jueves, 2 de mayo de 2013

iPad By Davis: “Qantas releases their iOS application, Passbook support included” plus 19 more

iPad By Davis: “Qantas releases their iOS application, Passbook support included” plus 19 more


Qantas releases their iOS application, Passbook support included

Posted: 02 May 2013 02:20 AM PDT

It's still a pretty big deal when iOS apps are released with Passbook support, especially outside of the U.S. Anyone flying down under will be pleased to know that Australian airline, Qantas, has released their brand new iOS app which indeed does have Passbook support.

Mobile boarding passes are definitely a headline feature, but at the moment it does seem limited to domestic flights only, along with mobile check-in. Frequent flyers are also well catered for, with points balances and next booked flights added to the home screen of the app.

All this comes on top of the usual features you would expect from an airline app. So, searching for flights, hotels, accessing bookings and up to the minute flight information is all on board. A nice touch for those hunting for a deal -- and let's face it, flying to Australia is an expensive business -- is the ability to create customized alerts to be notified of deals, or when a certain fare falls below your target price.

Apps like this aren't the most exciting, but they're an example of everyday people using their iOS devices in their everyday lives. To that end, Qantas should be commended for a first rate job in the design and overall user friendly nature of their new app. It looks great, everything is clearly laid out, and is generally all round pleasing to use. If I could only afford a flight to Australia, I'd surely be using this.

    


AirPrint for everyone goes corporate with Printopia Pro

Posted: 01 May 2013 08:35 PM PDT

AirPrint for everyone goes corporate with Printopia Pro

Ecamm Software's Printopia is an excellent utility for Mac users who want to be able to print from iOS devices but don't want to invest in an AirPrint-compatible printer. The utility installs on the Mac and enables any printer connected to that Mac (either physically or over the network) to appear as an AirPrint-compatible device on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Now Ecamm has announced Printopia Pro, a version of the software designed for corporate use.

Printopia is great for small networks like those in your home, but it runs out of gas on corporate networks. Printopia is dependent on Bonjour, Apple's name for zero-configuration networking. Bonjour is typically confined to a single subnet, however, which can limit Printopia's use if the iOS device and the wired printer are on different parts of a corporate network.

Printopia Pro employs "unicast" Bonjour, according to the developers. Unicasting is a networking technique that sends data to a single network address. As a result, Ecamm says that IT staff don't need to reconfigure network architecture to get Printopia Pro to work.

Printopia Pro is server-based, aimed at helping large groups of iOS device users - up to hundreds at a time - to print. The software provides management tools for IT staff to configure printer settings, manage print jobs and more.

    


Monday Brief: On a Wednesday!

Posted: 01 May 2013 06:15 PM PDT

It began, as many things do with an idea -- I was in NYC for #TM13, along with all our Mobile Nations site editors, Kevin Michaluk, Phil Nickinson, and Daniel Rubino, Rene Ritchie, and Georgia, and we had Martin Reisch and his RED Scarlet 4K camera. So, we figured "why not shoot the Monday Brief in 4K!". And therein began the longest Odyssey in Monday Brief history.
 
The shooting itself went pretty well, with Georgia and myself kicking things off, and Kevin doing his best to finish the show with a bang. Then things started getting complicated. Turns out it takes a long, long, long time edit and render 4K video, and a really long time to upload it. Even longer when things go weird along the way.  In any case, we got it all sorted now and as such we bring you, the Monday Brief.. on a Wednesday.
 

Mobile Nations

 

 

 

     

        


    T-Mobile + MetroPCS merger finalized

    Posted: 01 May 2013 05:57 PM PDT

    T-Mobile-MetroPCS merger finalized

    The T-Mobile USA/MetroPCS merger has been finalized. The merged company will be known as T-Mobile US, Inc., and will trade under the stock symbol TMUS. T-Mobile will leverage the spectrum from MetroPCS in order to build out it's LTE network, which they only began to rollout at the end of March. BusinessWire reports:

    An enhanced spectrum position that will provide greater network coverage and deeper 4G LTE coverage in key markets across the country. Combining the two companies' spectrum provides a path to at least 20+20 MHz of 4G LTE in approximately 90% of the top 25 metro areas in 2014 and beyond.

