What’s New In iOS 5.1

So much awaited iOS 5 update has finally been rolled, announced on an iPad event on March 7th , San Francisco. Due to the fact that there has been no single mention of the update since January 9th (the last beta release date), the expectations about iOS 5.1 have gone wild. Unfortunately there are no surprises in iOS 5.1  as it was anticipated, but the update brings several major improvements along with some minor changes in audio and call quality.

One of the most vivid changes concerns the way you access the camera app: if you had to double tap your device and then again press the home button to access camera in previous iOS versions, now the camera icon is always present on the lock screen when the phone is on, and is activated by just sliding the icon up.

The next change concerns the camera app too, but this time for iPad: it is redesigned the way that performs faster, smoother and has some minor basic functions added. One more thing that’s new is that you now finally have an option to delete photos from your photo stream! And the last and the most expected: Japanese Siri is also present and will be available by March 16th. 

The update also brings major battery improvements for the sake of iPhone 4S owners, fixing all the previous issues that the users complained so much about. 

Despite battery fixes, there is one  more important thing iPhone 4S users should know: iOS 5.1 turns iPhone 4S into a 4G iPhone on AT&T's network, but unfortunately without any increasee in speed.

The latest iOS firmware update is already available for each and every iDevice, but if you have jailbroken your device, avoid upgrading to iOS 5.1 because you may lose your jailbreak.

Upcoming iOS 5.1 Secret Features

The recent reports claim that Apple has finalized quality assurance examination on iOS 5.1 and will announce it together with the iPad 3 in just several hours’ time. The new version of iOS is said to comprise an augmented lock screen that gives easier admission to the camera, Japanese support for Siri – as previously rumored - and two more new features that have yet to be exposed.

A seep-out kind of the new OS was testified last month, featuring both – Japanese Siri and a ‘slide up to access camera’ gesture on the lock screen too. However, these two innovations does not account for “at least two other new features that have not been publicly leaked.” 

Although there are no actual evidences about what remains to be seen, the rumors have spread that there is at least one major feature of the iPad 3 that is yet to be unveiled and that was causing a delay in the launch of new beta versions of iOS 5.1.  There have even been some attempts at guesstimating what it might be here. Will it be Siri, Retina display requiring additional work to be ready or any new feature – will be unveiled soon, very soon.

On the other hand some reports claim that the build number of iOS 5.1 Gold Master is 9B176, which surprisingly has soon been signed by Apple yet. This confirms that any leaked screenshot would have to come from an official device authorized for testing. However, suspends our belief to see any glimpses till the actual event… As soon as iOS 5.1 is allegedly planned for release in the ‘coming days’ it is quite rational to conjecture that the update will be rolled after the iPad 3 announcement, but before it goes on sale.

What’s New In iOS 5.1 – Pre GM Version Leaked

Since the respectively prompt announcement of iOS 5.0.1, subsequently exploited by means of the untethered Corona and Absinthe jailbreaks, the company has been remaining fairly noiseless, and it is up to you to define what will be the next move of Apple.

There have been numerous rumors about iOS 5.1 release date and improved features the update would bring, but actually after chewing quite a few beta versions to get things function correctly Apple has been seeding developers with, the company has maintained the silence since January 9th.

Sources claiming to have by some means obtained a pre Golden Master (final production stage) version of iOS 5.1 report several improvements and additions to the upcoming iOS update. With the images and the information below, we’re able to somewhat pre-define what Apple has in the pipeline. Since the respectively prompt announcement of iOS 5.0.1, subsequently exploited by means of the untethered Corona and Absinthe jailbreaks, the company has been remaining fairly noiseless, and it is up to you to define what will be the next move of Apple.

First of all it should be mentioned that the leak appears quite timely, as the rumored iPad 3 release date, March 7, makes this Pre-GM leak seem rather credible. 

However, our great expectations were quite discouraged when we learned that only two new minor findings have been discovered in the Pre-GM leak. The first alteration is about a camera icon on the lock screen, which only appears if you double-tap the home button in present iOS versions. iOS 5.1 suggest an ever-present camera icon, but instead of a button, it's a slider on a lock screen. When slided up, the camera icon seems to reveal the Camera app that allows you to take photos without fully unlocking the iPhone. Apparently, this option is more convenient than the current solution which in fact requires the Camera app to be launched.

