Hasta La Gadget!

We haven’t been hearing much hearsay on the second-generation iPad mini. Of course, we know it’s coming at some point, but today’s leak seems to be the first out of many that we’ll see in the coming months. Unconfirmed photos of what appear to be the rear shell of the second-gen iPad mini have leaked out onto the interwebs.

A member of Chinese site WeiPhone has posted photos of the rear shell in a forum thread, which shows all angles of the piece of aluminum that is said to be a part of the second-gen iPad mini. Of course, the shell looks very similar to the current iPad mini, but it does look a tad bit thicker. That could just be the angles of the photos giving us that effect, but a thicker iPad mini wouldn’t be unheard of.

For instance, the full-size iPad gained a bit of thickness after the iPad 2. Granted, it’s only a bit thicker, but the thinnest iPad that we’ve seen came out over two years ago. Apple may be stuffing a Retina display in the iPad mini, as well as some faster hardware, which would understandably make the device just a tad thicker than before.

The photos also show a bright blue Apple logo, as well as the word “iPad” towards the bottom. We’re guessing this just a part of the manufacturing process, or it could mean that Apple is planning to offer colored logos with this next-gen device, although that seems highly unlikely. Obviously, we don’t know much about this leak, so we’re keeping a good amount of salt nearby until we hear something a bit more official.

[via MacRumors]

iPad mini 2nd-generation rear shell leaks is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Netflix pushed out a pretty significant update, which brings the streaming app up to an even version 3.0. The update includes an improved player user interface, where you can just tap to display the video titles if you’re using the app on the iPad. Netflix also brought the zoom control back, which allows you to watch shows in full screen.

The app also has a slightly rearranged player as well, including better placement of the play/pause button, as well as the 10-second rewind button, both of which are on the left side at the bottom. We also want to say that the volume slider and playback slider are a little bigger, but that could just be our imagination playing mean tricks on us.

The zoom control being brought back is certainly an interesting change that Netflix decided to change its mind on. They got rid of the feature in past updates, but brought it back this time around. While personally I never use the zoom button, some viewers enjoy switching between fullscreen mode and widescreen mode.

Netflix is a free download and the update is available now in the iTunes App Store. Of course, though, you’ll need a Netflix subscription to enjoy the app, which is $7.99 per month. Back in December, the PlayStation 3 was considered the number one device that Netflix users used, but it’s nice to see the streaming service give attention to other platforms as well with updates.

Netflix for iOS updates with improved UI and zoom controls is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Sony’s now obsolete PS3 may be the Netflix streaming device of choice, but that doesn’t mean the popular streaming service will ignore other platforms. The Netflix app on iOS, which saw its last big refresh back in September last year, has just been bumped up to v3.0 — bringing with it a slew of UI changes aimed towards improving your movie-watching experience. The zoom icon that was removed previously is now back for easier access to full-screen viewing, while a tap displays video titles if you’re using the app on the iPad. The three-point change log also includes a relocation of the playback controls. Nothing profound, but hey — could be worth your while if it keeps you away from reality just a little longer.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, Mobile

Comments

Source: App Store

It has taken quite a while, but Audible has finally released an update to its iOS app that adds support for the iPad. Previous to this, the app was iPhone-only and rather difficult to use regardless, with the most basic functions you’d expect in an audiobook app – such as the ability to track progress – pretty much absent. That changes with version 2.0, which both adds iPad support and introduces a new user interface that is altogether more intuitive.

Users can now use the Audible iOS (version 5.0 and higher) app on the iPhone (3GS and later), iPod Touch (3rd generation and later), and iPad, giving them access to the service’s entire catalog of audiobooks. In addition to the revamped user interface and iPad support, there are a handful of new features and improvements that build on the previous offerings.

One of the biggest new features is the ability to toggle between listening and reading with Whispersync for Voice the Kindle app or a supported device. Likewise, there’s a new library filter that allows users to hide completed titles from their library after finishing them, keeping things neat and orderly and easy to sift through.

Start-up has been simplified, with users now being able to sign in with their Amazon account. Downloads are also optimized, with users being able to pull up to three hours of audio data over a mobile data network (3G and 4G). Navigation is also easier, with progress bars included on each book to make it easier to monitor how far through a book one, as well as improved search and thumbnails.

[via Cult of Mac]

Audible updates iOS app to version 2.0, adds iPad support is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

When the iPad is seemingly tailor-made for books of all kinds, you’d think Audible would leap on the opportunity to produce an optimized audiobook app — it wasn’t quite so eager, as customers have since discovered. Apple tablet owners won’t have to perpetually lean on the stock music app for their fix, though, as Audible 2.0 at last brings an iPad-friendly form. The better use of screen real estate is the most obvious improvement, although there’s a fresher, simpler interface for every iOS device. A few helpful extras reside under the surface, if the new layout isn’t enough. It’s easier to both sign in and hide finished books, while listeners who didn’t replenish their libraries at home can grab as much as 3 hours’ worth of audiobook over a cellular connection. Existing Audible subscribers just need to snag the latest app for free at the download link.

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio/Video, Tablets, Amazon

Comments

Via: Cult of Mac

Source: App Store