Hasta La Gadget!

You know your product name is clever when not one but two companies go for it. Such is the name “Peel.” This offering we’re talking about is not the sort that turns an iPod into an iPhone, rather it’s the kind that turns an iPhone into a universal remote — though it’ll work with all the other iOS devices too. It’s a combination app and hardware that we’ve been tracking since last year, and now it’s up for order. The iOS app talks to a goofy shaped IR blaster, called the Fruit, which costs $99. The combination turns your mobile device into a Harmony-hunting universal remote, but a smarter one that not only knows how to turn on your TV but also how to tune it to the latest episode of Glee, apparently, since every promo shot seems to feature some bit of gleekery. The app is free now and the Fruit is up for purchase — though it’s currently showing as back ordered. Let’s hope it doesn’t spoil.

Peel universal remote adapter for iOS now available, $99 buys you expensive Fruit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 4.3 adds a wireless hotspot option for the AT&T iPhone. Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Apple this morning released a software update for its mobile operating system, introducing a wireless hotspot feature for AT&T iPhones, a faster Safari browser and expanded AirPlay video streaming, among other features.

The Verizon iPhone 4 gets the shaft, as the update is not yet available for the device.

The free update requires plugging iDevice into a computer and clicking the Update button in iTunes. Wired.com recommends syncing your device to back it up, because the update requires restoring the software to factory settings before installing it.

Wired.com previously covered the new features of iOS 4.3. Most significantly, the update includes a faster JavaScript-rendering engine for Safari, meaning JavaScript-heavy websites will work much faster than before. Also, the AT&T iPhone can now be turned into a wireless hotspot that can be shared with up to five devices, similar to the hotspot tool that shipped with the Verizon iPhone.

Other minor changes for the iPad include:

• Bigger spacebar on the virtual keyboard
• Resurrection of the physical lock switch for screen orientation
• A new Events mode when playing slideshows of your photo roll
• Expanded AirPlay support, so you can now stream video playing in third-party apps or Safari to the Apple TV.
• Push notifications and parental controls for Ping

And other minor changes for the AT&T iPhone and iPod Touch include:

• A streamlined Location Services menu to enable or disable geotracking inside apps.
• Expanded AirPlay support, so you can now stream video playing in third-party apps or Safari to the Apple TV.
• Push notifications and parental controls for Ping

The Verizon iPhone isn’t missing out on much, as it can already be turned into a wireless hotspot. However, Verizon iPhone owners who have an Apple TV 2 may be annoyed that they’ll have to wait for the expanded AirPlay support.

It’s unclear when the Verizon iPhone will get iOS 4.3. An Apple representative told ArsTechnica that it wouldn’t be happening anytime soon because the product had just launched, but that the OS versions will probably converge in the future.

Continue reading Apple releases iOS 4.3

Apple releases iOS 4.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If 32GB just isn’t enough to carry your entire collection of Police bootlegs and Greatest Hits compilations, prepare to look enviously upon this bastion of storage salvation. It’s a 64GB iPhone 4, a supposed prototype leaked by a Foxconn employee. M.I.C. Gadget scored a quick video of the phone, even prying off the back cover revealing internals that certainly look official. The back is curiously designated “XXGB,” which thankfully does not indicate a turn to Roman Numerals, while the model number and FCC ID are similarly X’d out. Other details, like a missing silver ring around the camera lens, indeed make this look like a prototype, but of course the question now is whether this plucky little handset will ever follow its dreams of becoming a production model before getting relegated to obsolescence.

Update: We went over to the Sin Tak shopping mall in Hong Kong to get up close and personal with this mysterious device. Shockingly, the folks wanted a hefty HK$13,500 (US$1,734) for their phone, but this alone doesn’t really prove whether it’s a legit Foxconn prototype. We also got some folks to run the numbers through Apple’s system, and while the serial number is invalid, the model number indicates that this device was manufactured in early 2010, which probably means at one point Apple intended to release a 64GB version of the iPhone 4, but then changed its mind. Ah well, let’s see what this summer will bring us.

Continue reading 64GB iPhone 4 prototype spotted in China? (Updated)

64GB iPhone 4 prototype spotted in China? (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remote controlling your personal desktop from an iPad is one thing, but today VMware is offering something a little heftier — a streamlined app to connect to enterprise-class virtual desktops. Like Citrix Receiver, the idea is that you’ll get the iPad client for free, and hopefully pay to have the cloud computers served up, but instead of streamlining applications for tablet use, VMware’s app hands you customizable PC-like controls. There’s a handy-looking virtual touchpad you can use for fine control over the mouse cursor if your fingers prove too pointy, a set of Windows shortcut keys at the top of the virtual keyboard, multi-finger gestures and more — but why not just watch the video after the break to see what’s in store?

Continue reading VMware View brings virtual desktops to iPad with touchscreen-friendly controls (video)

VMware View brings virtual desktops to iPad with touchscreen-friendly controls (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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