Use your iPhone headset as a camera cable release

 

Professional photographers know that to take the best photos with the least amount of camera shake, they need to use a tripod mount and a cable release. That combination takes the movement of your body out of the equation when you're shooting photos. Now Cycomachead over at the Macworld Mac OS X Hints forum has figured out that every iPhone running iOS 5 comes with a cable release -- the headset.

You know how Apple added the ability in iOS 5 to use the volume up button (that plus sign you see in the photo above) on your iPhone as a shutter button for the Camera app? It works with the headset as well -- just plug in the headset, bring up the Camera app (or third-party Camera+ app), and when you squeeze the volume up button on the headset, you'll take a photo.

Cycomachead also notes that he can take bursts of photos more easily with the "cable release," and that some Bluetooth headsets can also be paired and used as wireless remotes for taking photos.

For iPhoneographers, using something like a Glif to hold the iPhone steady on a tripod and then using the headset as a cable release can result in some very steady shots. If TUAW readers are able to get their Bluetooth headsets to work for wireless shooting, please let us know what model headset you're using in the comments.

 

 

Use your iPhone headset as a camera cable release originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST.

Easily Access Your Camera Roll While Taking Photos In The Camera App [iOS Tips]

 

The other day a friend and I were discussing the merits of the iPhone 4S camera and the new software features in iOS 5. He was grumbling about not being able to see his camera roll after taking some snapshots. His complaint was that he had to switch between apps and leave the Camera app to go to the Photos app just to see the photos he just took. I explained to him that he didn’t have to launch that app to see his photos. Today I’ll show you how.

If you are in the middle of an important photo shoot of your significant other or some other equally important subject, it might be nice to check how your photos are coming out. You can check your photos without leaving the Camera app by swiping from left to right. This will make your camera roll appear. As you continue to flip from left to right you’ll see more photos in your Camera Roll.

If you need to return to shooting photos, tap once to show the onscreen image controls, and hit the camera icon to return to that all-important photo shoot.

 

 

"

 

(Via Cult of Mac.)

iOS 5.1 roundup: new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV references, minor tweaks

 

Image via AppAdvice

Yesterday was iOS 5.1 day, and we broke the news on everything relating to the beta release. End users won’t find any new features in the operating system, but the release was gold for those interested in the future of iOS hardware. Here’s our roundup of the new devices found in iOS 5.1:

-The sixth-generation iPhone:

Located deep inside the iOS 5.1 file system is a reference to an iPhone 5,1. As explained yesterday, a 5,1 identifier is significant as it means this next-generation iPhone will pack in a new processor. The A6 in all likelihood.

-The iPad 3 and a new iPad 2:

-Located in the file system is a reference to a third iPad 3 model, perhaps a carrier variation, known as iPad 3,3. Even more interesting is an iPad 2,4 reference: an updated iPad 2 that is either a carrier variation, a GSM+CDMA dual-mode device, a Sprint iPad 2, or something completely new.

-The next Apple TV:

-We were able to find the J33 codename for the Apple TV 3,1 in addition to references calling for this new Apple TV to carry Bluetooth 4.0/Smart capabilities.

New user features:

There is hardly anything noticeable save for iTunes Match streaming over 3G and extremely minor keyboard enhancement in the iOS Mail application. Apple is also more open about geo-fencing (such as in Reminders.app) in the location services preferences .

"

 

(Via 9 to 5 Mac.)

Safari 5.1.2 Update Improves Stability and Memory Problems

 

Safari 5.1.2 has been released, and if it sounds like just another minor update to put off, it’s not, it improves overall stability and resolves some of the annoying memory management issues that existed in the prior versions of the browser. Also fixed is the flashing page issue, and a problem with displaying PDF’s within web pages.

You can update through Software Update or download Safari 5.1.2 directly from Apple.

Installing Safari 5.1.2 requires a reboot, and is available for Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2 and Snow Leopard 10.6.8.

"

 

(Via OS X Daily.)

Samsung Tastes Victory In Australia As Court Lifts Galaxy Tab Ban, But Apple Isn’t Happy

 

An Australian court has lifted the ban placed on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 allowing the Korean company to sell its Android-powered iPad rival down under. However, it had better start shifting them quick, because Apple is preparing to appeal the decision to the High Court.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports:

The full bench of the Federal Court – Justices John Dowsett, Lindsay Foster and David Yates – today unanimously reversed a Federal Court judge’s ruling last month that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 be banned from sale in Australia.

“Samsung will be permitted to launch the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia provided it keeps accounts of all transactions involving that device in Australia,” the judges wrote in their judgment.

