As Apple TV (2010) makes its way out into the world people are figuring out more of what you can and can’t do with it, including Engadget who says there’s 1080p in (but not out) via iTunes:

We just ran some tests on the AppleTV’s playback limits by streaming 1080p movie trailers in iTunes and managed to verify murmurs saying the device can accept 1080p content. Unfortunately, output is a different story, since it downscales the image back to 720p on your display

TUAW meanwhile plugged it into PhoneView to access the AFC service area, tried Ping (the network IP command, not iTunes social music!), VLC, used TinyUmbrella to save SHSH blobs, and more:

You can register your Apple TV device in Xcode (it shows up immediately) to the iOS developer portal but you cannot perform any actual development — yet. Xcode complains that Apple TV does not “support development”. Bummer that.

Sounds like there will be fun times ahead, especially for the Jailbreak community.

[Engadget, TUAW]

More Apple TV fun: 1080p in, Xcode, PhoneView is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

GoodReader for iPad has just received a major update with some fantastic new features. PDF annotations is the biggest addition including notes, highlights, markups and drawings.

If you don’t already use this App for PDF viewing and management then you definitely should try it out. GoodReader is my most used iPad app, you can find out more about it in our quick review.

Full update details and more screenshots after the break.

[$0.99 on sale - iTunes link]

This is an official entry by chrisoldroyd in TiPb's next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

Major update introducing major new feature – PDF Annotations, including notes, highlights, markups and drawings:

• all annotations that you create or edit in GoodReader – notes, highlights, markups, and drawings >- are saved in a PDF file, so you will be able to see them later on a computer or in another copy of GoodReader on your colleague’s device
• all notes, highlights, markups, and drawings created outside GoodReader, and properly stored in a PDF file, can be viewed or edited in GoodReader
• types of annotations that you can create and edit in GoodReader: comments (“sticky notes”) with 7 different icons, text highlights, freehand drawings, lines, arrows, rectangles, ovals, text underlines, text deletion marks (strikeouts), text insertion marks, text replacement marks. You can freely adjust color of all of the above.
• other types of annotations that you can view in GoodReader: text boxes with callouts, polygons and polylines, squiggly underlines, cloudy shapes, rubber stamps, file attachments. All annotations that can be viewed, can also be deleted. In addition, some of them can be edited in a limited fashion (color, placement, scale).

• you can now extract files from PDF file attachments

• two main gestures that you should use to work with annotations – single tap, and “tap & hold”. Depending on where you tap (on a text, on an existing annotation, or on a free space on a page), different menus will be presented to you.

Other important improvements and new features:

• now you can select text directly on a PDF page. Tap on a text and hold your finger for a while. You can then copy it to the clipboard, or create markups for it (highlights, underlines, strikeouts, etc.)
• certain not very large files were known to consistently crash GoodReader (as well as other PDF reader apps) for no apparent reason. This was the issue with iOS 3.x. We have resolved this issue. It shouldn’t be a problem now, even if you’re still on iOS 3.x (this one is for you, Linux Journal readers
• now we can hide PDF watermarks (adjustable option in settings) -> certain button images in place of PDF links that were not shown before, are now shown correctly

And some other nice things:

• you can now choose which minimum zoom ratio you prefer for PDF pages – “fit to screen” or “fit to width” (an option in settings)
• we have lifted the limitation for a size of files being extracted from PDF Portfolios. Now we’re able to extract files of any size. Just make sure that you have enough of free disk space!
• now when you copy a file to the same location as the original, a copy is created. Very handy if you want to annotate a PDF file, but also want to leave the original file unchanged.
• a workaround for the issue when WiFi was conflicting with Bluetooth (slow WiFi connection, occasional WiFi signal drops when Bluetooth switch is on, etc.) was finally found. Now there should be no conflict between WiFi and Bluetooth when working in GoodReader.

GoodReader for iPad gets a huge update is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Rogers, the first Canadian carrier to offer the iPhone, put out a statement today saying 4 out of 5 iPhone 4 activations on their network went to existing customers. They’re also extending some of their promotions for those who haven’t yet snagged an iPhone 4 but might want to take advantage of them, especially the 6GB/$30 data plan. Act fast.

When Rogers/Fido launched the iPhone 4 on July 30, we announced special offers for our new and existing customers. Since then, we have activated a significant number of devices with 80 per cent having gone to our existing customers.

These special offers were scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, but we have some good news to share.

