iPhone Geek http://www.iphonegeek.com/ iPhone Geek en Fri, 18 May 2012 18:43:50 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.iphonegeek.com/images/styles/GamerBlue/misc/rss.png iPhone Geek http://www.iphonegeek.com/ Time Warner and Viacom Resolve Lawsuit, Plan on Adding New Channels to iPad App http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3251-time-warner-viacom-resolve-lawsuit-plan-adding.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/twcable.jpg There’s good news on the horizon for Time Warner Cable customers who... There’s good news on the horizon for Time Warner Cable customers who regularly use the company’s TWC TV television streaming app – Viacom and Time Warner have settled their differences, so channels like MTV and Comedy Central will be returning to the app.
When Time Warner Cable first released its TV streaming app, some networks, like Viacom, threw a fit because the cable company hadn’t negotiated new licensing rights for the channels. Time Warner Cable maintained that the distribution was within its existing rights, sparking dual lawsuits with Viacom that have now been settled.
As part of the settlement, Time Warner Cable has agreed to add Viacom’s Country Music Channel (CMT) to the app, which was not a channel that was originally in the TWC TV app. In addition, all other Viacom channels will now be available, including Comedy Central, BET, Spike, Nickelodeon, MTV, and VH1.
If you’re a Time Warner Cable customer, you can download the TWC TV app for free from the App Store. The app allows subscribers to stream live television to their iPads and iPhones, so long as they are connected to their home Wi-Fi networks. The Viacom channels should be available in the app within the next few weeks.
[via TechCrunch] ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3251-time-warner-viacom-resolve-lawsuit-plan-adding.html iSwifter Brings Facebook Games to iPad http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3250-iswifter-brings-facebook-games-ipad.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn1.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iswifter.jpg If you haven’t heard of it, iSwifter is a cloud-based platform that allows... If you haven’t heard of it, iSwifter is a cloud-based platform that allows game publishers to stream games to the iPad, bringing new previously PC-only and flash gaming titles to iOS.
Today, the company announced that it plans to supplement the Facebook experience by providing mobile device owners with an app to play all of those flash-based Facebook games like Farmville and Frontierville.
The app, called “theWorx for Facebook,” will look a lot like Facebook’s own app. Ads will appear on the right had side, and Facebook games will be streamed using iSwifter’s cloud-based streaming platform. Users will also be able to access payments using Facebook credits, as well as other non-game apps through the App Hub within the app. Users will use their iTunes accounts to buy access to game streaming.
“It’s clear that Facebook users are moving to mobile faster than even Facebook predicted,” said Rajat Gupta, founder of iSwifter. “theWorx is intended to benefit Facebook users who can’t play games on the Facebook iPad app or on the mobile Facebook site, as well as Facebook itself who doesn’t display their ads to these gaming users on mobile. And of course game developers should be happy too because their*Facebook Flash games now come to the iPad with no porting required.”
Facebook users have long been seeking a way to play Facebook’s ultra popular games on their mobile devices, but will iSwifter hold up when Facebook releases its own App Center, later this year?
Reportedly, the Facebook App Center will function similarly, and it will function on the iPad and the iPhone as well. In the mean time, theWorx is a good alternative. Will you be downloading iSwifter’s new app to play Facebook games on your mobile device? ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3250-iswifter-brings-facebook-games-ipad.html How Many Downloads Does it Take to Become a Top Rated App? http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3249-how-many-downloads-does-take-become-top.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn3.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/freedownloads1.jpg Earning a widely coveted spot on Apple’s top apps list or Apple’s... Earning a widely coveted spot on Apple’s top apps list or Apple’s featured app list is something that every iOS developer aspires to, as it can mean huge increases in app revenue.
Unfortunately, snagging one of those top spots is a daunting task, simply because it requires a huge number of daily downloads to make it onto the charts.
In fact, according to a new report from app tracking company Distimo, it requires approximately 38,400 daily downloads to make it onto the top 25 free apps chart and 3,530 downloads to make it onto the top 25 paid apps chart, though it requires slightly less downloads to make it onto the charts for an individual category.
Developers hoping to top the chart of more popular categories will need more downloads to make it into the genre’s top list, such as games, while less popular categories will require fewer downloads.
For example, to snag a top spot in Apple’s Entertainment category, a free app needs to have 6.7 thousand daily downloads, while a top spot in the Weather category requires just 300 downloads.
On average, across all categories, free apps will require 13 times as many downloads to make it onto the top 25 most popular free apps than it takes paid apps make it onto the top 25 most popular paid apps list, though this varies widely between categories.
Because games are by far the most popular apps in the App Store, Distimo did a break down of the category by game type to determine how many free and paid downloads it takes to make it onto the charts.
When it comes to free games, the arcade subcategory requires the most downloads to make it on the chart, at 8,400 downloads necessary per day. Action games were a close second, requiring 7,800 downloads, while puzzle games came in third, needing 5,800 downloads per day to score a spot on the charts. Music games and Trivia games were the least popular gaming categories, requiring only 600 downloads each to top the subcategory charts.
Paid games had similar ratios, with chart-topping arcade games needing at least 720 downloads per day, while action and puzzle games needed 850 and 490 downloads, respectively.
With those much desired top spots taking such a large number of daily downloads, it’s no surprise that many developers turned to unscrupulous tactics to earn themselves a place on the chart. Apple has cracked down on developers who artificially inflate their app ratings, which has had a significant effect on App Store rankings.
Back in December, a top spot on the overall top 25 app list required an average of 45,000 downloads, a number that, as you can see above, has dropped quite a bit, though it’s clear that some apps are still using shady tactics to get on the lists.
The real secret to scoring a legitimate spot on the top charts? Making a great game or app, and strategically using app sales to hold consumer interest. Apps like Camera+, Cut the Rope, Fruit Ninja, and Angry Birds have managed to hold the top spots on the paid app charts for weeks on end, and the same goes for the free charts, with ultra popular titles like Draw Something and Temple Run holding steady on the charts. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3249-how-many-downloads-does-take-become-top.html Arena RPG Spellsword Updated With All New Control Options http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3248-arena-rpg-spellsword-updated-all-new-control.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn2.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/spellsword.jpg Spellsword is an arena-style combat-based platform RPG that’s a whole... Spellsword is an arena-style combat-based platform RPG that’s a whole lot of fun. It’s very similar to the hit game Super Crate Box, where the goal was to demolish hordes of enemies just for the sheer fun of it.
Spellsword is more of a retro-style RPG, with loot and character improvements, but it’s essentially the same game. Each level is a small area with a few obstacles (jumps, spike balls, and more) where you will defeat wave after wave of enemies in non-stop combat.
Gameplay is centered around spell cards, which spawn one at a time in each level. When you grab one, a spell goes off, damaging nearby enemies. There’s a variety of cards, each with a different spell. For example, the fire card sends off fire bolts, while the ice card sends off shards of ice.
Every time a card is picked up, a new one spawns, so you will often be running from card to card while battling enemies in order to survive.
The main game mode is mission based, so you will be given a goal to complete for each level. Missions range from killing a set number of enemies to picking up cards to simply staying alive.

Spellsword’s controls are typical for a platform game – movement is done with arrow keys on the left side of the screen, while attacking with the sword and jumping are done with buttons on the right. With today’s update, you can change the controls, adding an on-screen swipe and manual placement of the arrow keys. You won’t want to turn on swipe controls (for movement) until you’re comfortable with the gameplay.
Slaying enemies will leave behind rupees, which can be used to purchase new gear. Gear will add bonuses to cards and to health, as well as dodge bonuses and other enhancements. Completing level missions will also reward you with new items.
There are currently three different areas with 20 levels each, for a total of 60 levels. Each area has a different layout and different hazards, but the game could use more content.
When you finish all of the missions, you can move on to endless mode, which is what it sounds like – a never ending stream of monsters to defeat. There are also quite a few achievements to obtain plus leaderboards, so you can compete with players across the globe.

What I liked: This is an addictive game that I had a hard time putting down. I love the mission based gameplay, and I’m a sucker for any game that rewards me with loot and character enhancements. I also loved the retro-style 16-bit graphics, which looked fantastic on the new iPad.*For those of you with iCades, Spellsword is iCade enabled.
What I didn’t like: The controls can be slightly difficult to use, but that’s generally the nature of a platform game on the iPad. I often had trouble with the arrow keys (you really need to press the right spot), but advanced players may be able to overcome this with the swipe gestures. Personally, I think I’d prefer a joystick for movement.
To buy or not to buy: Spellsword has a lot of content, thanks to endless mode after you’ve finished all the missions. Even when you’re playing it for the hundredth time, it’s a lot of fun, so I’d definitely recommend picking this game up.
* ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3248-arena-rpg-spellsword-updated-all-new-control.html Rumor of the Day: LG and AUO Selected to Supply iPad Mini Display http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3247-rumor-day-lg-auo-selected-supply-ipad.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/iPad-Mini.jpg O.K., now things are really getting serious. Rumors coming out of Taiwan... O.K., now things are really getting serious. Rumors coming out of Taiwan say that display panels for the purported iPad mini will be manufactured by LG Display and AU Optronics. When display panel rumors start to fly, you know that some part of it is true. Maybe the device won’t really be as low as $200. Maybe the screen won’t be “ultrathin.” Maybe it will be larger than 8 GB of storage. One thing is most likely for sure; Apple is making a smaller iPad.
The newest report from Macotakara (translated from Google Chrome) is that, in addition to LG Display and AU Optronics being awarded contracts to make 7.85-inch display panels, TPK Holding will be supplying 80 percent of the backlight units, while CHIMEI Innolux will supply the rest. As has been previously reported, the touch sensor film will be provided by Nissha Printing.
Rumors of a smaller iPad have been swarming the Internet lately. Up until a few months ago, I was dismissing the entire notion. Why would Apple make a smaller iPad when the current size is perfect. Now that rumors are coming from the supply chain about exact sizes, touch sensors, display panels and the like, it is hard to ignore the possibility, no the likelihood, of this happening sometime this year. In fact, things are heating up so fast that, I would not be surprised if we don’t start seeing pictures of the actual device within the next month.
[Via: Apple Insider] ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3247-rumor-day-lg-auo-selected-supply-ipad.html Bejeweled Fans Rejoice, PopCap Releases HD Version of Popular Game http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3246-bejeweled-fans-rejoice-popcap-releases-hd-version.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn3.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bejeweledhd.jpg Bejeweled has been around on the iPhone for quite some time now, and... Bejeweled has been around on the iPhone for quite some time now, and the game’s followup, Bejeweled Blitz has been on both the iPad and the iPhone since its release, but iPad-owning fans of Bejeweled can now play the classic, premium version of the game with the release of PopCap’s Bejeweled HD.
Bejeweled HD features gorgeous HD graphics designed for the third generation iPad’s Retina display, plus four popular game modes, and Game Center support.
Here’s a rundown on the different modes:
  • Butterflies – Match gems to free the butterflies before they move up the board where a hungry spider lies in wait.
  • Diamond Mine – Blast gems to collect gold, diamonds, and buried artifacts before the timer runs out.
  • Zen – Play an endless game customizable sights and sounds, plus no time limit.
  • Classic – The original, classic Bejeweled game that has become one of the most popular games of the century.
This new version of Bejeweled also features smooth action, hints on demand, plenty of stats so you can get a detailed breakdown of your gameplay, and leaderboards so you can compete with your friends.
Bejeweled HD can be downloaded from the App Store*for just $3.99. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3246-bejeweled-fans-rejoice-popcap-releases-hd-version.html Apple User Community Questions iCloud Security In Light Of Possible Breach http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3245-apple-user-community-questions-icloud-security-light.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/icloud1.png In the middle of the afternoon yesterday, some iCloud-syncing Apple device... In the middle of the afternoon yesterday, some iCloud-syncing Apple device users started reporting that their @me.com (the email account associated with iCloud) accounts were sending spam to everyone in their iCloud contacts. Many are calling into question Apple’s, apparently lackluster, security measures for protecting users from security breaches.
