessary for some to upgrade to a WiFi + 3G iPad model. It is unclear, though, how many carriers will support Personal Hotspot on launch.

iPad 2: Carbon Fiber, NFC Features, 7-inch Model?

A report posted by iLounge details some of the new features and tech specs that may go into the next-generation iPad. First off, the website reports a 7-inch model of the device is still being tested by Apple, in spite of Steve Jobs claiming that 7-inch tablets will be “dead in arrival” because of their form factor, not suitable for portable computing.

Our source notes that a key iPad, iPhone, and iPod component provider has been asked by Apple to develop a part for use in a seven-inch iPad. Our source believes that this part is for a new version of the device that is still in development, and doesn’t know whether it will go into production.

The fact that Apple is still considering the idea of a smaller iPad sounds reasonable, but it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see a 7-inch iPad by the rumored April launch. iLounge goes on to report the iPad 2 may have a new shell in carbon fiber to reduce weight:

While our source urges caution on this point, it’s possible that the company will use a new material similar to carbon fiber rather than aluminum for upcoming iPads.

Some people claim carbon fiber enclosures for the iPad have already been spotted, although it’s unclear whether they came from OEM, or unauthorized third-party manufacturers. Last, the most interesting tidbit is about the iPad 2 and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities:

In the most basic implementation, an accessory could announce its presence and potential functions to an iPad or iPhone without the need for a Bluetooth or similar connection; our source suggests that an otherwise simple case could include a radio chip so that an inserted iPhone or iPad could go into power-saving hibernation mode automatically. More complex accessories will go far beyond that.

Several reports in the past suggested Apple is willing to implement NFC in future iOS devices.  [via MacRumors]

The iPad, Perfect for Coffee Table Apps

In a new App Store section that went live last night, Apple is featuring a series of apps the company thinks are well-suited for the iPad, specifically when placed on a coffee table. These apps, organized in “The Classic Coffee Table” and “The New Coffee Table” sub-categories, include gems like Flipboard, Trickle, Fotopedia Heritage, Ions and Aweditorium. Apple’s own iBooks software is featured as well, together with the art-related apps Van Gogh HD and The Monet Album.

Coffee Table Apps is an interesting section because it groups applications coming from a variety of categories in the App Store, not strictly related to each other. There are particle visualizers like Uzu, newspapers and magazines like The New York Times and LIFE, educational apps like Elements and Solar System for iPad.

Check out “Coffe Table Apps” in the App Store here.

iPod Touch Turned Into DIY Phone With Original Packaging

Lifehacker has a knack for showcasing crazy DIY projects like this one: an iPod touch turned pPhone (p is for plastic) thanks to Apple’s original packaging. By coordinating a pair headphones to create an earpiece, he uses VoIP to make calls over WiFi, and some creative modding to get his solution to work as third party microphones crapped out or simply didn’t function. We think it’s a great idea: you have a free hardcover case on the cheap, and you’re not paying a contract with AT&T or Verizon. All that’s left is to draw the Apple logo on the back with a sharpie.

Also: I wish I was born with those amazing headphone tying skills.

[Lifehacker via TUAW]

Boxcar Developers Share iOS Mockups With Their Latest Project, Upstage

You could share PSDs with Dropbox, DM screengrabs, or email PDFs containing sketches for your proposed iPhone app, but why not collaboratively share those latest ideas with Upstage, the latest project from the folks who’ve brought you Boxcar? Upstage is another recent project gunning to simplify iOS developer’s needs to share and collaborate ideas frictionlessly online. Providing frames for popular iOS devices, you’re allowed to upload screenshots to create a series of screens that can be shared with clients and coworkers. I didn’t see any markup tools inside the app for quick sketching or circling, and developers will have to keep in mind the various resolutions for their devices if they wish to upload their designs. While the service is in public beta, you can help the Upstage team improve, add features, and iron out bugs by giving the service a trial run.

[Upstage via ReadWriteWeb]

Apple To Open New Stores in Paris, Palo Alto

As noted in two separate reports by ifoAppleStore, Apple is planning to open a fourth retail store in Paris and completely rebuild the existing one in Palo Alto in a new location Apple was granted city building permits last year.

Starting with the new store in Paris, it will be located 30 miles away from the city, in the suburbs at the Carré Sénart shopping complex. Opening is apparently set for this November.

The development is about 30 miles south of Paris, and includes a bowling alley, multi-screen cinema, huge two-level Carrefour department store and 130 other shops. The surrounding area is promoted as the center of commerce and leisure in the region, and plans are afoot to add a large aquarium complex.

The new store in Palo Alto is a long-awaited redesign of the existing one, and will take place in a location that, according to the report, needs to be completely demolished and rebuilt from the ground-up. The design of the new company store will resemble the one seen in the popular Upper West Side (NYC) store with glass roof and stone walls.

The revised proposal for a 16,600 square-foot store at 340 University Avenue will now feature an arched, all-glass roof set on stone walls over the front two-thirds of the store, mimicking the architecture of the Upper West Side (NYC) store, and making the store “a commons for the…community to gather.” The company first submitted plans to city building officials in late 2009, proposing to remove major portions of the building, and then renovate and upgrade other portions. However, after receiving city approval for the project in January 2010, Apple’s engineers discovered structural problems with the building and recommended that it be completely demolished and re-built.

The design is aimed at bringing a new experience free of distracting elements with the focus on products showcased inside the store. Full details available here.