The Real Mac GeniusApple News
The iPhone OS 3.1.3 has been released. As usual, it takes care of minor bugs and fixes. See below for the updates:
The update is now avalaible through iTunes, so fire up iTunes and download away!
Since the rumors first began circulating about Apple’s iPad, I was sure the entire concept of a tablet computer reeked of pointlessness. That changed after the unveiling of the iPad on Wednesday. Don’t worry, I’m not going to worship Apple; actually, I may do quite the opposite. Yes, Apple convinced me there was a use for such a device, but barely. I came to see that the iPad could act as a second computer, in lieu of a notebook computer. For example, if I had an iMac, but also wanted something mobile, the iPad could act as the perfect companion. It does most of the things a MacBook does, but is much cheaper and even more portable. But, for mainstream consumers who cannot afford a second computer, let alone one that has the same functionality as their MacBook, the iPad, frankly, is unbelievably pointless. In the case of mainstream consumers, I suppose this device might be purchased instead of an iPod Touch, but then sales drop in iTouches, and, therefore, the market balances itself out.
As far as the product itself goes, the iPad foreshadows a futuristic world in which mainstream computing is done on similar touchscreen devices. Its large, touchscreen display, thin and light-weight design, and 10-hour battery life give us an idea of what the future of computing may be like. But in the present world, the iPad is nothing special. Steve Jobs detailed at the special event Wednesday what he thought made it special: It has an interchangeable background, redone mail, a calendar, and contacts applications, and it runs all the apps currently available in the App Store.
First, the iPhone and iPod Touch do all these things already. Also, I only make a point of including the “personalizing the background” feature because it seemed that Steve Jobs made that a little too big of a deal at the presentation when it really wasn’t. I really like the redone mail, calendar, and contacts apps, but these are simply lip gloss, giving the product its own look, in order to separate it from the iPhone and iPod Touch. And, of course, it runs all the current App Store apps, yet another thing of which iPhone and iPod Touch are capable.
As we wrap up the last few days of 2009, there is one thing that AT&T forgot to follow through on – iPhone Tethering. If you remember at the 2009 WWDC, iPhone MMS and Tethering were coming right at the launch of 3.0, but for us lucky AT&T customers, we had to wait until the last week of September. I would guess that AT&T believes that we might forgotten about Tethering, but I know I haven’t. I have used the iPhone native tethering and it works great. Yes, there are other solutions through applications from jailbreaking, but nothing is better than a native solution. So AT&T, where is iPhone tethering?!
As you might know, Apple has released its tablet computer, the iPad. The iPad is essentially an enlarged iPhone. It runs the iPhone OS 3.2 (Which must be due to launch in the next 60 days), is able to use iPhone applications, and has a special interface just for the the iPad. From a first look it does not look that impressive. But, as the old adage says, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Though I was only able to see the iPad on the stage, hands on with the iPad will be different. It is slick, and simple to use, and as Steve Jobs says 75 Million people know how to work an iPad, as the iPhone and iPod touch are similar. I believe that the iPad needs a camera (or two) and a few USB ports — but not all wishes come true.
Specs:
Somethings to note:
Runs the iPhone 3.2 OS — so the iPhone OS 3.2 should be released in the next few days.
Background is a picture — iPhone will be able to change background in OS 3.2?
P.S. Apple, next time choose a better name!
Ever wanted to play Grand Theft Auto, Mass Effect, Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead, Counter Strike Source, Fallout 3 on your Mac?
You’re probably wondering. “Window’s games on MY Mac, in OSX? Impossible.” Well I hate to say it but you are wrong. Linux’s WINE is a piece of software that allows for Windows games to run on Linux. Why does this have anything to do with your Mac?