Currently, there are about 30 posts from users that are experiencing almost the exact same scenario. Many are even reporting the spam email as having the exact same header and content, “Making Money on Your Home Computer.” Victims of the account hack have all reported that an email was sent out to contacts in their iCloud account from their @me.com address. They are all reporting that they can see the messages in their “sent” folder, meaning these are not false emails using forged addresses, but sent directly from the user’s account.
Many of the forum posters are saying that they don’t even use their @me.com account and some are saying that they have a very complex password that couldn’t possibly have been hacked.
The fear in this possible account breach is that the hackers have access to the user’s information through means other than the password. If that is true, changing your password will not keep the hackers out.
Forum poster “Solargaze” contacted Apple directly when his account was compromised. He was told that there were no other reports about the issue, but they would keep track of any possible emerging patterns. Solargaze pointed out that, since his contact with Apple, his @me.com account is no longer available and he is, “suspicious that Apple probably is aware of an issue and is being hush hush about it.”
A comment from øivindfromoslo takes things even further.
The worst part is that iCloud has NO security info whatsoever, I cant find last log on time, last logon IP or nothing of the sorts.. It is incredible how much apple ***** when it comes to security options for end users … I would love to get some info regarding how this hack has been done, but they do NOT make it easy …
Today, solargaze commented again, saying, “Apple’s servers most likely got hacked, which presents a much more systemic and insidious security issue.”
This possible security breach is in its infancy stages at this time. Apple may be monitoring the issue, but it appears that no one has come forth with any official information for how users can remedy the situation. If you have had your @me.com account hacked and are experiencing the same scenarios as described above, or on the forum thread, please call Apple at 1-800-263-3394 and make them aware of your issue. Solargaze pointed out in one if his posts that it is important to tell the Apple representative that these emails are in your sent box. They are not phished forges, they are really from your own account.
[Via: Apple Insider] ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3245-apple-user-community-questions-icloud-security-light.html New Tool Lets Cops Swipe Your iPad and iPhone Data Remotely http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3244-new-tool-lets-cops-swipe-your-ipad.html Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:17 GMT Image: http://wpcdn2.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/passwordbreaker.jpg If you want to stay off of the radar, make sure you don’t enable... If you want to stay off of the radar, make sure you don’t enable Apple’s iCloud services, because new software from ElcomSoft*allows police investigators to access your iPhone or iPad data without ever touching your device.
ElcomSoft’s Phone Password Breaker cracking tool is now able to automatically download your iOS device backups from iCloud. All investigators need is a valid Apple ID and a password to access backups in real time, while the device is still in the hands of a suspect.
According to the company, approximately 125 million Apple users store data in iCloud, including emails, call logs, text messages, and website visits. That data is automatically updated every time an iPhone or iPad user charges their phone while connected to Wi-Fi.
Previously, the Phone Password Breaker software required investigators to be in physical possession of a device or a PC the device had been synced with in order to download data, but it now works with iCloud because the company was able to crack the communication protocols used by Apple.
Here’s what the company had to say about the new software:
“ElcomSoft researchers analyzed the communication protocol connecting iPhone users with Apple iCloud and were able to emulate the correct commands in order to retrieve the content of iOS users’ iCloud storage. It’s important to not that, unlike offline backups that may come encrypted and must be broken into–a time consuming operation–data retrieved from iCloud is received in plain, unencrypted form. The 5GB of storage space can be retrieved in reasonable time, while receiving incremental updates is even faster.”
Of course, in order to access the data, investigators must have your Apple ID and your password. Without a valid password or ID, the service does not work.
iCloud has, in the past, been exploited by hacker groups, most notably when LulzSec and Anonymous were able to access an iCloud account to intercept an FBI conference call, likely using the same basic software that ElcomSoft has designed.
