iMore's authoritative guide to the very best, absolutely free social networking apps for iPhone and iPod touch

Looking for great free social networking apps for your iPhone or iPod touch? The App Store is home to over half a million apps and games, and a surprising number of them are available for free. Some of the most popular free apps are -- surprise, surprise -- free social networking apps. We're talking Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Path, and more. So start reading, and then start downloading!

Facebook

Facebook is the most popular social network on the planet, and it's always been one of the most popular free apps on the iPhone. Inside the free Facebook app, you can update your status, view photos, and check into your location. You can also keep up with your news feed, messages, events, pages, chat, as well as upload your photos and videos, and much, much more. (And if you're looking for more friends, check out our Facebook name swap thread!)

• Download Now

Twitter

Twitter and the iPhone go together like chocolate and peanut butter, and the free, official Twitter app for iPhone is the best way to get started finding cool celebrities and interesting internet personalities to follow, and trending topics to get involved with. (And be sure to check out our Twitter name swap thread to find other iMore members to tweet with!)

• Download Now

Twitterrific

Twitterrific was the very first Twitter app for iPhone and it remains one of the best to this day. With a combined view for the ultimate in Twitter reading experiences, Tweetmarker support, and and iPad and Mac version, If you're not brand new to Twitter and want at free Twitter app with a less mainstream, more traditional focus, then you want Twitterrific.

• Download Now

Google+

The free Google+ app for iPhone gives you instant access to your Google account, and instant uploads for your photos. Share to your circles, read updates from your stream, and join mobile hangouts.

• Download Now

LinkedIn

With the LinkedIn app for iPad, you will have on-the-go access to your professional network. You can keep up with the latest news and keep up with your groups and share content.

• Download now

Path

Path is a free Smart Journal app that helps you share life with the ones you love — your thoughts, the music you're listening to, where you are, who you're with, when you wake and when you sleep, and beautiful high quality photos and videos

• Download now

Pinterest

Pinterest is the new, rapidly growing, free social network that let's you pin photos, articles, recipes, or anything you think is cool, to your virtual pinboard. With the free Pinterest for iPhone app, you can view the pins of your friends, repin, like, and comment on your favorite pins, and pin directly from your camera.

• Download Now

Soundcloud

Almost every social networking app lets you share photos. The free Soundcloud app for iPhone lets you share music, voice memos, noises, and more. Record them where ever you are and share them to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and more.

• Download now

Find my Friends

Find My Friends lets you easily locate your friends and family from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Whether you're on a family trip to a theme park or just want to meet up with some acquaintances for a drink, Find my Friends can make sure everyone knows where everyone else is.

• Download now

More free iPhone apps

For dozens of additional free iPhone apps, including free instant messenger and communications apps, education apps, entertainment apps, finance apps, fun and games apps, health and fitness apps, kids apps, music apps, navigation and location apps, news apps, photography apps, productivity apps, reading apps, shopping apps, sports apps, travel apps, and general utility apps, see here:

• Best free iPhone apps

Instacast 2.0 is a significant update to one of the most popular iPhone podcast clients. It changes the user interface and user experience while lowering the entry price and adding an in-app purchase for additional functionality. Both of those things have caused some controversy. Our own Seth Clifford, co-host of iPhone & iPad Live and Iterate is clearly on the "ticked off" side of this particular equation. And he's clearly got his Hulk pants on for this one.

Instacast released its 2.0 update yesterday to some Twitter fanfare. As a regular user of the app, I updated immediately. Now, to be clear, I don't love Instacast. In fact, I have lots of personal issues with it. But as a regular listener of podcasts, it sucked the least of all the apps I've tried, and I've tried many. I wish so much that Apple would add even the most basic subscription support for podcasts to iOS within the native music app, but they haven't, and it doesn't look like they will any time soon.

What I found after updating was an interface that remained just as abstruse as the initial one, with the "added value" of reduced functionality. Most notably, the default behavior for podcasts downloaded within the app was altered. The original behavior of the app was that when podcasts were downloaded, they would stack up in a list, from oldest at the top to newest at the bottom. Now that order is reversed, to list the newest at the top. Which fundamentally changes the only way I listen to shows.

Read the rest of it via the link below. To be fair, there are some people who seem to really like the Instacast update. I haven't spent any real time with it yet, but plan to. The previous version, as Seth states in his article, had significant usability problems (as do all the iOS podcast clients I've tried).

Source: Seth Clifford

Apple appears to be in the early -- yet strangely public -- stages of testing Notification Center-style banner alerts on iCloud.com, the web portal they provide for remote email, calendar, and contact access.

Apple introduced both Notification Center (as part of iOS 5) and iCloud at WWDC 2011 and have since added Notification Center to the OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion developer preview. Given Apple's recent push towards providing a more consistent user experience across their platforms, it makes sense for the web to be included in the mix.

However, being only a month away from WWDC 2012, do iOS 5-style banners for iCloud.com mean there's less of a chance we'll see better banners in iOS 6 this June? While less obtrusive than the pre-iOS 5 modal alerts, iOS 5 banners still aren't as functional or elegant as webOS' were years ago.

Sometimes a web test is just a web test, so I won't read anything more into this for now. Parity between OS X and iOS and the web will be great.

