Co-Founder of Geek Squad Reports Gas Main Explosion with iPad
TUAW and TwinCities.com have reported that the co-founder of Geek Squad (now currently owned by Best Buy) had reported a gas main explosion with his iPhone and iPad 2 using iMovie.
Once Stephens had captured the source of the explosion, he drove to a nearby parking lot, transferred the footage from his iPhone to his iPad 2 (we recently covered how to do this using Apple’s USB Camera Connection Kit), edited the footage, added a map, subtitle and voiceover describing the incident and finally uploaded the film to YouTube and iReport. Stephens then tweeted (with a few stills) permission for others (including the media) to use the footage and before long his breaking news was getting coverage on CNN and MSNBC.
New MacBooks Experiencing iTunes Home Sharing Issue
Apparently, Apple’s new 2011 MacBooks are experiencing some difficulties using the iTunes Home Sharing feature. iTunes Home Sharing was one of the new features that came along with the new iTunes as well as with the iOS 4.3 software update. It allows users to stream content that is being played on the user’s Mac or PC iTunes to their iOS devices. It serves as an extension to the Home Sharing feature of iTunes that was only able to stream to Apple TV’s and other computers on a network.
Time Warner Launching Streaming Tv
Word from the Associated Press is that Time Warner is looking into bring an application to the App Store that will allow users to strum live TV to their iPad devices. In fact, this application from the TV and Internet conglomerate should be launching on the App Store sometime this week.
“The app will be free to download on Tuesday morning, but it will only work for people who subscribe to both video and Internet service from the New York-based cable company. Even then, it only works in the home, when the iPad is connected to the company’s cable modem via a Wi-Fi router.
Articles Updates to 2.0.1
Articles, the Wikipedia app for the iPhone from Sophiestication Software, has just recently updated to 2.0.1. Here is what the official update text says:
– Fixed an issue where the in-page search did not return any results
– Fixed layout issues with subscript and superscript text
– Fixed a network activity indicator issue
– Fixed some graphic issues on the iPhone 3G and iPod touch (2nd generation)
– Fixed an issue where Articles could not zoom into vector images
– Fixed many layout issues in the english, french and german Wikipedia
Sparrow Updates to 1.1
Sparrow, the new minimalistic email client for Mac has just recently updated to 1.1. This update adds support for standard, general IMAP which includes the following services:
Also added is a Priority Inbox:
Those familiar with Apple’s mail client will be happy to know that you can set a signature to each of your email accounts.
Quickly format your email with the new format bar:
and a “Minimal” mode:
Touch gestures:
Posterous for iOS Updates to 2.1
Posterous, the online alternative blogging client that bases its input for post entry on email, has recently updated their iOS client to version 2.1. The big feature with this update is the ability to post “Events”. These are specific posts meant to be created for or at a particular gathering complete with a description and a picture. This feature is very similar to FaceBook’s places feature and nabbing slightly towards Twitter.
Tagging posts has also been greatly improved. To tag a post, tap the “tag” icon next to the title.
Overview of Updates:
Apple Updates Apple TV. MLB.tv and NBA League Pass Included
Business Insider noted that Apple will possibly be updating the Apple TV software sometime this week. It seems as though that speculation has come to bear fruit as MLB.tv has announced that they now offer live and streaming content right through Apple TV.
“Enjoy select Spring Training games and a full slate of regular season games on Apple TV.
Regular Season features include:
- HD Quality (where available)
- LIVE and archived games
- Home and away broadcasts*
- Quick navigation to run scoring plays or a particular at bat”
Password Re-Entry Required For In-App Purchase
Many new features came packaged with the new installment of iOS 4.3. One of the more hidden features seems to be the requirement for re-entry of passwords when making an in-app purchase. The move seems to be because of children and accidental purchases resulting in hundreds of dollars in in-app purchases. Requiring a password may help police the situation.
“The Cupertino company’s move affects users of its most recent operating system and comes amid growing concern by federal and state enforcement agencies that consumers, including children, were not adequately informed or aware that they were incurring charges on iTunes accounts because of a 15-minute period that allowed for purchases without a password.
Apple Releases iOS 4.3
Much to the rumor of The Boy Genius Report and The Loop, it seems as though their theories have come to fruition. Apple has indeed released iOS 4.3 for the iPad, iPod, and iPhone. The update brings a number of improvements and new features that many have been waiting for including AirPlay compatibility for third-party apps and websites, iTunes Home Sharing to enable any iTunes library to stream content to iOS device courtesy of Wi-Fi, a new option for customizing the switch on the iPad to toggle rotation or sound muting, push notification for Ping, and, of course, Personal Hotspot that will allow you to turn your iPhone into a wireless router connecting up to a combination of three devices Wi-Fi, three Bluetooth, and one USB.
Apple Releases Xcode 4 Beta to Developers.
Apple has updated Xcode 4 and has stated that the software OS free of charge to download for those who are apart of their iOS and Mac OS Development Program. Non-members of the program are going to have to go to the App Store on their Mac and pay to acquire the software. Although the link in the App Store is not active, Apple seems to have set the price to $4.99.
“Xcode 4 is the new version of Apple’s powerful integrated development environment for creating great apps for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Xcode 4 includes the Xcode IDE, Instruments, iOS Simulator, and the latest Mac OS X and iOS SDKs.
