Apple makes Siri iPhone 4 port Legally possible with iOS 5.0.1 update

Siri is the iPhone 4S’s most-desired feature, and many non-4S users have been yelling for hackers to make the voice assistant available on older iOS devices. While Siri ports have been demoted to the public before, it’s been made clear that public distribution is not possible at this time due to legal issues.

Apple has made a Siri port legally possible with today’s iOS 5.0.1 revision by offering wide-open access to system files that were previously encrypted.

MuscleNerd, a well known hacker in the jailbreaking community, recently tweeted that the iOS 5.0.1 update from today features decrypted ramdisks, making it possible to extract the necessary files for a Siri port without infringing on Apple’s copyright. MuscleNerd said, “it’s the first public 4S ipsw where the main file system keys are obtainable (due to non-encrypted ramdisks).”

There have been multiple methods proposed for running Siri on non-4S hardware in recent weeks, but all of them are either illegal or impractical. To run Siri properly, one would need access to an iPhone 4S unique identifier and that key would need to be switched out every 24 hours to avoid detection. If thousands of devices start calling on Siri from one 4S identifier, Apple will be able to easily spot the activity and kill the port.

It’s unclear as to why Apple left such an opening for hackers to exploit when a Siri port has been such a hot topic as of late. iOS 5.1 is coming soon, and Apple may re-encrypt access to the 4S Siri files with its next update. Perhaps the second iOS 5.0.1 revision from today was rushed. Whether it be out of ignorance or some hidden agenda, Apple has made the possibility of a Siri port legal — at least for the time being.

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Small update has been released by Apple for iPhone 4S and Apple TV

Two minor software updates has been released by Apple yesterday. A pinched version of iOS 5.0.1 (Build 9A406) for the iPhone 4S has been pushed for users who haven’t yet upgraded to the latest firmware (essentially replacing the current 5.0.1 build). Also the second-generation Apple TV has been updated to version 4.4.4 (Build 9A406a) and features small bug fixes and stability improvements. Both updates can be downloaded now.

It’s very odd for Apple to release such a small tweak when the next iOS update is on the near horizon. iPhone 4S users that have not yet upgraded to iOS 5.0.1 are able to install the altered version that Apple seeded today. The firmware itself has no obvious changes and is likely related to Apple putting the finishing touches on the iOS 5.1 beta that is currently being tested by developers.

MacRumors also speculates that the update has something to with Apple’s next round of international 4S rollouts. It’s probable that small alterations are needed to allow other international customers access to the full 5.0.1 firmware when they update their Smartphones from the pre-installed iOS 5.0.

According to Apple the Apple TV’s minor 4.4.4 update strictly contains “stability and performance” fixes. Users can download the latest software on the Apple TV itself or download it directly from Apple’s website.

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Apple releases Apple TV update 4.4.4 (9A406a), small iOS 5.0.1 update

Apple has just released an update for the 2nd generation Apple TV, version 4.4.4 (9A406a). As of now we know the update brings bug fixes, but we’re checking for more. Hit up your Apple TV to download the new firmware or hit up the direct link.

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Apple TV goes on sale in Brazil

The Next Web notes that Apple today introduced Brazil to its Apple TV set-top box.  The hobby project is available in the Brazilian online Apple Store for R$ 399,00, or approximately $217 (compare this to the $99 price point in the United States). The gizmo is available now and comes with free shipping. This is the first BRIC nation to get the Apple TV (BRIC being a term for huge global emerging economies coined by Goldman Sachs). According to a Strategy Analytics analysis, Apple’s set-top box is set to capture nearly one-third, or 32 percent, of the set-top box market in the US 2011 based on projected sales of four million units. A hardware update is expected to include 1080p video output and Bluetooth 4.0 technology, among other things.

Apple yesterday flipped the switch on iTunes Match in Brazil and announced the arrival of iTunes Store in Brazil and Latin America. The iTunes Store in Brazil offers over a thousand movies to rent or purchase from major studios including 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. The online store in Brazil also carries music from major labels EMI Music, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music and thousands of independent labels.

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Apple captures a third of the connected TV market in 2011, users 50% more likely to rent movies

Apple is set to capture 32% of the set-top box market in 2011, with a new report released by research firm Strategy Analytics predicting Apple will sell approximately four million units.

Apple has emerged as the leading player in the rapidly growing connected TV player market, according to the latest research from the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service. According to the report, “Connected TV Players: Another Battlefield in the Smart TV War,” global sales of connected TV players—also known as video streaming or internet TV set-top-boxes—will more than double in 2011, compared to 2010. Strategy Analytics projects that the market will reach almost 12 million units globally this year, with Apple alone predicted to sell nearly four million devices.

Other noteworthy statistics from the report– More Apple TV users are renting movies and TV shows in comparison other set-top boxes with 30 percent vs. 20 percent. While noting Apple is leading the connected TV market while still considering it a “hobby”, Senior Analyst at the Connected Home Devices (CHD) service, Jia Wu, warns other platforms will have to catch up in anticipation of Apple’s “expected launch of smart TVs in 2012:

“Apple is leading this nascent market, which it still considers a ‘hobby’. As Apple prepares for its expected launch of smart TVs in 2012, rival platforms must accelerate their development plans to keep Apple from running away with the connected TV business, as it has done in Smartphones and digital music.”

An Apple branded HDTV expected sometime in 2012 would more than likely integrate the majority of the Apple TV’s features, and possibly eliminate the need for the current form factor.

Last month we reported the next-generation Apple TV (3, 1) is moving closer to release with codename “J33 discovered in the iOS 5.1 beta releases. As for what’s in store for that device, our findings in the iOS 5.1 beta, at the very least, point to low-power Bluetooth 4.0 that could enable a ton of new possibilities for advanced input devices, FM radio integration, and more.

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Use airplay to watch your iPhone’s camera live on apple TV

Want to check out the hair at the nape of your neck, see what the back of your throat looks like, or look behind places you can't fit your head? If you have an iPhone 4S and Apple TV you can setup Airplay mirroring so whatever your camera is recording is displayed on your TV in real time.

Mac enthusiast weblog TUAW shares this clever use of the new-to-iOS 5 feature. You can enable Airplay mirroring by double-clicking your iDevice's home button, swiping to the right twice, and selecting your Apple TV as your Airplay destination. Make sure that mirroring is turned on, then click on the home button and load your camera app.

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Sharp says they aren’t worried about Apple’s iTV

Japan’s Sharp, maker of huge-screen televisions, voiced confidence Thursday as it told reporters Apple isn’t much of a concern. What about the almost incessant chatter that the tech giant will enter the TV manufacturing market with an iTV in 2012? “It’s not something we’re studying very hard,” an executive claims. Unclear whether this is bravado or whistling past the graveyard, but perhaps Sharp missed class the day Apple mangled a whole string of industries thought to be untouchable.

 

The comments by Kozo Takahashi, Sharp’s head of North and South American operations, follow reports Apple is prepping a redesigned television that could tie-in iTunes and other connectivity. “I really have no idea what kind of TV it will be,” the executive said. “But if he came up with it, I’m sure it will be amazing,” Takahashi said.

In Jobs’s biography, written by Walter Isaacson, the Apple co-founder is quoted as saying about how to remake the TV interface and experience: “I finally cracked it.” Analysts such as Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster contend Apple is already in the late stages of approving an iTV product for 2012.

Sharp’s comments are intriguing, given reports in November that the TV manufacturer and component supplier is adapting its production lines to churn out TFT LCD panels for the iTV.

Although those reports suggest TV manufacturers, already operating on razor thin margins, are panicked by the idea Apple could enter the market. The Cupertino, Calif. Company has a reputation for squeezing suppliers to produce advanced iPhone, iPad and Mac designs for the least money. Sharp, however, believes U.S. consumers are not as technology-obsessed as Japanese buyers. Instead, American consumers demand low prices, wide screens and the latest features, such as 3D.

However, we have seen the Apple brand become a feature by itself. From iPods to iPads, consumers expect all devices to operate the way Apple devices do. The only question is will the TV manufacturing industry become the latest where everyone plays follow-the-leader behind Apple?

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Apple finally brings TV show downloads to Apple TVs in Canada

Well iTunes is being providing TV shows in Canada, the Apple TV has not been a source of TV show downloading. Now, Apple appears to have sent an over-the-air update to Apple TV boxes in Canada and TV show downloading is now available. Episode downloads cost between free and $2.49 a pop and are actually full downloads, not rentals. Apple recently traded single TV show episode rentals for a TV show download service. Episode you purchase will be streamed with no limit from the iCloud storage locker.

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The new generation Apple TV welcomes more advanced input devices.

Apple always points out a valid reason whenever they ship a new hardware element in a product. Apple wants to be an integral part of this wireless future and so the stepping stone towards this technology would be the next generation Bluetooth. Bluetooth Smart (4.0).Apple has already implemented this in its latest iPhone 4S and also in the latest Mac mini computers and MacBook Air.

The much talked about Apple TV will also get the Bluetooth 4.0 upgrade. The code –based finding with the Bluetooth enabled technology reveals more information on the upcoming Apple TV. Its manufacturer, Broadcom states that it provides the highest level of integration for a mobile and handheld wireless system. The chip contains an integrated IEEE 802.11 a/b/g and single stream

802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0 + HS, FM radio receiver and transmitter. The advanced design techniques enable lower power consumption. The new Bluetooth guarantees that the peripherals can be ultra thin as well. Where the normal existing Bluetooth takes 6 seconds to get paired, Bluetooth 4.0 takes 6 milli secs or sometimes almost instantly to get paired. Since Apple TV is going to be a complete new entertainer that will enable connection with your TV, we can imagine the huge list of input devices that the product will come up with. Bluetooth 4.0 goes way beyond what an IR-based remote can do. These low-powered, Bluet00th 4.0 remotes can feature more than just buttons. Imagine a Siri-powered Apple TV box that includes a Bluetooth remote with a built-in noise-canceling microphone to take Siri commands.

The possibilities, it seems, are almost endless in terms of revolutionary input devices that can connect to other Blueto0th 4.0 products. We’re excited to see how Apple takes advantage of all the powerful technology they are leaving in the next iteration of their little hobby.

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Apple‘s next iPhone (iPhone 5, 1)

There is been news about the speculations of an iPad 2, 4 and the next generation Television from Apple. And now to add to these, we have one more and of course the most important one of all. The next iPhone. Yes the next series of iPhone has been dubbed 5, 1 internally. The new 4X model will represent only the minor external changes on the iphone. But it hasn’t come up with anything new in terms of processing powers.


The iPhone 3G similarly went from the original iPhone’s 1, 1 to 1, 2 because of the lack of features and  performance enhancements.The jump from 4, 1 to 5, 1 represents a huge leap and of course a major internal change which means that iPhone 5/6 would come with a brand new processor. The expected external changes would be a 4 inch display with a new aluminum casing. Since Apple has recently released it latest iPhone, the next release is expected somewhere by Oct 2012.

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Apple’s next-generation Apple TV moves closer to reality, assigned J33 codename

The iOS release says that as a product in development moves even faster to launch, it has been assigned with a proper codename. Just not only an identifier like “3,1” but also assigned a codename such as N94 (iPhone 4S) or K48 (original iPad). The next-generation Apple TV moved to that step. Thanks to today’s beta release of iOS 5.1, we have codename in our hands for this new Apple TV(3,1).

As the above figure shows, the new Apple TV is rocking the J33 codename, the second JXX product we have seen from Apple. First was the J2- a new iPad – which we revealed last week. Apple’s iPad 2 is just about reached the peak of Apple’s KKK options with CDMA version called as K95, so Apple’s move to JXX terminology is somewhat that would have to happen sooner or later. With Apple newly beefing up their leading tablets and phones with dual-core A5 chips, we consider this new Apple TV signifies an A5 dual-core model, which packs in 1080 playback capabilities. As to whether this thing has a display on it, it is too early for us to tell.

