Apple updates iBooks with collections, printing, more

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Apple has just released a significant update to its iBooks application for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. New in version 1.2 is the ability to experience fully illustrated books, be they children’s picture books or books of beautifully designed art, you can now enjoy them in all their glory within iBooks. Another new feature is the ability to organise your books and PDFs into personal collections, this is also synched over the air to your other iOS devices if you have them.

Air Print has also been enabled if you have one of the few printers that work with this; you can now print PDFs and notes you have written in iBooks. Apple also claim to be able to fit more text to the screen by automatically hyphenating text, this is only available if your device is updated to iOS 4.2

There is no question that iBooks is a beautifully presented application, the only problem is the lack of content in the iBooks store.

[iTunes Link]

iPhone Live! podcast tonight! Come chat!

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Are you ready for another edition of iPhone Live? You better be because we’re coming your way at 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am GMT.

http://live.tipb.com/live/

And yes, we might just have some promo codes to give away!

If you have any questions for the show tweet them to @TiPb, email them to podcast@tipb.com, or leave them in the comments below!

Bring it!

Apple releases iTunes 10.1.1 – bug fixes

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Apple has just released iTunes 10.1.1 a minor bug-fix focused update. Issues addressed include:

Addresses an issue where some music videos may not play on Macs equipped with NVIDIA GeForce 9400 or 9600 graphics.
Resolves an issue where iTunes may unexpectedly quit when deleting a playlist that has the iTunes Sidebar showing.
Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit when connecting an iPod to a Mac equipped with a PowerPC processor.
Addresses an issue where some music videos may not sync to an iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

Probably safe for Jailbreakers but if you have any questions or concerns drop them in comments or head on over to our Jailbreak Forum for expert help and community.

iTunes 10.1.1 causing install problems, crash bugs?

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We’ve gotten emails, comments, even angry ALL CAPS shouts during iPhone Live’s chat, that some users aren’t able to install today’s iTunes 10.1.1 update through Software Update, while others who are able to install can’t launch it without it crashing.

For both bugs try going to apple.com/itunes and download the latest version directly.

If you’re having any problems or issues with iTunes 10.1.1 let us know, along with any solutions that help you through.

TiPb TV Interview: Real Racing 2 tips from Firemint

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Firemint’s Real Racing 2 for iPhone just went live in the App Store. With 30 licensed cars, 15 person online multiplayer, career mode, and other console quality features it’s another huge leap forward for iPhone gaming. But what if — like me — you don’t drive especially well? What if you need a little inside help, some expert advice on how to beat the game? (And your friends!)

Worry not, Firemint Founder and CEO Rob Murray, Real Racing 2 Producer Chris Nicoll, and Firemint Communications Manager Alex Peters were kind enough to sit down for an interview with us and dish all their secrets. (Okay, maybe not all, but enough tips and tricks to give you an edge!)

This is just a taste mind you. The full interview will be included with our iPhone Live #130 podcast, available later today right here on the blog and via iTunes. Subscribe already!

[$9.99 - iTunes link]

Steve Jobs: 7-inch tablets are terrible

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Steve Jobs’ surprise appearance on Apple’s Q4 conference call, and his utter annihilation of the 7-inch tablet concept, means Apple will never, not ever release a 7-inch tablet… or is planning to release one very, very soon.

Highlights, paraphrased:

SJ: Other tables appear to be just a handful of credible entrants. Almost all use 7″ screens compared to iPad 10″. Would offer 70% of benefits. But only 45% as large because of diagonal measure. 7″ screens a bit smaller than bottom half of iPad screen. Not big enough to make great tablet apps.
SJ: Apple has done extensive testing, really understand this stuff. Limits to how close you can place elements for usability. Why 10″ is minimum size for great tablet apps.
SJ: Every tablet user is also smartphone user. No tablet can fit in your pocket. Giving up precious diplay area to fit tablets in pockets isn’t the way to go. Tweeners.
SJ: Many use Android software, even Google, tells manufacturers not to use Froyo. What does it mean when your software supplier says not to use the software and you ignore it?
SJ: iPad now has more than 35,000 apps. New tablets will have 0.
SJ: Competitors have a tough time coming close to iPad pricing even with smaller screen. Apple creates own chip, battery chemistry, enclosure, everything. Incredible product, incredible price. Competitors will likely offer less for more.
SJ: New crop of tablets will likely be DOA. Too small. Will increase size next year, abandon customers and developers who went 7-inch.
SJ: Reason they wouldn’t make 7-inch tablet isn’t because of price point, it’s because they think it’s too small to express the right software. Apple is a software-first company. Developers aren’t going to deal really well with different screen sizes, when they can’t put enough elements on screen to build the apps they want to build. 7-inches isn’t about cost, it’s about value when you factor in software.
SJ: Can’t assume software will take care of itself. Can’t just put in less memory, slower processor, assume software will come alive. It won’t.

So do any of those points ring true to you? Was Jobs giving his true feelings or just setting the market up for a surprise 7-inch iPad next year?

NAVIGON releases MobileNavigator 1.7, free help2park app

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NAVIGON has just announced version 1.7 of their popular turn-by-turn navigation app, Mobile Navigator, and also released their first single-feature app, help2park.

MobileNavigator 1.7 is now a universal app with full, optimized support for iPad as well as iPhone. It also includes optional Active Lane Assistant, Map Reporter, Retina Display support, user notifications, and ZAGAT Survey information available as an in-app purchase. [Various - iTunes link]

help2park is a free, stand-alone app that helps drivers find a place to park. Users can set the radius they’d like to search, tap, and get a list of options along with their distances. [Free - iTunes link]

MobileNavigator is 30% until January 6. Full details after the break!

MobileNavigator 1.7:

Universal iPad Integration: NAVIGON is the first major GPS Company to make navigation universal; it now runs natively on the iPhone and the iPad. Users with MobileNavigator installed can use the app on both devices without extra charges. The app utilizes the iPad’s large display and user interface with a higher resolution, and new menus. Route planning is convenient on the iPad, showing a large scrollable, multi-touch map to select destinations in simple taps. Users can plan their routes at home on the iPad and then send them to their iPhone for navigation on the go. MobileNavigator can also be used for navigation on the iPad. Capitalizing on the large screen, the app demonstrates Reality View Pro™ and the map view side-by-side, providing an accurate overview of the way ahead. In-map elements such as direction arrows, Lane and Speed Assistant symbols are designed in proportion to the iPad display size.

Zagat Survey: An In App Purchase offers access to Zagat’s signature ratings and reviews of over 40,000 restaurants, hotels, attractions, golf courses, nightspots and other leisure activities, based on the thoughts and opinions of a worldwide network of thousands of surveyors. Zagat has become the world’s most trusted source to help consumers make informed decisions about where to go. Zagat’s content is integrated into MobileNavigator’s point of interest search, so users can easily find locations within a city, state or nearby. A tap on the individual destination reveals further information such as ratings of the appeal, decor and service as well as prices, telephone numbers and the full review text.

Active Lane Assistant: The market first feature Active Lane Assistant assists drivers with getting and staying in the correct lane by showing a live lane animation. Displayed in the lower right corner of the map view, the animation reflects the current lane configuration and allows drivers to see ahead. An orange line indicates the way the driver should follow. The optional feature can be switched on or off.

Map Reporter: The new Map Reporter feature enables users with the power to store changed road names, new speed limits, and one-way streets and submit them to improve the accuracy of future maps. The information is checked, verified and then integrated into later map updates.

Retina Display Support: Retina display adaptation is further enhanced and now also shows the map, map fonts and POIs in high resolution.

User Notifications and Newsletter: The update now also allows users to receive on-screen messages with important information about MobileNavigator within the app. In addition, users can also sign up for a newsletter and receive exclusive offers and first hand information by email.

App prices:

MobileNavigator North America $59.99 (on sale for $44.99)
MobileNavigator USA: $49.99 (on sale for $34.99)
MobileNavigator Canada: $49.99 (on sale for $34.99)
MobileNavigator US MyRegion East, Central or West: $29.99, additional regions $14.99. (first region on sale for $24.99)

In-app purchase prices:

Zagat Survey Ratings and Reviews: $7.99 (on sale for $5.99)
Traffic Live: $19.99
Panorama View 3D: $9.99

help2park:

The first application in the “Search & Find” category, help2park, kicks of the series and is now available in the App Store. The application helps drivers find a parking spot nearby, using a clean and easy to use interface. By gently touching a dial, users can set the radius they’d like to search in. Tapping a “P” symbol then opens a list of parking options – including addresses and distances from the current location. By changing the view, the spaces can also be shown on a map. If NAVIGON’s premium navigation app, MobileNavigator, is installed on the iPhone, drivers can guide directly to the parking space of their choice.

Apple anticipates selling 6 million iPad 2 a month, doubles up on touch panel suppliers, still no 7-inch model [Rumor!]

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Everyone’s favorite rumor sheet, Digitimes is back with yet more iPad 2 rumors, this time saying Apple expects to sell 6 million units a month of the next generation tablet in 2011, and to meet those numbers is lining up Chimei Innolux and Cando to current touch-panel suppliers Wintek, Sintek Photronics and TPK Touch Solutions. What’s more:

Despite market reports stating that Apple is also likely to launch a 7-inch iPad as well as new iPhones, sources in Apple’s supply chain in Taiwan claimed that they have not heard anything about orders for 7-inch touch panels.

So even with strong Galaxy Tab sales, Steve Jobs is sticking to his guns on that form factor being DOA… at least according the rumor-mill. This time.

[DigiTimes]

iPhone podcast 130: Real Racers

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Our podcast feed
Download Directly
Subscribe via iTunes

Rene, Leanna, Farbod and Georgia talk iPhone on Verzion rumors, why Apple isn’t worried about the Nexus S, antid0te for Jailbreak, tons and tons (and tons) of new games, and the latest tips and how-tos. Plus an interview with Firemint about Real Racer 2! This is iPhone Live!

Credits

Thanks to the TiPb iPhone accessory store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Our music comes from the following sources:

I Called You — iPhone Remix by Pete Leidy
via Sneakmove iPhone Ringtone Challenge

N.O.V.A. 2 for iPhone now available in the App Store

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Gameloft has just released N.O.V.A. 2 for iPhone and iPod touch, the sequel to it’s smash hit first-person shooter (FPS) N.O.V.A. If you are unfamiliar with the N.O.V.A. game it is Gameloft’s take on the ever popular HALO genre. You play as an elite military soldier who is responsible for fending off an alien invasion. N.O.V.A. 2 is set 6 years after the ending of the original N.O.V.A.. The game includes an intense single player campaign as well as multiplayer brawls for you to eliminate opposing players.

N.O.V.A. 2 has some very welcomed updates which include:

Meet new enemies with improved AI! Volterites’ new tactics make the gyroscope controls ideal
Master a larger range of weapons & powers
Much more diversified gameplay: run, shoot, fall, drive a motorbike, pilot a giant mech, and blast a laser
The more, the merrier, now with up to 10 players in 10 multiplayer maps
Build a career and rise through the multiplayer leaderboard
Explore new locations, offering amazing graphics, fully optimized for the Retina display
Enjoyed the first N.O.V.A. – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance? Be rewarded with extra bonuses.

If you are like many of us and played the original N.O.V.A. you will start N.O.V.A. 2 multiplayer with advanced XP which allow you access to advanced weapons and an unlocked special achievement on Gameloft Live! This seems to be a nice little bonus for those hardcore players that spent a lot of their time playing the original game.

So if you are a diehard N.O.V.A. player go grab the next episode and get your game on! If you are new to this series and decide to see what all the fuss is about let us know what you think.

[ $9.99 - iTunes Link ]