The second finding concerns iPhone 4S users only. Siri, being highly criticized recently for the implications the voice assistant may cause, is rumored to speak … Japanese language!

May this be true or not, we now at least know what to hope for and what not.

iOS 5.1 Will Release Soon

Newly published carrier profiles are indicating iOS 5.1 will be released in March 9. Eleven new profiles have been discovered that are compatible with the update. 

The profiles that have been found are intended for operators in Japan, France, Greece, Finland and Sweden. After updating the profile on the iPhone, it will make sure that the network connection works correctly after Apple releases iOS 5.1.

Apple has been slowly leaking betas for weeks now, more slowly and less regularly than is usual for an iOS beta cycle. In previous years, the new version of Operating System would debut with the iPhone in June and the x.1 release with the iPod touch in September. As for this year, iOS5 did not debut until October with the iPhone 4S and there was no new iPod touch. That is why we are in uncharted territory here. 

According to leaks from the beta, it is not expected many new features to be included in iOS5.1. But anyway that sounds interesting because Apple has been known to hold back key features in the past, preferring to introduce them live on stage when unveiling some new devices.

The update will be available for the following devices: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 3G/4G, iPad, and iPad 2.

One thing stays blur – whether March 9 is also the date when Apple will announce its next-generation iPad. Some rumors expect that Apple will release iOS5.1 simultaneously with the announcement of iPad3. Although, these are all rumors and it is hard to give a more exact indication about the update release date.

Facebook App for iPhone Updated

Facebook has just released an update of its popular iPhone application, to version 4.1. The update includes Timeline Access and Faster Photo load. Now to view the new profile Timeline, Subscribes and Subscriptions, you can pop-over notifications and add people to friend lists. 

It is an important thing to note that now you can load the photos faster. The photos displayed on Mobile Timeline looks beautiful and the interface is not cluttered. When you view photo albums via Mobile Timeline, only 4 albums are displayed initially, but you can swipe them to view additional thumbnails as well. 

Consider that changing the privacy settings of the posts and editing a friend list directly is unavailable. However by clicking on the Friends button beneath someone’s Timeline cover, you can add them to friend list or unfriend with them. This is useful if you want to restrict some friends’ access to your content.

When the timeline is on, the notifications, messages and friend requests load in partial screen popovers instead of separate full screen. This is a good way to make it easier and faster returning to the previously viewed screens.

An updated Timeline gives you an opportunity to filter you news feed. This means: the news feed will show stories from a specific friend list. A button above the news feed offers you an easy way to filter friends, enabling you to highlight the desired updates.

Facebook update is accessible  for iPhones since Dec-18. Facebook states that it will soon arrive for iPad as well. 

Microsoft App for iOS- OneNote Updated

Microsoft has just updated its OneNote iOS application to support iPad as well. This is Microsoft’s note-taking app originally offered with Microsoft Office in 2003 bundle. It is now compatible with the devices supporting iOS 4.3 or later, including iPads.OneNote was the only application available on iOS devices before the recent announcement of SkyDrive for iPhones.

In January 2011 Microsoft has released its first version of OneNote app for iPhones. As for now, latest version of OneNote, which runs on iPad, makes full use of the tablet’s larger screen with larger pages that can accommodate iPod’s features better. The improved OneNote supports more languages, a tabbed user interface, table rendering and the option to sync notes over Wi-Fi.

According to Microsoft, the application is free “for a limited time” and capacity as well- you are restricted to 500 notes. If you have more than 500 notes, you can still view them but you will not be able to edit or create new ones. Unlimited notes cost $4.99 for an iPhone and iPod Touch, as for iPad, price of the application is $14.99.

How do you think, will such actions lead to partnership between the companies, or has Microsoft decided to increase its revenues via Apple?

iOS 5.0.1 Update Now Available

iOS 5.0.1 beta is now available! You can get it on the iOS Dev Center . Even in low storage situations, it introduces a new way for developers to specify files that should remain on device.

The update also:

Fixes battery life

Adds Multitasking Gestures for original iPad;

Resolves bugs with Documents in the Cloud;

Improves voice recognition;

Improves security.

Apple has announced that as the matter of fact that they have added something to iOS 5.0.1.the problems with iOS 5 are being eliminated.

But the most important part of iOS 5.0.1 is still the non-critical storage. It does not slow down or eat up storage for your backups.

For more information, visit Apple website for Developers .

iOS 5 Battery Problems

Not long since iPhone4S has been released, and some users already complain about the battery performance, asking for some assistance by installing a monitoring program. Fortunately the problem concerned only some users, not for all. The trouble is not affecting just the iPhone 4S, but any other IOS5 devices as well.

According to the specs , the iPhone 4S is supposed to get 200 hours of standby mode but now it actually gets 8 hours only.

Apple has confirmed that battery performance actually have  a few problems after upgrading to IOS5.

Statement released by Apple on Wednesday says: “We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks.”

Apple has not offered any advice on what customers should do until the software update is released. The fact is that having too many GPS-based location services turned on may cause the phone to lose battery life fast. Another possible culprit is the new Notification system in IOS5. Forums contain various potential fixes, there may be hope, that my help.

Here are some examples:

The calendar bug - disable the calendar app within the Notifications center;

The Time Zone bug - go into Settings > Location Services > System Services > Setting Time Zone, and toggle off the location services;

Location services - Head into Settings > Location Services and browse through the various apps. The option to turn it off which is there for no reason.

SIRI – it uses up a lot of processing power

Then of course: you should turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, turn down screen brightness, etc.

The truth is that it’s not magical solution to this problem; you should wait until software update is released.

Pro-Share Updated Again

Remember we’ve reviewed one of the “what’s hot” apps - Pro-Share by iApps24 not long ago? We are glad to announce one more update! For those who are still not aware, Pro-Share links all the hottest social networks and enables you to share your photos with just a tap to the whole world! You no longer need to use different straggler apps for different nets; with pro-Share, being amongst top 100 apps in 5 App Stores, counting US and UK, you can: share, review, connect, transfer and capture!

Pro-Share seems to be one of the fastest developed apps in applications industry, announcing second update since its launch several months ago. To better suit your requirements, Pro-Share now offers video uploads up to 10 minutes, font editing feature straight from the app and many more! Once more about the app features:

• Upload full size images without compromising quality

• Simultaneously send/receive over Bluetooth/WiFi

• Upload photos/videos in the background

• Add captions and comments to photos

• Create new photo album or a batch via Cover-Flow

• Queue & send multiple albums with single tab

What's New in Version 2.2

• Basic image filters

• Ability to manually start upload queue

• Improved video upload

So do not miss your chance and visit Apple App Store to get Pro-Share for your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. (Or for all of them if you’re lucky enough to own all three iDevices)

Pro-Share Announces Update!

Remember we’ve reviewed one of the “what’s hot” apps - Pro-Share by iApps24 recently? We are happy to announce an update! For those who aren’t aware, Pro-Share links all the hottest social networks and enables you to share your photos with just a tap to the whole world! You no longer need to use different slowcoach apps for different networks; with pro-Share, being among top 100 apps in 5 App Stores, including US and UK, you can: share, review, connect, transfer and capture!

As for the update, see what has changed:

The video capacity increased- you can share videos up to 15 minutes long!

All the Ads removed from the app- Pro-Share is now completely Ad Free!

All the “buggies” are now fixed and the app is more efficient now than ever! Take a look at the Pro-Share features once more, you’ll be impressed! So with Pro-Share you can:

• Upload full size images without compromising quality

• Simultaneously send/receive over Bluetooth/WiFi

• Upload photos/videos in the background

• Add captions and comments to photos

• Create new photo album or a photos/video batch via Cover-Flow

• Queue & send multiple albums with single tab

For more information click here.

Latest iPhone Headlines

The title of the post is somewhat general because there is so much news to tell you, don’t really know from where to start.

