As Apple TV (2010) makes its way out into the world people are figuring out more of what you can and can’t do with it, including Engadget who says there’s 1080p in (but not out) via iTunes:
We just ran some tests on the AppleTV’s playback limits by streaming 1080p movie trailers in iTunes and managed to verify murmurs saying the device can accept 1080p content. Unfortunately, output is a different story, since it downscales the image back to 720p on your display
TUAW meanwhile plugged it into PhoneView to access the AFC service area, tried Ping (the network IP command, not iTunes social music!), VLC, used TinyUmbrella to save SHSH blobs, and more:
You can register your Apple TV device in Xcode (it shows up immediately) to the iOS developer portal but you cannot perform any actual development — yet. Xcode complains that Apple TV does not “support development”. Bummer that.
Sounds like there will be fun times ahead, especially for the Jailbreak community.
GoodReader for iPad has just received a major update with some fantastic new features. PDF annotations is the biggest addition including notes, highlights, markups and drawings.
If you don’t already use this App for PDF viewing and management then you definitely should try it out. GoodReader is my most used iPad app, you can find out more about it in our quick review.
Full update details and more screenshots after the break.
Major update introducing major new feature – PDF Annotations, including notes, highlights, markups and drawings:
all annotations that you create or edit in GoodReader – notes, highlights, markups, and drawings >- are saved in a PDF file, so you will be able to see them later on a computer or in another copy of GoodReader on your colleague’s device
all notes, highlights, markups, and drawings created outside GoodReader, and properly stored in a PDF file, can be viewed or edited in GoodReader
types of annotations that you can create and edit in GoodReader: comments (“sticky notes”) with 7 different icons, text highlights, freehand drawings, lines, arrows, rectangles, ovals, text underlines, text deletion marks (strikeouts), text insertion marks, text replacement marks. You can freely adjust color of all of the above.
other types of annotations that you can view in GoodReader: text boxes with callouts, polygons and polylines, squiggly underlines, cloudy shapes, rubber stamps, file attachments. All annotations that can be viewed, can also be deleted. In addition, some of them can be edited in a limited fashion (color, placement, scale).
you can now extract files from PDF file attachments
two main gestures that you should use to work with annotations – single tap, and “tap & hold”. Depending on where you tap (on a text, on an existing annotation, or on a free space on a page), different menus will be presented to you.
Other important improvements and new features:
now you can select text directly on a PDF page. Tap on a text and hold your finger for a while. You can then copy it to the clipboard, or create markups for it (highlights, underlines, strikeouts, etc.)
certain not very large files were known to consistently crash GoodReader (as well as other PDF reader apps) for no apparent reason. This was the issue with iOS 3.x. We have resolved this issue. It shouldn’t be a problem now, even if you’re still on iOS 3.x (this one is for you, Linux Journal readers
now we can hide PDF watermarks (adjustable option in settings)
-> certain button images in place of PDF links that were not shown before, are now shown correctly
And some other nice things:
you can now choose which minimum zoom ratio you prefer for PDF pages – “fit to screen” or “fit to width” (an option in settings)
we have lifted the limitation for a size of files being extracted from PDF Portfolios. Now we’re able to extract files of any size. Just make sure that you have enough of free disk space!
now when you copy a file to the same location as the original, a copy is created. Very handy if you want to annotate a PDF file, but also want to leave the original file unchanged.
a workaround for the issue when WiFi was conflicting with Bluetooth (slow WiFi connection, occasional WiFi signal drops when Bluetooth switch is on, etc.) was finally found. Now there should be no conflict between WiFi and Bluetooth when working in GoodReader.
Rogers, the first Canadian carrier to offer the iPhone, put out a statement today saying 4 out of 5 iPhone 4 activations on their network went to existing customers. They’re also extending some of their promotions for those who haven’t yet snagged an iPhone 4 but might want to take advantage of them, especially the 6GB/$30 data plan. Act fast.
When Rogers/Fido launched the iPhone 4 on July 30, we announced special offers for our new and existing customers. Since then, we have activated a significant number of devices with 80 per cent having gone to our existing customers.
These special offers were scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, but we have some good news to share.
First, we are extending the 6GB/$30 promotion until Oct. 5. Second, we are extending one component of our early Hardware Upgrade offer through the end of the year. Any customer who activated or upgraded an earlier version of the iPhone with Rogers/Fido on a term contract on or before December 31, 2008 will be continue to be eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price when they upgrade to an iPhone 4. They can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.
While other components of our special iPhone 4 early HUP offer expire today, Rogers and Fido customers can continue to take advantage of our standard hardware upgrade savings. Fido customers can also add their Fido dollars to their Hardware Upgrade for additional savings.
From whom did they take those 20% new customer iPhone 4 activations?
This week I’m taking a look at iStudiez. A new school year is upon us and as I begin the journey of own Master’s degree I thought taking a look at one of the leading school and course management apps in the App Store was in order.
iStudiez is a very comprehensive course management application for the iPhone. This app literally does it all from cataloging semesters, courses and instructors to tasks and grades. So where do we begin? Let’s break the app down by section. So, first lets take a look at the Today section.
At the bottom of iStudiez you have four icons. The first icon is the Today icon. From here you get a summary of information you need to get done today. You have the option of turning on events from your iOS calendar, or feel free to leave it off. It displays all day events as well as regular times events. Simply tap on the event to get more information.
Next you have the Calendar icon. This is exactly as it sounds, a calendar for your courses and assignments. There is a toggle button up at the top of the screen that switches you from Schedule to viewing just your Assignments. This approach is quite nice as it allows you to see when your assignments are due and compare it with what your doing that day, week, etc to help you manage your time more efficiently. You can also add an assignment from here directly. Tap the plus icon located in the top right corner. Add the course, assignment name and details, due date and priority as well as push notification reminder and any partners you are working with to compete the assignment. Your partner information is pulled directly from your contacts list.
The next icon is your Assignments section. This is the place to view anything about what assignments you have, grades and completed courses. This section is divided into two areas; Current and Completed. Current lists your assignments by either Due Date, Course or Priority. Simply tap the choice you want and iStudiez will display and sort the results of your choosing. The completed section shows your completed course date and and course with your grade for that class.
The last section is the Planner icon. This area allows you to configure your Semesters, Holidays and Instructors. Your semesters can be be given a date range, nothing too exciting there. Next you can add your course and give it a color to help it stand out in the crowd. You can set your class as a regular class, single class or an exam. When you do this you also have the ability to set up that specific class’s schedule. You can pick the days of the week, its repeat schedule, instructor and location. You can enter the name, date and location for your exams as well. You can also enter in all of your instructor data from name, title, phone and email to office hours. You even get a comprehensive list of the classes that professor teaches based on what you have entered in your courses. Yes, tapping the phone number will launch the Phone app and email will compose and email; very convenient!
You have awesome control on how all of this data gets displayed in iStudiez. You can customize default phrases on your calendar such as “No classes today” and change that to “It’s a beach day!” for example. You can determine what information your calendar can specifically show. Turn off iOS calendar events if you want. Add a course color to differentiate between classes , assignments in the calendar; you have complete control. For me, a particularly useful option that is off by default is displaying week number.
There is not much else to say other than if you have an iOS device, buy this app immediately. It’s universal you can run it on an iOS device and the price is beyond reasonable at $2.99; the developer could easily charge more than that simply for the value in time savings that this app will give you.
This week I am looking at the Seidio Innocase II for iPhone 4. What makes this case great is that it is a two-part case that snaps about two thirds down. You slide the iPhone into the top, then slide the bottom on. The two pieces snap into place to provide a secure casing for iPhone 4.
The inside of the Innocase II is covered with a very soft, velvet like material to ensure that your beloved iPhone 4 receives no scratches when being pulled in and out of the case. Most cases have some sort of lining, but I have not seen too many like this. The lining is not meant for shock absorption, rather it’s purely there for protecting your investment from scratches, thanks Seido.
A couple things I have noticed about the case. The instructions state to “wiggle” the bottom of the case to remove it. However, I was unsuccessful at “wiggling” it (I mean, it is already flush against your iPhone 4 after all..). So, instead I used my inhuman strength to simply pull it off. This works for me, but did provide an initial shock when trying to remove it to dock my iPhone 4. Also, you probably know by now that whether it’s the iPhone or iPad, I like the glass edges protected on iPhone 4. The Innocase II does this no problem but to the extreme. I received a Fruit Ninja invite to place a multiplayer game on Game Center. After I accepted and started to play, I had problems slicing some fruit because I could not get my finger to touch the very edge of the iPhone 4 screen. Is this a deal breaker? Likely not, but something you should know before considering buying this case. Honestly, it probably won’t be an issue for most of our readers.
You can get the Innocase in a plethora of colors in our store; surely one to fit your style. I am sporting the green one and dig it. I feel this case protects well and is secure (it won’t fall off) and looks good with adding minimal thickness to the iPhone 4. You can pick up the Seidio Innocase II for iPhone 4 at the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store.
Pros
Solid protection for iPhone 4
Aesthetically pleasing
Easily removable for docking, etc.
Multiple colors
Cons
The ridges next to the screen are a little too high
For everyone else, we are discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after September 30, 2010. We are also returning to our normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after September 30. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case.
So once again, if you just want a free case, today’s the last day to buy an iPhone 4 and qualify for one. After today, you’ll have to have a real antenna problem and go through AppleCare.
Zentomino for iPhone is an easy to play puzzle game and a great time killer. While the game may have a simple concept, some of the puzzles are not as simple to solve. To complete a puzzle, you’ll take Tetris-like pieces and fit them inside the puzzle designs without overlapping or going outside the boundaries. Drag pieces out of their places or back in, tap them while on the board to rotate them. Sometimes you’ll use all the pieces allotted to you, sometimes you won’t.
When you first start the game, you’ll be presented with pages and pages of puzzles to take a stab at. What I really like about this game is that you aren’t forced to complete the puzzles in any specific order. You can flick through the pages and choose which ones you want to solve. Once you complete one, it will show the colored completed version as you scroll through. Get stuck on a certain puzzle? Click one button to take you back to the puzzle selection screen and take a stab at another one. You can always go back later and each puzzle should be as you left it.
Zentomino also links into Game Center. You’ll get achievements based on completing a particularly complex puzzle, which will then show up in your achievements. You can see your achievements within Game Center, or clicking a link on the Zentomino main screen will link into Game Center to show you them.
So if you’re looking for a good strategy or puzzle game, check out Zentomino and let us know what you think! They’ve also got a Lite version if you’d rather try before buying.
Pros
Controls are easy to understand and fluid
Lots of puzzle choices
Game Center Integration
Cons
Controls during game play to go back to main menu and reset pieces are a little small, making them bigger would make them easier to click on
iOS 4.2 beta 2 for iPad, when used on some European carriers, is popping up Internet Tethering settings similar to those on iPhone. Since it’s not showing up everywhere, and certainly not in the US, could this mean only certain geographies will be getting the feature, or is it just some accident in the firmware or carrier file update that’s causing it?
Either way, it does show the panel is built into iPad, so why isn’t it already there and for everyone, like on iPhone? We pay for the bits, we should be able to use them when, where, and how we see fit. (And we should be able to tether iPad to iPhone — just like BlackBerry’s doing with the PlayBook — but that’s rant for another day).
Apple should just flip the switch and turn it on and let the carriers scurry around in the harsh light of day and explain to us, their customers, why it should be blocked or surcharged. (And no, paying an extra $20 a month to share a $30 data plan — $50 total — is not a viable option, carriers).
Arguably one of the most addictive games for iOS, Angry Birds, has just received a pretty significant update that is now available in the App Store. The update gives you the following improvements and add-ons.
Game Center support
Retina Display compatibility
15 new levels
This is a free update for those of you who own the app and if you don’t, just spend the $.99 already…
Lowtide runs the Apple TV interface, similar to how SpringBoard runs the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad home screen system, and it looks like Apple designed the built-in iOS app with cross-device support because developer Dunstin Howett got it up and running on an iPod touch 4.
Erica Sadun from TUAW has the details:
This is probably not something you’ll want to do yourself. And the reason is pretty technical, so please excuse me while I get all jargony on you. Extracting frameworks from the iPhone’s “dyld” cache system was not enough to get the app to run (an approach I initially tried). Instead, you need to use caches native to Apple TV, which is the approach Howett used.
So it’s more a proof-of-concept than anything practical at this point, but getting things to run where they ought not is like climbing a mountain — because it’s there.
