Apple Now Storing and Sharing Your Location With Others [Rant]

Perhaps you should have read this new paragraph in the software license before installing iOS 4. You know, the one that now says that Apple has the right to “collect, use, and share precise [your gadget’s] real-time geographic location”: More »

iPhone 3G, iOS 4, and you — what’s missing (spoiler: multitasking)

While iOS 4 is delivering on every promise for the iPhone 3GS users out there, as we were all told up front, the iPhone 3G would be missing some of those touted new features. Granted, we knew such disparities would exist but were never given the finer details. Now that the final build is percolating through the internet, we decided to take a look at what features are and aren’t working on the earlier year’s model.

What’s there

  • Folders
  • Threaded mail
  • iTunes playlist creation / editing
  • 5x digital zoom: just tap on the display near the capture button, but be warned, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture
  • iBooks: we were having issues with the earlier build, but it seems to be running fine after today’s official download — PDFs work, too.
  • Photos: you can now sort by albums, events, faces, and places
  • Game Center: the icon is present, but as of this writing we’re unable to connect to the servers. (Update: a number of readers saying it didn’t come with today’s download. We nabbed ours as a gold build, which might explain the discrepancy despite still being considered “up to date” by iTunes.)
  • Spell check has been updated
  • Spotlight search: you can search the web and Wikipedia from the home screen search bar. That said, not all our queries — “Engadget,” for example — weren’t offering the option. [Thanks, jkane08]

What isn’t

  • Multitasking: this is the big one. Double-tapping the home button doesn’t give you the handy menu, there’s no fast app switching, and background use is missing in action.
  • Screen lock: normally in the multitasking menu (which isn’t available on 3G), it’s nowhere to be found, even under Settings. Bummer.
  • Home screen wallpaper: you’d think this simple addition would make the cut, but sadly no. The dock has been given a visual upgrade, though.
  • Bluetooth Keyboard support: we haven’t tried this ourselves, but an influx of reports from Twitter suggest this is also a no-go.

We’ll keep testing, but be sure to let us know your own discoveries below!

iPhone 3G, iOS 4, and you — what’s missing (spoiler: multitasking) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Complete Guide to Using iOS 4 [IOS4]

iOS 4 is here for iPhone and iPod touch. You’re probably downloading right now. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of iOS 4. More »

Apple rolls out iBooks app for iPhone, iPod touch

It’s not just multitasking apps that are hitting the App Store to coincide with the release of iOS 4.0 — Apple has also just rolled out version 1.1 of its iBooks app, which is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch in addition to the iPad (officially, this time). As previously announced, the app now also supports PDF viewing, and boasts a range of other more minor improvements, including new ways to bookmark (complete with syncing across devices), your choice of white or sepia colored pages, more font options and, of course, “greater stability and better performance.”

Apple rolls out iBooks app for iPhone, iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Launches iOS 4 for iPhone, iPod Touch

Apple on Monday quietly rolled out the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 4 (formerly named iPhone OS 4). The upgrade introduces several key features such as multitasking, a unified inbox for e-mail and the ability to group apps into folders.

The new elements of iOS 4 have been covered thoroughly by Apple and here at Wired.com, so there isn’t much to add. (If you want a nice deep dive, check out Jacqui Cheng’s review of iOS 4 at ArsTechnica.) But we can tell you the new update runs considerably smoother and faster than iPhone OS 3, and overall it’s a fantastic free update.

Will it work on your iDevice? Here’s what you need to know:

iPhone owners

  • Original iPhones (2007) cannot run iOS 4 at all. That means you won’t be able to run any apps developed for iOS 4. Bummer.
  • iPhone 3G (2008) owners can run iOS 4, but multitasking is not supported.
  • iPhone 3GS (2009) and the upcoming iPhone 4 are fully compatible with iOS 4.

iPod Touch owners

  • Original iPod Touch (2007) devices cannot run iOS 4.
  • Second-generation iPod Touch (2008) devices can run iOS 4, but multitasking is not supported.
  • Third-generation iPod Touch (2009 and current) devices fully support iOS4.

iPad owners

  • You won’t get iOS 4 until fall.

Ready to go? Here’s how to install the update:

1. Upgrade your iTunes version to 9.2.

2. We recommend you back up your data before running the install, so plug in your iOS device via USB and hit Sync.

3.  When you’re done syncing, click Check for Update.

4. Download iOS 4, then follow the on-screen instructions to install. And you’re done!

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com


Download iPhone iOS4 Now [Apple]

iPhone 3GS and 3G owners, plus iPod Touch-users, time to plug in to your computer and download iOS4. It’s here. More »

iOS 4 now available for your iPhone 3G, 3GS, newer-generation iPod touches

Right on time, Apple has unleashed iOS 4 for owners of the iPhone product codes 1,2, 2,1, and 3,1 — in other words, the 3G, 3GS, and yet-unreleased iPhone 4. Owners of more recent iPod touches are also in luck. Interestingly, the build is 8A293 — the exact same that was released to developers before as a GM seed — so Apple apparently found no showstoppers pressing enough to necessitate a new build before pushing it to the public at large. It’s coming up in iTunes now, so go on — what are you waiting for?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iOS 4 now available for your iPhone 3G, 3GS, newer-generation iPod touches originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warning: Dont Try to Trade Pot, iPod touch for iPad on Craigslist

ipad for pot.jpg

Having a bad week? Take heart. You’re most likely not as dim as Jacob Walker and Joseph Velarde. The two Arizona-based geniuses put up a Craigslist ad that said they were willing to trade an iPod touch and a good amount of pot for an Apple iPad.

“i am willing to trade my 32 gb ipod touch 3rd generation and a quarter of DANK. blue dream straight outta cali,” according to a copy of the ad that was posted on Edible Apple. “the ipod is in PERFECT condition. not one scratch. it has been in the case the whole time and has never had screen cover removed!!!! let me know!!!!”

The ad included a photo of the iPod touch next to the pot, on a scale.

Flawless plan, right? Too bad it was police who responded rather than an iPad-owning marijuana enthusiast. Police in Gilbert, Ariz. saw the ad and set up a meeting with Walker. He and Velarde, both 20, were arrested after handing over the pot.

iBend is an iPhone Stand in your Pocket

iBend.jpg

You’ve got to love the simplicity of the iBend. This rigid vinyl iPhone stand is so slim you can fit it in your wallet, purse, or even your iPhone’s case. Remove it, and you’ve got a convenient way to prop up your iPhone for a little video viewing. It also works with the iPod Touch and the Nexus One.

As you can see on the iBend site, it comes in some attractively designed patterns. The price is a low $4.99, and that’s for two iBends, so it’s nice to see an iPhone accessory that doesn’t price gouge. If you’ve ever been sitting at a coffee shop or on a plane and wished you could prop your iPhone up while you watch a movie, then it’s $5 well spent.

WirelessIris brings follow focus to your DLSR via iPhone app (video)

If you’re shooting with movie cameras (or HD-enabled DSLRs like the Canon 5DMkII), being able to make your adjustments digitally is “epic” (or so says Engadget Show Producer Chad Mumm, who just declared this particular hardware “awesome”). The fStop Wireless Receiver is an affordable WiFi receiver that’s compatible with most remote focus systems (common in the world of professional cinematography). Featuring multiple wireless channels and integration with the WirelessIris iPhone app, this bad boy will have you fussing with your camera’s controls from your spacious (and convenient) Apple touchscreen device in no time! That is, once you shell out $1,389 (or find a friend with very deep pockets). Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Videos after the break.

Continue reading WirelessIris brings follow focus to your DLSR via iPhone app (video)

WirelessIris brings follow focus to your DLSR via iPhone app (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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