While I doubt my iPad and iPhone will ever be the targets of a criminal investigation, I do find it concerning that it’s both simple and quick to access unencrypted iCloud data that contains quite a bit of sensitive information. Scary. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3244-new-tool-lets-cops-swipe-your-ipad.html Explore the Wonders of Morocco with New Fotopedia App for iPad http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3243-explore-wonders-morocco-new-fotopedia-app-ipad.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn2.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fotopedia-Morocco-1.jpeg Fotopedia quickly became one of the most popular app...
Fotopedia quickly became one of the most popular app developers in the photography category for the iPad due to the breathtaking images they bring to life. Today, the company has released their first Retina display compatible photography app, Fotopedia Morocco.
According to Jean-Marie Hullot, CEO of Fotopedia, popularity for the apps has increased by 70 percent since the release of the new iPad. “Our mission is to help people discover the beauty of the world. I am very pleased to be able to share this new app, featuring the extraordinary photography of acclaimed photographer Jacques Bravo on the extraordinary Retina display of the new iPad,” said Hullot.
Features of the app include:
  • Thousands of breathtaking pictures served at high resolution for the Retina display
  • Trip Builder to create your own trip or easy-to-build personalized tours
  • Free Wallpapers for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
  • Visual stories, updated frequently
  • Instant Slideshows
  • Share your favorite images and stories via email, Facebook and Twitter
  • Open Graph integration with Facebook to easily share your discoveries
  • Shuffle or shake your device to discover new images
  • Complete navigation with smart tags, search and interactive maps
Fotopedia has seen more than 12 million downloads for its collection of breathtaking photography apps. Almost all of their apps are free and include “Visual Stories,” which are small articles about the country that are updated weekly.
Fotopedia Morroco is free to download and available in the App Store today. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3243-explore-wonders-morocco-new-fotopedia-app-ipad.html Analyst Predicts iPad Will Continue to Dominate Tablet Market Through 2012 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3242-analyst-predicts-ipad-will-continue-dominate-tablet.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn1.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IHS-Overall-Tablet-Sales.jpg Tablet sales have exploded over the past year with... Tablet sales have exploded over the past year with approximately 68.4 million units sold in 2011. This year, the market is expected to grow even more with 126.6 million tablet forecasted for 2012. IHS iSuppli predicts that Apple’s iPad will maintain its dominance with 61 percent of the market share by the end of the year.
Apple’s share fell to 55.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 due to the popularity of Amazon’s Kindle Fire. The Android-based tablet helped Google’s operating system capture 41.1 percent of the tablet market in 4Q11, up 10 percent from the previous quarter. However, the Kindle Fire’s popularity seems to have dwindled over the past few months and Android’s share is expected to fall to 38.4 percent for 2012.
“The key to Apple’s media-tablet success has been its offering of a complete hardware-plus-content ecosystem,” said Rhoda Alexander, director for monitors and tablets research at IHS. “The combination of a good-looking device, well-designed applications, video, books and music has provided consumers with an easy-to-use product and an appealing use case. Such an ecosystem took Apple years to put together, starting with the iPod plus iTunes Music Store more than nine years ago, and it’s proving to be a challenge for the company’s competitors to replicate it.”
IHS iSuppli also referenced the rumored iPad mini as part of Apple’s continued dominance in the tablet market for 2012. “A smaller screen does not necessarily mean a substantially lower price; rather, IHS expects Apple will place continuing emphasis on the quality of the overall tablet experience and the benefits of selecting the company’s products.”

Although the popularity of tablets is skyrocketing with each year, and non-iOS operating systems continue to improve, Apple continues to dominate due to an uncompromising attention to quality and design, as well as an application infrastructure that us unmatched by any other marketplace around. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3242-analyst-predicts-ipad-will-continue-dominate-tablet.html Watch the Olympics Via BBC’s Live Olympics Video Stream With Pause, Rewind, Alerts http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3241-watch-olympics-via-bbc-s-live-olympics.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn3.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/thumb-275x220.jpg The Summer Olympics have lost their excitement over the past decade... The Summer Olympics have lost their excitement over the past decade or so. Lets face it, if its not gymnastics or swimming, people just don’t care anymore. One reason might be due to television being so segmented that it becomes harder and harder to get good coverage of all the events.