Apple TV (2010) barely made it off the shelves before the folks at iFixit sent us word they had a tear down under way. And it turns out this new Apple TV has a lot in common with Apple’s other new iOS device this year, the iPad:
The Apple TV has 256 RAM, just like the 4th Generation iPod Touch and the iPad. The key marking of interest on the A4 processor package is “K4X2G643GE,” which is identical to the marking found on the iPad.
We found Samsung K9LCG08U1M 8GB NAND flash chip inside the Apple TV! It’s the same chip we found when taking apart the iPad. This is a pretty remarkable amount of storage for a $99 device.
We are pretty sure the flash memory is used to cache your favorite shows while they’re being streamed.
There is an empty spot right next to the Samsung NAND flash that looks to be the perfect size for putting another Samsung NAND flash chip. Could Apple be planning a higher capacity Apple TV in the future?
Wi-Fi board brought to you courtesy of Panasonic! This is the first time we’ve seen a Wi-Fi board from Panasonic in an Apple device. A different division of Panasonic usually supplies the optical drives for Apple’s laptops.
The Panasonic Wi-Fi board contains a Broadcom BCM4329XKUBG 802.11n Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM, exactly the same as the one we found on the iPad.
The solder pads near the side of the logic board look to be a perfect match for a dock connector! This Apple TV seems to be a couple of features shy of a full-on computer. Perhaps this logic board will be used in future iPads?
Apple is continuing its theme of hiding power supplies inside their devices. It’s especially impressive here, considering that the Apple TV is only slightly larger than a 60 watt MacBook AC adapter.
The sticker on the power supply has this rating: 3.4V @ 1.75A. We’ll save you the multiplication: that’s just 5.95 watts!
Apple brags that when in standby mode, the Apple TV uses less power than a night light. We don’t suggest trying to use the status LED to illuminate your dark hallways, though.
They say Apple TV is one of the easiest Apple products they’ve ever torn down. Good news for do-it-yourself’ers. For the complete step by step and all the pics, hit the link below.
Looks like Apple TV (2010) is starting to be delivered and several readers now claim to have them in their hot little hands. If you’ve gotten yours, let us know and tell us what it’s like.
And if you need help setting it up, using the new features, testing AirPlay with iOS 4.2 beta, or just want to kick the discussion up a notch, check out our brand new Apple TV Forum.
Author: Rene Ritchie | Filed under: News, apple tv
We knew it was coming, but today, Autodesk have released AutoCAD® WS for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Open DWG drawings uploaded to your free* AutoCAD WS online workspace
See all aspects of your DWG file, including external references, layers, and image underlays
Use Multi-Touch zoom and pan to more easily navigate very large drawings
Tap objects to select, then move, rotate, and scale
Draw or edit shapes with accuracy using Snap and Ortho modes
Add and edit text annotations directly on your device; no need for paper mark-ups
Validate distance measurements in the drawing while you are onsite at the actual location
Save your edits to your AutoCAD WS online workspace, so your drawings stay up to date
Share designs with others directly from your device
Work with other people on the same DWG file simultaneously
View edits to drawings in real time: AutoCAD WS immediately captures changes made by you and others in your online workspace.
The app is free and available now in the app store. If you’re an AutoCAD user and you try it out, leave us a comment and let us know how it works for you.
What’s the best way to get Apple to do a non-warranty repair on your bricked or broken iPhone or iPad? Simple: tell the truth.
I have seen all kinds of schemes cooked up by people who have done something ill-advised to their devices. They have a strategy. They know how to fool the liquid sensors. They have a story for the dent they couldn’t pound out. They play innocent when their product is mysteriously bricked. They have a plan for every contingency.
When all else fails, they make noise, complain to the manager, write angry letters to SJ and the media. Finally, they post on internet forums and try to win in the court of public opinion. Well, I’m here to tell you, there is a better way.
Last night, I called the local Apple store to tell them I had bricked my iPad. I made it clear that it was my fault. They told me to go ahead and bring it in anyway and made an appointment for that night.
When I was called, I repeated that it was bricked because of something that I did, and just hoped they could reset it. They gave me no guarantees, but promised to try, and try, they did. After about an hour, they told me that it was as good as fried. I thanked them and did my best to hold it together.
The rep was not done talking. She said they would consider it a warranty repair, and simply gave me a brand new, 32 GB 3G iPad. I was shocked. I told her I couldn’t accept it, as they owed me nothing. It was not a warranty issue and I didn’t want anyone to get in trouble over my mistake. She told me that Apple was more interested in making me happy. She also told me not to ever do that again.
