More rumors have come to light about Apple and the iCloud brand, including DigitalDaily‘s sources confirming the name acquisition and AppleInsider hearing that it’s already being used internally for iOS 5 (and Mac OS X Lion).

According to people familiar with the matter, Apple is prepping beta versions of both iOS 5.0 and Mac OS X Lion ahead of its annual developers conference that integrate with a service dubbed “iCloud,” enabling users to sync and store much of the same information they currently can with the company’s existing MobileMe service, such as bookmarks, email, contacts and iCal events.

Regarding the name, Apple looked to be securing [http://www.tipb.com/tag/islate/] last year before ultimately announcing iPad, so as always we’ll only know for sure when Apple announces it. The service itself remains a mystery as well.

Would it subsume MobileMe? Would it include media? There have been strings found for a social-esque photo/media stream service, and rumors persist that Apple is entering the streaming music/digital locker space as well. Would you be able to store anything there, like Amazon Cloud Drive, DropBox, or Google Docs? Or would Apple restrict it to iTunes-purchased content only in order to appease the record labels and movie industry?

If it merely allowed media re-downloads the way the App Store allows app re-downloads it would be a good first step. Streaming would be a better one. Subscription would be the end-game.

For sync, allowing apps (especially games) to persist state across iOS (and potentially Mac) would be huge. The above-mentioned media/photo sync/sharing as well. And iDisk has demanded a Dropbox-style rejuvenation for years. Likewise, mirroring the Mac’s ability to backup and sync down Settings from the cloud could pave the way to iTunes tether-free device activation.

So what would all that, or any functional subset of that cost? AppleInsider thinks it could be free and used as a loss-leader to drive further iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Mac sales. While Apple has done “just above break-even” businesses before, like iTunes and the App Store, it’s hard to see them doing anything for “free”. Perhaps, like Find My iPhone for MobileMe recently, there will be a base of free services and a set of paid, premium services on top of them (the Google or DropBox model).

If the free tier included iTunes media re-downloads and basic Settings sync, that could be compelling enough for most users. But what then would the premium version require to convert them to paying customers?

[AppleInsider, Digital Daily and TechCrunch]

Apple headed to the iCloud for iOS 5? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

This year is turning out to be a big one for Apple. They recently passed Microsoft in net income earnings at $5.99 billion compared to $5.23 billion from Microsoft — mainly due to iOS devices like the iPad 2 and iPhone 4 driving sales and raising profit margins. The iPhone, iPad and iPod touch currently represent roughly 65% of overall sales for Apple, with the Verizon iPhone helping push demand even further as Android growth seems to be at a plateau.

Apple and Verizon had a very successful launch of the iPhone 4, which allowed the iPhone to expand its market share that was previously held back by its prolonged carrier exclusivity with AT&T [...] some of that growth came at the expense of Android operating system

Apple has now edged out HTC, Motorola and RIM as the third-largest smartphone maker in the US with a 14% share of sales, and they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. They just released the white iPhone 4 with reports of lines forming at Apple Stores — all for a device that’s already been on the market for 10 months, just in a different color. And with WWDC 2011 just around the corner for Apple to reveal iOS 5 to the masses, it seems they have nowhere to go but up from here.

But can the iPhone and iPad help sustain Apple’s growth given how determined the competition is at beating them in the smartphone and tablet markets? Sound off in the comments below!

[NPD, TechCrunch, Asymco]

Apple passes Microsoft in profit, Verizon iPhone slows Android growth is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Patently Apple has uncovered another very interesting Apple Patent application. This time it is an integrated Fitness Center app that it has been working on for quite some time. Nike also appear to have had some involvement in the development as one illustration lists “The Nike Training Club Class".

The app covers all aspects of a workout including stats gathered from smart equipment as well as a unique social networking element that works within a particular fitness center or city limits. The app will help you find workout buddies or work as a motivational tool.

Apple’s patent describes the possibility that the iPhone will one day include a single, seamless application that will introduce new customers to a fitness center and motivate these new customers to keep returning to the fitness center as active members.

This is an interesting discovery and if Apple gets it right, it could be a fantastic feature to interest consumers and health clubs across the board. The app store already has a lot of great fitness apps; we have just revealed our top 5. Apple would have to come up with something a bit different to compete with these; if anyone can do that, Apple can!

[Patently Apple]

 

Is Apple working on its own Fitness Center integration for future iOS versions? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

HBO Go is now available as a universal application for iPhone and iPad. If you’re an existing HBO subscriber, you will have access to over 1,400 HBO shows include HBO original programming, hit movies, sports an comedy.

• Keep up with your favorites. Watch everything you love about HBO, including HBO original programming, hit movies, sports, comedy and every episode of the best HBO shows, including True Blood®, Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire®, Entourage®, The Sopranos®, Curb Your Enthusiasm®, Sex and the City®, The Wire® and more. Plus, get bonus features and special behind-the-scenes extras!

• Take it with you. Get instant access to HBO GO whenever you want, wherever you are—and never miss a moment of your favorite HBO shows.

• Make it your own. Create a customized Watchlist to catch up on all your favorite HBO shows and hit movies at your convenience. Plus, set a Series Pass® to automatically load your list with all the HBO Original Series you love.

• Enjoy more HBO. Get even more of your favorite HBO programming with HBO GO—FREE with your HBO subscription through participating television providers.

Any HBO subscribers out there excited about this? If you pick it up, let us know what you think!

[Free, with HBO subscription through participating television providers - iTunes link]

HBO Go for iPhone and iPad now available is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

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!

• Sky Numbers HD (give-away): A fun & addictive but also educational math game, aimed at testing and improving one's basic math skills. This is the game that will not only make you work your brain functions but also build on your speed and reflexes in the process. [$2.99 - iTunes link]

• Photosynth: The panorama creation and sharing app that lets you capture more of your world. Now you can capture 360° in all directions (up, down, left, and right) to create spectacular images. [Free - iTunes link]

• Office Rush HD: Welcome to the wild frontier of Corporate Office life. Think fast in order to rise through the corporate ranks in this fun, innovative, and action-packed game. [Free - iTunes link]

• DataMan Pro: Monitor and Manage your data usage in real time, closely tracking your data activities every 10 minutes. Pro version allows you to export your usage statistics to iTunes File Sharing and see your statistics in a chart on your iPhone. [$1.99 - iTunes link]

• Path: Connect with a small group of good friends & family, capture and share beautiful photo and short video moments, have intimate conversations, and be yourself on the simple and private network you can trust. Now with two new premium lenses: Lomo and Loko. [Free, with in-app purchases - iTunes link]

The good folks at Bubanji have provided us with promo codes for Sky Numbers HD to give away! For a chance to win, just leave a comment below letting us know why you’d like 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 Friday, April 29 [give-away] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

iPad 2 just launched in Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and UAE today and despite Wi-Fi and unlocked 3G units being snuck in from North America and Europe for over a month already, it looks like the crowds are still coming out.

Did you just get your new iPad 2? If so, if you’ve finished unboxing and you’re finally ready to go… you might just be wondering what you need to know and do next?

• iPad Starters Guide: Get unpacked, get set up, get updated, and get all the info you need for your new iPad 2!
• iOS 4.3 walkthrough: Everything you need to know about what’s new in Apple’s latest software
• Top 10 apps for your iPad: From Flipboard to Infinity Blade, productivity to utility, these are the apps and games to check out first.
• Top 5 apps to show off your new iPad 2
• How to transfer data from your original iPad to your new iPad 2
• Tips and How-tos: From beginner to ninja, everything you need to know to get more out of your iPad
• Jailbreak Starters Guide: If you want to go beyond the bounds of Apple and iTunes but aren’t sure how, we explain all the basics and help you get going.
• iPad 2 accessories: Need an extra, cable, charger, headset or anything else to make your iPad 2 perfect?
• iPad Live podcast: Your weekly dose of iPad news, reviews, and how-tos. Join us live on Sunday nights or listen any time you like via iTunes or RSS.

And don’t forget our awesome iPad Forum for extra help and expert advice! We’ve got contests and give-aways, polls and guides, bug fixes and forums, and much, much more. Bookmark TiPb now and come back often, we want to hear from you!

[Thanks for the pic, Berk! Hope you enjoy your new iPad!]

Did you get a new iPad 2 in Asia today? Here’s what you need next! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Some of our senior forum members have graciously decided to take requests to review iOS games/applications of your choice. We’ve decided to spotlight these reviews and encourage all of you to reply with your opinions regardless or whether your agree or disagree. We want to know what you think of these applications.

