Hasta La Gadget!

Ready for a newly refined recipe for the next flavor of iOS? After dropping iOS 5 beta 2 on us on June 24th, Apple has now unleashed beta 3, meaning those with sensitive taste buds (and developer accounts) can start sniffing and sussing out what’s changed. Of note seem to be a bevy of toggles controlling location services in detail, while there’s also a new switch for voice roaming in settings. From what we’re seeing not a lot has changed visually anywhere outside of the gears icon, but don’t let that stop you from grabbing this savory download.

Update: In case you were wondering, yes indeed this new beta can still be jailbroken.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iOS 5 beta 3 comes out of the oven, brings new fixes and toggles to the table originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With nearly 350,000 apps and counting, the iPhone‘s maximum capacity of 32GB doesn’t allow you to even scratch the surface of the App Store’s catalog. Throw in an HD movie, some TV episodes, hundreds of tracks and a few thousand photos, and you’ll be chewing through those available bytes in no time. Most manufacturers compensate this limitation by including a microSD slot for additional storage, but not Apple — you’re stuck with that original capacity until you’re ready to upgrade to a new device. Luckily, for those who need more storage now and don’t mind paying for it, AirStash, Seagate’s GoFlex Satellite, and now Kingston’s ultra-slim Wi-Drive allow you to boost gigs without upgrading, or switching to another platform. None of these pocket servers come without compromise, however — you’ll be spending over $100 for even the most basic option, while adding yet another device to your portable mix.

Continue reading Kingston Wi-Drive wireless storage for iOS review (video)

Kingston Wi-Drive wireless storage for iOS review (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that PDF exploit from last year that JailbreakMe 2.0 was using to unlock your iPhone with just a few taps? Well, Apple patched it. And now it’s apparently back. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple acknowledged the exploit, and is working on an update at this very moment. In addition to the JailbreakMe 3.0 hack that came to light last week, the hole can also be used for some not-so-noble efforts, like grabbing your contacts database, accessing saved passwords, or activating your iPad or iPhone’s built-in camera. And nobody wants that. For one reason or another, German authorities have taken the lead on encouraging Apple to investigate, and have also warned all users to avoid opening PDF docs from untrusted sources. And we’re happy to echo that rather solid advice, given the implications. Ironically, JailbreakMe includes a patch for the very hole that allows it to function in the first place, so if you’re terrified that rogue PDFs will take over your devices, that’s an option to consider in the meantime.

Apple iOS 4.3.4 software update may fix iPhone hole, block PDF jailbreak originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s knack for filing patent applications has struck again, offering a pair of digital pens that could become a competitive one-up for HTC’s Scribe pen. Both filed apps revealed by the USPTO involve styli for iOS displays, but if you’re imagining a magical item that helps (or hinders) your typing, this is another ball of wax. The first stylus is appropriately called “stylus for touch sensitive devices” and includes a rechargeable battery that could be stored and charged by placing it in a dock embedded directly in the device. Curiously, the stylus is heated for “more consistent interaction between the capacitive-sensors in the computing device and the stylus,” which sounds mighty nice on a cold day. By allowing the user to easily write real notes and draw pictures, this patent turns out to be much more than just a different method of inputting text.

Next up is the “communicating stylus,” a digital pen equipped with accelerometers and wireless transmitters that send position data. This would enable it to be used for an iOS device without any physical contact or other accessories. In theory, you could take the stylus (shown after the break) across the room and still jot down notes or doodle on your iPad, even if it’s out of sight. Finally, “the greatest pointing device in the world” — our fingers — will get a chance to rest.

Continue reading Apple patent apps describe ‘smart’ pens for notetaking and long-distance doodling

Apple patent apps describe ‘smart’ pens for notetaking and long-distance doodling originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s hard to believe that the App Store has only been around for three years, but it’s easy to believe that its successes are many. Very, very many. Apple has just announced that it has rolled over the 15 billion mark for downloads, that from a selection of 425,000 apps. Apple’s proud of paying $2.5 billion to app developers and we’re pretty sure those developers are proud to be a part of that figure — even if they grumble about the 30 percent they’re losing for the privilege.

Continue reading App Store hits 15 billion downloads, $2.5 billion paid by Apple to developers

App Store hits 15 billion downloads, $2.5 billion paid by Apple to developers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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