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Don’t have an iPhone yet? Planning on buying one? Before you rush to the local Apple Store to find one, Apple has a service just for you: “Check iPhone 3GS availability.” The tool, designed to prevent the difficulty of not finding it when you want it, is also a nifty marketing trick.
Using the tool is as simple as expected, coming from Apple. Simply select your state, and the site automatically brings up a list of stores in your selected state, along with four columns representing the four varieties of iPhone 3GS: white 16GB, black 16GB, white 32GB, black 32GB. Color-coded for your convenience, the availability tool presents almost-real-time information on which stores have the iPhone 3GS in stock.
If its an older model you’re in search of, Apple informs you that the 8GB iPhone 3G is available in all stores. If it’s the newer 3GS you’re looking for, the new tool may be helpful.
When Apple proudly released the aluminum-sheathed MacBook Pro, users were as excited as Apple about how the smooth uni-body machines performed. However, some users found out that the glossy-screened MacBooks had a serious graphics flaw, specifically when utilizing the Mini DisplayPort Dual-Link DVI adapter.
It’s not the first time that Apple has had an annoying display problem. This is now Round Two. For some avid Apple fans who purchased both machines, they are now in possession of two faulty units, and the solution is enigmatic, even for Apple. As a first course of action, Apple recommends updating the firmware for the adapter. How do you update the firmware in the adapter? Yeah, that’s something you can’t do by yourself. So, you need to trek to the Apple store to exchange it (or to the post office to mail back your old one and get a new one). Despite the hassle of the trade-in, the graphic problem persists. In fact, most users with the updated adapter are saying the problem is even worse.
All the finger pointing is toward Apple right now. Initially, Nvidia, who developed the graphics driver, got a bit of blame. Now, Apple alone bears the onus for the problem. It’s no question that users are unhappy. A casual glance at the discussion boards will tell you as much. The real question is “can you fix it, Apple?” If you’re thinking of buying the new MacBook pro, you can go ahead. Just be aware of the risks. Mine, which arrived four days ago, is doing just fine.
Going back to school already? For the Apple Store, yes. As of this morning, May 27, the Apple Store has started their annual buy a Mac for college promotion. This year, buying a new Mac (as a college student or faculty or staff member) before September 8 will also get you a free 8GB iPod touch, very much the same as last year’s promotion. Of course, you’ll have to shell out the cash at checkout, but you’ll get it all back via rebate.
But the free iPod touch isn’t the only deal the Apple store is currently offering. What many may not have noticed is that Apple is also offering a bit more bang for your buck if you’re shopping for the basic 13-inch MacBook. At $999, the white MacBook now offers 2.13 GHz, while the aluminum 13-inch offers only 2.0GHz with a much pricier tag of $1,299. So if you’re into brains over beauty, you’ll definitely appreciate Apple’s addition to the basic white package without adding to the price. And that’s the only difference between the 2 MacBooks. Choose the white MacBook, and yes, you’re getting more Mac for less. And this offer is available to everyone, not just those who qualify for Apple’s Back to School promotion
Rumors are swirling around a possible July 17 release date for the next generation iPhone. The 17th dovetails nicely with the timing of Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference, which is centered this year primarily around developing applications for the iPhone OS. It also puts the next-gen iPhone more than a month behind the release of the hotly anticipated Palm Pre, which goes on sale June 6.
TUAW posts another set of rumors as well: the new iPhone will feature an OLED screen , and the Apple logo on the back of the device will be illuminated when the screen is on as well as double as a camera flash. That the iPhone could benefit from a camera flash is widely acknowledged, but as TUAW notes an OLED really doesn’t benefit much from having a backlit panel. Other potential upgrades coming in the next iPhone include a better camera, more storage, video recording, a magnetometer (better known as a compass), and a built-in compass.
All of these rumors look more or less legit, at least insofar as these are features Apple could include. There are some caveats, though. While an FM transmitter would enable iPhone users without a docking transmitter, it would render a number of third-party peripherals obsolete, and Apple might not want to go out of its way to anger its famous iPhone ecosystem. We’ll just have to wait and see how this all pans out.
iTunes 8.2 has yet to be released, but some attentive users have noticed Blu-ray language on the iTunes splash screen. Is it a mistake? Is it random licensing mumbo-jumbo? Or is it a premonition of things to come? This tidbit of information, not conclusive by any means, is both surprising news and potentially good news, not to be understood without some history.
Blu-ray aspires to be at the front of the line in the new generation of digital viewing. In similar front-of-the-line style, Apple craves the primary position in other forms of technology. Yet some feared that the twain shall never meet. It was just last fall that Steve Jobs came out with his “bag of hurt” comment, referring to Blu-ray’s complexity and cost. His point was: Apple is not going to integrate Blu-ray technology into its products. Plain and simple.
History lesson over. What does this mean for the here and now?
Now, it appears that either Steve Jobs 1) was not being entirely forthright last October, 2) got trumped in a board meeting, or 3) changed his mind. Although Macs can’t play Blu-ray Discs right now, that may all be changing in the next generation of the Mac. Most likely, however, Apple will first release iTunes 8.2 with Blu-ray ripping capability. This will be the most effective and widespread way to give Blu-ray a boost. After that, Macbooks may come with the Blu-ray supported already configured into the system.
The hope is that Apple will make some kind of conclusive statement at the Worldwide Developers Conference in California. The Cupertino-based company has always enjoyed releasing just enough information to send rumors flying, and then making a dramatic announcement that dispels rumors and excites users. Most certainly, we will hear something about Blu-ray and Apple. What specifically? It remains to be seen.
If you’re the sole wireless carrier of a product that has been sold 15 million times, chances are you want to keep being ‘the one’. AT&T looks to be doing just that as they try to keep an exclusive deal to keep iPhone an exclusive for their service. The current contract runs out in 2010, so AT&T is looking for an extension.
I don’t see why a deal couldn’t be reached. With as much success that Apple has found with AT&T and vice versa, what’s the benefits? Sure, you might reach more customers but compare that with the costs it would take to create the proprietary technology to run on another network. Of course, I’m not a huge expert so I could be wrong.
Free free to agree, or set me straight in the comments below.
If you’re not sure what Augmented Reality is, there’s a simple definition. It’s a blending of virtual images into real life footage. If you have a Playstation Eye, or the new Nintendo DSi then those are two examples.
Below is a video example of the augmented reality technology. It could potentially have some cool applications. The video below is of a program made for the iPhone, using the technology. It’s a virtual pet simulator…
If you’ve been keeping up with the news of the changes coming for the iPhone 3.0 firmware, I have a tidbit for you. The amount of pages you can have for apps, will be increased to 11, from 8. It’s not a complete surprise that it’s happening. I just can’t imagine constantly using 11 pages worth of apps. That’s alot of time spent on the iPhone. Screenshot, and link below…
Apple’s efforts to bring the iPhone to China have met a few road blocks the past year. They’ve been talking with China Mobile, but haven’t been able to work out a deal.
Things might be looking up though, as China Unicom has posted information relating to the iPhone. This is the closest thing to a confirmation without Apple or China Unicom openly declaring the partnership. Click the link below to see the translated version of the page.
If you’ve ever wanted to be a recording artist, then this app provides you with that chance. With StudioApp you’re able to you’re able to lay down 4 tracks, and synthesize over 30 instrumentals into it. The app has a wonderful interface, and is easy to use.
