Apple TV 5.1 update brings Shared Photo Stream support, AirPlay improvements, more

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Home Entertainment, Software,

Hot on the heels of the most successful iPhone release of all time, Apple has just released iOS 5.1 for the Apple TV, bringing with it new features that make it compatible with iOS 6 devices. Like what? Well, for starters, the device now supports the new Shared Photo Stream that you'll find in iOS 6 and iPhoto in Mountain Lion. There are also AirPlay feature additions and enhancements, new slideshow screensavers, the ability to reorder app icons on the main menu, and more. Hit the break for the full rundown, and hit up the settings area on your Apple TV to grab the update.

Click to continue reading Apple TV 5.1 update brings Shared Photo Stream support, AirPlay improvements, more

Apple sells 5 million iPhone 5 units in first weekend

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds,

The 5 in the iPhone 5 must mean 5 million devices, because that is exactly what Apple has announced that it sold during the opening weekend launch of Cupertino's latest and greatest tech device.  Current sales shattered previous records of former generation iPhones. Additionally, Apple announced that 100 million iOS devices have upgraded to iOS 6 in the five days that it's been available. That's 25% of all iOS devices sold, in five days.

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

Some analysts are saying that the estimates could be much higher since some iOS devices are still in transit and have not been activated, thus, are not accounted for in the total amount.

Read More | Apple

Starbucks app to get Passbook support later this month

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Software,

For those coffee aficionados out there that have updated to iOS 6, or purchased the new iPhone 5, have I got good news for you! Wondering if your favorite place for a cup of Joe is Passbook ready? Rest assured. Starbucks has tweeted that Passbook support will be ready by the end of the month. Salute!

Click to continue reading Starbucks app to get Passbook support later this month

The first iPhone 5 teardown is up!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Design, Handhelds,

The folks over at iPhone Garage got ahold of an iPhone 5 smartphone a little early, and they've given it the teardown treatment. It's nowhere near as the iFixIt iPhone 5 teardown that we're sure we'll see tomorrow, but it's still a glimpse inside the new, slim architecture that Apple has spent years perfecting. Hit the source link for more images. The iPhone 5 officially launches tomorrow.

Read More | iPhone Garage

Sony announces an even smaller and lighter PS3 Slim

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Hardware, PlayStation 3, Sony,

Seems like Sony is obsessed with slim, and really, who isn't nowadays? Accordingly, Sony's new iteration of the PS3 is about to lose even more weight compared to the previous PS3 Slim model. Yes, you read that right. This is Sony's second attempt at trimming the fat from its current generation home game console. Why is Sony doing this for a stationary device? No clue. Perhaps, it's for those who like the flexibility of taking their console to different rooms throughout the house. The new PS3 Slim boasts a 25% smaller footprint and is supposedly 50% lighter than the current slim model. Moreover, there are two storage capacities and it comes in white and black. These newer models will ditch the slide-in disc drive and will instead use a slide-out tray. Consoles are expected to go on sale in the fall: A 250GB model will go on sale September 25th for $269, which will include Uncharted 3. The 500GB model will include Assassins Creed 3, which will be available October 30th for $299.

Perfect, just in time for a PS4…JK.

Read More | PlayStation Blog

Apple releases iPhoto 9.4 and Aperture updates, adding Shared Photo Streams

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Software,

One of the main features of iOS 6 is Shared Photo Streams, and alongside today's iOS 6 release and Mountain Lion 10.8.2 release, Apple has also released updates for its digital photo suites, iPhoto and Aperture. Both iPhoto 9.4 and Aperture 3.4 include support for Shared Photo Streams on OS X Mountain Lion. With Shared Photo Streams, iOS users can share images directly from their devices with other iOS 6 users without having to email, SMS, or iMessage them to a bunch of people. It's really Apple's own photography social network. Check the Mac App Store or Software Update to get the latest versions of iPhoto and Aperture.

iOS 6 Wi-Fi bug keeping users from connecting to their local networks

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Software, Wireless / WiFi,

We are hearing reports from users who have upgraded to iOS 6 today that are experiencing an odd Wi-Fi bug, and Gear Live has been able to replicate the issue on our iPhone 4S units. When attempting to connect to a Wi-Fi network, you get kicked over to a nonexistent Wi-Fi authentication page on Apple's website. Since the page doesn't even exist, you just end up getting a 404 error, and kicked off of the network that you tried to connect to. It remains to be seen how Apple fixes this, and if it is something that can be repaired in the back end, or if a new build of iOS 6 will need to be released. Either way, there are plenty of unhappy iPhone users right now who are having to resort to using their data connections since Wi-Fi is failing miserably.

Read More | Apple

Apple releases iOS 6-compatible app updates

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Software,

With the today's expected iOS 6 release, Apple has started to roll updates to its downloadable apps in the App Store to capitalize on the new firmware update and the new iPhone 5's screen size hotness. Don't be timid and get to tapping. One notable update is Find My Friends, which now includes location-based alerts, geofencing, friend suggestions, and favorites.

Looking for Passbook apps? Here they are

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Software,

If you've already updated to iOS 6 and are now wondering which apps support Apple's Passbook app, then look no further than AppShopper. It's updating its list of Passbook supported app in real time. If you're left wondering what in the world PassBook even is, then check out the description after the break.

Click to continue reading Looking for Passbook apps? Here they are

Read More | AppShopper

Time Warner Cable says it is willing to allow Apple to build its new UI

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Home Entertainment, Rumors,

It's only a matter time before cable providers see the error of their ways, and Time Warner Cable might be ahead of the curve. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cable provider is thinking of ceding control of its cloud based television services to device makers like Apple, with the provision that it will not give up its relationship with subscribers. The deal is in the details and perhaps Time Warner senses a shift in the current go-to-market-strategy and wants a leg up in negotiations.

Click to continue reading Time Warner Cable says it is willing to allow Apple to build its new UI

Read More | Hollywood Reporter