BlackBerry Bringing Messenger to iPhone

11:38 AM, May. 14th, 2013 · Jeff Gamet · iObserver

BlackBerry will be extending its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch this summer, finally bringing its popular messaging service to Apple's mobile platform. When BBM for iOS ships it will mark the first time BlackBerry will have offered its messaging service outside of its own devices.

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This is a smart move for BlackBerry that should've happened long ago.

Samsung Successfully Tests 1Gbps ‘5G’ Wireless Technology

6:13 PM, May. 13th, 2013 · Bryan Chaffin · iObserver

Antennas!

Samsung announced on Monday that it has tested a technology the company is calling "5G" that can transmit data at up to 1Gbps, a speed that is up to ten times faster than today's LTE networks. The company said that it could weaponize commercialize the technology by 2020.

The iPhone’s Hidden Image Editor

10:39 AM, May. 13th, 2013 · Jeff Gamet · iObserver

Your iPhone or iPod touch makes for a handy camera, and both can take nice images. That doesn't, however, mean you won't need to make some quick adjustments on the go. You can turn to a long list of apps designed to help with that, including Apple's own iPhoto, but if you only need to make some minor adjustments, the Photos app has a nearly-hidden editor just waiting to help out.

Amazon Targets Photo Stream with Cloud Drive Photos

9:05 AM, May. 13th, 2013 · Jeff Gamet · iObserver

Amazon unveiled its Cloud Drive Photos for the iPhone and iPod touch over the weekend along with a companion Mac app in what looks like a move to compete with Apple's iCloud Photo Stream feature. Cloud Drive Photos includes 5 GB of storage and lets users upload images to their Amazon Cloud and then download them to other devices.

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Several companies offer individual solutions that compete with iCloud features, but they aren't tied in at the system level like Apple's service is on iOS and OS X. Even still, competing services like Cloud Drive Photos tend to offer more storage for free, and that may be enough to turn some iCloud users to alternatives.

Licensing Fees May be Stalling Apple’s Streaming Music Service

10:17 AM, May. 10th, 2013 · Jeff Gamet · iObserver

Apple has apparently signed up Universal Music for its rumored online music streaming service, and is close to wrapping up negotiations with Warner Music, but can't move forward because it hasn't been able to reach an agreement with Sony Music over royalty payments.

3 Free Fast Movie Makers for iOS

9:57 AM, May. 10th, 2013 · Vern Seward · iObserver

Free on iTunes

Like shooting videos, but hate making movies with them? Vern Seward offers up three quick movie makers for iPhone or iPad that may fit the bill in this week's Free on iTunes. Perfect Video Lite, Drop n Roll, and Takes.

Apple Wins ‘iBooks’ Trademark Suit from Publisher

7:34 PM, May. 9th, 2013 · Bryan Chaffin · iObserver

iBooks

Apple has won a trademark infringement suit from Black Tower Press over the use of "iBooks." GigaOM reported that Judge Denise Cote granted summary judgement in Apple's favor, ruling that there was no chance of consumer confusion over Apple's iBooks service for iOS and Black Towers' "iBooks imprint."

Satellite Safari for iOS is Stellar, Inspiring

4:00 PM, May. 9th, 2013 · John Martellaro · iObserver

Satellite Safari for iOS review

Satellite Safari is a realtime, visual guide to hundreds of satellites in orbit.  This universal iOS app will tell when they pass overhead and where they are right now.  You can follow along in orbit, with the satellite, see what it looks like, look at the ground track or watch it pass overhead from your location on the ground.  It's also the official app for the Kickstarter SkyCube mission.