No! No! No! I am not talking about the Marvel super-villain called Jigsaw, if you like to think like a detective and think everything with an unusual meaning.

I am talking about jigsaw puzzle. Or a game app that is as entertaining as a jigsaw puzzle.

I can proudly say that I am the first person to play the new game called Picture Hangman that would be released in app store on 23 February 2012.

A picture is worth a thousand words and a word is made of alphabets. If you consider a jigsaw puzzle picture, a word, then the pieces of puzzle would be the alphabets that make the word.

In Picture Hangman, there is a picture that you have to make from a long list of pieces. Some are relevant for picture and some are not. You have to remove the irrelevant and join the relevant pieces to create a picture.

In three easy steps, you can learn how to play this game:

1. As I said, your goal is to create a picture by selecting the relevant parts in the list.

2. At the bottom of the screen, you will see a bar in which the parts of picture would be listed. You will scroll down either right to left or left to right to find the parts relevant for the picture.

3. Either you can flick or swipe the relevant part to the center or double click (by tapping) to select that part. If the part you selected is not relevant, while dragging, it would fly up and disappear from the list as well as screen. If the part you selected is relevant, after getting dragged to the center, it would place itself at the right spot.

How to play and “Help” are the features in this game clarify all your doubts.

Picture Hangman can be played only by signing into the Game Center. So make sure that you have a profile and Game Center to play this game.

This review has been written after obtaining the game from a gift card and the game has been played on an iPod.

So are you waiting to download Picture Hangman on 23 February 2012? Do share your feedback after playing it.

Enjoy The Fun Of Jigsaw With Picture Hangman [REVIEW] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Just like the apps for iPhone and iPad, Apple also provides a way for developers to send ad-hoc versions of Mac App Store apps out for beta testing purposes.

Today there are many apps that have iPhone and/or iPad versions as well as Mac versions.

Even if you are beta testing an iOS app, you might need to know the procedure to install the companion Mac App Store beta version, and its provisioning profile, as well. As long as you gave the developer the proper hardware Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) for your Mac, the process is fairly simple, and quiet similar to the process of installing iOS beta software on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

Following is the procedure to install the provisioning profile:

STEP 1 - Download the file on your Mac.

STEP 2 - Unzip the file if you have downloaded it as a zip-file.

STEP 3 - Double click the .provisionprofile file.

STEP 4 - After you click on .provisionprofile file, “System Preferences” will launch.

STEP 5 - When “System Preferences” asks for your admin password, enter it.

STEP 6 - Now the provisioning file should should appear in your profiles.

Now here is a two step procedure for intalling Binary:

STEP 1 - If you have an older version of the app already on your Mac, you should play safe and trash (delete ) it.

STEP 2 - Drag the beta app to your Application folder.

Mission accomplished! Now if you experience any problem, contact the developer. Yo may need to trash some other, previously installed files. You might also need to do some other configuration first. After that, you should see it working.

The Mac App Store is not the only way to distribute software on OS X. Many developers may never need to send UUID-locked beta builds.

Did you find the two proceudres explained above easy and useful? Tell us how these procedures helped you.

Source: iMore

Installing Beta Mac App Store Apps And Provisioning Profiles [TUTORIAL] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Do you like something unique? Are you bored of seeing your iPhone’s default unlock animation? Try iUnlock.

With a new jailbreak tweak called iUnlock, you can customize your unlock animation yourself with awesome effects and sounds. 

You can download iUnlock now from Cydia’s BigBoss repo. Its price is $1.99. However, there is a three-day trial that allows you to test the tweak yourself.

It features a vast amount of animations and sounds that would allow you to decorate your lock screen animation with a variety of fancy effects. Here is a video showing you how iUnlock is used:

iUnlock is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. It can run on a jailbroken device that has iOS 5.

What do you say about the animations from iUnlock? Post your comments.

Source: Cult Of Mac

Add Awesome Unlock Animations To Your iOS Device is a post from: The Apple Bites

Display maker Proview sued Apple over the iPad moniker in China feels that it has the whole judicial system with it and despite selling rights to Apple, Proview is still falsely claiming the ownership of rights to extort money from Apple.

Last week, a court order banned the sales of Apple’s iPad in various Chinese cities. However, now it seems that Proview has a change of heart, all of a sudden. Proview has told The Times of India, one of the leading English dailies in India that it is ready to negotiate with Apple as it has “peaceful intentions.”

Proview is drooling over money and it is hoping for an out of court settlement, and it is shooting for as high as $1.5 billion for the iPad trademark in China. Legal representatives for Proview told the paper on Tuesday, 21 February 2012:

We are now preparing for negotiations. The court cases will continue until we reach an agreement.

Reuters reported that a court in Shanghai will begin hearings today on whether Proview’s claims have any merit and the ruling could take months. Nobody knows whether Proview’s strategy would work. Apple has even threatened to sue Proview over “defamatory statements.”  This highlights Apple’s unwillingness to engage in trademark licensing talks with Proview. Proview has recently filed for bankruptcy.

Some people believe that Apple wants to pursue an aggressive legal strategy to set an example. Thus, it may not be interested in an out of court settlement. Apple’s lawyers warned Proview in a letter issued on Monday, 20 Feb 2012:

“It is inappropriate to release information contrary to the facts to the media, especially when such disclosures have the effect of wrongfully causing damage to Apple’s reputation.”

A Hong Kong court ruling that dated July 2011 revealed that Apple founded a United Kingdom-based company to snatch rights to the iPad trademark in various markets without revealing it was the purchaser. The company insisted that it purchased the worldwide rights to the iPad trademark in 10 different countries in 2009  from Proview’s Taiwanese affiliate for about $55,000. 

Now Apple has accused Proview of not honoring that agreement, noting that a Hong Kong court sided with Apple in this matter. Hong Kong’s and Mainland China’s legal systems are different. Thus, the ruling is not helping Apple in its legal dealings with Proview, which wants to implement a country-wide ban on iPad imports and exports in China. The iPad is manufactured in Foxconn’s plants in Shenzhen, China. That is why, so any export ban would immediately impact worldwide availability of Apple’s tablet.

Source: 9TO5 Mac

Proview Ready To Negotiate With Apple? is a post from: The Apple Bites

If you are eagerly waiting for iPhone 5, you would have to wait for a long time. Apple has decided to to give iPhone 4S a 12 month lease of life before announcing the successor.

This kills the theory of iPhone 5 unveiling in June 2012.

If the Japanese blog Macotakara is to be believed, then September-October 2012 launches for the next iPhone (Apple has not announced any name officially) look to be the shape of things to come going forwards:

“We talk about the next iPhone, seems to be around before and after 1 year to 10 September announced 4S iPhone, and this cycle seems to continue for a while… the next iPhone will be released in September or October , and this cycle seems to be kept for years.” [via Google Translate].

Some online reports claim to have heard from an unnamed component supplier that an autumn release is now looking more likely.

According to rumors, new iPad, named as iPad 3 by the Apple fanboys is expected to launch in March, Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) event – where new iPhones were traditionally unveiled. This event is normally held in June-July and new iPhones now look to be unveiled around September-October.

Rumors about iPhone 5 suggest an aluminum body, a 4-inch screen and a higher resolution. Some rumors also hint at Quad-mode LTE and a water-proof body with water-proof mechanism.

Source: Recombu

iPhone 5 Release In September-October 2012? is a post from: The Apple Bites

At the moment, situations are not at all favorable for Apple in China as far as its legal battle with Proview is concerned. Both parties are claiming ownership to “iPad” name.

Eyeing Apple’s money, Proview claimed Apple is infringing on their trademark of the word ‘iPad’ despite selling rights to Apple. Apple has said that there has already been a settlement over the trademark. However, many China courts are banning the iPad throughout China.

The Associated Press reports that another local China court in Huizhou has banned the iPad:

Xie Xianghui, a lawyer for Shenzhen Proview Technology, said the Intermediate People’s Court in Huizhou, a city in southern China’s Guangdong province, had ruled on Friday that distributors should stop selling iPads in China. The ruling, which was also reported widely in China’s state media, may not have a far-reaching effect. In its battle with Apple, Proview is utilizing lawsuits in several places and also requesting commercial authorities in 40 cities to block iPad sales.

Huizhou, is located in southern China’s Guangdong province. Many Chinese cities including Huizhou have banned Apple’s tablet. Proview aim is to get the iPad from more than 40 cities, despite custom officials telling it that due to the popularity of iPad, it would be difficult to ban iPad in China.

Apple is continuing fight against these rulings, appealing every ruling that harms their interest. Apple purchased the rights to use iPad name for $55,000 in 2009.

In an interesting move, Apple requested Amazon China to remove the iPad from their online store a few weeks ago. It is not clear what were the motives of Apple.

The only consolation for Apple is that so far, there has been no ruling, banning iPad in the Mainland China.  

Source: iDownload Blog

Another Chinese Court Bans iPad is a post from: The Apple Bites

With the rumored date for the announcement of iPad 3 release coming closer, the rumors about iPad 3 are also getting intensified.

Adding fuel to the rumor fire of iPad 3, NextMedia has claimed to have gotten actual pictures of Apple’s next-generation tablet that include pictures of iPad 3 with with specs indicating that the rear camera will be 8 megapixel. Physically, the casing looks very much like the iPad 2. However, it has shaper and more tapered edges.

NewsMedia also say that the launch date of iPad 3 would be announced on 7 March 2012. It would have Retina display and quad-core Apple A6 processor, this fact conflicting with A5X Processor. They did not mention anything about 4G LTE, though the Wall Street Journal has previously confirmed that.

Many people might be surprised to see the big leap from 1 megapixel camera in the iPad 2 to 8 megapixels in the iPad 3.

What would you like to say about 8 MP camera in iPad 3? Post your comments.

You can also share your thoughts on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Apple Bites is giving away free iTunes Gift-cards for exciting games and interesting apps. All you need to do is to participate in the discussions The Apple Bites starts. No offensive words allowed. No spamming! The winners would be contacted and the gift cards would be given to them.

Source: iMore

iPad 3 Rumored To Have 8 MegaPixel Camera is a post from: The Apple Bites

The remote that comes with Apple TV 2 is very small and it can get lost or misplaced easily.

That is why, you can use your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and Apple Remote App to control your Apple TV.

However, you frequently need to change the channel, you need something different. Here is a procedure that would enable you to control Apple TV with a third party remote. You should do this before you lose your remote. That is why, it is preferable to do that when you buy Apple TV 2.

STEP 1 - Power on your Apple TV.

STEP 2 - Go to “Settings” in the Main Menu.

STEP 3 - Click on “General”. After that, click on “Remote”.

STEP 4 - Choose “Learn Remote”.

STEP 5 - Select “Start”.

STEP 6 - Apple TV will display icons representing the six buttons on the Apple Remote. The “Up” or “+” button will be highlighted first.

STEP 7 - Use your third-party remote to press and hold the button you would like to use to control the “up” function until the blue progress bar is full as you see in the picture.

STEP 8 - Apple TV will then select the next button function. You have to repeat the above step using a different button.

STEP 9 - After programming all six button functions, you can now use your third-party remote to control Apple TV. If you wish, you can setup specific playback buttons for Fast-forward, Rewind, Next chapter, and more.

If you see “Button Already Learned” error message, this could mean either of the following two possibilities:

1. A different, previously learned remote, has a learned button with the same IR code as the current button that you want to program.

2. A previously learned button of the current remote has the same IR code as the current button that you are trying to program.

If you encounter either of these situations, you have two options. Either you can use a different button or you can delete the previously learned remote if it is not being used.

Did you find this procedure easy to follow? What is your feedback? Share it with us.

Source: iMore

Using Third Party Remote To Control Your Apple TV [TUTORIAL] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Those who have been reading our news reports about Fair, Reasonable, And Non Discriminatory (FRAND) terms of patents would have anticipated something like this long back.

Electronista has reported that Apple has just a complaint with the European Commission (EC) regarding Motorola’s recent legal actions. Motorola had won an injunction in Germany last month that resulted in the temporary ban on the sales of some Apple products.

However, Apple has maintained that the patents that Motorola is asserting against it are industry standard, and therefore fall under FRAND jurisdiction. Apple went to the EC as it felt that Motorola did not want to give a FRAND license to Apple.

According to the report, a recent SEC filing revealed that Motorola received a letter from EC that notified them of Apple’s inquiry. The details of the complaint have not been made public yet. We are assuming that it has something to do with the recent Germany injunction.

The lawsuits that Apple lodged against Samsung and many Android partners are software and design-oriented. On the other hand Motorola’s lawsuit involves patents on hardware that is necessary to the function of any smartphone and would be difficult to work around.

That is why Apple called it FRAND abuse, because under the terms of FRAND, companies holding industry-standard patents must offer reasonable licensing terms on those patents to other companies. And Motorola’s licensing offer to Apple was not reasonable.

Apple might score victory over Motorola here. EU officials have already started initial antitrust investigations into both Motorola and Samsung due to their legal actions regarding their FRAND patents. Now with European Commission involved in this matter, if Apple has its way, then Motorola will either have to abandon its lawsuit against Apple, or lower its licensing fee.

Source: iDownload Blog

Apple Accuses Motorola Of FRAND Abuse is a post from: The Apple Bites

We told you earlier that Apple had neither announced the official name for the next generation iPad, nor a release date. However, fans named it iPad 3.

When the rumors of an advanced processor to come with iPad 3 started flaying, Apple fanboys eagerly named it as A6 processor.

Now it is time to be proved wrong as it seems that the advanced processor will be called as A5X instead of A6.

This assumption is being made on the basis of Apple’s recent history. The iPhone 4 has the A4 processor. Both the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S have the A5 processor. So the name of processor for iPad 3 as A6 makes sense.

However, according to a leaked image on Chinese forum WeiPhone, the iPad 3 will have an A5X processor, rather than A6.

There are rumors that the upgraded processor will be a quad-core processor, while some reports have said dual-core.

Some online rumors point out that the code “1146? on the A5X processor indicates that the processor was manufactured 14th-20th November 2011. There is a possibility that it was a prototype.

The logic board looks similar to that of iPad 2, specifically around the power management chips. There are also 16 GB flash memory chips from Hynix.

At the moment, it is not clear if Apple will use an A5X processor rather than an A6. However, this leak certainly seems to indicate that. There are rumors that Apple will announce iPad 3 on 7 March 2012 and the launch will follow few days later. The tablet is also rumored to have a Retina display, LTE chip, and upgraded cameras.

What do you think about all the theories related to iPad 3 and what do you expect from iPad 3? Post your comments.

Source: iDownload Blog

A5X Processor In iPad 3? is a post from: The Apple Bites

As a technology becomes advanced, one desires to find out something that can make the procedure more advanced. Now Apple is working on a new method to detect water damage to iOS devices.

Like other electronic items, most of Apple’s devices have liquid contact indicators that change colors when the device comes in contact with excessive moisture.

The problem with these indicators is that sometimes, they can change colors without ever being submerged in water. For example, even heavy humidity in atmosphere can also cause a device to appear as if it has suffered severe water damage. So Apple is looking to change things.

AppleInsider has discovered a new patent application in which, Apple has discussed a new method for detecting water damage in its mobile devices. The filing is called ‘Mechanisms for detecting exposure to water in an electronic device.’

Apple started off by explaining that vendors were not generally qualified to determine whether a device had failed due to water damage or not. This can cause two major problems. For one, devices that have suffered extreme water damage could get improperly replaced under warranty free of charge. Assuming that this would happen only happened once a week, per Apple Store, at an average of $500 per device Apple would lose around $200,000 every 7 days. The second problem is that devices that were not failing due to water damage could get denied a warranty replacement due to falsely activated indicators.

To avoid these issues, Apple suggested that an immersion detection system should be imbedded on one of the internal components of a device. Apple planned to cover this sensor in a moisture-solubable glue, which would immediately dissolve in water or other liquids.

Theoretically, this method is beneficial as Apple could build a pane into the Settings app in iOS that would reflect the status of the sensor. It would be easy to determine whether a device suffered water damage or not.

Instead of going through all this lengthy brain-storming and experiments, Apple could simply build water-proof devices as there are rumors that iPhone 5 would be water-proof. At the moment, nobody knows whether Apple would do that or not.

Source: iDownload Blog

Apple Trying To Find New Methods To Detect Water Damage In iOS Devices is a post from: The Apple Bites

We have been informing you about the legal conflicts that Apple has had with Samsung and Motorola on regular basis. You may find it difficult to keep a track but Apple has also been locking horns with HTC as well and scarring victories over HTC.

The International Trade Center (ITC) has dismissed HTC’s final complaint against Apple. Unless the manufacturer from Taiwan (HTC) wins an appeal, this is the end of a two year lawsuit involving HTC and Apple.

FOSSPatents reported:

“In October 2011, an Administrative Law Judge made an initial determination that identified no violation [from Apple] of four of HTC’s asserted patents. HTC had originally also asserted — but meanwhile withdrawn — a fifth patent. HTC asked the Commission, the six-member decision-making body at the top of the ITC, to review the ALJ’s preliminary ruling. In December, the Commission granted a review, but with respect to only one of the patents.

Today’s ruling terminates the investigation with respect to the sole remaining patent. HTC could appeal the ITC’s final decision to the Federal Circuit, but that may not be a good use of its resources because it looks that this case is fundamentally weak.”

This lawsuit had been filed in in response to Apple’s original patent infringement suit that it filed against HTC back in 2010. Since then, the legal battle between Apple and HTC has been going on and on and on.

Right now, HTC should focus on boosting the sales of it handsets that has been declining lately. By the way, HTC’s Chief Financial Officer Winston Yung has admitted indirectly that iPhone is better than android phone.

Source: iDownload Blog

ITC Awards Apple Another Victory Against HTC is a post from: The Apple Bites

Last week, Apple TV sold out across numerous websites. In a bizarre turn of events, Apple’s hobby is being pulled from big-box retailers physical and online stores as well. You must be wondering why? So are we.

Wal-Mart and Best Buy are not even listing the Apple TV on their websites. Amazon has also stopped selling it. Disappearance of Apple TV all of a sudden must be confusing many as Apple recently added a new feature of recommending movies and TV shows to users.

Physical stores across United States do not have it in their stock.

Apple Insider contacted Best Buy to find out more but the employee receiving the call said that he was not allowed to talk about this issue.

“At this point in time, it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting [the Apple TV] back,” the representative said after performing an inventory check.

The Apple TV’s disappearance from retail stores should not be seen as a surprise because Apple usually constrains the supply of products that they are about to refresh. However, the Apple TV is in a unique position considering Tim Cooks recent comments about something bigger possibly evolving from the platform and the incredible buzz surrounding a possible Apple HDTV.

If rumors are to be believed, seems like Apple is going make a big impact with the release of refreshed Apple TV, Apple HDTV, iPad 3 and iPhone 5.

Source: Modmyi

Apple TV Pulled From Retail Shelves And Online Stores is a post from: The Apple Bites

Tonight you will be able to see what is true about the factories of Apple and Foxconn in China. Coming to your TV screens, ABC News would not just tell you, but also show you the truth about the condition of workers.

Last week, ABC announced their plans to broadcast a special edition of the television series, Nightline, after having gained access to document the working conditions in the factories of some of Apple’s suppliers. Apple granted exclusive access to ABC to cover the working conditions in these factories.

Bill Weir received permission from Apple to visit factories in Shenzhen, China in preparation for the report which will be airing on 21 February 2012 (tonight), at 11:35 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the ABC network. ABC News says that Weirs is the “first journalist to go inside the factories” to watch Apple products being made.

Weir said, “For years, Apple and Foxconn have been synonymous with monster profits and total secrecy. So it was fascinating to go wander the iPhone and iPod production lines, meet the people who build them and see how they live.” The cameras were rolling through various aspects of his visit where he spoke with dozens of line workers and even a top executive about everything from hours and pay to the controversies over suicides at the plan.

The whole document show has been scheduled to be broadcast on Nightline. However, certain portions of the story will also be featured on other ABC News shows and platforms, including “Good Morning America,” “World News with Diane Sawyer,” ABCNews.com, ABC News Radio, and ABC Newsone.

As a company, Apple has taken steps toward greater transparency and accountability of its supply chain. This is the first time, Apple has released a list of suppliers as part of its annual supplier responsibility report last month. Apple joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and agreed to have its supply chain facilities independently assessed by the association. Bill Weir will reveal what it is truly like behind the scenes and whether Apple’s steps have been helpful to the situation.

This shows that Apple has nothing to hide and labor activists who have given Apple clean-chit, are right about CEO Tim Cook’s claim that Apple cares about all employees. Now that salaries of workers shave been improvised and many benefits have been extended, Apple could not have any reason to be secretive.

What is your opinion about Apple letting media see their factories?

You can also share your opinions about this move from Apple on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Apple Bites is giving away free iTunes Gift-cards for exciting games and interesting apps. All you need to do is to participate in the discussions The Apple Bites starts. No offensive words allowed. No spamming! The winners would be contacted and the gift cards would be given to them.

Source: Modmyi

ABC News To Give You A Sneak Peak Of Apple’s Factories Tonight is a post from: The Apple Bites

Animated Gifs are an alternative to Flash animations. All you need to create them is a web-banner with simple transitions. Animated Gifs make your web-page attractive.

All you need to create Animated Gifs is Adobe Photoshop. Follow this procedure to create animated gifs.

STEP 1 - First, create a new document in Photoshop. You can do that either by going to File > New or by hitting “Cmd+N” on the keyboard. Create a document of whatever size you like. While doing so, you should keep in mind that the Internet Advertising Bureau has standardized sizes for web ads. Web graphics should be RGB color and 72 Pixels Per Inch (PPI).

STEP 2 - Make sure that the “Layers” palette is showing. You should go to Windows > Layers or hit “F7″.

STEP 3 - You should create a separate layer for each frame by clicking “Shift+Cmd+N” in Photoshop and typing or placing art in the new layer. For example, in the photo the words “Sample,” “Animated” and “Gif” will appear in separate frames, so they are each on separate layers.

STEP 4 - Open the “Animation” palette by going to Window > Animation. Set the palette to “frame animation” by clicking the icon in the lower right-hand corner of the palette. Click the eyeball icon next to each layer in the “Layers” palette. This is done to show or hide separate layers — the eyeball should be “on” only on the layers you want in the first frame. For example, only the word you have typed and the background will appear in the first frame.

STEP 5 - Choose “New Frame” in the “Animation” palette. Click the eyeballs in the “Layers” palette to show the layers that you want to appear in the next frame. You should continue these steps until you have all the frames you want. You can add the blank background layer at the end of the frame that gives the animation the effect of cycling from a blank canvas.

STEP 6 - Select each frame to create the transition between them. For example, a half-second delay is usually applied to the transition. You can decide how much delay do you want for transition. This means that the animation will have a half-second (or time-difference that you insert) wish between each frame.

STEP 7 - Click “Play” in the “Animation” palette to preview the animated GIF. You can continue to experiment with timing until you have the desired effect. This step shows how good gif you have made and the option to modify the gif stays with you.

STEP 8 - Go to “File > Save For Web & Devices”. This opens up a new window. Click “Save” to save your animated GIF.

Now you Gif is ready. You can use it the way you want.

So does simple procedure in eight steps help you? Share your feedback with us.

Source: eHow

Creating Animated Gifs On Mac [TUTORIAL] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Amid reports accusing Apple and Foxconn of making their workers in Chinese factories in pathetic conditions, Foxconn has raised the salaries of their employees, a move that many critics of Apple call as a “face-saving” move.

Reuters reported that Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn announced new wage increases for entry-level workers at its facilities in China. Foxconn, boosted the pay anywhere from 16-25 percent. The increase is Foxconn’s third wage hike since 2010.

In a statement on Friday, Taiwan-based Foxconn said the pay of a junior level worker in Shenzhen, southern China, had risen to 1,800 yuan ($290) per month and could be further raised above 2,200 yuan if the worker passed a technical examination.

It said that pay three years ago was 900 yuan a month.

Foxconn said that its wages were already far above minimum wage standards set by the government and that it will continue to focus on training and education for its employees. Foxconn also provides room and board for its employees. However, some people have criticized the living conditions that are said to be cramped dormitory-style housing. Various reports cited that in one room anywhere from eight up to fifteen employees had to live.

Foxconn made a significant boost to worker salaries in mid-2010. Foxconn followed a significant scrutiny over worker suicides at the company’s facilities. Initial reports had claimed that Apple was directly subsidizing those wage hikes. However, Foxconn later denied those reports.

Fair Labor Association (FLA) and Labor activists in China have said that Apple and Foxconn give good working conditions to their employees and Apple CEO Tim Cook has also said that conditions of Chinese workers have been improved a lot.

Source: MacRumors

Foxconn Raises The Salaries Of Employees is a post from: The Apple Bites

When iPhone 4 was first launched years ago, just days after its launch, many users began to notice 3G reception issues when placing their palm over the antenna part of their iPhone 4. This issue had been dubbed as the “antennagate” by bloggers.

There were numerous complaints and some lawsuits that Apple had to face over Antennagate issue. Apple has made free iPhone bumper cases available to everyone, which which according to Apple are a remedy to this issue. The issue was fixed in iPhone 4S manufactured later.

According to reports from CNET, one of those US class-action lawsuits is finally seeing a settlement:

The settlement comes from 18 separate lawsuits that were consolidated into one. All share the claim that Apple was “misrepresenting and concealing material information in the marketing, advertising, sale, and servicing of its iPhone 4–particularly as it relates to the quality of the mobile phone antenna and reception and related software.”

The lawsuit that is seeing a settlement is a total of 18 combined. All of those 18 lawsuits have the common message that Apple misrepresented the quality of its mobile antenna. As part of the settlement to this suit, every US customer who purchased an iPhone 4 is now entitled to $15 or free bumper from Apple.

A website for the settlement, www.iPhone4Settlement.com, will be launching in the coming weeks. Here, customers will be able to find out more information and where they can make their claim. At the moment, it is not clear if it applies to those who originally got a free bumper from Apple.

As a part of the settlement, Apple will be forced to send an email out to every single iPhone 4 customer by 30 April 2012. After receiving the email, customers will then have 120 days to make their claim.

While early iPhone 4S suffered from “antennagate”, now iPhone 4S seems to be free of this issue, as reported after a study done by Consumer Reports.

What is your opinion about this settlement? Post your comments.

Source: iDownload Blog

Apple Settles “Antennagate” Lawsuit is a post from: The Apple Bites

The first “breed” Apple Macs with a retina display is likely to hit the market this year. This news has come just after the speculations started becoming high.

The resolution of a Retina Mac would be 2,880 x 1,800px. Right now, Mac usually has a resolution of 2,560×1,440px. On the big displays, the increased resolution will not make such a big difference. On a 15-inch MacBook Air a 2,880 x1,800px resolution would enhance picture quality and would look beautiful.

Online reports are carrying a hint at just released Messages Beta for Mac app. The hint suggests that Retina Display Macs would be coming in near future. Additionally images are stored with a “2x” moniker in the filename. This is similar to iOS.

Possibly, Apple will make Retina Display the key feature of the rumored revamped MacBook Pro laptops.

Source: i4U

Retina Apple Mac Coming Soon is a post from: The Apple Bites

Tags:

• macbook pro retina

Apple has seeded a pre-release of Safari 5.2 to registered developers.

After the release of the OS X Mountain Lion developer preview, a new beta of Safari has been made available with browser features from Apple’s upcoming Mac OS X Mountain Lion.

Named as, Safari 5.2 for OS X Lion introduces the unified, Google Chrome-like address/search bar. There are some other minor cosmetic changes that mirror the Safari version from the Mountain Lion developer preview.

Apple had recently seeded Safari 5.1.4 to developers with bug fixes and minor improvements. 5.2 is the next major update for existing users that will likely not be released until OS X Mountain Lion this summer.

Xcode 4.4 was also released recently to help developers get their apps ready for Mountain Lion.

Source: Cult Of Mac

Mountain Lion Features Brought To Safari With 5.2 Developer Pre-Release is a post from: The Apple Bites

We are back with a good news for Mac users. Apple is set to release an update to the Mac operating system.

This new update takes the best parts of the operating system for the iPhone and iPad.

Recently, a preview version of Mac OS X Mountain Lion was released to developers. This preview version showed what to what users could expect from the next generation of Mac computers.

The most notable change is about a built-in software that until now has existed only on iPhones and iPads. Apple summed it up in a note about the developer release, saying, “The ninth major release of OS X, Mountain Lion brings great features inspired by iPad and reimagined for the Mac.”

For example, iMessage, the instant messaging service lets iPhone and iPad users communicate exclusively with other iPhone and iPad users. Now this will be supported on the Mac as well.

In addition, iCloud integration will be deeply integrated into Mountain Lion. Users will be able to log in with their Apple ID and have their cloud-stored content and documents automatically show up on the computer.

Other iOS apps like Reminders, Notes, and Notification Calendar are also being built into the latest Mac software. All this is being done allow the integration of Mac with an iPhone or iPad. Mountain Lion will also have a built-in integration with Twitter. User would be able to go from booting up to tweeting in a matter of minutes.

Mountain Lion will also have the ability to beam the stuff that is on your screen to an HDTV via a wireless connection with the Apple TV.

Looks like that the Mac brand would be as cool and hip as iOS in near future.

Source: i4U

New Version Of Mac OS X To Have iOS Apps is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple has sent out a letter via its iTunes Connect portal to all of its registered iBookstore content publishers.

Apple has advised them of some improvements that had been demanded and considered needed.

The new update to iBookstore has brought some improvements. The iBookstore will now allow publishers to submit screenshots of their books. Not only that, now publishers can also generate and issue promotional codes for any content sold in the iBookstore.

Now it would be possible for publishers to issue up to fifty promo codes which can be given to book reviewers to enable them to receive an iBooks version of a book for free. This is similar to the app developer who already have the ability to give away promo codes for apps.

iBookstore publishers also now have the option of submitting screenshots of their books. This could prove extremely useful for books that include rich multi-media content which can be produced using Apple’s iBooks Author tools. Screenshots have to follow some strict guidelines with regard to size of the screen shots as well as the file types used.

The final change is in the way the iBookstore will handle any pre-order books. Now publishers can place books up for pre-order without the need to submit any cover artwork or other information. This information must be in place at least two weeks prior to the book actually being made available for sale.

What is your opinion about the new update for iBookstore? Post your comments.

You can also share your comments on our Facebook and Twitter Pages.

The Apple Bites is giving away free iTunes Gift-cards for exciting games and interesting apps. All you need to do is to participate in the discussions The Apple Bites starts. No offensive words allowed. No spamming! The winners would be contacted and the gift cards would be given to them.

Source: iMore

iBookstore Updated For Publishers is a post from: The Apple Bites

We all love to add smilies with text in our e-mails and text messages. Through smilies, we add emotions and express our love for people we value our relationships with.

Sometimes, there are limited smilies and you wish that there could have a different smily for the context.

Now you can choose, select and add smilies in your messages through a vast number of varieties and options. It would be possible to find the perfect animated emoticon to show people how you are really feeling via text or email! Just Download AniEmoticons and you will see thousands of unique new crisply animated emoticons ready to be used.

AniEmoticons carries tons of smilies and this app has been developed by Dim Dim Sum who define there mission as “connecting hearts with apps”. You may laugh at this funny name but in Chinese language, their name means “Tap Tap Heart”.

AniEmoticons also has a Lite Version.

Coming back to original version, this unique app is has versatile, intuitive, and in-depth animated email and SMS emoticon solution on iOS. There are countless other animated emoticon apps on the App Store.

However, AniEmoticon is not about just hundreds but thousands of wacky emoticons split up by category and character. Not only that, this pap features many original emoticon characters like Milky Head, Onion Boy, and countless others. These characters are completely original and can only be found here! iPod Touch users are free to use AniEmoticons via their iMessages account as well. The emoticons are beautiful, colorful and cute.

AniEmoticons has been built to be simple and quick to use. AniEmoticons would save you from time wasting hassle where you have go through the painstaking procedure of copying emoticons from their home application, close it out, and paste them into you emails and text messages. Instead, this app would automatically place its full list of emoticons in your device’s email and SMS editing menus. It would ensure that you can use and share any silly face you want to all from one centralized location. To boot, you are free to use as many characters and faces as you want to in your messages. There is no limit for that.

AniEmoticons features almost three thousand unique faces to choose from. 2740 maybe the actual number. These faces and smilies are concisely organized into 28 categories so that searching for the perfect face to make your message funny or interesting would be easy. The Lite version of the app AniEmoticons contains a full 949 emoticons grouped into 10 categories as well.

Not everyone in the world owns an iOS device. That is why, AniEmoticon’s characters can be sent via text to any smartphone, regardless of which platform it runs on. Just because you are not communicating face to face, that does not mean you cannot express your emotions dynamically. With AniEmoticons you will have more animated options than ever before.

Let us have a look at the features of AniEmoticons:

1. As mentioned earlier, AniEmoticons has 2740 unique high quality emoticons to choose from.

2. There are 28 diverse emoticon categories to simplify search and selection for you.

3. AniEmoticons features exclusive emoticons that have been specially for this app. You will not find these apps anywhere.

4. This app features an intuitive user-friendly design.

5. You can pick emoticons conveniently for your email or SMS.

6. AniEmoticons has universal platform compatibility for all sent emoticons.

The new Version 2.0 of AniEmoticons has added Push Notification to this app. Bugs on More Apps Screen has been fixed. “Help & Tips” has been revised. The new version also supports iPod Touch with iMessages.

Compatibilities:
AniEmoticons is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. It requires iOS 3.0 or later version.

This review has been written after obtaining AniEmoticons from App store through a gift card and the app has been used on an iPhone before review.

So are you ready to surprise and impress your fans and friends with new and unique Emoticons while they still use traditional smilies? Share your feedback about unique Emoticons in this app. Which Emoticons did you like most?

Click here to buy and download AniEmoticons.

Replace Traditional Smilies With AniEmoticons [REVIEW] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Tags:

• aniemoticon
• aniemoticons theapplebites

In this vast Internet, where there can be a vast collection of classic WWE videos, classic movie videos and classic moments of Hollywood stars, then why not Steve Jobs?

Late Steve Jobs deserves this tribute and the tribute is here.

Scott Hurff, the founder of video sharing website Chill, has put together the most comprehensive list of Steve Jobs videos we’ve ever seen. The Ultimate Steve Jobs Collection contains interviews, keynotes, and many classic moments featuring Jobs. This video library features more than 100 YouTube videos ranging from the days of NeXT to the famous Standford commencement speech.

Here’s a particularly great video of Steve unveiling Airport wireless networking to the world:

If you see Steve Jobs as your role model, check out this collection and share your comments with us.

Source: Cult Of Mac

Here Is The Biggest Collection Of Steve Jobs’ Videos is a post from: The Apple Bites

Recently there was a Path scandal which revealed that Path uploaded your entire address book to its server. What a gross and blatant invasion of privacy?

This scandal has once again put user privacy at the forefront of mobile news.

The social network Path was caught secretly uploading entire address books from its users’ cell phones without their authorization. After the lid on this scandal was blown, a further research was prompted into other App Store apps. That included jailbreak apps as well. The aim of this further research was to see how many other developers were guilty of these actions. The conclusion of this research is found a bizarre result. Jailbreak apps actually leak much less private data than Apple-approved ones.

Forbes magazine reported:

“As the scandal swirled this past week over news that the iPhone app Path uploads users’ entire contact lists without permission, I came upon a study (PDF here) released last year by a group of researchers at the University of California at Santa barbara and the International Security Systems Lab that aimed to analyze how and where iPhone apps transmit users’ private data.

Not only did the researchers find that one in five of the free apps in Apple’s app store upload private data back to the apps’ creators that could potentially identify users and allow profiles to be built of their activities. They also discovered that programs in Cydia, the most popular platform for unauthorized apps that run only on “jailbroken” iPhones, tend to leak private data far less frequently than Apple’s approved apps.”

The group tested 1,351 free applications to of which 825 from Apple’s app store and 526 were from Cydia. It found that 21% of the App Store apps uploaded the user’s Unique Device Identifier (UDID), 4% uploaded the device’s location, and 0.5% uploaded the user’s contact list.

Contrary to that, out of the Cydia apps, only 4% leaked the user’s UDID, and only one app out of the 500+ tested leaked location or contact data. That app was MobileSpy — a utility designed to help users spy on devices.

Source: iDownload Blog

Jailbreak Apps Seek Less Private Data Of Users Than App Store Apps is a post from: The Apple Bites

Many jailbreakers want to be the Chuck Norris of the jailbreaking world and technology world. They are competing to create jailbreaking tweaks that can make Siri work on iDevices that were released before iPhone 4S.

Obviously, Apple does not like this. A large amount of unsupported Siri users are now unable to use Siri.

Seems like Apple has started taking steps to ensure that Siri remains iPhone 4S exclusive.

Some online reports say that Apple has added a ”SetActivationToken” requirement for Siri to function properly. According to a report, Siri server users on Twitter are claiming that deleting the com.apple.assistant.plist file located in the jaibroken iOS device’s var/mobile/Library/Preferences/ folder will fix this issue.

Because the problem can be fixed easily, at the moment, it is not clear whether this is a direct attack by Apple on non-4S Siri users. It could be a coincidence that this new token blocks unsupported access. Jailbreakers need to install Spire and set up their own SiriProxy server to make Siri run on a device older than iPhone 4S. There are speculations that this activation token might be something that would make Siri work on iPad 3 in future.

Tell us if your Siri sever is not working anymore. Did the fix mentioned here work for you?

Source: Cult Of Mac

Apple Wants To Crack Whip Against Non-iPhone 4S Siri Users? is a post from: The Apple Bites

Tags:

• delete com apple assistant plist

A German court has ruled that most of Motorola’s products infringe on Apple’s slide-to-unlock image patent. The only exception is the slide-the-circle gesture that is used in the Motorola XOOM.

This ruling would allow Apple to enforce a permanent injunction against the Motorola products found in violation. Motorola can still appeal against this verdict. Therefore, Apple would be taking a very big risk enforcing such an injunction at this time. If this ruling is overturned, Apple would have to reimburse Motorola for any lost sales due to the injunction.

Irrespective of any decision that Apple makes, one thing that we can be sure of is that Motorola will now have to make changes to their User Interface (UI).

There is a strong possibility that Motorola may implement the slide-the-circle on all of its devices.

Source: Cult Of Andorid

German Court Rules Against Motorola Over Slide-To-Unlock Patent is a post from: The Apple Bites

RedSn0w is back. This time with a new update.

If you have been experiencing problems jailbreaking your A4 devices using RedSn0w, it is time to be happy and smile.

The Dev Team has just released an update for the popular utility.

The new software, now at version 0.9.10b5c, includes a number of stability improvements and bug fixes. The Dev Team posted the update to its blog with the following message:

“Updates #5b and #5c: Version b5b fixes an issue with using custom ramdisks on iPhone3G and iPod2G, and version b5c prevents redsn0w from crashing due to the ever-growing ramdisk size.

TIP: If auto-detection fails and redsn0w tells you no identifying data as wound, you can always pre-select the appropriate 5.0.1 IPSW using “Extras->Select IPSW”.”

How was your experience of using the new version of RedSn0w? Post your comments.

You can also post your comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Apple Bites is giving away free iTunes Gift-cards for exciting games and interesting apps. All you need to do is to participate in the discussions The Apple Bites starts. No offensive words allowed. No spamming! The winners would be contacted and the gift cards would be given to them.

Source: iDownload Blog

RedSn0w Updated With Stability Improvements is a post from: The Apple Bites

You would have remembered Fantastic Max animated series where a little baby with the ability and intellect of an adult was a super-hero. Only his allies would know about his powers and abilities. In front of his parents and society, he would behave like normal baby.

Now here is another kid super-heroine who may not be as young as Max but she is still a child. We must call her super-heroine as she has to fight evil and restore peace in the world.

The name of this super-heroine is Kiki who is the protagonist of this exciting game Soul Tamer Kiki where Kiki carries a hammer (please do not compare her with Thor) to fight against evil. This game has been developed by minoraxis who consider providing exciting and satisfying mobile experiences through user oriented game development as their mission. Minoraxis also aim at successful partnerships and global awareness.

Soul Tamer Kiki is a new, beautifully rendered action Role Playing Game (RPG ) from the makers of the highly acclaimed “Exitium: Saviors of Vardonia”. This game has beautiful graphics and outstanding animation where the locations, characters and situations have been cutely styled and wonderfully crafted. This RPG gives you the chance to utilize the powers of different creatures in your fight against a monstrous force of evil.

Here goes the story of this game if you want an introduction. The land has been at peace for fourteen years, since the defeat and banishment of the Demon King. Young KiKi’s parents, were among the group of legendary Heroes that went to face the Demon King. They went but never returned. But the peace is becoming increasingly uneasy; creatures are beginning to terrorize peaceful townsfolk and villagers. There are rumors of an ancient evil emerging in a distant land.

Now you join KiKi on her adventures to find her missing parents and defeat the emerging threat. In the process, Kiki will also become the Hero that she always wanted to be.

Following are the features of this game:

1. As Kiki, you will have to acquire and tame the souls of creatures and use their powers.

2. You will utilize the powers of some animals like rat, Ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, wolf and pig.

3. You would have to take care of your tamed souls or they might leave you.

4. You will make traps and bombs to aid your battles.

5. Ride your Landmate! Magical transportation!

6. Ranches would allow you to breed animals! Passive and active skill to build.

7. There are mine ores, herbs and trees to gather and collect. You can also raise animals. The game features hire assistants to help you collect natural items.

8. You will have find NPCs that can help you on your quest. There are cute and crazy characters that may either help or hinder your adventure.

9. Thanks to high quality animation, this game features strange, wonderful and fearsome creatures and monsters to battle.

10. You will cook your meals out in the field with ingredients you find on your travels.

11. You can create, strengthen and customize your own weapons, tool, traps and bombs.

12. It would be possible to fabricate newer and more powerful weapons and equipment.

13. You can crush unwanted items and use the powder to make newer, more useful items.

14. You will intensify to strengthen weapons and equipment you already have.

15.You can teleport around using magic boxes.

16. You will be exploring many, colorful, challenging landscapes that would look beautiful because of cute and charming graphics and animations.

17. There would fun and funny quests and side missions.

18. You can find massive amount of items in the online store.

In the new version 1.1 of Soul Tamer Kiki, you many bugs have been fixed and balance issues have been addressed.

Certain situations in this game feature mild violence. Therefore, user discretion is being recommended for this game.

This review has been written after obtaining the game from app store with a gift card. The game has been played on an iPhone.

Compatibilities:
Soul Tamer Kiki is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later version.

So how do you find this cute little super-heroine? Post your comments.

Click here to buy and download Soul Tamer Kiki.

Meet A Cute Looking Super-Heroine In Soul Tamer Kiki [REVIEW] is a post from: The Apple Bites

When you were little, to motivate you, your parents would have said to you, “One day, you will become the President of United States.”

You may not be able to become President in real life but Bamboo Apps are here to fulfill your dream, at least part of it.

Introducing, VoteMe, an entertainment app that can make you the “social President” of United States.

Bamboo Apps have are well-known for making mobile application solutions for life and entertainment. They love Apple products and make apps for devices like iPhone and iPad. They claim to be using their knowledge and skills to build custom apps that would be loved by users. They also like to listen to interact with fans and sometimes, ideas from fans give them inspiration to build apps.

The beauty of VoteMe app is that you can become number one US Celebrity, just by playing a game on your iPhone.

All you need to start with is download the app and join an online network. I had to sign in through my Facebook.

Following things are supposed to be done:

1. You can register new social candidate in seconds and get rewarded. Now you can promote any ideas or concepts right from your phone.

2. You can run your own presidential campaign easily. Best part is that you can do it for free. No money on pamphlets, batches or emblems.

3. You can create your own party and invite people sharing the same views and interests to join you.

4. You will get to write your political program and add your story. You can create and share campaign photos and all other stuff that real politicians do while running for presidency.

5. In VoteMe you get campaign buttons, use media directors help like in real life. Custom buttons editing will be coming very soon.

6.In the end, you can win the coolest title you could get – First America’s Social President (FASP).

There are certain things that we would like our readers to note down:

1. VoteMe is free to play. You can purchase additional promotion items and services (in-app promotion items) for real money. You would need to adjust your device settings if you wish to lock out the ability to purchase in-app content.

2. Use of this app is subject to VoteMe terms of use. You can read these terms at http://peoplevote.me/disclaimer

This app has mild references of tobacco, drugs, alcohols. Sometimes, there are profanities, crude humor and mildly suggestive themes. Therefore, user discretion is being recommended.

This review has been written after the VoteMe app being downloaded from app store and the app has been used on an iPhone.

Compatibility:
VoteMe is Compatible with iPhone 3GS, 3rd Generation iPod and iPad. It requires iOS 4.0 or later version.

So are you ready to replace Barack Obama online and become the President of your social network? Post your comments. Winner will be announced on 6 November 2012.

Click here to download VoteMe.

Fulfill Your Dream Of Becoming The President With VoteMe [REVIEW] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Kodak is in trouble. Big trouble!

Almost a month after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and mere days after shuttering its digital camera business, now Kodak is in mess where it has to face hostility from Apple.

On Tuesday, 14 February 2012, Apple’s legal team asked a US Bankruptcy Court for permission to file two lawsuits against Kodak: One, with a patent infringement lawsuit in a Manhattan district court, and two, a corollary complaint in the International Trade Center (ITC).

Bloomberg reported that, Apple’s patent suit focuses on technologies that Kodak uses in its line of digital cameras, printers and digital picture frames. Unfortunately for Kodak, printers are one of the product areas it recently decided to focus on, as confirmed in last week’s restructuring announcement. Earlier, Kodak was trying to sue Apple, possibly in a bid to make some money. Apple also countered Kodak with lawsuit of its own.

These two companies, have been involved in an ongoing ITC battle over Kodak’s image transfer technology, with the latest salvo coming last month, whenKodak launched a fresh batch of litigation against both Apple and HTC. If the bankruptcy court grants Apple’s request, Apple could sue Kodak, in the hopes of obtaining a block against Kodak’s allegedly infringing products.

Source: Engadget

Apple Wants To Sue Kodak Despite Kodak Being Bankrupt is a post from: The Apple Bites

Siri is your virtual assistant on the iPhone 4S and some times the response you get from Siri is different from what you expect and you wonder whether Siri has the ability to think like normal humans. We wonder what abilities Siri has or will have in the future.

Now Siri is hinting that support for Japanese language be available soon.

When asked what languages it could speak, it responded that it spoke French, English, Japanese and German. So far, Apple has not added feature to support Japanese language.

Language Support and Availability

Siri works exclusively on iPhone 4S. Siri understands and can speak the following languages:
English (United States, United Kingdom, Australia)?French (France)?German (Germany)

In 2012, Siri will support additional languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Spanish.

Can I use Siri in any of these languages in other countries?

Yes. Siri can be enabled in any country, and you can choose to speak to it in English, French, or German. However, Siri is designed to recognize the specific accents and dialects of the supported countries listed above. Since every language has its own accents and dialects, the accuracy rate will be higher for native speakers.

This can hint at two things. Either Siri is telling lie for the first time or Japanese support for Siri is coming soon.

New languages will be coming soon. However, Siri is limited to native speakers of the languages listed in the quote above.

How do you view Siri speaking Japanese? Which language, would you like to Siri being able to speak? Post your comments.

Source: Gadget Venue

Siri May Be Able To Speak Japanese Soon is a post from: The Apple Bites

iPad 3 has not been announced and nobody is confident whether Apple would really name it iPad 3. However, people are eager to see it and the rumors are satisfying them to some extent.

There are rumors that iPad 3 would have an advanced A6 Processor. Some other rumors say that it will be dual-core. Some other rumors said it would be quad-core. Once again, dual-core processor rumors became popular.

Now once again the rumor of quad-core processor is becoming strong. According to some sources who have been reliable in the past, Apple is planning to hold their iPad 3 announcement on Wednesday, 7 March, 2012. According to these sources, not only the 2048×1536 Retina display, iPad 3 will also feature a quad-core Apple A6 system-on-a-chip, and possibly 4G LTE networking.

Usually, Apple chooses a Wednesday to hold events where it makes some big announcements. Various online reports speculate the date for announcement as 7 March. Thus, there maybe a strong possibility that this report is true but until Apple does not make any official announcement, we cannot assume anything.

Another thing that remains to be seen is whether Apple would improve and optimize the current dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor that is found in the Apple A5 SoC, or will it go quad-core. Some online sources have found code references to quad-core but The Verge hearing otherwise. The theory of The Verge is about quad-core.

There are speculations about 4G LTE networking in iPad 3, with a compatible Qualcomm chipset becoming available. However, the international LTE coverage is still slim, and in some cases a year or more away. Some rumors say that Apple will bring 4G LTE for iPhone 5 this October, while some say that iPad 3 will get it earlier.

With Verizon wishing for iOS devices that go faster than 2-3mbps, especially with AT&T offering HSPA 14.4, and potentially faster, models, Apple may release a 4G LTE variant model, targeted at Verizon, AT&T, Rogers, Bell, and other carriers that have rolled out enough support to see demand. Apple can also debut it in the next iPhone instead.

Other rumors from iLounge have included better cameras, either a 5 or 8 megapixel rear camera and a FaceTime HD front camera. We are yet to see how the camera fit into the thin iPad 3 casing. Apple is also expected to keep component costs down low enough to maintain their $499 entry level price tag.

Lastly, we are reminding our readers that these rumors are yet to be confirmed.

Tell us what do you expect from iPad 3 by posting comments.

Source: iMore

iPad 3 Announcement On 7 March? is a post from: The Apple Bites

After Apple CEO Tim Cook said, that conditions of workers in China has been improved, Apple has a new stamp that can make its claim credible.

The working conditions in a Chinese factory making iPads for Apple is better than the norm. This is what Fair Labor Associtation (FLA) has said in its preliminary comments.

The FLA is conducting inspections of Apple’s plants in China as part of the company’s membership in the organization. The report has come in the wake of criticism Apple has received on its factory working conditions.

Auret Van Heerden, president of the FLA, did not offer conclusions on his organization’s inspection of a Foxconn plant. He told Reuters:

“The facilities are first-class; the physical conditions are way, way above average of the norm. I was very surprised when I walked onto the floor at Foxconn, how tranquil it is compared with a garment factory. So the problems are not the intensity and burnout and pressure-cooker environment you have in a garment factory. It’s more a function of monotony, of boredom, of alienation perhaps.”

Mr. Van Heerden said that many workers in these factories often came directly from rural conditions. Thus, they found themselves plunked down in the middle of high tech, big-city living. As such, they needed emotional support and FLA had been working for it for long.

Van Heerden also pointed out that monotony and boredom were bigger problems than extreme working conditions in the factories. He said that these problems contributed to suicides at some factories in China.

“You have lot of young people, coming from rural areas, away from families for the first time. They’re taken from a rural into an industrial lifestyle, often quite an intense one, and that’s quite a shock to these young workers.”

According to Reuters,about 30 FLA staffers conducted unannounced inspections at the one iPad factory visited so far. Those inspections included questioning sessions with many workers at the same time. Workers anonymously answered their answers onto an iPad, where those answers are uploaded directly to FLA servers.

Questions included whether or not they were paid a fee, how they were hired, if they signed contracts and if so, whether or not they understood them, whether or not their complaints are acted upon, and questions about their emotional well-being.

Lastly, Mr. van Heerden rejected questions from Reuters about whether or not the FLA would paint a rosy picture of Apple’s factories on behalf Apple Inc.

“Apple didn’t need to join the FLA. The FLA system is very tough. It involves unannounced visits, complete access, public reporting. If Apple wanted to take the easy way out there were a whole host of options available to them. The fact that they joined the FLA shows they were really serious about raising their game.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook also spoke passionately about this issue of worker conditions at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference. During his interview/speech at the event, he said:

“Now, I realize that the supply chain is complex and I’m sure that you realize this. And the issues surrounding it can be complex, but our commitment is very, very simple: We believe that every worker has the right to a fair and safe work environment, free of discrimination, where they can earn competitive wages and they can voice their concerns freely. And Apple suppliers must live up to this to do business with Apple.”

Now the enemies of Apple who refuse see the pathetic conditions of companies like Nintendo and Microsoft must apologize to Apple because comments from FLA are second embarrassment to them, after the clean-chit from labor activist Li Quiang.

Source: The Mac Observer

FLA Says Working Conditions In China Provided By Apple Better Than Norm is a post from: The Apple Bites

Tags:

• fla in china director said

With Chinese law on Proview’s side, retailers (authorized or unauthorized) can not sell iPad in China, much to the disappointment of Apple.

Many online stores in China took the iPad off their shelves after Proview said Apple was breaking its trademark on the term “iPad.”

Despite selling rights to use “iPad” name to Apple in 2009, Proview is falsely claiming to the owner of “iPad” trademark, eyeing to extort US $1.5 billion from Apple. The fight is going on continues in court. However, Apple has released a statement to China Daily about Proview’s allegations on Apple allegedly breaking the trademark.

“We bought Proview’s worldwide rights to the iPad trademark in 10 different countries several years ago. Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple, and a Hong Kong court has sided with Apple in this matter,” according to the statement, which also said the case is still pending on the Chinese mainland.”

Apple claimed to have purchased Proview’s iPad trademark in 2009 in 10 different countries. Proview is refusing to transfer the trademark saying that Taiwanese branch (that registered iPad as a trademark) did not have regular interaction with Shenzen branch. However, Hong Kong courts have already sided with Apple, according to the statement.

Many accuse the Mainland Chinese government of favoring local companies in these types of matters. Thus, this hurdle for Apple cannot be cleared easily. Chinese customs already said it would be difficult to ban Apple’s iPad due to its popularity; although, Proview tried to block iPads from coming in or going out of China earlier this week.

Countering the situation of Hong Kong courts supporting Apple:

“Apple is worried the iPad trademark will be resold before the hearing is finished, so itasked the Hong Kong court to forbid Proview Shenzhen from doing that,” he said,adding that the court’s decision to prevent the trademark from being transferred cannot be seen as showing that it has ruled in favor of Apple. “The root cause of the dispute is Apple’ underestimation of the legal complications inChina,” the lawyer said, adding the case also serves as a warning to companies inChina to think twice about risks before “going abroad”.

If Apple can’t prove that Proview didn’t honor its agreement to transfer the name, Apple will likely settle for somewhere significantly south of the $1.5B that Proview wants for the name or simply choose another name for the iPad in China.

However, lawyers representing Apple said that the sale of Apple’s products (including iPad), would not be affected by this lawsuit because quality is a priority for customers.

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) further added that Apple had asked Amazon China to remove iPads from their online store:

The Cupertino, Calif., consumer electronics giant asked Amazon in China to stop selling iPads because it is not an authorized reseller, according to people familiar with the matter. Amazon has since removed iPads offered by other resellers on its Chinese website as well.

Only time will tell whether Apple would be able to overcome these barriers. Show your support for Apple by posting comments.

Source: 9TO5 Mac

Apple Says Proview Not Honoring Agreement is a post from: The Apple Bites

If you like shooting games like Contra, Duck Hunt and Twin Duck Hunt, then here is a new game to entertain you.

These were some of my favorite games. Though, Rocket Tree Free reminds me of those games, it is very different from those games and entertains you in a different way.

This is a refreshing game and it will unlock your mind with excitement, making you forget all the things that cause you tension.

Let me show you how to play this game. Here are the keys that you need to play this game:

1. Turn the “turntable” dial to change the direction of the trees.

2. You have to press the “Arrow” button to launch the trees.

3. When you press the “Auto” button, trees would be launched automatically.

4. Pressing the “LockOn” button would guide the trees by autopilot.

5. You can start, stop or select images by pressing the “StartStop” button.

6. Lastly, you can press the “End” button, to end this game.

There are 12 stages in this game and your high score will be recorded.

Rocket Tree has two version. One is a free version (for which this review is written for) and other is a paid version. In the free version, advertisements will appear at the top of screen. The advertisements would not appear in the paid version.

In the new version 3.0 of Rocket Tree Free, the lock-on system is now “instant lock-on” feature. You can turn the sound on or off whenever you want.

This game has beautiful graphics and seeing colorful trees being launched like rockets gives a pleasant feeling. It may remind you of your Christmas tree memories.

Rocket Tree Free has infrequent and mild fantasy violence. That is why, user discretion is being recommended while playing this game.

Compatibility:
Rocket Tree Free is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, 3rd Generation iPod Touch, 4th Generation iPod touch and iPad. It requires iOS 5.0 or later version.

This review has been written after the free version being downloaded and the game has been played on an iPhone.

Click here to download Rocket Tree Free.

Enjoy The Shooting Excitement With Rocket Tree Free [REVIEW] is a post from: The Apple Bites

Do you want to enable iOS 5‘s Assistive Touch accessibility feature? The video shared on this page shows you how to do it. We will also share the procedure with you.

If you are having trouble using the physical controls on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, this procedure can help you. If controls themselves have simply stopped working properly, Assistive Touch is here to give you a great, software-based alternative.

STEP 1 - Launch the “Settings” app.

STEP 2 - Tap “General” button.

STEP 3 - Tap “Accessibility” button.

STEP 4 - Scroll all the way down. At the bottom, you should tap “AssistiveTouch” then toggle it on. (When you see a floating button appear on your screen, you should know that it is working.)

When you turn on AssistiveTouch, a semi-transparent button appears. Tapping this button would give you access to the same functions as the hardware buttons, such as volume up or down and several gesture types. You can even set custom gestures.

If you do not wish to constantly have AssistiveTouch on your screen, then in that case, you can set AssistiveTouch to your “Triple Click Home” function and call upon it when required.

Source: iMore

Activating AssistiveTouch On iPhone And iPad [TUTORIAL] is a post from: The Apple Bites

For past one month, Apple is being criticized over the inhuman conditions of workers in Chinese factories operated by its partner Foxconn. Last week, protestors from different parts of the world delivered a petition with over 250,000 electronic signatures to Apple, urging it to improve the conditions.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple cared employees all over the world. Cook said that Apple was doing more than any other company in the industry to improve the working conditions of the factories in its supply chains. Recently, Cook reiterated the point at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference:

“The first thing that I would want everyone to know is that Apple takes working conditions very, very seriously. And we have for a very long time. Whether workers are in Europe, or in Asia, or the United States, we care about every worker. I’ve spent a lot of time in factories personally… Many of our top managers and executives visit our factories on a regular basis. And we have hundreds of employees that are based there full time. So we are very closely connected to the production process…

…In terms of problems we are working to fix, you can read the details on our website, but I would tell you that no one in our industry is doing more to improving working conditions than Apple. We are constantly auditing facilities, going deep into the supply chain, looking for problems, finding problems, and fixing problems. And we report everything, because we believe that transparency is so very important in this area.”

Apple has carved out a section of its website, named Supplier Responsibility, specifically for reports on factory audits. Apple has also recently joined the Fair Labor Association, who will also be regularly checking in on Apple’s factories by sending officials for inspection.

Ironically, nobody is talking about the working conditions provided by Sony, Nintendo, Amazon, and Microsoft in China? They all use Foxconn to produce their products as well. No online petition to be sent for them. Even a senior labor activist in China says that conditions provided by Apple and Foxconn are far better than conditions provided by other companies.

Source: iDownload Blog

Apple CEO Asserts That Conditions Being Improved For Workers is a post from: The Apple Bites

In past we reported the rumors about iPhone 5 to be water-proof. We also told you about Liquipel who would make your iPhone water-proof if you send it to them for servicing.

However, if cannot wait for iPhone 5 and you do not wish to part with your iPhone, we have another solution for you.

Here is a LifeProof case for your iPhone.

For those who have not heard of the LifeProof, it is an ultra-durable iPhone case. It is thinner than the popular Otterbox Defender, and can handle falls and water splashes.

LifeProof’s casing is made out of hard, rubberized plastic. It covers both the handset’s charging port and headphone jack. It has been built to protect iPhone from drops, dirt, snow and water. Water does not mean few drops or a little splash of water. Even if your iPhone falls in a jar of water or in a river, LifeProof case can save it.

You can find the case on LifeProof’s online store, in a variety of colors, for $79.99.

Share your opinion about LifeProof case with your comments.

Source: iDownload Blog

No Water Damage With LifeProof iPhone Case is a post from: The Apple Bites

Samsung would never want to read this news report and probably Samsung executives are pulling their hairs out of frustration and anger as they have been defeated by Apple at their home turf.

Apple has been defeating Samsung in courts and Samsung has been venting frustration by making TV advertisements that show Samsung products better than Apple products.

However, now it seems that in real life, Apple products are indeed better than Samsung products. And Samsung home turf South Korea agrees with that.

According to online reports, Samsung is taking a beating from Apple in tablet sales in South Korea. Samsung is based in South Korea. The iPad is holding an estimated 70 to 80% of the South Korean tablet market, selling more tablets than Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. Percentages include both the original iPad as well as new iPad 2.

By the end of 2011, Apple moved 700,000 iPad devices in South Korea. Sales in the first two months of 2012 contributed several hundred thousand additional units sold for Apple. Sales surpassed the 1 million tablets sold mark. What is more interesting part of the story is that the 1 million sold number could be much smaller than the actual number of iPads in the country as every sale and purchase could not be documented or reported.

Before the sales of iPad officially started in South Korea, many Apple fanboys would have ordered the tablet through other means. The most popular version of the iPad in South Korea is the Wi-Fi only version.

Source: i4U

iPad Outsells Galaxy Tabs In South Korea is a post from: The Apple Bites

There are various online reports according to which, Apple has ordered a whopping 65 million high-resolution 264 Pixels Per Inch (PPI) Retina Displays from Samsung and LG Display for its upcoming iPad 3.

There are rumors that iPad 3 will make its debut early next month, and according to reports its production is now well underway.

ChinaTimes did not mention Sharp in its report. There are rumors about Sharp that it is supplying high-resolution iPad 3 displays to Apple. Many other online rumors say that Sharp displays have almost certainly been in testing iPad 3.

Given 65 million units, it seems that Apple is confident about the success of iPad 3. In comparison, the Apple had ordered only 40 million displays for the iPad 2. Probably, this time, there would not be any shipping delay.

iPad 3 is also expected to feature a quad-core A6 processor and maybe even LTE connectivity. Rumors say that it would be unveiled during the first week of March, with a launch in the US one week later.

Source: Cult Of Mac

Apple Orders 65 Million Retina Displays For iPad 3 is a post from: The Apple Bites