ipad

Many media and technology pundits are convinced that the impending release of the Apple iPad will herald a change in the way we consume computing resources.

And while the iPad may usher in a new way to interact with computing devices, it's far from a perfect device. Perhaps it's the promise of what a device of this type can offer that's the message, rather than the actuality of what the initial iPad will deliver.

In fact, according to a new survey by development tools maker Appcelerator, developer interest actually waned during the past three months, primarily due … Read more

Apple iPhone Configuration Utility hits version 2.2. The new version released on Tuesday includes support for the iPad.

Apple's utility isn't designed as an end-user troubleshooting tool--it's intended to help enterprise users create configuration profiles for device deployment--but it provides three functions that can be useful for anyone troubleshooting iPhone security settings.

We wrote about these uses last fall, and we recommend that you read it.

Mac OS X's Software Update tool provides the following description of the update:

"iPhone Configuration Utility lets you easily create, maintain, encrypt, and install configuration profiles, track and … Read more

Apple has released the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK Gold Master version not long after its release of Beta 5 version last week, finalizing the company's preparations for this Saturday's iPad release.

The Gold Master version, what Apple calls software it deems ready for public use, of the SDK is a significant milestone since it is the first release of the iPhone operating system to support the iPad. Developers will be able to compile and test iPad apps before the final app submission deadline of 5 p.m. PDT on March 31.

Last week, we wrote that we suspect Apple will offer a firmware update on the iPad's launch day, … Read more

Saturday is iPad day, that much is certain, but there are rumors that the iPhone might itself get a little attention from Cupertino. Apple on Monday seeded the Golden Master--a copy of the final production version--of iPhone OS 3.2 for download to developers. It's part of the iPad SDK (software development kit), and for now will run only on the iPad. That means come Saturday, the iPad should be running iPhone OS 3.2, while the iPhone itself is still, as of this writing, is currently running 3.1.3.

Now that 3.2 is ready for prime … Read more

Apple posted some short Guided Tour videos about the iPad on Monday, confirming my first impression that the iPad isn't a great leap forward for music. That's understandable, since there are other gaps that the iPad is trying to fill first--I think the big draw will be iBooks and Web surfing from the couch over a Wi-Fi connection, which can be done with an iPhone today with much eyestrain.

But the video about music playback (labeled "iPod") did give a couple of hints on how the iPad might evolve to take advantage of all that extra … Read more

Cadillac and Cool Hunting today announced the launch of a new application for the upcoming Apple iPad. The application features exclusive content designed inspired by the all-new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.

The free Cool Hunting iPad app features content optimized for the iPad and will be available on April 3 in Apple's App Store. For the next 12 weeks, the app will also include exclusive Cool Hunting coverage inspired by the CTS Coupe's design and performance.

The 2011 CTS Coupe, available this summer, includes a 304 horsepower direct-injection engine that, according to Cadillac, reduces emissions.

We usually scold Wilson for eating while we're on the air, but today we're making an exception so that we can taste test  Jeff's horrific supermarket find: Cheeseburger-flavored Doritos! Who knew that harnessing the sinewy flavor of cooked beef and artificial cheese would be such a catastrophe?

It takes the three of us a few minutes to recover from the explosion of McNausea, but we get it together and move onto the big Apple news of the day: while many Appleheads are still clamoring over the forthcoming iPad release, the rumor mill is also churning about the fourth-generation iPhone that will supposedly be named the iPhone HD for its 960x640-pixel resolution screen. Other features to look out for include a front-facing camera for video calls and an software update that allows for application multitasking. Our own Apple fanboy Wilson G. Tang contributes his own concerns about battery life and network robustness, and also gives us permission to tattoo a half-full hourglass on his face if his predictions are incorrect.

The latest tech trend to hit Japan is called "Ringtone Therapy" that promises the cure for fay fever and obesity by using simple sounds through your phone. Japanese citizens suffering from stuffiness, runny noses, and sneezing from the pollen in the air can call a service that emits noises that supposedly releases the pollen in your sinuses if the user holds the phone up to their nose. You know what else is good for protecting your sinuses? Not holding foreign objects up to your nose.

We can't thank Steve Fatone and Props Guy Jim enough for all the work they've done for the show. Whether it's the Official 404 Temporary Tattoos, NDC's Motherboard action figure, The 404 hoverboard from BTTF, or the Yu Be Gone spray repellent, these guys are a tremendous asset to the show and we're honored to have them as friends. Thanks again, guys! Let us know if there's anything we can do to return the favor, keeping in mind that Wilson is no longer allowed to attend children's birthday parties.

Finally, be sure to tune into the second half of the show for Calls From the Public plus a couple E-Mails From the Public! Keep sending your comments, questions, critiques, and sticker pictures to the 404(at)cnet{dot}com and you might be on a future episode of The 404!

… Read more

It hasn't even launched yet and already Apple's iPad is catching the eye of colleges.

Pennsylvania-based Seton Hill University, which has an enrollment of about 2,100, announced on Tuesday that starting fall semester, all full-time students will receive an iPad tablet device in an effort to boost learning ability and technical know-how.

"The iPad initiative kicks off the university's Griffin Technology Advantage Program," the school wrote on its iPad page. "This new program provides students with the best in technology and collaborative learning tools, ensuring that Seton Hill students will be uniquely suited … Read more

When the iPad is released on April 3, that wonderful cottage industry known as the accessories market will swing into high gear and try to capitalize on the popularity of Apple's hot new device. But unless you're Stephen Colbert at the Grammys or a few other select people, you're probably not getting anywhere near a working iPad until it starts shipping. So, how do accessory manufacturers manage to have their wares ready to go on launch day?

Well, they make their own iPads.

At least that's what Hard Candy Cases, which is known for its laptop … Read more