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

Apple releases major OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2 update

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News, PC / Laptop, Software,

Alongside the release of iOS 6, Apple  has just released OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2. As we reported previously, this is a pretty substantial update. Sure, there will be the typical bug fixes and optimizations, but you will also find the long-awaited Facebook single sign on functionality, bringing sharing to (and notifications from) the social network built right in to OS X. The update also brings the Power Nap feature to Late 2010 MacBook Air notebooks, phone number support to Messages, shared Reminders lists, the ability to add cards to iOS Passbook from your Mac, and plenty more. We've got the full list of 10.8.2 changes here. You can download Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store.

Apple releases iOS 6 with Passbook, new Maps, Facebook integration, and more

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds, Software,

Just as we predicted, Apple has released iOS 6 to the world. If you have a recent iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, this update is for you. With iOS 6, Apple has introduced its new Maps application that replaces Google's offering, a digital wallet in Passbook, built-in Facebook integration with Single Sign On, and an expansion to what Siri can do and help you with. In all, Apple says there are over 200 new features waiting for its users in iOS 6. To get the update, you can grab it over the air (OTA) if you are running iOS 5--just go into Setting, tap on General, then select Software Update. All users can also simply connect their devices to iTunes and checking for the update that way.

iOS 6 is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, fourth- and fifth-generation iPod touch, iPad 2, and the new iPad. Jump past the break for a rundown of all 200 new features.

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 6 with Passbook, new Maps, Facebook integration, and more

Amazon Kindle Fire HD review (7-inch)

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Handhelds, Product Reviews,

When Amazon announced the new Kindle Fire HD, it took a firm step into its transformation into a major player in the consumer electronics space. Jeff Bezos sold the fact that Amazon was in the unique position that allowed it to create a device that was about more than just the gadget itself--Kindle Fire is all about the services that are tied to it, and the Fire HD in particular is the cream of Amazon's tablet crop. Then the price was announced, and at $199 heads turned and ears perked. A high quality tablet that is completely tied in to Amazon's ecosystem with a great display, rock solid Wi-Fi, and stereo speakers for $199? Is it too good to be true, or is the Kindle Fire HD the king of the 7-inch tablet roost? Read on for our full Kindle Fire HD (7-inch) review.

Click to continue reading Amazon Kindle Fire HD review (7-inch)

AT&T launches LTE in Seattle, Portland right before iPhone 5 launch

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Wireless / WiFi,

If there's one feature to sway AT&T iPhone customers over to Verizon, it's the fact that Big Red has launched LTE in a ton of markets while AT&T plays catch-up. Tonight, AT&T closed the gap a bit with the launch of its LTE network in both Seattle and Portland, two major metropolitan areas that may have otherwise seen a hefty exodus when the iPhone 5 launches this Friday. Being that Gear Live is based here in the Seattle area, we started getting reports from a bunch of readers that their Lumia 900 devices were all of a sudden showing LTE connectivity. Sure enough, we confirmed it with our own unit, and AT&T followed up with a press release letting everyone know that LTE was now live in both Seattle and Portland areas. Readers are seeing speeds as high as 22Mbps down and 12Mbps up.

We've reached out to AT&T for information on just how large the LTE deployment is in these two metropolitan areas, as Verizon definitely has the entire greater region in each area covered in LTE.

Read More | The Verge

Want To Write for Gear Live? Here’s Your Chance!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Announcements,

Okay, we get it - we suck. You read Gear Live daily, and constantly say to yourself “I could so have written that story better.” Okay hot shot, now’s your chance. Gear Live is looking to bring in a couple more writers who know their stuff as it pertains to gadgets, video games, and social networks (like Twitter and Facebook.) You need not be a professional journalist to apply, but you should be able to write like one. What do we mean? Well, for starters, you have to have a strong command of the written English language. You also need to be passionate about the subject matter at hand. If you think you fit the bill, we want to hear from you. We are looking for writers, as well as editors.

Drop us an email at gigs[at]gearlive.com, and provide three sample posts written in the Gear Live style. These need to be original and timely, not something you wrote for the school paper a few years back. Also let us know why we should pick you, and what you can commit to. This is a paid gig, so bring your A-game.