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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

You Won't Believe How Insane This Tiny New Detail in iOS 6 Is [Video]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5917967/you-wont-believe-how-insane-this-tiny-new-detail-in-ios-6-is

We've showed you the big guns of Apple's newest software tiara. We've showed you the subtle, overlooked features. But this? This is just a crazy addition—so small and precise I had to double check my phone.

Giz reader Zach wrote in after noticing something strange going on in the new Music app:

I noticed today that the reflection on the metallic sliders in the iPod app actually change as you tilt the phone from side to side.

And by God, he's right. Apple actually modified the app so that it'll detect the phone's slight shifting of position and create an artificial gleam on a virtual knob meant to replicate a design feature from the 70s. Functional? Nope. Entirely superfluous? Yep. Impressive? Yep again, if only for its lunacy. This is skeuomorphism on bath salts, and proof beyond a doubt that even post-Jobs, there are still some attention to detail nutcases onboard. [Thanks, Zach!]

Thunderbolt Software Update For OS X Causes Boot Failure [Apple]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5917997/thunderbolt-software-update-for-os-x-causes-boot-failure

Thunderbolt Software Update For OS X Causes Boot Failure Since Monday's WWDC keynote, Apple has been pushing out a range of minor updates which ready OS X for new hardware. Among them is a fairly trivial 537 KB Thunderbolt update—which happens to be causing some massive boot issues.

The update, Thunderbolt Software Update 1.2, provides support for Apple's new Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, which is designed for use with the MacBook Air and the new Retina MacBook Pro.

However, TidBITS has noticed that it's causing major problems for some users, whose computers are now unable to boot:

"Although it's unclear if all Thunderbolt-equipped Macs are affected, a number of people have reported that installing the update causes a variety of strange boot-related problems (kernel panics, getting stuck at the gray boot screen, "Unexpected error" messages, and more). Regardless of the details, in each case, it seems that the Mac is rendered unusable, even thunderstruck. I've now heard from some people for whom the update did not cause any problems, but it's still unclear what the difference may be between those who are and are not suffering boot failures."

The problem can be fixed, but only with a complete reinstallation of OS X. So, it might make sense to hold off installing that particular update for now. [TidBITS via Mac Rumors]

PSA: Which iOS 6 features can my device run?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/12/psa-which-ios-6-features-can-my-device-run/

So you're eagerly awaiting iOS 6 in the fall, but you'd like to know just how many features you'll end up skipping if you cling on to your existing iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for one more generation. Apple has gone to the trouble of alerting would-be upgraders just what features they'll get when they check for the update this fall, and we've compiled it in a chart for an at-a-glance view of what you'll need. The short answer: you'll want an iPhone 4S if you're craving every iOS 6 feature. Some feature gaps are defined by obvious differences like the absence of cellular hardware, but the performance limits of the iPhone 3GS or fourth-generation iPod touch turn their upgrades into a patchwork. There's also a pair of questions about iPod touch support and whether or not "iPhone 4 or later" explicitly rules out the media player; we'll update should we know more. Either way, it's evident that Apple is bending over backwards to support burgeoning markets, but also that anyone who bought in 2010 or earlier is feeling the pressure to pick up something new -- especially original iPad owners, who can't upgrade at all.

	iPhone 3GS	iPod touch	iPhone 4	iPhone 4S	iPad 2	! iPad ( 2012)
Chinese service integration	X	X	X	X	X	X
Facebook integration	X	X	X	X	X	X
FaceTime over 3G/4G	-	-	-	X	-	X
Flyover and turn-by-turn GPS	-	-	-	X	X	X
Guided Access	X	X	X	X	X	X
Made for iPhone hearing aids	-	-	-	X	-	-
New content stores	X	X	X	X	X	X
Offline Reading List	-	?	X	X	X	X
Passbook	X	X	X	X	-	-
Phone replies and reminders	X	-	X	X	-	-	!
Safari tab syncing	X	X	X	X	X	X
Shared Photo Streams	-	?	X	X	X	X
Siri	-	-	-	X	-	X
VIP list, flagged/VIP mailboxes	-	?	X	X	X	X

PSA: Which iOS 6 features can my device run? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia tipo dual shares SIMs, still fits in tiny pockets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/13/sony-xperia-tipo-dual/

It looks like Sony's not quite finished today, with two more phones sneaking out on its YouTube channel ahead of any official fanfare. The Xperia tipo dual (and its single-SIM version, the tipo) keep things small and simple, with a 3.2-inch 480 x 320 TFT screen and 800MHz Snapdragon processor. Both, however, will be running Ice Cream Sandwich out of the gate -- embarrassing Sony's bigger (presumably pricier) smartphones. The sub-100g (3.5-ounce) frame houses 3.2-megapixel camera and 2.5GB of user-accessible memory, expandable by microSD. A dedicated hardware key will switch the tipo dual between those SIMs, while you can also automate the phone to swap between them at different times of the day. There's no launch date or pricing yet, but you can take a video tour of both phones below.

Gallery: Sony Xperia tipo dual

Continue reading Sony Xperia tipo dual shares SIMs, still fits in tiny pockets

Sony Xperia tipo dual shares SIMs, still fits in tiny pockets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 03:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A123 Systems' new lithium ion tech keeps EV batteries cool, your wallet in check

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/13/a123-systems-nanophosphate-ext-lithium-ion-battery/

EV battery maker A123 Systems has had a rocky history as of late following a Fisker battery recall, but it may just be turning the corner with a new lithium ion advancement. Nanophosphate EXT widens the temperature range that A123's lithium iron phosphate-based batteries can withstand before losing power: an EXT battery musters 20 percent more power than before when it's as chilly as -22F and can keep over 90 percent of its original capacity after 2,000 full charges, even if it's been run in a blistering 113F heat. The longevity has its obvious advantages for anyone who lives in an extreme climate, but it could also lead to cheaper EVs and hybrids -- the less cooling a car battery needs, the lower the up-front cost and the lighter the car gets. Full production won't start until the first half of 2013, though that's ample time for companies to at least think about slotting Nanophosphate EXT battery packs into 2014 or later cars such as the Atlantic.

Continue reading A123 Systems' new lithium ion tech keeps EV batteries cool, your wallet in check

A123 Systems' new lithi! um ion t ech keeps EV batteries cool, your wallet in check originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 05:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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