Engadget

Apple TV gaming hinted strongly in iOS 4.3 beta code

Ross Miller — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:16:00 EST

Let's not jump to any conclusions, but a trusted tipster has uncovered evidence that's suggests some folks in Cupertino have learned a thing or two from Xbox Live. New code in the iOS 4.3 beta 3 firmware hints that Apple TV may soon support online gaming. Several references have been found pertaining to "ATVGames" and "ATVThunder" that point to a controller of some sort, leaderboards (think Game Center), a way to schedule games (multiplayer?), and a store front (think App Store, iTunes). We're particularly intrigued by two strings -- "com.apple.appletv.play.live.thunder" and ".play.archive.thunder" -- but what those actually mean in the grand scheme of things is ultimately ambiguous. Apple TV's minimum storage capacity (about 8GB) suggests the company might look to streaming not entirely unlike how OnLive works; as our tipster speculates, the OpenGL is mature and thoroughly implemented enough that streaming low bandwidth data and computing locally could happen, but that's just theoretical with nothing in the code to back it up.

Additionally, there are two more codenames and a handful of other strings that popped up relating to Apple TV: Sedona and Flagstaff. Based on references to director, episode, season, and the like, we reckon Sedona is all about video merchandising and streaming, something tightly integrated into the traditional iTunes experience. As for Flagstaff, aside from a nod to Account Types and Merchants (i.e. iTunes merchandising), there's really nothing else to say. Think of it as a mystery wrapped in an enigma hung on a, erm, flag staff. Our tipster found numerous other little goodies, but the only other one really worth bringing up is feature_remote_screensavers, which suggests that you can use screensavers from other devices -- like, say, your Mac.

Finally, elsewhere in the world, Alex Hisrbrunner used a Harmony remote to find hidden Apple TV commands that resemble iOS functions not normally possible with the standard ATV remote -- namely, wiggling icons that can me resorted using the directional pad. Video of that is after the break.

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Apple TV gaming hinted strongly in iOS 4.3 beta code originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage for iOS frags its way to gyroscope and Game Center support

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 06:10:00 EST

One of the hottest titles in the App Store right now -- id Software's Rage -- recently got a healthy official update to version 1.11 that adds a handful of big new features to its roster, perfect to add a little replay value just in time as your amazing graphics-induced euphoria wears off. What's new? Well, the biggest new feature might be support for Apple's Game Center, offering achievements and scoreboards. You've also got gyroscope support -- good only if you're using an iPhone 4, of course -- that offers an orientation-controlled aiming mode, and official TV-out support for upsizing your gameplay onto the big screen. There's apparently also a new "museum mode" that lets you stroll through the game world without troublesome baddies trying to attack you for those occasions when you're looking for a more peaceful form of entertainment... not exactly fit for a title named "Rage," really.

Rage for iOS frags its way to gyroscope and Game Center support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mac App Store launching in January sans Game Center and in-app purchases?

Sean Hollister — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:22:00 EST

"Less" and "later" are some of our least favorite words, but they may apply to the Mac App Store, as one source claims it will miss Christmas, and another says the marketplace will have fewer features than its iOS counterpart. First off, The Loop's Jim Dalrymple believes that December 13th isn't the magic date, claiming that his inside sources say the store will actually arrive in January -- which, we must admit, would still be within the window of Apple's October promise to launch within 90 days. Second and perhaps more importantly, 9to5 Mac reports that App Store developers are being told that their Mac endeavors will have a number of substantial limitations, namely no Game Center support, no in-app purchases, and no ability to offer demos, trials or betas. Sounds like those high-denomination iTunes gift cards you've been stockpiling in your basement will finally come in handy.

Mac App Store launching in January sans Game Center and in-app purchases? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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App review: Infinity Blade (iPhone)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:50:00 EST

Aww, would you look at that, the iPhone's trying to play big boy games! Following in the well received footsteps of Rage HD, today marks the debut of Infinity Blade, the second in what's hopefully a wave of gorgeous-looking iOS games boasting advanced 3D graphics, if not 3D gameplay. Epic Games has put aside the chainsaw-equipped projectile weaponry of its wildly successful Gears of War console series to deliver the first mobile game built around its Unreal Engine 3. You won't be surprised to hear that it's utterly delicious to look at, and the visuals certainly helped transport us to this alien realm of swords, axes, shields, and magical rings -- where body armor is optional, but helmets apparently are not. Jump past the break to see this visual feast in motion and to soak up some more of our impressions.

Gallery: Infinity Blade screenshots

Continue reading App review: Infinity Blade (iPhone)

App review: Infinity Blade (iPhone) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 4.2 available today, brings the iPad into the multitasking era (update: it's live)

Vlad Savov — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:05:00 EST

You've waited a long while for this day to come, but here it finally is. Apple is today rolling out iOS 4.2 to iPads and qualifying iPhones (3G, 3GS and 4) and iPod touches (second, third and fourth generation) across the globe, delivering the long-awaited multitasking and app folder enhancements to a tablet that was already supposed to be magical and revolutionary. To see whether this new update -- replete with Game Center, AirPlay and AirPrint additions -- really helps the iPad step up to doubleplusgood territory, check out our full review; everyone else, hit up your nearest iTunes 10.1-equipped computer to get your update on.

Update: Plug in your iPhones and iPads, the 624.3MB update is rolling out now. Looks like it's starting in Europe, given the joyous cackles from our editors across the pond. Screenshot after the break.

Update 2: Now available within US borders as well.

Continue reading iOS 4.2 available today, brings the iPad into the multitasking era (update: it's live)

iOS 4.2 available today, brings the iPad into the multitasking era (update: it's live) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 4.1 is live, available to download right now

Paul Miller — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:09:00 EST

If you can just put down Angry Birds for one minute and plug your iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch 2nd generation, iPod touch 3rd generation, or iPod touch 4th generation into iTunes, you should be in for a pleasant non-surprise: iOS 4.1 is finally out and ready for your consumption. It's not a huge update, but Game Center is an exciting addition (for the few, proud devices that are getting it), and we're sure your face will be happy to stop getting accused for iPhone 4 hang-ups with the long overdue proximity sensor fix (shots of the changelog are after the break). Let us know how 4.1 is treating you in comments below.

Continue reading iOS 4.1 is live, available to download right now

iOS 4.1 is live, available to download right now originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G left out of the Game Center fun, 2nd gen iPod touch gets picked last

Tim Stevens — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:49:00 EST

Thought that every iOS 4.1 device would be compatible with Apple's Game Center mobile and social gaming platform? We're sorry to say that's not the case. Initially it was looking like both the iPhone 3G and second-generation iPod touch would be left out, having to take their copies of Kickety-Kick Ball Bounce Out and go home. But, Apple is now confirming that second-gen touch models will be included after all, however the iPhone 3G is still not invited, nor are first-gen iPhones and iPod touches. That means the final compatibility list includes the iPhone 3GS and 4, along with second, third, and fourth generation iPod touch models. Everybody else: you're out.

iPhone 3G left out of the Game Center fun, 2nd gen iPod touch gets picked last originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple claims 50 percent of portable gaming market, iPod touch 'outsells Nintendo and Sony combined'

Sean Hollister — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:26:00 EST

Nintendo famously called Apple the enemy of the future in the video gaming space, and by golly, it looks like the Japanese giant was right; Steve Jobs just told an audience that the iPod touch alone outsells Nintendo's DS and Sony's PlayStation Portable combined, worldwide. How many games iPod touch users actually play and for how long wasn't discussed, but Jobs said 1.5 billion "games and entertainment" apps have been downloaded -- again, on the iPod touch alone, never mind all those iPhones.

Update: As many fine readers have suggested in comments, this particular statistic seems a little hard to swallow, given that the Nintendo DS alone sold roughly 132 million units -- a good bit less than the 120 million iOS devices Apple claims, and only some of which are iPod touch -- as of the Japanese company's July earnings report. We've contacted Apple for clarification and hope to be able to explain the discrepancy soon.

Check out our liveblog of the keynote event right here!

Apple claims 50 percent of portable gaming market, iPod touch 'outsells Nintendo and Sony combined' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 4.1 beta 3 breaks loose (update: Game Center killed on iPhone 3G and second gen iPod touches)

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:55:00 EST

Member of the illustrious iPhone Developer Program? Well, aren't you special? So special, in fact, that you're once again being granted access to a highly-coveted iOS build that the unwashed commoners can't get: yet another beta of iOS 4.1. This time around, it's beta 3, suggesting that Apple might be getting close to having this thing ready for the mass market; after all, it's been just a week since beta 2, and Apple tends to accelerate the pace when a release is drawing near. Now, what about that iPad version?

Update: Looks like there's some bad news for legacy users in this update... namely the fact that Game Center compatibility for second gen iPod touches and the iPhone 3G has been dropped. Thanks for nothing, Apple!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iOS 4.1 beta 3 breaks loose (update: Game Center killed on iPhone 3G and second gen iPod touches) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone covered front to back with camera-related rumors

Donald Melanson — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:02:00 EST

Well, here's a nice bit of symmetry to emerge from the Apple rumor mill in recent days -- some new purported details on both the rear and front-facing camera on the next-generation iPhone. The first, and more straightforward of the two, comes courtesy of The Chosum Ilbo, which is reporting that the next iPhone will pack a 5-megapixel camera supplied by LG Innotek. Details on it are otherwise pretty light, but the site says that LG has already started producing the "sophisticated cameras" at its plant in Gumi this month, with mass production supposedly set to begin in the second half of this year. The second rumor concerns the iPhone's front-facing camera, and comes after a bit of digging in the latest iPhone 4 SDK beta. According to MacRumors, the SDK not only includes an unfortunate bit of code that suggests video calls will be WiFi-only, but evidence that video chat will be integrated into Apple's Game Center as well -- exactly how remains unclear, although there's certainly no shortage of possibilities. Dive into the links below for the complete details.

iPhone covered front to back with camera-related rumors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone OS 4 unveiled, adds multitasking, shipping this summer

Paul Miller — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:43:00 EST

Just a bit more than a year after we first laid eyes on iPhone OS 3.0, Apple is back with the latest big revision of the OS that powers the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. iPhone OS 4 is shipping this summer (iPad in the fall), and the developer preview will be out today. iPhone 3GS and new-gen iPod touch will get all the features, but some features won't make it to the iPhone 3G, original iPhone, and older iPod touches. The biggest new feature is multitasking, which Apple says is going to be the "best" implementation in the smartphone space, though it's obviously not the first. App switching is activated by double tapping the home button, which pulls up a "dock" of currently running apps, and Apple claims it can do this without hurting battery life or performance for the front app. Unfortunately, this multitasking won't be available for devices older than the 3GS and new iPod touch. Multitasking is just one of seven different new "tentpole" features, including Game Center, enhanced Mail, and more...

Notable new features for users ("tentpoles" are in bold):

Multitasking.
Spell check (like on the iPad).
Bluetooth keyboard support (again, on the iPad).
User-defined wallpaper (a jailbreak favorite).
Tap to focus when recording video, just like with photos, and a 5x digital zoom for the camera.
Playlist creation and nested playlists.
App folders for sorting apps! You can even put an app folder in the dock.
Enhanced Mail! You can have a merged inbox view, switch between inboxes quickly, and sync to more than one Exchange account. There's also threaded messaging (at last!) and in-app attachment viewing.
iBooks, just like on iPad, only smaller. You can wirelessly sync books between platforms, a la Kindle.
Enterprise features, including remote device management and wireless app distribution.
Game Center. It's like Xbox Live, but for iPhone games. Includes achievements, leaderboards, and match making. It will be available as a "developer preview," and out for consumers later this year.

Developers are getting plenty of new tricks too:

New SDK, available today.
1,500 new APIs.
Background audio (think Pandora).
Background VoIP (think Skype).
Background location data, both with live GPS for backgrounded turn-by-turn, and cell tower-based for lower power draw.
Local notifications. Like push notifications, but sends a notification straight from the app without needing a push notification server, perfect for an alarm, for instance.
Fast app switching. Saves the state of an app and resumes it from where you left off, without dwelling in memory.
iAd. Apple says it's for keeping "free apps free." The ads keep you in the app, while also taking over the screen and adding interactivity -- using HTML 5 for video -- up to simple gaming in-ad. Apple will offer a 60 / 40 split on revenue, and users can even buy apps straight from an ad.
In-app SMS.
Map overlays.
Quick look for previewing documents.
Photo Library access.
Calendar access.
Full access to the camera.
Video playback and capture.
Date and address "data detectors."
Automated testing and performance / power analysis (the same tools Apple uses).

Gallery: Folders in iPhone OS 4.0

Gallery: Enhanced Mail in iPhone OS 4.0

Gallery: Apple demos Game Center for iPhone OS 4.0

Make sure to check out the iPhone OS 4.0 liveblog to see how it all went down!

iPhone OS 4 unveiled, adds multitasking, shipping this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple previews Game Center social gaming platform for iPhone OS

Nilay Patel — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:41:00 EST

Apple just announced Game Center, which is a social gaming network for the iPhone -- it sounds a lot like Xbox Live, actually. It's has a friend system, leaderboards, and achievements -- and we're guessing it'll blow up out of the gate, given how many games are on the platform. It's being previewed in iPhone OS 4 right now, and it'll launch later this summer. We're hunting for more info, we'll let you know!

Gallery: Apple demos Game Center for iPhone OS 4.0

Make sure to check out the ongoing iPhone OS 4.0 liveblog!

Apple previews Game Center social gaming platform for iPhone OS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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