iPad By Davis: “iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 given the ‘Will it Blend’ treatment” plus 16 more

iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 given the ‘Will it Blend’ treatment
Apple iPad mini event Retina wallpaper
Curious George's Dictionary for iPad review
iPod nano photo gallery
New RSS Feed for iPad Insight – Please Update
EPEAT certifies retina MacBook Pro with their gold rating, by significantly lowering their standards
Passbook support comes to Starbucks customers in the UK and Canada
How to fix a blown or distorted earpiece in an iPhone 4S
iPod nano 7 gets torn down, tiny guts exposed to the world
Apple to release as many as 24 new iPad/iPad mini models next week
Confirmed: Apple Special Event October 23, Expected iPad Mini Announcement
Apple sends out invitations to October 23 iPad mini event
First TV Ad for Microsoft Surface: ‘Movement’
Quick Look & Video Demo: Paper Toss with Friends for iPad
How to open apps using Siri
Deal of the Day: 42% off the Seidio CONVERT Combo for iPhone 5
Monday Brief: LG Nexus, BlackBerry 10 L-Series spotting, iPad Mini event date and more!

iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 given the ‘Will it Blend’ treatment

Posted: 17 Oct 2012 01:42 AM PDT

Love them or hate them, every year Blentec tests out its latest power blender against the latest tech toys. Normally we don't have to wait very long for the latest iPhone to get the treatment; last year it was on launch day and the blending managed to upset quite a few folks who couldn't get their hands on one for whatever reason. This year we have had to wait a few weeks since launch and it's done a bit differently to normal. Blentec has pitted the iPhone 5 against the Samsung Galaxy S3.

It's time for Tom to get a new phone. So which one should he get? The new iPhone 5, or the Samsung Galaxy S3? You know how he will decide. Which blends best.

As you would expect, both phones end up as a pile of dust; such a waste of expensive electronics. Having said that, it is a great marketing initiative by Blendtec, at the time of writing, the video has already received over 106,000 views and was only released yesterday. Not a bad way to create interest in your blenders for just the cost of a couple of phones.

Source: YouTube

Apple iPad mini event Retina wallpaper

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 10:10 PM PDT

Apple iPad mini event Retina wallpaper

We've gotten a ton of requests for an iPad Retina wallpaper version of the October 28 iPad mini event invitation, so I whipped this one together quickly. It's not great, more Photoshop trickery, less painstaking re-building of the original like I did for the iPhone 5 event wallpaper, but it's a little more complex and I need to get the iPod reviews done, so it's all I have time for at the moment.

I'm putting it up in the iMore wallpaper forum as well, so if anyone has any others/betters, please add them in.

Meantime, tap for the full size version, save to your Camera Roll, open Settings > Brightness and Wallpaper, choose Camera Roll, tap the saved image, set and enjoy!

ipad mini event

Wallpaper

Featured

Curious George's Dictionary for iPad review

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 09:15 PM PDT

Curious George's Dictionary is an educational iPad app for kids that teaches the meanings of nearly 600 words through illustrations, sentences, stories, and more. It features charming illustrations for each word as well as an example of a sentence that uses the word. In addition to swiping through letters and learning new words, Curious George's Dictionary also includes stories about Curious George using is dictionary and sections dedicated opposites, numbers, quantities, and colors & shapes.

On the main page, you'll find four sections Alphabet, Shop, Stories, and More. In More, there are sections for Numbers, Quantities, Opposites, and Colors & Shapes.

The Alphabet section is much more than simply the alphabet. For each letter of the alphabet, there is a cute illustration that includes the letter, something that starts with the letter, and George. Each letter also has many words associated with it. Some letters, like J, only have a few words, but other letters, like B, have as many as 40 words. Words with multiple definitions, like "wave", are included twice to illustrated both definitions.

Just like the letters, each word also includes a cute photo, but many (not all) of the words also include a sentence that uses the word. Curious George's Dictionary has a narrator that says the letters and words out load, but unfortunately, he does not read the sentences.

The Stories section of Curious George's Dictionary includes four stories: George's Birthday, George's Friends, George at the Beach, and More Words. Each story is narrated and in each one, George uses his picture dictionary to help understand the meaning of words. The words and pictures in George's dictionary are exactly the same as the ones in the Alphabet section the app.

The numbers, Opposites, and Color & Shapes sections of Curious George's Dictionary are similar to the Alphabet sections with words and illustrations that teach their respective topics. The Store includes descriptions of all the the other Curious George apps available on the iPad with links to the App Store.

The good

Lots of words for each letter
Multiple definitions for many words. For example, the word "can" is used as both noun and verb.
Cute illustrations
Nearly 600 words
Also includes numbers, quantities, opposites, and colors & shapes

The bad

Narrator does not read the sentences included with each word
It would be more appropriate for the Shop to be on the secondary page, especially since this is an app for children

The bottom line

Curious George's Dictionary for iPad is a great learning tool for young readers. It provides a fun, interactive environment for learning the alphabet, the definitions of nearly 600 common words, sentences, numbers, and more. If you have a young learner in your home who also loves this adorable little monkey, Curious George's Dictionary is great to add to your educational apps collection.

Curious George's Dictionary is currently on sale for $1.99.

$1.99 - Download Now

iPod nano photo gallery

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 06:40 PM PDT

iPod nano photo gallery

Apple calls the iPod nano 7 "renanoed", and if you look at the longer, thinner shape, and the wider screen, it's harder to argue the logic than it is the ad copy. It still isn't running iOS, and Apple has rounded the icons to better visually differentiate it from it's bigger, more computer-like cousins, but it does include apps. And buttons. There's a Home button now, also similar to iOS, and a volume rocker with a pause/play control in between. It also has the new Lightning connector, which is why it can be so thin.

Here's a look at the white and (Product) RED versions, and how it compares to the new iPod touch 5, and the iPhone 5.

All shots taken with a Canon 5D Mark III and a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and an EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens, embedded at HiDPI for iPhones, iPad 3, and Retina MacBook Pro.

New RSS Feed for iPad Insight – Please Update

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 01:36 PM PDT

The RSS feed for iPad Insight has changed today. As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, we need to make this change because it appears Google is soon going to shutdown FeedBurner, where the feed has been since the site started.

If you follow this site through Google Reader, Reeder app on iPad or iPhone, or any other RSS reader app, you should update to our new feed when you have a chance. You can do that by just clicking on this link:

http://ipadinsight.com/feed

(...)
Read the rest of New RSS Feed for iPad Insight – Please Update (51 words)

Comments

Comments

Not comfortable with DIY repair? Leave it to the pros

If you aren't comfortable performing a DIY repair on your own, don't. It is possible to cause more damage or run into issues you aren't ready for. In this case, it's probably better to either pay the money for a replacement device from Apple or use a local or mail-in service that will handle the repair and any issues that may arise for you.

The Pod Drop has many locations in the midwest and is a rapidly growing company. You can check for a Pod Drop location near you, mail it in, or use another third party repair service. For more information on mail-in repairs or possible Pod Drop locations near you, you can visit their website.

Pod Drop locations and mail-in options

If you are comfortable with repairing your own device, put your ninja pants on and keep reading!

What you'll need to DIY replace a blown earpiece

PXLFIX recommends using only quality and genuine parts from a reputable supplier like eTech Parts. They have quality parts, tools, and much more for all your repair needs. You will find links to the specific parts you'll need for this repair in the list below.

iPhone 4S (any variant)
Replacement earpiece - Link to part
#00 Phillips screwdriver - Link to part
Security screwdriver - Link to part
Spudger tool - Link to part
SIM removal tool or paperclip

Video walkthrough

While the video walkthrough adds even more detail, it is meant to be used in correlation with the written steps below. It will show a complete breakdown of the device but smaller steps for each individual repair will be listed with high quality images in the actual guide below.

Power off your iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S slide to power off

Before performing any repair you should always power off your device before opening it up.

Remove the back plate

Using your security screwdriver, remove the 2 screws on either side of the dock connector port.

Set them aside. They are both the exact same size and length so it does not matter if you mix them up. They are interchangeable.
Gently slide up the back plate by applying a bit of pressure along the bottom with your thumbs and sliding upwards.

Now lift off the back plate and set it aside.

Remove the battery and grounding clip

Using your #00 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws holding the battery in place.

These screws are different lengths so make sure you remember which one goes where. The one that is slightly larger is the bottom screw.
There is a tiny grounding clip underneath the battery clip where the first screw is located. Use your spudger tool or finger to remove it before prying the clip up. Many times it can go flying if you don't remove it first and then you'll have difficulty locating it so it's best to remove it first.

Now use your spudger tool and at the bottom of the battery clip, gently pry upwards so the clip pops up.

Move to the edge of the iPhone where the volume buttons are located and use your spudger tool to carefully pry up the battery. It is stuck down with a good amount of adhesive so be careful when prying upwards that you don't bend the battery. This is why I do not use the plastic tab that is provided. It typically rips or bends the battery. If one part is resistant move your pry tool a little further down and gently start prying it up in different places taking care not to come too close to the volume button cables towards the top.

Once you've gotten the battery pulled out of the iPhone 4S we can move on to inserting the replacement battery.

Remove the top logic board shields

Using your #00 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws that hold the top silver shield in place and the one screw that holds the small black shield in place.

Now use your spudger or pry tool to gently lift the silver shield out of the iPhone.

Use your spudger or pry tool to lift the black shield out of the iPhone.

Set both shields aside and make sure your screws are organized for reassembly later.

Unclip the top logic board cables & remove the rear-facing camera

Using your spudger or pry tool carefully disconnect all the cables at the top of the logic board. There are seven cables total. One of the cables lies underneath the bottom most cable so you'll need to disconnect the cable over it before folding it back and revealing the shorter cable underneath.

Once you unclip the seven cables, you can lift the rear-facing camera directly out of the iPhone. It was only connected by one cable.

Disconnect the dock connector

Using your #00 Phillips screwdriver remove the shield that is covering the dock connector cable towards the middle left of the iPhone. Remember which screw came from where as they are different sizes. Gently lift the shield out of the iPhone and set it aside.

Remove dock connector shield iPhone 4 CDMA

Take your spudger tool and gently pry up the dock connector cable and peel it back as shown below. Perform this step with caution as there is adhesive on the underside of the cable. Take care not to rip the cable by pulling up to quickly.

Remove dock connector cable iPhone 4 CDMA

Leave the cable in this position and move on to the next section.

Pry up the Wi-Fi antenna

Using your spudger toolcarefully pry up the round connection for the cellular antenna. It should come up easily so pry up gently.

You'll notice that it is wrapped around a metal clip. Gently unwrap it so it's sticking upwards and leave it in this position.

Remove the SIM card and tray

Using a SIM removal tool or a bent paper clip, eject the SIM tray and set it, and the SIM card aside.

Remove the logic board

Remove the three #00 Phillips screws at the top, middle, and bottom left of the logic board with your #00 Phillips screwdriver. The top screw has a piece of tape over it you'll need to peel back. After removing it you'll also notice a gold grounding clip underneath it. Make sure you don't lose it as you'll need it for reassembly.

There are two more screws holding the logic board in place and you'll need to remove them with your flat head screwdriver. They are located at the top right and bottom of the logic board.
Now you should be able to lift the logic board out of the iPhone. Use the area that the rear-facing camera was located and the bottom of the logic board to lift it straight out.

Remove the bad earpiece assembly

Carefully use your pry tool to pull up the earpiece assembly from the midframe. It is held in with a foam type of adhesive.

Once you've removed the earpiece assembly we can work on installing the replacement.

Install the new earpiece assembly

GSM iPhone 4 earpiece foam and adhesive

The new earpiece assembly should come with adhesive and foam already installed. Just peel the backing off of the adhesive.
Place the earpiece assembly carefully into the iPhone making sure you're placing it the correct way so the prongs are pointing in the right direction.
Gently push down on the earpiece to make sure that the adhesive has attached on the underside.

Reassemble your iPhone 4S

To reassemble your iPhone 4S, you can either follow all these directions in exact reverse order or view our reassembly video guide above which will walk you through how to reassemble it from screen to turning it back on and testing it. For an earpiece replacement you'll need to watch the video from about 5:30 to the end.

And ...done!

Once you've finished reassembling your iPhone 4S you can go ahead and push the power button to turn it on. If all went well your iPhone should boot up and show the Apple logo. Unlock your iPhone and place a test call to make sure the earpiece is now functioning correctly.

Want to know how to perform another type of iPhone repair or modification? Send me suggestions and questions to ally@imore.com. If you had issues performing this repair, our DIY and mod forums are a great place to start. If you still can't find an answer, you can contact me at the e-mail address above.

To inquire about mail-in repairs through The Pod Drop, you can follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or e-mail us directly!

Additional resources:

iPod nano 7 gets torn down, tiny guts exposed to the world

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 10:46 AM PDT

iFixIt tears down the 7th generation iPod nano

We've already seen the iPod touch 5 torn down so it's only fair that the iPod Nano 7 get the same treatment. Since the iPod nano is quite bit larger than its predecessor, it makes repairability a little more economical and realistic, but not by much. iFixIt once again did the deed:

With a plastic opening tool in hand, we probed the depths of the Nano's compact design. Good news: the Nano's case can be opened with a standard Phillips #00 screwdriver and a little prying from a plastic opening tool. Unfortunately, the Nano's battery, Lightning connector, button cable, and headphone jack are all soldered to the logic board. To top that off, the battery is also adhered to the back of the assembly, which will make the battery difficult to replace when it fails (as batteries inevitably do).

The good news is that the new iPod nano's casing can be pulled open with only a #00 Phillips screwdriver and a plastic pry tool. The bad news is that a lot of components are soldered straight to the logic board including the Lightning connector, headphone jack, and Home button cable.

Anyone who has ever taken apart an iOS device before knows that the Home button is typically the first thing to give out due to excessive use. It wouldn't make these kinds of repairs cost effective considering the iPod nano is only priced at $149. A shattered screen, however, is definitely replaceable.

When it comes to a batteries, however, since they'resoldered in, it probably won't be economical for most users to replace it themselves. The current cost for AppleCare customers after the first year is $59 plus shipping and tax which probably will remain the same. We aren't yet sure what Apple will charge for a replacement battery in the new iPod nano if you're out of warranty.

Overall, iFixIt gave the 7th gen iPod nano a repairability score of 5 which is at least higher than the new 5th generation iPod touch which only received a score of 3 out of 10. Ouch.

To check out the entire teardown, hit the link below. Also make sure you enter our iPod touch and iPod nano giveaway for your chance to win one straight from iMore!

Source & image credit: iFixIt

Apple to release as many as 24 new iPad/iPad mini models next week

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 10:46 AM PDT

Apple to release as many as 24 new iPad/iPad mini models next week

According to a leaked product list, Apple may launch as many as 24 iPad models, including the new iPad mini at their just-announced October 23 event next week. If accurate, that would likely include storage, color, and radio variants, which is fairly typical for any new Apple product. 9to5Mac scored the list:

With the three storage capacities, four models, and lastly two colors denoted by "A" and "B" (likely black and white), Apple will launch 24 new iPad models. Apple will also be selling 10 packs of iPad minis to education for a discount, according to the SKUs.

It is possible that at least two of the models represent an updated iPad 3 iMore first reported months ago. If that is the case, this would indicate that the updated iPad 3 would have a single LTE version that, in the US, works on both Verizon and AT&T, as well as internationally.

In other words, take this as possible confirmation that everything is proceeding on time, and as usual.

In addtion to the iPad mini and updated iPad 3, Apple is expected to announce new Macs as well. We'll find out for sure in just 7 days...

Source: 9to5Mac

Confirmed: Apple Special Event October 23, Expected iPad Mini Announcement

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 09:25 AM PDT

Apple has sent out their invites to a special event to be held next Tuesday, October 23. This is widely expected to be their unveiling event for a new smaller iPad – the iPad Mini or iPad Air or whatever name Apple chooses to give it.

The only text on the invitation sure seems to tie in with the smaller iPad theme:

We've got a little more to show you.

And of course we've already heard from a number of reliable sources that manufacturing has already started for the iPad Mini. There are even several leading Apple accessory vendors who are already promoting accessories for the new smaller iPad.

The Apple event is set to start at 10AM Pacific next Tuesday and will be held at the California Theatre in San Jose.

You'll be shocked to hear that I'm more than a tad excited and anxiously awaiting the iPad Mini event.

Comments

Comments

Comments

Comments

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Quick Look & Video Demo: Paper Toss with Friends for iPad

Posted: 16 Oct 2012 08:31 AM PDT

Paper Toss has been one of my favorite fun little games for iPhone and iPad for years now. I played the heck out of the original version on the iPhone and both my 9 year old daughter and I loved Paper Toss World Tour where we could test our tossing skills at a range of scenic places around the world.

The latest release in this popular series is Paper Toss with Friends – a social, multiplayer version that let you play online against Facebook or Game Center friends or random opponents. I've been playing Paper Toss with Friends for iPad for the last week or so. It's still a simple, fun game to play, but now it has added some cool bells and whistles – or actually staplers, footballs, soda cans, bouncy balls, watermelons, and even hand grenades. These are all new options to replace the crumpled up paper and try to toss into the garbage can.

(...)
Read the rest of Quick Look & Video Demo: Paper Toss with Friends for iPad (97 words)

© patrickj for iPad Insight, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: iPad app reviews, iPad game reviews