Apple has announced the new Apple iPad 2 – and iOS 4.3.

One year ago, Apple turned the computer industry upside down by introducing the first truly successful tablet.  Steve Jobs said it was “A magical product at an unbelievable price”. People laughed. However, since that time Apple has sold 15 million iPads in only 9 months – more than every other tablet PC sold in history. Many have declared that it as the fastest growing new product in history.

Steve Jobs also presented other statistics demonstrating Apple’s success illustrating why they have been so successful:

• They have three online stores, that all use the same login account and one-click purchase process – iTunes, App Store (for the Mac and for the iPod/iPhone/iPad), and iBooks.
• There are over 350,000 apps in the App store.
• There are over 65,000 apps that take full advantage of the iPad. (Competitors launch with ~100).
• Apple has sold 100 million iPhones.
• Apple has sold 100 million books in the iBooks store.
• To date, developers have been paid over $2 billion ($2,000,000,000) dollars for apps.
• This is Apple’s third “Post-PC” product.  Each has been a blockbuster:  2001 – iPod, 2007 – iPhone, 2010 – iPad.
• Apple has Retail stores built for this to roll out and answer questions.

There are many naysayers.  I know I was initially one of them. I heard “it has to be held to understand how magical it is”, but still I did not see why I needed to spend money on this when I already had an iPhone and a laptop computer. See my previous post: Get a New Laptop Or An iPad Then I received one as a gift.  Now I can’t put mine down. I love it.

Sure, there are now many competitors on the market, many of them are very good, but it is the overall package that has me sold on the iPad specifically.  Someday soon, I am sure one of the Android based tablets will be worthy, but that is not the case just yet. I love how easy it is to get approved apps that are tested on this device and therefore more stable.  Sure, occasionally a rogue failure gets through, but less than one that cannot be tested on every type of device out there.  Everywhere I look, there are iPhone/iPad specific apps.  The ones for the other devices usually follow later.

So what is new in the iPad 2?

Here is just list of what is new on the iPad 2. I will try to go into more details in each feature in a later post.

• Thinner – 33% thinner (I think this is significant change, that you will notice.)
• Lighter  – 15% lighter. (I do not think this is very significant.  You probably won’t notice it much.)
• Faster – has a Dual-core A5 chip
• Has two cameras – one on the front and one on the back. Supports FaceTime and can record HD video.
• It also has a Gyro, and accelerometer, and a compass. Opens up for a lot of new apps, including pressure sensitive musical instruments.
• A really cool new Smart Cover (See it in action.)

Along with these new physical changes, Apple also announced an upgrade to the operating system – iOS 4.3. It is not clear which of the new OS features will be supported on bot the original iPad and the iPad 2 or just the iPad 2.

• A more powerful, versatile AirPlay
• Video mirroring
• . . . more on the iOS 4.3 features to follow . . .

So, my question to you is: Are you going to get one now? If you already have one, are you going to upgrade?

Cheers,
Richard

Verizon has gotten the iPhone.  Learn about some of the predicted pro’s & con’s in a previous post.

If you are an existing Verizon Wireless customer and just couldn’t wait for your new iPhone, you could pre-order one today.  However, you had to be quick.  They were in such demand, Verizon sold out of the pre-order allotment within a few hours.

Is this a foreboding of things to come?  Will the sudden increase in demand and related data traffic cause Verizon’s system to become overwhelmed like AT&T’s?  Verizon claims that they are well prepared and able to handle this increase.  Although there is an unlimited data plan, they are even going to limit the top 5% of data users data rate for the current month and throttle it for the following month.  As a result, it is likely that if you are a heavy data user, you will probably max out around the same 2 GB as offered by AT&T for new customers.

However, if you are determined to get Verizon’s iPhone as soon as possible, do not fear.  Existing Verizon customers can get a phone on February 9th and others will be able to get their’s on February 10th.

To order from Apple and get more details on the differences and similarities between AT&T’s and Verizon’s versions, you can go to the Apple Site.

Cheers,
Richard

You might soon be able to get rid of your wallet.  Wouldn’t that be great!?

Starbucks has released its own version of mobile payments.  Having to carry cash, or swipe a credit card is just too much for many people.  Turns out, a large percentage of Starbuck’s customers are already on their phone when they order their drinks.

Now, all they have to do is open the Starbuck’s Mobile Payment application on their iPhone or Blackberry and scan the bar code and — Voila!! –  they’ve paid!!

Here Is How It Works (on the iPhone)

1. Go to the iPhone/iTunes Application Store. Find the Starbucks Card Mobile application:
   
2. Once you have downloaded the application, you need to open the application and “Get Started”:
   
   You can click on the “HOW DOES IT WORK?” video button to get a tutorial, or be adventurous and go straight to the “Get Started” button.
3. Enter your  Starbuck’s Card Number and Code from the back of an existing Starbucks Card:
   
   NOTE: You must already have a physical card to get started the first time.
4. You will then be shown your card’s current balance and be given the option to make a payment:
   
   1. In this example the card balance is $20.
   2. To make a payment at a Starbucks, press the “$ Touch to Pay ” button.
5. You can now pay by scanning your phone. The barrister/cashier will show you how:
   
   NOTE: Don’t forget to press the “Touch When Done” button.
6. You also have the option of checking your balance, adding more money to your card and more:
   
7. REMEMBER: Be careful, drink responsibly !

Cheers,
Richard

Verizon Gets the iPhone!!

Beginning February 10, the phone that changed everything will be available on both AT&T and Verizon Wireless in the United States. Qualified Verizon Wireless customers will also have the exclusive opportunity to pre-order iPhone 4 online on February 3, ahead of general availability.

There is not much that can be said about this announcement that has not already been said, so I will just summarize the pro’s and con’s and different topics.

• The first and most obvious question is: “Will there be a mass exodus of AT&T customers who switch to Verizon?”
• Everyone knows about the service problems with AT&T and the superior quality of Verizon’s cell phone service.  The question is, now that Verizon has the iPhone, will it’s system get overloaded also, and start to exhibit the same problems as AT&T?  Verizon claims that this will NOT be a problem.  Their system is already handling huge amounts of data from all the Droid based smartphones that it currently has.
• Will your iPhone be able to work on either network?  — No, at this time, the iPhone can only work on one network or the other.  Verizon and AT&T use different cell service technologies.  This might change when both systems upgrade to the next generation of technology in the future.
• Will Verizon’s iPhone have different features than AT&T’s? — For the most part, no.
  • The two phones will have the same features.  Any differences will be very minor and insignificant.
  • One big difference is that AT&T’s 3G data service allows you to send text messages, surf the web, check email, and do other internet related tasks while making phone calls.  Verizon’s 3G data service does not allow this.
  • If this changes in the future, we will let you know.
• Is this going to be a Droid killer?  Or has the Android operating system gotten a strong enough foothold that it is here to stay? — Only time will tell.  I think that Android phones have enough of a following on their own now, that they are here to stay.  There are certainly many benefits to the droid over the iPhone, most notably, its ability to handle Flash video and video calling over 3G.
• Have you been waiting for Verizon to start selling the iPhone?
• Will you make the switch?

Cheers,
Richard

If so, you better watch out!  The Mac App store is NOW here.  It promises to be the easiest way to add new programs to your computer.  (See Warning below)

No disks, no waiting, always available and more. (see Note below)
See my previous post for more details:

Applications Coming To Your Mac

I just gave it a try. Once installed, it is so easy to install new programs and applications.  Just click the new App Store icon in your dock, browse the apps, and click install, just like you do within the iTunes Store.

How To Install The Mac App Store

Getting this great feature couldn’t be easier either! All you need to do is install the latest software updates for your computer.

1) Go to the Apple icon and click on “Software Updates . . .”

2) You will see the “Checking For New Software” window:

3) You will then see the “Software Updates Available” window:

4) You will then see the “Downloading Software” window:

5) You will then be reminded that you need to restart your computer:

6) You will then see your computer installing the new software and restart.

7) Once your computer restarts and everything is up and running, go to your Dock and you will see the App Store icon:

You’re DONE !!  That is it.  you are now ready to explore your new Mac App Store.

NOTE:  I great little benefit is that the icon for the new application is automatically placed on your dock for extra convenience.

WARNING: Searching apps can become addictive!!

Have fun,
Richard Lazovick

But just to put their success in perspective, he gave a few amazing statistics: Apple has sold more than 120 million iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. This is up from 100 million devices just three months ago. What may be more impressive is that Apple is activating 230,000 new iOS device every single day. He also announced that 6.5 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store, and the pace of downloads is now at 200 apps per second. 25,000 of the applications in the app store are now iPad apps.

Jobs did not announce any new products, he announced several really cool product enhancements.  Here is a brief description of each:

1. Apple TV – This is the top priority on my list.  I have been thinking about canceling my way overpriced cable service and just watching TV shows, movies, and videos via my computer.  This new Apple TV is only $99.  You can rent regular and HD movies and TV shows as well as stream photos and music from your computer, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad to your widescreen TV.
   
   For more information about Apple TV, go to www.apple.com/appletv/
   
2. The new iPod Touch – This is for someone who wants all the features of the iPhone, without the phone capabilities.  So just about anything you can do on the iPhone 4 using wifi you can do on this new iPod Touch. This new iPod Touch has two cameras,s o you can use FaceTime (real-time video calling), with other iPhone 4 and iPod Touch users. This new iPod Tocuh has the truly visionary Retina display for incredible resolution. It has HD quality video recording, and even more amazing gaming speed.
   
   For more information about Apple’s new iPod Touch, go to www.apple.com/ipodtouch
3. The New iPod Nano – Now this is an interesting change.  It is a cross between the previous iPod Nano and the iPod Shuffle. It is half the size of the previous iPod Nano, but it has a very high quality color screen that supports multi-touch.  It still has an FM radio, is great for fitness training – complete with Nike+ compatibility.  You can now swipe and expand graphics just like on the iPhone and iPod Touch.  However, this nano no longer has a camera or supports video.
   
   For More information about this new Apple iPod Nano, go to www.apple.com/ipodnano/features.html.
4. The New iPod Shuffle – This is the smallest, least expensive iPod ever, at only $49.  The changes to this iPod are relatively minimal.  It does not have a display, but does have voice over, so it talks to you.  It has large, clickable buttons for easy use, 15 hours of battery life, 2 GB of storage, and Genius Mix music support.
   
   For more information about the new Apple iPod Shuffle, go to www.apple.com/ipodshuffle
5. New Apple iTunes – You are probably asking yourself, what could they possibly do to iTunes to change it, that would make it better?  I can already sync all my devices, buy new music, movies, and TV shows, and arrange my playlists.  Well, here is a short list of the newest features.  1) They added social media Ping capability so you can follow artists and friends – more like Twitter and Facebook, 2) In addition to buying TV shows, you can now rent them, commercial free and in HD, for as little as 99¢ / episode, 3) AirPlay – play music wirelessly throughout the entire house with AirPlay enabled speakers and accessories, 4) Added support for the new Apple TV, and 5) Improved device syncing, which includes faster sync, a memory capacity bar, and added application organization.
   
   For more information about what is new in iTune, go to www.apple.com/itunes/whats-new

I hope this gives you a good idea of Apple’s new line up.  Please let me know what you think of these changes and your feedback if you have used any of them.

Cheers,
Richard

It looks like they are calling them the iOS4 and iPhone 4.

I talked about this in a previous post:

New iPhone OS4 & 4G

You can also get more information from the Apple site itself at:

iOS4 Software Update and iPhone 4, iPhone 4 Notify Me

The new iPhone4 can be pre-ordered starting June 15th and will be available starting June 24th. The date for the new iOS4 is still unknown.

Cheers,
Richard

Hopefully this will be a good thing, but in reality, only time will tell.  For most of us, this should end up saving us some money.

First, the data changes to the data plan rate structure:

Currently – At least with the iPhone, you are required to get an unlimited data

New Options -
a) Data Plus – 200 MB of data for $15/month. Additional 200MB for another $15.
b) DataPro – 2GB of data for $25/month. Additional 1 GB of data for $10.

AT&T claims that the Data Plus plan is more than sufficient for 65% of the iPhone/SmartPhone users, and the DataPro plan is good for 98% of the iPhone/SmartPhone users.  In theory, that means that 65% of the users will save $15/month and the remaining 33% will save $5/month.  What can possibly be wrong with that?

TETHERING

The new feature that is being offered on the iPhone is Tethering.  The phone has always had this feature, but AT&T is only now allowing it to be used.  Simply put, tethering is the ability to share the phone’s network connection with another device, such as a laptop computer or iPad.

c) Tethering – Additional $20/month for DataPro customers. (That’s right, you need to sign up for the DataPro data plan to be able to use tethering)

NOTES:
1) All new SmartPhone/iPhone contracts will require you sign up for either the DataPlus or DataPro plans.  The unlimited Data Plan is no longer available for new contracts.  This is the current understanding.  The actual details are not announced yet.
2) You can easily check your data usage by logging into your account on www.wireless.att.com
3) Keep in mind, that once you tether your phone to a laptop or iPad, your data usage is likely to take a quantum jump up.  So be careful to keep track of your usage when you first make the switch and enable tethering.

I hope this helps clarify and keep you up to date.

Cheers,
Richard

Now, keep in mind that until Apple actually officially releases the new OS everything you read or hear about the new OS4 is just rumor and conjecture. It is highly likely to change.

Before I get into the new features, let me explain a few of the basics:

1: What is an OS4? – An OS is an Operating System. The operating system is simply the software that runs the phone itself.  It is the software platform upon which the user interface and all the applications run.
2: The difference between OS4 and 4G. – The OS is the operating system.  It is software based.  Another way to put it is, it is the code or instructions that runs on the hardware.  In comparison, hardware is the physical device.  Since the software is just code or instructions, it can be easily upgraded and changed over time, simply by downloading it onto the phone. Frequently, it is upgraded by the manufacturer as they make improvements.  It is up to the manufacturer to decide whether they want to charge you for those changes or not.  Since hardware is the physical device, if you want to get the latest changes you need to get a new device.  You have to physically change the device you hold in your hand.  Thus, manufacturers or suppliers usually charge for the new version.

In specific, If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, it is probably running OS3, or the third version of the Operating System software.  There have been several tweaks and minor updates to this version of software over the past year or two.  In June, Apple is expected to release Its next major upgrade, OS4.  This version of the OS has some really cool and exciting features.

Apple is also expected to release a new version of the hardware in June.  This will be the 4th generation of the hardware.  It has some really cool new features also!

To get ALL the benefits of the new OS4, you will need the 4G version of the iPhone or iPod Touch.  However, if you already have a 3G or 3Gs version of the hardware, you will get many of the benefits of the new OS.

I will highlight some of the new features here:

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch OS4

• Multitasking – This is one of the most exciting new features.  Multitasking is the ability to run multiple programs at once.  This feature already exists in a limited form, but will be greatly expanded in this new release.  The neat thing is, they claim they have done it in a very special way that will not slow it down significantly or consume excessively more battery power. This feature will only be available on the iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touch 3G (and, of course, newer versions).
• Application Folders – This is a really nice/convenience feature. It is the ability to organize your applications into categories. For instance, you can group all your social networking applications into one folder, your financial programs into another folder, etc…  This is not a big deal if you have only a few programs, but if you have a lot, such as I do, it can be significant.  Let me clarify: Currently, to find an application, I either have to scroll through pages to find that application or I need to go to Spotlight, remember the name, and start typing the name.  In contrast, with folders, I should be able to go to my home page, click on the appropriate folder and find all the applications in one place that will fit my needs.
• A New Mail Application – The new mail application will have a unified Inbox, fast Inbox switching, and threaded emails.  If you only have one email account, this is not a big deal.  But if you have multiple accounts, this is a huge convenience.  The biggest benefit here is that you can see all your email at once or view each email account separately.  It is your choice.  See my previous post: Email on the iPhone vs the Blackberry. These changes further closes the gap between the iPhone and the blackberry for business users.
• Fast Application Switching -  Quicker switching between tasks and a better ability to resume an application where you left off, after closing it.
• Game Center – Apple will introduce a centralized gaming service where players can connect to other players in a multiplayer network. This is similar to the Xbox Live and PSN.
• iBooks – This is a trickle down from the iPad.  In addition to reading your Kindle books, you can also buy and read your iBooks. Yes, you can download the books you already bought on your iPad too.
• 5x Digital Zoom – This is the ability to zoom in on a subject before you take a picture.  It is already available with applications such as Free Zoom, but it is nice to have it built into the main camera program.  Don’t confuse digital zoom with optical zoom.  Digital zoom is uses software to extrapolate what the camera sees and expand a certain portion. Optical zoom uses the lens to zoom in on the subject. As a result, it is very convenient, but the quality is not as good as with optical zoom. Most digital cameras have a combination of both optical and digital zoom.
• Bluetooth Keyboard – The iPhone will be able to use a wireless keyboard.
• Other – There are many other changes and enhancements to the operating system.  These are the ones I found most significant.

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch 4G

Unlike the new OS4 release, Apple has not announced the 4G.  Everything about it is conjecture with two caveats: 1) Apple has a history of announcing new versions of the iPhone in June and releasing them in July and 2) an Apple employee “accidentally” left a prototype of the iPhone 4g in a bar, someone found it and sold it to Gizmodo.

• Additional Front Facing Camera – for video chats.
• Improved Main Camera - on the back
• Flash for the Camera – for low light and night pictures.
• Micro SIM Card – Like on the iPad, instead of the regular SIM card found on the current iPhone. This is the card that you can slip from one phone to another and identifies it as yours, with your phone number etc.
• Improved Display – much higher resolution, clearer, crisper images.
• Secondary Mic – possibly for improved noise cancellation, e.g. better pick-up  & less feedback.
• Misc Body Changes – it looks like the physical casing of the phone and some of the buttons have changed, but it is really too soon to tell.

To get more information, you can go to Apple’s site, or do a Google search on Apple iPhone OS4 or Apple iPhone 4G.

I hope this helps you understand Apple’s planned new iPhone adn iPod Touch offerings.

Cheers,
Richard

But if you are like the large majority of us, you are wondering whether the more expensive 3G version is really worth the added expense. You are asking yourself, and your friends: “Should I get an iPad 3G?”

I have read many reviews and people’s comments on those reviews.  It is great to see all the controversy over the topic.  There are opinions, excuses, conjectures and insults.

But, in my mind the issue is really simple. What are your needs and how much is it worth to you?

First let me clarify what the 3G means:

Very simply put, 3G is AT&T’s cellular data network.¹  That means that the 3G version of the iPad will work anywhere that the AT&T cell phones will work, not just where there is wifi.  All versions of the iPad will be able to access the internet from your in-house/home wireless network, or anywhere there is free wifi access or you have the password for the wifi.  This includes Starbucks, coffee shops, hotels, airports, friend’s houses, and many other locations.  Wifi locations are almost ubiquitous, you can find them almost anywhere.

So why would you need the 3G version of the iPad.  Where would you use it?  That is the key question.

Ask yourself, whether you will be happy using your iPad in places that have wifi, as listed above, or do you want to be able to use it everywhere? Do you want to be able to get emails, surf the web, download movies, and get fast accurate maps while mobile, in a car, bus, or train; or while in the park, at a diner that does not have accessible wifi, etc?

If the answer is yes, you want total flexibility and freedom you then need to decide if it is worth the extra cost of the iPad and the monthly service.  Here is a breakdown on the pricing:

NOTES:

1. 3G Data Network – The 3G Data Network is the high speed data portion of the cellular network.  This is in comparison to the voice or phone service and the low speed data networks, such as Edge. All the major cell phone service providers, have 3G networks, however, AT&T is the only one that currently supports the iPhone and iPad.
2. Cost of 3G Data Plans – The cost of the data plans is very flexible.  You can sign up for the plan you need on a monthly basis, without any contract!  See Apple’s 3G Pricing for more details.