First Official iOS Controller MOGA is Met With Poor Reviews

iOS 7 Included a neat little feature: API support for game controllers. This means that developers can create standardized controllers that aren't tied down to one game manufacturer.
The MOGA ACE controller is the first of its kind to make use of Apple's new API to enable more engaging and precise gaming on 5th generation non-iPad iOS devices.
Unfortunately, the MOGA has been critically reviewed as a great device concept with lots of potential, but poorly executed. Some problems arise not from the hardware itself, but from games not being fully optimized to work with the controller API. Dead Trigger 2 is an example, where the default sensitivity settings are set astronomically high.
Hit the link for the full review by TouchArcade.

[Link]

Apple vs. Samsung - Apple gets $290m in damages

Another jury found that Samsung violated various patents that belong to Apple, according to reporters on scene.
Since most of the evidence presented was exactly the same as last year, where the jury again sided with Apple, the verdict isn't particularly surprising. However this time the jury only demanded $290 million, less than Apple advised but far more than Samsung said they owed.
With this recent development in the ongoing Apple vs. Samsung the jury has ruled in favor of Apple once again thus bringing the total damages owed by Samsung up to $890 million. But considering the nature of the legal process things may change.

[iFans]

Silver look in iOS6?

Read the full story at iDownloadBlog

LG Tops Apple's Retina Display with a 440ppi Screen

Apple revolutionize the smartphone industry almost two years ago with their ultra sharp Retina display on the iPhone 4. Boasting a 960x640 resolution and a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, the Retina display has been the top display on the market since its inception.

But LG will soon top that beloved display with a new 5" 1920x1080 full HD screen that boasts an impressive 440ppi. LG has long been Apple's supplier for the retina display, ironically, and this new display could easily be the Retina's successor.

So far, most iPhone competitors have managed to carry "higher resolution" displays simply because of a larger screen. Therefore the pixel density was nowhere near on par with the Retina display. But LG's upcoming 5" display has nearly the same resolution as the recent 24" iMac models, setting the record for the highest resolution screen to ever be created.

[iDB]

iPad 3 to be Announced on March 7th

Apple has just sent out an invites to journalists for a “media event” that will take place March 7th at 10:00 AM at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, which is the usual place that Apple holds their events. As you probably already know, Apple typically announces a new generation of their tablet, the iPad, about this time of the year. It was reported byiMore that Apple would announce the next-generation iPad 3 on March 7th and that the device would include a quad-core processor, LTE capability, a Retina display, and more.

Additionally, Bloomberg reported that production of the tablet had begun back in January of this year and that it would be releasing in March. The business blog also reported that the device would include a “high definition” display with LTE capability and a quad-core processor, which agrees with the rest of the reports that have been flowing in. Other reports have claimed that the tablet will include a larger battery, an 8-megapixel camera capable of capturing 1080p video, and a slightly different form factor.

[iFans]

15 Awesome Free Icon Sets

We all love free things, especially if they're really nice or worth something. Here's a list of our 15 favorite free icon sets that you designers and developers will love.

Please pay attention to the licenses for eat set!

Extreme Grunge Icons

A set of unique, grunge-style icons.

 

Sidebar Replacements

A Mac-esqe set of icons that resemble those found in the OS X operating systems.

Feedicons 2

A set of 69 tasteful, gloss-free RSS based icons.

Wheat Icons

A group of simple, white icons that resemble those found in the OS X menu bar.

Milky

A professional set of icons with a rounded style.

GLYPHISH

This is an incredibly popular resource that is designed and optimized for use on toolbars and tab bars in iPhone/Android apps, websites, and more.

Token Icon Set

128 unique and minimal icons available in both light and dark variants.

OpenPhone

A fun and elegant set of icons that mimic iPhone applications.

Social Network Icon Pack

Potentially the nicest set of social media icons. Includes icons to 40 social applications.

Android Icons

Vector-built icons built according to the Android UI guidelines.

Ruby on Rails

A small set of icons that are perfect for any Rails project.

Sushi

A wonderful set of hand-drawn icons.

Developper's Icons

A set of icons that are free to use for personal and commercial purposes.

Sketchy Icons

Another set of hand-drawn icons with a unique style.

Social Media Icons

A fun, colorful set of 20 icons for popular (and not so popular) websites.

The End.

iPad 3 to Have Quad-Core CPU But No Retina

Boy Genius Report has received photographs from an undisclosed source that supposedly include details of Apple's newest up-and-coming tablet, the iPad 3. According to the report, the iPad 3 will have a quad-core CPU as well as LTE capability for both Verizon and AT&T's networks.

The quad-core CPU will work perfectly alongside LTE because it will enable the iPad 3 to render webpages and internet content much faster than before. It's safe to assume that the iPad 3 will also have more RAM to work alongside the new processor and graphics chip.

BGR doesn't specifically say that there won't be a Retina Display, but they haven't proved any past reports of the iPad 3 having a Retina Display to be correct.

According to several sources, Apple is allegedly going to announce the iPad 3 at the end of February.

[Update] This has turned out to be false, Apple will not be hosting any event in February whatsoever.

T-Mobile to Officially Support Unlocked iPhones

T-Mobile marketing chief Cole Brodman claimed that as of September 2011 there were over one million unlocked iPhone users on their network, and that T-Mobile offers a "no-compromise" iPhone experience. And even though T-Mobile has shown great interest in carrying the iPhone, they are still waiting on Apple to make that a reality.

In the meantime, however, T-Mobile will start providing official support for the iPhone starting January 30th, 2012. The carrier will provide technical support, information about the iPhone's features and specifications, and answer basic questions about the device. So even though T-Mobile is the largest carrier in the US that doesn't have the iPhone yet, it'll be more than ready to facilitate it when Apple decides to launch it on their network.

Siri on iPad & iPod Touch?

After updating to the newly released iOS 5.1 beta 3, iOS hacker Sonny Dickson uncovered an interesting reference to Siri Dictation within the Settings app on his iPad 2. As reported by 9to5Mac, a new section under the keyboard tab in the iPad’s settings, labeled as “About Privacy and Dictation,” has a legal blurb that mentions Siri dictation a number of times. The actual dictation feature is still absent in iOS 5.1 beta 3, but it could be implemented by Apple in the final release of iOS 5.1.

Alternatively, the Cupertino-based company might choose to release Siri as an exclusive feature for the iPad 3. The report also claims that the same legal statement can be found on the latest iPod touch, so it could be a case of iPhone 4S software code not being properly removed from the iPad or iPod touch versions of iOS. Regardless, let’s hope that Siri for iPad—and perhaps iPod touch, too—is inching closer to reality. That would be a real treat.

[via iFans]

Your opinion on the iPhone 4S

So what do you think about the iPhone 4S? Do you think it's a great improvement? A disappointment? Why do you think what you think?

Let me know in the comments below or in an email to compjunkies@hotmail.com

iPhone 4S New Features

On October 4th Apple unveiled their newest addition to the iPhone lineup, the iPhone 4S. Many of us, myself included, were hoping for something more than just a slightly heavier iPhone 4 with features that have already been on Android phones for the past 6ish months, so the iPhone 4S was a letdown to many. Nonetheless, I have no doubt that the iPhone 4S is a great phone and that many people will be willing to buy it, especially now that it's available on Sprint.

Here's a list of new features:

• 1080p HD Video Recording w/ stabilization
• 8MP Camera with an advanced color and IR sensor, faster shutter, & face detection
• Apple A5 Dual-Core 1GHz processor
• CDMA & GSM capable (World phone)
• Siri voice assistant
• 4G Capable
• Improved antenna for fewer dropped calls and better reception
• Longer battery life

Note: I didn't include any of the features being added in iOS 5 because they aren't iPhone 4S specific.

[Apple]

Let's Talk iPhone Roundup

So as you may have heard Apple held their "Let's Talk iPhone" event today at which several announcements were made, the most notable being about the new iPhone 4S.
Here's the official CompJunkies roundup: (The iPhone 4S is being omitted because I'm writing a separate article about it soon)

General
At the "Let's Talk iPhone" event earlier this day, Tim Cook made the announcement that Mac is the number one selling desktop and notebook in the USA.

iPods
Apple stated that there have been no hardware changes to the iPod touch, as many were hoping, but rather the availability of a white iPod touch. In addition, Apple mentioned that the iPod nano is getting some new clock skins and a Nike+ adapter.

iCloud
Coinciding with the release of iOS 5, Apple is planning to launch their could service, iCloud, on October 12th while their new service, iTunes Match, will be available at the "end of October" for $24.99 a year.

iOS 5
This is one of Apple's most significant iOS upgrades to date. They've added many new features and apps, here are just a few of them:

• News Stand - A native app designed to facilitate your newspaper and magazine reading habits.
• Improved notification system - Strikingly similar to Android's, in my opinion.
• Siri Assistant - Your iPhone is now akin to that of the Starship Enterprise's computer!
• Launch your camera app straight from the lockscreen
• Faster web browsing
• Native todo list app
• Twitter integration
• iMessage - Similar to RIM's BBM service
• Photo editing straight from the photo app
• PC/Mac free setup
• Over the Air (OTA) updates
• iCloud integration
• Family location services
• More HERE

"Let's Talk iPhone" Event Scheduled for October 4th

As first noted by The Loop, Apple has invited press members to their fall iPhone event which will take place on Tuesday, Oct 4th, 2011 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. The event itself will be held in Apple’s Town Hall Auditorium on their Cupertino campus.

The tagline of the invite is “let’s talk iPhone,” which is unsurprising considering the countless iPhone 5 rumors that have sprouted recently. It’s also very possible that iOS 5 will be shown off alongside the new iPhone, so keep your eyes and ears open on the fourth of October.

[The Loop]

iPhone 5 to Launch in First Week of October

An internal document from Best Buy recently leaked onto the internet points the launch date of the iPhone 5 to be within the first week of October. The memo states that pre-orders of the new iPhone will be taken during the first week of next month.

In addition, Best Buy suggests that the 5th-gen iPhone will also be coming to Sprint. While these launch dates are always subject to change, they are consistent with several iPhone 5 rumors that have come about these past few months.

[IMAGE]

Dolphin Browser for iOS [Free]

The popular Dolphin Browser for Android has made its way to the App Store. This third-party browser is free on the App Store and is fully compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Dolphin Browser has a variety of features such as highly customizable gestures, built-in translations, speed-dial, tabbed browsing, and much more. However, Dolphin Browser is based off of Apple's WebKit so it won't be too much different than any other third-party iOS browser. Hit the link below to head over to Dolphin's website.

Dolphin-Browser.com

Steve Jobs Resigns

As of today, Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple. He's been onleave since this January because of medical complications, although he still was the CEO. Interim CEO Tim Cook is in charge now that Jobs resigned. Steve Jobs said he wasn't leaving Apple though, he plans staying as the Chairman of the Board of Apple, Inc. from the looks of his letter.

CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug 24, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.

[Update] - Here's a copy of Steve's letter addressed to his employees and the public:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Rage for all iDevices Free for a Week

RAGE is currently free on the App Store for an entire week in celebration of their 100,000 "likes" on Facebook. Currently, RAGE has some of the best graphics on iOS to date. And in terms of gameplay it has been almost unanimously reviewed as one of the best games available for any mobile device.

[App Store]

iPhone 5 Mockup Based on Leaked Case Images

LG CEO: iPad 3 to feature Retina Display

LG's CEO, Young Soo Kwon, mentioned to the Korea Times that the upcoming iPad 3 is going to feature a hi-res Retina display akin to that of the iPhone 4. There have been many rumors about this topic, and the Korea Times also reported that the next-gen iPad would have a 2048x1536 display. Additionally, there are rumors that Apple is going to create a more powerful "iPad HD" for professional users; perhaps both new models will be released at the same time at different pricing levels. (Something that would be necessary if the Retina display is too expensive to include on the standard iPad model.)

"He said more smartphone manufacturers will release new models employing LG’s “Retina Display’’ that has been used in iPhones and iPads.

Kwon’s remarks come following talks with Apple to supply picture quality-enhanced Retina Displays for the upcoming iPad 3."

[Korea Times]

iPhone 3Gs to be free on contract after iPhone 5 is released

Mike Abramsky, RBC Capital Markets General Manager, has told investors that Apple is planning to reduce the cost of the iPhone 3GS to $0 on contract following the release of the iPhone 5. There are still rumors that Apple will be releasing a low-priced iPhone with 4th-gen hardware, but the 3GS price reduction could just be a way for AT&T to clear out inventory and combat Android sales. As noted by BGR, Verizon does not offer a 3GS, so AT&T will have the upper hand with budget conscious buyers.

An 8GB 3GS is currently $49 with a 2-year contract. Refurbished units can be had for just $19, and AT&T offers baseline data plans for $15 per month. At this point, there really isn’t much reason for anybody to purchase a dumbphone.

[BGR]

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