With the iPhone getting so much attention people seem to forget about it’s little brother with just about the same functionality but half the price. That is the iPod Touch, and in this case you can grab this 32GB model from Amazon at some extra savings, making it just $273 and with free shipping. The iPod Touch utilizes iOS similar to the Phone itself, but instead of including 3G and Talking it’s main purpose is to take advantage of all available apps, Play Music and videos, and have an incredible experience online portably. Of course the center stage goes to its 3.5-Inch screen and the previously mentioned 32GBs which gives you plenty of space for up to 8,000 songs or 40,000 photos. The battery squeezes out about 40 hours of audio playback on a single go, amazing for a trip or vacation and 7 hours of video playback. While not a phone, the iPod Touch gives you plenty of other features you crave portably.

Save 9% on this product instant when you buy it from Amazon.  Checkout price is $272.95

We’re not too prone to exaggeration, but it seems like everyone and their mother has an iPod dock of some sort these days. But nothing will ever compare to BEHRINGER’s iNuke speaker.  The company is using it as a sort of mouthpiece to garner attention to their latest line of speaker products, the EUROSOUND.

While the iNuke may look like your average iPod speaker dock.  Take a closer look.  See how tinsey winsey the docked iPhone (or iPod Touch) is?  Tiny, right?  That’s because this speaker, which has a suggested retail price of $29,999, measures 8 feet wide by 4 feet tall and weighs over 700 pounds. The company plans to unveils at CES 2012, where upon it will pump out over 10,000 Watts of power, and by our estimates should blow back a few wigs and knock off a few socks.

Unfortunately, best we can tell this will never go into production.  That said we’re not really sure who would want one of these.

Bothell, WA – December 7, 2011 – BEHRINGER, award-winning innovator of affordable professional audio and music equipment, is excited to announce the launch of the EUROSOUND consumer electronics brand — concert quality sound at an amazing value. To celebrate the launch of 50 new consumer audio products, BEHRINGER will unveil the iNuke Boom, the loudest iPad®, iPod® and iPhone® dock you’ve ever heard at CES 2012. The $29,999.99 (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) monster speaker system measures a whopping 8 feet wide by 4 feet tall, weighs over 700 pounds and pumps out over 10,000 Watts of power.

The EUROSOUND line fully embraces a modern, European design while remaining true to BEHRINGER’s roots in professional audio engineering. Four distinct product lines will be marketed under the EUROSOUND name. The Home line brings a professional, live concert sound from the stage into the comfort of your home. EUROSOUND Live products amplify your sound. EUROSOUND Portable products deliver a mobile audio experience anytime, anywhere, while the Creation line proves you don’t have to be a professional musician to make great music.

The underlying quality in all EUROSOUND products is a commitment to delivering high performance audio at an incredible value, something BEHRINGER has been providing to musicians and audio professionals since the company’s inception more than twenty years ago. The BEHRINGER mantra “Double the Features at Half the Price” will also translate to the EUROSOUND products.

“When I started BEHRINGER 22 years ago my goal was to provide musicians with high quality equipment at an affordable price,” said Uli Behringer, founder and CEO of Music Group LLC. “With the launch of EUROSOUND we are challenging ourselves to share the incredible sound and quality we have worked to so hard to craft over the last two decades with all music and audio enthusiasts.”

Follow BEHRINGER at @BEHRINGER or facebook.com/BEHRINGER for the latest news on the company’s complete line of Eurosound consumer products and all of BEHRINGER’s award-winning pro audio equipment.

It may come as a shock to some, but there are still millions of people who don’t use their phones as their media players. For iPhone owners, that must be a huge shock. Android-smartphone owners are now growing a similar sentiment thanks to Google Music. With so many people using their phones as their media devices, the Portable Media Player (PMP) is dying out. However, not all phones make for good PMPs. Android’s media center gets better with each passing day, but is still light years behind the simplicity of both iTunes and Windows Phone 7 with Zune. At the same time, not everyone wants to use their phone as a PMP. Some people just want a dedicated device to listen to music to, or to view all media on. Whether it’s for a jog or a family car ride cross-country, PMPs are still a necessity, and these days they come at better prices than ever before.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is still the king of the run. There’s no better companion than the tiny music machine, which not only stores 8/16GB of music, pictures, and podcasts, but has a full FM radio and multi-touch touchscreen to boot. Even with just software updates and a slight price drop, the iPod Nano is the best PMP of it’s class, and a great device in general. It also makes a great gift…perfect for the stocking, or for a game of find-the-gift.

iPod Touch

Like the Nano, the iPod Touch only received a software update, to iOS 5.0, but it’s still the best PMP available to date. It’s a shame that no cosmetic or technical improvements have been made, such as a boost like the iPhone 4S received (over the iPhone 4), yet even with just a firmware upgrade the iPod Touch has access to all of the App Store’s apps, as well as the full catalog of iTunes music, movies and TV shows. There’s no better full-size PMP than the iPod Touch.

Galaxy Player 4.0/5.0

Apple may seem to be the only competitor in this field, but earlier this year Samsung showed off the Galaxy Player, similar to their Galaxy S phones. While the Korean and Asian models included functions to watch TV over the air, the US models are strictly on-device or Wi-Fi media players – no over the air. In two models, 4″ and 5″, the Galaxy Players are the first Android-based PMPs on the market.

Like the iPod Touch, both Galaxy Players run on last-year’s Galaxy S hardware, and still fully-capable of meeting all of your media needs. But unlike the iPod Touch, the Galaxy Players come with only 8GB of internal memory and include a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 32GB per card. The Galaxy Player also has an FM Tuner, though you’ll need headphones to activate it.

The more musically-inclined will enjoy the Galaxy Player 4.0, though it’s music store and media organization pales in comparison to iTunes (except for Google Music), while the Galaxy Player 5.0  is smaller than a tablet, but has a great size for watching movies or TV shows on the go. 

So what should I get?

For exercising or music always on the move, the Nano is the obvious choice. The real question comes up with the full-size media players, between not only the iPod Touch and Galaxy Player, but between the iPod, Galaxy Player 4.0 and 5.0. For strictly music and gaming, the iPod is by far the best, with the biggest App Store for games and iTunes for excellent music purchasing and synchronization. For video, the iPod Touch certainly surpasses the Galaxy Player 4.0 because of it’s Retina Display, though lack of flash playback means the 4.0 has access to a significantly larger amount of content.

