Archive for the “Uncategorized” Category

Apple has issued a new firmware update today to address issues that may cause intermittent display flickering. According to Apple web site, the new firmware "updates the display firmware on 27-inch iMac systems to address issues that may cause intermittent display flickering.The 27-inch iMac Display Update will update the display firmware on your iMac. Do not disturb or shut off the power on your iMac during this update." The 27-inch iMac Display Update Firmware is 294KB in size and can be downloaded from Apple's site.

Apple announced the iPad tablet device, featuring a 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768 display and 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB capacities. Carrying a custom 1 GHz "Apple A4" chip, the iPad weighs in at 1.5 pounds and is .5-inch thin. The iPad will be  priced at $499, $599, and $699 for models with Wi-Fi but without 3G. You'll have to add $130 if you want a 3G enabled model. Wi-Fi only models are scheduled to ship in 60 days and 3G-models in 90 days.

All iPad models have an accelerometer, compass, speakers, a microphone, and a 30-pin dock connector, but no USB or ethernet port. The iPad also offers, according to Apple, 10 hours of battery, with 1 month of standby battery life. Real-life battery tests still need to be done in order to confirm Apple figures. Models with 3G will be unlocked and will be able to use GSM micro SIMs (not the regular GSM SIMs).

The iPad will be able to use all the iPhone and iPod Touch Apps. However specific version will add extra features and be optimized for the device's 9.7-inch screen.

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Apple introduced a new 24" Cinema Display. The new monitor has the following features : 

• LED Screen
• iSight
• mic and speakers
• 1920x1200 resolution
• Mini DisplayPort
• MagSafe connector to power a MacBook.
• Three USB ports

The new screen is priced at $899 and will be available in November.

Voodoo Dimention team just introduced The Stone of Destiny for iPhone and iPod Touch. Those who are already familiar with The Stone of Destiny, a very popular hidden-object game, will be delighted to discover that it is now available for iPhone and iPod Touch.  Those who are not now have a perfect chance to fill this gap and try this fascinating game, the first hidden-object game for iPhoneOS.
The Stone of Destiny is an exciting game with the detective plot. Your uncle mysteriously disappears, and you are to solve this riddle with the help of a map, a book and a list of objects. You travel to the most remote corners of the world to find artifacts that will give you a clue, and write down magical runes. There are 27 levels of adventures, during which you wander the depths of forest, sneak into the tomb, explore the bottom of the sea and ancient pyramids, and many, many more. Puzzling minigames involve drawing runes and moving sarcophagus's. Step by step you become closer to the moment when you reveal the truth about your uncle and solve the riddle of the stone of destiny. Sometimes it gets really hard to move any farther, then you may use the hint. The number of hints is not limited, but some time should pass before the next one is available.

What makes this game special is its interactive graphics. The mix of comic book style (in the narrative part) and mysterious sceneries makes the atmosphere of adventure film even more vivid. The Stone of Destiny for iPhone and iPod Touch has the feature of zooming the picture, so you can see any object in detail. The interface allows most effective usage of the portable device screen ever.

The game is already available in Apple AppStore.

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We just posted more photos of Apple Expo Paris 2008. The Expo features a lot of iPod and iPhone related gadgets as well as computer cases and sleeves. Microsoft's booth is the biggest one. They even have an X-Box booth (with three screens)

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OtterBox releases iPhone 3G protection in the semi-rugged, drop and scratchproof Defender™ Series design. The cas is available now in black, and coming soon in white, black/yellow and pink. The pink model will benefit the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and 10% of the purchase price will be donated to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved.

The OtterBox for iPhone 3G Defender™ Series accommodates Apple iPhone 3G 8 GB and 16 GB with three slim-fit layers of protection:

• Layer 1: Patented polycarbonate membrane protects against scratches and dust intrusion while allowing for full use of the screen
•  Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell
• Layer 3: Silicone skin to absorb impact and provide tactile feel

The new case allows access to the silence switch, provides an improved screen and better fit and feel. Sync/charge, home, sleep/wake, volume, camera and headphone jack all remain accessible. Acoustical vents safeguard the microphone and speakers from dust and dirt to allow clear sound transmission. Case also includes a holster-style swivel belt clip which converts into a display stand when device is inserted screen out.

For more information, check http://www.otterbox.com/

The Apple Expo Paris opens its doors today. We will be covering the event, and put the usual gallery of photos online as soon as possible. This year, Apple does not have a booth at the expo. However, it does not mean that new products form third parties won't be introduced there.

Stay tuned!

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Apple just released Mac OS X 10.5.5. The update is recommended for Mac OS X Leopard versions 10.5, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.3 and 10.5.4. It includes general operating system improvements that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

For more information about the update, check Apple web site.

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Apple introduced quite a few products today during their "Let's Rock" special event:

As expected, they revealed iTunes 8. The new version, available today for download, includes

• Support for High Definition TV shows ($2.99 for High Definition episodes and $1.99 for Standard Definition episodes)
• Genius playlists: automatically find songs similar to the ones you own
• New grid view
• New visualizer

• Thinnest iPod ever that comes in 9 Colors: silver, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black
• Accelerometer
• Shake iPod to shuffle
• Genius playlists
• Aluminum with curved glass
• $149 for 8GB. $199 for 16GB.

Apple introduced a new iPod Classic (only in 120 GB) and new iPod Touch with the following features:

• 2.1 Firmware (see below)
• Built-in speaker, volume controls (similar to the iPhone)
• Genius playlist
• Nike+iPod support
• Better battery (36 hours when playing music and 6 hours when playing videos)
• new prices : $229 for 8GB, $299 for 16GB and $399 for 32GB

Today iPod shuffle also got new colors and a price drop.

And finally, iPhone and iPod Touch OS 2.1 will also be available this friday: