Rumor- Apple to team with Verizon for iOS 5 over-the-air updates

Rumor: Apple to team with Verizon for iOS 5 over-the-air updates
One of the longstanding knocks on Apple's iOS is its lack of independence when it comes to downloading new updates. Currently all iPhones, iPads, and iPods require a hard tether to a computer running iTunes in order to be updated to the latest software.According to a new rumor reported by 9to5Mac, that could soon be changing. Citing "multiple sources," 9to5Mac says that iOS 5 incremental updates could be the first Apple mobile operating system updates to be synced over the air, joining Google's Android and Palm's WebOS in the phone-only update game.Keep in mind that the major iOS 5 version will not be synced over the air (you will still need a computer with iTunes), but rather the smaller point updates that generally contain bug fixes, security updates, and minor feature upgrades.Though the article does not specifically say iPods and iPads will get over-the-air updates, it seems likely that all iOS devices would be capable. Of course, Apple TV gets its updates without a computer connection, so it appears Apple has already considered untethered updating for iOS devices.AT&T and other carriers were not mentioned by 9to5Mac's sources as possibly adding over-the-air updates.Questions still loom surrounding untethered updates, such as backing up your iOS information and syncing content. Perhaps recent rumblings about Apple's acquisition of the icloud.com domain will result in a cloud-based backup system and an iTunes streaming service for iOS devices. For now it's just a rumor, but all signs are pointing to a computer-free mobile experience in the near future.What do you think about over-the-air updates for iOS? Let me know in the comments!

How to convert your Magic Trackpad to a Magic Numpad

How to convert your Magic Trackpad to a Magic Numpad
LAS VEGAS--Apple's wireless keyboard lacks a full-fledged number pad, and while most users can do without, for some a number pad is a must. Instead of adding another accessory to your desk, taking up more valuable desk space. Mobee has came up with a way to convert the Magic Trackpad into a Magic Numpad.We were able to get our hands on the Magic Numpad here at CES 2012, and while we couldn't see a full demo due to Bluetooth interference in the hall, so we've included a video from Mobee below of the Magic Numpad in action at the bottom of the post. To turn your trackpad into a numpad, you will need to purchase the layover films. You can find the Magic Numpad kit at Amazon or in Apple stores, and it should run you around $29.Inside the box will be a serial number that allows you to download the OS X app from the Mobee site. Once the app is installed, you can pick the layover layout you will be applying to the trackpad. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiYou can pick a simple number layout, leaving half of the trackpad to behave like, well, a trackpad. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiThere's also a layover that provides the normal full-size keyboard layout, complete with arrow keys. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiLast, there's a layover that provides the full-size keyboard layout, minus the arrow keys. Instead, using the Mobee app you are able to create app shortcut keys. Want to launch Mail or perhaps iTunes with the tap of a button? Create a shortcut for the Magic Numpad, name the blank space with a marker and you're all set. Switching back and forth from numpad and trackpad functionality is as simple as tapping on the toggle switch located in the top right corner. The layovers are reusable and can be changed out in a matter of minutes.

Smaller iPad in 'testing stage,' says research firm

Smaller iPad in 'testing stage,' says research firm
Related storiesDon't discount Apple's interest in a smaller iPad, says analystApple Mini-iPad rumor cites Kindle FireIf a so-called iPad-Mini materializes, analysts expect it to have a 7.85-inch display compared with the iPad 2's 9.7-inch screen. TrendForce also offered its forecast for the 2012 tablet market, which is expected to grow 53 percent over 2011 to 94.4 million units.Apple will control the lion's share of the market due to its technological lead. "Apple's high tablet market share can be attributed to its tablet competitors failing to catch up with the iPad's advancements," TrendForce said.And the iPad 3 will only solidify this trend. "The iPad 3 will further secure [Apple's] leading status," TrendForce said. "The only concern is that iPad 3's high resolution panel comes with a low yield rate; whether or not the panel production will be enough to supply the market demand remains to be seen."

Smaller Apple TV box hinted at in FCC filing

Smaller Apple TV box hinted at in FCC filing
A new regulatory filing suggests Apple is readying a fourth-generation Apple TV set, one that looks a whole lot like the last two models, but with one minor difference.That difference is size. The new version, which Engadget spotted in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission today, is 93.78mm around versus the current model's 98mm. It also carries the model number A1469, which differs from the current model's A1427 designation.The filing comes on the heels of a reference to an unreleased Apple TV model inside of iOS 6.1, which Apple released to the public yesterday after months of testing. Like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, the Apple TV also runs iOS, though differs in various ways -- specifically a lack of touch interface and the capability to install and use third-party applications. Apple updated the Apple TV's hardware last March with a third-generation model that added 1080p playback. Since then, Apple has put out a handful of interim software updates that added new features, including compatibility with iTunes Match and more recently Bluetooth keyboards. The company is still expected to roll out a full-fledged TV set, possibly as soon as this fall, putting any interim hardware releases under closer scrutiny.

Apple launches redesigned iTunes 11 after delay

Apple launches redesigned iTunes 11 after delay
Apple today released iTunes 11, the latest version of its popular music software following a monthlong delay.The program was originally slated for a release sometime last month. Just ahead of a self-imposed October deadline, an Apple spokesman told CNET the company "wanted to take a little extra time to get it right." Users now get the chance to put that claim to the test. The software went out as a free update to current iTunes users on Mac and Windows this morning, and later as a download from Apple's iTunes site.iTunes 11's headlining feature is a visual redesign that takes a cue or two from Apple's iOS software, with a focus on large album covers that can expand to show you songs -- both in your library, and other tracks from Apple's iTunes Music Store. It's a stark departure from Cover Flow, the slick, never-ending stream of album covers that could be flipped through one by one or at warp speed, and was once the hot new look. iTunes 11's new mini player (click to enlarge).Josh Lowensohn/CNETOther features in iTunes 11 include deeper integration with Apple's iCloud service, a new "Up Next" song feature, redesigned storefronts, and a revamped mini player that lets you search for songs, albums, and artists without going back to the full view. Collectively, Apple is touting it as "easier" and "smarter" than its predecessor, in no small part to go up against numerous people opining that the software had become too bloated. Earlier this year Apple cut at least some of the functionality, removing any traces of its music social-networking experiment Ping. As of September, Apple said it had more than 435 million iTunes accounts set up with 1-Click purchasing, meaning accounts with credit cards or other payment options attached. The company's digital music store has a catalog of 26 million songs, of which there have been 20 billion purchased by consumers during the past nine years.Related storiesRight on Cue: Can iTunes chief fix Apple's maps and Siri?Apple's iTunes 11 could debut tomorrow, report saysApple turns iTunes up to 11: Software at a crossroadsApple's last major iteration of iTunes, version 10, was released in September 2010 with Ping in tow. Since then Apple has added additional features like iTunes Match, iTunes in the cloud, and 1080p videos from the iTunes Store.

Apple launches 'back to school' gift card promotion

Apple launches 'back to school' gift card promotion
Students, parents, or teachers who buy certain Apple devices can now get a little spending money in the form of a gift card.Starting Tuesday and running through September 9, qualifying consumers who purchase a Mac through Apple's education pricing program will receive an Apple gift card worth $100. Pick up an iPhone or iPad and you'll get a $50 gift card. According to the promotion, the cards can be used at Apple's online store, its retail outlets, or for any purchase made over the phone by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.Though summer won't be over for a couple of months, Apple typically unveils its regular "back to school" promotion around this time. Last year's deal offered the same $100 and $50 gift cards depending on which device you purchased. In the past, however, the cards were good only for items in the App Store, iTunes Store, and iBookstore. This year, Apple is opening up the cards to any item in its online or retail stores.There are a couple of caveats.To qualify for the gift card, you must buy one of the following items, as highlighted in Apple's terms and conditions:Qualifying Apple Computers: iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac Pro.Qualifying iPhone: iPhone 4s, 5c, or 5s.Qualifying iPad: iPad Air, iPad Mini with Retina display, iPad with Retina display (current generation), or iPad Mini.And you must make the purchase through Apple's education program. That means you must be a college student, a student accepted to a college, a parent buying an item for a college student, or a faculty or staff member from any grade level. Those who qualify also receive a discount on the purchased item through special pricing.The program is available in the US, Canada, the UK, and other countries, according to 9to5Mac.(Via AppleInsider and MacRumors)

Apple envisions touch sensitivity for keyboards

Apple envisions touch sensitivity for keyboards
Your Apple keyboard of the future could let you swipe across the keys to perform actions now handled by the trackpad.Published on Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, an Apple patent dubbed "Multi-functional keyboard assemblies" highlights ways to expand the power of the traditional keyboard through the use of "keystacks."Integrated into the keyboard, these keystacks would consist of a keycap, circuitry, and other components to improve the functionality of each key. One such improvement would be touch sensitivity.Using touch gestures, you could swipe across a range of keys just as you now swipe across a touchpad. One example listed in the patent filing: swiping from right to left across a series of keys could turn a page in an e-book.Related storiesThe largely unproven patents behind the Apple v. Samsung disputeApple aims to disable texting while drivingApple patent filing reveals digital wallet systemThe keys would also be able to respond to your touch through haptic feedback, meaning pressing down a key could trigger greater resistance, a click, or even a vibration. Visual feedback would also be part of the package. A display on each key could show you certain information through a transparent section of the keycap.The core idea behind such a keyboard would be to replicate some of the functions now provided by a mouse or trackpad. Even though the patent filing displays a laptop, desktop keyboards would certainly benefit from more features that reduce your reliance on a mouse. But as always, a filing doesn't necessarily mean Apple's keyboard technology will ever see the light of day.(Via AppleInsider)

Apple envisions touch screen to control your car's key features

Apple envisions touch screen to control your car's key features
Apple is trying to integrate itself even further into your car with a freshly patented dashboard touch screen.Granted Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a patent dubbed "Programmable tactile touch screen displays and man-machine interfaces for improved vehicle instrumentation and telematics" (patent number 8,482,535) describes a tactile-feel touch screen that would let you adjust several of the key features and functions in your car.See also: "App store in the driver's seat: Here comes your next car"The patent discusses such options as controlling the temperature, the wipers, and the radio all from one panel. And in a nod toward safety, certain controls would be enabled only when the car is stopped.For example, a transparent knob on the touch screen could be used to alter the temperature or turn on the wipers when the car is in motion. But that same knob could also activate your e-mail and Web browser when the car stops.The touch screen's tactile-feel approach is also designed to help drivers push the right buttons without having to take their eyes off the road.The patent itself touts the invention as "a revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation."The whole concept could complement Apple's upcoming "iOS in the Car," a feature that would let you control your iPhone directly through your auto's onboard receiver.(Via AppleInsider)

Apple envisions stylus with extendable, multitouch nib

Apple envisions stylus with extendable, multitouch nib
Apple wants to cook up a more powerful yet sensitive stylus for your tablet.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent filing dubbed simply "Input Device Having Extendable Nib" sees the nib of the stylus as the key to its power. The nib would be able to extend, thereby offering different capabilities based on its length.At its smallest length, the nib would have a limited number of areas through which it could interact with a tablet. But extending the nib would increase the number of multitouch points, giving it the ability to create strokes of different colors, widths, and formats.For example, the more portions of the nib in contact with the screen, the greater the size of the output. A longer nib might also be more flexible, feeling less like a pencil or pen tip and more like a paintbrush.You'd be able to extend or shorten the nib simply by pressing an actuator or other type of switch, similar to the way you press the eraser end of a mechanical pencil to adjust the length of its tip. The nib itself would be made of a flexible, conductive material, such as Mylar. The actual strands in the nib could even be made of optic fibers to transmit light to the tablet.Though a tablet would be one major beneficiary of this invention, Apple suggests other devices for this new type of stylus, including a smartphone, laptop, digital music system, and portable gaming console.(Via AppleInsider)

Apple envisions new cloud DVR, social space in set-top box

Apple envisions new cloud DVR, social space in set-top box
Following yesterday's revelation that Apple was in talks to develop a new TV set-top box, more details are emerging about features the device will have.One of the key features Apple plans to introduce with the device is a cloud-based DVR function that will let users view any TV show at any time, sources tell The Wall Street Journal. The feature would let viewers start a program minutes after it began, similar to a Time-Warner Cable feature called Start Over.Apple is also reportedly interested in providing access to all episodes from the current season of a show, instead of just a few as it does now.The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is also said to be developing a user interface that could include navigation icons like those found on Apple's iPad. The device may include social-media features as well, such as sharing shows on Twitter or Facebook, these people said.The Journal reported yesterday that Apple had been in talks with cable operators in the U.S. to pitch its $99 streamer as an alternative to the set-top boxes cable subscribers rent. No deals have been finalized, but Apple has reportedly talked with Time-Warner Cable.Apple, of course has long been rumored to be working on a TV set, a tale that's rooted in some fact. Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs told biographer Walter Isaacson that he wanted "to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use" and that he "finally cracked it." Since then there's been no shortage of rumors that suggest Apple is still at work on such a product. CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the report and will update this report when we learn more.

Apple envisions digital wallet with perks for watching ads

Apple envisions digital wallet with perks for watching ads
Apple is eyeing yet another way to dabble in the mobile payments market.Dubbed "Method and system for managing credits via a mobile device," the application published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office envisions a system whereby mobile users would receive credits or coupons to be stored in their account. Acting as virtual currency, such credits could be used to help pay bills or buy items at a point of purchase.Apple already offers a digital coupon system through its Passbook app. But the service highlighted in the patent application would take the concept a bit further.Consumers could score the credits in return for watching advertisements. The credits themselves would be processed through a billing system that keeps track of how they're being used. As such, the invoices for the products or services would be sent directly to the business or advertiser rather than to the user.As one example, the credits could be applied toward paying off part or all of a cell phone bill, essentially providing subsidized or free mobile phone services, as described in the application:In this manner, although invoices are not sent to the users, the metered usage is compared with business rules associated with the users and the cost for providing the free or subsidized services to the users is invoiced directly or indirectly from advertisers. Other techniques to provide subsidized or free telephone services to the users are also envisioned. For subsidized telephone services, the users may be responsible for a portion of their usage and thus they would be interested in eliminating unnecessary use of such telephone services.(Via AppleInsider)