Archives for March, 2011

iOS 4.3

Apple has released the iOS 4.3 update for iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. It brings improvements to AirPlay, support for using an iPhone as a wi-fi hot spot to share your cellular carrier’s data network, iTunes Home Sharing support and faster Safari web browser among other improvements.

iTunes Update with a Potential Glitch

In anticipation of iOS 4.3’s release Apple also released a iTunes 10.2.1 which is required to install and use iOS 4.3. It is available via Software Update.

A suggestion before applying the iTunes update: Quit iTunes if it is current running.

I just upgraded my iMac to iTunes 10.2.1 and in the process ran into an odd glitch with it’s installer.

iTunes was running when the installation started so it displayed an alert requesting that I Quit it with a helpful “Quit Installer” button to dismiss the alert. After Quitting iTunes I discovered that the alert button did not work, the alert was stuck on the screen and the installation process was stuck partway completed, not an ideal time to simply force-quit the installer app.

I managed to get out of it with a bit of techie prodding (I found the Alert process and killed it from the Terminal and the installation completed), but I’m re-installing anyway to make sure it’s correct. But save yourself some potential grief by quitting iTunes before you run Software Update.

And Apple TV 2 Gets a 4.2 Update

Apple TV 2 owners should also check the Update Software item in the General Settings section as there is an update to Apple TV 2 version 4.2 available. In addition to presumed updated support for AirPlay it also brings welcome subscription options for Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association games. NOTE: These are premium paid services.

Topic

The iPad 2

When

Friday, March 11, 2011, 7:30pm – 10:00pm

Who

Steve Jordan

Where

Room M129, Building M, ACCC Mays Landing Campus

Thinner. Lighter. Faster. That’s how Apple describes the new iPad 2. Join us as we watch and discuss the video of Steve Jobs unveiling the latest in post-PC hardware.

• Apple iPad Guided Tours

Presentation topics may change so be sure to verify on the day of the meeting. Got questions you’d like to have answered? Feel free to post them as comments before the meeting so the presenters have a chance to prepare.

The iPad 2

Apple’s second generation iPad features:

• All new design.
• New dual-core A5 processor just as power efficient as the previous A4.
• Up to 9 times the graphics performance of the iPad 1.
• Front and rear facing video cameras.
• 33% thinner with the same battery life!
• White and black models (and the white model will actually be available right away.)
• Models that work with both AT&T and Verizon wireless.
• Same pricing as the iPad 1 ($499 wi-fi 16GB, $629 wi-fi + 3G 16GB, etc.)
• Screen resolution is still 1024 x 768.
• Shipping March 11th, 1011

Also now supports 1080p HDMI video out and full video MIRRORING so you can project everything you see on the iPad screen!

The original iPad case is replaced by a new magnetically attached cover that sleeps and wakes the iPad when it’s closed and opened. Comes in leather and poly and in multiple colors.

Also FYI: Apple has reduced the price of the original wi-fi only iPad 1 from $499 to $399.

Announcing iOS 4.3

• Much faster Safari web browser.
• iTunes Home Sharing to get at iTunes content on your Macs.
• Option to use iPad switch for Mute or Orientation Lock.
• Personal Hotspot to share your 3G over Wi-Fi (iPhone 4 only.)
• Photo Booth and FaceTime come to the iPad.
• Available March 11th, 2011 as a free update.

More iOS Apps Available in the App Store

Apple is bringing iMovie and GarageBand to the iOS App Store on March 11th, each for $4.99.

For More Information

• Apple: iPad 2 information and video
• ars technica: iPad 2 – faster, thinner, lighter; same battery, display resolution
• ars technica: Liveblog – Apple’s March 2 iPad event
• engadget: iPad 2 First Hands On
• engadget: iPad 2 vs. original iPad: what’s changed?
• engadget: Live from Apple’s iPad 2 event

Watch the iPad 2 Event Video

Apple has posted QuickTime video of the iPad 2 announcement event featuring Steve Jobs himself:

• Apple Special Event – March 2, 2011