iOS 4.3 To Be Released On Feb 13?
There has been a series of rumors that have indicated that Apple is on the verge to release the new iOS 4.3 software by the 13th of February. On that same note, Cupertino might be looking at that same date or one in the near future to introduce the next generation iPad before an early April release, much like last year. Daring Fireball’s John Gruber explains how he sees it playing out based on the recent events.
Apple Seeds iOS 4.3
As it was rumored all through the end of January on to February, Apple has seeded iOS 4.3 beta 3 to developers. This version comes in a two week spread from it’s earlier rendition. Beta 3, or Build 8F5166b has rung any bells with the devs yet, so nothing new to report.
Update!
Devs are chiming in that Apple has implemented a small feature that has been requested by quite a few people: The ability to cancel app downloads.
FaceTime Beta for Mac
A little while back, Apple introduced a beta into the Mac App universe allowing you to video chat with other Apple devices using their new video calling service “FaceTime”. These devices include (at the time of writing) iPhone 4 and an iPod Touch “with camera”. Here’s a look at what this beta has to offer. After downloading and installing the beta, you are given the option to enter or create an Apple ID. This will be the address that people will use to call you through FaceTime with. Once set up, FaceTime for Mac will populate a list with your contacts allowing you to call them using their email addresses. As long as they have FaceTime open and have it connected to the corresponding address you have in their Address Book card, then your video conferencing adventures are but a click away.
Apple Launches App Store on Twitter
Cupertino just opened up a new tweet wall for their believed App Store. @AppStore will keep users of the storefront up to date on new and featured apps, markdowns on big titles and more.
“Welcome to App Store on Twitter! Follow us to discover new apps, get exclusive offers, and share with friends. #appstore”
The account has been verified, indicating that it is legitimate from Apple. At the moment, the account has over 50,000 followers and continues to grow rapidly. Follow the App Store @AppStore
#AppStore
Apple Rejects Sony’s Reader Application
New York Times reported last night that the folks in Cupertino have rejected rival Sony’s Reader software from the App Store. The report continued in stating that Apple has began rejecting applications that allow users to purchase content outside of Apple in-app purchasing function. Sony’s Reader application is one that came under fire. It allows users to use content downloaded directly from the company’s Reader Store.
“The company has told some applications developers, including Sony, that they can no longer sell content, like e-books, within their apps, or let customers have access to purchases they have made outside the App Store.
Google Launches “Cloud Print” for iOS Devices.
The boys in Mountainvew, California, better known to the world as Google, have launched a new service that allows users to print documents and other content to any printer of their choosing directly from the Google mobile interface.
“Imagine printing an important document from your smartphone on the way to work and finding the printout waiting for you when you walk in the door. Just open a document in Google Docs or an email in Gmail in your mobile browser and choose ‘Print’ from the dropdown menu in the top right corner. You can also print certain kinds of email attachments (such as .pdf or .doc) by clicking the “Print” link that appears next to them.”
Apple Hires Notable Security Expert
As you very well may know, Apple gets praise for the secureness in their products, especially in their Mac OS X lineup of products. Well, it seems like the bar is going to be raised even hire with the addition of very well noted security expert David Rice. Rice held positions in the US Navy and NSA and is also the author of Geekonomics.
“Those who know Rice describe him as a deeply respected name in IT security circles who not only can speak the kind of language that makes CIOs comfortable, but can also back up that language with the skills and knowledge to match.
