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The New iPad Keynote Roundup

iLife on 3 3rd Gen iPads

iLife on 3 3rd Gen iPads

Today’s one of those days when I can sit happily at my desk and know that the tech press didn’t win. Despite the mounting evidence, the alleged photographs of bits and pieces, and the last minute rumors of x-chip and y-feature for a gadget we seemingly knew everything about, Apple still managed to pull a fast one that was so obvious it makes even the most certain journalists curse under their breaths. iPad. You should have seen it coming right? Even the iPad 2 was simply referred to as the iPad on its aluminum shell. iPad. Even if it was just a little surprise, it’s a simple reminder that not even those with the best sources can fully beat Apple at its own game. As long as this continues to be true, I’m pretty sure that means Apple is doing alright.

With that said, let’s check out all of the great stuff Apple just launched.

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iPhoto for iOS Review

iPhoto for iOS was released on the App Store earlier today, and after an enthusiastic introduction at Apple’s media event in San Francisco, the latest photo editing app from Cupertino received a controversial “welcome” on various blogs and Twitter streams as users got their hands on the all-new interface and photo management system. So what’s all the fuss about iPhoto for iOS?

I have been trying the app on my iPad 2 and iPhone 4S (running iOS 5.1, of course, as it’s a requirement) for the past few hours, and I think that it is very powerful. As I’ll illustrate in a bit, Apple did manage to squeeze some advanced photo editing and refinement technologies in the mobile version of iPhoto, putting it on the same level if not above iPhoto for Mac when it comes to editing, making quick adjustments, and interacting with your photos. Once mastered, the new gestures and tap commands can be quite powerful, although the app can have a steep learning curve. I also believe, however, that iPhoto for iOS suffers from a serious file management problem, in that it’s the best example of iOS’ lack of a centralized file system where apps are able to easily “talk” to each other and share files or modifications to them.

I want to get this out of my system before I get to the (very) good stuff. If you were hoping to see Apple coming up with an effortless way of importing photos avoiding duplicates and manual management, well, I’m sorry, you’ll be disappointed with iPhoto for iOS. This version of iPhoto is yet another data silo that is self-contained, and won’t simply “sync” the changes it makes to photos out of its closed environment.

I say “simply”, because there are exceptions in iPhoto for iOS, as it doesn’t use the exact same system of iPhoto for Mac when it comes to finding photos on your device. Because iOS devices come with a systemwide “Camera Roll” that’s accessible by other apps, Apple engineers had to make sure iPhoto could access such location – and here’s where I started to run into issues. Read more

Apple to Developers: Update Your Apps for iOS 5.1

Following the release of iOS 5.1 earlier today, Apple has updated its developer portal with a new “Create Apps for iOS 5.1” webpage, asking developers to start submitting apps written specifically with the iOS 5.1 SDK. The checklist includes links to the iOS 5.1 SDK release notes, Xcode 4.3.1 for developers, and a detailed explanation of the various functionalities introduced in iOS 5.

iOS 5.1, the latest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system is now in the hands of millions of iOS customers. Install iOS 5.1 now and download Xcode 4.3.1 with iOS 5.1 SDK from the Mac App Store, so you can test and submit your iOS 5.1 apps today.

Furthermore, Apple has updated the iOS Human Interface Guidelines with new icon size information, as well as the iOS App Programming Guide.

Developers can head over this page to check out Apple’s resources for developing and submitting iOS 5.1 apps.

Apple Updates Most of Its iOS Apps for the new iPad

Today, during Apple’s Keynote, they showed off updates for iWork, iMovie and GarageBand after revealing the new iPad. After the Keynote, many more of Apple’s iOS apps also received updates as well. All these updates are available now in support of the new iPad. Lucky for you we have the entire list (with direct links) for our loyal readers!

iOS Apps

Find My Friends 1.1:

  • Support for Retina display-capable devices
  • Bug Fixes
  • Stability enhancements

iTunes U 1.1:

  • Now designed for the spectacular Retina display on the all new iPad.
  • This version also includes a number of performance improvements.

GarageBand 1.2:

  • Start a Jam Session to play or record live with up to three of your friends using iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch*
  • Conduct an entire string orchestra using Smart Strings
  • Use the Note Editor to adjust or fine-tune any Touch Instrument recording
  • Combine recordings to free up additional tracks using Track Merge
  • Keep your GarageBand songs up to date across all your iOS devices with iCloud*
  • Share your songs directly to Facebook, YouTube, and SoundCloud
  • Perform retro and modern synth bass lines and grooves with new Smart Bass instruments
  • Play synth melodies and arpeggios with new Smart Keyboard instruments

*Jam Session and iCloud are available on iPhone 4 or later, 4th generation iPod touch, and all iPad models.

iMovie 1.3:

  • Create beautiful movie trailers with stunning graphics and world-class soundtracks*
  • Swipe up on the playhead to freeze a frame in your video
  • Preview music and sound effects in the Audio Browser
  • Create a song in GarageBand and send it directly to iMovie

*Trailers are available on iPhone 4 or later and iPad 2 or later

Find My iPhone 1.4:

  • Support for Retina display-capable devices
  • Bug Fixes
  • Stability enhancements

iBooks 2.1:

  • Read books more easily with sharply detailed text on the new iPad’s amazing Retina display
  • See page numbers that correspond to the printed edition of select titles
  • Search for a page number to jump to a desired page with a single tap
  • Use your finger as a highlighter when swiping over text
  • This version also includes a number of important stability and performance improvements

Numbers 1.6: (Numbers 1.6 requires iOS 5.1 software update or later)

  • Create and view stunning 3D bar, line, area, and pie charts
  • Numbers 1.6 is enhanced to take advantage of the Retina display on the new iPad
  • Includes performance improvements

Keynote 1.6: (Keynote 1.6 requires iOS 5.1 software update or later)

  • Create and view stunning 3D bar, line, area, and pie charts
  • Animate your 3D charts with Crane, Grow, Radial, Rotate, Rotate & Grow, and Z Axis builds
  • Keynote 1.6 is enhanced to take advantage of the Retina display on the new iPad
  • Use new builds and transitions including Iris, Shimmer, Wipe, Flame, Perspective, Swing, Object Push, Object Zoom, and Fade Through Color
  • Includes performance improvements

Pages 1.6: (Pages 1.6 requires iOS 5.1 software update or later)

  • Easily enter text using the landscape keyboard on iPhone and iPod touch
  • Create and view stunning 3D bar, line, area, and pie charts
  • Pages 1.6 is enhanced to take advantage of the Retina display on the new iPad
  • Includes performance improvements

Remote 2.3:

  • Support for iTunes Match on Apple TV
  • Support for Retina display on iPad

Mac Apps

Xcode 4.3.1:

  • Includes SDKs for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and iOS 5.1
  • New code signing workflow supports signing OS X apps with Developer ID
  • Adds installation of command-line tools to the Downloads preference pane
  • Open Developer Tool menu launches Instruments, File Merge, and other tools
  • ARC migration tool converts both retain/release and garbage collected code
  • Additional bug fixes and stability improvements

iBooks Author 1.1:

  • iBooks Author 1.1 is enhanced to create books that take advantage of the Retina display on the new iPad
  • Includes performance and stability improvements

iPhoto 9.2.2:

  • Photos can now be deleted from Photo Stream

“Apple Configurator” Released To Mass Configure iOS Devices→

“Apple Configurator” Released To Mass Configure iOS Devices

Apple has released a new free app on the Mac App Store, a utility called “Apple Configurator” to ease the mass configuration process of iOS devices for businesses and schools. Whilst the support page for the app still has to become available, it appears the app will allow those who are looking for a simple deployment solution to set Profiles for iOS devices, update iOS, install apps, and set restrictions. It’s certainly a welcome addition that confirms Apple’s focus in education, and in helping schools manage iOS devices and distribute applications.

Apple Configurator makes it easy for anyone to mass configure and deploy iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in a school, business, or institution.

Apple Configurator is available for free here.

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Apple Releases iPhoto for iOS

Available only for iOS 5.1 and announced during today’s keynote, iPhoto for iOS is now available in the App Store. With a size of 106 MB, the download isn’t below Apple’s bumped 50 MB download cap over the carriers’ networks. The iPhoto app for the iPhone and iPad completes Apple’s iLife suite on the iPad, joining iWork, iMovie, and Garageband updates that are also now available on the App Store.

Past the break you’ll find iPhoto for iOS release notes.

Update! We’re updating the post with screenshots past the break.

[iTunes Link]

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Apple Increases Over-the-Air App Store Downloads from 20 MB to 50 MB

Apple has increased the over-the-air download size limit for the App Store to 50MB, from the previous 20MB. This only makes sense with cellular data networks getting faster speeds, especially with the launch of the new iPad, its Retina Display and 4G LTE data networks. The new iPad’s Retina Display will require its apps to have larger file sizes, thus the increase in download limits. This means that any app that is 50MB or less can be downloaded over the 3G or 4G networks.

The 50MB limit is now in effect, and applies to all kinds of media – music, video and apps. Now if the cellular companies would bring back “real” unlimited data plans!

Image via

[via MacRumors via AppAdvice]

Apple Releases iTunes 10.6

Following today’s new iPad announcement, Apple has released a new version of iTunes, which reaches 10.6. The update is now available through Software Update, and will be up soon on Apple’s website. iTunes 10.6 brings the possibility to play 1080p HD movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store, and “many improvements” for iTunes Match, listed below.

  • Improved song matching
  • Improved album artwork handling, downloading, and display
  • Addresses an issue where songs may skip when playing from iCloud

iTunes 10.6 is out now in Software Update.

Apple Releases iOS 5.1 [Direct Links, Screenshots]

Apple just released the new version of iOS, iOS 5.1, through Software Update. Notable new features in this update include Siri support for Japanese users, a new camera shortcut, and new Camera app for iPad. Full changelog below.

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

  • Japanese language support for Siri (availability may be limited during initial rollout)
  • Photos can now be deleted from Photo Stream
  • Camera shortcut now always visible on Lock Screen for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (4th generation)
  • Camera face detection now highlights all detected faces
  • Redesigned Camera app for iPad
  • Genius Mixes and Genius playlists for iTunes Match subscribers
  • Audio for TV shows and movies on iPad optimized to sound louder and clearer
  • Podcast controls for playback speed and a 30 second rewind for iPad
  • Updated AT&T network indicator
  • Addresses bugs affecting battery life
  • Fixes an issue that occasionally caused audio to drop for outgoing calls

At the moment of writing this, the update server can’t be reached with iTunes, but the over-the-air update is working through iOS devices. We’ll update this story with more details as we install iOS 5.1 on our devices. Read more