http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/iobserver/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2F3_free_ios_apps_for_the_news_hounds%2F&seed_title=3+Free+iOS+Apps+for+News+Hounds http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/3_free_ios_apps_for_the_news_hounds/ Need to keep up with current events and don’t want a lot of fluff and opinion to cloud your news? Three apps featured in this week’s Free on iTunes may be just what you need.  Vern Seward tells us about AP Mobile, Reuter’s News Pro, and NPR News. Columns and Opinions, Free on iTunes, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iPad Fri, 25 May 2012 17:42:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmobile_devices_account_for_20_of_web_traffic_in_us_canada%2F&seed_title=Mobile+Devices+Account+for+20%25+of+Web+Traffic+in+US%2C+Canada http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mobile_devices_account_for_20_of_web_traffic_in_us_canada/ Mobile web browsing on smartphones and tablets now accounts for 20 percent of all web traffic in the United States and Canada, according to research from online advertising network Chitika. News, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Fri, 25 May 2012 14:33:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_now_offering_free_app_of_the_week_for_ios%2F&seed_title=Apple+Now+Offering+%26%238220%3BFree+App+of+the+Week%26%238221%3B+for+iOS http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_now_offering_free_app_of_the_week_for_ios/ Apple is now offering a free “App of the Week” on its iOS App Store, the company’s official App Store Twitter account announced late Thursday. The first free app offered this week is ZeptoLab’s Cut the Rope: Experiments, a puzzle game optimized for iPhone and iPod touch. News, iObserver, App Store Fri, 25 May 2012 12:49:36 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fabsinthe_2.0_provides_untethered_jailbreak_for_ios_5.1.1%2F&seed_title=Absinthe+2.0+Provides+Untethered+Jailbreak+for+iOS+5.1.1 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/absinthe_2.0_provides_untethered_jailbreak_for_ios_5.1.1/ “Greenpois0n’s” Absinthe 2.0 jailbreak was released early Friday, bringing untethered jailbreak support to iOS 5.1.1. The release supports most versions of the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch and is the first untethered jailbreak option for Apple’s latest iOS firmware. News, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPod Fri, 25 May 2012 11:25:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Ff18_carrier_landing_lite_a_boatload_of_fun%2F&seed_title=F18+Carrier+Landing+%28iOS%29+is+a+Boatload+of+Fun http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/f18_carrier_landing_lite_a_boatload_of_fun/ Landing a jet on an aircraft carrier is one of the hardest things humans do. So it’s a great candidate for a game, both as a challenge and as a sobering introduction to the real thing. This game has great visuals and is easy to fly, but it’s not really a technical flight simulator. That’s quite okay. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Fri, 25 May 2012 11:09:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ffacebook_brings_native_photo_sharing_to_iphone_with_new_camera_app%2F&seed_title=Facebook+Brings+Native+Photo+Sharing+to+iPhone+with+New+Camera+App http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/facebook_brings_native_photo_sharing_to_iphone_with_new_camera_app/ Facebook is moving deeper into the photo sharing game with the release of its Facebook Camera app for the iPhone. The app landed on Apple’s App Store on Thursday, and lets users share photos from their iPhone through their Facebook account. News, Product News, iObserver, iPhone Fri, 25 May 2012 09:41:04 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_pulls_rogue_amoebas_airfoil_speakers_touch_from_app_store%2F&seed_title=Apple+Pulls+Rogue+Amoeba%26%238217%3Bs+Airfoil+Speakers+Touch+from+App+Store http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_pulls_rogue_amoebas_airfoil_speakers_touch_from_app_store/ Rogue Amoeba’s Airfoil Speakers Touch app for iOS has been inexplicably removed from the App Store, Paul Kafasis, the company’s CEO, noted Thursday, leading some to speculate that iOS 6 will include functionality similar to that which the app provides. News, iObserver, App Store, iOS Thu, 24 May 2012 18:01:17 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fcasellet_iphone_4s_case_and_wallet_combined%2F&seed_title=Casellet%3A+iPhone+4S+Case+and+Wallet+Combined http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/casellet_iphone_4s_case_and_wallet_combined/ The Casellet is an iPhone case integrated with a wallet that can conceal a small amount of cash or credit cards. It’s perfect for those occasions when you need your iPhone (4 or 4S) but don’t want to carry a wallet or purse. Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 24 May 2012 14:41:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsharp_teams_with_foxconn_for_iphone_display_production%2F&seed_title=Sharp+Teams+with+Foxconn+for+iPhone+Display+Production http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/sharp_teams_with_foxconn_for_iphone_display_production/ Sharp and Foxconn will be working together on a factory that will produce displays for Apple’s popular iPhone. The news follows reports that the two companies had struck a deal to work together on LCD panel technology. News, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 24 May 2012 11:18:20 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_airs_two_siri_ads_with_john_malkovich%2F&seed_title=Apple+Airs+Two+Siri+Ads+with+John+Malkovich http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_airs_two_siri_ads_with_john_malkovich/ Apple aired two new iPhone 4S commercials Wednesday evening that show off the smartphone’s Siri voice control feature. Both ads include actor John Malkovich interacting with Siri, much like other recent iPhone commercials with celebrities. News, iObserver, iPhone, Siri Thu, 24 May 2012 08:07:34 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_accuses_doj_of_siding_with_amazon_ebook_monopoly%2F&seed_title=Apple+Accuses+DOJ+of+Siding+with+Amazon+Ebook+Monopoly http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_accuses_doj_of_siding_with_amazon_ebook_monopoly/ Apple is accusing the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust suit against it and five of the so-called “Big 6” U.S. publishers is “fundamentally flawed as a matter of fact and law.” In court documents, Apple argued that the DOJ has sided with Amazon’s Ebook monopoly, rather than competition. News, iObserver, iPad Wed, 23 May 2012 18:22:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fkuel_h12_stylus_for_ipad_almost_perfect%2F&seed_title=Kuel+H12+Stylus+for+iPad%3A+Almost+Perfect http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kuel_h12_stylus_for_ipad_almost_perfect/ In a continuing series of reviews, John Martellaro has been looking at styluses for iOS devices, primarily an iPad. The SPIGEN Kuel H12 stylus, like the previously reviewed Wacom Bamboo, is almost perfect. But not quite. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Wed, 23 May 2012 15:30:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frumor_microsoft_office_to_debut_on_ios_android_in_november%2F&seed_title=Rumor%3A+Microsoft+Office+to+Debut+on+iOS+%26amp%3B+Android+in+November http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rumor_microsoft_office_to_debut_on_ios_android_in_november/ Microsoft’s venerable Office suite may finally be heading to iOS and Android tablets this November, according to online reports. The software was said to look nearly identical to an alleged leak revealed in February. News, Rumor, iObserver, iOS, iPad Wed, 23 May 2012 13:29:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fibm_bans_siri_dropbox_over_security_concerns%2F&seed_title=IBM+Bans+Siri+%26amp%3B+Dropbox+Over+Security+Concerns http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ibm_bans_siri_dropbox_over_security_concerns/ Enterprise software and consulting firm IBM has banned the use of Apple’s Siri Personal Assistant feature on employees’ iPhones. Siri, and other apps and services such as Dropbox, pose a security risk to IBM due to their requirement that user data be transmitted to and stored on third party servers.  News, iObserver, iPhone, Siri Wed, 23 May 2012 11:53:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnpd_apple_dominates_q1_mobile_pc_shipments%2F&seed_title=NPD%3A+Apple+Dominates+Q1+Mobile+PC+Shipments http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/npd_apple_dominates_q1_mobile_pc_shipments/ Apple dominated mobile PC shipments during the March quarter, according to a new report from NPD DisplaySearch. When combining laptops and tablets, NPD said that Apple had 22.5 percent of the market, well ahead of second place HP, which had 11.6 percent of the market, as shown in the chart below. News, iObserver, iPad Tue, 22 May 2012 21:51:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2Freader_discussion_predicting_apples_q3_iphone_sales%2F&seed_title=Reader+Discussion%3A+Predicting+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Q3+iPhone+Sales http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/reader_discussion_predicting_apples_q3_iphone_sales/ Guidance for Apple’s third quarter iPhone sales is down, and some analysts think that means sales of the combination iPod and smartphone will be significantly lower compared to the previous quarter. Today TMO readers are taking a look at what information is available and debating whether or not Apple will see an impact on its bottom line from lower iPhone numbers. Link, Hot Forum Topic, iObserver, iPhone Tue, 22 May 2012 09:59:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fitc_judge_declares_kodak_patent_invalid_in_apple_case%2F&seed_title=ITC+Judge+Declares+Kodak+Patent+Invalid+in+Apple+Case http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itc_judge_declares_kodak_patent_invalid_in_apple_case/ An Administrative Law Judge issued a ruling on Monday declaring that a major battleground patent owned by Kodak is invalid. The judge found that both Apple and Research In Motion had infringed on this patent with some smartphone models, but ruled that “obviousness” invalidated the patent and its claims. News, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 21 May 2012 20:02:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbryan_chaffin_to_speculate_on_7-inch_ipad_at_svmug%2F&seed_title=Bryan+Chaffin+to+Speculate+on+7-Inch+iPad+at+SVMUG http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/bryan_chaffin_to_speculate_on_7-inch_ipad_at_svmug/ Bryan Chaffin will be speaking at the Silicon Valley Mac User Group on Monday evening. At the top of his agenda will be whether or not Apple is going to release a 7.x” iPad (Hint: the answer is “Yes.”) He’ll be discussing the pros and cons of such a device, Apple’s possible pricing strategies for it, and what we might expect it look like News, TMO Appearances, iObserver, iPad Mon, 21 May 2012 16:59:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fanalyst_apple_to_offer_iphone_3gs_as_pre-paid_option%2F&seed_title=Analyst%3A+Apple+to+Offer+iPhone+3GS+as+Pre-Paid+Option http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/analyst_apple_to_offer_iphone_3gs_as_pre-paid_option/ The iPhone 3GS, currently offered on some carriers for free with a two-year contract, may find new life as Apple’s first official pre-paid iPhone option, according to Jeffries analyst Peter Misek. The analyst told clients that Apple had signed an agreement “with a major global distributor” to look for opportunities to extend the life of the 3GS. News, Rumor, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 21 May 2012 14:20:22 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fgriffins_smarttalk_iphone_speakerphone_is_solar_powered%2F&seed_title=Griffin%26%238217%3Bs+SmartTalk+iPhone+Speakerphone+Is+Solar+Powered http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/griffins_smarttalk_iphone_speakerphone_is_solar_powered/ Griffin’s new, easy to use SmartTalk Solar Speakerphone connects to your iPhone for hands-free talk, and it’s solar powered.  Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsamsung_apples_trial_experts_are_slavish_fanboys%2F&seed_title=Samsung%3A+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Trial+Experts+Are+%26%238220%3BSlavish%26%238221%3B+Fanboys http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/samsung_apples_trial_experts_are_slavish_fanboys/ The cult-like way that some Apple customers follow the company has been discussed for many years, but now Samsung claims that the same level of “slavish adoration” exists in some of Apple’s trial experts testifying on the Cupertino company’s behalf in the ongoing patent litigation. News, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Mon, 21 May 2012 13:06:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_moves_for_u.s._galaxy_tab_10.1_ban%2F&seed_title=Apple+Moves+for+U.S.+Galaxy+Tab+10.1+Ban http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_moves_for_u.s._galaxy_tab_10.1_ban/ Apple filed a motion for a preliminary injunction late on Friday to block the import of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in the United States. The motion followed a Federal court ruling that an iPad design patent, previously ruled invalid, is actually valid after all. News, iObserver, iPad Mon, 21 May 2012 08:43:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsprint_offers_100_credit_for_iphones_from_other_carriers%2F&seed_title=Sprint+Offers+%24100+Credit+for+iPhones+From+Other+Carriers http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/sprint_offers_100_credit_for_iphones_from_other_carriers/ Sprint announced on Friday a $100 credit if you trade in an iPhone from another carrier and purchase a new iPhone 4S along with a two-year contract. With AT&T and Verizon sunsetting their unlimited plans, Sprint is hoping to capitalize on the fact that it continues to offer unlimited data plans by making it easier for people to switch. News, iObserver, iPhone Fri, 18 May 2012 20:58:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_free_art_exhibit_app_for_ipad%2F&seed_title=A+Free+Art+Exhibit+App+for+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_free_art_exhibit_app_for_ipad/ In this week’s episode of Free on iTunes, Vern Seward takes and exclusive look at a new art exhibiting app, artCircle. If you like looking at art, this is the app for you. Columns and Opinions, Free on iTunes, iObserver, App Store, iPad Fri, 18 May 2012 19:50:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_could_use_7_ipad_pricing_to_punish_competitors%2F&seed_title=Apple+Could+Use+7%26%238221%3B+iPad+Pricing+to+Punish+Competitors http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_could_use_7_ipad_pricing_to_punish_competitors/ Apple has gotten so good at manufacturing its devices, Bryan Chaffin thinks the company could use pricing to bludgeon would-be tablet competitors when it releases a 7.x inch iPad later this year. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Fri, 18 May 2012 19:41:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcourt_orders_apple_htc_into_patent_settlement_discussion%2F&seed_title=Court+Orders+Apple%2C+HTC+into+Patent+Settlement+Discussion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/court_orders_apple_htc_into_patent_settlement_discussion/ Apple and HTC will be meeting in August to discuss a possible settlement in their ongoing patent infringement lawsuits. The companies were ordered by the Federal court overseeing the cases into the negotiations, although there isn’t any guarantee they will reach an agreement that keeps from going to trial. News, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Fri, 18 May 2012 09:40:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsimon_schuster_settles_states_antitrust_suits%2F&seed_title=Simon+%26amp%3B+Schuster+Settles+States+Antitrust+Suits+%5BUpdate%5D http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/simon_schuster_settles_states_antitrust_suits/ Simon & Schuster has settled antitrust suits launched against by several states attorneys general. CNet reported that Judge Denise Cote, who is overseeing the case from 29 states dismissed the publisher from those suits, leaving Apple and two other major publishers accused of colluding to raise ebook prices. [Updated: The story has been updated to show that Simon & Schuster is the third company to settle with the states. - Editor] News, iObserver, iPad Thu, 17 May 2012 18:49:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2Fbluetooth_sliding_keyboard_case_for_iphone%2F&seed_title=Bluetooth+Sliding+Keyboard+Case+for+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/bluetooth_sliding_keyboard_case_for_iphone/ The Deal Brothers found us a deal on the Bluetooth Sliding Keyboard Case for iPhone for $34.99, which is 30% retail. As the name suggests, this is a case for your iPhone that includes a built-in sliding Bluetooth keyboard. Link, Deal Brothers, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 17 May 2012 17:08:38 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnew_surprising_facts_about_iphone_security%2F&seed_title=New%2C+Surprising+Facts+About+iPhone+Security http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/new_surprising_facts_about_iphone_security/ With all the emphasis Apple puts on iOS security, one would think that it’s a backburner issue. But there are interesting new developments, and John Martellaro had a chat with Juniper Networks to find out more. Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPod Thu, 17 May 2012 14:45:32 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fsatechis_divoom_ibase-1_does_double_duty_beautifully%2F&seed_title=Satechi%26%238217%3Bs+iDevice+Speaker%2FCharger+Does+Double+Duty+Beautifully http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/satechis_divoom_ibase-1_does_double_duty_beautifully/ We all know we don’t need or want that refrigerator with the built-in toaster, but the Divoom iBase-1 will charge your “i” products while it plays your music, and this double duty product has merit.  Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Thu, 17 May 2012 14:20:13 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fkodak_questions_apples_patent_claim_timing_validity%2F&seed_title=Kodak+Questions+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Patent+Claim+Timing+%26amp%3B+Validity http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/kodak_questions_apples_patent_claim_timing_validity/ Kodak has questioned the timing and validity of Apple’s efforts to block the sale of a key patent. In documents filed with a federal bankruptcy court, Kodak said that Apple is playing games intended to keep it from paying infringement damages, and that both the U.S. International Trade Commission and the courts have already rejected Apple’s ownership claims to some key Kodak patents. News, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Thu, 17 May 2012 13:14:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frobbie_bach_zune_was_a_mistake%2F&seed_title=Robbie+Bach%3A+Zune+was+a+Mistake http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/robbie_bach_zune_was_a_mistake/ Former Microsoft executive Robbie Bach was involved in the company’s failed Zune portable media player, and he thinks the project was a mistake. Instead, he’d push for a music service if he could go back in time and try again. News, iObserver, iPod Thu, 17 May 2012 11:30:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fchina_mobile_were_working_on_getting_the_iphone%2F&seed_title=China+Mobile%3A+We%26%238217%3Bre+Working+on+Getting+the+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/china_mobile_were_working_on_getting_the_iphone/ China’s largest cell service provider, China Mobile, has confirmed that it is negotiating with Apple to officially bring the iPhone to its network. The carrier already supports some 15 million iPhone users, and an official deal could bring even more iPhone owners to its network. News, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 17 May 2012 10:41:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2Freader_discussion_deciphering_iphone_update_rumors%2F&seed_title=Reader+Discussion%3A+Deciphering+iPhone+Update+Rumors http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/reader_discussion_deciphering_iphone_update_rumors/ Rumors surrounding the next iPhone are heating up, and some are hinting at a summer release for the next version of Apple’s combination iPod and smartphone. Today TMO readers are talking about the next iPhone and when they think it will really hit store shelves. Link, Hot Forum Topic, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 17 May 2012 10:07:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftime_warner_viacom_settle_ipad_streaming_dispute%2F&seed_title=Time+Warner%2C+Viacom+Settle+iPad+Streaming+Dispute http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/time_warner_viacom_settle_ipad_streaming_dispute/ A year-long legal dispute between Time Warner Cable and Viacom over streaming content to Apple’s iPad has finally been resolved with an agreement that lets the cable company’s customers legitimately watch Viacom channels such as Comedy Central And Nickelodeon on their mobile devices. News, iObserver, iPad Thu, 17 May 2012 09:16:24 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_claims_7.9_of_mobile_phone_market_in_q1%2F&seed_title=Apple+Claims+7.9%25+of+Mobile+Phone+Market+in+Q1 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_claims_7.9_of_mobile_phone_market_in_q1/ Apple’s share of the handset market grew to 7.9 percent during the March quarter of 2012, according to new data from Gartner. That’s the company’s share of all mobile phones, and not just smartphones, and it makes Apple the third largest mobile phone maker on the planet behind Nokia and Samsung. News, iObserver, iPhone Wed, 16 May 2012 22:50:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fverizon_eliminating_unlimited_data_for_users_with_4g_lte%2F&seed_title=Verizon+Eliminating+Unlimited+Data+for+Users+with+4G+LTE http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/verizon_eliminating_unlimited_data_for_users_with_4g_lte/ Verizon customers who currently have a $30 per month unlimited data plan will not be able to keep that plan after they migrate to 4G LTE. Verizon plans to offer a data share plan starting mid-summer and 4G LTE customers will have to move to that plan. No pricing details have yet been released regarding the new data share plan. News, iObserver, iPhone Wed, 16 May 2012 21:37:30 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fihs_calls_apples_ipad_2012_tablet_domination_no_contest%2F&seed_title=IHS+Calls+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPad+2012+Tablet+Domination+%26%238216%3BNo+Contest%26%238217%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ihs_calls_apples_ipad_2012_tablet_domination_no_contest/ Apple lost tablet market share in the 4th quarter of 2011, but that was nothing more than a speed bump, according to research firm IHS. The company issued a report on Wednesday that said Apple’s domination of the tablet market in 2012 will be “no contest,” and pinned the company’s advantage on its whole widget model.  News, iObserver, iPad Wed, 16 May 2012 18:16:24 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_asks_court_to_drop_siri_lawsuits%2F&seed_title=Apple+Asks+Court+to+Drop+Siri+Lawsuits http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_asks_court_to_drop_siri_lawsuits/ Apple has filed a lawsuit asking a California court to dismiss a group of lawsuits seeking class action status over claims that the Siri voice recognition in the iPhone 4S doesn’t perform as advertised. According to the lawsuits, Apple intentionally misstated Siri’s capabilities in its advertising — an accusation that Apple denies. News, iObserver, iPhone, Siri Wed, 16 May 2012 11:14:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphone_4s_my_favorite_siri_commands%2F&seed_title=iPhone+4S%3A+My+Favorite+Siri+Commands http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphone_4s_my_favorite_siri_commands/ If you have an iPhone 4S and you don’t use Siri much, Melissa Holt is disappointed in you. So disappointed, in fact, that she’s decided to write an entire tip on her favorite uses for Apple’s friendly personal assistant. She hopes by doing so that she can convince you to start talking to your electronics in public—after all, the more people start doing that, the less insane she looks when she does. We’d call that a win-win. Tips, TMO Quick Tip, iObserver, iPhone, Siri Wed, 16 May 2012 08:35:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbarclays_7-inch_ipad_appears_more_likely%2F&seed_title=Barclays%3A+7-inch+iPad+Appears+%26%238216%3BMore+Likely%26%238217%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/barclays_7-inch_ipad_appears_more_likely/ Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes told clients on Tuesday that Apple releasing a 7” iPad “appears more likely.” In a research note obtained by The Mac Observer, Mr. Reitzes said that, ” recent research still leads us to believe that Apple may be planning to add another form factor to its iPad line in the 7” range for the fall.” News, Reports, Apple Stock Watch, iObserver, iPad Tue, 15 May 2012 18:08:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fidermal_man_implant_magnets_to_hold_ipod_nano%2F&seed_title=iDermal%3A+Man+Implant+Magnets+to+Hold+iPod+Nano http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/idermal_man_implant_magnets_to_hold_ipod_nano/ So you want to wear your iPod nano like it was a wristwatch, but the idea of a fat band to hold it just really turns you off. What’s a fellow to do? If you’re Dave Hurban, you make the only logical move that you can and surgically embed four magnets into your own arm to hold that nano where it belongs, on your wrist. News, iObserver, iPod Tue, 15 May 2012 16:02:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fanalyst_iphone_supplies_dipping_ahead_of_fall_refresh%2F&seed_title=Analyst%3A+iPhone+Supplies+Dipping+Ahead+of+Fall+Refresh http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/analyst_iphone_supplies_dipping_ahead_of_fall_refresh/ Apple is scaling back iPhone 4S production ahead of a fall product refresh, according to Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu. That could lead to a 25 percent reduction in sales compared to the previous quarter, and come in under analyst expectations. Reports, Apple Stock Watch, iObserver, iPhone Tue, 15 May 2012 10:08:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_reportedly_expanding_icloud_with_photo_sharing_personal_videos%2F&seed_title=Apple+Reportedly+Expanding+iCloud+with+Photo+Sharing%2C+Personal+Videos http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_reportedly_expanding_icloud_with_photo_sharing_personal_videos/ Apple’s iCloud service could soon include photo sharing (not just syncing), syncing of personal videos, and new access to Reminders and Notes in an upcoming upgrade. These features are rumored to be included in iOS 6 which is expected to be announced at WWDC in mid-June. News, Rumor, iObserver, iCloud Mon, 14 May 2012 20:25:52 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftime_warner_cable_ceo_doesnt_know_about_apples_airplay%2F&seed_title=Time+Warner+Cable+CEO+Doesn%26%238217%3Bt+Know+About+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+AirPlay http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/time_warner_cable_ceo_doesnt_know_about_apples_airplay/ Apple’s AirPlay technology allows users to wirelessly stream content from their iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches to their Apple TV (and thus to their TV). Despite its potentially disruptive nature, however, Time Warner Cable’s CEO Glenn A. Britt had never heard of it until asked by a reporter during a group interview. News, Analysis, iObserver, iOS, Apple TV Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2Fchicbuds_arts_earbuds_are_designed_for_females%2F&seed_title=ChicBud%26%238217%3Bs+Arts+Earbuds+are+Designed+For+Females http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/chicbuds_arts_earbuds_are_designed_for_females/ chicBuds obviously knows its target audience (females) and caters to the likes and desires of that audience. Their products are colorful and they provide good sound.  Reviews, Quick Look Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPad, iPod Mon, 14 May 2012 13:24:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthird_gen_ipad_drops_4g_for_cellular_in_product_name%2F&seed_title=Third+Gen+iPad+Drops+%26%238220%3B4G%26%238221%3B+for+%26%238220%3BCellular%26%238221%3B+in+Product+Name http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/third_gen_ipad_drops_4g_for_cellular_in_product_name/ Apple has dropped the 4G moniker from iPad WiFi + 4G following complaints in some markets that the multimedia tablet doesn’t support 4G networks outside of the United States and Canada. Now Apple is referring to the 4G-capable third generation as iPad WiFi + Cellular, which may appease governments that are investigating Apple’s use of 4G in the iPad name. News, iObserver, iPad Mon, 14 May 2012 09:42:30 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2F5_fabulous_favorite_free_ios_apps%2F&seed_title=5+Fabulous+Favorite+Free+iOS+Apps http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/5_fabulous_favorite_free_ios_apps/ This week in Free on iTunes Vern Seward looks back on 5 of his favorite iOS apps: NYPL Biblion, McSweeney’s, PlainText, With Friends games, and Instagram. Columns and Opinions, Free on iTunes, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad Fri, 11 May 2012 19:56:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Freport_apple-owned_map_technologies_to_replace_google_in_ios_6%2F&seed_title=Report%3A+Apple-Owned+Map+Technologies+to+Replace+Google+in+iOS+6 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/report_apple-owned_map_technologies_to_replace_google_in_ios_6/ Apple’s “Maps” app will be updated in iOS 6 to use Apple-owned technologies to replace Google’s mapping data for the backend, according to online reports. Included is a new 3D mode that will reportedly be part of the re-engineered system. News, Rumor, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Fri, 11 May 2012 19:31:50 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fiobserver&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_accuses_samsung_of_destroying_withholding_evidence%2F&seed_title=Apple+Accuses+Samsung+of+Destroying+%26amp%3B+Withholding+Evidence http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_accuses_samsung_of_destroying_withholding_evidence/ Apple has accused rival and partner Samsung of destroying and withholding evidence in their epic patent infringement battle. In court documents, Apple filed a motion asking Judge Lucy Koh to penalize Samsung by issuing “spoiliation inference” instructions to the jury, instructions that could severely hurt Samsung and help Apple. News, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Fri, 11 May 2012 17:01:19 -0400