Tuesday, April 6, 2010

TheAppleBlog (6 сообщений)

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  • How to Sync Multiple Calendars to the iPad With Google Sync

    Yes, we’ve covered Apple’s iPad quite a bit this week. While there are other happenings in the mobile tech world, this was a big one — besides, I haven’t blogged much about it just yet. Oh, I will — I’ve been spending time with the device in bits and pieces over this holiday weekend — but I wanted to let the dust settle in terms of coverage. However, there’s one tidbit I wanted to share now, simply because it solves a problem for Google Calendar users that want to sync events with their iPad using Google Sync.

    The problem is — using a Microsoft Exchange setup for Google accounts currently works for one single calendar on the iPad. I can’t have that, so I scoured the web for a workaround, found one in a MacRumors forum, and used it successfully. Here’s the method to use until Google addresses the issue for Apple’s iPad — you’ll need to use the Safari browser, although this might work with user agent string spoofing on other browsers too:

    • Open Safari and then view its Preferences pane.
    • In Preferences, go to the Advanced tab and check “Show Develop menu in menu bar.” If you already have this checked, you can skip this step. Close the Preferences.
    • In the Safari menu bar, you should now see a Develop menu option. Select it, choose the User Agent option and pick “Mobile Safari 3.1.3 — iPhone” This tells web sites that you’re using the iPhone’s browser. You need to do this to open up the mobile site for the Google Sync service.
    • In Safari, browse to http://m.google.com/sync and sign in if needed. Normally you’d do this on your mobile device, but Google isn’t yet recognizing the iPad properly. If you try to configure Google Sync from the iPad, it will say “Sorry, Google Sync is not supported on this device.”
    • Now go to the Develop menu in Safari and choose to Disable JavaScript as shown by the check mark below.
    • Still in Safari, choose to manage your iPad. In my list, it’s the most recent device, but if you use Google Sync across multiple devices, it could appear anywhere in the list.
    • In the next window, you’ll see that Google says you can sync up to one calendar to your device. Ignore that message because the workaround now allows multiple calendar selections. For instance, I chose three primary calendars and three shared calendars, offering both work and family events in one single view. Once you’ve made your selections, click the Save button. That should do it, so don’t forget to undo the User Agent change and re-enable JavaScript in Safari. On the iPad, here’s what the result looks like less than a minute after I ran through these steps:

    I’m sure Google will address the one calendar limitation with Google Sync, but until they do, you can easily work around the issue in just a few minutes. Hopefully that helps — and now I’m off for some more iPad playtime so I can share all my thoughts soon.

    Related iPad Content from GigaOM Pro (sub req'd)


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  • iPhone OS 4 Event Announced

    Less than a week after the iPad launch, Apple has sent out media invitations for a “sneak peek of the next generation of iPhone OS software.” The event will take place this Thursday, April 8, at 10:00 Pacific Time at the Town Hall on Apple’s Cupertino campus.

    As usual, no additional details, though the wording of the invitation apparently means that Apple will continue to use the “iPhone” moniker for an operating system used by the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Besides that, it’s all speculation, so let’s begin!

    Conventional rumor wisdom strongly favors multi-tasking being added to iPhone OS 4. The sense is that multi-tasking will be done via some kid of Exposé-like interface, at least on the iPad. On the handheld devices, that’s hard to visualize. It’s also hard to imagine unfettered multi-tasking on older iPhone OS devices. The original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and the first and second generation iPod touch only have 128MB RAM on board, compared to 256MB RAM for the iPhone 3GS, third generation iPod touch, and the iPad.

    Beyond that, there have been rumors of multi-touch gestures, as well as a unified inbox for Mail but there’s also a less-reported issue of price. MacRumors recently dug into the iPhone OS SDK, finding terms stating Apple promises to provide free updates “up to and including the next major iPad OS software release following the version of iPad OS software that originally shipped from Apple on your iPad.” Because of new accounting rules, Apple may very well no longer provide free updates to iPhone and iPad users, while continuing to charge iPod touch users for OS updates. Honestly, that wouldn’t be a big surprise from Apple.

    The biggest surprise likely won’t be answered Thursday at all and concerns the specs for the next iPhone, which may be implied in the name. The iPhone HD has been the rumored favorite, suggesting a big increase in display resolution, perhaps more than doubling the current 320 by 480. That would simplify development going forward with the iPad, but it’s hard to imagine Apple letting that surprise out before the launch of the next iPhone, expected this summer.

    TheAppleBlog will, of course, be providing coverage of all the day’s surprises and not-surprises, so be sure to check here.


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  • I Took It Off and I Feel Fine

    I’ve been reading all the reports, like this one from our own Darrell Etherington, about how Apple is removing film-based screen protectors from its stores. Multiple accounts suggest that this is for one or both of two key reasons: First, the mere presence of them in the store suggests somehow that the iPhone needs them when in fact it doesn’t; and second, the liability to Apple of imperfect applications is simply too great to ignore.

    I’ve got both a case and screen protector on my iPhone 3GS, and I used cases and screen protectors for the original iPhone and iPhone 3G as well. Upon reading these reports, I did the same thing that any cautious and deliberate person would do. I threw caution to the wind and tore off the screen protector, which was in need of replacement anyway.

    Despite my hesitation, I have to say that I prefer my iPhone without a screen protector. Images are more clear, the user interface responds to touch controls much better, and the screen is really easy to keep clean with a quick wipe on my t-shirt or another clean soft cloth (as long as I’m not eating chips while using the iPhone). I also realized that I long ago set the brightness of my iPhone really low to conserve battery power. I used to travel much more than I do now, and often found myself needing to conserve my battery for necessary phone calls and email. Now I’m always closer to a power source for a recharge, and a friend gifted me a Mophie Juice Pack not too long ago for times when I’m off the grid.

    I haven’t gone completely native, though. I kept the case. I’ll have to do some digging to remember which one it is, but it’s a very low-profile, hard shell case that simply and easily snaps on without adding any significant weight or bulk. I keep my iPhone in the same pocket as my keys, and I really want to preserve the back for resell value. Without the case, I’d be afraid that it would be scratched too much. The case also has a slightly more matte, tactile feel that still slides in and out of my pocket easily but doesn’t slide across the table or get slippery with sweaty palms (I know, I know).

    If you’re using a screen protector, you might want to do what I did and take it off. It’s almost like getting a brand-new iPhone.

    Image courtesy of Flickr user williamhook


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  • 10 iPad Apps You Should Buy Right Now

    So, you got your shiny new iPad on Saturday and you’ve done all the basic stuff on it: web browsing, email, video. But now that the awesomeness of that has worn off, it’s time to get some new apps. Here are the ones you should buy first.

    Netflix

    Imagine holding the entire Netflix instant watch database in your hands. This is it. The app is free, but you’ll need a Netflix subscription if you don’t already have one.

    IMDb

    IMDb is an iPad-friendly version of the Internet Movie Database. So, while you’re watching movies with Netflix, you can settle arguments about them with this. Free.

    ABC Player

    A perfectly optimized version of ABC’s website, so you can watch the iPad on Modern Family with an actual iPad. (Ironically, ABC currently has a Flash banner on its website advertising this app.)

    StumbleUpon

    The popular browser-based content discovery extension has its first foray into the mobile app market. Free.

    NetNewsWire

    Because every device needs an RSS reader. This one is a port of the popular Mac RSS reader of the same name. Syncs across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad via Google Reader. $9.99.

    Tweetdeck

    Much like the desktop version, with its multi-column interface. Supports as many accounts as you want, has geo-location and a dedicated map interface built-in, and it syncs between the iPhone and desktop clients. Free.

    NPR

    The interface is a clean, magazine-like representation of NPR’s content, and unlike other news apps that are charging ridiculous monthly subscription fees (ahem, Wall Street Journal), it’s free. You can also listen to audio while you’re reading.

    Scrabble

    The classic board game is even more fun on a bigger screen. And, if you’ve got a spare iPhone or iPod touch, you can use them as trays for your letters with the free Scrabble Tile Rack app. Seriously. $9.99.

    Plants V. Zombies HD

    One of the most popular tower-defense games on the iPhone, optimized for the iPad, though it’s not really HD. $9.99.

    Civilization Revolution

    Adapted from the iPhone app and optimized for the iPad. If you’re familiar with Sid Meier’s Civilization series, or just like conquering stuff, then this app should be a revelation of how a touchscreen can bring old gaming mechanisms to life. $12.99.

    Related iPad Content from GigaOM Pro (subscription required)


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  • Day One: 300,000 iPads Sold

    Apple has announced that on Saturday more than 300,000 iPads were sold, including pre-orders, deliveries to channel partners, and sales at Apple Retail Stores. Steve Jobs, no doubt from his iPad, was ebullient.

    “It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world—it's going to be a game changer. iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad."

    Regarding those applications and books, iPad users downloaded more than a million apps and 250,000 e-books from Apple’s iBookstore, but it’s the iPad numbers that matter. While the iPad had a solid first day of sales, the numbers weren’t exactly “magical.”

    Just yesterday, sites like Apple 2.0 were reporting estimates by financial analysts like Gene Munster of between 600,000 and 700,000 iPad sales over the weekend. Given first day sales, and considering Best Buy was closed on Sunday, as well as some Apple Stores, that seems highly unlikely now.

     Without knowing Sunday’s likely drastically reduced sales, an exact count for the launch weekend can’t be had, but 300,000 is the number that Apple wants the focus to be on. The original iPhone sold 270,000 units during its first weekend. While it’s true both iPhone 3G and 3GS sold more than a million units on launch, both launches were international. So the iPad outsold the iPhone on launch day, but who bought those iPads may prove more interesting.

    Again via Apple 2.0, of the 448 iPad buyers surveyed by Piper Jaffray, some 74 percent were Mac users. As Mac users represent only a tenth of the personal computer users in the U.S., that could be problematic. However, a much bigger problem exists for Amazon, with 13 percent of respondents owning Kindles already and buying iPads. Perhaps the iPad will become the multi-purpose device for content consumption, eliminating single-purpose devices like the Kindle. That would definitely help overcome any “PC gap” the iPad might face and measurably boost future sales.

    But today, Apple has sold more than 300,000 iPads, more than the original iPhone, and even more could have been sold had the 3G iPad been available. And yet, despite outselling the iPhone, there just isn’t the same sense of “game changer” that the came inside the box with the iPhone.

    Related iPad Content from GigaOM Pro (subscription required)


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  • iPad: Our First Impressions

    The iPad has been out here in the U.S. for 48 hours and many us here at TheAppleBlog have been using ours obsessively in that time. Here are our first impressions.

    David Klein

    Waited outside in the cold for 15 hours. Store opened at 9AM. Had it at 9:08. Interviewed by a variety of local reporters and Molly Wood on CBS. The iPad is heavier than I expected. Very smooth transitions. Apps designed specifically for the iPad are beautiful. Apps that haven't been adapted for the iPad are ugly in full screen mode. Typing with two fingers is fast. Typing with ten fingers seems impossible so far. I can't wait to try all the new apps, but for now I must sleep.

    David Greenbaum

    Apps are significantly faster, virtually instant on the iPad. I'd appreciate a faster bootup time, though. The sound is incredible and unexpectedly brilliant. Netflix streaming and LogMeIn are killer apps for this device. I also like Gmail's new iPad web interface for email. The smudges on the screen are frustrating me, though. I'll wait for screen protectors, though as we know you won't find those at the Apple store. The most annoying aspect of the iPad is the inability to easily share it with others. Unlike a MacBook or a netbook, I can't login with my own settings. Sharing it with the spouse is proving to be a problem and I'm sure not going to buy two! I'm using the Facebook App while anyone else that uses it has to use the web interface. For other things like twitter, we are using different clients.

    Weldon Dodd

    The iPad just might deserve the "magical" moniker. This device is an absolute joy to hold and use. It feels very responsive and quite fast compared to an iPhone. I fired up the Netflix app and started a movie, launched the ABC Player app and watched a show and I felt like I was visiting the future. Can't wait for Hulu. I think Apple got the screen size just right and the orientation lock was a better choice than the original mute switch. Native apps are wonderful, but iPhone apps on iPad are only so-so (especially true for games).

    I think the iPad will highlight the importance of good UX design in software. There is just enough room on the screen that well designed interfaces are going to shine on the iPad. It was possible to scoot by with a simple, list-based UI on the iPhone. That approach will not cut it here. The early efforts on native apps like Omnigraffle and Twitterrific for iPad (amazing to think that they were designed with only a simulator) show just how good native iPad software can be.

    Alex Layne

    The interface is incredibly responsive and video playback is immediate. The virtual keyboard is a lot better than I expected; typing is faster than on my iPod touch, especially in landscape mode. It's also heavier than I expected and my arms got a little tired in the five minutes that I played with it, but they weren't falling off. The hardware is sleek: Imagine taking the screen off a MacBook Pro and adding some thickness.

    Kevin Keheley

    First thoughts are this thing is heavy. It has some weight to it and takes a minute to figure out the best way to hold it. Second, it makes my iPhone look tiny after using the iPad for a while then move to the iPhone. Third, fast. The iPad screams with the speed. Snappy and loads things super quick. Fourth, my new favorite app, ABC Player. Great quality video and the speed is again fast. Fifth, non-iPad apps look like garbage. The look of these apps makes me not want not want to use them. iDisk and Gallery apps are great examples of how these iPhone apps do not look great on the iPad. It is a neat idea that Apple used to blow the size of the apps up to fit the iPad screen but I think that it makes the apps less appealing on the iPad.

    A few things I really like on the OS. When you plug in the iPad you get a pop up window on the lock screen that tells you the percent the battery is charged. Nifty little addition. The screen rotation switch is amazing. The speakers are not awful like I thought they would be. The last is the little flower icon on the lock screen, a nice touch to make the iPad a picture frame while it is docked and charging.

    Mark Crump

    The screen is never better than I had imagined. I have no problems withe the virtual keyboard and can even thumb type in landscape mode. It's very fast and responsive. The Zinio app is amazing. It's the virtual magazine reader I've always wanted. I'm less happy Apple is apparently censoring what Zinio can display in the device. I'm finding Pages to be harder to figure out than I expected. It seems not very Apple-ey, in that there is an extra step to complete a task. I'm also not thrilled you can't create your own templates, and moving files isn't intuitive. I'm also amazed it doesn't support iDisk.

    iPhone apps in 2x mode look like crap.

    So far all I have been doing has been content consumption. I'm looking forward to creating content this week.

    Josh Pigford

    As others have mentioned, my first impression was that the iPad felt a lot heavier than I expected. Sure, we all knew that it weighed in at 1.5 pounds but I know I didn’t have any sort of real idea of how it felt to hold a device with that weight. I still haven’t figured out a really good way to hold the device for reading.

    The device is blazing fast and all the iPad-specific apps I’ve tried have been beautiful. iPhone apps blown up on the iPad look awful. But those few issues aside, it’s just plain fun to use.


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