• Microsoft to Launch its Own iPad-killer Tablet

    // Gradly // blog, Books, Gadgets, iPad, Microsoft, Rumors 1 Response

    Microsoft to Launch its Own iPad-killer Tablet

    Microsoft to Launch its Own iPad-killer Tablet

    Microsoft sent out invitations for a major announcement in Los Angeles next Monday, rumors about just what the company will be announcing are starting to fly, beginning with TheWrap reporting that the company would be announcing a Microsoft-manufactured tablet, AllThingsD followed claiming that Microsoft wanted to take on the iPad directly.

    Sources say that Microsoft concluded that it needs its own tablet, with the company designing both the hardware and software in an effort to better compete against Apple’s strengths. Microsoft’s tablets may include machines running ARM-based processors as well as models running on traditional PC processors, sources said.

    Following the success of own device Xbox, Microsoft could be actually working on manufactured by Microsoft itself, running on Windows RT (a version of Windows 8) tablet intended to rival Apple’s iPad.

    Other sources claim that Microsoft is actually aiming at Amazon not Apple, by bringing a 7-inch tablet and not to mention that Microsoft had signed a deal with Barnes & Noble to invest in nook business. A Nokia-made, Microsoft-branded 7-inch tablet is also a possibility

    The timing is interesting, as it comes just before Google I/O, where Google is expected to announce a new 7-inch tablet running Android.

  • iOS 5.1.1 iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV Direct Download Links Repository

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, Download, How To, iPad, iPhone, News, Software 2 Responses

    Apple's iOS 5.1.1 update

    Apple's iOS 5.1.1 update

    Apple just released iOS 5.1.1 for iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone. The update weighs only 54.4 MB which addresses issues with HDR, AirPlay video playback, the ability to switch between 2G and 3G networks and other bug fixes:

    • Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut.
    • Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks.
    • Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances.
    • Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List.
    • Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase.

    iOS 5.1.1 iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV Direct Download Links Repository

    device current version date found
    AppleTV(2G) (AppleTV2,1)
    5.0 (9B179b)
    		 03/07/2012 15:18:01
    AppleTV3,1 (AppleTV3,1)
    5.0 (9B179b)
    		 03/07/2012 15:18:01
    iPad (iPad1,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad2(wifi) (iPad2,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad2(at&t) (iPad2,2)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad2(vz) (iPad2,3)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad2,4 (iPad2,4)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad3,1 (iPad3,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad3,2 (iPad3,2)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPad3,3 (iPad3,3)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPhone (iPhone1,1)
    3.1.3 (7E18)
    		 04/08/2010 21:05:48
    iPhone3G (iPhone1,2)
    4.2 (8C148)
    		 11/22/2010 13:08:57
    iPhone3GS (iPhone2,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPhone4 (iPhone3,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPhone4(vz) (iPhone3,3)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPhone4S (iPhone4,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPodTouch(2G) (iPod2,1)
    4.2 (8C148)
    		 11/22/2010 13:08:57
    iPodTouch(3G) (iPod3,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    iPodTouch(4G) (iPod4,1)
    5.1.1 (9B206)
    		 05/07/2012 13:13:01
    last updated: 05/07/2012 16:34:01 EDT

  • Apple Q2 2012 Results: $39.2 Billion Revenue, 35.1 Million iPhones, 11.8 Million iPads Sold

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, iPad, iPhone, Mac, News No Responses

    Apple Q2 2012 Results: $39.2 Billion Revenue, 35.1 Million iPhones, 11.8 Million iPads Sold

    Apple Q2 2012 Results: $39.2 Billion Revenue, 35.1 Million iPhones, 11.8 Million iPads Sold

    Apple posted their Q2 2012 financial results for the Q1 calender year, Q2 fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2012. Revenue of $39.2 billion, with 11.8 million iPads, 35.1 million iPhones and 4 million Macs sold.

    We’re thrilled with sales of over 35 million iPhones and almost 12 million iPads in the March quarter,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The new iPad is off to a great start, and across the year you’re going to see a lot more of the kind of innovation that only Apple can deliver.”

    “Our record March quarter results drove $14 billion in cash flow from operations,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the third fiscal quarter, we expect revenue of about $34 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $8.68.

    Here are some points of interest during the financial call:

    • Quarterly net profit of $11.6 billion
    • iPhone units sold: 35.1 million
    • Macs: 4 million
    • iPads: 11.8 million
    • iPods: 7.7 million
    • Total revenues: $39.2 billion
    • iPhone 4S available in 100 countries on 230 carriers.
    • The iOS ecosystem continues to expand.
    • Over 600,000 apps are now available on the App Store.
    • 200,000 apps specifically made for iPad.
    • iTunes now has over 28 million songs.
    • Cumulatively, iOS devices have sold over 365 million units to date.
    • iCloud now has 125 million customers since its launch in October.
    • Average 18,000 visitors per store per week.

  • Apple Responds to the new iPad Battery Overcharging Issue

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, iPad, Rants & Raves 1 Response

    Apple Responds to the new iPad Battery Overcharging Issue

    Apple Responds to the new iPad Battery Overcharging Issue

    The issue concerning Apple‘s new iPad’s battery and its ability to charge beyond 100% was on hot water over the previous days when NBC’s John Fortt reports that Apple said charging beyond 100 percent could “harm the longevity of the battery.”

    Apple is saying when it reads 100% the battery indicator reads 100%. It’s actually full enough to give you the kind of performance that they promise in their marketing. That’s ten hours of all-day battery life. They say if you charge it more than that, you could harm the longevity of the battery. So they say this isn’t just an issue with the new iPad. It was an issue with the previous ones well but this battery is 70% bigger so you’re more likely to notice it.

    Now, however, AllThingsD seems to have a word from Apple VP Michael Tchao that put the issue in rest:

    Apple does in fact display the iPad (and iPhone and iPod Touch) as 100 percent charged just before a device reaches a completely charged state. At that point, it will continue charging to 100 percent, then discharge a bit and charge back up to 100 percent, repeating that process until the device is unplugged.

    Doing so allows devices to maintain an optimum charge, Apple VP Michael Tchao told AllThingsD today.

    “That circuitry is designed so you can keep your device plugged in as long as you would like,” Tchao said. “It’s a great feature that’s always been in iOS.”