TechCrunch recently wrote that Qualcomm not long ago had launched Augmented Reality Software Development Kit (SDK) for Apple’s iOS. Original SDK was available only for Android, but Qualcomm had announced that version for iOS would be released in July. The SDK is designed to facilitate integration of virtual content and real content such as images taken with cameras on many handheld devices.
As Guardian reports, BBC iPlayer will be released in eleven European countries, and later this year it will become available in the United States, Canada and Australia. The global iPlayer service is available via iPad app in Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain.
According to MacRumors, Apple’s 15-inch notebook featuring an ultra-thin design is undergoing final testing. It is unknown yet whether this 15-inch notebook will be presented as an extension of MacBook Air line or a model of a redesigned MacBook Pro line. Even though the device is reportedly undergoing final testing, its release date is kept in secret.
As DigiTimes reports, now Apple as well as other companies like Samsung, is exploring the possibility of using solar panels in its future products. Reportedly Apple is even considering adding Taiwan-based solar panel makers in its supply chain. This fact means that the company is not only exploring this technology but is already planning who exactly will manufacture these panels.
Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes published yesterday an interesting report. The publication names possible suppliers of integrated circuits for iPad 3. They are Capella Microsystems (ambient light sensors), Richtek Technology (integrated power management), Novatek Microelectronics (LCD driver) and Integrated Memory Logic (programmable gamma/Vcom buffer solutions).
It was reported that a rumored Android-powered Amazon tablet will be released by September. The main known fact is that Amazon tablet will incorporate a low-cost touch panel that is capable to recognize two fingers at the same time instead of ten fingers capability found in top-grade tablets like the iPad.
Apple is requiring developers to start testing iCloud beta 5 and install Mac OS X 10.7.2 build 11C26 for that purpose, but the company has not provided its developers with any information on test builds of Mac OS X 10.7.1 yet.
"You must install OS X Lion 10.7.2 in order to use iCloud for OS X Lion beta 5," Apple reportedly told developers. "This pre-release version of OS X Lion is being provided solely for testing iCloud."
People familiar with the Apple’s plans believe that Apple will initiate a separate beta test for Mac OS X 10.7.1 in the coming days or weeks. Moreover, developers, who have installed Mac OS X 10.7.2 and iCloud beta 5 note changes in Lion's "Mail, Contacts & Calendars" control panel and iCloud management interface that provides tools for managing storage, backups, and purchasing additional storage and lets users choose which forms of data they'd like synced to the cloud.
China is a home not only of fake iPhones, but also of fake Apple Stores. A fake Apple Store is shown on the pictures from BirdAbroad (via IFOAppleStore). This store is a complete fake with everything that the Apple Store has. It offers all from blue shirts with logos of Apple to name labels for the staff. This store features a light exterior with a luminous, white Apple logo shining in the most conspicuous place.
Current.com.au (via The Next Web) reports that Apple’s spokesperson has apparently stated that the company is going to open 33 stores during the next two months. After implementing its plan, Apple will have 363 stores instead of current 330 locations by the end of fiscal 2011. With this pace, Apple will set up one store every 50 hours during the next two months.
Some people carry their iPhone everywhere. Among them is a skydiver who decided to take his smartphone with him when he recently took a plunge from an airplane. However, his smartphone fell from his pocket when he was dropping down from more than 13.000 feet. It is incredible, but as CNN reports, after the huge fall, the beaten and damaged iPhone still was able to make calls.
Yesterday The Korea Times published new report claiming that a next-generation iPad will boast a display with screen resolution higher than full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels):
DigiTimes, Taiwanese trade publication, cites industry sources that said that the largest contract maker of gadgets in the world Foxconn will manufacture a rumored Amazon’s tablet powered by Android. They claim that the tablet will boast a 10.1-inch display and its shipments will begin in 2012. Quanta Computer, another Asian contract manufacturer, has already started shipments of a smaller 7-inch gadget to Amazon, the report writes.
Reuters reports that Taiwanese maker TSMC has started a test production run of A6 processors designed for future Apple handsets. TSCM is not yet confirmed as the manufacturer of Apple’s A6 processors, but it is said that decision is already “authorized”. The only reason for delaying the deal is the potential yield rate of the chip production.
Basing on estimations from retail sales expert David Berman, USA Today reports that Apple is taking “a massive bite” of retail sales in the USA. Ever-growing sales of iOS devices and Mac computers that continue to outrun sales of other computer makers along with company’s margins cannot pass unnoticed. The publication reads: