TechCrunch has followed up on their original report on Apple/Nuance partnership talks, saying the deal might already be on its way and could be part of next month’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote.

More specifically, we're hearing that Apple is running Nuance software — and possibly some of their hardware — in this new data center. Why? A few reasons. First, Apple will be able to process this voice information for iOS users faster. Second, it will prevent this data from going through third-party servers. And third, by running it on their own stack, Apple can build on top of the technology, and improve upon it as they see fit.

Obviously, Nuance, which owns the technology, would have to sign off on all of this. And we now believe that they have. Hence, the big time partnership that should be formally announced soon.

Apple can’t build this stuff themselves, buying Nuance is too expensive, so they’re licensing it and deploying it on their massive cloud so they can integrate it into iOS 5 and make SIRI-style voice recognition and “artificial intelligence” core to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch moving forward.

But here’s the thing. Google introduced system-wide voice control in Android with the debut of the Nexus One, and so far it hasn’t really gone mainstream. Last year, with iOS 4, Apple tried to mainstream video calling with FaceTime and… it’s hard to say how successful it’s been. It’s by far the easiest video calling system released to date, usable by kids and grandparents alike… but who knows how much they use it?

Apple could make an incredibly simple, “it just works” voice control system as well — MouthTime, so to speak — but would you use it? Would your parents?

[TechCrunch]

Apple to announce Nuance partnership, data center integration at WWDC? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Apple doesn’t currently make or market an iPhone 4G but given recent North American marketing shenanigans by the carriers, they might just get one sooner than anticipated. There was a time when 4G applied to really fast, really next generation mobile connectivity, like fully implemented voice/data LTE approaching 100 Mbps. Then Sprint launched Wi-Max as 4G. Then T-Mobile rebranded HSPA+ as 4G. Then Verizon deployed early stage LTE as 4G. Then AT&T rebranded their slower HSPA+ as 4G. 100 Mbps got shoved aside, and 21 Mbps, even 14.4 Mbps became “4G”. Canadian carriers, which had previously called their 14.4 Mbps and even 21 Mbps HSPA+ networks “3G” have recently rebranded them to “4G” as well so as not to seem old and outdated. (For more on what all these terms mean, check out our networking glossary.)

No doubt it’s easier to change a name than change a network, and easier to slap the letters 4G onto a phone than actually getting a real, power efficient, lightning fast 4G radio into one. But that’s no excuse.

Verizon is arguably the closest with their early stage LTE deployment and phone like the Thunderbolt that don’t get great battery life but do get amazing speeds.

My counterpart over at Android Central, Phil Nickinson has done a review of the Verizon LTE HTC Thunderbolt (and also told the carriers to kindly cut out the 4G smoke in our eyes), while PreCentral.net’s Derek Kessler has just reviewed the AT&T HSPA+ HP Veer 4G.

The iPhone isn’t expected to go LTE until 2012 but iPhone 5 might just go HSPA+ this fall. (14.4 or 21 Mbps, who knows?) And guess what, AT&T will probably call it “4G”…

…Especially since the CDMA version on Verizon will still be “3G” EVDO Rev A for another generation.

That’s a huge competitive advantage, but hugely confusing for users.

Will AT&T create an iPhone 4G before Apple does? 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!

• Temp Now: The world’s first thermometer-app, which allows you to measure the temperature on your own. Neither meteorological data from the internet nor GPS data is needed. [$3.99 - iTunes link]

• Puckerz!: Pull, aim, release and unleash your Puck and watch it wreak havoc around each destructible but trap-laden levels to collect as many orbs as you can before the time runs out. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

• Legendary Wars: Take command of your heroes. Build up massive armies to destroy the undead forces of the Netherworld! It’s time to fight back! Snow endless levels are now free! [Free, with in-app purchases - iTunes link]

• Guitar Trainer HD: An educational game to learn the location of the notes on the fretboard of the guitar and other stringed instruments, including bass (4/5/6 strings), mandolin, ukulele and banjo. [$2.99 - iTunes link]

• WritePad: A unique text editing software that allows users to enter text utilizing advanced handwriting recognition software for cursive, print, or mixed handwriting styles. Now with new folders, a new file manager UI, file sharing, and Autoinsert Recognition! [$3.99 - iTunes link]

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 Monday, May 9 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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TiPb’s developer spotlights are like DVD/iTunes Extras for the App Store — a weekly look behind the scenes at the programers and designers that bring you the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games you love. This week Rene talks with Marc Edwards of Bjango.

What can we call you? Marc Edwards.

What can we call your company? Bjango.

Where are you situated? Melbourne, Australia. Yes, that giant, mostly empty island at the end of the earth. It’s a great place to live, provided you avoid the killer snakes, killer spiders, killer sharks and various other nasties.

On the web? Bjango.com

And on Twitter? @bjango and @marcedwards

What apps do you make? iStat Menus for Mac, iStat for iPhone, Consume for iPhone, Darkness for iPhone, Cities for iPhone, and a few others.

What apps, other than your own, do you currently use the most often? 1Password, Brushes, The Early Edition, Reeder (yes, two RSS readers) and Our Choice. There’s some obvious and potentially boring choices in there, but those are the current apps I’ve been using daily or enjoying.

How long have you been a developer? We started building Mac Dashboard Widgets in 2005, which quickly turned into Mac app development. Prior to that I’d designed some fairly basic websites. And prior to that, I spent most of my time designing for print and for TV advertising. Creating software is incredibly rewarding and challenging, so I think I’ll be doing it for quite some time.

How long have you been an iOS developer? We’ve been building iOS apps since the day the SDK was publicly available. Amazingly, that was just 3 years ago. It feels like an eternity.

Do you develop for any other platform in addition to iOS? If so, which one(s)? We’re a Mac and iOS only shop. We’ve dabbled on other platforms and will continue to keep an eye out for opportunities, but for now, Mac OS X and iOS are great places to be. A big part of that is the users—iOS and Mac users seem to appreciate high quality software.

What primary computer setup do you use for your iOS development? I use a 2010 Mac Pro with a 24″ LED Cinema Display, a couple of Drobos and lots of backup drives inside the Mac. I bought a Magic Trackpad and have tried to use it, but I keep going back to the Magic Mouse. I also have a Razer Deathadder, but use the Magic Mouse for all design related tasks. All pretty stock, really. I’m not a fan of dual displays—I’d much rather have a single, huge display.

I also have a 13″ MacBook Air for when I’m on the road. It replaces a 15″ MacBook Pro. I’m an Air convert and hope that Apple will release a 15″ MacBook Air with 3G modem (or 15″ MacBook Pro with flash drive and no optical drive).

What iOS device(s) do you personally use most often? 16GB Black iPhone 4 and 32GB 3G Black iPad 2. I have an iPod touch and a variety of older iPhone and iPads, but they’re just for testing.

What mobile devices, other than iOS, do you currently use? None. What else do you think I need? I’ve always loved the Pre, but sadly it wasn’t ever available in Australia. I’m also keen to see the TouchPad. It’s the only non-iPad tablet I’m excited about.

What’s your favorite thing about developing for iOS? Seeing your app take over the entire screen and experience is quite amazing. While open, your app is the device. It makes the software seem more physical, and the possibilities more limitless.

What’s your least favorite thing about developing for iOS? The app approval process. I can deal with time delays, but placing our entire business’ future in Apple’s hands makes me feel vulnerable. Today Apple are our partner, tomorrow they may decide we’re their competition.

What feature would you most like Apple to add to the iOS 5 SDK? Better notifications. Not an original suggestion, but a good one. Alerts are probably my least favourite part of iOS and the thing I envy most about webOS and Android devices.

What feature would you most like Apple to add to the App Store? I’m glad you asked. Being able to support older app versions is absolutely critical, and horribly broken right now. For example, if a customer buys App version 1 and we release App version 2 as a new app (the only way to charge for it), we have no way to fix bugs in version 1, while stopping people from buying it. We’re forced to choose between removing the app from sale and dealing with the consequences, or keeping it on the store and dealing with the consequences.

Removing the older version of an app stops accidental purchases, but means customers can’t redownload the app if they need to. This is one area where the App Store is far worse than the good old web download days. I see this as by far the biggest issue with the App Store. I’m hopeful that Apple will need to fix this for their own software and will add the ability to the App Store in the process.

If we were to eavesdrop on you while you were coding, what curse word would we hear you use the most? F**k you. (To which Photoshop, Xcode or iTunes Connect usually reply “No, f**k you.”)

