Hardmac has come up with a snapshot of the next generation iPod touch in an acrylic case, claiming they’ve got an unnamed reliable source. Having a pretty good track record after exposing last year’s iPod nano cam, I’m crossing my fingers that this is the actual iPod touch we’ll be seeing in the not-too-distant future.
The iPod touch 4 Exposed?
Facebook Rolls Out Privacy Controls for Mobile Users
A few minutes ago the Facebook team announced that they’ve started rolling out privacy control to mobile users - iPhone web app included. In fact, the iPhone web app is the screenshot they chose to post.
Reverse Engineering Apple’s Secret Battery Charging Methods [Video]
Very useful and informative video for 3rd party accessory makers. [Laughing Squid via Limor Fried]
Covent Garden Apple Store Looks Fantastic, iPad Boosts Retail Revenue
Before we start talking about boring old numbers again, Apple Store openings are always fun to peek at. The Electricpig has gone cameras on with Apple’s latest façade, where they reveal an awesome Apple sign, the long interior, and a Magic TrackPad spotting or two.
Evidence of iPad Retina Display?
Earlier today iLounge reported that, according to their source, a 7-inch iPad is in the works and that will be announced later this year. 9to5mac also speculated that they’ve been hearing rumors of a smaller tablet, equipped with a Retina Display - “something like an insane 1500x1920 type pixel display”.
Now, we’ve got some interesting findings to share and speculate with you.
MiTube: Free and Simple Youtube Downloader for iPhone & iPad [Update: Removed]
Update: We knew this was going to happen. Apple removed the app.
Of all the apps in the App Store, I haven’t seen really great Youtube apps. Maybe because Apple’s one is installed by default and Youtube’s mobile website is even better than Apple’s app? Who knows. Anyway, here comes a new one: MiTube, formerly known as MxTube and sold on Cydia, is now available as a universal app for free in the App Store.
The app is very simple, but useful: you search for a video on Youtube, then you decided if you want to stream it or download it. You can choose to download low-quality or high-quality versions, and HD when available.
MiTube is available for free in the App Store here.
European Union Commission Ousts BlackBerry in Favor of iPhone, HTC
Reuters reports that the European Union Commission have canned the idea of toting BlackBerries upon security concerns that governments can’t monitor the traffic: RIM deploys their own servers which handle encrypted messages that keep communications secured. The strongest selling point of the BlackBerry is starting to become a major problem.
British bank Standard Chartered said earlier this year it was giving its staff the option to replace the BlackBerry with the iPhone, a move that could eventually result in thousands of bankers switching.
And many top French government ministers have been issued specially encrypted smartphones after a French security agency recommended that cabinet ministers and President Nicolas Sarkozy stop using BlackBerries due to security concerns.
RIM’s Chief Technology Officer David Yach retorted that the importance of the BlackBerry via the use from state officials would keep their mobile phone in the hands of the government, though I imagine RIM is particularly beside themselves as corporations begin adopting and deploying other devices such as the iPhone.
[via Reuters]
iPhone 4 Droppin’ Less Calls, Pickin’ Up More Dates
The iPhone 4 survey pool is quite small: ChangeWave Research only managed to round up 213 willing participants, but they found iPhone 3GS owners managed to drop 6.3% of all calls, while only 5.2% calls were dropped on the iPhone 4. The survey also noted that 73% of those surveyed were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied at Apple’s response to the iPhone 4 criticism. 64% stated the iPhone’s antenna hasn’t been an issue in daily use. Though a similar survey conducted in August 2009 revealed that 89% of owners were more satisfied with their handset when compared to iPhone 4’s satisfaction rate, which is surprising considering the advancements via the Retina Display and iOS 4.
The end result: of this small test group, the iPhone 4 dropped less calls, which is guaranteed to salvage relationships (or make breaking up old ones easier) thanks to the better antenna.
[via AppleInsider]
iPad Mini with Retina Display, iPhone 5 Coming January 2011? Not Really.
According to iLounge, Apple is set to announce a 7-inch version of the iPad (an “iPad Mini”) later this year and release the iPhone 5 as early as January 2011; three new iPods are coming in September (iPod Touch, new iPod Nano, new iPod Shuffle…with screen, thus no Shuffle) and new-generation Bumpers are on their way, too.