Updated iMovie for the iPhone
Although one of the iPad 2′s killer features is it’s built-cameras and the ability to run a fully featured version of iMovie (version 1.2) with it’s faster processor, little do people know that iMovie for the iPhone has also been updated. Here’s what the official App Store notes state (excluding iPad only features) :
- Multitrack audio editing with 8 themed soundtracks and over 50 bundled sound effects
- Audio recording directly into the timeline
- Three new themes – Neon, Simple, and CNN iReport
- AirPlay support for sharing to Apple TV (compatible only with second-generation AppleTV; requires iOS 4.3 or later)
Craig Federighi Succeeding Bertrand Serlet as Apple Mac Software SVP
Apple this week announced that the head honcho behind their Mac OS software for twenty-some years, Bertrand Serlet, has decided to step down and seek new adventures with his talents. He will be replaced with another engineer who has been with Steve Jobs since the NeXT days, Craig Federighi. Before his departure from Apple, Bertrand issue this statement to the company on appreciating the experience he has had with Apple and the route he plans to take when he leaves.
Apple Addresses Flickering and Flashing on Apple TV with Latest Update
Apple this week released an update to the Apple TV software that addresses some issues some users have documented experiencing. Apple TV software 4.2.1 addresses issue with Apple TV products display flickering and flashing screens, spontaneous wake ups, and a issue with audio outputs. Apple covers all the changes made to the software with the attached support document.
“- TV compatibility: Addresses issues that may cause the screen to flicker or display incorrect color on some older TVs.
- Wake from sleep: Addresses an issue where Apple TV may not wake up from sleep.
Flow the Cloud-Based Task Manager Now Out of Beta!
Flow is a cloud-based task manager. This means that you can manage all of your to-dos on any computer via its web app which looks very similar to MobileMe. Flow also is available for iOS.
Here’s what TUAW reports:
First and foremost, Flow is a web app that many will find very similar to MobileMe in aesthetics. Through this interface, one can add and manage tasks through projects or even delegate tasks to other Flow users (a handy feature for teams). The real killer feature we’re seeing with Flow, however, is the cloud-based architecture. Combined with Metalabs’ new Flow app for iPhone and their Mac companion app, it’s a pretty great way to keep things in sync.
FireFox Updates to Version 4
MacRumors reports an update to the popular cross platform browser by Mozilla – FireFox 4. This update includes enhancements in speed and a new user interface.
Firefox 4 is the fastest Firefox yet. With dramatic speed and performance advancements across the board, Firefox is between two and six times faster than previous releases. Major enhancements to the JavaScript engine make everything from startup time to page load speed to graphics and JavaScript performance screaming fast in Firefox.
Banana TV: AirPlay for you Mac
With Apple’s recent iOS release came a new feature that allows you to stream your photos and videos to an AppleTV. With Banana TV, you can now stream your photos and videos to your Mac utilizing it’s crystal clear and fully functional display. This is also extremely useful if you have a Mac Mini connected to your television. Check out this video to see how easy it is:
With the service enabled, tap the AirPlay button on your iOS device to enable streaming. Banana TV is available for $7.99 at http://bananatv.net/.
Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.6.7
This week, Cupertino finally released the much monitored Mac OS X 10.6.7 to the public through the company’s website and through Software Update on the Mac. The update implements a number of fixes for some issues that have been reported by some users since the release of Mac OS X 10.6.6.
“The 10.6.7 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that:
Apple Sues Amazon Over App Store Trademark
Bloomberg reports that Cupertino has filed a lawsuit against Amazon for using their App Store trademark. Apple filed the complaint on March 18 and is asking the court to cease and desist Amazon’s use of the phrase.
“Amazon has begun improperly using Apple’s App Store mark in connection with Amazon’s mobile software developer program,” Apple said in the complaint. Amazon also plans to use the name with a mobile software download service, the complaint states.”
For Android users, the online shopping mall is introducing their own iteration of an application marketplace called the “Amazon Appstore”
New York Times to Begin Charging Subscriptions
As of March 28th, viewers will start getting charged a subscription fee whether it’s on the web or through the iPhone and iPad apps. When viewing the official website through an web browser, users will be allowed to view 20 articles a month without charge. After that you’ll be asked to subscribe. If viewing the times through a corresponding iOS device, only the Top News section will be free. To subscribe through the iPhone or iPad, an in-app-purchase will become available for easy unlocking. You can get a complete rundown on pricing here.
iOS 4.3.1 Around the Corner
The Boy Genius Report is chiming in that Apple is scheduling to release the next installment of iOS in the next two weeks. The update is said to address a number of bugs in the 4.3 software, including that issue that lags the Springboard animation when launching apps.
“Here are the changes from iOS 4.3:
- Baseband updates for the 3GS and iPad (original)
- Fixed memory hang that results in memory corruption when reading large files from USIM filesystem
- Fixed problem with NTLM authentication in apps and on websites