London is doing something about it for 2012. Not only will viewers be able to watch every event of the Summer Olympics from a live streaming website, but viewers will be able to interact with what they are watching with pause, rewind, alerts, social media connection and other fun features.
According to The Verge, the new browser-based player will offer integrated data-driven profiles of athletes, as well as clickable alerts that will take you to other streaming events when key moments are happening. The BBC’s current “iPlayer” will be updated to allow up to 3.5Mbps to stream content for superfast connectivity.
The BBC will stream more than 2,500 hours of content across 24 British television channels. Plans to create dedicated apps for iOS and Android area in the works. However, the BBC will provide a mobile version of its video website on other platforms.
Unfortunately, due to certain rights agreements, the BBC iPlayer is not available in the U.S. at this time. BBC Worldwide has launched iPad apps in Australia, Canada, Europe, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Maybe the corporation will make an exception for us Yanks and make a dedicated BBC Summer Olympics app for the iPad. Otherwise, you can just watch the 2012 Olympics via NBC’s upcoming tablet app. So there, BBC. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3241-watch-olympics-via-bbc-s-live-olympics.html Apple Defends Siri in Lawsuit, Says It’s ‘Not Perfect’ but Still ‘Cutting Edge’ http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3240-apple-defends-siri-lawsuit-says-s-not.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn1.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/siri.png Apple has recently come under fire by a handful of people that claim the... Apple has recently come under fire by a handful of people that claim the company misrepresented what the virtual assistant can do and are seeking a class action lawsuit based on false advertising. Apple whipped right back at the disgruntled, sue-happy bunch by stating that Siri may not be perfect, but she’s still cutting edge.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the plaintiffs are claiming that the iPhone 4S commercials and statements about Siri are false and misleading and “does not perform as advertised.” In a recent court filing, Apple responded to those allegations with a motion to dismiss the case.
The motion states that the plaintiffs “do not tell the Court how Siri’s operation allegedly differs from any particular representation they relied on.” The group is accused of only offering general and vague descriptions of their disappointment. The statement points out that every one of the plaintiffs claimed that they were unhappy with their purchase “soon after” but failed to take advantage of Apple’s 30-day return policy or one-year warrant, which is still in effect.
Apple calls attention to the fact that Siri is still under development, referring to the October 4, 2011 product announcement where it is called a “beta.” It is noted that, at that press event, the presenter specifically notes that users “can’t ask Siri everything and it’s not perfect.”
The plaintiffs are*being accused of taking “an alleged personal grievance about the purported performance of a popular product and turning it into a nationwide class-action under California’s consumer protection status.”
It looks like these guys thought they could play with the big dogs, but got their tails handed to them with a couple of well-written proverbial facepalms by Apple. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3240-apple-defends-siri-lawsuit-says-s-not.html Ouch! Samsung Drops $10 Billion in Value After Apple Selects New Memory Chip Vendor f http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3239-ouch-samsung-drops-10-billion-value-after.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn2.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/elpidadram.jpg Samsung and Apple are famous frenemies, battling one another in court... Samsung and Apple are famous frenemies, battling one another in court after court over copyright violations while still working together to bring consumers their beloved iPads and iPhones.
While it looked like the two might work things out when the CEOs for both companies* agreed to discuss settlement terms, Samsung must be fuming over Apple’s latest move. The Cupertino-based company snubbed Samsung in favor of its chip rival Elpida, placing a huge order with the struggling company.
After Taiwan’s DigiTimes reported the news that Apple had ordered a huge amount of dynamic random access memory or DRAM from Elpida’s plant in Hiroshima, Japan, shares in Samsung Electronics Co dropped more than six percent on Wednesday, costing the South Korean company $10 billion in value.
The order is a big boost for Elpida, which was forced into bankruptcy protection after flagging chip sales. When the news broke, Samsung, who is the world’s biggest DRAM manufacturer, had the largest daily fall that it’s seen in the last four years. Another DRAM manufacturer, SK hynix, also closed nine percent lower, its biggest one day drop in the last nine months.
“It looks like Apple doesn’t want to see Samsung and hynix dominate the chip market. Apple wants to maintain its bargaining power by keeping Elpida running,” said LIG Investment & Securities analyst Choi Do-yeon.
“Samsung shares were already facing pressure since offshore investors began cutting back on risk during the latest streak of sell-offs, but the news surrounding Elpida was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” added Hyundai Securities analyst Roo Yong-suk.
Samsung has declined to comment on the situation.
[via Reuters] ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3239-ouch-samsung-drops-10-billion-value-after.html These 10 Countries Love to Browse the Web From Their iPads http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3238-these-10-countries-love-browse-web-their.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn1.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ipadlovingcountries.jpg Website monitoring service Pingdom... Website monitoring service Pingdom recently used its web-browsing data from its StatCounter (based on visitor stats from more than three million sites) to determine the ten most iPad friendly countries in the world, and the results might just surprise you.
According to the data, Singapore is the country that loves the iPad the most, followed by Brunei, Angola, and Nigeria.
In Singapore, the iPad has a 7.06 percent share of desktop web browsing, while Brunei and Angola are both just under 6 percent. In the fourth place country, Nigeria, the iPad has a 5.28 percent browsing share.
Australia, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, and Hong Kong make up the remaining top ten on the list.
Of course, this list is browser based only, and does not take into account other iPad activities like app use or gaming, but when it comes to browsing, the above countries love to look at the web on their tablets.
Pingdom also looked at the data by region, where Oceania is in a clear lead when it comes to iPad web browsing with 4.85 percent, followed by North America with 3.36 percent, Europe with 2.25 percent, and Asia with 1.36 percent. Africa came in with just 1.13 percent, while the iPad is least used for web browsing in South America, with 0.55 percent.

In total, the iPad accounted for 2.22 percent of all desktop web traffic, while Android tablets accounted for just 0.33 percent.
Does this data surprise you? Do you choose your iPad over your computer? Personally, I tend to reach for my iPad more often now that it has the ultra readable Retina display. Is your experience the same? ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3238-these-10-countries-love-browse-web-their.html Verizon to Kill Grandfathered 3G Data Plans http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3237-verizon-kill-grandfathered-3g-data-plans.html Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:19 GMT Image: http://wpcdn3.padgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/verizon.jpg If you’re a long time Verizon customer that’s been grandfathered into an... If you’re a long time Verizon customer that’s been grandfathered into an unlimited data plan, prepare to be outraged. The company is planning to nix its $30 unlimited offering, forcing customers to use one of its tiered data plans.
According to Verizon Communications CFO Fran Shammo, as Verizon’s 3G unlimited data plan customers switch to 4G LTE, they will have to give up their unlimited plans in favor of the company’s new shared data*plan, which will be launched in mid-summer.
Apple recently launched the iPad with 4G LTE connectivity, and its upcoming sixth generation iPhone is also expected to come equipped with LTE.
Pricing for the data sharing plan has not been announced, but according to Shammo, the plan will make it easier for families and small businesses to connect multiple devices. “If I can add as many devices as I want, that is more efficient from a family perspective and a small business perspective,” he said.
We contacted AT&T to comment on the news and to find out if the company plans to move in the same direction as Verizon. While AT&T declined to comment on Verizon’s plan to transition its customers from unlimited data plans, we were informed that AT&T currently has no plans to change its own data plans. AT&T customers who upgrade from 3G to 4G will be able to keep their unlimited data, with the caveat that their data may be throttled. ]]> iPad acid075 http://www.iphonegeek.com/ipad/3237-verizon-kill-grandfathered-3g-data-plans.html