Steve Jobs stepped down as Apple's CEO today, and "strongly recommended" to the Apple Board of Directors that Tim become the new CEO.
"“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,” starts his letter. "Unfortunately, that day has come.”
You can read his letter here
Case manufacturers are already making cases for the rumored low-cost iPhone, now dubbed "iPhone Light," based on schematics they've received that appear to be legitimate. And given that the shape and dimensions are known, plus the evidence that the iPhone Light will come in multiple colors, AppleInsider has posted a rendering of what the new phone may look like. If all this is accurate, the iPhone Light will have a 4-inch screen, like the iPhone 5, but will be slightly thicker and taller than the forthcoming iPhone 5S, and the back edges will be rounded. In other respects, it resembles the iPhone 5, though is rumored to have plastic casing. The evidence suggests that the iPhone Light will have a single LED flash compared to the rumored dual LED flash of the iPhone 5S.
Initially Apple's FaceTime, the built-in app that allows you to video conference with other iOS device users, only worked over WiFi. Then with the release of iOS 6 last fall, Apple made it possible to use FaceTime via the cellular data network. However, it was up to the specific carrier to enable this capability on its network. And AT&T held back, limiting it to users who were on a specific plan. But, according to AppleInsider, multiple reports say FaceTime is being enabled in particular areas, strongly suggesting that AT&T is now rolling out this capability nationwide, including on both LTE and HSPA+ networks.
It’s difficult to keep up with Griffin Technology's constant stream of new products. I just received two chargers for review. One is the PowerJolt Universal Car Charger with ChargeSensor ($24.99), which plugs into a power outlet in your car and will accommodate a USB cable for charging smartphones and tablets—a must have for road trips.
I don’t know what it is about remote control toys that make them so much fun. I guess it gives you a sense of power. On the box it says for ages 14+. Trust me. This is a big boy toy too. First off, I want to say the Helo TC Assualt ($59.99) is the easiest remote control helicopter I’ve ever flown. Some are so delicate they're no fun to fly because they're always crashing. But this one is a pleasure to drive.
I want to tell you about some tough new bags from ECBC, a renowned designer and manufacturer of stylish but tough totes. These designer quality bags are made of Kodra, a scratch, puncture, and tear-proof material that is lightweight and comes in various colors. The new K7 Color Collection is designed for transporting and protecting laptops and tablets in backpack and messenger bag formats. Each K7 bag comes in Berry, Linen, Green, Blue, and Black.
Griffin has a whole stable full of remote control toys, and I love it. Today let’s take a look at the little Moto TC Racer ($39.99). It’s a small remote control race car measuring about 6-inches long. It’s sort of a motorized Tonka toy. This one is just for iPhones and iPod touch devices. It comes with a controller, which you wed to your iPhone/ipod with a 3.5mm cable. Then you download the free app from the App Store. Turn the volume up full blast, and the dock will start sending infrared signals to the car. You also will need four AA batteries for the controller dock, which are not included.
I have a couple of mini reviews, one news item, and a game preview for you this week. Goldenoid 3D builds on the old brick breaker clones with 3D awesomeness; Sledventure is a snow fort sliding/smashing block buster of sorts. You can grab them in the App Store for less than a $2 (a free ad-injected version of Goldenoid also available). Plus in this edition, some news on a new Kingdom Rush edition, and a YT preview of Cubemen 2. Let's dig in, shall we?
The popularity of social networking sites and smart mobile devices are growing side by side, and 91 percent of mobile Internet usage now involves social media activities. Apple knows the importance of social media and has made it extremely easy for users to access and share to Facebook and Twitter directly from their iPhones, iPads, or iPods. With iOS 6, users can manage their social media accounts right from the settings menu. Apple is keenly aware of the social sharing habits of its users, and with iOS 7, Vimeo and Flickr will get special treatment generally reserved for Facebook and Twitter. Twitter was the first to find a place in the heart of Apple's operating system—integrated with iOS 5—whereas Facebook had to wait for iOS 6. Mainly for users with Chinese settings, Apple also has integrated Sina Weibo. These features are immensely popular with Apple mobile users and the rumors that Apple may integrate other social media websites in future seem plausible.
Late last week Reuters reported Apple is exploring launching iPhones with 4.7- and 5.7-inch screens throughout the next year, as well as phones in multiple colors. They say their info is from four different sources "with knowledge of the matter." The larger-sized phones are sometimes referred to as "phablets," which is becoming a generic term for devices that are a cross between a phone and a tablet. If the larger phones reach market, Reuters said it would be next year. And they say Apple is exploring "at least" two different models.
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