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.
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.
iOS 4.2: Beta 3
Just got the word that Apple has released the third beta for iOS 4.2 to developers along with the corresponding iOS software development kit for the iPad, iPhone and iPod. Apple decided to let devs get their hands on this two weeks after the second beta for the mobile operating system.
iOS 4.1 Coming Next Week Wednesday, iOS 4.2 Comes November
Apple introduced iOS 4.1 on Wednesday and we finally get see the facts of what the software really contains. First and foremost, the new software does indeed fix the proximity sensor issues and speeds up iOS on the iPhone 3G drastically. The new mobile software also activates Apple’s social gaming network Game Center, which a lot of people have been waiting for. In addition to those features, Apple also added a new feature that optimizes still image recording for the best possible photo. HDR, or High Dynamic Range, takes three shots of your photo, one that is over exposed, one that is under exposed and the original image that you would see when you take a photo with the iPhone (or new iPod touch). From their, following a set of algorithms, iOS develops the best possible picture from the three images recorded. The results, in a nutshell, are…well…dramatically better, detailing elements in the image that would be washed out by excessive light (we have some eye-candy for you below).
iAd Is a Hit With Developers and Advertisers Alike
Well, seems like iAds is giving the people what they want (on both the consumer and producer side, that is). The Los Angeles Times reports that the advertising software created by Apple has been claimed better than anything that advertisers have used before. Nissan sat down with the press medium and explained how pleased they are with performance of Apple advertising software.
Web-Based iPhone Jailbreak Released
Seems like the forces that be have managed to provide the first jailbreak method for the iPhone 4. Thing is, instead of downloading software on your Mac or PC, this is a browser-based approach that allows iPhone 4 users to run unauthorized code in Safari on iOS. Brought to by Comex, a member of the iPhone Dev Team, jailbreakme.com is where those who have an iPhone 4 at hand and wish to explore the world outside the Apple umbrella can initiate the jailbreaking process.
Skype Updated to 2.0.1, Brings Multitasking
The much anticipated Skype update to allow background activity in the application for users is now live in the App Store. Many users of the application have been anxiously waiting for the multitasking switch to be turned on from Skype to allow them to experience the software outside the application before the sometime in August deadline approached.
Flashlight Apps That Utilize iPhone 4 LED Gets Approved by App Store.
During the debut of the iPhone 4, we here at MacApper immediately predicted after we seen that the new iPhone would indeed come with built-in camera flash (and a very bright one at that) that a developer would inevitably write an application that uses the LED camera flash as a flashlight. Sure enough our prediction, along with AppleInsider and MacRumors, came to fruition. Michael D’Ulisse, developer at MoreBluSky, was one of the first (if not, the first) to write an app that does just that.
Facebook 3.1.4 Update Now Live. iOS 4 Support.
Just a brief update for everyone. Facebook 3.1.4 is now available in the App Store. The new update takes advantage of the fast-app switching multitasking service and the iPhone 4′s Retina Display. The update doesn’t weigh too much, staying under the 20MB 3G download limit giving the user the option to download the new software through Wi-Fi or 3G networking
Hulu Plus & Flashlight App for iPhone 4
Hulu on Tuesday announced the plans for their new Hulu Plus subscription service for television content. The subscription plan is set to give users, who are willing to pay, a sizable quantity of exclusive content from current television programs to ones showcased in TV history. The company will also be providing that content at a full 720p resolution and allowing users to access this content through Apples iDevices (iPod, iPhone and iPad). Via an application, users will be able to stream content from Hulu servers through Wi-Fi or 3G, opposed to the companys traditional Internet-oriented means. Aside from the company making ventures on the iOS platform, they have also stated that Samsung Internet-connected televisions and Blu-Ray players will also support the new initiative. Sony and Vizio are also scheduled to provide additional support. Hulu has even ventures on to the gaming platform stating that PS3 and Xbox 360 support will come in the future.
