Vision impaired girl's use of iPad impresses Steve Jobs

 

A 9-year-old girl with sight problems has swapped out magnifying glasses and other clunky equipment for  an iPad.
Holly Bligh, 9, has albinism, a genetic condition that affects not only the pigment in her skin, hair and eyes, but also her vision.. To read, teachers had to make photocopies with enlarged text for her or she had to use a magnifying glass or other devices to read.

Thanks to an iPad she now can zoom in and enlarge the text with the touch of a finger. Bligh can also read about twice as long as she could with regular printed material.
Holly's attention span has increased and her mother, Fiona, estimates "visual fatigue" now takes twice as long to set in.
"Holly's very adaptable and she's got a fantastic attitude," Ms Bligh said.
And now she is cool with her schoolmates.
Bligh’s mother wrote Steve Jobs a letter thanking him for “completely changing” her daughter’s life.
“All the other kids think it’s awesome that she gets an iPad!” Fiona Bligh wrote to Jobs. “Sometimes in the past Holly has found her extra equipment embarrassing … But the iPad has a coolness factor!”
Jobs reportedly wrote back:
“Thanks for sharing your experience with me. Do you mind if I read your email to a group of our top 100 leaders at Apple?” Jobs signed off with “Thanks, Steve” and asked for a photo of Holly with her iPad.
Hailed as a “magical device,” the iPad has proved to be a valid learning tool and assistive technology for people with disabilities. The preliminary results of one small study at a school students with a range of physical and mental challenges, including autism and deaf-blindness, show an average of 20 percent improvement in communication abilities from using the devices, according to researchers.
A good round-up of how people are using iPads as learning tools or for assistive technology is available here.
Via Herald Sun 
Via Cult of Mac

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Posted in: iPad

Apple Store vs. Microsoft Store

Same area of town, same time of day.

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Creepiest iPhone bug ever.

Some users are reporting that the iPhone randomly takes pictures of them when they make FaceTime calls:

"...minutes ago when i called my GF and i saw a "picture" of myself from today when i was at the office..."

See the thread here

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Untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.1 released.

The iPhone Dev Team has announced that they've officially released their fresh jailbreak tools. Their package, redsn0w and PwnageTool, have been upgraded to jailbreak Apples latest iOS 4.3.1 update.

The Dev Team states :.

The 4.3.1 untether exploit comes up thanks to Stefan Esser (@ i0n1c on twitter), a security research worker based in Germany. Stefan has a long history of vulnerability research, and ironically his first contribution to the iPhone jailbreak community was improved protection last year he beat Apple to the poke and implemented ASLR for jailbroken iPhones with his antid0te framework. Were happy to see that Stefan then turned his iPhone attention over to an untethered jailbreak exploit! .

The jailbreak currently supports the following devices :.

iPhone 3GS.
iPhone 4 (GSM).
iPod Touch 3G and 4G.
iPad 1 .
Apple TV 2G (PwntageTool only).

The clearly seen hardware missing is the iPad 2 but the Team explains that the untether bootrom exploits used in the past do.

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Wireless Mirroring With An iPad 2

Basically, we were tasked with the coming up with ideas that could help a client with their presentations. Sometimes they run Keynote Presentations on a Mac, and sometimes they run Keynote Presentations on an iPad using a VGA adapter. While I liked how mobile you could get doing it off an iPad, you're still literally tethered by the cable running to the the A/V equipment. I knew there had to be some sort of solution, but sadly there wasn't, at least not all in one place. So I started looking at combining different solutions, and luckily, not many were needed. The core components are the wireless HDMI transmitter, and a USB battery pack

Oh, and of course the iPad 2


Via [MacRumors]

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iPad 2: Wife Says No. Apple Says Yes

Apple is paying close attention to all iPad 2 returns during the first few weeks to make sure there are no major production defects. This policy has led to an amusing story that we thought was entertaining enough to share.

The story comes by way of an individual close to Apple:

[Apple's] focus this week has been to troubleshoot all the iPad 2s that customers are returning to the stores. One iPad came back with a post it note on it that said "Wife said no." It was escalated as something funny, and two of the VPs got wind of it. They sent the guy an iPad 2 with a note on it that said "Apple said yes."

We're guessing a free iPad satisfied any objection the customer's wife might have had.

Via [ macrumors.com ]

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Download Firefox 4 for Mac OS X NOW

 

Although the official announcement is not expected until tomorrow, the final version of Firefox 4 is available on Mozilla servers. Here you can download the English version for Mac OS X.

     * Firefox 4 for Mac OS X
   

With this launch Mozilla puts an end to development of many months and many delays. But the wait has been worthwhile and that the quality leap in this browser is quite important and places it at the front row of browsers. No doubt if you are regular user of Firefox, I recommend upgrading to the fourth version as soon as you can. And if you use any other browser I recommend you give it a try.

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Destroying iPad 2 in slow motion.

There are certain events that take place like ritual after each launch of iPhone or iPad, It's precisely what we are seeing following the presentation of iPad 2 earlier this month. Comparatives, unpacking and our friend from the blender. Were you missing something? Of course, the video of an iPad 2 destroyed with bullets.

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Posted in: iPad

A fascinating trip through history. Steve Jobs on Magazines.

Every major magazine cover featuring Steve Jobs, in chronological order, from 1981 to now.

Steve jobs on Magazines

 

Via [kuodesign.com]

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Posted in: mac

Apple Exec Phil Schiller Confirms White iPhone.

Since Steve Jobs announced the iPhone in June 2010 target, fans have been waiting to come out and wait. Apple failed to mention the phone. But Phil Schiller, senior vice president of product marketing worldwide, "the white iPhone will be available this spring (and is a beauty!)." While this is not the greatest development in the world, Apple would sell very well a lot of them, taking into account the mystery surrounding the elusive device. It certainly received much attention above and beyond what is normal for a new color for an existing product.

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Posted in: iPhone

Steve Jobs Support to Apple Employees Affected by Earthquake

 Steve Jobs and the executive Team is reported to have sent a message to Apple staff regarding the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Apple has set up Red Cross donations through iTunes, and held up plans to launch the iPad 2 in Japan for the recovery efforts.
 
To Our Team in Japan,

We have all been following the unfolding disaster in Japan. Our hearts go out to you and your families, as well as all of your countrymen who have been touched by this tragedy.

If you need time or resources to visit or care for your families, please see HR and we will help you. If you are aware of any supplies that are needed, please also tell HR and we will do what we can to arrange delivery.

Again, our hearts go out to you during this unimaginable crisis.
Please stay safe.
Steve and the entire Executive Team

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How to kill a new Apple Macbook Pro with beer.

This is one instance where it really sucks to have a battery that you can't remove. Click on Read more for video.

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Awesome iPad 2 Unboxing (HD)

Since Friday, a number of different unboxing videos of the iPad 2 have hit social video sharing site YouTube, and while most do an okay job at capturing the true experience of opening an Apple product for the first time, none do it quite so well as this next video we came across last night.
Shot by user FinalCutKing you’ll be fooled into thinking that this could actually have been shot by Apple themselves. Don’t believe us? – hit the jump and check out all 1:46 minutes of what is easily the best iPad 2 unboxing we have come across to date.

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Posted in: iPad

Apple Rumors: More in store for 2011 including a touch screen iMac and a 50 inch Apple HD TV

Touch Screen iMac
DigiTimes said more than a year ago that Apple was working on a touchscreen-equipped version of its all-in-one PC, the iMac, but recently published patents have suggested even more evidence that Apple will be introducing a Touch iMac in the near future. The summer release of the company’s major operating system update, 10.7 or Lion, would make an ideal coupling for a major new home computer. Lion’s remodeled interface and new apps, available through the new Mac App Store, would be served well by an attention-grabbing device like the rumored iMac’s adjustable screen. Patents have described the PC’s screen as being able to shift between vertical and flat positions with the software seamlessly accommodating a switch from traditional keyboard and mouse controls to a touch interface. The absence of second-quarter iPhone and iPad releases would give the new PC room to breathe at retail as well.

Apple HD TV
This fall could very well be when connected televisions become big business, and Apple could be the company that leads the charge. Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster issued a note to investors last month saying that Apple’s investment of $3.9 billion in LCD display components signaled that the company would make a high-definition television line this year. With screen sizes ranging up to 50 inches, Apple’s HD TVs could popularize televisions connected to the Internet in the same way the iPad popularized tablet PCs. It would also fit with Apple’s history of controlling both hardware and software in specific product segments, a stark contrast to Google, whose efforts in connected TV have involved partnering the Google TV software with external hardware makers.
This may be the year for the iPad 2 as far Apple’s tablet plans are concerned, but these other products would allow Apple to grow into new markets while its competitors like Motorola and Research In Motion  battle for portions of the tablet market with expensive new products. By diversifying, Apple could guarantee its shareholders another banner year.

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Posted in: mac

iPad 2 Camera Test 720p HD

 

iPad 2 Camera Test: 720p HD sample footage from the iPad 2's rear camera.  

Just a test of the iPad's Back camera which apple says can record 720p HD video just like the iPhone 4.

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Posted in: iPad

Two Mac T-shirts

Two Mac T-shirts for the geek inside you.

 

Buy here your T-shirts

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Apple is great and all. But, seriously?

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iPhone 5 will have same dual-core A5 chip as iPad 2

Programmers immersed into the iOS 4.3 firmware Apple has released ahead of its iPad 2 launch Friday and found hints that the iPhone 5 will play the same dual-core A5 central processing unit as the new Apple tablet computer.

Such a move by Apple would certainly be consistent with the development of the iPhone and iPad lines up until now.

A exam of iOS 4.3 and related iPhone kernel code by Chronic Dev group and Filippo Bigarella revealed mentions to S5L8940, referred to as the A5 processor, associated with a new edition of the iPhone, according to various Apple following blogs.

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Posted in: iPhone

Apple releases iOS 4.3. Now Available For Download.

Apple Releases iOS 4.3 update for iPhones, iPads and iPods -- a free update that appends new features and boosts performance, the company said.


Apple fans got an early present Wednesday -- brand new software for iPods, iPads and iPhones.

The new software, version 4.3 of the iOS operating system, was released to developers almost two months ago, and was made available to all users via iTunes, PC World said.

The new software conveys a speed boost to the mobile Safari web browser through a new JavaScript engine, personal hotspot Internet sharing functionality for iPhone 4 users, and a feature that lets users share the iTunes library around their home.

Changes in iOS 4.3 include faster web browsing thanks to the Nitro JavaScript engine, personal hotspot functionality for AT&T iPhones and iTunes home sharing, allowing users to stream their iTunes libraries directly to their device.


Here are some direct links to iOS 4.3 downloads:
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPod Touch 3G
• iPod Touch 4G
• iPad
• Apple TV

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iPhone 5 Aluminium?

 Time to move on from iPad 2 rumors to iPhone 5. If a Chinese source is to be trusted, Apple may be getting ready to abandon the glass backing of the iPhone 4 for an aluminium casing instead. This would bring the design full circle, back to where Apple began with the original iPhone. But is this source to be believed? Will Apple abandon a complete redesign so quickly? .

I tend to think not. Sure, Apple has had quite the time trying to defend iPhone 4 and its supposed problems such as the death grip and gorilla glass scratching issues. The death grip problem turned out to be present on basically every cell phone ever made, and the scratching issue? Come on, if you want your stuff to stay nice, you have to play nice. But for the sake of debate, lets look at both sides of this rumor.

If we assume it to be true, then this would make the iPhone 5 look stunningly like an iPod touch, and thus similar to iPad 2. Apple also loves metal, so the design would fit in with the pattern of things.

Via [MacRumors]

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Posted in: iPhone

Celeste Bluetooth.

Bluetooth transfers for Iphone 4.

CocoaNutapps, creators of Gremlin are working on a new app that will allow us to send and receive files via Bluetooth.

It will be ready tomorrow.

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Posted in: iPhone

How to take a screenshot.

Without Words...

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Posted in: mac

The iWatch

It definitely works better on a dude's larger wrist than my girlfriend's. That said, she still loves it and wears it all the time. She especially likes it for running /w Nike+ and headphones.

So in a word, no the nano isn't too large if you're cool with large watches in general. The weight is fine. The band is pretty cool, I kind of get annoyed with the little lynchpin sticking up funny because of the shape of the arms.. but everything is pretty awesome considering.

The materials used seem pretty solid, I've abused it pretty hard and like I said before it goes running.

So yeah. I'd recommend it.

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Posted in: iwatch

What is the future of FaceTime?

When Apple announced the iPhone 4 in June of 2010, it really felt like the future. Video calls — right from a handset — is just so Jetsons.

For me, it’s been great to be able to see my kids and even tell them goodnight if I’m not home.

Since then, FaceTime has come to the iPod touch, Mac and iPad 2. Calls can be made to and from email addresses as well as phone numbers.

FaceTime still requires a Wi-Fi connection, even though the service technically works over 3G networks. Besides this restriction, what’s next for the technology that has brought video calls to the masses?

When FaceTime was announced, Steve Jobs said that FaceTime would become an open standard.

However, today, 8 months later, what progress has been made? Yes, apps like Skype can use the iPhone 4′s cameras for video chat, but the data is being passed via Skype’s app and its technologies.

It is great that now all of Apple’s main products can tap into the FaceTime universe. While most people I know aren’t using it on the Mac, I think the number will continue to grow.

I would love to be able to FaceTime my buddy who carries a Motorola Droid X, though. I’d love to be able to FaceTime with PC-users I work with. Maybe those things aren’t too far off, but I’d love to see some more information from Apple on just how far the company has gotten in getting the FaceTime standard completed and open.

Let’s press a little further into the future, guys.

Via: Macgasm

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Posted in: iPhone

This Space Shuttle launch video was shot by iPhone 4

You may be surprised to know that this video was shot by iPhone 4 whose owner is Neil Monday, and a software developer by profession. Don’t you just love the clarity and preciseness of the stainless steel phones’ imager? I certainly do.

Via: Wordsoggeek.

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Posted in: iPhone

So you just bought your first Mac, what should you know?

So, you finally took the plunge and bought your first Mac. You took out of the box, turned it on and didn’t have to spend 2 hours removing all the free trial garbage that comes with Windows. No free trial to AOL or Norton AntiVirus.
Yoy'll love how well the iSight camera integrates with iMovie and PhotoBooth...

Here are some tips, apps or anything that makes OSX better:

• This app on the app store is apparently great for beginners switching to Mac

• Alfred / QSB

• OnyX

• Adium

• Set up the expose and hot corners to suit your duties. They're awesome. Don't put more on your dashboard than you will use regularly.

• Look in the System Preferences for Spotlight, disable all the stuff you don't want (fonts, etc,) learn to use Spotlight.

• Install Growl and its extras to get customisable notification of all manner of system and application events.

• VLC is a must-have app if you watch a lot of downloaded video files.

• Learn to use Applescript and Automator to automate your common workflows.

  
  

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Posted in: Switchers

Had You Bought Apple Shares Instead Of Apple Products?

Since the first iPod, Apple’s been on a roll getting consumers hooked onto their products. The latest was the release of iPad 2 last Wednesday. No doubt this will be lapped up by Apple’s eager legions! A square foot of an Apple store generates $5,980 in annual revenue, that’s how profitable they are! Investors love Apple, consumers love Apple! Apple’s in a very envious position!

So I thought I’ll try out a different experiment. What if, instead of buying Apple products, one invested the equivalent price in Apple shares? Apple’s growth since the first iPod launch has been phenomenal! For the experiment, I chose the closing share price as of the launch date of the product without considering taxes for the purchase or commissions for the trade. For iPhone I’m using the price as bought with a contract.

For example:

If you had bought Apple shares instead of the original iPod when it was released in October of 2001, you would be sitting on a return on investment of $16,073.78 on your original $399! That’s a return of 3928.52%.

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New iPad 2 Smart Covers inspired by Japanese bath tub lids?

Many people following the iPad 2 announcement knows about the new Smart Covers for the iPad 2. These flap-like covers attach to the iPad using a magnet and have an accordion-style look. The covers, divertingly enough, also resemble a type of Japanese bath tub lids! .

The similarity is so unearthly that the introduction of these new cases caused a fuss of bath tub lid comments among Japanese Apple fans (our Rick Martin points to Asiajin's note that the caption above translates as 'Completely Identical,' a common Japanese web meme similar to the English 'Separated at Birth'). Causes you to wonder how many unsuspecting Westerners will be whatever target of quiet snickering when they whip out their Smart Cover-adorned iPad 2 when they are in Tokyo.

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Posted in: iPad,Smart Covers