Apple has released the 3rd beta version of iOS 5. Like all other beta versions, it is only available for developers to test. What we all want to know is what’s new! Check out the list after the break, compiled of my own findings and those of 9to5Mac.
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iOS 5 Beta 3 released with new features, including hints of buttonless devices
Sony Handycam camcorder gets a projector and amplified sound
Holding onto a thread, Sony tries to convince smartphone users that phones aren’t an alternative to camcorders. In trying to do so, Sony has implemented a projector into the Sony HDR-PJ50. Sony says that the projector can span a 60″ image onto a surface. This camcorder would make a nice companion if you want an easy way to share media with other people. No longer do you need to upload to a computer and burn a DVD. In fact, you don’t even need a TV. And shooting video on a wall sure beats showing everyone a video on a tiny display built into the camcorder. However, you will need a nice, flat surface to project the image on. Audio will be audible with improved Clear Phase stereo speakers. But will all of this be enough to pick up the camcorder market? Many have left camera world to use their smartphone as their main camera/camcorder. Smartphones are small, portable, convenient, and often times have great cameras, such as 8 megapixels with 1080p HD video recording. A smartphone won’t replace more professional gear, such as DSLRs, but they are the more convenient option for us casual folks. This particular Handycam will be a bit on the steep end, though: $1350. It is currently available in India and will be moving to other countries soon.
What are you thinking about this projecting camcorder?
Rumor: 3G equipped iPod Touch?
Rumor has it that the iPod Touch, which is the iPhone without the phone function, is going to be equipped with 3G data connection. A report is saying that the upcoming fifth gen iPod Touch will have new hardware for 3G connectivity, as if there aren’t already enough phones that have it.
The iPod Touch is a device targeted for teens and children, introducing them to future technology. However, if Apple does equip 3G connectivity to the iPod Touch, then children of the next generation may only know how to face the screen and not people, as this is becoming an issue in our society.
The addition of 3G will most likely mean that cellular providers such as AT&T and T-mobile will carry the iPod Touch, if this rumor proves to be true. This could also lead to an increase in iPod Touch sales and a decrease to iPhone sales as VOIP apps are becoming increasingly popular, like Skype.
LTE hits Canada, hoping we’ll see it despite the speed
Yesterday, Rogers launched Canada’s first Long Term Evolution (LTE) network for citizens in Ottawa, which is Canada’s capital city. After this initial launch, Rogers plan to spread LTE to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, while 21 more markets will come in 2012.
LTE provides high speeds and low latency for smartphones and mobile data sticks. This means that customers will be able to receive data quickly and more stable than previous technology seen in Canada. Right now, the LTE Rocket stick can reach a “maximum theoretical download [speed] of up to 75 Mbps on” Rogers LTE network. Realistically, the speed should range from 12 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
Although at this moment only the LTE Rocket sticks can utilize this technology, Rogers plan to release LTE-capable smartphones later this year.
New MacBook Air and Lion to be released July 14 due to Apple Store refresh
We’re sitting on the edge of our seats for this one. False alarms won’t bring us down, especially when all of the evidence points to an imminent MacBook Air refresh. This newest sign from above is an “overnight” over at the Apple retail stores. No, this isn’t when Apple employees have a slumber party. At least we hope it isn’t that, and that it’s actually when the employees restock the store with some shiny new products. Employees may also be shown how new products work so that they can better help customers. During an overnight, Apple closes the curtains on those big glass walls and sometimes has employees sign a non-disclosure agreement with Apple and gives Apple any mobile devices on them for detainment.
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YouTube redesigned to “Cosmic Panda”, try it now!
Google seems to want to change the UI of every service they own. This time, they are testing a major change to YouTube. This new UI, called “Cosmic Panda”, provides a sharper, darker look. When playing a video, the video area seems less cluttered. The darker feel makes it easier to focus on the video and not get drawn into the rest of the crazy content, including ads. You can also choose between three different video sizes to get just the right size without having to go full screen. Overall, the entire new look is slicker and more modern.
If you’re brave enough, you can try Cosmic Panda right now! Just hit the source link at the end of the post for further information about activating it. You can also check out some screenshots after the break. The first image shows the YouTube home page. The second shows how channel pages will look. Finally, the third image shows how videos will look. If a video has advertisements, the ad will appear on the right and the video will be on the left. Otherwise, the video will be centered.
Droid 3 officially announced by Verizon, is it worthy of the Droid family?
The Motorola Droid 3 was just officially announced by Verizon Wireless. It will continue the powerful line of Droid devices, but is the Droid 3 considered an upgrade? Find out for yourself by taking a gander at some specs:
- Dual-core 1GHz processor
- 8MP rear camera with 1080p HD video
- VGA-quality front camera
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- 4-inch qHD display
- 5-row QWERTY slide-out keyboard
- 3G Mobile Hotspot capable (connect up to 5 WiFi-enabled devices)
- Mirror mode through HDMI
- Fully compatible with Adobe Flash
It looks like our previously reported leaked specs weren’t too far off. But is the Droid 3 what we expected? Far from it. It’s predecessor, the Droid X2, has almost the same specs, if not better in some areas. Check those out (after the break:)
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Amazon brings updates to Cloud Drive and Cloud Player; unlimited music for $20
Today, Amazon announced some upgrades to it’s Cloud Drive and Cloud Player, bringing in unlimited storage for music files for $20 a year, plus 20 GB of storage space for any type of files included in that price. Free users will still have 5 GB to start of with. Any music purchases through Amazon will be hosted for free on their storage; these songs won’t count in your storage space. Furthermore, Amazon has announced that it’s Cloud Player is now optimized for Safari on the iPad! Now, all we need to worry about is the bandwidth to upload our library into the cloud…
It’s official: Facebook video chat, powered by Skype, just announced [DEVELOPING]
The previously reported leak hit the nail right on the head. Facebook has today announced that they will be launching an in-browser video chat that will integrate inside of the Facebook chat service. The video chat will be powered by Skype. Both sides of the call will need to download a small plugin that will allow the chat service to work. You can still call someone without the plugin, but that person will be prompted to install the plugin before being able to accept the call. Facebook video chat will begin rolling out to accounts this afternoon and will eventually hit all accounts sometime this week. If you can’t wait, indulge yourself in some screenshots after the break.
iPad 2 Jailbreak released! Users can now take those shackles off
Yes, you’re reading it right. I know the image contains an iPhone, but the iPad 2 jailbreak has been officially released by Comex after all those leaks. This jailbreak also uses a PDF exploit, like the one JailbreakMe did for the iPhone 4 and iPod Touches. Just a quick note, this jailbreak is only for iPad 2 on iOS 4.3.3 “due to time constraints” Comex said.
To get those shackles off your iPad 2, point your device here. After that, press the Free button and then Install. After the Cydia icon appears on your homescreen, your iPad 2 is now jailbroken! Start downloading Cydia apps and truly enjoy your iPad 2!
Update: Comex has released “PDF Patcher 2″ in Cydia, which will protect those who have jailbroken against criminals who try to use the PDF exploit for hacking into devices.
