iPad mute switch magicked into a 'screen rotation lock' overnight, a flurry of other tidbits emerge
By Paul Miller 
posted March 12th 2010 12:34PM
posted March 12th 2010 12:34PM
Apple's pushing out a few more scraps of info about the iPad in conjunction with the launch of pre-orders. One of the quirkier details is that what was previously known as the mute switch on the iPad -- similar to the one on the iPhone -- is now known as the "screen rotation lock" on Apple's website. We suppose it makes more sense for this sort of device, both due to the "hold it any way you feel like" marketing push, and since it's less likely to start ringing in the middle of a Remember Me screening than your iPhone is. In other news, it's been confirmed that iBooks will be able to sync free (non-DRM'd) ePub titles in from iTunes, which is good news for people who want to use an existing ePub stash of theirs with Apple's fancy page-flipping interface. Also on the books front, it was clarified today that the iPad can indeed use VoiceOver screen-reading for reading pages of books out loud -- we knew the screen reading tech was on the iPad, but now it sounds as if it will be more directly integrated into iBooks. Apple also clarified today that folks who sign up for the 250MB iPad data plan will receive pop-up alerts when they're running short on data, similar to battery warnings, at the 20 percent, 10 percent and zero marks. There's an account management pane that lets you sign up for or cancel service, add another 250MB, or swap to an unlimited plan. But wait, there's more! Apple's also confirming a few more iPhone OS 3.2 features, like the addition of Google's "Terrain" view in maps and a slightly revamped iPod app UI. 3.2 also brings some nice video tweaks like support for additional formats (AVI and MJPEG) and native uploads to Facebook -- further boosting the iPad's external camera friendliness.
"hold it any way you feel like"
Nice
@yulebellow I don't see any reason why this can't be implemented as part of iPhone OS 4.0 - I hate lying sideways in bed and having the iPod app constantly jump to Cover Flow when I hold the phone to the same orientation as my face!
@yulebellow
I'm sure the design and PR people in Cupertino are patting themselves on the back after all this. the iPad has been working so hard to make a gap between consumption devices and fill it all at once.
"oh yeah we got it, boys. this is so personal and magical. finally the populous is free from the shackles of designated screen orientation, one of the last scourges to mankind."
@Alasdair
this ways one of the main reasons to jailbrake my phone. I can turn rotation off, which has made my iPhone much more enjoyable.
@bohoy2k There are a ton on Ebay already http://cgi.ebay.com/APPLE-iPAD-i-PAD-16-GB-WI-FI-BRAND-NEW-SEALED-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ190380090230QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApple_Laptops?hash=item2c5389a376
@Alasdair Cydia has an app for that :P
@Alasdair Mate if this were to be implemented on the iPhone, it would have unintended implications like you forgetting to turn it onto ringer mode after one goes to sleep... That could lead to crazy repurcussions...
@yulebellow As little of an addition as it is, this has put a big smile on my face. It's just............so right.
@yulebellow in addition to the upside down rotation also. That made me so happy. I've been wishing all these phones and things would do that. It's the little things that make all the difference.
@Alasdair I would also be good with some software options. I've always wanted the option to have SMS always go landscape and stay locked that way. Some apps I only use in landscape mode, and I there is always lag while I'm waiting for it to go landscape (3G iPhone, not 3GS which may not have the same lag as mine).
Ipad needs to release a lot more features before im interested
@jiggz
Lets sprinkle more little bits of crap on it instead of filling the huge missing gaps in features!
@yulebellow
Apple in a nutshell!
@yulebellow i know its like look we made this botton glow in the dark...dont you want our device even more
@reader1
Ok, I think it's time to ban this guy.
@reader1 wait....wait.. wait, is it just me or something you said doesnt feel right..
@reader1 +1 for humour.
@jiggz Yeah ur right. It looks like a big itouch.
@reader1
Can someone let me in on what's going on here? I'm not sure if he is being the best imitation of an iTard or if he's really that stupid. I'm hoping it's the former.
@Troyb0y29 What did you expect? A small iPod touch?
I thought buttons were destined to rot and burn in hell?
Isn't that what Mr. Jobs once told us?
@hq
It has the same number of buttons as an ipohne.
@hq
USER INTERFACE buttons are gone. these are quick function access buttons.
@DirtyVegas Apparently the design is missing at least one button that it should have, since they felt the need to add this feature att he last possible moment.
Personally, I find that the more physical buttons are littered around the outside of an electronic device, the easier it is to use. Dedicated volume control and mute buttons are a must. Page up/down, pause/play/rew/ff are all vital. Screen on/off, power on/off. A few user-configurable (without hacking the device) application launching buttons.
I hate the modern "button-less" design. Slapping a touch screen on something doesn't make it better... just more awkward to use.
@Rwilson
yes, these buttons are for non-users to interact with the device.
Screen rotation lock would be nice, known some situations when that would be nice :p
No, no...still don't want it.
@Apple Google Microsoft Thats ok, you make up a small market share, Apple will get you with the next product.
Have a look at the numbers for the iPad and the US market is eating them up! My guess is that the to meet that demand, the rest of the world will have to wait a little longer :-(
The support of the ePub titles is very good in my books. ;)
Still not buying though...need that front facing camera...
@Plazmic Flame: For the iMirror App? :P
@hq iMirror comes standard on all Apple devices.
@Plazmic Flame
*needs ANY camera...
Too bad iPhone won't have that feature...unless you jailbreak it
What are these physical buttons you speak of?
I picture a lot of coffeehouse types turning away for a few seconds while enjoying their morning latte and then realizing someone walked off with their iPad. I expect Craigslist and Kijiji to be soaked with these yoinked iPads by May.
@To Hell
you actually think a coffeeshopper is going to let the iPad out from their clutching talons within 6 months of getting this thing? what if someone doesn't notice they own one!!
@bolezhinkov They should make a neck strap for it. So you can sling it around your neck so that you can make sure people see you have one even as you walk up to order and pick up your coffee.
@To Hell
Why bother to steal an iPad because if supposedly nobody wants an iPad why would they buy a stolen one? That makes no sense at all.
Wouldn't it make more sense to steal a Fusion Garage JooJoo or a Notion Ink Adam. Those tablets are going to be so rare that they should go for a lot of money on eBay.
@MosesusedaniPad
Why does your username have "iPad" in it? And who said nobody wats an iPad? Are you alright over there? My point is lots of these will be stolen and end of up sold on quick-cash sites like Craigslist and Kijiji.
@spin cycle
Yeah, a strap for the iPad. Kinda like all the white iPod headphones. It's like, "Hey, mug me and sell this thing on Craigslist - I'm not paying attention anyway."
@spin cycle OR Rolls Royce...
@spin cycle That'll be sold seperately. Together with iFlav, a giant clock App.
Better video playback is ok, but AVI is old as the hills, so it should at least be able to play that much.
I'd sooner wait for a JooJoo and play everything, since the only way iPad would play this is with an update (yeah, right) or an app.
@Dante of the Inferno
I am not sure of the article indicates that the iPad will play AVIs or that the camera with support export to AVI.
Am I the only one who has noticed this button all along? They have a picture of it on the Safari homepage.
@mitchrockz
The button was there. They just changed what it did...
@mitchrockz You are the only one who missed the point of the article.
@OmegaThirteen It's called a comment. Back off.
I'm curious, why is it when an Apple product gives you something you're supposed to have, it's written or announced as a feature?
Case in point, the syncing of your own non-DRM'd ePub files from iTunes. Who would of thought this device that you paid for would let you read your own ebooks from your own computer.
@FNi
Cos some competitors don't allow it? Simple, really