Despite the decision, Apple successfully had the ban extended until Friday at 4 PM, while the Cupertino company prepares its appeal to the High Court. By Friday night, however, Australians will finally be able to purchase Samsung’s flagship tablet in retail stores.

[via MacRumors]

 

"

 

(Via Cult of Mac.)

Microsoft enables Android and iOS users to experience Windows Phone 7... via the web

 

Still tempted by the fruit of another? If you're looking Microsoft's way, but aren't quite ready to toss your adoration for iOS or Android aside, the coders in Redmond are giving you an alternative to quitting cold turkey. By visiting http://aka.ms/wpdemo on one's iOS or Android browser, you'll be immediately tunneled into a emulation of Windows Phone 7. It's a solid effort that'll definitely serve you well if you're considering the switch. Just don't try to flip the demo horizontally -- that's clearly a no-no.

(Via Engadget.)

iPod: What A Difference A Decade Makes [Image Cache]

 

Sometimes an image just speaks for itself.

[via Flickr]

"

 

(Via Cult of Mac.)

Apple Was The Fifth Most-Visited Retailer On Black Friday [Report]

 

In case Apple needed more of a pat on the back, comScore has reported that the company was the fifth most-visited retailer on Black Friday. Apple is the only individual product brand to make it so high on the list.

Sitting behind the likes of Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Amazon, Apple’s success on Black Friday is unprecedented.

comScore reports:

“Each of the top online retailers generated significantly greater Black Friday activity compared to last year,” added Mr. Fulgoni. “Amazon.com once again led the pack, with 50 percent more visitors than any other retailer, while also showing the highest growth rate versus last year. However, it is telling that the top multi-channel retailers also showed strong growth in visitors, demonstrating the importance of the online channel to the retail industry as a whole.”

In a statement to AllThingsD, an analyst from comScore noted that this is the first time Apple has been in the top five retailers for Black Friday:

“Apple has not historically been in the top five — in fact, this is the first time I can remember,” said Andrew Lipsman, an analyst at comScore, who added that Apple was “nipping at Target’s heels,” registering only a few percentage points lower in overall traffic.

comScore bases its figures on Apple’s online and physical store presence. Calculated sales include digital downloads, such as apps and music.

"

 

(Via Cult of Mac.)

Apple begins seeding iOS 5.1 beta and Xcode 4.3 to developers

 

It has begun! Apple has just seeded iOS 5.1 to developers. In addition, they have released Xcode 4.3 beta to developers, which is required for testing purposes. Apparently, this update is packed full of crucial stuff.

iOS SDK 5.1 provides support for developing iOS applications and includes the complete set of Xcode tools, compilers, and frameworks for creating applications for iOS and Mac OS X. These tools include the Xcode IDE and the Instruments analysis tool among many others.

With this software you can develop applications that run on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 5.1. You can also test your applications using the included iOS Simulator, which supports iOS 5.1. There are two Xcode iOS SDK 5.1 images, one for installing on a Macintosh computer running Mac OS X 10.6.7 (Snow Leopard) or later, the other for installing on a Macintosh computer running Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion).

This version of iOS is intended only for installation on devices registered with Apple’s developer program. Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state.

"

 

(Via Macgasm.)

What’s smaller than Apple? A lot of things it seems

 

Have you wondered how big Apple, the company, really is? I, too, have pondered the question from time to time. In fact, I did some research in the past, but didn’t get far. However, Visual.ly, a data visualization agency curated information until they had enough data to make a lovely infographic that points out some interesting facts. For example, did you know that Apple, Inc. is bigger than the entire U.S. pharmaceutical market? Not to mention the global sports market? Makes you wonder, what’s bigger than Apple?

 

"

 

(Via Macgasm.)

Apple's founding documents go up for auction, estimated to bring in $150k

 

Sure, your OG iPhone may look like a relic from Apple's past, but for a true bite of old skool memorabilia you may want to consider bidding on the company's original founding documents signed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The three-page treasure, which established the Apple Computer Company way back in 1976 won't come cheap, though, as they're expected to go for a cool $100,000 to $150,000. Besides the starting papers, Sotheby's New York is throwing in Ronald Wayne's Statement of Withdrawal as part of the package, a document that gives up his ten percent stake in the biz -- what some may call a $2.6 billion dollar mistake. Check out the source for more auction details.

Apple's founding documents go up for auction, estimated to bring in $150k originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:18:00 EDT.

Disable Inertia Scrolling in Mac OS X Lion

 

Flick down with two fingers on a trackpad or Magic Mouse in Mac OS X Lion and you’ll experience inertial scrolling, where after your finger has stopped moving the page continues to scroll in the intended direction until it slowly stops. This fluid and natural scrolling experience comes from the iOS world, and while it works quite well on the desktop, it’s not for everyone.

• Open System Preferences from the  Apple menu
• Click on “Universal Access” and then click on “Mouse & Trackpad”
• Near the bottom, click on “Trackpad Options” button
• Next to the “Scrolling” checkbox, click so that “without inertia” is set then click “OK” and close out of System Preferences

Intertial scrolling is now off. Try to scroll now, and even if you flick your fingers the scrolling will end immediately when you lifted them from the trackpad, just like it’s 2005 again.

Note that in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, intertial scrolling was called “scrolling with momentum” instead, and the option was contained within the standard Trackpad & Mouse preference panel."

 

(Via OS X Daily.)

Read & Download all the Skyrim Books for iPad, iPhone, Mac, or Kindle

 

Skyrim is one of those games that is so massive with so many individual elements that it could take forever to try and cover everything. Included all over the game is a massive collections of books that fill in elements of lore, backstory, information on quests and characters, you name it, but who has time to read all of that while you’re playing a game?

Now you can read your Skyrim books outside of gameplay, because some guy discovered the all the in-game books are stored as plaintext format, which have been translated into easy to download ePub and Mobi formats, ready to be viewed on the iPad, iPhone, Mac, Kindle, Nook, or whatever other reader you might use. If you want to view the .mobi on a Mac or iPad, you’ll need to download the free Kindle app from the App Store.

• Books of Skyrim – MOBI format
• Books of Skyrim – EPUB format

Whether you’re playing Skyrim on a Mac in bootcamp or just sitting on the couch with an Xbox 360 controller, this should be a welcome addition to the nerdfest.

Heads up to CultofMac for the find.

"

 

(Via OS X Daily.)

Apple founder contract could fetch $150,000 at auction

 

If you’ve read the Steve Jobs biography recently, you’re already aware of the Apple Founder story. Three signatures appeared on a contact that established Apple Computer Company: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. It was signed on April 1, 1976, and Apple Computers was officially a company with three co-founders. That contract is now going to auction at Sotheby’s and could fetch as much as $150,000.

From Bloomberg:

“This is a foundation document in terms of financial history, social history and technological history,” said Richard Austin, the head of books and manuscripts at Sotheby’s in New York.

Sotheby’s expects that the contract will grab between $100,000 and $150,000 dollars. Something tells us that Jobs and Co. would never have predicted that the paper they signed would eventually fetch that kind of money.

Anyway, we won’t spoil any more of the founder story, just in case you haven’t read the book yet. But, this is the perfect opportunity to recommend picking up the book and giving it a read. It’s pretty great.

 

"

 

(Via Macgasm.)

Apple releases "Share the Fun" iPod touch ad

 

Apple released a new commercial that debuted right before the Thanksgiving holiday break. The ad showcases the iPod touch and all the fun you can have when you share photos, messages and more with your iPod-owning friends. It's obviously targeting younger people who don't have an iPhone and prefer the iPod touch because it doesn't come with a monthly cellular bill. This ad is a timely reminder of the capabilities of the iPod touch. iPod touch sales are declining, and the device could use a holiday shopping boost.

 

(Via TUAW -- The Unofficial Apple Weblog.)

iPhone 4S propels Apple back to growth in U.K. smartphones

 

Apple won an impressive 42.8 percent of all U.K. smartphone sales in October, based largely on the introduction of the iPhone 4S. It’s the first time since November of 2010 that Apple saw its share of the U.K. smartphone market grow, and the iPhone easily topped Android devices, which grabbed 35 percent of sales for the month.

The sales stats, gathered by research firm Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, are perhaps most impressive because Apple really only started selling its latest iPhone halfway through the month, on Oct. 14. Apple’s big month helped it grow its market share 2.8 percent versus the previous year in the quarter leading up to the end of October, climbing to 27.8 percent mostly at the expense of Android, which was down from 49.9 to 46 percent. That helped Apple climb to a second place spot among U.K. smartphone platforms, with RIM falling to third place with a drop of 1.3 percentage points to 19.6 percent share.

Apple’s sales were mostly from inside its own camp, however, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech points out. Amazingly, 75 percent of those who purchased a new 4S in October had previously owned an iPhone device, and 14 percent were upgrading from the iPhone 4, which means that a good percentage of them were probably buying out contracts early to get the device.

