smart-cover
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Daily Update for October 24, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
Apple updates iPad 2 Smart Covers with 'more vibrant' colors
Along with the MacBook Pro updates this morning, Apple's store is now featuring a revamped line of Smart Covers for the iPad 2. There's a new 'Dark Gray' polyurethane cover, and all the poly covers feature 'more vibrant colors' and color-matched microfiber linings. As the design gods giveth, they also taketh away: the orange Smart Cover is being dropped from the line. If you were planning to customize for Halloween, better rush out and get one before they're all gone. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Smart Cover unlock bug may lead to iPad 2 data exposure
The folks at 9to5 Mac have noticed that Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover lets you bypass a passcode lock on a device running iOS 5, albeit with limited access to the iPad's applications. Here's how the bug/exploit works. First, make sure your passcode lock is set to activate immediately when you lock your iPad (this will simplify testing, although the problem is still there if there's a lock delay). Press and hold the iPad 2's power button to elicit the "Slide to Power Off" slider -- but don't slide the control to actually turn it off. Next, close the Smart Cover over the iPad's display to put the device to sleep. Finally, open the Smart Cover and click Cancel on the power off screen. From there, the iPad will present whatever was last running before you locked it. Here's where it gets interesting. Whatever you had on screen before locking your iPad is all you'll have access to. If you were on the Home screen, you won't be able to launch any apps, although you could delete one. If you had an app loaded when you locked your iPad, that's the only app you'll be able to run; backing out of the app using the Home button kicks you to the lock screen immediately. Although the steps to reproduce this behavior specifically single out Apple's Smart Cover, I was able to reproduce this by simply passing a refrigerator magnet along the right edge of my iPad 2 -- so those of you without Smart Covers are still "at risk," though as you'll see the risk is relatively small. The implications of this bug really depend on what app you left running when you closed the cover on your iPad. I tested Settings, Mail, and Safari using this hack, and I had basically unlimited access to all three apps. I was able to send an email to a colleague using Mail, and I was able to post to Twitter in Safari -- all without having to input my passcode first. That having been said, and acknowledging that this is an iOS 5 bug that needs to be fixed: the opportunities for malice or mischief are pretty slim, and only the truly paranoid should be overworried about this. First of all, I don't know about you, but I never leave my iPad unattended in a public place anyway. I'd be less worried about someone forwarding porn links to my entire Contacts list or looking at my banking info (as if I'd ever leave that up anyway) and more worried about someone walking away with my iPad. Of course, if you have Find my iPad set up on your iCloud account (or an ActiveSync account for your business email), you can remotely wipe your data in a matter of a few clicks Second, this exploit is pretty easily defeated by one of two means: either back your iPad out to the Home screen before you lock it (I almost always do this anyway) or, as 9to5 Mac notes, disable the setting that allows your Smart Cover to unlock the iPad. I suppose the biggest worry is what happens if someone does indeed steal your iPad, but given that they'll have relatively limited utility in the things they'll be able to do with it, it's still not likely to be as big of a worry to you as the fact that your device just got ripped off. The steps to reproduce this bug are fairly obscure, although now that it's being publicized more people may try it (not necessarily including iPad thieves, who most likely don't care about continuing your game of Fruit Ninja). It's also something that Apple's going to have to fix in the next minor update to iOS 5. I don't even have a passcode lock active on my iPad in the first place, so this particular issue doesn't have me shaking in my shoes one bit. Meanwhile, although it's certainly an interesting bug and one with some security implications, iPad 2 users who don't have mischievous little brothers are probably safe for now.
U-bop gSHELL SuperSlim for iPad 2 offers thin Smart Cover-compatible protection
The U-bop gSHELL SuperSlim is another thin TPU Smart Cover-compatible case that comes in several colors, including the semi-transparent "smoke," which recently hit the TUAW test bench. Coverage The gSHELL has decent coverage for a thin TPU case, covering everywhere you would expect with enough access to the device not to hinder use. The headphones port, the dock connector port, microphone, camera and side switch are all freely accessible, while the power and volume buttons are accessed directly through the case. As with all thin TPU cases, scratch resistance is good, but impact protection is limited to very light bumps, while the rubber stretches over the front edge of the screen locking the iPad tightly into the case. Thickness and material The gSHELL is nice and thin at about 1mm thick meaning it's not going to add much weight or bulk to your slim slate, but will give it a grippy yet smooth texture to help you keep a hold of it. Small manufacturing edges and imperfections are visible on the edge of this inexpensive case, but they aren't sharp and don't get in the way too much. U-bop have the gSHELL in a few variants including the Smart Cover-compatible variety which we tested, but if you're looking for just a TPU case for your iPad that covers all edges they've got your covered. %Gallery-134976% Verdict The U-bop gSHELL SuperSlim is a decent, low cost TPU case that feels solid and fits the iPad 2 well. If you've got a Smart Cover and want to keep scratches to that gorgeous aluminium at bay then this thin TPU case will do the trick without emptying your wallet.
iTalkonline Smart ProGel Skin loves your Smart Cover, protects your iPad 2 in TPU
The iTalkonline Smart ProGel Skin case is another TPU Smart Cover-compatible back cover for the iPad 2 that comes in a plethora of colors and configurations. Coverage The Smart ProGel is a basic TPU skin, but covers all edges and the back admirably. Decent sized cut-outs offer easy access to the dock connector port, headphones port, speaker, microphone and camera. The volume buttons and the power button are covered by the case but are still easily usable through the TPU. The case also creates a small front lip where it rolls over on to the glass of the iPad, holding it tightly and allowing you to put it flat on a table without fear for the screen. Thickness and material The case itself is about 1mm thick and is finished in that typically smooth yet "grippy" texture of TPU. The sides of the case have small manufacturing edges, but they aren't sharp and don't interfere with your grip on the iPad. The TPU itself is well suited to protecting your iPad from scratches and small bumps, but isn't going to protect it much from decent height drops, just like any other thin case in this class. The case we tested had complete back coverage, but the ProGel Skin is also available with a circular cut out to highlight the Apple logo, which might be more of use with the many colored variants available. %Gallery-134969% Verdict The iTalkonline Smart ProGel Skin case is inexpensive, gets the job done and works great with your Smart Cover. If you're looking for something that'll protect the back of your iPad 2 from scratches, but won't break the bank, then iTalkonline has you covered for about US$16 plus shipping.
Speck SmartShell iPad 2 companion case with magnetic strip enhances the Smart Cover
Today's Smart Cover-compatible iPad 2 backplate, the SmartShell, is courtesy of Palo Alto-based Speck and has a neat trick up its sleeve. Coverage Like many of the other backplate-type cases, the SmartShell covers the back and edges well. It has good sized cut outs for the ports, mic, buttons, camera and speaker, as well as a cut out in the side to allow you to lift up the Smart Cover a little more easily. It has all the important things covered, but that opening in the side could be a potential vulnerability. Thickness and material The case is made of polycarbonate and is available in six different colors including clear and looks pretty good once on the iPad. The majority of the case is just 1.2mm thick, meaning it's one of the thinner polycarbonate offerings available. At the edges, where the case meets the front of the iPad the plastic gets thicker and creates a noticeable edge around the smooth tapering of the iPad 2. Unfortunately there are also some sharp edges to the case, which feels cheap and makes the iPad uncomfortable to hold. This might be a one-off with our clear review unit, but it appeared to be a lack of finishing during manufacture, which we haven't seen with other polycarbonate cases in this class. Features The SmartShell has a nifty trick up its sleeve that we haven't seen in other backshell cases and that's a magnetic metal strip on the back side of the case that holds the Smart Cover in place then folded around the back. This is the kind of thing Apple should have built into the iPad 2 itself, as it removes the annoying flop of the Smart Cover when it's open and works wonderfully in the SmartShell. %Gallery-134782% Verdict The Speck SmartShell has good coverage, is pretty thin and comes in a decent set of colors to match your Smart Cover. The magnetic strip on the back is great and improves the Smart Cover no end. It's a shame then that the clear polycarbonate isn't as well finished as we would have liked, and those sharp edges that make the iPad 2 uncomfortable to hold aren't what we're looking for. Your mileage may vary and indeed the "matte soft-touch" finish of the colored cases may be different. For the clear cases we hope this is a one-off production error, but the rest of our review unit seems perfect so we can only conclude that it's cheap manufacture is to blame. If you can get one out in a store and check the edges, or buy it from an online retailer with a solid return policy, then the Speck SmartShell is definitely worth a look and will set you back around US$25-35 plus shipping.
SwitchEasy CoverBuddy iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible backplate case
We had a look at a TPU-based Smart Cover-compatible backplate in the last in this series of reviews. Today we're going to be looking at one of the polycarbonate variety, the SwitchEasy CoverBuddy. Coverage The CoverBuddy has pretty good coverage for a polycarbonate case with all edges and corners covered. There are cut outs for all the important bits, the buttons, switch, ports, camera and mic, and of course a strip down the side for the Smart Cover to attach. The cut outs themselves are quite large, meaning you can get easy access to the bits and pieces, but it could also mean that they're left exposed. It's always a trade-off with a case and I think SwitchEasy have made the best of it here. Instead of a flat opening, the speaker on the back has a grill to let the sound out while still providing a modicum of protection. The case clips on with thin overlaps on the iPad 2's bezel that hold it in place, meaning it doesn't protrude onto the front of the screen at all. It's a good fit and does the job admirably. Thickness and material Being polycarbonate the CoverBuddy is slightly thicker than some of the TPU offerings we've seen before, but it is by no means thick at 1.8mm thin. The polycarbonate itself can be covered in either a rubberised coating or a scratch-resistant UV coat, depending on color of which there are 11 to choose from including UltraClear as shown above (check the gallery below for the Tan version). The UV coating feels especially nice in the hand and is smooth yet not slippery. The CoverBuddy is certainly well made and feels a cut above some of the rest with nicely rounded corners and good finishing at every edge, but as with all these thin cases, don't expect it to do much if you drop your iPad from any decent height. %Gallery-134887% Verdict The SwitchEasy CoverBuddy doesn't do much other than cover the back of your iPad 2 while letting your Smart Cover attach to the side, but in that respect it does it very well. It's unobtrusive, form fitting and the UltraClear case is especially good with a great finish. If you're looking for a good quality simple polycarbonate backplate for your iPad 2, the SwitchEasy CoverBuddy deserves to be near the top of your list for about US$25 plus shipping.
iFrogz BackBone pairs well with iPad 2 cover
There's a lot to love about the iPad 2's Smart Cover, from the fashionable colors to the multifunctional design to its magnetic personality. Unfortunately, the flappy front piece leaves your iPad's backside unprotected. For those of us who tend to drop our magical and revolutionary (yet not anti-gravity) devices, that's code for trouble. We last rounded up the Smart Cover-compatible case range in June, and not long after that post appeared the fine folks at iFrogz sent over the BackBone rear cover accessory. I've been using the cover for several weeks, and it does the job of protecting the iPad while remaining mostly unobtrusive and light. Like most of the products in this category, the BackBone's form closely tracks its function. It consists of a polycarbonate shell that snaps easily yet firmly onto the iPad's back, covering the corners completely along with the right/bottom edge (in portrait or landscape 'natural' orientation) while leaving the left/top edge clear for the Smart Cover's magnetic latch. There are cutouts for the microphone, headphone port, sleep switch and dock port, along with a gridded section for the speaker. The cover is only a few mils thick (in matching colors to Apple's cover), yet it's tough -- I accidentally dropped my iPad about a foot onto a stone floor, corner first, and not a mark on it. The cover has a pleasant, smooth feel that's still got some grip to it. You can get the cover direct from iFrogz for US$34.99, and possibly cheaper at retail. If you're looking for a simple layer of protection, it's a good option. TUAW's policy is to return or donate all hardware provided for review. For more details, see our policy page.
Samsung pulls controversial Anymode Smart Case, says it never received certification
The Anymode Smart Case for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 may bear a suspicious resemblance to Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover, but Samsung insists it had absolutely nothing to do with it. In a blog post published today, the company responded to allegations that it tried to market a Cupertino rip-off, claiming that the accessory never received official "Designed for Samsung Mobile" certification. Samsung went on to point out that none of the cases have actually been sold, while confirming that it's "working with Anymode to address this oversight." In the meantime, the contentious Smart Case has been removed from Samsung's Anymode's site, meaning we can finally return to leading healthy, productive lives.
Anymode's Galaxy Tab 10.1 case cops Apple's fashion sense (updated)
What's the difference between a case and a cover? The Korean company Anymode is provoking just that question with a Galaxy Tab 10.1 case (cover?) that looks awfully familiar. The Smart Case, as it's known, comes in multiple colors, protects the tablet's front, and folds into a triangular stand. You might be thinking that sounds remarkably like Apple's Smart Cover, and if so, you're not the only one. Ah, but the plot thickens: 9to5mac reports that the maker of this blatant knock-off has strong ties to Samsung. Family ties, even, as their tipster claims Sang-yong Kim, the Anymode CEO, is the nephew of Kun-Hee Lee, Sammy's chairman. We couldn't confirm any blood relation, which could mean we're dealing with a cover-clone conspiracy theory. Either way, we suspect this'll lead to more billable hours for Cupertino's lawyers. [Update: Samsung has responded on its official blog, distancing itself from Anymode's product: As a general practice, Samsung Electronics reviews and approves all accessories produced by partners before they are given the "Designed for Samsung Mobile" mark. In this case, approval was not given to Anymode for the accessory to feature this official designation. We are working with Anymode to address this oversight and the product has already been removed from the Anymode sales website. The product has not been sold. Thanks, Phil.]
iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible cases: our roundup (Updated)
Apple's Smart Cover is a great, versatile screen cover for your iPad 2. It allows you to stand your tablet up, prop it up for typing in landscape and more; it even turns the iPad off automatically when you close it. But it leaves the back of the iPad 2 exposed, and as beautiful as it is, that metal can get all scratched up pretty quickly without some protection. So, here's a roundup of all Smart Cover-compatible back cases we could find.
Rumored 7th generation iPod nano with camera doesn't seem likely
It's always wise to maintain a degree of skepticism with purported photos of next generation Apple products. First of all, they could be fake; secondly, they could be production samples for form factors that might never see the light of day. We're pretty skeptical about this one. In early April we reported on rumors that the seventh-generation nano might sport a rear-facing camera. At the time, Asian Apple site Apple.pro posted an image that it claimed was the rear casing for the next generation iPod nano. The purported casing showed a hole that would house a rear-facing camera. That image was of the inside of the rear casing. Today Apple.pro has posted another image it says is the backside of the rear casing of the next iPod nano. In the image above, you can see what Apple.pro purports to be the rear of the next iPod nano compared to the rear of the current iPod nano. Besides the obvious camera, which Apple.pro says is of the 1.3 megapixel variety, the big change on the next iPod nano, if these images are correct, appears to be the lack of a clip. As you can see, the Apple logo is painted right onto the body of the nano, and it doesn't seem likely that Apple would add a clip covering the logo. When the rumors of a camera-equipped next gen nano surfaced, many thought Apple would just slim the clip down to give the camera a view. However, if these new images are correct, the next gen nano will be clip-less. Now, this is pure conjecture on my part, but I could see Apple eliminating the clip on the nano to bring costs down and then selling a magnetic "Smart Clip" as an add-on to those that want the clip. Currently, Apple sells the "Smart Cover" iPad accessory, which attaches to the iPad magnetically. I do want to point out that Apple.pro has been correct in the past, as they were the first to post an image of a small touchscreen that later made its way into the sixth-generation iPod nano, which debuted last fall. [via MacRumors]
AViiQ Smart Case for iPad 2 works with your Smart Cover
AViiQ is an accessories manufacturer that loves to do things with aluminum. TUAW reviewed the AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand last October, which is a slender folding wedge of thin aluminum that props up your laptop and takes up little or no space in your bag. Now the company is putting some of that design and manufacturing expertise to use with a new iPad 2 product. The AViiQ Smart Case for iPad 2 (US$49.99) is now available for pre-order and looks like a winner. Unlike the Yoobao Products Executive Leather folio case reviewed by TUAW's Mel Martin yesterday, the AViiQ Smart Case is meant to complement the iPad 2 and Smart Cover, not hide it. The case is made of 1.5 mm thick anodized aluminum in all the right spots to provide the ultimate in strong protection, while using other materials where necessary to keep the Smart Case transparent for wireless access. It comes in colors that precisely match Apple's Smart Covers, or you could mix up the colors for an extra impact. AViiQ offers a 30-day money back guarantee on its products, so if you don't like the case you can get a full refund. Knowing the quality build on its other products, I don't think you'll be returning the Smart Case. We'll have a full hands-on review later this month.
Modding the iPad 1 to work with the Smart Cover
If you saw the Smart Cover during that announcement a while back and have really wanted to use it with your iPad 1 instead of buying a whole new iPad 2, you may be in luck. One enterprising blogger named Dan Provost agreed with you, and he found that if you super glue a few rare-earth magnets to the side of the iPad 1, the Smart Cover can fit quite nicely right along it. It's a little hacky (depending on whether you mind having a few magnets super glued to a device as slick as the iPad or not), but since we know the Smart Cover is really just magnets and fabric, it should work great. Of course, if you don't want to go that route, there are cases for the iPad that will happily do what the Smart Cover does without requiring you to do any gluing. But if you want Apple's solution for the second iPad to work with your beloved first version, this might be just what you're looking for. [via MacStories]
Visualized: Smart Cover magnets can turn your Apple tablet into a FridgePad
Has the iPad 2 not proven its versatility to you yet? Well, buy one of those "don't call it a case" Smart Covers that Apple launched with it and you'll be able to turn your new dual-core slate into a bona fide FridgePad. Just add fridge.
Video: Replicate Smart Cover sleep mode with a simple magnet
If you're looking for that awesome Smart Cover functionality but don't want to spend forty bucks on a case for your new iPad, it's really simple to add a low-power magnet that will trigger the Smart Cover functionality. All you need is a small strip of flexible craft magnet, available at any local hobby shop, placed at the right position on your iPad. Although the actual trigger point is only about a half inch across, using a strip about two inches long helps guarantee the lock/unlock functionality without having to worry about making precise contact. Of course, it's up to you to add the magnet to an actual case, but that's nothing that a little mailing envelope and duct tape ingenuity can't mock up in a few minutes. You can watch a video demonstration after the break. TUAW reminds you that magnets plus electronic equipment normally do not mix. Use this how-to at your own risk.
iFixit tears down Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover
Tech bloggers love iFixit. The website always purchases and dismantles new devices as soon as they hit the market, primarily for the benefit of people who want to repair equipment or who are curious about the innards of the latest shiny toys. Analysts use their work to determine the manufacturing cost of consumer electronics by finding out what components are being used. The site did a full teardown of the iPad 2 on Friday, and they've followed up with a dissection of the iPad 2 Smart Cover. I'm using the term "dissection" since once you've cut open a Smart Cover, there's no way to reassemble the ingeniously-designed protective device. What did iFixit find? They used pieces of magnetic viewing film to discern the location of the magnets on both the iPad 2 and the Smart Cover. The 21 magnets on the Smart Cover not only work to align the cover to the iPad 2 in the correct configuration, but they also work with a special steel plate to hold the cover into the triangular shape used to prop up the iPad. One magnet has a special job; turning off the iPad 2 when the cover is closed. The powerful array of magnets in both the iPad 2 and the Smart Cover complement each other in both shape and polarity so that it's virtually impossible to put the cover on incorrectly. The iFixit analysts noted that they had problems keeping the magnets separated after removing them from the iPad 2 and Smart Cover. The Smart Cover teardown is a fascinating look into another example of Apple's design ingenuity at work.
iPad 2 review
To say Apple's iPad 2 is an easy tablet to review is somewhat of an understatement. The device, a follow up to last year's wildly successful (and currently market-defining) iPad, is nearly identical when it comes to software, and though improved, closely related on the hardware side as well. With a 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768 display, the general size and shape of the device has remained the same, and though inside there's a new dual core A5 CPU, more memory, and a pair of new cameras, most of the iPad 2's changes are cosmetic. Still, the previous tablet soared far above most of its competitors when it came to the quality of both the hardware (if not its raw specs) and its software selection -- something Apple still stands head and shoulders over its adversaries on. So this new model, a thinner, sleeker, faster variant of the original may not be breaking lots of new ground, but it's already at the front of the pack. But is the iPad 2 worth an upgrade for those that took the plunge on the first generation? More importantly, does the device have what it takes to bring new owners into the fold? Those questions -- and more -- are all about to be answered in the full Engadget review, so read on!%Gallery-118761%
iPad 2 gets a Smart Cover
We can't say we were expecting to be impressed by a case for the new iPad 2, but Apple's pulled something of a surprise out its hat with its new Smart Covers for the tablet. Available in multiple colors and in your choice of polyurethane or leather variants, the covers attach to the iPad with a self-aligning magnetic hinge and can also be folded into a triangle and used as a stand. What's more, they'll automatically wake or put your iPad to sleep when you open or close the cover, and they even pack a microfiber lining that cleans your screen each time you flip it open. As Steve Jobs explained, Apple designed the covers right alongside the iPad itself and, as he pointed out in true sound bite fashion, "it's not a case -- it's a cover." Look for the poly covers to set you back $39, while the leather ones will run $69 apiece -- video is after the break. %Gallery-118172%
Apple patents "Smart Covers" for devices
Apple has patented a new kind of cover or skin for devices like the iPhone and iPad. The "smart covers" deliver a paradigm shift for electronic device covers, according to the patent. Apple notes that traditional skins and covers only provide protection from dents and scratches. A smart device cover would add at least one electronic function to traditional skins, allowing not only protection of the device, but augmentation of the devices capabilities. Force sensors, solar grids, lighting effects, illuminated bezels, and even video conferencing are among the myriad uses the patent discusses for various smart covers. Additionally the patent discusses adding a physical keyboard and game pad smart cover to touch screen devices. As always, just because Apple patents a device doesn't mean it will ever see the light of day. One is also left to wonder about the practicality of some of the skins (like a keyboard cover) that would obstruct part of the screen. [via 9to5]