Author: Blancer

As the anticipated announcement of an iPad refresh draws nearer, the tidbits of insider information are seeping out at faster rates.

Among the latest: a report that the next generation of the Apple iPad features a high-resolution Retina display, powered by a dual-core graphics chip. The high-resolution screen and faster GPU would allows the iPad 2 to play 1080p HD video, according to an AppleInsider report citing sources familiar with the matters.

The new graphics chip inside the yet-unannounced iPad 2 is said to pack four times the processing capability of the A4 chips in current iPads, iPhone 4, and Apple TV. The video chip would run alongside a multiple-core ARM Cortex A9 general-purpose processor inside the tablet. It is also possible Apple would extend the new graphics and processing chips to its entire line of iOS products, including the next-generation iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.

Besides the latest speculation on the processing power of the iPad 2, the next-generation tablet is rumored to also include dual cameras (one on the back with flash and one on the front for FaceTime), as well as a slimmer design and a larger speaker. Leaked photos allegedly depicting the display of the iPad 2 indicate that the tablet will also feature a high-resolution screen, exactly double the pixels of the current iPad (reaching 1536 by 800), in order to preserve compatibility with current apps.

Another hot iPad 2 rumor is that the tablet will feature a triple-mode wireless chip, which would allow it to run on either GSM + UMTS or CDMA networks, thanks to a Qualcomm chipset. This is unlike the current iPhone 4, which runs either on Verizon or AT&T, as they two different hardware models. This triple-mode chip could also make its way on the next version of the iPhone, expected this summer.

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Apple just can’t catch a break from Consumer Reports; the buyers advice magazine still won’t recommend the original iPhone 4 because of the antenna issue, and is now advising would-be Verizon iPhone 4 buyers to consider holding off lest they be stuck with a “short-lived” device. According to CR, the iPhone 4 is now starting to “show its age” and will soon be replaced by a new model mid-year.

The nonprofit also mentions the shortcoming of CDMA devices to hold simultaneous data and voice sessions, while casting doubt onto whether the antenna issue has, indeed, been addressed or not. On the flip side, Verizon’s network is described as “among the most satisfying” and the mobile hotspot functionality gets a nod, but “the less iPhone-addicted consumer” may want to wait until the fifth-gen device is unveiled before signing up to a new agreement.

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If you have been following the iOS jailbreak scene, you will be aware that Apple had recently released a beta version of its iOS 4.3 firmware that among other things brings personal mobile hotspot to GSM variants of the iPhone. Now, if you are a developer who has signed up to the iPhone Developer Standard/Enterprise programs, you may already have access to this upcoming iOS firmware in beta variant that you can install on your iPhone.

Now a new custom PwnageTool bundle that can jailbreak this beta version of iOS 4.3 is now out for those of you interested. Do note that the procedure is extremely complicated and do not proceed unless you are an advanced user (if you have access to the Developer Standard program, you probably are already one!). The creators have pointed out that you will need a Mac for the process. Also, the PwnageTool bundle for iOS 4.3 beta requires users to create their own ramdisk and will not upgrade baseband during the jailbreak process. Also, it is a semi-tethered jailbreak and you can find the downloadable here.

In any case, this is a complicated procedure and do not proceed unless you are well aware of the potential consequences.

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For the second time in two years, Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking leave of absence from the company because of a medical condition, according to a letter Jobs sent to Apple employees.

“At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company,” Jobs says in the letter.

Tim Cook will take control of the company in Jobs’ absence. Jobs says he has “great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.”

Jobs’ letter continues: “I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.”

Jobs, who is a pancreatic cancer survivor, has a history of medical problems and took a 6-month leave of absence in 2009, during which time he had a liver transplant.

The tech luminary is revered by Apple fans as a design-minded leader.

His health has triggered all sorts of questions in the tech sector, such as whether Apple will be able to produce innovative products without him, and how his health will affect Apple’s stock.

Apple, the world’s largest tech company and maker of the popular iPhone and iPad, is set to release an earnings report on Tuesday.

via

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If you want to keep a track of what all apps are installed on your iPhone or iPad, their version, size, and other information, then here is a free Cydia app AppInfo. Though not exactly perfect in working (does not support iOS multitasking), AppInfo does give you essential information for all the apps that are currently installed on your iDevice.

Search for ‘AppInfo’ in Cydia and install the app.

Launch ‘AppInfo’ from the icon on your Homescreen.

You can find a list of all installed apps under 3 different tabs – AppStore, Cydia, and System. Select an app to find out it’s details and calculate it’s size.

Tapping on ‘Open in Cydia’ did not work as expected. Hopefully the next release will bring in the bug fixes.

In case of App Store apps, you get to know a lot of information including it’s price, purchase date, the iTunes ID you used to buy the app, the section it belongs to in the App Store, and so on. Tap on ‘Open in AppStore’ to view the app in App Store on your iPhone.

If you nave iFile installed on your iPhone or iPod Touch, then you can open the selected apps’ folder in it by tapping ‘Open in iFile’. AppInfo is available for free download from the BigBoss repository of Cydia.

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