While it’s good for Apple that people who use their devices like them enough to return to the iPhone time and time again, the high rate of return customers could mean that we’ll quickly see Apple’s October gains give way to Android successes on the back of devices like the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphone packing Ice Cream Sandwich. Then again, Apple also now has a free entry-level iPhone as well as a cheaper mid-range option, so the 4S’s success may stand a better chance of being buttressed by those other options in the longer-term.

Apple’s iPhone likely isn’t done posting big sales, especially since it’s high on people’s lists in terms of ideal gifts for the holidays, but it’ll have more competition in the coming months. It’ll be interesting to see whether Apple can continue gaining back share in the face of the Android juggernaut, or whether this spike is just a one-time blip on the radar.

"

 

(Via TheAppleBlog – Apple and iOS News, Tips and Reviews.)

Report: MacBook Air refresh in early 2012, 15-inch model coming

Asian trade publication DigiTimes reported this morning that Apple is readying a MacBook Air refresh and looking to expand its ultra-thin notebook family with a brand new machine. Sometime during the first quarter of next year, according to sources from the upstream supply chain, the company will update existing 11.6- and 13.3-inch models and put out a new 15-inch model we’ve been hearing about before:

The sources noted that related upstream players have already started pilot production of the MacBook Air models and will add a 15-inch model into the product line to expand its reach in the ultra-thin notebook market.

Another interesting bit of the DigiTimes story is that Apple is expected to lower prices of the current lineup ahead of the refresh. The update should include a new Ivy Bridge processors that consume less power while providing a speed boost in the CPU and GPU department (also expected in the next MacBook Pro refresh).

As 9to5Mac explained, Apple wanted to release a 15-inch MacBook Air model in late 2010, but production and engineering issues with the hinge had forced them to scrap those plans. According to our sources, prototypes of the machine with its weak hinges are still floating around the Cupertino campus, with sources explaining that employees have maintained “an unhealthy amount of affection” for these products.

"

 

(Via 9 to 5 Mac.)

Study: Apple’s walled garden keeps users in, 84% plan to stick with iOS

 

As of last week Gartner was reporting Android doubled its market share to 52.5 percent in Q3, while Apple recorded a decline from the year previous at 15 percent in the face of a delayed iPhone 4S. Despite that, a report from research firm GfK (via Reuters) claims iPhone owners are much more likely to display OS loyalty by picking up another iPhone when upgrading their handset.

Specifically, 84 percent of iPhone users included in the research said they would be upgrading to another iPhone, in contrast to just 60 percent of Android users who plan on purchasing another Android device. RIM was of course behind both with 48% of users planning on sticking with a Blackberry.

“The scope for brands to lure customers from rivals has diminished and the richest rewards will go to those providers that can create the most harmonious user experience and develop this brand loyalty” -GfK

So why don’t they want to switch? 33% of consumers included in the research cite not wanting to change the apps and features associated with their device. 29% of respondents didn’t want to learn how to use another device, while 28% didn’t want to transition their content from one device to another…

 

While noting that 19% of consumers who own both an iPhone and iPad find it harder to switch smartphone platforms than bank accounts, GfK claims their research finds users are “less likely to switch brands the more applications and services they use on the device”. Apple’s vast App Store ecosystem of over 500,000 apps and tightly integrated services are certainly contributing to their ability to create brand loyalty among consumers. As of Apple’s Q4 earnings call, the company annoucned 18 billion App Store downloads, 180 million iBookstore downloads, and 16 billion songs downloaded from iTunes.

The results are even more telling when it comes to users who more than one device using the same OS. For example, GfK found 72% of smartphone users think they should be able to access all of their content seamlessly on all of their internet connected devices– tablets, smartphones, and TVs. The number increased to 80% for users that owned a tablet as well. The report explains:

As smartphones become more advanced, creating a smooth and high quality user experience is a complex task, but despite this, 71% of smartphone customers believe the services and features on their devices work seamlessly with each other. The more services a consumer uses on a device, the more tightly integrated they feel the features and functions are, indicating that well executed service and hardware integration are having a positive effect on consumer loyalty.

"

 

(Via 9 to 5 Mac.)

Designed in California, Made in Brazil: First Brazilian built iPhones apparently floating into the hands of customers

 

We already knew that Apple has been trying to get iPhone 4s made in Foxconn’s new Brazil plant, but we have to see any iPhones with “Designed by Apple in California, Made in Brazil” engravings on the back in the hands of customers. Now, thanks to Brazilian website MacMagazine, we may have our first look at such a device. While obviously unconfirmed, the publication says that a reader has gotten their hands on an 8GB white iPhone 4 with “Brazilian Industry” written on the back instead of “Made in China.” The labeling, of course, is written in Portuguese. Additionally, the model number labeling includes a “BR” for Brazil at the end of the scheme (image after the break). On a final note, the site says Brazilians should expect to be able to pick up their own 8GB iPhone 4 on December 2nd. Have you spotted your own Brazilian-made iPhone?

 

More images at MacMagazine.

"

 

(Via 9 to 5 Mac.)

New iPod Touch Commercial: “Share The Fun”

 

Apple has started to air a new iPod Touch commercial titled “Share The Fun”, the commercial features both the 4th gen white and black iPod touches being used to play games on Game Cnter, take pictures, tweet, use FaceTime, and a variety of other fun activities.

This one is much more similar to the fun and upbeat iPod and iPod touch commercials from the past with a playful feel to it, compared to the more serious iPad 2 commercials and the new Siri iPhone 4S commercials that focus on the real life uses of the device.

If you’re wondering what the song is in the newest commercial, it’s Tongue Tied by GROUPLOVE.

"

 

(Via OS X Daily.)

Employees at Apple’s keyboard supplier strike due to poor working conditions

 

Despite Apple vowing to audit fifteen of their suppliers following accusations of pollution from Chinese NGOs, a report from China Labor Watch says 1,000 employees of a Jingmo Electronics Corporation factory in Shenzhen staged a strike earlier this week. The factory is owned by one of the world’s largest keyboard manufacturers, Jingyuan Computer Group, and happens to be an OEM for Apple, among others including LG and IBM. The Chinese Labor Watch organization is particularly urging Apple to take responsibility:

“China Labor Watch calls upon Apple, IBM and the other clients of this factory to assume responsibility for these workers’ dissatisfaction and work with the factory to improve the working conditions in the factory. We particularly urge Apple to take responsibility, as there are more than 300 workers working on the Apple keyboard assembly line.”

The workers decided to strike over management’s decision to enforce nightly overtime, adding a 6 p.m.- 12 p.m nightly shift to their regular hours of 7-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. That accounts for approximately 120 hours of overtime per month. They were also refused the right to work this overtime on the weekends, which would have required the company to pay workers double time under Chinese Labor Law. Chinese Labor Watch explains there were other concerns raised by employees as well:

 

“Apart from the overtime issue, the workers said that they also had other grievances with the factory. These include the high rate of workplace injuries (there have been nearly 20 recently), mass layoffs of older workers and the lack of any benefits. Apart from these more tangible hardships, factory managers often verbally abuse and bully the workers, causing them severe emotional distress.”

(via AFP)

"

 

(Via 9 to 5 Mac.)

Official Trailer For Infinity Blade II Features Stunning Visuals [Video]

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs5ddFlc5Tw

 

The highly anticipated sequel to Chair Entertainment’s Infinity Blade is launching on December 1st, and the official trailer has been made available with commentary from the game’s developers.

Infinity Blade II will feature 40 new locations, millions of new hit points, and stunning visuals for iOS devices that boast the A5 processor, like the iPhone 4S and iPad 2.

The trailer takes a closer look at the development of the new game’s visuals, and the developers discuss many of the graphical nuances that players will be able to experience when the title is launched in the App Store next week.

The makers of Infinity Blade first unveiled their sequel onstage at the last Apple media event. As one of the most console-like games available on the iOS platform, Infinity Blade is a staple title for the advancement of mobile gaming in general. We can’t wait to get our hands on this gem next month.

Also, the original Infinity Blade is on sale for $2.99 in the App Store for a limited time. Get it while it’s hot!

(via SlideToPlay)

"

 

(Via Cult of Mac.)

Steve Jobs gets an exhibit at the USPTO

 

Steve Jobs is currently being honored at an exhibit in Alexandria, Virginia, at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The exhibit consists of 30 giant iPhones displaying over 300 patent and trademarks that have been attributed to Jobs himself.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office:

This exhibit commemorates the far-reaching impact of Steve Jobs’ entrepreneurship and innovation on our daily lives,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos. “His patents and trademarks provide a striking example of the importance intellectual property plays in the global marketplace.”

Think Jobs sat around and only called the shots all day? Think again. He was constantly coming up with ideas of his own for Apple. Three hundred patents is nothing to balk at, and the exhibit illustrates just how passionate Jobs was about innovation and changing the world. Think different, indeed.

Photo Credit: MacRumors

"

 

(Via Macgasm.)