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]

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]

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]

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

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

iPod Touch with 3G?

Over the weekend, 9to5 received a screenshot showing a cellular data toggle switch found in the latest iOS 5 beta. Unless this was accidental, which seems highly unlikely, this means that an iPod touch with 3G could be headed our way as early as this September—and how magical that would be. The screenshots were taken on a fourth generation iPod touch running iOS 5 beta 3.

[9to5]

Apple WWDC '11 Keynote

The Apple WWDC '11 Keynote presentation is now live on Apple's website: http://goo.gl/PCF9w

[Apple]

iPhone 5 Backplate Pictures Surface

This comes by way of Chinese site tw.apple.pro, which has actually a decent track record in recent Apple product releases (they leaked parts of the iPad 2). This photo supposedly shows a white iPhone 5′s backplate with even more evidence of the separation of the camera and the flash components.

The page is in Chinese, so you’ll have to use Google Translate to read it (unless, that is, you speak it). Apparently, this component was from the Beijing Fengtai district.

[via iFans]

[tw.apple.pro]

iPod Nano with camera pictures leaked

Next in the long line of iPod leaks is the next generation iPod Nano, which seems to be receiving that which was taken from it in the previous update: a camera!

The tiny touchscreen MP3 player will also be going clipless, which might take away some of the value for the more active music aficionados out there. This leak comes courtesy of www.apple.pro, which gave us another photo of the next generation iPod Nano last month. However, due to the proximity to April Fools’, the photo was disregarded. 

[apple.pro via iPTF]

Note: The apple.pro website is written in Chinese so translation may be required.

MobileNotifier: Better iPhone alerts

If you haven’t jailbroken your iPhone yet then you should seriously consider doing so if you are like many iPhone owners who are dissatisfied with Apple’s less than spectacular push notification system. MobileNotifier beta v3 is a free redo of iOS’s push notification system coded by Peter Hajas and Kyle Adams. The nice thing about MobileNotifier is that all alerts are unobtrusive and out of the way, they appear at the top of the screen or open app unlike Apple’s notifications that appear smack in the middle of your screen. MobileNotifier’s alerts can also be ignored, you can leave them on the screen without hindering the usability of your iPhone. 

Another feature of MobileNotifier is AlertDashboard. AlertDashboard appears in the unused area above the app switcher (You can access this by double-tapping the home button). Another nice thing about AlertDashboard is that you can also view pending alerts as a line item on the lockscreen of your iPhone.

Although MobileNotifier isn’t perfect, it is perhaps one of the greatest additions to the jailbreak market since WinterBoard.

MobileNotifier Beta v3 Demo

iPad 2 and iOS 5

Engadget is now saying that they’ve heard that the new iPad 2 will receive a spec bump, but not much else, at the upcoming March 2nd Apple event.

The iPad 2′s RAM will match the iPhone 4 with 512 MB of RAM, an updated Apple A5 processor and graphics chip, and more than likely at least a front-facing camera. Those are all pretty safe modifications to the tablet, and Engadget is reporting that major features like a ‘Retina Display’ will not be on this version. This might set up the iPad 3 for an announcement in the fall, which has been rumored for the past month or so.

On the brighter side, Engadget is also reporting that iOS 5 will be shown off ahead of a June launch, alongside the iPhone 5. There’s been no word on any new features, though a revamped notifications system is a safe bet. There’s also been whispers that Apple will make iOS 5 much more cloud-centric than past versions of the operating system.

Regardless, we’ll know soon enough

[Engadget]

iPod Touch 4g Specs

iPod Touch 4th Generation Hardware Technical Specifications

• 960x640 Retina Display at 326 ppi
• Apple’s A4 Processor
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• HD Video Recording (720p) 30fps max
• VGA Quality Photos (960x720) Back Camera 
• 40 Hours Audio Playback, 7 Hours Video
• Thinner Design

(We’ll have comparative photos of the iPod Touch 4g, iPhone 4, and a standard DSLR camera as soon as we can get our hands on an iPod Touch 4g)

New iTV?

AppleInsider has found evidence of an unknown device lurking in the USB configuration files of iOS 4.1.

“According to people familiar with the matter, the latest beta of iOS 4.1, due to ship in the coming weeks, includes three new “Configuration Descriptors” within its USB configuration files — all of which pertain to devices that list “Apple, Inc.” as their “manufacturer” — as can be seen in the screenshot below.”

“Finally, and most intriguing, is a previously undiscovered mention of a mysterious device listed only as “unknownHardware.” Although the configuration files tag this device with a unique Apple product ID of 20547, it’s textual descriptor is similarly listed as “Unknown- Add device descriptor info for this device.”

The unknown device has an Apple product ID in the 20,000s, suggesting that will be the reincarnation of the Apple TV, which is rumored to be compatible with the App Store. (Making this theory even more likely.)

As rumored, the IDs point to the iPod Touch getting a major overhaul, as well as the iPad. (Cameras, anyone?) For a closer look at when these Apple product IDs actually mean, check out this post at the Boy Genius Report.

[AppleInsider]

Sprint iPod Touch Case

Remember the Yosion Apple Peel case from yesterday? It seems that Sprint has the same idea, and is planning to release a 3G case for the iPod Touch. (This wouldn’t be the first time they stuck it to Apple and AT&T either.)

It’s unknown what the initial or monthly cost will be, but it would need to be dirt cheap to keep it competitive. It would also be nice if you could just buy a data plan and only use Skype to make calls, making it even less expensive.

Stay tuned for more updates.

[FCC]

iPhone 4 Features

iPhone 4 Features

• Retina display
• Thinner design
• FaceTime video chat
• Forward facing camera
• LED flash on rear facing camera
• Multitasking (iOS 4 feature)
• HD video recording
• iMovie
• 5.0 MP Camera
• Wallpapers
• Folders
• Faster processor
• 512 MB RAM

The iPhone 4 is available in black and white like the previous iPhone models have been, but this time the front of the iPhone is also changed depending on the color.

Next-gen iPod Touch photos leaked

Once again, an iDevice prototype has been leaked. This time, an iPod touch – with a camera. It’s not known how it was acquired, but it’s clear that Apple needs to do something about all these leaks.

Tinh Tế, to whom we owe thanks for the second iPhone 4G leak, have gotten hold of a prototype next-generation iPod touch, now sporting the long-awaited camera.

The serial number of the Camera part indicates 2.0 megapixels, but this could easily change as newer models are developed. Running a diagnostic mode, no internal specs are known as of yet.

It’s fairly safe to say that we’ll be seeing Camera-equipped iPod touches in the near future! As before, we’ve got a video in action, and more images after the jump.

The back, showing some hardware details.

via iPodTouchFans

iPhone 4.0 OS Features

Some of the new features in the 4.0 iPhone OS are:

• Multitasking (Double-Tap home button, you can run up to 4 apps simultaneously)
• BlueTooth Keyboard
• 5X Digital Zoom
• Change Homescreen wallpaper
• SMS Reminders
• Sync IMAP Notes
• Tap-to-Focus Video
• Web Search Suggestions
• Find & Delete Mail Search
• Larger Fonts for Mail
• Wake on Wireless
• Changeable image size in mail messages
• Background Audio
• VoIP (AT&T is going to hate Skype)
• Background location
• Local Notifications
• Faster App Switching
• Folders*
• Enhanced Mail Application
• Can have 2,160 apps installed instead of 180
• iBooks for the iPhone (With Free Winnie The Pooh)
• In-App encryption
• Game Centre
• MultiPlayer Matchmaking & Invite Friends Option
• iAd
• HTML5

Incompatible with 1st gen iDevices, 2nd gen will have limited features.

Woah, they even changed some of the icons for the default apps.

Pandora radio is now fully background-aware so you can exit the app and still listen to music!

Multitask with 4 different apps at once! Amazing

Skype behaves just like your standard calling in the new OS! Same style notifications too (Note: You can also receive skype calls when your phone is locked) You can also exit the app and run another one, just like standard calling.

The enhanced mail application has a unified inbox & better searching

*Folders is just like categories for those of you that have jailbroken your iPhone/iPod Touch

NOTE: iPod Touch users still have to pay, free for iPhone users

iPhone 4.0 OS SDK

iPhone 4.0 OS SDK will ship later this summer.

Some features:

• In-app SMS
• Date Formatters
• Automated Testing
• Performance Profiling Tools
• Carrier Info
• ICC Profiles
• Quick Look
• Draggable Map Annotations
• Embed PDF Metadata
• Image I/O
• Full Map Overlays
• Block-Based Animation
• Date Formatters
• iPod Remote Control Accessories
• Power Analysis Tools
• Half-Curl Page Transitions
• And More!

Apple iPad Jailbroken

The iPhone Dev Team is at it again. Using the same methods which allowed them to jailbreak the iPhone, these hackers were able to jailbreak the iPad within a day of its launch. The exploit known as “spirit” allowed root access into the iPad’s OS and file system.

The video shows that the jailbreak provides a root shell with what appears to be full access to the iPad file system. The video walks shows connection to the iPad via ssh, exploration of the OS and kernel version information, a view of running processes, moving applications out of the iPad’s applications directory (and then restarting Springboard via the shell to show the results) and finally, rebooting the iPad via the jailbroken root shell.