My wife was also floored by the generosity of service. I know that if I had gone in with some lame story, I would have been out of luck. No need. This was not my first, such experience, but it was the most dramatic.
If you damage your device, don’t try to hide the evidence, or make up a story. Just tell the truth. There is a reason why Apple keeps getting the highest scores for customer satisfaction.
This is an official entry by dandbj13 in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!
Apple TV (2010) doesn’t seem to be getting as traditional or coordinated a release as most iOS devices, but some media outlets have gotten their geeky little hands on the all new a little early and shared their impressions… and their videos.
Follow on after the break for the early word on triumphs and tragedies.
Clayton Morris of Fox News thinks Apple may have a “quiet hit” on their hands:
The new Apple TV is very promising, but it won’t amount to hill of beans if Apple markets it the same way they did the last one — basically not at all. Apple can jokingly call it a ‘hobby,’ but if the company wants it to be a successful hobby they need to educate consumers the same way they did with the iPad.
Tim Gideon of PCMag says it’s feature-driven and streamlined:
The new, miniature Apple TV costs less than most iPods. Sure, the rental limitations can be irksome, but, particularly for iOS device owners, the new features dramatically outweigh the letdowns. Because of its affordability, ease-of-use, and impressive capabilities, the Apple TV gets our Editors’ Choice award. If more networks were onboard the 99-cent rental bandwagon at launch, it would have received an even-higher rating. Fingers crossed the TV selection will improve over time.
Joshua Topolsky of Engadget thinks AirPlay could be a game-changing component of the Apple TV:
But none of the other options we’ve tested have felt as simple, solid, and easy to use as the new Apple TV. Putting content concerns aside (which admittedly is difficult to do), the Apple TV has a lot going for it. The video and audio quality of the Apple TV is to be lauded, the company is making a lot of high quality titles available right off the bat, sharing from your current computers is a snap, and if you’re a Netflix user, the inclusion here is perfectly seamless.
So, much like the original Apple TV, it’s promising but held back by the myopia of Hollywood and second-class citizen status at Apple?
As more reviews go online, we’ll add to the list and we’ll be back sometime this weekend with our own TiPb review.
Alongside iOS 4.2 beta 2, Apple has also released iTunes 10.1 beta for developers to help them get their apps ready for the new firmware due in November.
This is a pre-release version of iTunes 10.1 beta to support testing of printing from your iOS app. Be sure to backup your iTunes content prior to installing iTunes 10.1 beta.
AirPrint to support wireless printing, along with AirPlay to support audio and video streaming are among the most prominent features.
Apple has released iOS 4.2 beta 2 for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch to registered developers, once again keeping to their typical every two weeks on a Tuesday patten.
No word yet on what new surprises lurk in beta 2, or in the code deep beneath it, but we’ll update as we learn more. In the meantime, head on over to developer.apple.com and start your downloads.
ToDo for iPhone by Appigo has long been one of my favorite productivity apps. I’ve been desperately waiting to see this app updated mainly with support for local notifications. The fact that you’d have to open the app in order to update the badge was somewhat irritating. It’s part of the reason I switched back to Evernote.
Not only does ToDo now support local notifications, it’s been updated with complete multitasking support as well as high resolution graphics for the iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4th gen. It also supports password protection and adding multiple alerts for tasks. I’ve noticed the app overall is a lot more responsive as well.
Anyone here a die hard ToDo user? And if you use something else, let us know why. This update tempting anyone to give ToDo a try for the first time?
Looks like Hulu Plus will be coming to Apple TV competitor Roku. There’s already a Hulu Plus app for Apple’s iPad, and while my deepest, darkest wish is that it will support AirPlay to beam content straight to Apple TV, past history (and its use of non-standard video controls) make me think it won’t. And hey, even if by some miracle it does, just like Apple TV has built-in Netflix support, built-in support for Hulu Plus would be huge (no need to waste iPad resources and Wi-Fi bandwidth).
It would also nicely round out the ABC and FOX rentals with NBC shows, and add to the back catalog available on Netflix.
Powers that be, make it so. (And make it so outside the US as well while you’re at it, okay?)
Update: TiVO is getting Hulu Plus as well [@meinck]
