Archive for March, 2011

Twitter for iPhone has been updated and the much hated #dickbar Quick Bar has been removed.

The intoduction of the Quick Bar infuriated many users, so this was a smart move by Twitter. In fact, many users sought out 3rd party Twitter applications to replace the official one.

Were you one of those users? Will you return to Twitter’s official application now that the Quick Bar has been removed? Or have you fallen in love with a different app, and if so, which one?

[Thanks Ethan for the tip!]

Twitter for iPhone removes #dickbar is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


AppleInsider has discovered patent applications showing that Apple may be interested in including dual rear-facing cameras and additional sensors for a new 3D image technology in mobile devices such as the iPhone.

The hardware-based system would be an improvement over recent Android devices that include 3D camera technology due to software that takes “guesses” at how to conduct stereo disparity compensation on 3D images. The more guesses needed to process these images result in loss of quality and artifacts.

Apple’s documented patent, entitled “Systems and Methods for an Imaging System Using Multiple Image Sensors”, would provide higher quality 3D images based on multiple image sensors and hardware processing, eliminating artifacts and other quality issues. The patent also describes 3D video recording capability. (This would require Apple to include a 3D display on the iPhone.)

If Apple were to pack this technology into the iPhone 5 would you actually use it, or are 3D cameras on mobile devices just another gimmick? Let us know in the comments!

[AppleInsider]

Apple considering 3D camera technology for the iPhone? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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The TiPb forums are naturally a great place to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven’t already, head on over and register now!

See you in the forums!

Words with Friends, 4G or dual core?, iPad 2 Element Case Joule Chroma give away, iPad light leak – From the Forums is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

  • Essay – write in style: Rich text word processing for iPhone and iPad with Dropbox sync. Now a universal app for iPhone and iPad. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

  • RDM+ Remote Desktop for iPhone: Access your Mac or Windows and run any desktop application remotely through NAT and Firewall! Now even faster and more convenient for users. [$9.99 - iTunes link]

  • Forget-Me-Not: A tiny little arcade game for one or two players. [$1.99 - iTunes link]

  • 100 Cameras in 1 for iPad: The popular iPhone photo editing app is now available for iPad! [$2.99 - iTune slink]

  • RoomSaver HD: Planning a vacation? Search for a hotel and find great deals! [Free - iTunes link]

Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think!

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Thursday, March 31 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


You asked us to put the Otterbox Defender head-to-head against the Incipio Destroyer in a proper, traditional Smartphone Experts style review and… I thought to heck with that. We’re doing an Amazing Case episode of TiPb TV. No, not a Jiu-Jitsu death-match or scratch test or water torture, this time we’re taking the Defender and the Destroyer out onto the frigid Canadian slopes, we’re putting them up against ice and snow and mud and rocks — we’re literally putting our butts on the line to stress test them for the TiPb nation!

We’ve previously taken a look at how to put on and take off the Destroyer and how to install and remove the Defender. This time we took them… sledding! Now the Defender’s outer layer is silicon (Destroyer puts that layer inside) and non-stick might be great for grip but not for racing down a hill. So we had to take that off. Destroyer is also literally screwed together. With differences like that, could it be a fair test? Could we figure out which one would best keep your iPad protected (and me alive?)

Hit play and find out!

[Special thanks to @marcedwards from Bjango for the 1-star rating t-shirts. Meh!]

TiPb TV 18: Ultimate iPad sledding challenge

TiPb TV 18: Ultimate iPad case sledding challenge is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


During the Photoshop World 2011 keynote, Adobe showed off a version of its popular PC and Mac application, Photoshop — running on an iPad. This is a totally different version to the Photoshop Express app which is already available. The new Photoshop app was given a short demo, which showed off the use of layers and a few other new features

There was no mention of when this app will be released or if it will be iPad only (or iPad 2 only due to the power needed to run it) but we will keep you in the loop as soon as we hear. If you want to catch a short video of the app in action, head over to Photography Bay.

[Photography Bay]

Adobe working on a full featured version of Photoshop for iPad is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


iPad 2 tear down

Japan’s continuing problems with power are having a serious affect on manufacturers of components used in many of Apple’s products. The power constraints are causing upstream components to increase in price. According to DigiTimes, Apple has decided to absorb these additional costs in exchange for smooth shipments.