• Ragdoll Blaster (iPhone)

• SimCity Deluxe (iPad)

• Slot Machine Roundup (Various Slot Machine games for the iPhone)

Want a particular iOS application reviewed? Let us know here for iPhone apps and here for iPad apps! Keep in mind a request is simply just a request but if our reviewers think it’s worth a look, rest be assured you will see it reviewed.

Ragdoll Blaster, SimCity Deluxe, Slot Machine Roundup – Reviews From the Forums is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

In a short interview with RackSpace’s Robert Scoble, Cydia founder Jay Freeman (better known as Saurik) demonstrates some of the Jailbreak tweaks and apps he uses on his iPhone, and also explains some of the benefits of having a jailbroken iOS device.

If you're still on the fence over jailbreaking, have a look at the video after the break. If you decide to try it out, we have an awesome guide right here. If you do run into any problems, we also have a superb jailbreak forum that can help you out.

Video after the break!

[@scobleizer via iClarified]

Saurik, founder of Cydia answers "Why you should jailbreak your iPhone" [video] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

So did you order or head down to the store and pick up a fancy new White iPhone yesterday? Once you’re powered up and ready to go… you might just be wondering what you need to know and do next? Don’t worry, TiPb has your back!

• iPhone Starters Guide: Get unpacked, get set up, get updated, and get all the info you need for your new iPhone!
• Top 10 apps for your iPhone 4: From Facebook to Angry Birds, productivity to utility, these are the apps and games to check out first.
• Switchers:
  • How to transfer data from your old iPhone to your new white iPhone 4
  • How to transfer data from your old Blackberry, Android, or Palm to your new white iPhone 4
  • Top 5 iPhone apps for Droid/Android switchers
  • Top 5 iPhone apps for BlackBerry switchers
• Tips and How-tos: From beginner to ninja, everything you need to know to get more out of your iPhone
• Jailbreak Starters Guide: If you want to go beyond the bounds of Apple and iTunes but aren’t sure how, we explain all the basics and help you get going.
• iPhone accessories: Need an extra case, cable, charger, headset or anything else to make your iPhone perfect?

And don’t forget our awesome iPhone Forum for extra help and expert advice! We’ve got contests and give-aways, polls and guides, bug fixes and forums, and much, much more. Bookmark TiPb now and come back often, we want to hear from you!

Just get a new white iPhone 4? Here’s what you need next! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

• Our podcast feed
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Rene and Georgia discuss the white iPhone 4 release, Apple responds to location data concerns, AT&T cracks down on MyWi again, more iTunes cloud rumors, and iPhone 4S/iPhone 5 prototypes go wild. This is iPhone Live!

Read on for show notes and all the week’s iPhone news…

Announcements

• Developer Spotlight: James Thomson of TLA Systems
• TiPb TV 19: The iPhone 4 Case Rocket

White iPhone

• Apple makes white iPhone official, available Thursday April 28
• Should you get a white iPhone 4 or wait for iPhone 5?
• Poll: Are you getting a white iPhone 4?

Location Data

• Apple posts Q&A on Location Data
• Steve Jobs comments on location data

News

• iOS 4.3.3 coming soon?
• AT&T continues crackdown against unofficial MyWi tethering
• How to unlock your iPhone on iOS 4.3.2 via Ultrasn0w (Mac only)
• iTunes music streaming service already approved by two major music labels?

iPhone 5/iPhone 4S

• Verizon sells 2.2 million iPhone 4, says iPhone 5 will be a world phone
• Game developers testing Apple A5-chip equipped iPhone 4?
• T-Mobile iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, or iPhone 5?
• iPhone 5 photos with 3.7″ display – real, fake, or really fake?
• This is their next iPhone 5 rumor
• iPhone 6 to support LTE in 2012 via Qualcomm MDM9615?

Apps

• Tweetbot once again redefines Twitter for iPhone
• Compatible with ix.Mac.MarketingName?
• Apple makes changes to the App Store rating system

Hosts

• @reneritchie (Rene)
• @GeorgiaTiPb (Georgia)

Credits

Thanks to the TiPb iPhone accessory store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Our music comes from the following sources:

• I Called You — iPhone Remix by Pete Leidy
via Sneakmove iPhone Ringtone Challenge

iPhone Live 148: White out is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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