Twitter: From Text-Only to Multi-(Tweet)-Media?
Social media and technology website Mashable recently discovered a potential new feature for Twitter, the popular micro-blogging service. In an article entitled Twitter to Show Photos and Videos in the Stream, Mashable writer Ben Parr described a new option that he had stumbled across in his Twitter settings, tentatively called Tweet Media. In a screenshot from the article, the new setting had the following description:
“By default, you’ll only see images and videos shared by people you’re following, and reveal those by people you’re not. Check this box to see media from everyone on Twitter.”
Parr speculated that this potential new feature could signify a fundamental change in the Twitter experience for users. He later updated his article twice: initially to report that the new setting had been removed and then to include a statement from an anonymous source at Twitter, who stated:
“We’re constantly exploring features and settings. What you saw was a small test of a potential consumption setting for inline media. We show inline media on our own iPhone and Android apps.”
Dear Steve: What does Apple have against Puerto Rico?
On June 15, 2010, pre-orders for the iPhone 4 began in what can only be characterized in an underwhelming fashion. You may recall the pre-ordering drama that ensued when both the Apple and AT&T websites fell victim to millions of would-be iPhone 4 owners. Of course, all the kinks were worked out and within days the pre-order machine began to hum again. Though the problems were solved for citizens in the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska, they were only beginning for residents of the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico.
It is unclear how many Puerto Rico residents ordered their iPhone 4, via the Apple website. What is clear is that any ordered placed for shipment to Puerto Rico was cancelled. How do we know this? Well, yours truly was one of the victims. I personally know seven others who received the same treatment. (Note: The issue has also arisen now, with Apple’s iPhone Case Program. No shipping to Puerto Rico.) Yes, within days, I was among the many who Puerto Rico residents who began complaining of iPhone 4 orders being arbitrarily cancelled. Of course, I personally assumed there must have been a mistake. So, like any concerned consumer, I called Apple. They said they were sorry, but they didn’t ship to Puerto Rico. I explained that I understood that to normally be the case but that my order successfully processed, had been verified, and even updated. They still insisted that there was nothing that could be done. What follows is, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story….
Say hello to the Apple Magic Trackpad, 12 Core Mac Pro and LED Cinema Display
As the Apple Store online went down this morning with the familiar “We’ll be back soon” message, technophiles across the web prepared for the latest refresh of the Apple product lines. When it arose from the virtual ashes, we were met with an entirely new line of Macs, a cinematic display, and an overgrown trackpad. Let’s hit the trackpad first, since it is the only one of the three most people can afford to run out and purchase.
Called the Magic Trackpad, Apple’s latest gadget is a peripheral device that connects to a Macbook or iMac and provides users with a touch-swipe interface, from which they can manipulate their Mac’s actions. Liberally-sized and connectable via Bluetooth, the device will appeal to many who appreciate the touch-swipe functionality on their iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or Macbook and have longed for the same functionality in the desktop computing environment.
Did the Library of Congress just say jailbreaking the iPhone is legal?
Earlier this morning, the word began circulating that jailbreaking of the Apple iPhone will soon be a legal practice. Yes, you read that correctly…legal. According to an Associated Press story published earlier this morning, the U.S. Government, specifically the Library of Congress, triennially reviews approved exemptions and restrictions relating to copyright-protected material.
What this means is that the Library of Congress didn’t specifically say, “You may unlock and jailbreak your iPhone.” What they did do, though, is add some exemptions to DMCA Section 1201. This is the set of rules that governs approved exemptions for access-control technologies. Before your head starts to hurt from Government jargon, we’ll put it into plain English for you.
Operation Bar Boost: How to take advantage of the Apple iPhone 4 Case Program
It is now official. In the spirit of famous U.S. led rescue operations, like Operations Vittles, Baby Lift, and Unified Response, Apple is honoring their promise to rescue iPhone 4 owners with antenna issues. Current iPhone 4 owners can now visit Apple’s website for detailed information on how they can request their case. So, how is Apple ensuring that only people who actually own the device request them? As usual, there’s an app for that.
Yes, iPhone 4 owners who didn’t previously purchase a case can now download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the iTunes App Store, to request that a free one be shipped to them. Those who previously purchased one from Apple or AT&T can also request a refund for the purchase price, plus any applicable taxes and shipping. Overall, it is a pretty straight-forward process. Apple is obviously not going to make things any more difficult than they have so far. Even so, there are some rules to which owners will want to pay attention, in order to make sure they get their free case or their refund.
Tweetie creator hints at the next, great Twitter client
Though four months is the equivalent of four years in tech circles, you may recall that, in April of this year, Loren Brichter, the man behind Tweetie and Tweetie 2 for iPhone, sold his small, social media pie to become part of the big, social media pie known as Twitter. While opinions were divided on the fairness, morality, etc. of the acquisition, the free Twitter for iPhone client (which was pretty much a rebranded Tweetie 2) which was released nearly a month later, in May of this year, seemed to silence the critics. Why? The previously pay-for-download app ($1.99) dropped down to $0.
Right around the time of the Tweetie 2 acquisition, Twitter also officially released its Twitter for BlackBerry client. Though not quite as functional as its iPhone counterpart, the BlackBerry version has provided a polished Twitter client in a sea of not so great BlackBerry options. So, nearly four months later, is Twitter resting on its laurels and enjoying summer vacation? If comments tweeted by Brichter are any indication, it would appear that something new is forthcoming.
Apple’s Version 2.1 finally makes the MobileMe iDisk app useful
Apple afficionados who have annually forked over $99 for the convenience of MobileMe can breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, they’ll be getting a little more for their money’s worth. In newly released version 2.1, Apple has taken a leap in the right direction by adding some key functionality that was, previously, sorely lacking.
Of course, the update provides support for the recently released iPhone 4 and its multi-tasking goodness. The app is also universal now, meaning it will work and render properly on both the iPhone and iPad. Most importantly, though, the latest version gives paying customers what they’ve long hoped for…some real functionality.
Samsung Epic 4G features and specs announced
In an official press release dated June 28, 2010, Sprint has formally announced the official release of the Samsung Epic 4G. The device is the second Android-based offering from the company and is known as a “Galaxy S” smartphone that is designed to take advantage of the company’s 4G-enabled wireless network.
Essentially, it is a 4G-capable device that features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and super-bright, AMOLED touch-screen, and the much sought-after front-facing camera. According to Steve Elfman, president of Network Operations and Wholesale at Samsung, the Epic 4G “joins a portfolio of powerful devices offering an unprecedented simplicity and value” to customers. The obvious question is whether or not the features and specifications of the Epic 4G are enough to pose additional composition to Apple’s latest marvel of technology, the iPhone 4?
Kindle for iPhone and iPad update brings audio and video to readers
Yesterday, Amazon released an update to its Kindle app for iPhone and iPad that adds support for embedded media. Ironically, the app will now allow readers on the non-Amazon device to hear and see audio and video content included as part of the book.
According to Amazon, the first books to include the new feature are Rick Steves’ London by Rick Steves and Together We Cannot Fail by Terry Golway. Of course an app update wouldn’t be complete without some iPhone 4 related changes.
iPhone 4 vs iPhone 3GS: A comparison of features normal users care about
Yesterday, the iPhone 4 officially hit the streets. Those who were lucky enough to get their pre-orders in on June 15, 2010 feverishly tore open boxes, activated SIMs and played happily, like 7-year olds on Christmas morning. We’ve all heard about the improved technical specifications and additional features, from tech sites around the web. For that matter, we’ve heard about them ad nauseam. There is (at least) one big question left.
The big question is whether or not the improvements are any more than words on paper. Are there any real differences that a normal user can see and use to their advantage? Here at GSL, we were lucky enough to get our hands on one and take it for a test drive. The normal user is exactly who we kept in mind while examining a few features that are part of everyday iPhone usage. What’s the verdict? Will the iPhone 4 take us in a better direction than the iPhone 3GS? We’ll lay it all out, and you can decide for yourself.
