08 Apr 2010, Posted by Takashi Doscher in Articles,Filmmaking,Tech, 0 Comments

Apple News Round-up

With the release of the iPad, this has been a big week in the news for Apple.  You may not also realize, however, that Apple makes a few other devices besides their tablet.  Here are some of the other major Apple news of the week.

1.  iPhone OS 4.0 – A few hours ago, Apple held a press-conference to preview their new iPhone operating system.  Overall, I am very pleased with the new features.  They include multi-tasking, app folders, unified email inbox, iBooks, social gaming, better enterprise tools, and a full integration of mobile ads among many others. Whats so great about ads?  Well, while we will have to look at them, this provides a great way for developers to keep their programs free and still make money.  This could open up a revenue stream literally worth billions, and when developers can make money, they continue to develop.  This might be a tipping point against the ongoing battle with Google and their mobile enterprise.

2.  New Macbook Pros April 13th? – This tip comes from the  Australian wing of Macworld, with additional support from dwindling supply reports.  The long-awaited refresh to the laptop line may finally come in less than a week.  We are expecting new Intel i5 and i7 processors, improved battery life, and hopefully Nvidia Optimus technology supporting on-the-fly graphics switching between the low-powered integrated graphics card (better battery life) and the high-powered discrete graphics chip (better performance).  Other less-likely features to be in the update, include 3g wireless built-in, USB 3.0, blu-ray support, higher res screens, and HDMI-out. Hopefully, we will find out soon.

3. Verizon CEO wants iPhone – While this may be a no-brainer, this is the first time the CEO of Verizon, Ivan Seidenberg, has confirmed that he has explicitly asked for iPhone rights from Apple.  No word on when or if this will ever occur.  Personally, I am exhausted of this talk.  This speculation has literally existed and popped up periodically since the iPhone’s announcement over 3 years ago.

4. iPad has teething issues – Early adopters of the device have been reporting some issues with the Wifi and the USB charging.  Apparently, on some routers the Wifi signal will fail to reconnect after the device has been locked and unlocked.  The metal case is also said to reduce the signal strength and distance of Wifi reception.  Additionally, some people are unable to charge their iPad in their standard USB ports.  Apple has acknowledged both issues.  We expect a software fix for the Wifi issues, but the required power draw of the large iPad battery means some USB ports simply wont be able to charge the device when the iPad is awake.