First, we are extending the 6GB/$30 promotion until Oct. 5. Second, we are extending one component of our early Hardware Upgrade offer through the end of the year. Any customer who activated or upgraded an earlier version of the iPhone with Rogers/Fido on a term contract on or before December 31, 2008 will be continue to be eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price when they upgrade to an iPhone 4. They can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.

While other components of our special iPhone 4 early HUP offer expire today, Rogers and Fido customers can continue to take advantage of our standard hardware upgrade savings. Fido customers can also add their Fido dollars to their Hardware Upgrade for additional savings.

From whom did they take those 20% new customer iPhone 4 activations?

Rogers: 80% of iPhone 4 activations were to existing customers is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

This week I’m taking a look at iStudiez. A new school year is upon us and as I begin the journey of own Master’s degree I thought taking a look at one of the leading school and course management apps in the App Store was in order.

iStudiez is a very comprehensive course management application for the iPhone. This app literally does it all from cataloging semesters, courses and instructors to tasks and grades. So where do we begin? Let’s break the app down by section. So, first lets take a look at the Today section.

At the bottom of iStudiez you have four icons. The first icon is the Today icon. From here you get a summary of information you need to get done today. You have the option of turning on events from your iOS calendar, or feel free to leave it off. It displays all day events as well as regular times events. Simply tap on the event to get more information.

Next you have the Calendar icon. This is exactly as it sounds, a calendar for your courses and assignments. There is a toggle button up at the top of the screen that switches you from Schedule to viewing just your Assignments. This approach is quite nice as it allows you to see when your assignments are due and compare it with what your doing that day, week, etc to help you manage your time more efficiently. You can also add an assignment from here directly. Tap the plus icon located in the top right corner. Add the course, assignment name and details, due date and priority as well as push notification reminder and any partners you are working with to compete the assignment. Your partner information is pulled directly from your contacts list.

The next icon is your Assignments section. This is the place to view anything about what assignments you have, grades and completed courses. This section is divided into two areas; Current and Completed. Current lists your assignments by either Due Date, Course or Priority. Simply tap the choice you want and iStudiez will display and sort the results of your choosing. The completed section shows your completed course date and and course with your grade for that class.

The last section is the Planner icon. This area allows you to configure your Semesters, Holidays and Instructors. Your semesters can be be given a date range, nothing too exciting there. Next you can add your course and give it a color to help it stand out in the crowd. You can set your class as a regular class, single class or an exam. When you do this you also have the ability to set up that specific class’s schedule. You can pick the days of the week, its repeat schedule, instructor and location. You can enter the name, date and location for your exams as well. You can also enter in all of your instructor data from name, title, phone and email to office hours. You even get a comprehensive list of the classes that professor teaches based on what you have entered in your courses. Yes, tapping the phone number will launch the Phone app and email will compose and email; very convenient!

You have awesome control on how all of this data gets displayed in iStudiez. You can customize default phrases on your calendar such as “No classes today” and change that to “It’s a beach day!” for example. You can determine what information your calendar can specifically show. Turn off iOS calendar events if you want. Add a course color to differentiate between classes , assignments in the calendar; you have complete control. For me, a particularly useful option that is off by default is displaying week number.

There is not much else to say other than if you have an iOS device, buy this app immediately. It’s universal you can run it on an iOS device and the price is beyond reasonable at $2.99; the developer could easily charge more than that simply for the value in time savings that this app will give you.

[$2.99- iTunes Link]

Pros

• Robust course management app
• Integrates your iOS calendar with specific iStudiez data
• Universal app, BONUS!!!
• Helpful back-up via email feature
• A Lite version is available to try out

Cons

• Cannot sync data between iPhone/iPad or other iDevices (a sync solution is in the works)

iStudiez Pro for iPhone- app review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

This week I am looking at the Seidio Innocase II for iPhone 4. What makes this case great is that it is a two-part case that snaps about two thirds down. You slide the iPhone into the top, then slide the bottom on. The two pieces snap into place to provide a secure casing for iPhone 4.

The inside of the Innocase II is covered with a very soft, velvet like material to ensure that your beloved iPhone 4 receives no scratches when being pulled in and out of the case. Most cases have some sort of lining, but I have not seen too many like this. The lining is not meant for shock absorption, rather it’s purely there for protecting your investment from scratches, thanks Seido.

A couple things I have noticed about the case. The instructions state to “wiggle” the bottom of the case to remove it. However, I was unsuccessful at “wiggling” it (I mean, it is already flush against your iPhone 4 after all..). So, instead I used my inhuman strength to simply pull it off. This works for me, but did provide an initial shock when trying to remove it to dock my iPhone 4. Also, you probably know by now that whether it’s the iPhone or iPad, I like the glass edges protected on iPhone 4. The Innocase II does this no problem but to the extreme. I received a Fruit Ninja invite to place a multiplayer game on Game Center. After I accepted and started to play, I had problems slicing some fruit because I could not get my finger to touch the very edge of the iPhone 4 screen. Is this a deal breaker? Likely not, but something you should know before considering buying this case. Honestly, it probably won’t be an issue for most of our readers.

You can get the Innocase in a plethora of colors in our store; surely one to fit your style. I am sporting the green one and dig it. I feel this case protects well and is secure (it won’t fall off) and looks good with adding minimal thickness to the iPhone 4. You can pick up the Seidio Innocase II for iPhone 4 at the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store.

Pros

• Solid protection for iPhone 4
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Easily removable for docking, etc.
• Multiple colors

Cons

• The ridges next to the screen are a little too high
• Case can be difficult to remove

Seidio Innocase II Surface for iPhone 4- accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Today’s the last day you can buy an iPhone 4 and qualify for Apple’s free bumper case program. If you buy an iPhone 4 tomorrow, you’ll fall under the new policy:

For everyone else, we are discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after September 30, 2010. We are also returning to our normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after September 30. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case.

So once again, if you just want a free case, today’s the last day to buy an iPhone 4 and qualify for one. After today, you’ll have to have a real antenna problem and go through AppleCare.

Anyone rushing out to beat the deadline?

Last day to qualify for iPhone 4 free bumper case program is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Zentomino for iPhone is an easy to play puzzle game and a great time killer. While the game may have a simple concept, some of the puzzles are not as simple to solve. To complete a puzzle, you’ll take Tetris-like pieces and fit them inside the puzzle designs without overlapping or going outside the boundaries. Drag pieces out of their places or back in, tap them while on the board to rotate them. Sometimes you’ll use all the pieces allotted to you, sometimes you won’t.

[iTunes Link]

When you first start the game, you’ll be presented with pages and pages of puzzles to take a stab at. What I really like about this game is that you aren’t forced to complete the puzzles in any specific order. You can flick through the pages and choose which ones you want to solve. Once you complete one, it will show the colored completed version as you scroll through. Get stuck on a certain puzzle? Click one button to take you back to the puzzle selection screen and take a stab at another one. You can always go back later and each puzzle should be as you left it.

Zentomino also links into Game Center. You’ll get achievements based on completing a particularly complex puzzle, which will then show up in your achievements. You can see your achievements within Game Center, or clicking a link on the Zentomino main screen will link into Game Center to show you them.

So if you’re looking for a good strategy or puzzle game, check out Zentomino and let us know what you think! They’ve also got a Lite version if you’d rather try before buying.

Pros

• Controls are easy to understand and fluid

• Lots of puzzle choices

• Game Center Integration

Cons

• Controls during game play to go back to main menu and reset pieces are a little small, making them bigger would make them easier to click on

Zentomino for iPhone – App Review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

iOS 4.2 beta 2 for iPad, when used on some European carriers, is popping up Internet Tethering settings similar to those on iPhone. Since it’s not showing up everywhere, and certainly not in the US, could this mean only certain geographies will be getting the feature, or is it just some accident in the firmware or carrier file update that’s causing it?

Either way, it does show the panel is built into iPad, so why isn’t it already there and for everyone, like on iPhone? We pay for the bits, we should be able to use them when, where, and how we see fit. (And we should be able to tether iPad to iPhone — just like BlackBerry’s doing with the PlayBook — but that’s rant for another day).

Apple should just flip the switch and turn it on and let the carriers scurry around in the harsh light of day and explain to us, their customers, why it should be blocked or surcharged. (And no, paying an extra $20 a month to share a $30 data plan — $50 total — is not a viable option, carriers).

For more on Apple’s latest iPad software beta, see our complete iOS 4.2 walkthrough.

Could tethering be coming to iPad under iOS 4.2? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Arguably one of the most addictive games for iOS, Angry Birds, has just received a pretty significant update that is now available in the App Store. The update gives you the following improvements and add-ons.

• Game Center support
• Retina Display compatibility
• 15 new levels

This is a free update for those of you who own the app and if you don’t, just spend the $.99 already…

[Angry Birds - iTunes link]

Angry Birds iPhone app gets significant update is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog