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Apple WWDC 2012 liveblog!
Back in March, at the tail end of the new iPad's launch, Apple CEO Tim Cook did something atypical. He encouraged us to expect even more from his company in 2012. From an outfit that rarely sets lofty expectations, that's saying something. Here at WWDC 2012, we're on hand to find out what exactly Apple has in the hopper. A deep dive into iOS 6 is guaranteed, but beyond that, all we have are rumors, smoke signals and few underground whispers. New MacBook Air / Pro laptops with Retina graphics? New iMacs with more pixels that are calculable by mere mortals? A new iPhone? Join us here at 10AM PT (that's 1PM on the right coast; pre-breakfast over in Kauai) for the blow-by-blow coverage you've come to expect! June 11, 2012 1:00 PM EDT
Approved Mac OS app boasts 'Retina graphics'
As if there wasn't enough speculation already, what with WWDC just around the corner, bets are already being placed on the possibility of "Retina Display" Macs. So, when an app turns up in Mac App store mentioning "Retina graphics" under the new features list, eyebrows are understandably going to rise. Of course, this isn't the first such tease we've seen, but it's not the least convincing either. So, we're still not ready to put our money down on a retina-reveal next week just yet, but those odds do seem to be getting ever shorter.
Possible new Mac Pro part numbers tip up, WWDC attendees raise eyebrows (Update: 15-inch MBP specs too?)
We're still unsure as to whether or not Apple's rumored Mac update smorgasbord will come to pass at WWDC, but if any of it pans out, it looks to be the almost mythological Mac Pro update. A trio of model numbers for a "K5BPLUS" have popped up that 9to5 Mac claims are the base, mid-range and high-end configurations for the long-sought workstations. The part numbers don't include details, though talk of similar pricing to what we know today would point to Intel's Xeon E5-2600 (itself a long story) taking the reins as the processor. If there's any truth to the talk, the new Mac Pro could be ready to sell just as WWDC kicks off next week -- a mention supported by rumors of Apple recalling what little Mac Pro stock it keeps at retail stores. Not that a few extra days would matter, knowing how long prospective buyers have had to wait. Update: Just when we thought we were clear, another Apple laptop spec sheet of unknown provenance has appeared. Posted by 9to5 Mac (2), it suggests a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a 2560x1600 Retina display, 16GB of 1,600MHz DDR3 SDRAM plus an AMD Radeon HD 7770M graphics core with 2GB of RAM and auto switching to integrated Intel video. Droolworthy bullet points to be sure, but until we have more concrete evidence prospective upgraders should keep their credit cards set to stun.
Possibly fake MacBook Pro spec sheet: USB 3.0, Ivy Bridge and no Retina Display
It's hard not to drown in Apple rumors right now, but here comes another one to help things along. As a counterweight to recent reports of MacBook Airs getting Retina Displays, the label above hints that the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro could be stuck with plain-Jane 1280 x 800. There's nothing to say that this bit of paper didn't derive from an inkjet hooked up to someone's imagination, but some of the other new specs have been rumored already from separate sources: notably the HD 4000 graphics reflecting the presence of Ivy Bridge, plus Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 co-starring on the I/O front. Those hypothetical additions would be great for productivity, but if there's nothing resolutionary about the new Pros then Apple had better find something else to console us with at WWDC. [Thanks, Josh]
Apple reportedly readying numerous Retina display MacBooks and multiple accessories for WWDC
New MacBook Pros are practically a given for WWDC (or, let's just say tears will be shed if they elude us), but now, 9to5Mac is stepping up the expectations in a major way. The outlet is now reporting that we could see two different versions of a revised 15-incher, not to mention Retina display-equipped editions of the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air. Less certain (but certainly believable) is an iMac refresh, which would again get served with a Retina display, and a fourth major Mac update is apt to see the practically forgotten Mac Pro or the Mac mini updated with bolstered internals. For those following Apple, you'd know that updating so many products at one event isn't a typical move for the company, but Tim Cook's been doing things slightly differently of late -- and honestly, there's no better way to enforce the importance of Retina than to blow it out across the portfolios. Finally, a whole host of new accessories are said to be on tap, with "refreshed keyboards, mice, trackpads and AirPorts" on the list. Hit the source link for the down and dirty, and go ahead and wipe your calendar for June 9th; we'll be liveblogging every last announcement direct from Moscone.
Microsoft updates SkyDrive for iPad with Retina Display support, file-sharing features
Those who like to swing both ways will be glad to know that SkyDrive for the iPad now supports Apple's gorgeous Retina Display. Now, before you ask why the hell pixel density would be of concern for a cloud storage app, remember that SkyDrive also allows users to view photos and documents from within the application -- only now at a properly rendered 264ppi. In addition to the peeper-pleasing improvement, SkyDrive users will also find the ability to upload multiple photos and videos from their iPad to the cloud, new file-sharing options (either via email, or a link that you can copy and paste), along with the ability to open SkyDrive files from within other iOS apps. It's funny how something so out of place can be so right.
Some developers undeterred by a larger iPhone screen
Recent rumors suggest the next iPhone will rock a bigger screen, moving from its current 3.5-inches up to 4-inches. Though users may be clamoring for a larger display, this new hardware could cause problems for developers who will have to design for several screen sizes. GigaOM talked to several iOS developers about the potential for fragmentation and discovered most are cautiously optimistic about this change. The overall consensus is that Apple will provide tools to make the transition from a smaller to a larger display as easy as possible for developers. Many point to the original iPad and the retina iPad as examples of how Apple has handled this transition in this past. If you're interested in the developer's individual responses, you can read them on GigaOM's website.
Hulu updates iPad app with Retina support
Hulu rolled out an update to its iPad app that adds support for the Retina Display of the new iPad. The latest version has a new look and feel as well as an enhanced video playback engine. Hulu also has improved AirPlay mirroring and HDMI support, so you can watch your content on your HDTV. Besides software, Hulu launched ten new original series that'll help you make it throughout the summer doldrums. These new shows include basketball comedy We Got Next and Spoilers, a movie "revue" series from Kevin Smith. The ten new shows are listed in the press release below. You can download the Hulu app for free from the iOS App Store. It requires a US$7.99 monthly subscription to Hulu Plus. Show full PR text HULU ANNOUNCES NEW ORIGINAL SERIES WITH KEVIN SMITH, PREMIERES SUMMER SLATE OF TEN ORIGINAL AND EXCLUSIVE TV SHOWS Hulu Original Series Include Kevin Smith's "Spoilers," "Up To Speed" by Richard Linklater, and "We Got Next" Hulu Exclusives Include Season Two of "The Booth At The End" and International TV Hits "Rev.," "The Yard," "Pramface," "Derren Brown: Inside Your Mind," "Little Mosque on the Prairie" and "The Promise" LOS ANGELES (May 20, 2012) – Proving that summer doesn't have to mean the start of rerun season, Hulu today announced a full slate of new original and exclusive TV shows that begin premiering on June 4th on Hulu and the Hulu Plus subscription service. Hulu's summer lineup offers new TV shows for all kinds of entertainment fans, from comedy, sci-fi, travel, reality and even a little magic. For a preview of the upcoming programming, visit www.hulu.com/hulu-summer-series. The summer slate announcement kicks off with "Spoilers," a half-hour movie "revue" for movie lovers hosted by beloved filmmaker and podcasting maven Kevin Smith ("Clerks," "Red State"). "Spoilers" launches on Hulu and Hulu Plus on June 4th. "I have always wanted to do a show that provides an open forum for real fans to discuss real movies in real time and that's what 'Spoilers' is about. As a filmmaker and lover of movies, I understand that ultimately it's the fans who make the film. So in this show, we do not review movies, we revere them," said Kevin Smith. "Hulu really lends itself well to a show like this because they have an audience that is passionate and active when it comes to shows they love. And frankly, those are the people I want to hang with." In August, Hulu will launch the highly anticipated travel series "Up To Speed" by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater ("Bernie," "School of Rock," "Dazed and Confused") and starring Speed Levitch ("The Cruise"). August also brings the premiere of "We Got Next," an edgy male comedy co-created by Kenya Barris (co-creator of "America's Next Top Model") and Hale Rothstein (writer, producer of "The Game"). Hulu exclusively offers fans seven popular TV shows never before available to U.S. audiences with the premieres of "Rev.," "The Yard," "Pramface," "Derren Brown: Inside Your Mind," "The Promise" and "Little Mosque," along with the second season of the sci-fi thriller, "The Booth at the End." "In an on-demand world, viewers are going to actively choose to watch TV shows that they really love. At Hulu, we want to offer exclusive shows and make original TV programming that speaks to a passionate group of fans. Because today, you don't have to settle for watching something mildly entertaining," said Andy Forssell, senior vice president of content for Hulu. "We are proud of our summer line-up of Hulu Original Series and Exclusives, and we look forward to delighting our users." Assets for Hulu's summer slate, including photos and episode screeners, are available upon request. Talent interviews are available upon request. HULU ORIGINAL SERIES "Spoilers" For fans of: "Inside the Actors' Studio," "Comic Book Men," "Real Time with Bill Maher," "Conan," "The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon" Premieres: June 4, 2012 New episodes premiere every Monday beginning on June 4; Entire series available on August 6 Kevin Smith's Movie "Revue" – This multi-act film extravaganza mixes lively group chats, interviews with movie and pop culture icons and animated shorts. Each week, Kevin, special guests and movie lovers passionately sound off on the year's most anticipated summer blockbusters, gushing over their favorite scenes and debating the details frame by frame. The series, produced by SModCo, premieres on June 4th on Hulu and Hulu Plus at www.hulu.com/spoilers. Ten (10) episodes. "Up To Speed" For fans of: "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations," "The Cruise," "Waking Life," "Dazed and Confused," "Exit Through the Gift Shop" Premieres: August 2012 A Travel Show About The Road Less Traveled – This new travel series was created by filmmaker Richard Linklater ("Bernie," "Dazed and Confused") and represents his first foray into episodic TV storytelling. Each week "Up to Speed" follows tour guide, historian and flaneur Timothy "Speed" Levitch ("The Cruise") as he visits the monumentally-ignored monuments of America's cities, from the shoe gardens of San Francisco to the luckiest subway grate in New York City. The series, produced by Cinetic Media, premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus in August. Said Richard Linklater, "Speed Levitch is one of the most effusive, articulate people I know, and one of America's funniest freethinkers. Hulu has a highly engaged and intellectually curious audience, and I'm excited to give them a glimpse of Speed's unique and idiosyncratic worldview as we take the concept of a travel show and turn it on its head." "We Got Next" For fans of: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "The League," "Men of a Certain Age" Premieres: August 2012 A Bro-mantic Comedy – "We Got Next" is a raunchy, sarcastic and out-of-bounds half-hour show about a pick-up basketball team of four guys who should never have been friends in the first place. Each week, the guys' courtside banter consistently escalates into a run of terrible advice and poor decision-making. Cast includes Paul Bartholomew ("Paul The Male Matchmaker"), Lance Barber ("Big Bang Theory"), Bumper Robinson ("The Game") and Bill Fagerbakke ("Coach"). Executive produced by Kenya Barris (co-creator of "America's Next Top Model"), Hale Rothstein (writer, producer of "The Game") and E. Brian Dobbins, with co-executive producer Danny Leiner ("Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle") directing. The series premieres in August on Hulu and Hulu Plus. Said co-creator Kenya Barris, "This is a show built around what guys do when it's just the guys. It's as raw and honest as it is ridiculous and raunchy. That's the comedy of real life. I'm excited to bring this show to Hulu." HULU EXCLUSIVES "Rev." For fans of: "The Office" (U.K.), "Peep Show," "Spaced," "Parks & Recreation," "House" Premieres: June 3, 2012 New episodes premiere every Sunday beginning on June 3; Entire series available on August 26 Meet The Rev. Adam Smallbone. From a sleepy, rural parish, the newly promoted vicar has moved to the busy, inner-city world of St. Saviour's in East London. It's a world in which he has little experience, and it shows. It really shows. "Rev." is a contemporary sitcom about the enormous daily frustrations and moral conflicts of an inner-city vicar. Cast includes Tom Hollander ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), Olivia Colman, Steve Evets, Miles Jupp, Lucy Liemann, Simon McBurney and Ellen Thomas. Originally broadcast on BBC Two in the U.K., the show has received widespread critical acclaim, winning the 2011 BAFTA's "Best Sitcom," and nominated for the 2012 BAFTA's "Best Sitcom," and Hollander receiving a nod for "Best Male Performance in a Comedy Program." The series premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus on June 3rd from BBC Worldwide Americas Digital Distribution. Six (6) episodes in season one; seven (7) episodes in season two. "The Yard" For fans of: "South Park," "Family Guy," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Summer Heights High," "The Wire," "Archer," "Arrested Development" Premieres: June 7, 2012 New episodes premiere every Thursday beginning on June 7; Entire series available on July 12 A mockumentary miniseries that originally aired on HBO Canada, "The Yard" offers a bizarre juxtaposition of two rival cliques of elementary school children, where tension develops much like the quintessential crime-family thriller. The show has comically been referred to by Canadian television critics as "'The Wire' and 'The Sopranos' with kids." The cast and crew have respectively been nominated for the 2012 Young Artist Award and the 2011 Directors Guild of Canada Award. The series, brought to Hulu by Entertainment One (eOne) and produced by Whizbang Films, premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus on June 7th. Six (6) episodes. "Derren Brown: Inside Your Mind" For fans of: "Criss Angel," "Penn & Teller: Tell a Lie," "Fact or Faked," "Mythbusters," "Lie to Me," "Psych," "The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon," "Conan" Premieres: July 7, 2012 New episodes premiere every Saturday beginning on July 7; Entire series available on July 28 Derren Brown is a performer like none other in the world. He uses psychology, magic, showmanship and suggestion to achieve things that for anyone else would be impossible. In the U.K., he is multi-award winning performer and has done a variety of huge and baffling stunts including predicting the national lottery and playing Russian roulette on live TV. Brown brings his elaborate feats to U.S. audiences in this specially shot compilation. His technique challenges traditional preconceptions of magic in the grand tradition of Houdini and modern performers such as Penn & Teller, David Blaine and Criss Angel. However, Brown's mind-reading of unsuspecting, everyday people gives magic a new angle that never ceases to amaze. The series premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus on July 7th. Four (4) episodes. "The Booth at the End" (Season Two) For fans of: "The Booth at the End" (Season One), "Lie To Me," "Bones," "Castle," "Grimm," "Touch," "Lost," "Psych," "Fringe," "The X-Files" Premieres: July 2012 Xander Berkeley, best known for his roles as "George Mason" in FOX's "24" and "Percy" in The CW's "Nikita," stars as an enigmatic man occupying the corner booth of a diner. He possesses the power to grant desires, contingent upon recipients performing mysterious tasks. This half-hour psychological thriller begs the question: "How far would you go to get what you want?" Directed by Adam Arkin ("Justified," "Grey's Anatomy"), season two premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus in July. Five (5) episodes. "Pramface" For fans of: "My So Called Life," "New Girl," "Awkward," "Secret Life of the American Teenager," "Up All Night," "Skins" (U.S. and U.K.), "Hart of Dixie," "One Tree Hill," "Teen Mom" Premieres: July 19, 2012 New episodes premiere every Thursday beginning on July 19; Entire series available on August 23 Jamie and Laura are two young, free and single teenagers who, after hooking up at a party, soon find they have a very big complication on their hands. Laura is pregnant. So even though they barely know each other, they now have one thing in common – and it's getting bigger. "Pramface" brings humor and heart to a tricky subject, following these two unexpected parents-to-be as they try, and frequently fail, to negotiate family, sex and what happens once nine months is up... The series premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus on July 19th from BBC Worldwide Americas Digital Distribution. Six (6) episodes. "The Promise" For fans of: "Homeland," "Munich," "Persepolis," "Pillars of the Earth" Premieres: August 11, 2012 New episodes premiere every Saturday beginning on August 11; Entire series available on September 1 With nearly a decade of extensive field research on the part of award-winning writer and director Peter Kosminsky, "The Promise" is a BAFTA-nominated, four-part political thriller and love story. The serial drama examines the origins of the Middle East conflict in events that took place under British rule sixty years ago. The bold and honest series cuts between the life of Erin, an 18-year old Londoner in present day Israel and Gaza, and that of her military grandfather who was part of the British peace-keeping force in Palestine at the end of the second World War. The miniseries garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its airing in the U.K. and was subsequently nominated for "Best Drama Serial" by both BAFTA and Royal Television Society. The series premieres on Hulu and Hulu Plus on August 11th. Four (4) episodes. "Little Mosque" For fans of: "Modern Family," "Arrested Development," "Parenthood" Premieres: June 28, 2012 New episode premiere every Thursday beginning on June 28; Entire series available on August 23 "Little Mosque" is a light-hearted and comedic fish-out-of-water tale about a small Muslim community that rents the parish hall of a small town church to use as a mosque. The multi award-winning, half-hour series features a cast of both Muslims and non-Muslims in storylines that the New York Times says "explore the funny side of an often misunderstood life." "Little Mosque" has received awards from around the world including the prestigious "Search for Common Ground Award" for promoting cross-cultural understanding. It has been lauded for its frank and authentic portrayal of real issues within the Muslim community as well as its delicate balance of the irreverent with the reverent. "Little Mosque" is available in 90 countries including Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, United Arab Emirates and Turkey. Produced by WestWind Pictures, "Little Mosque" will premiere on Hulu and Hulu Plus this summer. 91 episodes.
Hulu delivers 10 new original shows for summer, iOS app update with iPad retina display support
As the temperatures heat up, the availability of new network TV programming is falling off as it does every year, and Hulu is taking advantage of the lull to amp up its offerings of original content with ten new shows this summer. The shows include selections like Kevin Smith's Spoilers which is a chat about the summer's films, travel series Up To Speed and playground basketball comedy We Got Next. All ten shows are set to debut throughout the summer on both the free Hulu and paid Hulu Plus services. One thing subscribers don't have to wait for however, is a freshly updated version of the Hulu Plus app for iOS, which features a "re-engineered, optimized video player", new iPad GUI, support for retina display on the iPad and improved handling of AirPlay mirroring and HDMI video out. Version 2.5 can be found on iTunes, while a press release with details on all ten shows and video trailer are embedded after the break.
New iPad to hit 30 more countries this weekend, work on its tan
The corners of the Earth that don't have a new iPad have been quickly shrinking, and Apple's tablet is about to get nigh-on inescapable as of this weekend. A round of 23 more countries is getting the 2012 refresh on May 11, most of it being South American countries such as Foxconn's new manufacturing hub, Brazil. Parts of Africa and southeast Asia will be served as well, such as the home of our favorite unofficial hands-on sessions, Vietnam. Seven Persian Gulf countries will get their Retina Display fix one day later. By the time the weekend is up, the iPad will be available in nearly 90 countries on this planet, which makes it highly likely that anyone reading this article can find the slate in a local retail store.
Editorial: Apple isn't making a 'converged' laptop / tablet hybrid, but I still want one
Deflated. Disappointed. Let down. Unsurprised. All of those emotions ran through my being at one point or another following Apple CEO Tim Cook's comments regarding "converged" devices, but if anything, his denial has made me all the more hungry for this particular device. For months -- heck, maybe even years -- I've waited for Sir Jonathan Paul Ive and co. to finally nail the concept of a laptop / tablet hybrid. In many ways, Apple managed to get right on a smartphone in 2007 what I felt was wrong holding a BlackBerry. I still think the iPad's screen is about 2.7-inches too large for my own personal tastes, but the world at large has affirmed that it nailed that design, too. Oh, and the MacBook Air? C'mon -- we all know it's the thin-and-light you always wanted, and given that it'll run Windows with poise, it's arguably the sexiest Windows laptop currently on the market. The point? Apple has waited for companies to flounder about with certain designs before, all while perfecting its own take for a future release. Windows-based tablets were flooding out in the early noughties, and believe it or not, Toshiba was already giving the tablet / laptop hybrid thing a whirl in 2003 with the Portege 3500. Apple waited over half a decade to usher in the iPad, and the rest -- as they say -- is history. The iPhone followed a similar path; companies came before it and did their best to produced pleasing, long-lasting, highly usable smartphones, but the iPhone completely changed the trajectory of everything that came after. Love it or hate it, it's hard to imagine a 2012 with Windows Phone in it had Apple not pinned Windows Mobile in a corner back in '07. So, if Apple has shown an ability to thrive with designs that others have experimented with, why is the "converged" laptop / tablet a nonstarter?
500px launches Android app, adds iPad update on the side
Confined to the imposing shadow of a certain filter-heavy Facebook purchase, 500px is another photo-sharing network making the eco-system leap to Android. 500px is built around collections of high-quality images that are automatically updated and streamed, with a full search option to seek out specific images. Alongside the ability to share photos on the likes of Twitter and Facebook, professionals can attempt to make their fortune by selling their images through the app and companion website. If you're just there for the sumptuous landscapes and close-ups, however, you can collate slideshows from photostreams and build up your own collection of favorite images. 500px has unleashed an update to its iPad version at the same time, cranking up the resolution to make the most of the new retina display and adding the ability to download full-size HD versions of your purchased photos. Anyone concerned with the little ones perusing some of the more risqué images can also breathe a sigh of relief -- 500px has added an improved NSFW filter. If you're overwhelmed with Instagram's new influx of enthusiastic patrons, you can try 500px's slightly different approach to photo sharing at the download links below.
Fotopedia offers National Parks iOS app for free
Since it's almost National Parks Week in the US(April 21-29), we're seeing some iOS apps offered for free that normally have a cost to them. I've already mentioned the Chimani series of National Parks guides, and now I want to call your attention to Fotopedia National Parks, a universal iOS app that contains almost 3000 superb images taken by renowned photographer Quang-Tuan Luong. This app is not a detailed guide to the National Parks, but rather the equivalent of a coffee table book filled with dazzling photographs. All 58 US parks are covered. The photographer spent 10 years collecting the photos, traveling more than 100,000 miles. The originals were shot with a large format camera, and the images support the retina display on the iPhone and the new iPad. The app features slideshows, the ability to share the images or use them as wallpapers. You can also use a simple trip planner to highlight places you'd like to visit. You can view the locations the images were taken on a map, which features smart tags and some basic interactivity. A couple of notes. First, using the app requires an Internet connection. The images aren't built into the app and need to be downloaded. I think that's a good thing, as I don't want my iPad filled with 3,000 images that sap storage for other things, but be advised the app won't do much without that connectivity. My other issue is with the design of the app. I used it quite awhile before I realized there were photos from all the National Parks. When you first come in, you only see three highlighted parks at the top of the screen. You need to click on the search icon to see what's available, and it's not very intuitive. This app used to be US $0.99 and now it's going to be free indefinitely. Free is good, and I think the app is certainly worth a download. If you're like me you'll be inspired by the natural vistas and start planning that trip to take some photos of your own. By the way, during National Park Week admission to all 58 parks is free. There are some screen shots in the gallery below. %Gallery-153468%
Facebook updates iOS app with Retina iPad support, more languages
Shortly after making some high-res changes to the desktop site, Facebook's now doing the same to its application for Apple's freshest slab on the block. Aside from the crisper look and higher resolution UI on the new iPad, the universal app also adds support for Czech, Danish, Indonesian, Malaysian, Norwegian, Portuguese and Thai languages. Furthermore, v4.1.1 now allows you to hop offline from chat, while it also fixes bugs known to keep various pages from displaying correctly. Facebook's updated app is live in the App Store, so head on over with your iOS device or hit up the iTunes link below to get your social quest on.
NOOK for iPad now with Retina content, improved highlighting features
Better late than never, right? Only a couple of weeks after its rival Kindle, the NOOK app is finally ready to join the new iPad's pixel-packed party. While the main feature is obviously its Retina display compatibility, version 3.1.3 also brings an improved Highlight feature for books, the ability to read in one or two columns when in landscape mode and the enigmatic bug fixes. The refreshed app is up for grabs now, and you can snag it directly from your iPad or via the source link below.
iPhone 4 Photoshop file available for app development
Developers -- are you in need of a really high resolution mockup of the iPhone 4/4S Retina display GUI elements to help the design of your app? Geoff Teehan and his team created a Photoshop file (.PSD) to help you mock up those apps. According to Teehan, "The file is huge, both in file size (62.7MB) and dimension (4074 x 2986). You'll need to work at 25% – 50% even on the largest screens to roughly grab elements before zooming into 100% for the actual work." Teehan mentions that as they were developing the template, they noticed that Apple had expended a lot of effort on determining how each UI element would be translated to the 640 x 960 pixel native resolution of the iPhone Retina display. "What were single pixel elements are now two or three pixels thick and effects are exaggerated to become visible," says Teehan. The file is free for the download, but Teehan asks for anyone using the file to "Pay Whatcha Like." That seems to be a fair and useful pricing scheme. [Via Macgasm]
Facebook for iOS gets Retina Display support
Good news for owners of the latest iPad. An update to the Facebook app now provides iPad Retina Display support. The 4.1.1 update also includes some other fixes and features, such as the ability to go offline in chat, fixes to photo displays of friends, and some language additions for users outside the US. The latest version of the app requires iOS 4.0 or greater, and it is universal so iPhone users will get an updated version as well.http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8 The Facebook app also allows you to see what friends are near you if your iPhone or iPad is it is equipped with GPS capability. The app is 10.5 MB and is free. [Via MacStories]
Consumer Reports puts iPad at top of the list, despite heat issue
A few weeks ago, Consumer Reports caused a stir when it claimed the new iPad ran twelve degrees hotter than its predecessor and reached 116 degrees. Now the consumer watchdog company is back to say the heat problem is not a cause for concern. Consumer Reports acknowledges the iPad gets warm, but says this heating only occurs under select circumstances. The group noted that the heat climbed when the device was used on full brightness while playing a graphics-heavy, CPU-intensive game. Despite the occasional heat issue, Consumer Reports gave the iPad a top rating and said it was impressed with the Retina display and the 4G LTE connectivity on Verizon. [Via Reuters]
ChangeWave: 98% of iPad owners satisfied with device
I love my new iPad and it appears that I am not alone. A March 22-28 Changewave survey of 200 new iPad owners shows that 98 percent are satisfied with their device and zero percent is very dissatisfied. Most users (82 percent) are very happy with their tablet and only a small percentage (two percent) are somewhat unsatisfied. Not surprisingly, the feature most people (75 percent) like about the new iPad is the retina display. [Via The Loop]
Macworld says the new iPad's screen is underrated
"Is that the new one?" one of my workmates asked of the iPad sitting on my desk in its upright dock. "Yep," I said, and showed him the screen. He played around with it for a few seconds and said, "Huh. It doesn't look all that different, does it?" "Are you kidding?" I said, and grabbed my old iPad 2, now destined to be my wife's new/used device. I opened iBooks on both devices, queued them up to the same page of The Hound of the Baskervilles, and invited him to check out the (to me) obvious differences in text, side-by-side. He liked the iPad 2's rendering better. I was pretty much dumbfounded. I suggested he visit the optometrist as soon as possible, because to me the difference is stunningly obvious. Somehow, in spite of selling three million units in a weekend, we're meant to believe the newest iPad is a disappointment. It's supposedly a merely iterative upgrade to the iPad 2; the bigger battery, more powerful GPU, and doubled system RAM all simply offset the increased power and processing demands of that new Retina Display. A display which, if various pundits and casual (possibly half-blind) passersby are to be believed, isn't that much better anyway. Frankly, those people are on crack. The new iPad's Retina Display is the best display I've seen on any device, ever. And for a device that's essentially all display, the effect that has on the experience can't be overstated. Macworld's Dan Frakes agrees and says the new iPad's screen isn't getting its just due. "The new display is simply phenomenal. I expected it to be good, but it's really good. Really, really good. Text on a screen has never seemed clearer or more...right." He's right. I used my old iPad 2 briefly, and it was like the screen had been smeared in a thick coat of Vaseline. The iPad 2's screen quality was always something of a letdown after months using an iPhone 4 and then an iPhone 4S, but it wasn't until I used the newest iPad that the 1024 x 768 screen on the old one became absolutely unacceptable to my eyes. There literally is no going back. Between the iPhone 4S, iPad (3), and the still-impressive 1920 x 1200 screen on my MacBook Pro, I now have the privilege of owning three devices whose individual pixels are completely indistinguishable at the distance I normally use them. Sure, I can lean into my Mac's display and see the pixels, or I can push my nose against the iPad, or I can squint real hard and concentrate on my iPhone 4S screen and see a stray pixel here or there. But I have to make the effort to do that. Is all this pixel density overkill? Hardly. As recently as five years ago, I still regularly printed out documents rather than reading them onscreen. For one thing, a sheet of paper was more portable than my Mac; for another, printed text simply looked better. Five years later, the tables have turned. I can carry an entire library worth of books on a device not much bigger than a book itself, and the text renders every bit as well on its screen as it does on a sheet of paper. Meanwhile, I can't remember the last time I printed out a document -- any document, for any reason. This new 9.7-inch screen has more pixels on it than my 17-inch MacBook Pro and iPhone 4S have -- combined. The iPad's Retina Display has spoiled me; if I see a pixel, you blew it.