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Apple’s Next Generation TV code named as “J33”.

 It seems the rumors have given way to the reality. Apple is all set to bring out its new version of television called the Apple TV. Now your living rooms will entertain this new magnificent piece of work. All thanks to the newly released iOS 5.1 beta that has led to this new innovative entertainment factor.

Apple has already code named it internally as “J33”. Apple usually code names a particular product when it reaches its launching stage. This code naming has helped a lot in getting to know more about the upcoming products like iPhone 4S was named N94 and first gen iPad K48.

Before being named “J33’ it was simply given the name “3, 1” identifier in the iOS SDK. Apple TV is probably the second device to receive the J series label. The iPad 2’s codename was “J2’.Another device which is supposedly referred in the iOS 5.1 beta is a Sprint flavor for the iPad2. Speculations have already popped up about this J33 apple TV being the Siri-controlled, top secret beautiful television that each one of us has been waiting eagerly for or just an A5 version with 1080P HD video playback.

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Apple Released Apple TV 4.4.3 new software version [Updated]

This week Apple has pushed out a new software update for Apple TV, the version 4.4.3 is now available. Apple TV users could have latest build that fixes several issues found in the version released right together with the iOS 5 issue this October. Since from the original 4.4 release, 4.4.3 is the third update on it. Users who are still on a pre-4.4 release, note that every update adds countless features like National Hockey League Content, Wall Street Journal Live, Photo Stream, AirPlay Mirroring support, and iTunes Trailers. 

  

Although Apple yet to specify what this latest version contains apart from bug fixes, but we recommend you people go forward and move on up to it one way or another. The last update (4.4.2) was made on October, it fixes an issue addressed by some of users were having where they were they had to be connected to iTunes in order to complete any kind of update. 

However users should also note if they not have the update on Apple TV earlier this month, they can add support for iTunes Match with this latest version, It allows you to take part in the $24.99 per year, so by having iTunes Match service where let you upload 20,000 songs to the cloud and listen to them streaming from any of your Apple device with access to the internet. 

Update: Apple TV has updated to the version 4.4.3 update adds support for Netflix streaming in Mexico and an audio output issue when the connected television set is turned off.

Netflix: Added support for Netflix in Mexico.
Audio Output: Reports an issue in which audio may not play through the optical port when the TV is turned off.

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Apple preparing to erase the iTunes match beta libraries on Saturday.

Apple has already notified its developers that they are going to erase the matched libraries of the iTunes Match service on Saturday. This erasing of the pre- release libraries is again being done related to the new release of iTunes match. After missing out the previous deadline, Apple hasn’t confirmed the exact date of the release of the iTunes Match. The $24.99-per-year service couldn’t take off last time in the month of October.

Apple also confirmed that it will not delete the existing iCloud libraries for this purpose. Developers have been instructed to turn off their iTunes match functionality on their computers and iOS devices. This can be done by selecting the option “Turn Off iTunes Match” available under the “store” menu in iTunes on a Mac or PC. But the method is a bit different in your iOS device. Here just open the native “Settings” Application and chose “Music” and turn off iTunes match. This feature can also be turned off on an Apple TV under the “Music” option.

It might affect the audio files in your system. So Apple suggests keeping a backup regularly. Do not delete the music files that are added to iCloud from your computer. The last time Apple made such an update was in the month of last October. But since they couldn’t release it on the expected date, no such confirmation about the dates have come up this time. The iTunes Store’s welcome page still pops up the same message that iTunes Match is “Coming Soon”.

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Apple’s iTV: The Future of Home Entertainment.

Apple’s iTV, one of the impending dreams of Steve Jobs appears to be the lone creation of Apple’s TV product. In his Biography released lately he has mentioned about an “Integrated Television Set “and that he had cracked some major issue with it. Experts and analysts have been predicting the arrival of Apple into the home entertainment field in a big way. But till the real thing happening around, Apple will have to get contented with Apple TV, a set top box, which is modest in functionality. The system hasn’t caught much attention since the marketing done for this particular product was pretty less when compared to the other Apple products. Jobs even referred this one as a “hobby”.

If Apple is seriously looking forward to enter the drawing rooms of consumers through this product, then the aim is going to be awesome. It might give a new view point, different from the cable services being delivered. So the very idea of Apple entering the entertainment media raises a lot of excitement.In the latest iOS launch, Apple raised a new technology called Airplay that included “mirroring” between Apple TV and any iDevice. This technology allows the transfer of information from your mobile device to your television. That would certainly mean that both the devices would be able to interact with each other and would run the same application at a time. Guess the TV options have become vast all of a sudden. Apple is turning the device in your hand into a huge display screen in your room. All the functionalities are already available on the portable devices, then why not try it on a larger display?

If Apple succeeds in doing so, it will completely change the dimension of the home entertainment media. Now you can have the channels tuned to your interest without having to skip through the numerous channels to get something of your interest.

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Do you want Siri on Apple TV?

We have pretty good telivision technologies which can complete with Hulu Plus, Netflix, Youtube apps and many more but we should click a dozen times  on a remote button  to get what we want to watch at the right time. Even if we are having lunch or dinner at the front of TV we will be more conscious on changing the channels. It takes much time of ours neither we eat proper nor we saw our favorite program peacefully.  

If we have an assistant for TV to change our TV programs how good it would be then we could simply tell out TV what we wanted to see, when to pause or when to turn the volume down? Sometimes your kids may hide the TV remote then you will be searching for that. What if you have Siri on your TV? Then you can ask Siri whatever you want?

Steve Job’s biography has mentioned that he was working on the TV interface toward the end of his days. He said “I’ve finally cracked it” but we never know what “it” is. Recently New York times have revealed that “it” is voice activated TV-using Siri, intelligence baked into the iPhone 4S. 

Even The Times’ Nick Bilton has used up one year probing around the story of Apple TV whether it is launching the own TV set rather than just the Apple TV box. He had two conclusions on this story that if Apple TV set is coming and it’s just a question of when? His second conclusion is that Siri is going to be the main interface. He is expecting the Apple TV set may come early in 2013.

To control this TV whether you have to own an iOS device or TV will have an ambient microphone which is good enough to pick up voice commands. Apple likes to give you reasons to buy more Apple products but there are no cases in point in which you are forced to buy one to manipulate another one. For requiring a $200-plus remote, the company wanted to avoid being scoffed at them.

People who’ve had a FaceTime chat on iPad 2 know that Apple Microphone Technology has evolved. It will likely work from access your TV room; it picks up sound with astounding clarity. But then how would you pull up the Siri interface on the screen in the first place? By calling her name, perchance? Or will Apple provide a remote after all, with a single button that calls up Siri?

Both sound like elegant solutions. But if it’s all the same to Apple, we’d rather not have another gadget that can get lost down the back of the couch, even if it is a clicker with one button.

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iPhone 5 release date comes after iPad 3, as iOS 5.1 looms this year

The recent product from Apple is iPhone 4S with amazing features that magnetizing the Apple fans. With the iPhone 4S out the door then the topic will pass on to the question of iPhone 5 that when iPhone 5 will find its release date?  Only two things of iPhone 5 are known with any degree of confidence. It will arrive within the first three quarters of 2012 and it will arrive sometime after the iPad 3, which also won’t arrive until next year. That leaves iPhone and iPad users with only iOS 5.1, a medium significance software update to the newly released iOS 5; to look forward to before the year is over. Apple won’t be springing anymore new hardware on the market before 2011 is over. That leaves all eyes on next year for the launches and revisions of several new Apple products. Beyond merely the iPhone 5 and iPad 3, users are gazing at the launch of the iPod touch 5, Apple TV and more… have a look below  at the timeframe for the iPhone 5 release date and beyond.

iPad 3: Apple’s history says you can expect this one in march 2012. In order to give it a major speed boost Apple may incorporate the next gen A6 processor into the iPad 3, with scatter reports pointing to the A6 not being ready until summer. But Apple got quite a bit of negative feedback from users for pushing the iPhone upgrade cycle back to sixteen months this year instead of the usual twelve, perhaps more backlash than the company might have expecting. This could prompt Apple to push forward with the iPad 3 in its publicly expected March timeframe with or without the A6.

iPhone 5: This release date is the most mysterious of the bunch. By waiting sixteen months to replace the iPhone 4 and then doing so with the same- iPhone 4S, it’s no longer clear what Apple’s iPhone roadmap looks like. With the 4S selling very well for now, Apple could opt to wait till summer 2012 However, if the iPhone 5 is ready sooner and if 4S sales drop off, Apple could fire up the 5 sooner. Just don’t expect it before April. iPhone 4S sales are too strong for now for Apple to even consider a January or February rush-launch, and if the iPad 3 occupies March on the calendar, that means nothing on the iPhone front before April. Even that’s optimistic right.

iPod touch 5: Apple punted by launching a white version of the iPod touch 4 in lieu of any actual internal or external hardware changes, most probably saving the iPod touch 5 until the iPhone 5 is ready. It’s a quite safe bet to expect them at the same time.

Apple TV: Apple has often used its fall iPod event to launch the latest Apple TV, but there was no movement on that front at this month’s iPhone event. Various speculations has Apple eventually moving into actual television sets, making the “Apple TV” set top box perhaps on the way out. But there’s no timeframe on these supposed television sets, so Apple TV could indeed see another new generation in the mean time. There’s no clear indication when that would happen, however.

iOS 5.1: The only remaining Apple product which can be expected in 2011, iOS 5.1 will deliver a slew of minor revisions to iOS 5 including features Apple didn’t quite finish in time for the original release and

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Siri makes life easy…!

We all know that iPhone 4S has been released with a new voice assistant “Siri”. It is becoming reality Siri is more helpful for the iPhone 4S users. For Apple Siri and iCloud is a step towards Google’s domain. Cloud computing web and web services. At the same time Siri helps you get answers and currently it syncs with wolfram alpha and yelp before running a Google search and it also includes Yahoo and Bing. Especially since 2/3^rd of their mobile traffic comes from iOS, so it is the reason for Google to worry.

So when at Google Android boss Andy Robin takes shows up to AllthingsD’s AsiaD he tries o downplay Siri and we so wish that he had a better argument to back up his claim. Robin commented that the phone is a tool for communicating and one shouldn’t be communicating with phone instead. He basically tried to suggest that one isn’t supposed to interact with Siri on the iPhone but with others using the device as a phone. So certainly if making call was only objective of the handheld phones, even my 10 yr old Nokia does that for me. The hogwash from Rubin takes us a decade back and far away from mobile computing. One thing Apple fans want to say is dear Andy Siri makes computing easy, it connects, it get things done…… it makes life easy..!

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Air Play App of iPhone 4S and iPad 2

One outstanding feature of iOS 5 is the iCloud that lets you transfer your data in a wireless environment. Now you can store music, contacts, videos, photos, mails etc and transfer it to any other device just in matter of seconds without having to go for any connections.

Now there’s more interesting news for all the iPhone lovers around the corner especially for the photographers, iOS gamers and videographers. The all new Airplay app of iPhone lets you wirelessly transfer the images, videos etc to an Apple TV. Yes of course the 2 things that you basically need for this purpose is a device that runs on iOS 5 and an Apple TV.

The set up process happens to be very simple. Once the initial set up of your Apple TV and iOS is done, just double tap on the home button. Swipe from left to right and then select Airplay icon and turn on the “mirroring” option. If both your Apple TV and your iPhone/iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can see the same screen as that of your iPhone on the Apple TV. The set up procedure ends here and now get set to share all your videos, games, photos and much more things, made available to everyone around, via the wireless network.

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