But when it comes to the 5.0, hands down the Galaxy Player wins. The larger display, plus access to flash video while still being pocketable (and practically acting as a tablet) makes it more comfortable to watch videos on in any conditions, be it a cramped airplane or at home on the couch.

Update: We’ll be updating this post very soon to reflect 5.0.1.

Apple’s position was always that “jailbreaking” – the process by which users can get core control over their iPhone and install unapproved apps and services – is an illegal act that shouldn’t be allowed. Then the chief officer of the Library of Congress chimed in and state that it was purely legal and that users can do whatever they want with an iPhone once they buy it. So Apple begrudgingly accepted that decision and merely said that jailbreaking your phone “could” void your warranty. And understand this. If you choose to embark on this fun little hacking of your iPhone, you need to realize that we do not warranty, endorse or indemnify you against any calamity that may befall you. Like Apple, if you jailbreak your phone, you are on your own with the consequences. Understood? So now that the legal issues are out of the way, the question comes how, and if, one should jailbreak their phone? Here’s a few tips:

“It is also important to note that unauthorized modification of the iOS is a violation of the iPhone end-user license agreement and because of this, Apple may deny service for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that has installed any unauthorized software.”

 

1. Should you?

The first step in jailbreaking your phone is to ask yourself if you should? The only real reason to jailbreak is to install an app that isn’t available on the iTunes App Store. But recently, someone has accomplished porting SIRI to a jailbroken iPhone 4, and 3S. With Apple having no immediately plans to offer SIRI onto older generation phones, there may be a good reason other than Apps to jailbreak the phone. There used to be that tethering was a good reason, but now most carriers offer tethering at a price. So, unless you’re trying to avoid a monthly charge – which could end up on your bill if you jailbreak anyway, the real question is, it it worth it?

2. Consider the Risk

While most of the danger in jailbreaking your phone has largely been eliminated, there is still a chance that attempting a jailbreak will end up rendering your phone non-operational (bricking it). And Apple has stated that jailbreaking your phone does void the warranty. So you’re on your own should something go wrong. But even if the worst case scenario happens and your phone does get into a bricked state, there are ways to bring it back to operational function.

Mostly, though, many have reported that their worst case scenario was some apps don’t really work right after the jailbreak, and you will certainly not be able to update your phone with new software from Apple while it is in jailbroken condition. However, with a simple hard reset, your phone is back into it’s sand-boxed condition, and then you will be able to upgrade it with any software updates. Just don’t try and update it without resetting and wiping out the jailbreak.

3. Back up your phone

Before you do anything. BACKUP. Not only to iTunes, but also to the cloud. That way should anything back happen, your data, songs, and apps are safely backed up. Also, back up to iCloud. This is fairly simple by going to Settings>iCloud>Storage and Backup>Backup now.

4. Choose your poison

There are several ways to jailbreak an iPhone. Perhaps the easiest is to go to jailbreakme.com from your mobile Safari browser. Jailbreak Me is the simplest way to jailbreak an iPhone with just a simple step. Tap on the Free button under Cydia and then tap on the Install button, this should jailbreak your iOS device and install Cydia (as seen in the screenshot below) just like installing an iOS app from the App Store. It is as easy as that.

Another option is to go with an app called Redsn0w and follow these simple steps:

1.  This jailbreak will require you to connect your iPhone to your PC and then install RedSnow to your PC.
2.Then you run Redsn0w on your PC and click on “patch.” This will patch your iPhone to accept the Cydia Store app. You can also add multi gesture functionality and a few other features.
3. Then you will follow the direction to go into DFU reset mode (top button for 3 seconds, then home button) and reboot your phone.
4. RedSnow will then use a utility called LimeRain to jailbreak your phone and install Cydia. Do not touch it at this time.
5. Once done, you need to exit and turn off your device.
6. Then, in the RedSnow desktop utility, select “just boot” and turn on your device by entering into DFU mode again according to instructions. Once that’s done, the iPhone is jailbroken and will reboot.

There are others including BlackRain, GreenPoisOn, PwnageTool and SnowBreeze and each has it’s own directions on how to jailbreak. The best thing to do is to spend some time over at the iPhone Development Team Blog for more information on each.

UPDATE:  The iPhone Development Team has recently released a new version of Redsn0w, vs. 0.9.9b8, that can not only jailbreak iOS 5.0.1, but also has some of the Pwnage tool functionality built right into it.  For more information, check out this blog post for update 16, which contains updated versions of the software for each platform, Mac and Windows.  But one thing to keep in mind … this jailbreak is still tethered, with IDT working on an untethered option.  Those who choose to jailbreak now, will not be able to downgrade to iOS5.0 to try the untethered option once it’s out, meaning once tethered, it may be the end of the line for you.

5. Understand your limitations

As I mentioned previously, with a jailbroken iPhone, you cannot just update your phone anytime Apple release and update. To do that, you have to reformat and reset your iPhone back to it’s factory condition. But the iPhone is also more open to exploits and attacks when jailbroken. Granted, it’s largely theoretical, but it can happen. You can guard against this somewhat by changing the root iPhone password. Root Click on the Password How-To button in Cydia to learn how. But if you forget the new password, you’re stuck.

Also, you’re battery life could suffer from unapproved apps that aren’t well tested and can leach power from unclosed services. Additionally, those apps may be unstable which could cause your iPhone/iPad/iPod to reboot or crash.

And depending on what phone/OS you have, a jailbreak may not be possible, at least in the short term. But time is on your side and sooner or later, even the most recent update gets Jailbroken. And then you have to go through the process all over again.

6. Wrapping up

So, after all that you have to ask yourself the first question again … is it worth it? Frankly, I don’t think so. Unless you have a very limited need to jailbreak, there really isn’t anything that Apple has addressed with an update or a new app (and there are over a half million now). In the end, jailbreaking may be a fun exercise, but one that will largely give you a pyrrhic victory over Cupertino.

Last year’s iPod Nano was Excellent. It was a big step forward for Apple, as they returned the device back to it’s roots of music player first, everything else second. Half the weight and size was dropped along with the VGA video camera, scroll wheel and video playback, replaced by a beautiful 240×240 pixel touchscreen, a simplified version of iOS, and a handheld that was smaller than a belt-buckle but larger than a watch face.

This year, Apple returned with more of the same, though perhaps too much more. This year’s upgrades to Apple’s mobile devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Nano) have been perceived by many as a lack of innovation, partly because of Steve Jobs’ at the time failing health. The iPhone 4S saw few improvements, the iPod Touch none at all, and the Nano remained questionable. iFixIt’s teardown of the Nano revealed that it too is the same as last year’s model, though with parts from different manufacturers.

Sorry, no return of the camera. It wouldn’t be Apple to sell new products without some changes, and just like the new iPhone 4S and iPod Touch has iOS 5, the new Nano has upgraded software, known only as Version 1.2. For this review I tested the hardware and found no differences in performance, so we’ll only touch upon the hardware briefly. For a more in-depth look at the hardware, take a look at last year’s review of the iPod Nano 6^th Generation.

Last year’s iPod Nano (left) beside this year’s. They’re virtually identical

The move from versions 1.0 to 1.2 isn’t a big step, but it improves on several key areas. Firstly, the apps now take up the whole screen, one at a time. Originally four apps were visible on any one page (and in fact users can still set apps to appear that way), but the new default is to show larger icons, and only one at a time. For farsighted users who had trouble using the small screen before, small icons made the Nano too small to use. No longer.

The other major change came to fruition because people fancied the Nano a watch. While I’ve never actually seen someone wear an iPod Nano wristwatch, major electronic retailers all sell them. Apple graciously included a few watchbands for this review, and it’s very strange to wear the Nano as a watch. Apple includes 18 different watch faces, spanning from analog and digital watches to Kermit the Frog and Mickey Mouse. 18 isn’t a whole lot, and I’d like to see the ability for users to download new watch faces from iTunes, and possibly even make (and sell?) their own.

Using the Nano as a watch does solve one of the Nano’s problems, albeit partially – as a watch, it’s harder to lose. The Nano is frighteningly small. Like last year, I lost my Nano at least three times during the review process. When I used the Nano as a watch, I never lost it once. The bright green or heavyset blue bands are much easier to spot than even the glossy, reflective screen of the Nano.

Because the Nano is so easy to lose without wearing it, there is one improvement I’d like to see in future iterations: a keychain hole in the clip. It may sound counterintuitive, to place electronics on a keychain, but the Nano is small enough to fit and light and thin enough to not be in the way. The glass would have to be scratch resistant; after all, it would be in the same pocket as keys.

Back to the watch, what’s missing from the Nano is an option to set screen duration, or how long the screen remains active before automatically turning off to conserve power. There is no option to do so. Apple simply made the screen shut off after a minute. Some users may be inclined to have the Nano shut the screen off sooner or later than that, especially if wearing the Nano as a watch.This is one aspect that should be left to users to decide.

There are a few other features that Apple passed over on this second outing for the 6^th gen Nano. AM radio, an internal radio antenna (instead of using headphones), iPod earbuds with a microphone, and an improved battery. Each of these would have improved the Nano significantly, but with no hardware updates none are available this time around. And each of these areas is a fault of the Nano since last year. AM radio, or even HD Radio, is an incredibly attractive feature for people who have used it. A proper radio antenna would provide for a stronger, better signal that simple earbuds or even larger headphones. Earbuds with a microphone would allow everyone to use voice commands immediately, without spending another $30 for a set of iPhone headphones. And Apple has pushed every year for more advanced batteries, but neglected a higher-capacity battery for its smalled screened device.

The Nano’s stacked beside an iPod Touch. The Nano is thinner except for the clip.

Even updating one of these things would have drastically improved the Nano. I’m still shocked that Apple doesn’t include earbuds with a microphone on all of their products at this point. Additional radio functions could be a heavier strain on the battery, and the device’s small size requires a small but powerful battery. I know Apple could have improved in this area, but compared to their other goals it’s not surprising to see no upgrade here.

On the one hand, the iPod Nano is an excellent example of how important software is, and how with strong hardware it can improve devices better than simply pushing out newer parts. However, looking back at last year’s Nano, there was very little that needed improvement. The Nano now makes a novelty watch, and is easier for older users to see, but it isn’t a significant step forward. It isn’t even truly the next generation Nano, which is why the software version didn’t jump to 2.0. No, it’s a software upgrade only, one that last year’s buyers can enjoy just the same as new purchasers.

Even considering all that, the iPod Nano is still the best handheld music player of it’s kind on the market. I would have liked to see some serious upgrades, to see the famous Apple yearly revisions, but this year that wasn’t the case. Then again, it’s still the best.

Pros:

• Larger icons are easier to see
• Watch feature is an interesting turn for many users
• Everything good about it last year is still there

It’s hard to imagine life without an iPod. It’s been embedded into our everyday lives and incorporated into popular culture. It’s changed the way we listen to music, watch videos, play games, exercise, drive, interact with friends and more! Apple’s iconic media player even changed the music industry, shaking up its entire foundation. It’s been 10 years since the iPod’s introduction and throughout the years it’s been revamped into an even better version of itself, but one thing always remains the same…it’s one of the best devices of our century!

The Beginning: 2001

Back when it was first introduced on October 23, 2001, the iPod was welcomed with less than stellar reviews. In what was predominately a Windows-based world, and hardcore techies didn’t think it would really make a huge impact on the industry. Boy, were they wrong!

With intentions to enter the very popular personal digital device market that was beginning to take off, Apple decided to enter it with its own rendition, but didn’t want to make it big or clunky as others had been. When the late Steve Jobs showed off the first generation iPod, he promised “1,000 songs in your pocket” for $400. Instead, he delivered an entirely new gadget that has grown into the world’s leading way we listen to music, as well as helped propel other such devices like the iPhone and iPad.

Like all first versions, it was expensive, especially for only being 5GB (nothing compared to what’s out there now). It was white and very boxy; about the size of a deck of cards. While it wasn’t exactly clunky, it was a bit bulky. The interface was simple with its mechanical scroll wheel that dictated its functions on the small black-and-white screen. What made it so cool was that the spinning wheel interface as fun and new, which is what helped give the new iPod an edge over the competition. A new era of music was officially born.

iPod 2G: 2002

A year after its debut, Apple give its fairly new iPod some minor updates. First the price is now cut to $299, making it more affordable to the masses for the 5 GB. Then begins the cycle of offering different and more expensive versions of the gadgets. The new 10 GB and 20 GB version are born, selling for $399 and $499, respectively. These larger iPods now featured a touch-sensitive scroll wheel and a wired remote. But, the big news was that Window users could now use the iPod on their PC, allowing them to download music via MUSICMATCH Jukebox.

iPod 3G and iTunes Music Store: 2003

The third-gen iPod got a totally new design for the first time in April 2003, when it showed up with a new lighter and thinner enclosure. Again, Apple did some price adjusting, launching the 10 GB at $299, but also dropped a new 15 GB for $399 and 30 GB for $499. But then later in September, Apple decided to just upgrade the two more expensive ones to 20 GB and 40GB. The era for bigger and better for Apple’s iPod was in full force…and only three years from its birth!

iPod Mini: 2004

Aww, the iPod Mini that so many love came to be right at the beginning of the year, when Steve Jobs announced that 2 million iPods had been sold thus far and showed us the baby iPod. Half the size of the original one, the iPod Mini was the first to get some color (enclosure-wise). They came in silver, gold, pink, blue or green and were made of anodized aluminum. The iPod had now entered the fashion world! But that’s not all the Mini did. It was also the first to include Apple’s new-styled “click wheel” instead of the scroll one. Since it was half the size of an iPod, it was also priced so, coming it at $249 for a 4 GB model, offering 1,000 songs.

Color Screen iPod: 2004

After the success of the colorful iPod Minis that debuted earlier that year, Apple decided it was time to bring some color to the iPod’s screens and unveiled a new version in October 2004. It was capable of storing 25,000 digital photos, but we’re not sure if anyone if did that, but it was still cool, nonetheless!

iPod Shuffle: 2005

Deciding that the iPod Mini was still too big, Apple dropped their iPod Shuffle the very next year. They weren’t wasting any time trying to take over the digital device market with every kind of size imaginable. The MP3 player was “smaller and lighter than a pack of gum,” according to Jobs. Apple marketed the new version as a random way to listen to your music, making it perfect for those on the go and who liked a compact version of the iPod while out exercising or whatnot. IT plugged into a USB drive and had 512 MB of storage, which was 120 songs, for $100. It also brought out a larger version 1 GB for $149, which held 240 tunes.

iPod Nano: 2005

So the Shuffle wasn’t small enough, or the Mini, which brought the new iPod Nano. Slimmer, thinner and lighter than any of the previous versions, its claim to fame was that it was “thinner than a standard No. 2 pencil.” Not only was it the smallest one with a screen in the fairly short history of the iPod, but it had the smallest capacity for an iPod with a screen. It sold for $199 for the 2 GB version and $249 for the 4 GB one. Despite having less capacity, the Nano was a success!

iPod Video: 2005

Apple had a big year in 2005, with the Shuffle and Nano and its new iPod video that they released in October. Not only was it a music device, a hard drive for pictures, but the new video could also hold up to 150 hours of video and boasted a high-res display. Also notable, was that it was the first time a full-sized iPod came in another color besides white; black was now an option.

iPod & Nike Collaboration: 2006

As if Apple wasn’t a huge iconic company on its own, it decided to partner up with Nike, which was one of the first extensions of Apple’s non-music platform marketing. So Nike made special shoes that synched with the iPod Nano to store data on exercise and the like. It did wonders for athletes everywhere.

iPhone & iPod Touch: 2007

From the great iPod came the idea to make a phone from the same concept…and volia! The iPhone was born. Taking a lot from its famous iPod, the iPhone was Apple’s first phone that featured touch controls, including “swiping” through menus. The iPhone has obviously become its own iconic device, but that’s an entirely different post! While the iPod might have inspired what many believe is the best phone on the planet, the iPhone inspired something great on the iPod…a new touchscreen version. Basically, the new iPod Touch was an iPhone without a phone. Genius, right?!

App Store & iPod revamped: 2008

Every year gets better and better for the iPod and in 2008, Apple launched it’s new App Store and the 2.0 iPod Touch that could play music, browse the web and more.

iPod Nano with Video: 2009

The iPod Nano received a video camera and FM tuner in 2009, as well as slashed the price on the Shuffle and added new color options. Again,

The Present

The iPod hasn’t exactly changed much since 2009, but the iPhone has evolved significantly. Also, the iPad is now part of the family, helping the extremely innovative company stay on top of the mobile device game.  And to think, it all spawned from the iPod.

We no longer listen to music the same way we did and the industry has felt the repercussions of it. Nobody goes to buy full-length CDs anymore at a record store; they instead download their favorite tracks online from the App Store or some other MP3 online site. Car radios don’t make a CD player an upgrade option, but have now made iPhone/iPod-enabled features standard. Life has definitely changed thanks to such a small device…has it been for the better? Hell yes and we have the Steve Jobs to thank!

The Future

It seems Apple will obviously be redesigning and upgrading their current line of successful products. For sure, expect an iPhone 5 soon and from what the rumor mill says, an Apple-based TV. But with Steve Jobs gone, his memory will obviously live on and inspire more innovative tech from Apple…at least we hope he left them in good hands.

Tomorrow, Apple will unveil the next iPhone, presumably the iPhone 4GS or iPhone 5.  Not only will it be faster and have an upgraded camera, but it will be powered by iOS 5.  Here are the top 30 new and improved features that users are going to love.

1. Wireless Sync and activation

Literally right out of the box, new iOS devices will be able to activate without a PC with wireless activation.  That’s something that Apple customers have been screaming for as some don’t want a computer, they just want an iPad.  This new feature fills that need.  And iOS devices don’t have to sync through a USB connection to iTunes.  Using a WiFi connection, users can backup to iCloud, as well as sync to iTunes on their PC.  And with new over the air (OTA) updating, users won’t have to sync to iTunes to get the latest iOS updates, something Android users have enjoyed since day one.  And any time you plug your iPhone into an AC outlet to charge, the iPhone will automatically sync to the Cloud via WiFi and look for a software upgrade.

2. Notification Center

The next new feature is another that isn’t really new to Android users, but that iOS 5 does quite elegantly … it’s the new Notification Center.  When users receive a message, whether text or email, iOS 5 will drop down a notification bar in the upper edge of the screen without kicking users out of the app they’re using at the moment.  Users can then swipe down to pull down the bar for more details. If there’s multiple messages, users can simply swipe to reply to messages.  For messages that come in when the iOS device isn’t being used, the Notification Center has lock screen notification, and a simple swipe will reveal and swipe to reply.

3. Greater Accessibility

This is so high on the list because Apple has always made accessibility to iOS a priority.  And these tweaks really help those who are hard of hearing or blind to further use their devices.  Features include LED Flash and vibration activation for incoming calls, improved voiceover support, a hearing aid mode for altering voice and voiceover, and custom gestures to perform key tasks.  Other improvements include a  larger text option, New speak selection, New assistive touch settings, and the ability to Set Mono Audio left or right.

4. Twitter Integration

With iOS 5, Twitter comes built in.  All users need to do is go into settings, select to install the official Twitter app and sign in.  New users can register within iOS 5 without having to launch the browser and go to Twitter to sign up. Once installed and activated, users will find Tweet options in several places from the Safari browser, the camera app, maps, and contact information where Twitter handles can be added.  Additionally, the keyboard has been redesigned for more prominent #(hash-tag) and @ (mention) keys.  Location services can also be added to any Tweet, making Tweet ups easier to create.

5. Greater phone support

You remember that the iPhone is actually a PHONE right?  It can make and receive calls!  That’s what my wife likes to joke about.  Well with iOS 5, users have greater phone support including deleting of individual phone calls with a wipe, unsecured call warnings, location notifications for calls not in contacts, and users can now edit their phone number in settings.

6. Enhanced email features

With iOS 5, users can now add a little more flair to their emails with rich text editing of italics, bold, underline, and even indenting.  And to make addressing an email even easier, users can now drag email addresses to address fields.  Email also will have the ability to organize messages easier with the addition of custom folders. And users can now select & mark multiple emails as read.

7. Enhanced contact features

iOS 5 brings a few extra fields for contact management.  Users can now add family relations, as well as social media links

8. iMessage between iOS devices

Users can also send unlimited messages directly to users of other iOS devices with iMessage.  iMessage allows you to send pictures, video, text messages, group messages, and contacts to any other iOS device – iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch.  Users can set up to receive delivery notification and receipts.  iMessage works on both 3G and WiFi, and messages are encrypted.  And just for fun, users can now use animated GIF images in iMessage (only).

9. Airplay wireless mirroring

Airplay mirroring comes to iOS 5, allowing users to use their iOS device through AppleTV on their TV set.  Suddenly, that iPhone or iPad screen is 50″, making it ideal for meetings or even game play.  And the image will also rotate on the TV as it does on the iOS device as you alter it.

10. Enhanced camera control

Users have been screaming for this feature and now they have it.  In iOS 5, users will be able to take capture those instant moments with a Lockscreen camera control, meaning that they don’t have to go into the camera app to snap a picture.  Additionally, users can use the up volume button to snap photo.  And users have greater control over what the iPhone focuses on with one tap auto focus.  In camera editing features are also added including with red eye reduction, rotating, and cropping.   Users can also organize their photos in camera roll with the addition of albums. And here’s a great additional option – users can use their iPhone earbuds as a remote trigger by using the Volume UP button.

11. Photostream

Through Photostream, users can now automatically upload images and videos to the Cloud and directly to all iOS devices and their Desktop PCs.   Additionally, iCloud stores every photo for 30 days and every iOS device will store the last 1000 snapshots.  Your Desktop, however, can store them all.

12. Improved Facetime features

Apple has also finally freed Facetime from the confines of WiFi.  Users can now video conference over 3G.  And they don’t need a SIM to initiate a call either as calls can be made via phone number or email address.  And what could be better?  How about airplay support?  Facetime now enjoys airplay mirroring for video conferencing over your TV set through AppleTV.  And video quality is improved.

13. iCloud

Here’s the biggie.  Users can take advantage of the Cloud with wireless backup and restore.  Users can also schedule daily over the air backup or disable iCloud syn via 3G to save bandwidth.   As previously mentioned, iOS 5 will also automatically sync and backup to iCloud every time users plug in their phone to recharge and look for updates.   Images, videos and files are also backed up to the Cloud and synced down to other iOS devices as well as your PC via iTunes.  And speaking of iTunes, users have the option of a free 256kb upgrade of songs if backing up to iCloud, with any apps or music purchased not counting towards their monthly cap.  Users get 5GB free, with additional storage options ranging from $20-100 annually.  And  Find My iPhone is also available as a part of iCloud integration with an option to disable it.

14. Calendar enhancements

Calendars become more useful with a tap to add event option, tap and drag to adjust time and duration of an event, swipe left or right to view a different day, and viewing of event attachments.

15. Location based Task manager

iOS 5 makes people more productive now with the Reminder Task Manager.   Tasks can be created and checked off, as well as syncd w/ iCal and Outlook.  Reminders can also be location based, meaning when your iOS device sees where you’re in the vicinity of a task, it’ll remind you to do it. reminders. Reminders — Instead of taking notes on your iPhone’s notepad app or putting a reminder in your calendar, you can now use Reminders in iOS to create a digital to-do list right on your iPhone. The geo-location abilities will trigger surrounding events for you to choose from.

16. Storage usage and clean-up

Here’s a nice feature for housekeeping of your iOS device.  iOS 5 brings Storage Usage Clean Up so that we not only see what files have taken up space but also the option to empty that space of Apps, Game saved data, Music, Videos etc. with single wipe.

17. The Assistant

iOS 5 brings a Voice activated assistant feature.   With a long press of the home button, your iOS device will interact and respond to voice commands. Users will be able to drive hands free and tell the phone to send email, texts, get maps, tweet, and even make phone calls.  Based on the popular Siri app, which Apple recently purchased.

18. Split keyboard for iPad

If you’ve ever used an iPad, you know how hard it is to thumb type.  So iOS 5 adds a split keyboard option to make it easier to type in portrait mode.

19. Video and music now separate apps

With iOS 5, the iPod app is retired in exchange for separate video and music apps.  Seems kind of odd, but it was actually done with the iPod Touch, so this change makes it consistent across all iOS platforms.  Users can also move between tracks with a swipe to the left or right (iPad only) and a slide will delete a song right away.

20. Custom Tones

To make the iOS experience more personal, users can now add custom tones for Calendar events, send/receive mail, voice mail, week view on calendar, year view on calendar (iPad) and more.  And of course, that means a new TONES App store!

21. Dictionary

Not an earth shattering feature, but it’s nice that dictionary has been added and is available in every app.

22. News stand subscriptions

Available through iBooks, users can now subscribe to magazines and newspapers.  Searching by popularity of subscriptions is also a plus.

23. Cellular Network for App Store

If users want to be stingy with their bandwidth and only download apps over WiFi, they now have the option to Enable or Disable App Store downloads via GPRS and 3G.

24. Faster Safari

Safari has become streamlined and is faster to load.  Users can also save web pages in reader mode which eliminates all ads to make them easier to read.  They can also be saved off line to read later.  And in the iPad, Safari also offers Tabbed Browsing support.

25. Alternate Routes in Google Maps

Ever frustrated when Maps gives you a route that’s longer or goes out of the way?  In iOS 5, users can choose alternate routes that are more to their liking.  For those who prefer things old school, users can now print directions from their iOS device.

26. HD YouTube

Users now have the option to stream HD/HQ videos through YouTube over 3G.  For those concerned about bandwidth, the ability to disable HQ video playback is also available in settings.  Nice.

27. Disable In-app Purchases

As a dad, I really appreciate this option.  With iOS 5, users now have the option of disabling in-app purchases.  No longer will I have to pay for things I didn’t want to buy because the purchase was done in-app without our knowledge or consent.

28. Game Center Enhancements

By contrast, Game Center now allows in app purchases of games.  Users can also further personalize their account with photos, and decide if your profile is private or public.

29. Weather updates

The iOS weather app becomes more useful with hourly updates, local weather, and the ability to swipe the weather widget in Notification Center to see a 5 day forecast.

30. MultiTasking

Users can now do gesture based multi tasking (iPad only).  With a swipe of 4 fingers, the app switcher appears.  Pinch will return to home screen.  And a swipe left and right to switch between  any actve apps

There are over 200 new features to iOS, and depending on which iOS device you use, some or all are available to enjoy.  But it’s certainly a well thought out and welcome update which will only get better with the addition of the new iPhone!

Firemall via Amazon is offering an unbelievable low price on this Mophie Juice Pack Air Case w/ Rechargeable Battery!

Now this is definitely a deal not to pass up! For a tiny sum you can grab this multifunctional case which not only protects your iPod but also increases its battery life! This Mophie Juice Pack can handle a wide variety of iPod Touch revisions and definitely gives it the juice to handle much more battery life as the name implies. It can provide you with an extra 42 hours of battery life to listen to all of your favorite music with and it does this in a very simple way. You simply plug it in like you would normally and the USB cable powers the battery of both the iPod and the case so once on the go they share the energy and give you not only a safer experience but a more fulfilling one. The case itself is durable and has a soft touch which can protect against shock while still remaining comfortable to hold or pocket and it includes 4 LED status indicators which of course tell you how much battery you have left to run on, but with as much as this adds you shouldn’t run out anytime soon.

Holy cow!  If you’re iPod Touch needs power, cause you listen to tunes on a non-stop basis, you need to get this battery pack.  They’re selling it for $70 off the retail price, making it just $9.99. Add $3.99 for S&H

For a while there Super Audio CDs along with audio DVDs were getting pushed as the next big evolution in terms of music playback at home.  Fortunately, the tech never took off and the market shifted to a digital format, large in part due to iTunes.  However, many an audiophile will probably still wax poetic about the upsides of those formats, despite their archaic like delivery system.  Nevertheless, the smartphone has to a large degree replaced all other music playback devices despite its shortcomings.  So what’s an audio snob to do?  Simple.  Invest in Nuforce Icon iDo.

It’s a standalone box that bypasses the iPhone’s digital to analog converter.  So instead of the iPhone (iPod or iPad) performing the heavy lifting, which can only sport so much audio hardware muscle given its diminutive size, this box takes over the process and in turn prevents as much loss as possible from iDevice to your home theater’s speakers; it can support 24-bit HD DAC audio.  Put a little bit more elegantly “you’re only as strong as your weakest link,” which is further echoed by their press release:

ALE files only sound as good as the default DAC (digital-to-analog converter) found within the mobile digital device. Icon iDo bypasses the built-in DAC and extracts the audio data stored on the device in its original digital form in USB Host Mode. It then converts the high-quality files for bit-perfect and low-jitter music playback.

We’re a bit surprised that it only supports iDevice since the interface is a USB port.  But perhaps there is a room for a firmware update, or a version that supports other smartphones, such as Android.  Despite that one shortcoming, they have included a headphone amp and input, which is probably where this device will really shine.  An RCA and digital coaxial input rounds out the feature set, allowing you to connect it to your home theater equipment.

The Nuforce Icon iDo is available now for $249.

Skullcandy via eBay is once again gracing us with interesting low price offers, this time on their Skullcandy iPod Touch 2G/3G Slider Case!

So you just got a new iPod Touch and need to protect it? There’s not need to spend a ton on that, and here’s an example of why. With this Skullcandy protector case you can grab a hard shell case to protect the back of your iPod from scratches in style. Choose the color you like best and you’re good to go. The slider case also includes a clear screen protector to avoid scratches on your viewing end as well. Definitely a steal at just $5 and they are selling fast!

$4.99 plus no shipping cost get this product to your front door!

Expand your musical listening experience with some wireless speakers! We’ve picked out a 7 of the best solutions under $500 on the market, which allow you to play your favorite playlists, Internet stations or music subscriptions in any room of your pad, regardless if your audio system isn’t WiFi compatible. It’s time to step up your musical game!

7. CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER WIRELESS ($150)

Easy and super simple, Creative’s SoundBlaster provides a great wireless solution without all the fuss. If you want music from point A to B, without having to worry about setting up all kinds of wires, then you’ve found what you’re looking for! The starter kit ($150) comes with a dongle for your Mac or PC, as well as a single receiver with 35mm or RCA stereo jacks.

Bonus: The hardware is pre-paired and works right out of the box!

6. PLAYGO USB WIRELESS SPEAKER ($500)

Enhance wireless streaming of your favorite jams with playGo’s USB Wireless Speaker System. Simply plug in the USB into your computer and your tunes will be wireless sent to any accompanying receiver unit. It’s price might be a tad scary ($499.99), but it features a stylish looks and is very durable.

Bonus: It can endure practically anything since it’s made from Corian, which is the stuff used to make countertops.

5. KLIPSCH LIGHTSPEAKERS ($599/$249 each)

Although it’s not entirely a complete WiFi solution, these speakers are capable of streaming music wirelessly from your PC …but also functions as a light source. Simply screw the Lightspeakers into any 5-or 6-inch socket and you have a light source.

Bonus: You can never go wrong with two-for-one devices, but this one is only great for PC peeps!

4. LOGITECH WIRELESS SPEAKER ($40)

Logitech’s Wireless Speaker Adapter allows for WiFi using Bluetooth so you can listen to all your music, movies and games that are on your Bluetooth-enabled gadgets on your home audio’s speakers. You’ll get a much better sound quality using this than with what you’d get from your mobile device’s tiny built-in speakers.