    MetroPCS was a CDMA carrier, so any of their 9 million subscribers that remain with T-Mobile US will need to be transitioned to T-Mobile's GSM network in order for the carrier to make use of that spectrum, a process that will take some time to complete. The last month has been a busy time for T-Mobile, with the debut of their new, no-contract plans and the launch of the iPhone. T-Mobile hopes that these new plans and this merger will help revitalize the company, make them more competative with larger rivals Verizon and AT&T.

    Source: BusinessWire

        


    U.S. Department of Defense set to approve Apple devices soon

    Posted: 01 May 2013 05:57 PM PDT

    U.S. Department of Defense set to approve Apple devices soon

    The US Department of Defense, which has been preparing to allow its employees to use iPhones and certain Android devices for some time, is expected to grant security approval for devices from Apple and Samsung in the coming weeks. There will be separate security approvals for iOS and Samsung Galaxy device. DoD employees will be allowed to use iPhones and iPads for non-classified communications like email. According to the Wall Street Journal:

    Separately, DISA is expected to rule that Apple's latest operating system, iOS 6, conforms to a different security-requirement guide, these people said. That would allow iPhones and iPads to be used by military agencies for nonclassified communications, like email and Web browsing.

    Apple's devices are perceived by the department as more secure than Samsung's because of the proprietary nature of iOS, while Android is open source. Previously, the Defense Department had been a BlackBerry-only organization, and though BlackBerry's older devices will continue to be used, the company will need to get approvals for their new Z10 and Q10 smartphones. The DoD is just the latest government agency to move towards accepting more devices, echoing the trend found in private sector companies.

    Source: The Wall Street Journal

        


    Win a fantastic Aria case for your iPad from Pad & Quill!

    Posted: 01 May 2013 03:49 PM PDT

    Aria for iPad mini

    Not long ago, Pad & Quill announced the latest addition to their exquisite line of iPad cases, the Aria. If you're familiar with Pad & Quill, you already know that these are some of the finest cases you can find for your iPad, and the Aria is no exception. Made with robust stitching from Full Grain American leather and hand finished wood, the Aria provides multiple self propping angles for viewing and a magnetic on/off feature when the case closes. You simply can't beat Pad & Quill when it comes to quality, and these are cases that would please even the most discriminating iPad owners.

    We are happy to team up once again with Pad & Quill to offer our readers a chance at winning one of these amazing cases! To enter, head over to the links below and check out the Aria line, then come back here and let us know which color combination is your favorite, and which iPad you have. We will choose two lucky winners and announce it here on the blogs, so be sure to check back next week to see if you're a winner. And if you don't want to wait around to see if you've won, you can use coupon code MOR88 right now to save 15% off any case at Pad & Quill. The coupon is only good for a limited time, so be sure to use it soon if you're interested. Good luck everyone!

    More information/purchase Aria for iPad mini
    More information/purchase Aria for iPad 2/3/4

        


    AT&T introduces new trade in program, offers $100 for your old smartphone

    Posted: 01 May 2013 02:58 PM PDT

    AT&T introduces new trade in program, offers 00 for your old smartphone

    AT&T will begin a program tomorrow that offers at least $100 off the purchase of a smartphone when a customer trades in their current AT&T smartphone. The offer applies to any smartphone sold by the carrier, including the iPhone. According to AT&T:

    This promotion applies to any smartphone AT&T sells, and gives customers access to the latest devices at a fraction of the cost or, in the case of smartphones priced under $99.99**, for free. To take advantage of this offer, customers are encouraged to visit any AT&T company-owned retail store or participating authorized dealer with their previous smartphone that is no more than three years old and in good, working condition. In stores, upon trading in their old phone, customers will receive the $100 credit on-the-spot and can use it immediately.

