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6 Things Which Should Be Included in Apple’s iTV

by Simon

With Apple’s latest “special event” occurring at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco tomorrow, speculation has been rife that we will see the re-launch of the AppleTV set-top media player as an iOS4 device, crafted from the same hardware as the iPhone 4 and iPad, and rebranded as “iTV”. The AppleTV has hardly been a rip roaring success since its launch in 2007, but the top brass at Cupertino appear to believe that a combination of access to the App Store and a new sub-$100 pricetag could change all that.

As always with a new Apple product launch, we wait with baited breath to see what features will be included, so to pass the time we’ve come up with six things we’d like to see packed into the new iTV.

1. 1080p Support

The rumors doing the rounds suggest that, like the iPhone 4 and iPad, and indeed the iTunes Store at the moment, the iTV will not be able to output full 1080p HD video. If true, it would appear to be an almost wilfully contrary move, especially in 2010, when there are plenty of cheap media players already on the market capable of handling this resolution. It would also leave the lingering suspicion that Apple didn’t see fit to include an HDMI out on the iPad purely so as not to cannabilize sales for this upcoming product.

Related to this point, of course we’d like to see wider codec support, but know it’s never going to happen. However, access to the App Store may quickly solve this issue, as CineXPlayer has on the iPhone and iPad.

2. Movie Streaming

And we don’t mean from your local Mac or PC. No, we want the same standard of instant-on movie streaming from the Internet for iTunes rentals that Xbox Live users currently enjoy on their hardware. No waiting around for downloads – let us watch it when we want it. Of course, that might be what Apple’s giant new server farm in North Carolina is for.

iTunes Movie Rental Store

3. TV Show Subscriptions

The present pricing scheme on iTunes for TV shows makes using it to catch up on entire seasons of current and varied content an activity reserved for those who like to light their cigars with $100 bills. Apple need to thrash out a more sensible system with the networks to make iTV our first port of call for on-demand television.

4. An Innovative Controller

With no touchscreen, the iTV is going to need a new method of control, and while there will undoubtedly be remote functionality released for the iPhone and iPad, here is where we’d like to see Apple’s renowned design chops really go to town. No more remotes that resemble something from Cape Canaveral please. Perhaps the Magic Trackpad is an indication of where the future of remote control could lay. Of course, an innovative controller would tie into our next point …

Apple Magic Trackpad

5. Gaming

Apple really missed a trick with the original AppleTV by not making it a gaming platform. A games console that also acted as a gateway to the iTunes ecosphere? A far easier sell to the public. Instead, Apple left the way open to Nintendo to clean up this console generation with the Wii, a product that screams “Apple!” from its control method, its marketing and even its onscreen typeface.

Of course, Apple didn’t “get” gaming then. They certainly do now, since the explosion of portable gaming on the iOS devices. With Wii and DS sales stagnating, a gaming-enabled sub-$100 device, with all the benefits the App Store provides, could see Apple hoover up the new “casual” market that the Wii unlocked. It could also blow the wind out of Sony and Microsoft’s sails right before the releases of their respective attempts to appeal to this new audience, the PS3 Move and Xbox 360 Kinect controllers.

6. FaceTime

No, it’s not essential. It probably wouldn’t even get used that often. But it would be utterly cool to be able to video-call distant friends and family and see them on the big screen. Inbuilt webcam it is then, please Apple.

So these are six of the things we would like to see included in the rumored iTV. Some of them we’re likely to get – movie streaming and gaming seem like utter no-brainers – some we probably won’t, but we can live in hope. No matter what Apple does see fit to incorporate in the iTV, you can be sure we’ll be here with the best tips and tricks for making the most out of this latest addition to the Apple family.

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6 Reasons To Jailbreak Your iPhone 4

by Dan

There is no doubt that the iPhone 4 is one of the most impressive smart phones on the market. Its new hardware and improved software make the device a must have for many. But, while many focus on the positives of the iPhone 4, others are disappointed with what you can’t do with the device out of the box. There is a solution to help users get all the functionality out of their iPhone 4 and now that its officially legal, there is only the threat of a voided warranty keeping some from adding features to their iPhone.

To make the decision a bit easier for you, and to help you make the jump to a more “open” iPhone, we’ve provided a small list of features below that allow you to add functionality to your iPhone. If you haven’t already jailbroken your iPhone or updated to version 4.0.2, you’ll need to do so in order to take advantage of the features detailed in this article.

1. Tether – Your iPhone Keeps You Connected

After you’ve jailbroken your iPhone, you’ll be able to easily add new applications through services like Cydia or Rock. After you’ve installed these applications you’ll be able to use them to download for trials or purchase apps like Tether. Tether does just what it says, it allows you to tether your 3G internet connection on your iPhone to your computer so you can browse the web where ever you go.

It is true that you can enable this feature through AT&T without jailbreaking your iPhone, but for much less than the price of what AT&T would charge you each month, you can tether your iPhone for as long as you keep your iPhone Jailbroken. The App is simple to use and your Mac knows just what to do when its connected to your computer via a USB cable. The price of this app alone and its great functionality is worth a jailbreak to many iPhone owners.

2. MyWi – Turn Your iPhone Into a WiFi HotSpot

If you’re looking for the features of Tether, but want to share that connection with multiple computers where ever you go, then MyWi is just the app for you. After installation and a few configuration steps, you’ll be able to quickly turn your iPhone into a mobile WiFi Hotspot that shares your 3G connection. I found myself extremely thankful for this app during my last vacation to the beach.

iPhone-WiFi-Hotspot.png

After a short thunderstorm knocked out the internet at our beach house, we were able to quickly connect to the internet through the MyWi app on my jailbroken iPhone. This feature has been one that has really encouraged me to keep my phone jailbroken. I’m not sure why its not part of AT&T tethering options.

3. Enhanced Interface & Services

Another benefit of jailbreaking your phone is adding interface gestures. With various apps available through Cydia and Rock you can add functionality like swiping the top status bar to quickly display important settings and options like turning on and off wifi, bluetooth, 3G, and other functionality on the phone. iOS 4 added a lot to the mobile interface with folders and multiprocessing features, but it missed out on the opportunity to take advantage of additional possibilities.

4. Emulators & Games

With a jailbroken iPhone, your phone can quickly become a Nintendo Entertainment System, a SNES, Sega Gensis, and many other classic gaming platforms. Combine your phone with a Wii remote and you’ll have an enjoyable entertainment system with classic games from your childhood in your pocket. There is a lot to say about the ability to play Mario Kart, or Zelda while you wait in line for movie tickets, a concert, or a sporting event.

5. My3G – Trick Your iPhone Apps

We’re not completely sure if its due to potential poor user experience or AT&Ts network, but there are a number of applications that don’t have complete functionality when you’re connected to the internet through 3G. That all changes with My3G that is available on your jailbroken iPhone. My3G makes it so your apps think you’re on a wifi network when you’re not. Thus you’ll be able to use features like facetime when you’re on 3G and not connected to a Wireless network.

If you want a completely functional phone no matter how you’re connected to the internet, then a jailbroken iPhone and My3G is just what you need.

6. IntelliScreen – Enhance Your Lock Screen

Another feature that many iPhone owners wish came standard on their iOS device is the ability for more information on your Lock Screen. With IntelliScreen, you can enhance your lock screen and add widgets like the weather, calendar events, unread email messages, and a complete list of the last SMS messages you’ve received.

You can enjoy all of these information services without sliding to unlock your phone. But be careful, you’d hate for your emails to be read by people that may happen to pick up your phone and check things out without your knowing.

iPhoto.png

Conclusion

Above are just a few reasons you may want to jailbreak your iPhone 4. If you haven’t upgraded to iOS 4.0.2 and you’d like to enable the features described above then jailbreak the phone and get started. Don’t worry, you can always restore your jailbroken iPhone to factory settings.

iOS 4.0.2 users will have to wait until the next jailbreak options becomes available. It shouldn’t be too long before the hacker community finds a way to open up your version of your iPhone.

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Get the Most Out of Your Magic Trackpad

by Dan

It is no secret, Apple believes in touch interfaces. Its almost as if they were inspired by the computer interfaces shown in the movie Minority Report in 2002. Since the success of their iPhone touch interface Apple has introduced more and more touch devices, improved gesture techniques and options on their notebook computers and most recently the Magic Trackpad.

The trackpad of course is believed by Apple to be a viable replacement for the mouse interface. I’m guessing that the Magic Trackpad is part of Apple’s long term plan to prepare users for an operating system on their Macs that combines the best features and functionalities of iOS and OS X. It is true that the trackpad is increasing in capabilities and improving its usability but I’m still a bit doubtful on the ability to replace a tool like the mouse that has been such a central part of the computer experience.

Apple doesn’t seem to be helping their case either. Unlike most Apple products, the installation process for the Magic Trackpad was a bit more complicated. But I must admit that once you have the device installed it is a delight to use. It combines the easy to use trackpad of the Apple Notebooks with a larger surface area that makes it easy to use on the large screen iMacs. As always, the features of the MagicTrackpad is what makes it a great device and what makes it a critical part of the long term Apple strategy.

Magic Trackpad Gestures

The Magic Trackpad’s Gestures are designed to make it easier to interact with files and applications that you’re working with. The trackpad currently supports 12 main gestures.

  1. Point – This gesture is what allows users to navigate around their desktop. It will be interesting to see if Apple incorporates this gesture at some point into the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
  2. Click – The gesture allows you to select or interact with an object on your screen
  3. Double Click – Some applications require additional input from the user for interaction. Tapping twice on the Magic Trackpad acts as a double click on the mouse
  4. Right Click – Its been years since Apple only supported 1 button mouse input, but many still believe that “right click” doesn’t exist in the Mac environment. To Right Click on the Magic Trackpad tap the screen with two fingers at once
  5. Click & Drag – To click and drag a window or object around your desktop, tap and hold the trackpad and slide your finger around the pad to drag it around the screen
  6. Two Finger Scroll – One of my favorite features of Apple’s trackpad. To scroll up and down a browser window, through files in Finder or other areas, touch the trackpad with two fingers and slide them up and down, left and right
  7. Rotate – To rotate an image clockwise or counter-clockwise, simple tap two fingers on the trackpad and twist them like you were hands moving on a clock.
  8. Pinch & Zoom – To zoom into or out from an image or object, touch the fingers to a trackpad and either pinch or spread your fingers in an application that supports the input
  9. Screen Zoom – To zoom into a part of your screen, press control and then slide up or down with two fingers on the trackpad
  10. Pageback and Pageforward – Some applications like Safari and iPhoto allow you to quickly jump to the previous page or image. Touch three fingers to the trackpad and swipe left or right.
  11. Switch Applications – To switch between open applications, touch four fingers to the trackpad and swipe left or right
  12. Activate Expose – To enable the expose feature of OS X on your Magic Trackpad, touch four fingers to the trackpad and swipe up and down

The features are a great start for a touch interface interaction with OS X. It will be great to see what other gestures Apple or other developers will be able to come up with for the Magic Trackpad.

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How To Install Apple’s Magic Trackpad

by Dan

Many analysts would agree that Apple’s notebooks have one of the best, if not the best, trackpads in the industry. The multitouch input device is extremely user friendly, filled with advanced features, and even fun to use. Apple’s Trackpads are larger than those found on most other notebooks and after you’ve used one on a Mac, going back to PC trackpads is torture.

If you combine the success of the trackpads with the ever increasing line of touch products like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, you can quickly see why Apple delivered the Magic Trackpad to consumers. Apple believes that “Touch” is the future and they’re spending considerable amounts of energy to improve their touch products and software. The Magic Trackpad is essentially the trackpad that you’ve fallen in love with on your Mac Notebooks but for use on your iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro. In fact, with the right windows drivers, Magic Trackpad even works on Windows.

The Magic Trackpad is slightly larger than trackpads found on Macbooks and Macbook Pros but fits in perfectly with the look and feel of Apple’s Keyboard and other aluminum casing. The slight angle makes the device comfortable for use and the touch pad itself is of the highest quality. Your fingers won’t stick while navigating around your Mac with this input device.

Installing Your Magic Trackpad

Without the device drivers for the Magic Trackpad, the device is essentially a bluetooth mouse. Turn it on, find it with your Mac Bluetooth settings and its ready to use like any bluetooth mouse on the market. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include all the functionality and features that you’ve come to love on notebook trackpads by Apple.

The steps below detail how to install the Magic Trackpad for use with your Mac:

  1. Insert the Batteries into the Trackpad and turn it onwith the power button
  2. From your Menu Bar, select the Bluetooth icon and Setup a Bluetooth Device.
  3. The setup assistant should find a “Apple Wireless Trackpad”. Connect that device and you’re trackpad is ready to use as a mouse
    4. Bluetooth Setup Assistant.png
  4. To enable the extra gesture functionality and have more control over your Magic Trackpad you’ll need to install the Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0 available from Apple.com.
  5. Install the package after it has finished downloading. Your system may require a reboot
  6. When the Magic Trackpad Update is installed correctly you’ll be able to access its settings from System Preferences >> Trackpad.
    7. System Preferences-TrackPad.png
  7. Select the One Finger, Two Fingers, Three Fingers, and Four Fingers gestures that you’d like to use with your Magic Trackpad and test them out on your Trackpad

    8. Testing Your Magic TrackPad’s Battery Level

    You can quickly and easily identify the battery level for your trackpad by navigating to the Trackpad Settings page. Click System Preferences >> Trackpad and in the bottom left corner you’ll see the Trackpad Battery Level.

    Trackpad-Battery.png

    Do you have a Magic Trackpad? What do you like and dislike about the mouse replacement? Will Touch replace the mouse in the near future for good?

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Griffin Reveal Case for iPhone 4

by Shaun

If you know anything about me, I am a sucker for cases for my devices.  I am always searching for the “right” case for my iPhone.  You should see the amount of cases I had for my iPhone 3G.  Well, I was able to get my hands on a case from Griffin for free, which was very nice of them, to let me review.  Griffin is a great company and I have bought and tried out some of their other products and loved them.

The case has a clear polycarbonate back with a cutout for your camera and flash.  The sides are made out of rubber and has cutouts for your ports as well as for the volume button.  It is a very simple case.  There are a few things that I like about the case.  For one, I noticed that even though I had the case in my pocket a lot, the polycarbonate back didn’t scratch.  Some cases that I have that are clear tend to scratch pretty easily, but not this one.  I was definitely impressed by that.

The other thing that I loved about this case is the fact that the sides were made out of rubber.  There are a couple of reasons why I like this.  One, it gives you a good grip as you are holding the phone.  It really felt secure in my hand, which is a nice feeling to have, especially with an iPhone.  Secondly, with the rubber sides, it made putting in and taking out the iPhone very easy.  I also have been testing the Belkin Micra case which I got as part of the “Free Case” program from Apple.  This case is all plastic and it is very hard to take out the iPhone for fear that you are going to break the plastic as you are taking it out.  With this case, there is no fear of breaking anything.  The rubber really makes this process easy and yet gives some good protection to the iPhone.

Overall, I have to say, this is really a good case.  I think I am going to keep it on my iPhone for a while.  It is definitely by far the best case that I have tried so far out of the 4 cases that I have tried.  I would love to see more colors for the rubber sides, but maybe that is something Griffin will add in the future.  You can get the case from Griffin for $24.99.  That is definitely an affordable price for a case of this caliber.  I would also highly suggest checking out the rest of the Griffin cases as they have some cases there that look like ones I would want to try in the future.

If you are interested in seeing a video review of the case, check out this post.  Thanks for reading.

Griffin’s Review Policy

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