Bonus: Its $39.99 price is totally affordable and its sleek, modern design is pleasing.

3. APPLE AIRPORT EXPRESS ($100)

For those Apple enthusiasts who like to keep everything Apple-based comes their AirPort Express. Featuring blazing fast 802.11n, the AirPort Express may be tiny, but it’s powerful enough to connect up to 10 users on its network.

Bonus: Its small size allows you to take it anywhere!

2. AUDIOENGINE W1 AND W2 ($99)

The Audioengine W1 is a wireless audio adapter that sends music from your computer, iPod or any other audio device straight to your headphones or home audio system. It’s a great way to eliminate audio cables and features CD-quality HD stereo sound, making your music sound that much better. The W2 is a wireless adapter specifically made for your iPod. Send music wireless from your iPod or iPod Touch to any speaker or audio system in your home.

Bonus: It’s $99 price makes both a great bargain!

1. SONOS PLAY:3 ($299)

Plug in the Sonos Play:3 to enjoy music anywhere you want. The all-in-one wireless system allows you to stream your entire music library, any music services you subscribe to Internet stations without any real hard work. With HiFi sound quality and the convenience to place anywhere, all you need to do is plug in the Sonos Play:3 and listen anywhere.

Bonus: Free Sonos Controller apps for Android, iPhone and iPad let you control your zone players, music on the Internet and your computer right from the palm of your hand.

We sort of loathe those that use a stylus with any touchscreen device.  But then again, there are exceptions to that rule.  Such as drawing and design work.  To perform great feats of accuracy, and actually keep one’s design job, a stylus is a necessity.  Course, these people shouldn’t be completing their design jobs on an iPhone or iPad, but perhaps there is a desire to keep things consistent.

Enter the JAVOedge Mini Style for all things Apple touchscreen.  The stylus portion resembles that of used number 2 pencil’s eraser, so accuracy is probably not at the top of the feature list.  But we’re willing to over look that shortcoming in light of the fact that it plugs into the iPhone’s 30-pin dock, meaning it’s always within hand’s reach.   It’s small and awkward looking, so we can only imagine that after prolonged use your fingers will get drained of all their energy.  But in a pinch it should probably suffice.

The JAVOedge is available in black or white for $9.95.

It was just a few weeks ago that Seagate released their wireless GoFlex hard drive for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.  Now Kingston is releasing their own version, the Wi-Drive.  It too is designed for the same set of devices, but instead of using a spinning 500GB storage array like Seagate, Kingston has opted for the more rugged and versatile SSD in a 16GB or 32GB capacity.  They too are promising 4 hours of battery life and to add data to the drive you’ll need to plug it into your computer’s USB port.

There is no word on the launch date or price, but we’re gonna guess this summer and $200.

Read

Newegg has a new offer on this Apple MC544LL/A iPod Touch With Free X Games Protective Case which comes to $299.99 – $20 Instant Discount + Free 2-Day Shipping = $279.99!

Now when you get a 4th generation 32GB iPod Touch at this discount you can also get a free protective case! Apple’s iPod Touch is a well-known portable media device which gives you similar features as the iPhone with its iOS system software which gives you access to thousands of apps for everything from calculating math problems to playing High Definition games. The 4th generation comes with a super clear retina display for portable viewing unlike what you thought possible for smooth Internet Browsing and video watching via Wi-Fi. It has a large 32Gb capacity for holding tons of songs and video on the go and also allows you to take 720p High Definition video with its rear facing camera.

Don’t miss out on this awesome deal from PC Connection Express on this Apple MC011LL/A iPod Touch 3rd Generation 64GB Media Player which comes to only $239.95 + Free Shipping = $239.95!

The Apple iPod Touch is designed to give you a nearly limitless supply of content and things to do on the go. Just like the iPhone it runs on the popular iOS UI which gives you access to a nearly limitless supply of apps to go. With 64GBs internal memory you can also hold quite a bit of music and videos for listening on the go. Wi-Fi Connectivity allows you to browse the internet with full QWERTY on screen keyboard and keep up with your friends on facebook, watch movies on Netflix or even chat with your friends via Instant Message. It’s not just an Mp3/Video player it’s a whole computer experience right in your pocket.

4 out of 5 stars

Something was lost when music moved to a digital format. Not to MP3, but CDs. The move from cassette players to CD players practically killed the boombox. Sony’s disc Walkman put headphones in our ears, and since then the only place we share music is in the car. That’s why the Philips Fidelio DS8550 is all John Cusack would need in a remake of Say Anything. Yes, this iSpeaker dock has a battery.

Philips, a company fresh out the gates after a serious overhaul, at CES displayed a wide selection of iOS products, including the reviewed DS8550. This iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch dock is no ordinary stand or charger, nor is it a typical stereo speaker to leave in place for groggy mornings or Sunday brunches. No, the DS8550 is made to sit on the shoulder just as easily as any of those things, blasting tunes on Venice Beach up to 11 without a care in the world.

But let’s take a step back. The Fidelio DS8550 is a speaker dock for any iOS device first and foremost, but works as an auxiliary speaker just as well. It can connect to any Bluetooth device. Finally, and a strangely pertinent selling point, the DS8550 has iPad support. Not only can users plug their iPads in and connect them via Bluetooth, there is an app to take the most advantage of the iPad, along with all other iOS devices.

iPad support at first glance doesn’t seem that pertinent. The tablet is great for many a thing, and with a dock can make an excellent alarm clock, an option which has been largely ignored by hardware makers. Thanks to the available hardware and free Fidelio software, the iPad gives the Sony Dash a run for its money.

Hardware

Carrying the Fidelio DS8550 is a cinch. Throwing it over the shoulder requires a bit more finesse…

The Fidelio DS8550 looks and feels like a small boombox.  It’s sleek with a full black mesh cover and rubber grips to keep connected devices in place. Four light-up buttons are all the dock needs, though the included remote control is far more convenient to use, even for Bluetooth-connected device. The four buttons – power, Bluetooth on/off, and volume controls – are all that’s really needed. The rest is handily controlled via touch or remote.

The rear has a pleasant silver build with a handle, two air-holes for bass, and power and auxiliary ports. As mentioned earlier the DS8550 comes with a built-in battery, which Philips claims to last  five hours per charge. I’m pleased to say that, while such a strict number is questionable – volume level,  Bluetooth, charging an iOS device, and other factors affect battery life – I averaged roughly four hours per charge under moderate to heavy use.

Just in case your current speaker system breaks down, the DS8550 can make an excellent replacement

So if your car stereo’s been stolen, or if you want a decent set of computer speakers, or just something for when company is over, the Fidelio DS8550 suddenly becomes exceptionally useful. Not only does it deliver excellent sound on all levels – bass is slightly muffled, and some high notes do screech, but otherwise audio quality is pitch-perfect – you can pick it up and take it with you on the go, and not have to worry about running out of juice.

While testing the DS8550 I had to drive a friend’s car, which has terrible reception and no AUX port. So I grabbed the DS8550 and tossed it in the passenger seat, connected my iPhone to it, and was streaming my music collection in under 30 seconds. An otherwise quiet, droll ride was kept lively by the likes of Bon Jovi, Mudvayne, Queens of the Stone Age, and Tan Dun.

The remote is extremely handy to have…when it actually works.

It’s not all flowers and death metal. Bluetooth on the DS8550 tends to be a hit-and-miss adventure, where sometimes it will connect in just a few seconds and other times takes several minutes to establish a connection. Directly plugging an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch also doesn’t work properly every time, which is troubling. On a few occasions I was forced to plug my iPhone in and out of the DS8550 three times to get it to connect…and that is completely a hardware issue, no software involved.

The biggest culprit of nuisance is the remote control, which can be an absolute nightmare. Wonderfully built, with all the necessary buttons, commands just don’t get through. The infrared sensor is weak and often fails to read presses, and most clicks go unnoticed by the dock. It just doesn’t work half the time. For $300, using a weak IR sensor cramps an otherwise great product. Sadly, I’ve spent nearly as much time pressing buttons over and over again as I have actually listening to music on the DS8550.

Software

Since receiving the Fidelio DS8550 for review, the Fidelio software has gone through one major upgrade. The app isn’t required, and in fact I rarely use it outside of the clock functionality mentioned earlier, because it just isn’t convenient when compared to the standard iPod app. That said, the app is great for a few other reasons.

Fidelio, as the app is called, works specifically with playlists when it comes to music. It’ll play anything currently paused, and allows users to view all the music on the iPod, but only as a list of songs, not based on artist, album, etc. This may be updated in the future, but right now it’s a huge crutch for anyone who wants to use Fidelio without being forced to switch between it and iPod.

The clock and alarm settings are excellent, giving users the option to set time, which days for the alarm to repeat, a choice of four built-in sounds or any song on the device, a personalized name for the alarm, and even a photo to wake up. The Fidelio is great to download just because of it’s clock. The only downside is that the app must be running for the alarm to go off.

The software has a few other tricks, like connectivity with Twitter and Facebook, local weather reporting, detailing battery life on the dock and iOS device, along with several background and clock options. These all slightly improve on the quality of the application, though the biggest crutch is that Philips can’t get around Apple’s requirements.

Today’s Boombox

It must be the modern-day romantic in me, but the boombox disappearing was really a turning point for society. People just don’t share music the same way they did back in the 80’s and 90’s. If you aren’t at a club or restaurant, then the music comes through headphones, and that’s a damn shame. Music is meant to be shared, on the streets if it can, and in the home without a doubt. Without that sharing, we lose yet another small chunk of our humanity.

While we as a society may have moved past such notions, Philips has still delivered an excellent speaker dock with the Fidelio DS8550. Great sound, a solid form factor, excellent options through Apple and Bluetooth-ready devices, and an average of four hours of battery life make the DS8550 a real force to contend with. All that holds it back is a poor sensor in the remote/dock, which makes the control almost useless, and the hit/miss connectivity issues. Whether you hold it to your girlfriend’s second-story window or on the nightstand, this boombox is ready to go when you are.

Amazon is offering a new low price on this Apple MC540LL/A 4th Generation 8GB iPod Touch for just $229 – $24.01 Instant Discount + Free Shipping = $204.99!

The newest iPod Touch allows you to do more than ever, and with the prices dropping now’s your chance to get one easily! With the iPod Touch you can thoroughly enjoy all of your favorite music, videos and other media in your home or on the go! With the large 3.5-Inch Widescreen Multi-Touch display packing an amazing 960 by 640 resolution you can experience portable HD and content like never before! It features full Wi-fi connectivity which allows you full access to the Internet via Safari browser as well as hosting you access to tons and tons of Apps provided from the Apple store, so you can do everything from playing games to learning about the world. It’s processor is faster than ever so all of your tasks are blazing fast while still being so slim you can easily take it anywhere. It boasts 40-Hours of Audio Playback or 7-Hours of Video Playback on a single charge.

Amazon is offering the lowest price on this Apple MC544LL/A 4th Gen iPod Touch 32 GB for only $299.99 – $24.01 Discount + Free Shipping = $274.99!

Take your portable media experience to the next level with the newest iteration of the iPod Touch. The newest iPod features a host of new features to expand on your portable music and video entertainment! It comes with a large 3.5-Inch display boasting an incredible 960×640 resolution with pixels so small you can’t distinguish them from one another. It supports a slew of audio/video formats for a nearly limitless media experience on the go and with full Wi-Fi connectivity with access to the Safari Internet Browser and the App Store you can unlock limitless features to keep you entertained for as long as you need to be. To make it even better it has an incredible 40 hours of battery life for music and 7 hours of battery life for video playback.

PC Connection Express is offering a super deal on this Apple iPod Touch MC011LL/A 3rd Generation 64GB Portable Media Player for just $269.95 + Free Shipping = $269.95!

If you want quick access to all of your favorite media files as well as a host of nearly unlimited features and functions on the go then check this out! The Apple iPod Touch features a large 3.5-Inch touch display for super intuitive controls for all of your music and video playing and with a massive 64GBs of storage space you will never run out of media! It supports just about every iPhone app available too, and includes the Safari Internet browser so with Wi-Fi you have easy access to the internet and with the capacitive touch display which supports gestures you will always get the best out of the experience portably. It also has built-in Bluetooth connectivity for easy use of wireless devices like headphones for listening to music without being tied down by cables. A low price like this for massive storage makes this a great deal!

Today, Apple issued an iOS update which brings it to 4.3.2.  It fixes a Facetime bug that caused the app to crash and resulted in blank or frozen video.  It also addresses an issue that prevented some 3G iPad owners from connecting to a cellular network.  As it happens they also distributed a separate update, 4.2.7, for Verizon’s iPhone users, which addresses some minor security holes and bugs.

To receive the update, just plug in your phone and launch iTunes.