    Phones valued at under $100 will be available for free with a new contract. The credit can also be applied towards accessories. Customers will be able to trade in any smartphone as long as it is no older than three years, and is in good condition. The promotion will last for a limited time, though AT&T has not clarified when it will end.

    Source: AT&T

        


    iOS 7 will debut on time, of course

    Posted: 01 May 2013 02:43 PM PDT

    iOS 7 will debut on time, of course

    While I ascribe to the theory of multiple universes, and there may indeed be several in which Apple is a clown made entirely of candy, in precisely none of them was iOS 7 not going to debut on time. If you need any more evidence of that, I give your Mr. John Paczkowski of AllThingsD:

    "Yes, yes — it's essentially a repeat of the iPhone/Leopard scenario," one source said, referring to Apple's 2007 decision to pull engineers from OS X 10.5 to work on iPhone. "Not as much of a fire drill, though. It will ship on time."

    And Mr. Jim Dalrymple of The Loop:

    Yep.

    Until Apple announces something, it can't be "delayed". If they're not meeting internal schedules, if they're adding resources from other projects, if they're pushing features out to future versions, if they're doing any number of things a company their size does when working on a project of iOS' size, that's not "delayed", that's "development".

    It's happened before, it'll happen again. Year after year after year, it's mind blowing how this keeps being a story. The day Apple isn't racing flat-out for the finish line is the day I'll start to worry.

        


    Swipe Magazine Issue 7 Is Out

    Posted: 01 May 2013 01:48 PM PDT

    Swipe Magazine Issue 7

    Issue 7 of Swipe Magazine – the excellent interactive iPad magazine focused on the best App Store games and apps – is out today.

    As usual, this latest issue is jam packed with reviews of all the hottest new titles and plenty of other good content. Some of the Issue 7 highlights include:

    – An interview with Jake Solomon of Firaxis, the lead designer of the console / PC title X-COM: Enemy Unknown – which is coming soon to the iPad and iPhone.

    – Reviews of Final Fantasy 5, Knight Storm, Star Wars Pinball, and lots of other top new titles.

    – Interactive demos of some good looking new games.

    – The regular iPad Basics tips section, powered by none other than iPad Insight.

    Hope some of you are already enjoying Swipe Magazine, I definitely enjoy contributing to it.

    Here's an App Store link for Swipe Magazine; it's a free app.


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    How to download a book to your iPhone or iPad with iBooks

    Posted: 01 May 2013 10:32 AM PDT

    How to download a book to your iPhone or iPad with iBooks

    iBooks is a great way to download not only PDF files for safe keeping, but an even better way to download books. After all, that's what it was made for. The iBookstore has a vast collection of every kind of book you could possibly think of. Whether you're new to iOS in general or have never used iBooks until now, here's how to get started with download books on your iPhone or iPad.

    First you'll need to download iBooks if you don't already have it installed on your iPhone or iPad. It's a free download from the App Store.

    1. Now launch the iBooks app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
    2. Tap on the Store button in the upper right hand corner.
    3. You can now either search for a specific title under the Search tab or browse any other tab to find a book that interests you. Once you find one, just tap on the price.
    4. You will notice the text now changes to Buy Book. Tap on it one more time.
    5. You'll now be asked to enter your iTunes username and password to confirm your purchase.

    That's all there is to it. Your chosen book will begin downloading to iBooks where you can enjoy it.

        


    Reuters iPad App Updated – News Stream Redesign & More

    Posted: 01 May 2013 10:01 AM PDT

    Reuters iPad app

    The excellent Reuters iPad app has been updated this week, to Version 1.2. This is the iPad app for one of the world's leading and longest established news agencies.

    This update includes a design change for the app's news streams – offering a short preview of articles as you browse the various news sections. A couple of other features added are these:

    • While browsing, you'll now see icons that distinguish among Reuters reporting, photos, newsworthy tweets, etc.
    • On iPad, we've added an up-to-date snapshot of financial markets to your "Markets Dashboard" view, along with an optional app-wide ticker that displays the performance of your personalized Watchlist.

