Exposé Like Multitasking Coming to iPhone/Tablet OS.

There has been much speculation about how an interface might change should Apple release a ten inch tablet that sits somewhere between an iPod/phone and a Macbook (or replaces the Macbook all together).

The operating system for the new device will take advantage of Apple’s Exposé task switching application to allow for side-by side multitasking applications.    The tablet will leverage true resolution independence features to allow for up to 4 applications to be open on the same screen simultaneously.  Hitting a home button on the device will zoom out to show all currently running applications.  When zoomed out you’ll be able to drop as many as four applications into a focus tray that will after being tapped display those applications simultaneously on the screen.  The applications will fill the space sharing equal proportions.  Each at independent resolutions relative to the native resolutions of the system.

This is an exciting step forward, one of the heaviest complaints leveraged against the iPhone/iPod system is the lack of true multitasking functionality.  Essential applications like text to speech systems, have to work in their own separate environment not allowing interaction between applications.  It’s not clear whether or not this will actually be implemented for iPhone/iPod systems.

Update: 1/28 In what was probably one of the biggest disappointments of the iPad announcement, multitasking did not show itself.  That being said, it appears the software isn’t complete, or if it is it is awful and ill conceived.  There were some amazing applications, but the system itself was unbelievably ugly and clunky.

$149 Price HIKE, for iPod Touch 8gb (typo)

I thought this was fun and had to post it.  Today’s Black Friday Ad for Apple, shows the $229 iPod Touch for $378.

iTunes 5002 Error, can’t Update Your Apps?

If you have a problem updating your apps because iTunes refuses to go to the updated on the App store there’s a little fix that may help.

Got to your applications section of iTunes.  

Then right click on any app and select show in finder.  This will pull up your entire apps directory including prior versions.

Select everything in the directory and drag it into iTunes.

iTunes will warn you for many of your apps that your importing an older version or something to that effect, decline to import the older version.  This may take a bit of clicking.

Once all the apps have been added the links back to iTunes should be established and you’ll be able to click on the regular link to update the apps as you’d expect.

Unlocking and Jailbreaking for iPhone/iPod Touch OS 2.0

The following guide will explain how to update your iPhone to firmware 2.0.

1. Download Pwnage tool 2.0.
2. Download iphone1,1_2.0_5a347 for iphone 2g (if you’re updating an iPod Touch be sure to use the iPodTouch firmware equivalent.  Likewise, if you have a 3g iphone then you’ll need the 3gs version of the firmware.)
3. Download the BootLoaders. 
4. Put all the files in the same folder and launch Pwnage Tool 2.0.
5. Select your device.
6. Select the firmware bundle.
7. Are you Legit?  If you’re using the regular iPhone contract with AT&T you are “legit,” otherwise select no.
8. A password prompt will come up.  Loot out for it and enter your password when requested.
9. Has your Iphone been Pwned before?  It’s easiest just to say no really.
10. Enter DFU mode:Turn the phone off while it’s plugged into the cradle.
11. Hold down home and power buttons together for ten seconds.
12. Let go of power button but continue holding down home button until iTunes tells you it has a iPhone in recovery mode (approximately another 10 seconds).
13. In iTunes hold “option” and click on the restore button with your mouse.
14. Navigate to the ipsw file on your desktop that Pwnage Tool 2.0 created for you.
15. Wait for iTunes to finish and then BootNeuter 2.0 will take over for you.  In about 2 minutes you’ll have an unlocked, jailbroken iPhone/iPod touch with firmware 2.0.

Just as I went to publish this I noticed another post on the subject, you may find it a bit more helpful.

Updates:

• One report indicates that it’s best to turn off iTunes Helper prior to starting this process. I always have it off, it starts iTunes when you plugin an iPod/iPhone. You can turn it off from “activity monitor.”
• Turn off the iPod/iPhone before starting this.

iPhone OS 2.0 Jailbroken

The iPhone-Dev Team has released the update for Pwnage tool 2.0 for OSX. It jailbreaks first generation iPhones updated to 2.0 software. This means you can still install applications that aren’t a part of Apple’s App Store.  You’ll have to be at iPhone Os version 1.1.4 or lower and Boot Neuter(installed of pwnage tool) before upgrading to 2.0.The phone will still be locked It can be downloaded here and here.

iPod Updates

Apple rolled out probably it’s biggest updates ever today. The new iPod line-up is incredible even if it was expected.

This time virtually all the rumors, and leak sites were pretty accurate about what new toys Apple was brining to the table.

We now have new Nanos that are incredibly thin personal media players. They still work with Nike+iPod which is was a question I had. They now play games and video like the 5.5 iPods. Vortex and Sudoku will come prebundled.

The current 5.5g iPod is sticking around and getting a larger hard drive. With up to 160 gigs, you can now carry around over 40,000 songs and up to 40 hours of battery life Steve Jobs tells us, that’s incredible for the price at 349.

Both the Nano and the iPod classic have updated firmware allowing for more of a cover-flow type interface and a split screen selection menu.

My question her is will a firmware update come for current 5.5g iPods that allows for the split screen? I doubt it but it would be a nice bone to throw consumers who’ve just purchased their iPods.

Lastly we have what I wish Apple didn’t even call an iPod, the iPod Touch. This is essentially an iPhone with the phone, email, camera and bluetooth (for now?) removed.

This is really your portable internet WiFi device. That’s how it should have been portrayed. It comes with Safari, Youtube, iCal, and Addressbook built in. It’s got the same photo and video apps that the iPhone comes with. I’m surprised they didn’t include the camera and I’m really surprised there’s no email application. I have no doubt the hacks will come in soon. There is also room for a lot more icons, so when Leopard launches I’m sure we’ll have some applications updates for this device.

One amazing feature coming to these devices is the iTunes WiFi music store. You’ll be able to find, preview and purchas songs directly on your iPod Touch and iPhone. Watching the tool in action is pretty incredible.

Starbucks and Apple have teamed up to offer free WiFi and music purchases from Starbucks stores which I’m sure means we’ll see a lot of iPod users sipping Late’s as they read their NYTimes.com on their WiPods and iPhones.

The WiPod sells for $300 and $400 for 8gb and 16gb versions. It is now available for pre-order only.

The iPod Classic sells for $250 and $350 for 80gb and 160gb versions.

The Nano’s sell for $150 and $200 for 4gb and 8gb versions.

Shuffles are still available for $80.

I’d like to see:

• a firmware update that enables some of the split screen and coverflow features for 5 and 5.5 generation iPods.
• bluetooth added to the WiPod.
• an email app that syncs with apple mail and your online mail accounts.

In any case this is going to push a lot of innovation on the part of companies like Nokia and other competitors. These features are definite Zune killers.

I have no doubt we’ll be seeing some pretty interesting stuff happening in this space in the next 2 years. Palm has really got to do something as the WiPod (iPod touch) has the potential to be an amazing PDA.

I’m waiting to see the hacked apps that will have WiPod support.

Go hackers!

Dedicated Volume on ipod

Why is it that the ipod’s interface has been so reduced that you cannot access the volume control without being in the songs menu?

The following is from Apples own help page:

How to adjust the sound volume on iPod
If you see the Now Playing screen, which shows the title of the song or audiobook playing, you can use the wheel to adjust the volume.
If you don’t see the Now Playing screen, select Now Playing in the main menu. Then use the wheel to raise or lower the volume.
If nothing is playing, you can’t change the volume.

How’s that for user friendly?

Frankly, I think this is ridiculous. I can’t imagine what went through the designers head thinking that this isn’t a necessary tool. To be able to adjust volume is one of the most important safety issues one of these players can have.