It would be fair to begin with iCloud and iWork beta versions that have been released recently. Its free with iOS 5 and with iCloud, the music you purchase in iTunes appears automatically on all your devices. You can also download your past iTunes purchases.

Now there also are versions of each iWork app for Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. And they all work together gorgeously. So your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations go wherever you go — on every device you use. This is so convenient and smooth, you can’t even imagine. Note that because iWork.com is web based, the projects you publish to it can be viewed by anyone using a modern browser.

One more good news - Google + for iPhone is now available for FREE in App Store. Google has already released an update to the Google+ app. For those that are having difficulties, check the App Store and download the latest version. First hollows of the app are that while useful, it’s buggy. The app doesn’t work on iOS 5 beta 3 — so cutting-edge adopters, you’re out of luck (for now) — and is crashing in iOS 4 at regular occurrences for some users.

There are some rumors about iPhone 5 as well – both good and bad. I’ll start with some depraved one- it’s said that the launch of so much awaited iDevice is delayed till October… Who knows, actually…As for positive news- the rumors leaked that the screen of iPhone 5 will be larger, and the device will be thinner than iPhone4. The “thin iPhone” rumors point to a curved back design for the device, which seems somewhat unlikely, given that Apple has switched from such a design to a rectangular, flat back in iPhone 4.

This is all for now, hope I didn't miss anything important. How do you feel about these news? Voice up, your comments are always welcome.

iOS 4.3.4 Update Preventing Hacking & Jailbreaking

A software update has been released by Apple for the majority of its devices, including the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad and generation 3 and 4 of iPod touch. Available now by plugging it into iTunes, it’ll bring your device to version 4.3.4.

The update is free and fixes a vulnerability of the PDF hacking, with which a malicious PDF file could sneak malware into your iOS device, giving hackers access to your hardware. Moreover, the same PDF file allows easy jailbreaking of iOS 4.3.3, which frees users from the strict constraints Apple sets for its iOS software. Apple definitely sought to stop that as hastily as possible.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to install the update if you backup your iPhone on a regular basis. Having tries it on our devices; there are no significant changes in system operations after the update download. 

Anyway, it’s a wonderful feeling when you recognize that your iPhone is no longer bound by the quirks of some nasty PDF files!

Instant Translation with Worldictionary!

Penpower.Inc presents a new essential travel tool geared up to give you translation just right on-the-go! The Worldictionary app instantly defines and translates words hassle-free with no need of manual typing or the fuss of taking pictures.

The app is incredibly smart- by just pointing your camera to the unknown word, the app instantly displays its definition and translation. While testing, the app identified the word with an incredible ease, and has no problem of even providing the translation of two adjacent words! Note that the version also helps you to spell the words correctly in case of typing them, as it features prediction. The app features wide variety of carefully chosen languages to translate between, ranging from exotic ones such as Traditional Chinese to Danish, and Norwegian!

If you satisfy all of the system necessities scheduled below, you can enjoy the following features:

• The instant “View and Translate” feature: allows you get 
• By using "Advance Search" function, you can search through Google, Wikipedia and YouTube to enrich your information life anywhere, anytime.
• Worldictionary repeatedly saves your search records. You can even build your own word database to increase translation efficiency and be able to learn the words you searched.
• You can manually enter and translate any words as well, if no written version is available.
• Furthermore, app features anti-shake function to get better image quality.

Below we listed the app requirements:

• iPhone 4/3GS
• Support iOS 4.2 or later
• Network Connection

The app is available in the Apple App Store, to download it, click here.

Bubble Spinner – 2 on Your iPhone

If you like playing games for free you are probably a fan of free, flash-based games like Bubble Spinner on your iphone. If you like testing your visual acuity active game combines older arcade game and your reflex skills, Bubble Spinner can provide hours of challenging fun. Many different websites offer a version of the game, but the play is essentially the same everywhere. Here are some things to remember about playing Bubble Spinner when you’re looking to kill a little time.

Bubble Spinner – Online And Free

One of the best things about playing Bubble Spinner is that it’s free just like playing casino games on your iphone. With video game consoles costing several hundred US dollars in a retail store, it can be expensive to find a fun game to play. But downloadable games like this one don’t cost a dime. Plus, video games and discs typically cost money too. Not with Bubble Spinner, as your console is your iphone and the cost is zero.

Bubble Spinner – How To Play

The goal of the game is to burst all of the bubbles for every given world. Players start out looking at a large circular pile of bubbles set on a pinwheel. The bubbles are all different colors, and mixed up pretty well, with no more than two bubbles of any one color touching each other at a time. Then, one at a time, you shoot your colored bubbles into the mass of other bubbles, trying to connect and match colors in order to form three or more bubbles in a connected chain. These connected colors then burst and fall away opening the next layer of bubbles for you to shoot at. The idea is to eliminate all of the bubbles by matching them all up. Remember that just because a group of bubbles seems inaccessible on the other side of the game spindle doesn’t mean you can't get to them. The bubbles bounce when you shoot them at the wall, and you can try to skillfully bounce the bubbles directly into position. If you make too many mistakes, more bubbles appear on the spinning clump.

Bubble Spinner – Beware of The Spin

Indeed, the thing that sets Bubble Spinner above its arcade-style predecessors is the spinning involved. Shooting t at the clump pushes it in the direction of the shot. Once it’s spinning it makes it much more difficult to time your shots and make matched connections between the bubbles. So remember to try and shoot in alternating directions toward the wheel in order to help keep it stable.

Apple To Patch Location Bugs

We have discussed the iPhone location tracking from both- customers’ and company’s points of view. It’s been said that Apple was tracking users’ locations for just one purpose and after accomplishing its goal, the “bug” was immediately fixed! (the picture on the right enlightens the objective)

Now some facts, it’s taken just seven days between that announcement and the appearance of iOS 4.3.3, while Apple said it would take a few weeks to issue an iOS update to fix a handful of bugs related to the storage of location data. A very good strategy to underpromise and overdeliver!

The iOS 4.3.3 addresses three bugs related to the database of location information on iOS devices that caused so much discussion and debates among users. Here is what iOS 4.3.3 brings up:

• Reduces the amount of the cached location information to a week’s worth, rather than relying on a size limit;

• It no longer backs up the cache to your Mac or PC via iTunes upon syncing, so the information isn’t available to anyone with access to your computer;

• The cache is now deleted from the device when Location Services are disabled in iOS’s Settings app.

Apple has also declared plans to encrypt the location information on iOS devices itself in the next major update to the operating system, which apparently refers to iOS 5.

The iOS 4.3.3 update relates to the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS; iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch (both 3rd and 4th generations). The CDMA iPhone got a separate update today, in the form of iOS 4.2.8 which fixes the same location bugs, but leaves that device short of the other features of iOS 4.3.

It should be remarked that Apple has managed to solve the problem of all smartphones very efficiently by immediate response to customers’ problems. Let’s see what happens next and hope that other smartphone producers also manage to quiet the quiet crowd.

iBooks Updated

On Thursday, Apple launched a minor upgrade to its iBooks e-book and PDF reading app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

iBooks 1.2.2 features “a number of important stability and performance improvements” for playing video with more sophisticated books from the iBookstore, improper fonts being displayed, and navigational responsiveness.

iBooks works with an iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad running iOS 3.2 or later.

Apple’s release notes specify the following:

Features

• Download many of your favorite books from the included iBookstore.

• Read a free sample of any book on the iBookstore before making it a part of your collection.

• Reorder your books on your bookshelf or browse them in a list sorted by title, author, or category.

• Organize your books and PDFs into personal Collections. Swipe left or right to jump between Collections.

• Easily adjust your screen brightness to find the perfect lighting for any environment.

• Change the font size and pick from six included type faces to make your books more comfortable to read.

• Find a word, character, or phrase anywhere in your book with the built-in search feature.

• Choose left or fully justified text layout from Settings.

• Highlight your favorite passages and add notes with the built-in bookmarking features.

• Add books in the industry-standard ePub electronic book format to iTunes and sync them to iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

• Add PDF documents to iBooks from Mail, or add them to iTunes and sync them to iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

• Print PDF documents and notes you've written in iBooks using AirPrint.

• Use iBooks with the amazing accessibility features in iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch – such as speaking the words on a given page.

The app is free, you can download it right from the App Store right here.

HiFutureSelf - The Fastest Reminder App

DBelement, LLC is pleased to announce the release of HiFutureSelf version 1.5.5 for the iPhone and iPod touch. This amazingly simple app lets you to send messages to yourself in the future, or to your future self.

HiFutureSelf is fast, easy and unbelievably convenient. The new version enhances a social layer to the future messages.

You are allowed to instantly share messages via e-mail, SMS, Facebook, and Twitter within the HiFutureSelf app. The update also adds 6 high quality custom ringtones to stress the feel of the future messages. The app brings comfort and pleasure of text messaging to in order to set up alerts and reminders. With as few as two taps you can set up reminders for your daily routine, not to forget something important.  There are so many calendar and to-do note apps with alerts to help you clear out your multi-tasking job, but they are all clunky and unproductive for the one thing you really need, quick instant prompts.

Device Requirements:

* iPhone and iPod touch

* Requires iOS 4.0 or later

* 4.6 MB

The app is free and available exclusively through the App store!

Listen in on the supernatural world with Paranormal Recorder!

Excelltech's Paranormal Recorder for iOS utilizes the crude magnetic data from the device's digital compass to activate audio recording, revolutionizing the chase for ghostly connections.

"Atypical electromagnetic fields are associated with most reported paranormal phenomenon. It occurred to me that if Electronic Voice Phenomenon is caused by paranormal forces there are likely electromagnetic fluctuations occurring during these communications."- said Ben Williams, the developer of the app.

 The app enables you to communicate with paranormal forces, such as spirits, ghosts, or other supernatural entities. One of the most widely reported physical phenomenon associated with paranormal entities is electromagnetic radiation fluctuations.

By allowing you to run Paranormal Recorder for extended periods of time, and only actually recording sounds when something 'strange' is detected, Paranormal Recorder gives you the best chance to connect to the other side and record EVP (Electric Voice Phenomenon), or other paranormal actives. You can even hear the examples uploaded by the app users right here.

The device requirements are quite modest - only iOS Device 4.0 or later.

The app price is $2.99 USD and is available globally through the App Store in the Utilities category.

Facebook iPhone App Upgraded

As assured, Facebook has launched a new edition of its iPhone application that enables the users to check in to events. Version 3.4 was released Monday, and it includes a map view for Places and the ability to unfriend Facebook friends in-app.

The new features, along with subtle news feed enhancement and a user interface refresh for notifications, have been worked into the existing Facebook iPhone practice. 

Only the “Unfriend” button, a new, extended option when viewing a friend’s profile. The new event check-in functionality is dwelling within the events section of the app. The user can verify upcoming events and tag their friends in case of their desire.

Similarly, the map view for Places has been added to the Places sector. Here users can hook and eye between “Activity” and “Map” options to view check-ins in the standard list view or switch to see them on a map.

Mobile continues to be an important priority for Facebook. The company has recently announced that 250 million people are actively using Facebook via mobile devices on a monthly basis. It launched a new mobile site for all phones to better accommodate those customers. 

Handcase launches Gune in 4 more languages

The Handcase Gune after launching, its search engine and added 14 new mobile tools: Google News, Bing news, Picasa, Friendfeed, Wikipedia, Delicious, YouTube, Flickr, IMDB, Bing images, Scribd, Metajam, Amazon and eBay, now supports more than four languages besides English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Gune is a system of meta-search, mobile only, that is, their algorithm does searches on other sites and generates a single page, with a list of ten results per search engine, tuned to the screen of phones and smartphones. "The goal is to optimize the time of the user, offering a more economical and better integrated with mobile search." Ricardo Garay explains CEO Handcase.

Gune also offers a catalog of mobile sites. "As with the directory in English, which now has sites in 1500, growing an average of 140 sites per month, we invite everyone to build with us, directories for other languages. This is the face of social and collaborative Gune, and everyone is that make it what it should be, an indispensable service "summons Garay.

For more information click here