Aron Trimble

Apps By Aron Trimble

Beta Beat: Kylo Browser featuring 10-foot interface

Kylo is a free browser you use from your couch that embraces the 10-foot UI philosophy. The idea is that buttons, menus and text are larger than when viewed at your desk. This aids in usability when sitting farther away from the display, as would be the case in a living room environment. It is powered by Mozilla -- which may or may not be a feature depending on your opinion -- and is easy to navigate with little visual clutter. In addition to standard Web browsing, Kylo offers a host of online video options, including YouTube, Netflix and many network offerings. The most notable source that appears to be absent is Hulu; if you browse the Kylo forums you'll find there are workarounds to this, but your mileage may vary. The experience is definitely more pleasurable than using Firefox in full-screen mode. The only issue I really have with Kylo is that, even though it is free, there is an occasional advertisement for its companion product, the Loop. The ads don't seem to be too intrusive, but that could change in the future. If you've got a Mac that you hook up to your TV for online video duty or just general Web surfing from the couch, then Kylo seems to be a real winner. Do you have any other suggestions for couch computing? We'd love to hear from you in the comments about how you're getting the most out of the 10-foot experience with your Mac.

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Smartphones By Aron Trimble

iPhone 101: Save extensions in Contacts

Having friends with an office job in the typical corporate environment often times means having to dial a desk phone with an extension. As Lifehacker points out, this usually results in having to memorize a contact's direct extension for use after dialing the office's main line. The difficulty comes from the fact that simply dialing someone's extension immediately after the main line number will not work. The internal phone system of the company you are calling will not recognize the extension has been dialed until there is a connection between the caller and the system. To solve this problem, cell phones have functionality that allows users to save a "pause" in between a main line number and a contact's extension. This gives an automated phone system time to answer the call and then after the pause has occurred, receive the extension from the caller. Your humble iPhone supports this functionality, and it's very useful when needing to dial colleagues at the office rather than on their mobile phone. TheiPhoneWebsite.com has a handy tutorial that shows you how to save a "pause" followed by an extension using the iPhone Contacts app. In order to input a pause in your contact's phone number, you need to open the contact for editing using either the Phone or Contacts app on your iPhone or iPod touch. Tap on the number you wish to modify, and when the dial pad appears, press the "+*#" button on the lower left. This will change the dial pad as seen above and allow you to insert a pause (shown as a comma) into your contact's phone number. Add the extension to the end of the number, after the comma, and hit Save. Now when tapping on the contact's office number to initiate a call, you will not be required to dial the extension after the phone system picks up. You will automatically be transferred to cell phone dialing nirvana, or at least to the person you were trying to reach. [via Lifehacker]

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Apple By Aron Trimble

Toshiba denies rumor Apple will invest in display factory

Remember the factory that Toshiba and Apple are supposed to be building together? According to DigiTimes, it turns out that Toshiba is not actually on board with the idea. Currently, Toshiba is still planning to build the new plant, which will double its output of small- to medium-sized displays. Although Apple is not an investor, it will likely reap the benefits of additional capacity via a possible decrease in the per unit cost of the displays. One can only assume that the added capacity will aid in meeting the demand increase when Apple finally ships the white iPhone in 2011.

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Apple By Aron Trimble

Software Reinstall USB drive comes with new MacBook Air

During today's "Back to the Mac" event, Apple announced a brand new MacBook Air that comes in two screen sizes and features a bevy of upgrades. However, one similarity that the new Air has with its lineage is the lack of an optical drive. For the purpose of re-installing the software that comes with every Mac, this lack of an optical drive was previously overcome by wirelessly sharing an optical drive with another Mac. Today's updated MacBook Air now ships with a stylish USB drive for software re-installation duties. The MacBook Air can still use a remote optical drive, as well as take advantage of the external MacBook Air SuperDrive. Still, this free accessory will come in handy for those late night software emergencies when friendly computers and Apple Stores are nowhere in sight. [via Engadget]

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Computing

Computing By Aron Trimble

Rumor: Scrolling, QuickLook and Spotlight updated for 10.7

Apple's next big event is less than 24 hours away and the rumor mill is still running full force. We've already seen a lot of speculation about the upcoming MacBook Air revision. This latest batch of rumors is about some of the interface changes that we might see for Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion." Macstories.net suggests that scrolling is likely to get a major update in both form and function; likely as not the scroll bars are going to disappear. Presumably, they will be similar to the iOS scroll bars that are only visible when you're using them. This will be a welcome change to the bubbly bars from the Aqua interface which have not changed in a long time.

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Smartphones By Aron Trimble

No Comment: iPhone ear cushion

I remember the first time I made a call on my iPhone all the way back in 2007; I was truly smitten with Apple's revolution. However, during the second call, I realized that the sharp edge really was uncomfortable to my delicate, mirror-encrusted earlobes. Fast-forward to 2010, and the problem has only been exacerbated by the folks at Cupertino. Sure, iPhone 4 is a beauty to behold, but while it's easy on the eyes, it's certainly hard on the ears. Enter Yanko Design. The Earos ear cushion is truly one of the most elegant and striking solutions to the ear pain woes of the masses. Finally, we can answer a call on our beloved iPhones without wincing in pain as we bring it near our noggins. YD points out that ear discomfort is not the only symptom that they're curing. The Earos doubles as protection from ambient device heat as well as an ear shield for use in colder climates. As a no-charge bonus, the Earos can be flipped around and used as a display stand on flat surfaces. There is currently no word on pricing or availability, but you can guarantee that this will be in my stocking if they can release this in time for Christmas delivery -- even if it does qualify as a No Comment. [via AppAdvice]

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Apple By Aron Trimble

Is Apple actually the number one computer maker in the US?

Just last week, we reported that Apple had made its way into the third spot for computer makers in the US (with an impressive 10.6 percent market share), and surely this has helped to boost Apple's stock price as of late. But how would those numbers change if the iPad were to be included as a PC? According to Fortune, that's the question that Deutsche Bank's Chris Whitmore has answered. He notes that including the iPad in PC sales would easily push Apple to the number one spot with a staggering 25 percent of the market. If we keep in mind the fact that the iPad is the fastest selling gadget of all time, the results make sense. Whitmore's argument is that if the iPad is stealing market share from netbooks, then it is logical to include it in Apple's PC sales numbers. I agree with Whitmore's take, and I think that the iPad is truly astounding. I have no problem thinking of the iPad as a personal computer because in my own experience, the use of my MacBook has sharply declined since acquiring an iPad. What are your thoughts, though? Do you think the iPad is just a glorified iPod touch and should not be included here? Or do you think that Apple, like HP (we assume), should be allowed to include the sale of tablets in its PC sales numbers?

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Laptops

Laptops By Aron Trimble

New MacBook Air has many batteries, few hard drives

An anonymous tipster has sent an image to our friends across the hall at the Engadget HQ and what a treat it is. The image appears to be of the upcoming MacBook Air that is likely to be announced at Wednesdays "Back to the Mac" event. Features include a re-designed case, more internal room for battery packs, and a 0GB hard drive. Wait, what? In this particular example, there doesn't appear to be a hard drive. This leaves us to speculate that there must be multiple models of the Air and this particular SKU is probably making use of some sort of flash-based storage device. The MacBook Air hasn't received a substantial hardware upgrade in quite some time and the newer Unibody MacBooks have many features not found in the MacBook Air. Whether this is the new MacBook Air or not, this Wednesday cannot arrive quickly enough.

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Apps By Aron Trimble

Limera1n jailbreak tool now available for Mac

When we originally mentioned jailbreak tool limera1n we also lamented the fact that Geohot had only released a version for Windows users. Now, the weeping and gnashing of teeth may come to an end. The limera1n homepage has been updated with a version for Mac OS X users. Both Windows and Mac users can now get in on the cat-and-mouse game and free their iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads from their shackles. Notable tricks your jailbroken iDevice can do include bypassing 3G restrictions on apps (such as with FaceTime) as well as setting up your own portable Wi-Fi hotspot. If you give the Mac version of Limera1n a try, let us know how it goes. [via Download Squad]

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Apple By Aron Trimble

Apple patents content filter for outbound text messages

Ever the kid-friendly outfit, Apple filed a patent in 2008 that aims to make text messaging safer for the children. TechCrunch reports that today, the US Patent and Trademark office awarded Apple a patent which puts a ban on sending obscene text messages sometimes called "sexting." The technology will prevent an "administered device" -- such as an iPhone, maybe? -- from sending or receiving objectionable messages. The overall strictness of the filter is determined by the administrator of the device and would include settings by age or grade level. In addition to offensive language filtering, the technology includes a method for requiring users to communicate in a specific language. For example, a specified number of foreign-language words could be required for each outbound message. This is an interesting tool for anyone, including children, trying to learn another language. Even though this patent was filed in 2008, its promises have yet to be fulfilled. It is not uncommon for Apple to file patents for technology (hardware or software) on which they are currently working. Sometimes these patents result in cool new products or features and sometimes not. Whether this technology ends up in iOS 5, or some other Apple product, remains unclear. What is certain, is that if it is implemented, it won't take long for people to start hunting for ways to communicate that the device won't be able to filter. [via CNN]

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Apps By Aron Trimble

Beta Beat: Sparrow Gmail client for Mac

Sparrow is a free Gmail client for your Mac that was released yesterday and is still in beta. Unlike MailPlane, which largely simulates the Gmail experience plus some powerful additions, the Sparrow client is designed to be minimalist. As John Gruber (Daring Fireball) points out, the design for this Gmail client seems to be inspired by Tweetie for Mac. The developers Dinh Viêt Hoà and Dominique Leca ignore the traditional email client stereotype and aim for simplicity in a way that is rather inspired. Sparrow has "just your mail, and nothing else." Sparrow currently supports message threading as well as using multiple accounts. In the future, you will be able to use other IMAP email accounts (such as MobileMe) as well as gain the ability to use Gmail labels. It is free and available now, so check out the beta and let us know your thoughts. [via Daring Fireball]

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Mobile

Mobile By Aron Trimble

How To: Use iPhone 4 data plan with iPad 3G

I love my iPad 3G, almost unnecessarily so. I use it as my primary computer for a multitude of tasks. The only thing that I dislike about my iPad is that I have to pay AT&T even more money to use their data network, even though I'm already paying for it with my new iPhone 4. We have covered in the past how to manage your 3G data with your iPad using the Apple/AT&T-sanctioned methods built in to the device itself. Today, we want to show you how you can swap Micro-SIMs to make use of your iPhone's unlimited data plan with your iPad. Note: This is not an officially sanctioned technique and you do this at your own risk! If AT&T comes down on your SIM-swapping antics with the force of a truckload of anvils... you are on your own, brother. That said, let's proceed.

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Smartphones By Aron Trimble

Proximity sensor woes caused by reflective ear canal

Following the recent release of iPhone 4 several of you reported an issue with the proximity sensor running amok during your calls. Our poll results were dead even with 50.1% of readers seeing issues and 49.9% having no problems. At the time I considered myself in the all-clear category, but recently that changed. Read on for my story of woe, intrigue, and incredulity.

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Apps By Aron Trimble

Apple releases iTunes connect mobile for App Store developers

Apple today released iTunes Connect Mobile, an iPhone (and iPod touch) app for allowing developers to view statistics about their products on the App Store. There are over 250,000 apps on the App Store and with the release of iTunes Connect Mobile, Apple has made it easier for developers to track sales statistics for each product they have on the store. The app allows a break-out of sales by day, week, month (5w) and 6 months (26w). There are colorful graphs for displaying unit sales and updates. Additionally, developers can see information about the different markets where their app is sold. Apple's iTunes Connect Mobile is a free download from the App Store. Note that it does not seem to have propagated throughout the entire store. If you don't see it yet, try again in a little while.

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Apple By Aron Trimble

WWDC 2010: Bing coming to MobileSafari search

The rumor was partly true, Bing is indeed coming to the iOS search party; however, it will not be the default option as was speculated in January. During today's WWDC 2010 keynote address, Steve Jobs announced that Bing would be alongside Google and Yahoo as available search engine choices for MobileSafari. While it may seem insignificant, mobile search is a huge market that Google is currently dominating and it appears that Apple wants to put a little competition into the mix. While he wasn't gratuitous with his praise, Steve did say that he was impressed by Microsoft's implementation of their search engine in the browser. And no matter what Steve thinks, this additional option is a huge win for the Bing team at Microsoft. And hopefully a huge win for us, too -- competition in the search race will help out consumers a lot in the long run.

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Apps By Aron Trimble

WWDC 2010: Netflix for iPhone coming this summer

During the WWDC 2010 keynote with Steve Jobs, the CEO of Netflix. Reed Hastings, came on stage to discuss the impending release of Netflix for iPhone. The app is slated to be available this summer and features the ability to both manage your queue and stream movies from your Instant queue. Additionally, Netflix for iPhone will be able to resume streaming a movie where previously left off from your iPad. The iPad app has been extremely popular, and the iPhone app will bring Netflix's popular service to even more places while you're out and about. Movies will even stay synced over multiple devices, so you'll be able to start a movie on your Mac, switch in place to your iPad, and then start it up on your iPhone when you want to. Sounds awesome -- we'll keep an eye out for the app and let you know when it comes out.

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Apple By Aron Trimble

Apple sells one millionth iPad

Apple announced today that on Friday the one millionth iPad was sold. The figure does not break out Wi-Fi vs. 3G iPads, yet the number is still staggering considering it only took 28 days. For the original iPhone, the million unit milestone was not hit until 74 days after release. Apple also announced that iPad users had purchased 12 million apps and 1.5 million eBooks from its fledgling store. Friday was the release of the iPad 3G in the US; it's likely that this was the source of the final push that got Apple to the millionth unit. Those first-year sales projections from analysts are beginning to look a little conservative. Although Apple has not provided any details on which iPad models make up that million-unit total, a very conservative assumption of a $550 average selling price (weighting heavily towards the cheapest 16GB Wi-Fi model) means the iPad has generated well over half a billion dollars in revenue already. [h/t The Wall Street Journal]

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Mobile

Mobile By Aron Trimble

iPad jailbreak released, works on iPhone and iPod touch

Within a few hours of its release the iPad had already been jailbroken and video proof released. The Dev-Team with @comex have released the first "userland" jailbreak for iPhone OS devices since the initial year of the iPhone's release. The current jailbreak, dubbed "Spirit," allows you to jailbreak all models of iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch running the latest firmwares available (3.2 and 3.1.3, respectively, as of this writing). Also, the authors note that "On iPad, all this is still sort of beta," and as such if anything goes wrong you might need to restore. [via Engadget]

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Smartphones By Aron Trimble

Dilbert's missing 4G phone

In an interesting experiment to see how long it takes to have a comic published, Scott Adams (the author of famed work-humor comic Dilbert) penned a pair of strips that are particularly relevant to recent events. Due to the extended lead time for comic publishing in newspapers, Adams decided that these topical toons would be published web-only. I'm a big fan of Dilbert, and I read the strip on a daily basis. Thanks to John Gruber for pointing out this excellent work on the official Dilbert blog. I've provided the first frame of the series to the right, but you'll have to visit the source if you want to see how Wally's story ends -- if you think you know, you're probably right.

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Smartphones By Aron Trimble

Found Footage: iPhone OS 4.0, multitasking, app switching

As you may or may not know, a beta of iPhone OS 4 is out in the wild for developers; ever since its announcement and subsequent release, little tidbits of information have been sneaking out. Today's found footage comes to you by way of a nice little YouTube video displaying the latest OS's multi-tasking chops. In the video we see an anonymous finger switching between multiple, running apps and there is a nice little animation to accompany the transition. I won't spoil the fun for you but needless to say, I can't wait to get this on my iPhone! [via Engadget]

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Tablets

Tablets By Aron Trimble

iPad 3G: Available April 30 in the USA

Apple today announced retail availability of the iPad 3G -- which also features Wi-Fi, of course -- for Friday, April 30th at 5:00 pm. The Loop reports those who pre-ordered the 3G version of the iPad should start receiving shipments that day same day. The iPad 3G includes a US$130 premium over the standard Wi-Fi-only iPad, but that provides the luxury of joining AT&T's data network on an at-will basis. Rather than being locked to a 2-year contract, iPad 3G can purchase a month of data at a time. Two plans are available: 250MB will run you $15 and the unlimited plan will set you back a cool $30. While resident iMac-fiend Steve Sande didn't wait for the iPad 3G, I did and I'm excited to make another trek to the Apple Store next Friday. What about you, dear readers, anybody out there a little less green and a little more eager to go shopping? [via The Loop]

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Apple By Aron Trimble

iPhone OS 4.0: Coming this Fall to an iPad near you

Apple's announcement of the new features and near-availability of iPhone OS 4.0 has got the entire tech-focused internet all a'twitter. Many new features were discussed but one of the more disappointing features is the delayed-arrival for iPad owners. Granted, the device was just released 5 days ago and you probably shouldn't be feeding that tech-lust too much, but the new OS presents some pretty killer features.

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Apple By Aron Trimble

iPhone OS 4.0: Unified inbox, threaded messaging and more

Apple announced today that the iPhone's Mail application is going to receive several new features as part of the iPhone OS 4.0 software to be released later this year (summer for iPhone/iPod touch and fall for iPad). The first big feature is the unified inbox. Finally, it will be possible to read all of your unread messages in one "pane" without having to navigate forwards/backwards between the many accounts on your device. As someone with 5 email accounts that I regularly check, this is a huge win. Multiple Exchange accounts means I can finally have both my work email (Exchange) and my personal email (Gmail) take advantage of Push functionality. Previously users were limited to using one Exchange account and unlimited IMAP accounts. This limitation has been removed. And there was much rejoicing. Additionally, fast inbox switching means it is easy and quick to focus in on a single mail account. Threaded messaging is another feature that has been asked for by many. If you have ever used Gmail's web client, then you are familiar with how this works. Essentially, messages that pertain to a single "chain" of emails (based on subject line) are grouped together. This greatly reduces a cluttered-feeling inbox and I recommend checking it out on your Mac using Mail.app by enabling the Threaded Messaging view. Now that the iPhone and iPad have become / are becoming huge winners in the productivity space, this next feature is going to be a welcome addition as well. The ability to open attachments with third-party apps is a great idea that I've only recently begun to feel as a regular need. I think this really helps to push the iPad towards true laptop-replacement status. That's all we've got so far on the new features in Mail coming with iPhone OS 4.0. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this monumental update to Apple's mobile operating platform.

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Reviews

Reviews By Aron Trimble

iWasn't but now iAm, an iPad saga

When Apple announced the iPad in January of this year I have to admit that my enthusiasm was rather tepid for the oddly-named device. Apple was proselytizing this notion of a hybrid "computer" of sorts that fit squarely between the iPhone/iPod touch and the MacBook. They used words like "magical" and "revolutionary" to describe what some called a stripped-down netbook and others referred to as a big iPod touch. Still I couldn't help but think that a bigger version of what I already had in my pocket would be anything revolutionary -- let alone magical. I saw the keynote after Apple posted it, I checked out the different app previews from developers and nothing seemed to wet my whistle.

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Tablets

Tablets By Aron Trimble

The iPad has been jailbroken

Just in case you missed it on Sunday, members of the infamous iPhone Dev-Team have been hard at work on a jailbreak for the recently released iPad. As of a few hours ago Within the past day, root access has been achieved on Apple's latest device. The hack is not yet ready for public distribution but according to one of the developers, it will work with all versions of both the iPhone and iPod touch and likely the iPad 3G. TUAW will have more information for you as it becomes available. [via Engadget]

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