Apple Scene - Apps, iPhone, Mac, iPod, Wallpapers, Hacks, Mods » Apple

iPhone and Google Voice

Couchy — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:16:05 +0000

Apple is all about the latest coolest tech gear, yet they also veto some great things that could make our iPhone more useful in the name of protecting their customers experience.

The Google voice saga so far:

Google submits app to Apple.
Apple does not publish app. Removes related third party apps. No reasons given.
Speculation AT&T had a hand in blocking the app.
FCC issues questions to Apple over decision not to publish and AT&T’s role if any.
Apple claims hasn’t being rejected is still being reviewed, they are trying to understand exactly what it does. AT&T puts up a similar smoke screen.
Apples official response. AT&T’s official response. Googles official response.

Will be interesting to see what unfolds, likely Apple will eventually allow the app in some form. I doubt AT&T vetoed the app but i’m sure Apple had them in mind when they knocked it back, making the actual point of who exactly said what rather irrelevant in the eyes of the FCC. They inquire into the relationship “Are there any contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T that affected Apple’s decision in this matter?”

It’s an interesting argument just because you make the hardware should you be allowed to dictate everything that can run on it. Modchippers and those who jail break their iPhones obviously think they should be able to run whatever they want on the device they have bought, I tend to agree and the law in most countries allows for modchips in this regard.

It’s rather ironic in Apples reply that they throw in a jibe at Google/Android based phones “Google is of course free to provide…..” we probably don’t need something so obivious thrown out there the enquiry is into why Apple is blocking it not other options for Google to distribute. The end of the statement is even more puzzling “and let consumers make their choices.” Did they miss the whole point? Consumers can’t make a choice because you are blocking this app from your marketplace. Or more specifically consumers have a choice on what phone to choose, but once they are on our platform then they follow our rules, use our network and don’t bypass our carriers revenue stream (ok maybe a bit much but you can read into it quite a bit).

“Apple does not know if there is a VoIP element in the way the Google Voice application routes calls and messages” wouldn’t it be a good idea to kind of find out before you firstly block the app and secondly reply to the FCC about blocking that app!

Will be interesting to see what unfolds will keep you all posted. Are you happy about not being able to choose what apps you run on your iPhone?

Apple’s App Store Total Downloads Top Two Billion

kristen — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:16:56 +0000

Today Apple announced that more than two billion applications from its iTunes App store have been downloaded to date.

As of December 28th 2009, Apple has reported over 2 billion iPhone and iTouch applications being downloaded from their ITunes Store. With apps in every category from music, to twitter apps to organizational apps. to health and fitness, there’s something for everyone.

There are now more than 85,000 apps available and over 125,000 developers of these apps in Apple’s iPhone Developer Program.

“The rate of App Store downloads continues to accelerate with users downloading a staggering two billion apps in just over a year, including more than half a billion apps this quarter alone,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The App Store has reinvented what you can do with a mobile handheld device and our users are clearly loving it.”

iPhone and iTouch users in 77 countries can choose from a vast range of applications with more being developed each day. Its no wonder its so easy for that number to be reached. Its so easy to sync your player or phone to iTunes and download the app after it is purchased.

10 Snow Leopard Tips

Couchy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:15:43 +0000

1. You don’t need to have Leopard already.

Yep don’t think you need the full box set. You can just purchase Snow Leopard to upgrade from Tiger. Also if you bought your Mac on or after June 8th you can get Snow Leopard for $10 on the Apple up to date scheme.

2. Traveller clock

Go into Date and time preferences and you can check "Set time zone automatically using current location”. Perfect for those that travel around a lot with their Mac. Third party apps will also be able to take advantage of location support.

3. 64bit my Mac

If you want to boot into 64-bit mode hold the 6 and 4 keys on startup. 64bit programs will start up slightly faster in this mode.

4. All you Sync belong to us

You can now Sync your Google and Yahoo accounts via Address Book > Preferences, Accounts tab. iCal will now syncs with Google and Yahoo Calendar. Also of course it now supports Microsoft Exchange servers one of the biggest features of the upgrade.

5. Where is my Clean Install

Sounds like Apple had more than a few people call up and complain about where the #$@$ there data was. So you can no longer select the friendly sounding clean install instead you will have to go to Utilities > Disk Utility.

6. Check scanner and printer support

Not much more annoying than not being able to print so you might want to make sure your printer and scanner are supported before you upgrade. There is also a new auto update feature for printer drivers so when your printer is supported you should be set.

7. Boot camp buffed

You can now view your Windows files and vice versa your Mac files while in Windows. Handy although restricted to read only access for now (will keep an eye out for hacks around this).

8. Give me my hard drive back

Results vary but you will definitely claim back hard drive space by upgrading between 5-10GB.

9. Wardriving just got easier

When you go to select a wifi network you will now get a handy icon next to the connection name showing the signal strength.

10. Wake up

You can now wake servers when data is needed if they are in sleep mode.

Listing on Technorati

Couchy — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:18:14 +0000

Just got around to listing Apple Scene on Technorati as they have some great blog metrics. Our unique code is: URKYWGWNKQTH Our account on Technorati is katiepitt so feel free to say hi. Update: Claim now awaiting approval :>. Related Posts Photoshop on your mobile!

Photoshop on your mobile!

EFI firmware updates

Katie — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:14:49 +0000

Apple has recently released EFI firmware updates for their June 2009 MacBook Pro and early 2009 iMacs, in order to rectify a mistake.

How many of you have found that your SATA drive interface has been running at 1.5Gbps instead of 3Gbps?

Success for Apple with iPhone 3G S

Katie — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:14:54 +0000

Apple has sold more than a million copies over the three days since the launch of their latest phone. It took the first generation iPhone 74 days to sell the same amount.

How many of you have bought one?

A new more magical mouse emerges

Couchy — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:15:28 +0000

Now you will be able to click, swipe and scroll through your digital life on Mac. Touted as the worlds first multi touch mouse the device retails for US $69.00 ($99.00 AUS, go figure).

Check out the images below then head over to Apple for the pitch.

http://www.apple.com/magicmouse/

I have yet to try one but seems like a big improvement over the mighty mouse.

14 Fresh Hand Picked Mac Wallpapers

Couchy — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:14:45 +0000

:thumb113125986:

:thumb131931257:

:thumb132673507:

:thumb131543922:

:thumb133616402:

:thumb87844397:

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:thumb134365526:

:thumb133668589:

iPhone vs Droid

Couchy — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:22:10 +0000

We have recently seen wave of activity coming from the Motorolla Droid camp aimed at the Apple iPhone, more accurately aimed at Verizon rival network AT&T.

Since our Google vs Apple article proved so popular we thought we would give you a roundup of all the punches thrown so far.