    I chose the Reuters app as our Best Free iPad App of the Week pick a few weeks back, and had this to say about it at the time:

    I'm not sure why but I expected a Reuters news app to be...

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    What will Intel's new Haswell chipsets really mean for the Mac?

    Posted: 01 May 2013 09:59 AM PDT

    What will Intel's new Haswell chipsets really mean for the Mac?

    Rumors suggest that Apple may refresh the MacBook Pro line this summer with Intel's Haswell microprocessor. Accepting for a moment that the rumors are true, what is Haswell all about, and why is it important?

    Haswell will succeed the Ivy Bridge microprocessor architecture that Apple's current product line is largely based around. The lamentably ancient Mac Pro is the sole holdout: it's built around a server-class microprocessor architecture Intel internally called Westmere.

    The timing Intel will formally unveil the Haswell processor family at Computex, a major PC trade show in Taipei, on June 3rd. Only a few days later Apple will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco.

    Apple certainly has cause to look closely at Haswell chips. Power efficiency is key to some of the Haswell designs specifically aimed at laptops and Ultrabook-style computers, and integrated graphics in Haswell chips also provide up to twice the graphics performance. MacBook Pro models with Retina Display push a lot of pixels, and you can feel the strain at high resolutions on current machines equipped with Intel HD4000 (though the 15-inch model has a discrete Nvidia GTX processor that it will fall back to when graphics performance demand it). And graphics aren't the only improvement for Haswell. CPU performance can improve dramatically depending on which chips are being used.

    Thunderbolt performance in a Haswell-equipped Mac will remain unchanged - the next version of Intel Thunderbolt controller architecture, code-named "Falcon Ridge," won't make landfall until 2014. But Haswell systems will sport better power efficiency and on-chip integration, which may help move along the widespread adoption of Thunderbolt as an essential peripheral interface in the years to come.

    A Haswell refresh to the MacBook Pro line would make sense - Apple refreshed the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in June 2012, at WWDC, and introduced the first MacBook Pro with Retina Display at the same time. While the Pro was later refereshed, it's appealing to believe that Apple would use WWDC to stir the pot with a refresh to its best-selling computers. There's a potential wrench in the works, though: Tim Cook cautioned analysts during the company's most recent quarterly financials call that "amazing new hardware, software and services" shouldn't be expected until this fall and throughout 2014.

    Ultimately, we'll have to wait and see what, if anything, Apple has up its sleeve hardware-wise for WWDC this year, and hope that a Haswell-based referesh is in the works. Because there's strong interest in Haswell across the PC marketplace, and Haswell-based systems, including Ultrabooks, will undoubtedly fill the channel shortly after Intel's Computex announcement. Apple can't afford to fall behind the curve with Macs that use outdated hardware, especially models as popular as the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

    Are you waiting on new Mac hardware? What do you want to see?

        


    Instacast releases free beta for Mac users

    Posted: 01 May 2013 09:49 AM PDT

    Instacast releases free beta for Mac users

    Vemedio has made a public beta version of their popular iOS podcast app, Instacast, for the Mac. If you're a Mac user, and an Instacast user, you'll no doubt already be salivating at the thought of perfectly synced podcast bliss.

    Now, beta does mean it's not 100% finished and odds are you'll find a quirk or bug or three, but early access programs like this are just about the best way for developers get feedback and fine tune products before they get released.

    Instacast for Mac is hands down one of the best alternative podcast apps available for iOS, and I'd expect pretty much the same of their Mac version.

    So if you'd like to try before you buy, or just want to get in on the early access action, hit the link below and get downloading.

    Source: Vemedio

        


    Welcome to iMore... Richard Devine!

    Posted: 01 May 2013 08:58 AM PDT

    Welcome to iMore... Richard Devine!

    Richard Devine is no stranger to the Mobile Nations team, at least not for anyone who's been following his work over on Android Central for the last long while. He's been into tech since he was 8 years old and first got hooked on Sega Mega Drive. While he started off as an avid console gamer, he quickly got into mobile, first with Windows Mobile/Phone, then BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android. He's no stranger to Apple in general either, having bought his first iPod 9 years ago, which quickly led to a series of Macs, and iOS devices.

    Richard's also a self-confessed motorsport "nut" -- I think they call them petrol-heads in the UK? That's what my years of Top Gear viewing have taught me, at least -- and spends ridiculous amounts of time at the track, at least since he got his license last year.

    Why am I telling you all this? When Chris Oldroyd went back to the real world last month, it left a gap in our coverage -- a UK-sized gap. Richard, as you might have guessed, is based in the UK.

    So we stole him.

    That means, from now on, Richard will be bringing you the latest Apple news on devices, apps, accessories, and ecosystem starting well before most of you get up every morning, as well as feature pieces on a variety of topics. He'll also be helping us out with iMore 3.0 -- more on that in a few weeks -- and all the great stuff we're building for you going forward.

    He'll also be popping up across Mobile Nations -- so AC fans, don't fret -- and will continue to be contributing towards cross-site, and cross-platform events in Europe and elsewhere.

    For now though, please join me in giving Richard a warm welcome to iMore, and if you aren't already, you should follow him on Twitter @ricker666.

        


    Next review: Quick, stylish, expense tracking for iPhone

    Posted: 01 May 2013 08:31 AM PDT

    Next Expense Tracking for iPhone review: Track expenses not only quickly, but with style

    Next Expense Tracking for iPhone is not only a quick and easy way to track expenses, but the interface is exactly what you'd expect from an expense tracking app if Apple themselves made it. Everything from the sounds to the way the interface works is done exceptionally well. If you have no need for a hardcore budgeting app but just want a quick look at your overall expenses at a moment's notice, Next Expense tracking may be right up your alley.

    Next functions by using a series of grids with icons that represent a particular kind of expense. You can easily rearrange them by dragging them around or tap the settings button after holding down on an icon to change what type of expense it will track. There are lots of well made icons to choose from so finding ones that suit what you need to track should be an easy enough task.

    Once you start entering data into Next, you'll notice that used tiles turn blue while ones you have no expenses for stay grey. As you add more and more expenses, the shade of blue will change. Darker blue, almost navy colored squares indicate higher expenses. For example, whatever icon you're tracking higher dollar items under such as a mortgage or rent tend to be darker blue since it indicates a larger payment or cash flow. Outside of typical expense options such as gas, food, and home items, you'll also find icons for liesure items such as App Store, iTunes, and Amazon expenses as well as cable or internet. This means you can keep everything separate instead of lumping them into one single category.

    From the main grid view of Next, swiping to the left or right will break down data even further. For example, a swipe to the right will reveal a breakdown of expenses. Along the top you can toggle between week, month, and year. Tapping on any one of these expenses will review a chart showing you how expenses have fluctuated over the past several weeks or months. Obviously, this data will be a lot more meaningful the longer you use Next to track your expenses.

    Swiping to the left from the main expense view will give you breakdown by month of what you're spending money on each day. Just tap on a month along the top and you'll see all the data for each day in that month. Again, as you accumulate more data and get better about actually tracking expenses, Next will filter in even more useful data for you to compare against past months.

    The good

    • Hands down one of the best interfaces of any expense tracking app available
    • Tons of icons and expense types to choose from
    • Provides expense data in a logical way that isn't overwhelming or hard to decipher

    The bad

    • No way to add more tiles or delete unused ones but 27 expense types will most likely be more than enough for most

    The bottom line

    If you're looking for an app to help you stick to a budget, Next Expense Tracking is not for you. You'd be better off going with an app like BUDGT. If you're only interested in tracking your expenses and viewing trends, Next is a perfect option and probably one of the better ones out there. Everything from the interface to how expenses are entered was carefully thought out and just makes sense.

    If a simpler and more user friendly app is what you're after, Next Expense Tracking is definitely worth considering.

        


    MacBreak Weekly 348: Too Good to Fact Check

    Posted: 01 May 2013 08:21 AM PDT

    Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, Don McAllister, and I discuss Apple's quarterly results, new MacBook Pro rumors, how fast WWDC sold out, and more.

    Subscribe and download: TWiT.tv

        


    T-Mobile offers free access to MLB At Bat streaming

    Posted: 01 May 2013 08:14 AM PDT

    T-Mobile offers free access to MLB At Bat streaming

    T-Mobile USA, the official carrier sponsor of Major League Baseball, is offering free access to some streaming features of the MLB At Bat 13 app. TmoNews reports that customers who download the app via T-Mobile's network between today, May 1, and June 30 will have access to the Game of the Day, along with radio broadcasts and highlights from the day's other games.

    To celebrate T-Mobile as the Official Wireless Sponsor of Major League Baseball, we are offering FREE access to the official app of Major League Baseball, MLB.com At Bat® 13 ($19.99 value). Beginning May 1 to June 30 T-Mobile customers can download the MLB.com At Bat 13 application from Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

    This offer is not available to existing MLB At Bat users, and users seeking to take advantage of this promotion must be using T-Mobile's network when validating the app, rather than Wi-Fi. This offer only applies to this baseball season, and you'll need to pay like everyone else come 2014. While missing the perks of the more expensive subscriptions, the At Bat service is a great appetizer for any baseball fans new to streaming sports over the internet.

    Source: TmoNews

        


    ScramWords: iPad Game Coded Entirely on the iPad

    Posted: 01 May 2013 07:47 AM PDT

    Scramwords

    ScramWords is a new word game for the iPad and iPhone. There are lots of iOS word games – but this one was designed and coded entirely on an iPad.

    In fact, it was made entirely on what its creator, Mark Sumner, describes as a 'decrepit' iPad 2 – using the Codea environment. Sumner's background is interesting:

    Previous to this game, I developed the free robot-building app, ChipBots, which is also available on iTunes. I'm also the author of an embarrassing number of published novels, including the World Fantasy Award nominee, Devil's Tower. My series of science fiction mystery novels, News from the Edge, was the basis for the television series, The Chronicle. I also wrote a large number of YA novels, westerns, short stories, articles and whatever would pay the bills that week.

    As for ScramWords it is described as 'Words … all by yourself'. The...

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    Kindle for iOS updated with VoiceOver support for the visually impaired

    Posted: 01 May 2013 07:47 AM PDT

    Amazon's Kindle app for iOS has been updated in the App Store with support for VoiceOver for the visually impaired. The added compatibility with the built in iOS feature allows for easier navigation of the library, and makes it better to read and interact with the Kindle books.

    As VoiceOver is part of iOS, and not Kindle, you'll need to ensure it has been enabled in the main settings menu first. To do this, head into Settings>General>Accessibility and switch VoiceOver to on. Then, when you head back into your Kindle app, you're good to go.

    In addition, Amazon has also made enhancements to 'Before You Go,' with the ability to download free samples and email yourself reminders about recommended books. 'Before You Go' is available directly from the 'Go To' menu, and also allows you to easily rate and review books.

        


    Sponsor: MOBiLE CLOTH – A Revolution Against Touchscreen Fingerprints

    Posted: 01 May 2013 07:09 AM PDT

    Mobile Cloth Nano

    Have you tried the MC nano? It is as effective as it's big brother the Classic and it fits nicely into an iPad case or pocket, making it the perfect road warrior in the battle against touchscreen fingerprints! If you are a new iPad user or a seasoned veteran you are very aware of the constant fingerprints and smudges clouding up your beautiful "retina" display. MOBiLE CLOTH is easiest, fastest, safest solution. A few swipes with our unique cloth and your screen will look like it just came out of the box! Patrick J. of iPadinsight.com included MC in a top ten accessory list. Canada's largest iPhone/iPad blog exclaimed "it's the best cleaning cloth I've ever used" and Beatweek Magazine gave MC "5 out of 5" stars. Check it out! www.mobilecloth.com

    30% Off nano Sale – Enter "nano" upon checkout and receive 30% Off on any nano pack, you will also receive Free...

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