Hasta La Gadget!

The official T-Mobile iPhone 5 doesn’t release until April 12, but those with unlocked models can take advantage of T-Mobile’s network right away. For those customers, T-Mobile is rolling out a software update that enables LTE on unlocked iPhone 5 models, as well as improves battery life and enables Visual Voicemail.

As expected, T-Mobile updated their support forums to address the software update, and it lists a roll-out date of April 5, so unlocked GSM iPhone 5 users should be receiving the OTA update at some point today. On top of the previously-mentioned updates, other features like improved Personal Hotspot settings, improved MMS settings, and HD Voice are also included.

It seems that T-Mobile is anticipating a lot of iPhone 5 users to switch over to the carrier after announcing new plans that start at only $50 per month. This gives customers unlimited minutes and text messages, as well as 500MB of data, which is usually enough for just the everyday user, while 2GB more will cost only $10 per month.

Of course, LTE is a hot topic, but T-Mobile users will only have it a select number of areas around the country. However, T-Mobile plans to cover 200 million people with LTE by the end of the year. And while the T-Mobile iPhone 5 will support HD Voice, it won’t support WiFi calling, something that could be a major blow for some users.

T-Mobile rolling out iPhone 5 software update, addresses battery and enables LTE is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

iOS 6.1.3 was released last week in order to help fix its passcode security flaw, but it looks as though Apple may have rushed its release a tad as a number of iOS users who updated to the latest version are complaining of both battery drain and Wi-Fi issues.

A number of iOS users have taken to Apple’s Support Communities forum to reveal iOS 6.1.3 has been draining their batteries more quickly than it did in iOS 6.1.2. Some users even reported a continued drain on their battery even after they turned off all notifications and even going as far as restoring their device to its factory settings. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Final Fantasy V Coming To iOS Tomorrow, Flipboard Updated To Version 2.0, Adds Pinterest-like Features,

It wouldn’t surprise us to learn that more than a few Boeing officials had their fingers crossed this morning in Everett, Washington. That’s because the 787 Dreamliner took to the skies for the first time since being grounded in an effort to demonstrate a proper fix to that nasty overheating issue that’s plagued the airliner’s battery. The test flight, known as a functional flight check, lasted approximately two hours and will give the folks at Boeing an opportunity to examine data from the outing in advance of the 787’s single certification flight — a process that’s otherwise known as one and done.

Update: This article originally stated that this is the first time the 787 Dreamliner has flown since being grounded, which is incorrect. Today’s test flight is the first time the 787 Dreamliner has flown since the FAA-approved battery fix has been in place.

Filed under: Transportation

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Source: Reuters, USA Today

If you’re heavy user of the Apple iPad looking to extend the battery life of your device a company called Digital Treasures has unveiled some new cases that have integrated batteries just for Apple tablets. The series of cases is called the Props Power Case. The company offers cases to fit just about every iPad Apple makes.

There are versions of the Props Power Case for the iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2, and the iPad mini. The company offers two different styles of cases that hide a battery on the inside. One version of the case has a 12,000 mAh internal battery while the other has an 8000 mAh internal battery. The version of the case for the iPad mini is only available in the smaller battery capacity.

Each of the cases has an LED battery status indicator on the top to show how much power is left inside the battery before it needs charged. The cases also ship with a charging cable and a USB adapter cable that can power the iPad or charge your smartphone on the go. The case promises not only more battery-power and runtime for your tablet, it will also protect the device from scratches and drops on the go.

The case has an anti-slide design allowing you to prop the iPad up comfortable viewing. The 12,000 mAh battery case sells for $19.95 and the 8000 mAh case sells for $89.95. The version of the case for the iPad mini sells for $79.95 and all are available now.

[via Digital Treasures]

Props Power Case props and powers your iPad is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

With the PowerSkin battery case for the iPhone 5 we’ve got an official implementation of Apple’s own Lightning connection inside a tested-and-true form factor. From the external battery accessory makers behind similar designs for some of the most popular smartphones to hit the market over the past few years. Your iPhone 5 is protected along its sides and back from damage (in a very basic way) while you get an extra 1500mAh of power to rock and roll all day and night long.

The team responsible for PowerSkin claim this battery case to be able to extend the usage of your iPhone 5 up to 70%. As far as we’ve seen, this is essentially true. If we’d had a day where we’d have knocked the iPhone 5′s power out in half a day before this battery pack, we’re now reaching much closer the evening where we’re in a place where we can charge up again.

As for charging: you’ve now got the option to charge your iPhone with a microUSB via this battery case. While the case is charged via microUSB, it connects to your iPhone 5 through the Apple-unique Lightning port. Charge the one and the other can be powered. The case works with both 5V, 1A input and output and you’ve got both the battery pack case itself and a handy microUSB charging cable in the box – not to mention an earphone extender.

Because this case needs a certain amount of bulk down at the bottom to be able to charge the iPhone, your headphone jack is, at first, blocked from most traditional headphone cords. Because of this, you get an earphone extender cord in the box as well – no worries for you. The full weight of the case is just 0.18 pounds and you’ll just be adding 0.65 of an inch to your phone’s thickness in the end.

This PowerSkin unit for the iPhone 5 will cost you a grand total of $79.99 USD and is available right this minute straight from its makers online. Have a peek at the timeline below for additional peeks at PowerSkin units we’ve reviewed in the past as well as announcements for the most recent PowerSkin units for your current generation handsets as well!

PowerSkin Battery Case for iPhone 5 Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.