smartech

Apple just issued iPhone OS 3.1.2, available on your iTunes app right now, offering some bug fixes to few of the problems you may have seen, including pesky sleep mode bugs that kept your iPhone device from waking up, network connection interruptions many has suffered from, or this video streaming crash, occasionally happened. Just click the update and make it work.

Update1: And just in case you were looking for a jailbreak app that will help you hack your iPhone 3GS 3.1.2 OS or iPod Touch 3G without activation, Geohot’s Blackra1n key just turned official, and will let you in right away, as long as you run a Windows platform. No unlock, only break. Proceed with caution.

Update2: But if you just want to stick with good old friends, Dev Team’s PwnageTool 3.1.4 is just around the corner. You can download it from here, in case you’re a Mac, and get your iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 2G devices hacked. iPod Touch 3G users, you’re out – this time – no support at the moment, but stick around for updates to come.

Update3: Looks like blackra1n RC3 just went live, offering full blacksn0w unlock for the latest 05.11.07 baseband. If you’re a Mac or a Window user – it really doesn’t matter – just grab your file and make it happen.

Dev Team has done it again. iPhone 3.1 OS has been jailbroken for iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 2 machines, in case you’re Mac users. Mind you, this new Pwnage 3.13 tool, the team has released, will not work with Phone/iPod Touch devices that came out-of-the-box with OS 3.1 or were upgraded via iTunes. In other words, you have to Pwnd them at 3.0 or 3.0.1 versions, before jumping to the latest one.

[DevTeam]

Dev Team has just released a Pwnage jailbreaking tool for iPhone 3.1 OS, used with Mac systems. Mind you, this new JB version can only work with Apple’s older machines and won’t support new ones, such as iPhone 3GS or iPod Touch second-gen. To get it down and start the process, move with cautious over the link below.

Because of changes with Apple’s update techniques this will be a multipart release, starting with the initial release of PwnageTool for Mac OS X – this application supports the iPhone 1st Generation (2G), The iPhone 3G and the iPod touch 1G. NB: THIS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE 3GS OR 2ND or 3RD GEN IPOD TOUCH. redsn0w for Mac OS X and Windows will follow sometime in the near future, please don’t bug us about it – we’ll release when we have something ready.

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[viaDev Team]

Apple has just released iPhone and iPod Touch OS 3.1.1 which is now officially up and available for downloading via iTunes, as iPhone users can easily get it for free, while iPod touch owners will need to shell out ONLY $4.95 this time. The latest upgrade seems to include a new ringtone store that offers over 30,000 ringtones, listed at $1.29 each, while the other app store, is now having a Genius recommendations system paired with new syncing features and a cool application managing support.

Update: New update is sized around 283MB. We keep hearing about wifi issues from several people who already installed the new OS. Apparently, their iPhone device has lost any connection with local wireless routers, after loading up the 3.1.1 version. Will keep you updated about this problem and others.

With one more hour to go before announcing some new players, Apple is now reported to quietly slash down iPod Touch, Nano and Classic iPod prices on Cupertino’s on-line store, as follows:  iPod Touch – Apparently, the 8GB model is now priced at $189 (instead of $229), while 16GB version now stands at $249 (instead of $299), and the 32GB flavor is merely $279 (was $399 before). iPod Nano – The 8GB model will now set you back for $129 (instead of $149), as the 16GB Nano is now offered for only $149 (instead of previous $199). iPod Classic - Gets the competitive price of $229 instead of $249.

Update1: Turns out a new whopping 64GB iPod Touch version is now up and available for $399.

Update2: Looks like the $249 iPod Classic player is now being offered in 160GB storage. That’s extra 40GB to its predecessor.

Update3: So it seems a new iPod Touch 3G is out after all, but regretfully without a camera inside. Prices remain the same but the UI looks a little snappier than previous gen. Surprisingly, the guys at iFixit have managed to find a potential spot for a video camera, that Apple has probably allocated in the top of the device. That said, Steve Jobs already made it clear that Apple won’t integrate any footage features at this point. Stay tuned.

Update4: The guys at engadget have thrown themselves all over the “new” iPod Touch 3G, moments before it goes live. Hit the jump to take a look.

[Apple]

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[digg-me]

First come the rumors, then you see the  mock-ups, and moments before any official announcement is made, some blurred and unfocused images surface up. Have you guessed already? Of course you did, it is a mandatory process for any Apple product to go through, before getting released, and make no mistake, iPod Touch next gen (AKA: iPod Touch 3G) is not different from others. And with so many “yes camera no camera” speculations floating around, It is for you to decide either these latest footage images are fake or legit. Hit the break to see the video.

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As planned, Apple has officially released iPhone OS 3.0, to be available in your iTunes application right now. If you don’t see it, juct click the updates button and make sure you’re running version 8.2. Apparently, OS 3.0 weights 230 MB, and with thousands of people concurrently downloading the update, it might take longer than expected.  Needless to say, the upgrade is free in case you’re holding iPhone or iPhone 3G devices, and will be part of the iPhone 3GS version the moment it gets live tommorow. However, iPod touch owners will have to shell out $9.95 to download this one. Stay tuned for updates.

Update: You can download the latest iPhone OS 3.0 directly from here.

[Apple]

After so many rumors and speculations floating around, Microsoft has finally announced the Zune HD, which suppose to make its first appearance somewhere this fall, competing head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPod Touch player. Regretfully, there’s nothing much to share in terms of specs or features, but from the very few fragments we’ve managed to collect, you briefly can figure out it’ll probably pack a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen, together with a built-in HD Radio receiver, 720P HD output (via dock station), integrated WiFi connection and accelerometer sensors for landscape usability. Additionally, you might find a designated Explorer browser for internet surfing purposes and hopefully, a mashup interface with Xbox / Xbox Live gaming consoles. Still, no pricing or capacity details to write about, although one should expect either 16GB or 32GB flavors inside, but this way or another those rumored images earlier published, make no place for mistakes – Zune HD is live and kicking. Full press release after the break.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to put their hands on the freakishly new Zune HD while hanging around D7′s conference hall. First images indicate an incredibly thin-and-light design, combined with a stunning 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, basic Zune UI, adjusted to the touch navigation mode and rounded edges, build with a big “Home” button placed at the bottom lefte.  Hit the jump to watch the video or their link for even more images.

Update2: Zune Insider has officially confirmed that Zune HD will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset inside, which means – full high-def video compatibility in the palm of your hand. Still no word about final release dates, but we’re following.

Update3: Rumors around claim the new Zune HD will be priced somewhere betweem $249 and $280 for the 16GB version, while a 64GB modelis on the prep for a late release. Stay tuned.

Update4: Both BestBuy and Amazon have just listed up the Zune HD on their inventory system , priced at $220 for the 16GB model, and $290 for the 32GB version, coming on September 8th. It’s less than a month to go, so stay tuned.

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Great news for those who’ve been anxiously waiting Sony’s new OLED walkman series to hit western shores, as the company officially announces a US release, while some Asian parts of the world already enjoy this 3-inch wonder for almost a month. Apparently, American citizens can order their piece of audio technology from Amazon and pay the same prices Apple listed the iPod Touch players, which means you get to choose between 16GB / 32GB capacities, both scheduled to mid-June. And if your memory just ditched for a second, we’re here to remind that your options include either the NWZ- X1051 version (16GB ), priced at $299, or the double sized NWZ- X1061 edition for only $399.

[Sony]

With only 950 pieces available, the Prince Opus limited edition version hits the iPod Touch scene (storage capacity is obscured), featuring purple shade on front and big Prince’s symbol at the back, preloaded with an exclusive 40 minutes movie, made by Prince himself, joining the live soundtrack from Indigo Nights, which includes 15 tracks aboard. Additionally, you get a rare book of Prince photography, taken from Kraken Opus and offered as part of the package, that can easily attract worldwide fans, in case they have $2100 to shell out.

[Via All Things Digital]

According to a tipster, Microsoft will presumably release a new Zune player with HD capabilities, somewhere this year. Naturally, we have no other details, nor any specs of the new device itself, but if this info is correct, and it sure looks reliable, the Zune 4th Generation should be available with a wide and sharp touchscreen, supporting high-def video and some other features, which you can find in the iPod Touch players. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: More uncertain specs show up across the cyber world, revealing a 16:9 AMOLED display with multi-touch usability (capacitive), joining the mini-HDMI output and the HD Radio feature, both bundled inside, along with a full HTML browser, to wirelessly surf the web. And while we have no special ability to determine “details accuracy”, you should take our word when we say it’ll be offered either in 16GB or 32GB capacities. However, In case you look for even more speculative rumors, Zune fanboys will also tell you the new HD device might support 3D XBox games, thanks to the integrated NVidia chipset, which we really hope to see included. Other than that, a worldwide release is said to take place somewhere around September, so stay tuned for real things to come.

Update2: May 12th 2009 – According to ZDNet, the next Zune / Windows Mobile device (AKA: Chassis 1) will feature a whole bunch of top-notch specs, including a 3.5-inch multi-touch display along with ARM v6+ processor, 1GB of RAM, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics hardware, 3 megapixel camera, GPS navigation system, WiFi / Bluetooth connections, built in accelerometer and even Nvidia’s Tegra platform, integrated with TI’s OMAP 3  and “Qualcomm 8k” chipsets, to handle those strong requirements. Of course, these are just rumors, and we can’t take them that serious, although we do hold an opinion that Chassis 1 will be strong enough to match market demands.

[Via Engadget]

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Apple’s OS 3.0 preview event in Cupertino, California was just ended with some interesting announcements concerning hardware accessories, firmware tweaks, App Store business model improvements and some new games/software developments – answering most of our long lasting expectations. Although it was more of a conference, targeting third party developers, some of the news are all about iPhone’s consumers usability. That includes:

• Copy & Paste capabilities.
• MMS messaging support.
• Forward and delete for multiple messages.
• Peer-to-peer connectivity over Bluetooth for gaming and info exchange.
• A2DP stereo Bluetooth add-on
• Voice Memos.
• A new home screen page with Spotlight feature, allowing universal search on the phone (like Palm’s Pre).
• Shake To Shuffle function.
• Landscape keyboard, available in Mail, Notes and SMS.

First event without Steve Jobs around, and everyone in Apple talks about a complete return to CEO position somewhere around June 2009. But illness matters aside, we’ve learned that the company craves for extra revenues, specially from third-party applications. That is why developers will be able to include subscription fee inside paid apps, together with optional paid content that can be purchased directly from the app itself (like T-shirts and other stuff). Developers will also be able to build apps combined with Google Maps or connect with hardware accessories, such as computer speakers, keyboard and even a blood pressure monitor, through their applications. The new package will include 1,000 new APIs, allowing push notifications (at last), in-game voice use and built-in tethering functionality, that will hopefully work in the future. Other than that, users will get auto WiFi login around hotspots, full parental controls over TV shows/App Store apps and even Bluetooth functionality, in case you’re a 2G iPod touch owners.

OS 3.0 Beta version for developers is now available in here. The other 3.0 firmware update for consumers will be launched in the summer, free of charge. Those who hold iPod Touch devices in their hands will have to pay the usual annoying fee (which stands at $9.95), to get the new version.

Update1: checkout the video after the break.

Update2: iPhone OS 3.0 beta 2 was just released (for developers) and looks like we’re about to get the opportunity to use up to 11 home screens instead of the 9 screens limit on the current one. Additionally, Apple will finally add the push notifications feature in the upcoming version, so here’s a good reason to look forward for something.

Update3: You’ve guessed it right, the guys at QuickPwn have just kicked in with their latest release, which jailbreaks Apple’s OS 3.0 for free use. As always – at your risk – just to the following link, as download is available in here.

Update4: Looks like you’ll also get Voice Control (which stands for voice dialing), together with some other goodies like video recording, auto-focus camera, a compass and a digital battery indicator.

[Apple]

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Korean company mobiBLU is about to launch a new media-players lineup and the first in the series is the T50 PMP, which packs a 2.6-inch 400 x 240 touchscreen, an FM tuner, a microphone and 4GB of internal memory storage. Although the new T50 is still unofficial, we couldn’t ignore the UI, which literally resembles another popular player – You’ve guessed it right – the iPod Touch. However, while Apple’s player sports a super fast multi-touch screen technology, the mobiBLU version comes with a haptic display, that makes it a bit sluggish, if you insist to compare between the two. Still no word on price or availability, but we do know the T50 will generously support MP3, WMA, Flac, AAC, APE audio formats.

[via dapreview]

We know, touchscreen players are the hottest thing around the block, and many companies are doing enormous efforts to take a share from Apple’s control over the market. Although it is unproclaimed, Sony has a great interest to confront the iPod Touch head-to head when it shows out its latest NWZ-X1000, a 3-inch OLED touchscreen Walkman player with WiFi capabilities and either 16GB ($299) or 32GB ($299) capacities to choose from – pretty much identical to the iPod Touch – heh. Additionally, the UI unveils sort of a “cover flow” feature to handle your music, while technologically the Japanese has finally integrated the noise cancelation element, in case you’re using a 13.5mm EX headphones. We’re still lack of any further details concerning other specs or availability, but meanwhile you can checkout the video after the break.

Update: Feb 25th – It is now available to order from Amazon UK, as shipment is set to 5 weeks. The 16GB Sony Walkman NWZ-X1051is priced at £214 ($310) while the 32GB version, the Sony Walkman NWZ-X1061,will set you back for £283 ($410).

[Via anythingbutipod]

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As expected, now that firmware update 2.2 has been officially released, you get a chance to jailbreak your iPhone/iPod Touch devices with the new Pwnage and QuickPwn tools that DevTeam has just unveiled. Mind you, if you wish to unlock your 3G handheld, somewhere in the future, the team has ordered to use Pwnage tool ONLY, so pay attention to the instructions during the jailbreaking process.

Apple has finally released firmware update 2.2, available for downloading via your iTunes software, right away. The new 246MB update brings some neat stuff to your iphone/ipod devices, including Google Street View, over-the-air podcast downloads (which lets you listen to podcast, either through wifi connection or 3G network), public transit and walking directions, more stabilized Safari browser and even the ability to share your location via email. In addition, you get some Bug fixes, together with toggling auto-text correction function, better sound quality in Visual Voicemail messages and a new App rating feature, that allows you to rank any Apple’s App Store application, once you delete it.  Stay tuned !

From personal knowledge, I know there’s a great demand for third party GPS system that will be able to upgrade the iPhone and the iPod touch devices with full navigation capabilities. Regretfully, since Cebit 2008, we haven’t seen anything tangible, making its way to the market, until today, as Orange 360 has decided to change the game by announcing a state of the art iGPS360 module, that will be able to hook up to your iPod touch players or your First Gen. iPhone handheld, in order to bring a GPS hardware system and answer the very basic needs of navigating. Despite the fact it’s still in production, the iGPS360 will be available only for the first 1000 buyers, for a reasonable price of $75, so If youcan’t wait anymore, it’s up for pre-order at the company’s website.

[Orange360]

As expected, now that firmware update 2.1 has been officially released, you get a chance to jailbreak your iPod Touch player with the new Pwnage and QuickPwn tools that DevTeam has just unveiled. To do so, you’ll have to follow 13 steps in order to accomplish the assignment. Mind you, iTunes 8 can detect those jailbroken devices and won’t recognize them, so you might rethink, either upgrading to the latest iTunes or staying with the previous version, until a better solution comes up. Still, no iPhone Jailbreak application released, but be sure it will.

[DevTeam]

Apple has officialy confirmed the release of a 2nd generation iPod Touch player, to hit the stores right away with the same 3.5-inch widescreen display,  802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connection, a built-in speaker and the amazing integrated accelerometer that turns your device into an interactive machine. The new Touch boasts a thinner chrome budy design with those curvy tapered edges, that can be found in the new iPhone 3G. It has external volume controls (finally) and runs the latest 2.1software with the App store inside and those Genius playlist menus, to automatically create smart playlists and save them for a repeatable use. You get 3 different versions to choose from, including an 8GB player to set you back for $229, 16GB for $299, and 32GB for $399. Battery life can deliver up to 36 hours of music or 6 hours of video. Another big addon, is the Nike+ receiver, to be used as your workout companion, once you place the optional Nike + iPod sensor ($19 US) in your Nike + shoe.

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Apple is desperately looking for new solutions to fix those pesky iphone/ipod touch bugs, crashes, call drops and bad reception, announcing new firmware update, to be available on Friday for a free download (regretfully, ipod touch owners will have to pay $10 for it). Also, the coming 2.1 version will apparantly improve battery life and backup synchronization, but won’t tackle with the copy & paste problem – hopefully it will – one day.

Update1: You can download it RIGHT NOW from here.

Update2: iPod Touch owners with firmware version 2.0 are entitled to download the new update for free.

[Image courtesy: Slashgear]