Since the first iPhone debuted in 2007 — and right up through this week’s iOS 4.3.3 update — installing a new software version on your handset has meant jacking into iTunes. But that could change starting with iOS 5 later this year.
9to5Mac is reporting that updating your iOS device by way of iTunes could soon be a thing of the past — at least for minor updates such as this week’s iOS 4.3.3, which addressed Apple’s location services bug. According to multiple sources, the company is working with at least one carrier to make over the air updates a reality at last.
“The new feature will debut in iOS 5, meaning iOS 5 will not come over-the-air but following point updates to it will,” 9to5Mac reports. “Just like tethering in iOS 3, Apple has the technology but cannot just unleash it everywhere. Apple and Verizon Wireless are said to have been in talks over these wireless software updates since early this year. Sources could not comment on whether or not Apple is negotiating similar deals with AT&T or international iPhone carriers.”
Of course, current iOS updates weigh in at over 600MB, which is rather impractical for over the air updating — Apple will likely have to implement incremental patches instead of replacing the entire operating system with each minor update. 9to5Mac also
I resisted falling for the link baits, but the news about iPad 2 launch in India is indeed true. Apple has released a press release, which confirms April 29th launch for iPad 2 in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, Philippines, Malaysia, Israel, Korea Macau starting 9am local time. And the earthquake hit Japan which missed out from the initial list of 26 counties to get the iPad 2 in March, will get it on April 28th 2011. If you are in China, you would need to wait till May 6th.
For many, including me, the iPad 2 India launch was a shocker, as Apple has always treated India as a dumping ground when it comes to iPhone and iPad. Even iPhone 4 is yet to make it to India. But Apple has always released other products like iPod Touch, iMacs, MBPs soon enough in India, possibly because they dont come with extraordinary demand like iPhones and iPads.
The press release doesnt talk about carrier subsidies and I believe that the iPad 2 being launched in India will actually be factory unlocked! It will be available through all the Apple retail stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and online through the Apple Store.
The challenge perceived by the communication industry in the near future, is to put PC-like computing power and various other facilities into one integrated portable gadget, like the smartphone. Undoubtedly it is the mobile phone manufacturers who are breaking into this threshold and fast. Their ultimate aim is to transplant the hi-power computing experience into a small hand-held device, with selectively enhanced capabilities. In association are the chip makers, who supply and develop the CPU for all kinds of gadgets and devices. Last but not the least, the cost factors too influence the market.
The relentless drive of technology and innovation
The latest technology and innovations, in micro-processors, take the portable or hand-held device into a new multi-core threshold.
Now dual-core chips, with enhanced power and efficiency, are finding their way into tablets, slates and smartphones rapidly.
Advanced graphics capability is also being used to enhance the mobile experience.
Gaming smartphones and introduction of 3D graphics are all set to fascinate mobile and tablet users.
Already Dual-core smartphones are available from LG and Motorola.
Quad-core micro-processors are soon on the way.
The market will not be replacing single core with dual-core or quad-core as hurriedly as we may speculate, but will be using all types of chips according to the application, requirement and use, as perceived.
It’s a holiday weekend, which means half of you are being pried off your computers and iOS devices with crowbars right now and you’re unable to feel the sweet salving goodness of the Mac|Life crew in any way, shape, or form. Which is totally a shame, because this week was rockin. Things were popping in the iOS world this week and because you were too busy getting the last of your paperwork processed it, you had to miss it. And that’s why we have this here little column, but what can we do in case you miss In Case You Missed It?
Features:
- How to Secure and Remove Your iOS 4 Tracking Data – It was probably one of the biggest stories of the week, just after the release of Portal 2. Apparently, all on the sly-like, your iPhone has been tracking your movements for the last year. Every car ride, every jog, every trip to places maybe you don’t want people knowing you’ve been going. It’s claimed that Apple has no access to this data and it’s guessed that it might be preparatory for an upcoming service, but still, there’s something a little creepy about that much personal information in one place. Wanna secure it and/or remove it?
Android phones came with the slogan that was totally in contrary with their major competitor, the iOS from Apple. While Apple has a wide selection of apps that can do pretty much everything you can think of and beyond, Android equipped phones are capable of completely changing the experience of using one. The idea behind Android being an open source one is that people could change anything they wanted. So the app base is already pretty good compared to iOS since the platform is new. The best part of being an open source platform is virtually no limitation to the customizations. Android is just that. If you are interested in Android customizations, then here are some tips:
1. Wallpaper: Good old wallpapers are age old concepts of customizing a device. It is the simplest method too. You can have a lot of wallpapers for free from the internet for your Android device. A different approach made here on this platform is the option of using ‘live wallpapers’. These wallpapers are essentially changing images that are displayed in succession. Some apps and widgets come with their very own version of live wallpapers. You