What do you do when you’re not buidling iOS apps? Spend time with my wife, family or friends. Write music with Luc Wiesman under the name Duosseudo. Play indoor soccer (badly, usually breaking or bruising fingers while goalkeeping). Drink coffee. Play games of the iOS, Wii or Mac variety (I’m intentionally avoiding buying an Xbox or PS3 for productivity reasons). Listen to music.

What should we look for from you next? We’re busy putting the finishing touches on an iStat-related product and an iPad game we’ve been working on since 2009 (it was an iPhone game that was better suited to the iPad, so we switched as soon as the iPad was announced).

Thanks Marc!

Developer Spotlight: Marc Edwards of Bjango is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Are you using the cameras on your iPad 2? Apple really didn’t go out of their way to provide great cameras, basically using exactly what they had in the iPod touch 4 instead of the much better camera in the iPhone 4. But they say the best camera is the one you have with you and from time to time, that will be the iPad 2, right? No, really? Perhaps you have seen our TiPb TV tourist episode and gained some inspiration?

If you’ve made regular use of your iPad 2 cameras for still pictures, shooting video, FaceTime calls, Augmented Reality apps, or anything else, let us know!

Poll: Are you using your iPad 2 cameras? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Apple USB Power Adapter with Sync and Charge Cable 50% off!

Whether you’ve had an iPhone for a while or just picked up a new Verizon iPhone, nothing comes in more handy than an extra Apple charge and sync cable with USB power adapter. One for home and one for the office, one for travel and one for your school bag, whatever the combination a good backup is essential and a good backup at 50% off… well that’s just outstanding.

Shop Apple USB Power Adapter with Sync and Charge Cable now…

Apple USB Power Adapter with Sync and Charge Cable 50% off! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

After the release of Angry Birds Rio back in March this year, Rovio is set to release the first update for the game. The update will be known as Beach Volley and Rovio say it will be available this week!

To give you a taste of what to expect, Rovio has released a short preview video showing the birds getting hurled at helicopters, pirate ships and castles decked with beach balls. It all looks like a lot of fun set against an ocean backdrop.

We will let you know as soon as the update is available and don't forget to check out the video after the break.

[Angry Birds Facebook Page]

Angry Birds Rio Beach Volley update to hit this week [video] 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 recent brand survey by Millward Brown, Apple has taken the top spot from Google as the world's most valuable brand. The survey revealed the Apple brand to be worth a staggering $153 billion; which was a huge increase on last year's figures. This resulted in Apple coming out on top and ended Google's four year reign at the top.

Peter Walshe, global brands director of Millward Brown, says Apple’s meticulous attention to detail, along with an increasing presence of its gadgets in corporate environments, have allowed it to behave differently from other consumer-electronics makers. ”Apple is breaking the rules in terms of its pricing model,” he told Reuters by telephone. “It’s doing what luxury brands do, where the higher price the brand is, the more it seems to underpin and reinforce the desire.”

Out of the top ten brands revealed in the survey, six were technology and telecoms companies. Google at number two, IBM at number three, Microsoft at number five, AT&T made number seven and China Mobile number nine.

The survey takes the value that the company puts on its own brand in its earnings report as a starting point. This is then combined with the perceptions of over 2 million consumers in the market who are surveyed over a 12 month period. A factor is then applied based on the company's short-term future growth prospects.

[Millward Brown via Reuters]

 

Apple beats Google to become the world's most valuable brand is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Sneak peek at the Seesmic Honeycomb Twitter client LG Optimus Black initial review Samsung Infuse 4G video hands-on	BlackBerry World 2011 Super Podcast and News Roundup! Facebook for BlackBerry v2.0 update now available in Beta Zone BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Full Hardware and BlackBerry 7 Software Video Walkthrough!
Where has Matt been? New ferry project captured with the N8	The Definitive Guide to Backing up and Restoring your webOS Device AT&T Veer 4G available May 15th for $99; Hands-on and first impressions Round Table: In the coming months…
Apple releases iOS 4.3.3 and 4.2.8, Dev Team releases iOS 4.3.3 Jailbreak Apple working on iPad 3D, could launch this fall, could have over the air (OTA) updated? TiPb Asks: What do you want iPhone 5 to look like? Do you judge an app by its icon?	May Security Update Released for WP7 AT&T: Windows Phone 7 is “doing fine” Dell Venue Pro now available on AT&T

Best of Smartphone Experts, 8 May 2011 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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