Apple TV owners, Apple has just released an iOS 4.2.1 (4.3.1) update just for you. So turn on your television, click on over to Software Update, and start your download. It’s a bug fix update as far as we can tell, mostly geared towards fixing the screen flicker and color issues some users have been complaining about.

If you have an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad there’s nothing for you (yet), which is interesting. I don’t believe we’ve seen Apple update just one iOS device independently before, have we?

(And once again we’ll ask Apple to end the insanity of having a 4.2.1 software that’s version number 4.3.1 and just settle on the same number as the rest of the iOS family — pretty please?)

If you notice anything else new or changed, let us know in comments!

[Thanks Anthony!]

Apple releases iOS 4.2.1 (4.3.1) bug fix update for Apple TV is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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We’re getting a lot of reports from readers that they can’t connect to the iTunes App Store from either their Mac or Windows PCs, or iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Some readers are saying they can connect, however, so while it’s down for a lot of people, it may not be down for everyone. (And some can access from one device but not another — confusing!)

Can you access the App Store? Let us know either way!

App Store down? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Exodus International recently launched an app that has the general public and LGBT community in an uproar. The app basically contains a lot of the same information Exodus International has on their website. They focus on individuals who want help dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction. I know many churches and organizations that like to have apps so their members can have easy access to their content.

Most of our readers around TiPb are aware that I am openly gay. While the LGBT community continues to urge people to sign a petition for this app to be removed from the App Store, I personally don’t think Apple should be forced to remove this app. That may surprise a lot of people, considering my sexual orientation. To me, Exodus International is simply providing information on their organization. How is this different from a church having a general app in the App Store? Atheists aren’t forced to download it. If Apple made us have this app on our phones stock, that would be a completely different story. The App Store approval process should not be made political or ethical.

I respect other people’s life choices and religious views, all I ask if they do the same in return. Removing this app would basically say that we do not live in a society where everyone can have a voice. There may be some controversy over some of Exodus’ practices but that really is no concern of Apple’s. Jeff Buchanan, Exodus International’s Senior Director of Church Equipping & Student Ministries had this to say to the Christian Post in an official statement,

“We want to ask that there would be fair and equal representation of religious belief on this platform as is already existing. We would like the spirit of diversity and tolerance that is so valued within the LGBT community.”

I personally agree with his statement. After looking over the app, I see no reason why Apple should be forced to pull it. It does not slander or condone negative treatment of gays. It simply provides their information and content for anyone that wants it. What do you guys think? Should Apple be forced to remove it?

[ABC News, The Christian Post]

Controversy over the Apple approved ‘Anti-Gay app’ is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Just as Apple brings us iPad 2, RIM finally reveals pricing and release information for the BlackBerry PlayBook and Samsung unveils new designs and lower price points for a couple of new Galaxy Tabs.

The 7-inch PlayBook Wi-Fi, which is available for order now from retailers like BestBuy and will be in stores on April 19, matches the iPad 2’s storage and price points with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB at $499, $599 and $699. Do the features make the smaller size worth the same price? (And does the BlackBerry logo on the bezel annoy you as much as it does Rene?)

The Android Honeycomb Galaxy Tab 8.9 Wi-Fi, which is actually going to be cheaper than the iPad 2 at 16GB and 32GB for $469 and $569, and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi, which is the same price at 16GB and 32GB for $499 and $599. Oh, and both are thinner than the iPad 2 at only 8.6mm (Oh yes, it’s on!)

Interestingly, Samsung is one of Apple’s largest manufacturing partners. Now that they’re competing so directly with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, could we see Apple try to separate themselves the way they did with Google after the Android launch, or is Samsung too big and too important for Apple to even think about cutting the cord?

Galaxy Tab video after the break. Watch it and let us know what you think, has the competition caught up faster than Apple expected, or are they still bringing specs to an experience fight?

[CrackBerry.com, Android Central]

iPad 2 competition heats up: BlackBerry PlayBook, new Samsung Galaxy Tabs get priced is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

• Return of the Bots: After ages of secret research, soft soldering, and deep sleep… the bots are ON! Now it’s all in your hands to keep them in shape and lead the way to freedom. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

• Pimp Your Screen: An exclusive selection of specially designed backgrounds, icon skins, app shelves, neon combos and many other eye candies. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

• WiFiMan/DataMan (give-away!): Monitors and manages your data usage in real time, closely tracking your data activities. [WifiMan, $0.99 - iTunes link] [DataMan (iPad), $3.99 - iTunes link]

• Bento: New update includes label printing, automatic location fields, voice memos, and easier sharing and more! [$4.99 - iTunes link]

• Doodle Jump: HOP the Movie: The addictive game Doodle Jump now has a version based off HOP the Movie. [Free - iTunes link]

The good folks at XVision have given us some promo codes for WifiMan and DataMan to give-away to you! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win!

Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think!

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Tuesday, March 22 [give-away] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Adding more — if decidedly similar — fuel to iPhone 5 rumor fire, China Times is reporting that trial production has begun on the device, and that it does indeed have a 4-inch screen, metal back/chassis, NFC (near field communications), and perhaps an improved antenna and dual GSM/CDMA support. All this packed into pretty much the same form factor as iPhone 4.

They claim, however, it will only ramp up production in Q3, 2011 (July to September) which would be later than Apple’s typical summer release schedule.

Are the rumors getting steady enough that you’re starting to believe this is what we’ll see in the 5th generation iPhone?

[China Times via GadgetDNA via MacRumors. Note: Image above shows aftermarket iPhone 4 metal back conversion]

More iPhone 5 metal back, 4-inch screen, NFC rumors is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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We’re getting a lot of feedback from American readers who are upset that, with iPad 2 inventory so low at US Apple Stores and online orders already pushed back over a month, Apple is going ahead with the international iPad 2 roll-out this Friday. They believe that Apple should meet “home country” demand first even if it means delaying the international launch by a month, like they did last year for the original iPad.

Of course, many US iPads were also bought by international enthusiasts eager to get it right away (or by scalpers who lined up by the dozens to make a quick buck selling them overseas.) I’m guessing if you live in the US you might agree that Apple should meet US demand first (or are even thinking of traveling to the Canadian or UK launch to try to get your iPads back!). International buyers are no doubt relieved the won’t be a delay this year.

Give us your opinion — or just vent if you must — in the comments! (Just keep it respectful)

With US iPad 2 stocks still low, should Apple be going ahead with the international roll-out? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Earlier today Apple confirmed that iPad 2 will go on sale Friday, 25 March at 5pm local time, with online orders starting a 1am — and now international pricing has begun to show up.

Read on for the full breakdown…

UK iPad 2 Pricing

In the UK, iPad 2 is actually cheaper than the original iPad. The WiFi only models of the iPad 2 will go on sale at £399.00 for the 16GB, £479.00 for the 32GB and £559.00 for the 64GB. The premium to go with a 3G derivative will be exactly £100.00.

The original iPad WiFi only cost was £429.00 for the 16GB, £499.00 for the 32GB and £599.00 for the 64GB model, so this represents a nice saving on every model for those in the UK.

Australia iPad 2 Pricing

In Australia, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available for a recommended retail price of A$579 inc GST for the 16GB model, A$689 inc GST for the 32GB model, A$799 inc GST the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a RRP of A$729 inc GST for the 16GB model, A$839 inc GST for the 32GB model and A$949 inc GST for the 64GB model.

Canada iPad 2 Pricing

In Canada prices are $519 (CAN) for the 16GB model, $619 (CAN) for the 32GB model, $719 (CAN) the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $649 (CAN) for the 16GB model, $749 (CAN) for the 32GB model and $849 (CAN) for the 64GB model.

France iPad 2 Pricing

France gets a MSRP of € 489 including VAT (€ 400.86 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 16GB model, 591 € including VAT (€ 484.15 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 32GB model, and 693 € TTC ( € 567.43 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 64 GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available at an MSRP of 609 € including VAT (€ 501.20 excluding VAT and pay for private copy) for the 16GB model, 711 € including VAT (€ 584.48 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 32GB model and 813 € including VAT (€ 667.77 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for The 64GB model.

Germany iPad 2 Pricing

In Germany, iPad 2 goes for 479 € including VAT (€ 402.52 excluding VAT) for the 16 GB model, for 579 euros including VAT (€ 486.55 excl VAT) for the 32 GB model, and for € 679 inc VAT (€ 570.59 excluding VAT) for the 64 GB model. iPad 2 with WiFi + 3G for 599 € including VAT (€ 503.36 excluding VAT) for the 16 GB model, for 699 euros including VAT (€ 587.39 excl VAT) for the 32 GB model, and for 799 € including VAT (€ 671.43 excluding VAT) for the 64 GB

How do the prices compare to the original iPad in your country? Let us know in the comments!

[Apple]

International iPad 2 pricing announced, UK less than the original iPad launch price is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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There will be no delays as Apple has just confirmed iPad 2 will be available this Friday, March 25 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Just like the US launch, online orders will begin a 1am (they don’t say which time zone?) and in store purchases will be available starting 5pm local time.

While competitors are still struggling to catch up with our first iPad, we've changed the game again with iPad 2," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the US, and customers around the world have told us they can’t wait to get their hands on it. We appreciate everyone's patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone."

Apple also announced that iPad 2 will be available in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and additional countries in April.

If you’re having trouble deciding if you want an iPad 2, or which of the 12 models you want (no CDMA versions outside the US), check out our iPad 2 buyers guide and full on iPad 2 review. Then let us know what country you’re in and whether you’re ordering online or lining up!

[Apple PR]

iPad 2 hits 25 more countries this Friday, March 25 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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If you are hanging onto your original iPad but really want one of the new Smart Covers for iPad 2, now you can. Dan Provost has discovered that by simply super gluing a few small magnets to the side of your iPad 1, the case fits and works very nicely.

The video after the break shows how it is done and although it does sound a little rough and ready, the final result is actually quite neat. If you decide to remove the case in the future, you're still going to be literally stuck with the magnets on the side of your iPad, so be aware before you try this for yourself.

Folding of the cover to allow the iPad to stand up looks a little precarious but in the raised typing wedge mode it looks fine. The one missing feature, is the iPad does not automatically turn on and off when opening and closing the cover.

Is anyone willing to give this a go? Let us know in the comments!

[TUAW]

Smart Cover for iPad 1 from Studio Neat on Vimeo.

Original iPad can use the Smart Cover, with a little work [video] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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