The DigiTimes source also pointed out that the iPad 2’s monthly shipments are expected to be ramped up to four million units in the second quarter of this year. Apple’s Japanese based upstream component suppliers should be able to meet these demands up until May; from June there may be a problem.

[DigiTimes]

Apple set to absorb price increases caused by Japan’s continuing power problems? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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If you can’t get enough of the impending British Royal Wedding, now there is an app for that! Trinity Mirror has launched a universal iOS app that includes photo galleries, video clips and audio from its royal correspondent James Whitaker.

Appealing to all users, whether they be staunch Royalists or just swept up in the fairytale romance between William and Kate, prepare to be enchanted by their compelling story while devouring this exclusive content from the Daily Mirror: each chapter contains an introductory video and picture gallery, with the background behind each image being easily and smoothly accessible by simply tapping on the ‘info’ or ‘audio’ icon on each image.

The question is, is there any demand for an app like this? Is anyone really that interested in the upcoming Royal Wedding to actually buy an app? Let us know what you think in the comments!

[$1.99 - iTunes-Link]

Royal wedding app for iPhone and iPad now available is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


Following the awful earthquakes and devastating tsunami that hit Japan, it is good to hear that Japanese carrier Softbank are offering assistance to children that were left orphaned by the recent disaster, including free replacements for any damaged iPhones.

Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son has announced via twitter that all earthquake orphans will receive free phones with all calling costs waived until they reach 18 years old. This offer is even extended to those on other networks such as DoCoMo.

We say well done Softbank and in particular Mr Son!

[Engadget]

Softbank to offer free iPhone replacements and calls for earthquake and tsunami orphans in Japan. is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


SBSettings is a wonderful little jailbreak app that adds tons of quick toggles to your iOS springboard. The one thing I don’t care for in SBSettings is the default theme. It’s just downright ugly. I get tons of questions on whether or not you can theme SBSettings like you can the rest of your springboard. The answer is yes. It’s quite simple actually. Hit the jump to find out how!

Downloading SBSettings Themes

  1. Open Cydia and tap on Sections.
  2. Scroll down to themes and you’ll see a section for “Themes (SBSettings)”. Browse through all the available themes for SBSettings and install the ones you like.

Changing your SBSettings theme

  1. Now open SBSettings (by swiping to the right or left on your top status bar). You’ll see a “More” option. Select that and you’ll see the window below.
  2. Tap the “SBSettings Themes” option. You should see some default themes and all the ones you installed.
  3. Tapping the blue arrows will let you see a quick preview of each theme.
  4. Simply select the theme you’d like to use by tapping it.
  5. Respring your phone and your new theme should now be active!

That’s all there is to it. Try it out and let us know which themes are your favorites in the comments!

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to news@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

How to: download and change themes for SBSettings [jailbreak] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


iPhone Live! podcast tonight!  6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am GMT

iPhone Live! podcast is tonight people and we want you to show up and chat with us! More than that, we want you to bring a friend, frenemy, or straight out foe and share the fun! We can’t promise CAKE but we will discuss whether or not iPhone 5 delays are a LIE! (With a special Wednesday appearance by Chad!)

Time: 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST!

Place: http://live.tipb.com/live/

(You can watch from iPhone via Ustream Viewer app (here’s how) and iPad (we recommend Duet Browser.)

If you have any questions or stuff you want us to make sure we cover tweet them to @TiPb, email them to podcast@tipb.com, or leave them in the comments below!

iPhone Live podcast tonight at 9pm EDT, come chat! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


Following up on earlier news that an untethered exploit was handed over to the Dev-Team from developer Stefan Essen, prominent Dev-Team member @MuscleNerd tweeted that the exploit is working and they’re hammering out remaining jailbreak issues at this time.

well @i0n1c’s untether is solid! Just working out overall 4.3.x JB issues and Cydia :)

It looks like we could see a working untethered iOS 4.3 jailbreak tool released soon based on the progress update, but remember it won’t work with the iPad 2 unless a new vulnerability is found and implemented (Apple patched the userland exploit found by Comex in 4.3.1).

Do you think we’ll see a jailbreak released for 4.3 soon? Sound off in the comments below!

Dev-Team working out final issues with iOS 4.3 untethered jailbreak is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


While I refuse to believe the rumors are true, and will keep refusing until Steve Jobs (or whomever) ends their WWDC 2011 keynote 100% new iPhone 5 free, I simply have to ask — If Apple doesn’t release an iPhone 5 this year what will you do?

If you just got a new Verizon iPhone you probably don’t care as much (maybe you’re even a little relieved?) If you think iPhone 4 is still way ahead of the competition, maybe it doesn’t matter to you either. If you plan on getting a white iPhone 4, could that hold you over? But what if Apple just broke your heart yesterday, then what? Is it enough to make you take a good long look at an Android-based alternative?

We might be facing our first June since 2007 without a new iPhone. What will you do? Vote in the poll above and let us know the details in the comments below!

Poll: If Apple doesn’t release an iPhone 5 this June what will you do? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


Developer Stefan Essen recently demoed an iOS 4.3 untethered jailbreak exploit on video. Today on Twitter, he has stated that the exploit has been turned over to the iPhone Dev-Team. He stated when he released the demo video that he had no intention of releasing a jailbreak tool himself.

What the iPhone Dev-Team will do with the untether isn’t completely clear at this point, but we can hope that it allows for a untethered jailbreak in the near future under iOS 4.3. For all of you iPad 2 users out there, Stefan Essen has already stated that this exploit won’t do you any good.

The iPhone Dev-Team is currently beta testing the exploit. We’ll see if they decide to implement it in a tool in the near future. How many of you are waiting to upgrade and still on iOS 4.2.1?

iOS 4.3 untethered jailbreak exploit handed over to Dev-Team is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Dell dude says only they can offer imaginary, over priced technology to Enterprise

Andy Lark, global head of marketing for Dell — and we assume the dude who used to tell dudes they were getting Dells, dude? — decided to talk a little Apple and iPad 2 at CIO Australia. We’d make fun of what he said but unfortunately he beat us to it:

“Apple is great if you’ve got a lot of money and live on an island. It’s not so great if you have to exist in a diverse, open, connected enterprise; simple things become quite complex.”

“An iPad with a keyboard, a mouse and a case [means] you’ll be at $1500 or $1600; that’s double of what you’re paying,” he claimed. “That’s not feasible.”

Wait, what?! Not to get all Macalope on the dude, but let me break out my abacus app and double check that. iPad 16GB is $500, BT keyboard is $70, mouse is $0 (no mice for iPad, genius), smart cover is $40… carry the yellow bead… and thats $610. If we bump iPad 2 to the highest end and wrap it it leather, it’s still only $970.

Easy to see where Lark went wrong. I’ve owned cheap plastic Dells. They cracked and broke and burnt out so much faster than Apple hardware he probably thinks you’ll have to replace your iPad two or three times a year just like he does his hackintoshed Mini. Not so good Lark. (And if one does have a problem the Apple Store will typically swap it out, no need to stay on hold for 97 hours with what simply has to be a robotic customer service center drone on Lost Island that still can’t pass the Turing test. Dude.)

[CIO, thanks to Lark for the chance to snark!]

Dell dude says only they can offer imaginary, over priced technology to Enterprise is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


Could Blackberry Messenger hit the iPhone on the 26th April? Following a story earlier this month about RIM possibly bringing its Blackberry Messenger to iOS and Android, a MacRumours forum member has said that Co-CE Jim Balsillie reportedly announced at a recent social media conference, that RIM is planning to bring BBM and “other services” to iOS on April 26th.

RIM had a Social Media conference today in Toronto, and my entire college business and marketing class was invited to the event. RIM’s co-ceo Jim Balsillie revealed that they plan to bring BBM and “other services” to iPhone on April 26 via the app store.

Balsillie also supposedly revealed that RIM are already planning an update to take advantage of a new notification system in iOS this summer. Of course, RIM has neither confirmed or denied this rumour, but it is slightly peculiar that RIM would invite a class of college students to an event, and announce something like this.

Do you think this is real? fake? or really fake? Would you use BBM, if it came to iPhone?

UPDATE: Really, really, fake according to RIM. [via CrackBerry.com and BGR]

[MacRumours via TUAW]

UPDATED: BlackBerry Messenger to hit iPhone on 26th April? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

  • RoboSockets: Link Me Up (give-away): This fun little match-3 game is now a universal app for iPhone and iPad. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

  • Doodle Jump: Now with multiplayer! Race against your Game Center friends over Wi-Fi to see who can reach the finish line first! [$0.99 - iTunes link]

  • Fandango: Now with AirPlay support. Send high-quality trailers to your Apple TV. [Free - iTunes link]

  • Facely HD for Facebook: Brand new native chat interface! [$2.99 - iTunes link]

  • NYTimes: Now with more content, including blogs, videos and slide shows. [Free - iTunes link]

The folk at Tatem Games have provided us with promo codes for RoboSockets: Link Me Up to give away to you! For a chance to win, just leave a comment below!

Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think!

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Wednesday, March 30 [give-away] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


We asked you to come up with your best dorkiest photoshops of the #iPadTourist Rene and post them to Twitter. Obviously we forgot to tell Twitter because for the last few days we’ve been desperately trying to find all the entries only to face this:

Older Tweet results for #ipadtourist are unavailable.

Yeahbuwhathefrak?

We waited a couple of days to see if the Twitter #fail would pass but sadly it has not. Now we’ve been saving them as they came up, and twitpic has a lot of them, but we know for sure we’re missing some and we don’t want to miss any. So here’s what we’re going to do — we’re going to ask you to either email us your pics to news@tipb.com or paste a link to them in the comments below. We’ll extend the deadline a few days, then one Friday we’ll post our top 10 favorites right here on TiPb.com and let you, the TiPb nation, vote for the winner.

Our apologies for the extra hassle, but you’re still getting all the great prizes (and the Hawaiian rhino shirt off Rene’s back!) and maybe a little something extra for your troubles! (And Twitter’s #fail!)

Help us #iPadTourist contest entrants, you’re our only hope! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog


Have you ever wanted to know how to track how much data your iPhone or iPad are using? If you’re on a capped plan, you probably should, especially now that there have been accusations AT&T have been fudging data numbers. There are a few different ways in which you can track how much data your iPhone or iPad has used. Stay with us after the break to find out how to use the built-in method.

Most casual users will only go through about 100 to 200 MB per month. So as long as you are not downloading videos or streaming a ton of internet radio you should be fine even on a relatively low tiered plan. The only way to know for sure, however, is to keep track of it. (I have at times gotten into hot water with my carrier due to the number of YouTube videos I watched!)

  1. Go to settings
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap Usage
  4. Look at Cellular Network Data, sent and received
  5. Reset Statistics

Now you can reset the statistics so you can track your usage. It will also tell you the last day that you reset. Unless you’re a math whiz with a great memory, set an alarm to remind you to tap Reset Statistics at the beginning of each billing cycle so you have a better idea how much data you’re using during the current month.

Bonus Tip: There are also apps like DataMan — which Ally reviewed back in December and now comes in an iPad version as well — that help you track and manage your data.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

Daily Tip: How to track your data usage is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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30 Mar 2011

Daily Tip: How to track your data usage

Author: Georgia | Filed under: Data Usage, Tips and How-To, how-to, track

The photo editing iPhone app Camera+ released a big update today that brings Clarity, a new feature that automagically brings drastic improvement to your photos.

We created Clarity to help turn all the shots you take into perfect photos. Clarity analyzes your photos and makes several intelligent adjustments that magically bring out details and breathe life into dull photos. There’s no need to futz with complicated and confusing controls… behind the scenes, we do all that and more for you through innovative “smart-processing”.

Other features include:

  • Added a ‘+’ button to the touch focus control to enable you to easily split it into focus and exposure controls
  • Multiple photos are now saved to your Camera Roll according to the order they were selected
  • Made it clearer when your camera is autofocusing
  • Improved Pinhole effect
  • Improved Vintage border
  • Bug fixes

If you pick this one up, let us know what you think!

[$0.99 - iTunes link]

Camera+ for iPhone brings ‘Clarity’ is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog