The iOS 5.0.1 update adds multitasking gestures to the first generation iPad tablet, which was absent in the initial release of the OS; fixed some issues with Documents in the iCloud; and fixes issues with the battery life “bug.” According to the update screen, the release also “improves voice recognition for Australian users using dictation.”

After the release of the iPhone 4S, the company’s newest smartphone, customers around the world reported that their device’s battery life is a lot shorter than expected.

“A small number of customers have reported lower than expected battery life on iOS 5 devices,” Apple wrote in a statement sent to tech news site All Things D. “We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks.”

The new patch is also iOS’ first over-the-air update, where users can update their mobile OS without having to plug their devices into a computer. Devices are required to have at least 50 percent battery and are connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi connection.

The update is available for iOS devices that can run iOS 5, such as the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPad 2, and third and fourth-gen iPod Touch.

via: Geek

iOS 5.0.1 now ready for download, fixes battery issues is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Now, a recently published Apple patent reveals how the company could add a speaker to the clip of the iPod Shuffle or Nano. It is a pretty sneaky way to add an extra feature to the smallest of Apple’s players without adding extra bulk.

According to the published patent, which was released by Patently Apple, a built-in speaker would be a “natural evolutionary step for their media players.”

The patent did not specify how the speaker will be used, but being a part of a music player, it is likely that it would be used for playing music and playing click sounds when navigating menus.

The filing describes that any kind of speakers could be used for the device. One example is a piezoelectric speaker, where a flex microstrip, fine gauge wire or a coaxial cable can be used to connect the main housing to the speaker.

A speaker of this size may fit into the Shuffle’s clip, but we don’t think that it can produce good quality sound. Given that the patent was filed in May 2010, this could be one of many of the company’s scrapped projects.

via: Apple Insider

Patent describes built-in speakers on iPod Shuffle and Nano is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Called GhostGuitar, this app for iOS devices allows you to play air guitar and hear what you’re playing at the same time. This app only works for those devices that have front-facing cameras, though, like the iPhone 4, iPad 2 and iPod Touch 4G.

All you need to do is to place the device in front of you, select the settings for the guitar’s sound, add a backing track and start playing like a rock star. It works by syncing with the back of your hand and choosing the chords on the screen to play. When you move your hands along the virtual guitar neck on the screen, the chord you are fretting will glow. The GhostGuitar app works best in well lit areas.

According to the Yonac Software, the app’s developer, website, “Our groundbreaking Realtime Mobile Machine Vision (REMMVi) technology comes straight from our haunted labs to allow you to play air guitar as the world knows it: use your left hand to fret a chord and your right hand to strum or pick.”

You can also choose from a variety of effect pedals that can modify the guitar’s sound. The app also gives users the option to record a video and share it with friends.

via: Yonac Software

GhostGuitar app lets you play real air guitar is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Now, according to Apple enthusiast site 9 to 5 Mac, Apple may release new variants of the iPod Touch.

“Three new iPod touch models have appeared in the system with the codename N81A. N81 is the codename for the fourth-generation black iPod touch, so the A likely represents the string of the three new white models,” the site wrote in its report.

But 9 to 5 mac added that since there are only three iPod Touch models at this time, only the black models will not be updated. The site also said that the device will still have an 8 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB storage capacities.

The site said two new stock keeping units (SKUs) for new iPhones have surfaced in the company’s inventory system. However, the new SKUs are listed as “tweaked iPhone 4s.”

It said that the codename for the new device is N90A, which represents minor changes from the iPhone 4 (listed as N90). It is possible that this new model could be an 8 GB version of the iPhone 4 as rumored in the past. It is also possible that the two SKUs mean white and black models, but these are still unconfirmed.

The site also said that an iPhone model codenamed N94 has been spotted in the iOS SDK on a number of occasions, which suggest that Apple’s inventory has not yet been updated.

via: Mac Rumors

iPhone 4S and white iPod Touch added to Apple’s inventory is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

A number of reports said that the “product transition” Apple mentioned in its last earnings call could be within the iPod line of devices. The announcement could be made on October 4, during the company’s press event where Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 5.

“The classic is a holdover from 10 years of iPod existence, bearing many similarities to the original iPod. The shuffle is basically the same form factor as the nano, minus a screen,” according to a report by The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW). “The classic uses a platter-based hard drive, while Apple is largely transitioning to flash-based memory solutions. The shuffle’s lack of a screen has been an issue since it first appeared as a memory stick with music playback functions.”

If these two models are going to be discontinued, the iPod line would all be featuring touchscreens. The iPod Nano will become Apple’s budget iPod, while the iPod Touch will remain the company’s premium media player.

The Next Web speculated the shift to an all-touchscreen range of devices is to drive traffic to the Apple App Store. Apple wants users of its devices to have access to the app store, which is a big moneymaker for the company and its developers.

Do you think it’s a good move for Apple to discontinue the iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle?

via: Mashable

Apple to discontinue the iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

According to All Things D, its sources said that the company’s new chief executive officer, Tim Cook, will do the honors of announcing its new products. However, the article said that “Apple could certainly change its plans anytime.”

Cook, 50, has replaced Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs as the company’s CEO last month.

All Things D said that the fifth-generation iPhone would go on sale a few weeks after its initial announcement. While it is still unknown what other devices will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 5, but it is clear that a new iPod Touch will be included. It is said that an entry level iPhone 4S and an updated Apple HDTV will also be announced.

PC World has reported that the Moscone Center in San Francisco, where Apple usually holds its launch events, is booked on October 4 by Oracle. Apple could be planning to hold its media event at its Cupertino headquarters. The Apple auditorium can hold around 250 people, which is much smaller than the audience they invite when making major product announcements.

Tech site Mashable said that the event will be different from past Apple events, as pressure has been put on the new CEO. Tim Cook has been tasked with convincing the company’s shareholders and fans that he can live up to the standards Steve Jobs has set.

Do you think that Apple’s will hold its media event on October 4?

via: T3

Report says Apple will hold its media event on October 4 is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The Lion Ultimatum, created by college freshman and ModMyi forum member Timothy Elliot, is a fully functional iOS theme for jailbroken iPhones that goes beyond just skins and icons. The theme overhauls the whole iPhone and iPod Touch user interface, making it look like Mac OS X. The theme has working Finder windows that has the ability to drag and have multiple windows, a working Menu bar, a scrollable dock, the Dashboard and its widgets, mail, phone and SMS notifications, and many more.

The keyboard can also be modified to resemble the MacBook Pro or the Apple Keyboard’s design, thanks to its integration with ColorKeyboard.

According to Lifehacker, you can now download and install the them through an app on Theme Outlet. Here’s the installation procedures:

1. Open Cydia
2. Tap Manage Sources
3. Tap Edit, then Add, then add source fnetdesigns.com/cydia/repo
4. Go to the Changes section and install Theme Outlet
5. Close Cydia, go to your home screen, and open Theme Outlet
6. Browse for OS X Ultimatum and download it from there
7. Open up Dreamboard, browse for the OS X Lion Ultimatum theme, and install it.

The Lion Ultimatum is only available to the iPhone and iPod Touch, and is not compatible with the iPad at the moment.

via: Lifehacker

Lion Ultimatum makes your iOS UI look like OS X is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The TASCAM iXZ audio interface has a single channel balanced XLR / line input that allows you to plug in professional grade microphones, electric musical instruments or audio equipment. A set of AA-sized batteries allows you to use condenser mics that require phantom power when needed. Battery life can last up to 15 hours of continuous use of the phantom power.

A simple dial lets you adjust the levels of your input, and a 1/8-inch headphone jack at the back of the device allows you to monitor the audio comping from your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. The device also has a switch that lets you choose what kind of input device you are using.

The TASCAM iXZ can be used for songwriting, as you can use it with the TASCAM Portastudio app to make a song before presenting it to the band. It can also be used to record band rehearsals and live performances. More advanced users can also use it for sound effects gathering, using the your device’s portability to record sounds in the outside world, hen dropping them into your productions.

No information on worldwide availability and pricing has been released yet, but you can check out TASCAM’s website for more updates.

via: TASCAM iXZ

TASCAM unveils mic and instrument interface for iOS is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

According to Apple news site AppleInsider, the call center staff of Apple have been warned that calls could be eight times what they usually have. The site cites a “person familiar with the matter,” but it noted that the information is unverified.

iOS 5 is the latest version of Apple Inc.’s mobile operating system that will be used on its mobile devices, including the iPod Touch and iPhone. It is one of the biggest updates on the operating system yet, as it will bring wireless backup and syncing, and changes the way notifications work. It will also include the iMessage, a free instant messaging between Apple devices.

If this rumor is true and Apple does release the iOS update on October 10th, it would suggest that the highly-anticipated iPhone 5 would follow after, with the new version of the operating system installed in the device.

AppleInsider has also reported that Apple is expected to launch the golden master build of the iOS to its assemblers on September 23rd, giving them time to install the software on the iPhone 5 hardware. The golden master build is similar to the code that becomes the iOS’ final public release.

The next iPhone still remains a rumor until it is officially unveiled, but the beta versions of the iOS 5 has been tested by developers for months now. The company said that the new version of the software will be available to users this autumn.

via: Mobile Whack

Apple’s iOS 5 release Date on October 10th? is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

According to a report by 9 to 5 Mac, Gamestop announced at a trade show in Las Vegas that the company will start carrying iOS products. Earlier this year, the retailer used iPod Touches, iPhones and iPads in exchange for store credit in some of its locations, which eventually expanded nationwide.

The company’s decision to sell iOS devices is not really surprising because iOS devices are now as popular as other handheld gaming devices.

“GameStop is first doing trade-ins/used products before phasing in new ones, perhaps as Apple launches iPhone 5 in October,” according to the report.

Rumors of a mid-October iPhone 5 release date has been widely talked about online, after leaked documentation from Best Buy surfaced. The smartphone has not been officially announced, but Germany’s Deutsche Telekom is already taking pre-orders for the much-awaited phone.

The iPhone 5 is also rumored to be release on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, marking the first time that the popular smartphone from Apple has been offered by all major carriers in the United States.

It is not guaranteed that Gamestop will sell the iPhone 5, so there is a chance that users who trade in their iPhones will only get store credit to buy games.

via: Forbes

Gamestop plans to start selling iOS devices is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos