Busy as ever with the success of the iPhone 4 launch, Steve Jobs always takes the time to answer his customers’ questions. This time around, we’ve got a couple M&Ms on the plate. Minerals and multitasking to be specific.

Derick Rhodes, a reader of Wired, wrote in to ask Steve, “Are you currently making any effort to source conflict-free minerals? In particular, I’m concerned that Apple is getting tantalum, tungsten, tin, and gold from Eastern Congo through its suppliers.” In the seriousness of the moment, Jobs cooly replied, “Yes. We require all of our suppliers to certify in writing that they use conflict few materials. But honestly there is no way for them to be sure. Until someone invents a way to chemically trace minerals from the source mine, it’s a very difficult problem.”

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Have an iPhone 4? Do you view your photos via the Mobile Me Gallery? Check this out: Apple has updated their Mobile Me Gallery app this morning to support the iPhone 4’s jaw-some retina display. However, the higher quality resolution images can only be downloaded over Wi-Fi.

Update through the App Store, or download Mobile Me Gallery at this link.

[via The Mac Observer]

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop reports this afternoon that iTunes U has surpassed 250 million in downloads. Students are clearly seeking out educational content through Apple’s service and devices, and it’d be smart for more schools to take advantage of this popular learning medium.

Started in 2007, iTunes U has always been focused on bringing the best in education to the general public. From Stanford’s popular iPhone development course to Harvard University, iTunes U offers a little something for everyone.

[via The Loop]

We’ve been hearing rumblings of a reported iWork coming to the iPhone and iPod touch, and 9 to 5 Mac has posted some screenshots this afternoon filling our curiosity.

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So the rumors were true, after all. Hulu has officially announced its premium subscription service, called Hulu Plus, which for just $9.99 / month will allow you to watch full HD seasons of shows from Fox, ABC and NBC.

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I’ve see a few complaints on Twitter and elsewhere, but people have been asking, “Where the heck did my iPhone 4 hold button go!?” When a making a call, the hold button has been replaced by FaceTime. But if you tap and hold the mute button in call, you’ll put that Android guy on the other end on hold! Awesome tip.

[The Mac Observer via The Loop]

A little while ago we reviewed Compartments, which was an incredibly simple home inventory application designed to track all your possessions. Now with the ability to add warranty information as of the latest update, Compartments is only $9.95 (50% off) until July 4th, so go grab a copy if you’re in need of a great home inventory app!

You can take advantage of this deal exclusively through the Compartments landing page.

Some interesting details about the iPhone 4 have showed up through AddictiveTips recently that details what information Apple may be collecting as you use FaceTime, and how the iOS 4 updates will be handled on AT&T.

In a pretty dramatic writeup (and followup), AddictiveTips lays out the goods:

- With iOS 4, AT&T locks all US iPhone owners to their network via regular OTA updates.
- AT&T shipped some iPhone 4 early to verify their OTA update system.
- Apple stealing user information via FaceTime, which lacks encryption.
- Some Apple employees who are aware of this situation are not updating to iOS 4.

Though I’m pretty sure Apple isn’t “stealing” your information - rather you agree to the sharing of private data when you sign up for your new steel and glass beauty.

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