Apple's new iPad will be launching in 30 additional regions on May 11 and 12, according to an update to localized versions of Apple's website. MacRumors hunted down the complete list:

May 11: Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Morocco, Peru, Taiwan, Tunisia, Vietnam

May 12: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Turkey also launched without announcement last week. This will bring availability of Apple's new iPad to almost 60 regions since launching in the U.S. last month.

It continues to be an incredibly fast rollout for Apple. Previous year's iPad launches were far more limited in regions and took longer to reach additional regions. Constraints on the large 9.7-inch 1024x768 display was often blamed as the cause. Yet this year, with a double dense 2048x1536 Retina display, the new iPad seems to be flying out of the factories. Apple credited the speed of the rollout to to the supply they'd managed to build up. As of their Q2 2012 conference call a couple of weeks ago, Apple was still selling the new iPad literally as fast as they could make them.

Since Apple sells iPads factory unlocked, it's likely everyone who really wanted one managed to travel or ship a new iPad to their location already. For those who have been waiting to get the new iPad on their home turf, however, the wait is almost over.

If you're picking up a new iPad when it hits your local store, let us know where and what you're getting!

Source: Apple.com via MacRumors

If you want to add some color to your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S but don't feel comfortable doing a full-on DIY color modding and voiding your Apple warranty, Slickwraps might be just what you're looking for. You get a similar style to color mods without the risks of actually modding. Apply them just like you would any screen protector or shield, and when you're done, you've got what appears to be a completely color modded iPhone.

Slickwraps come in a wide array of colors and textures. You can choose from solid colors, carbon fiber, glow, brushed metal, fur, and several others. You can even get a blank canvas pack that allows you to draw on them before applying them to the back of your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S (great choice if you're an artist or know an artist you can sweet talk into making you a custom job!)

Each Slickwrap comes with the following items -

• Front wrap
• Back wrap
• Bezel wrap
• Screen protector
• Cleaning Cloth

Some kits are back only while others cover the entire iPhone. Just make sure you're aware of which kits are which. The full kits will come with everything listed above. Other kits may not have a front piece, such as the canvas version.

I tried out two different Slickwraps - solid colored pink and blue carbon fiber. The solid colored versions are a bit harder to apply due to the material. It's a bit stretchy and it's not as easy to line it up perfectly. The whole process took me about 30 minutes on the pink version. The carbon fiber only took me about 10 minutes and lined up perfectly from start to finish.

Before starting, making sure you use a cleaning cloth (there is one provided) to wipe down your screen and back plate to ensure that no dust or debris gets trapped under the Slickwrap. You may see bubbles from dirt or dust if your iPhone isn't cleaned off properly prior to application.

I suggest beginning with the front and back pieces first. When you're done applying those, then move on to the bezel.

The bezel portion is on a sheet that will supply you with all the trim pieces you need. The middle piece is universal and will be used for both iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S users. The volume button portion is different so you'll need to pay attention to what version you need to apply. The upper sticker is for AT&T iPhone 4 users only. The bottom sticker is for Verizon iPhone 4 and all iPhone 4S owners. When you're done, you should have one sticker left over.

While Slickwraps may prevent against minor scratches, I wouldn't expect much more than that. They're mainly made to stand out more than they are to protect.

I did try to use bumpers on both versions. The solid colored Slickwraps are thin enough to fit a bumper on normally and comfortably. The bumper fit with the carbon fiber version but it was a bit tight.

Yes, a bumper will cover up the trim pieces so you'll have to decide if you'd rather have the trim or a bit of protection. I don't normally have a case on my iPhone as I prefer the stock look more than anything. And the trim pieces are just too cool to cover up in my opinion.

Case compatibility will widely vary depending on what kind of case you're using and how tight it is around the iPhone to begin with.

The stock Apple dock shouldn't give you any issues. I tested it with both the original solid color variant and the carbon fiber version, which is a bit thicker, and had no issues easily sliding my iPhone in the dock and back out.

The back of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is super simple to DIY replace. Ordering a colored back adds a third color to the mix and may be something a lot of users may want to play around with.

While trying out the blue carbon fiber Slickwrap I also threw on a solid green back. It added a bit more color and really made the back pop out even more. If you're aiming to make your iPhone stand out, adding a colored back is a great way to compliment the Slickwrap.

The good

• Fairly easy to apply, no need to use water or any kind of liquid.
• Much cheaper than a complete color mod.
• No voided warranty.
• Unique and highly customizable.

The bad

• Solid colored versions are a bit thinner and somewhat stretchy causing application to be a little harder than textured variants.
• The bottom trim piece covers the screw holes. Not a big issue for most but if you want to change out your back, most users may find that a little annoying.

Conclusion

A lot of iPhone owners will appreciate being able to add color and variation without the price tag of a color modification which easily runs well over $100 from most reputable iPhone repair shops and online sources.

Slickwraps are a great way to make your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S stand out and require no tools or DIY knowledge. These are by far the best no-tools required color kit option I've come across so far.

Buy Now

If you're a student taking a math class, there's a good chance you could benefit from a graphing calculator. Unfortunately, such devices are very expensive, but the good news is that there are several app solutions for your iPhone and iPad -- the best being Quick Graph.

Quick Graph is a fantastic graphing calculator that lets you graph multiple equations at the same time, change their color, and also view the mathematical notation of equations being graphed by nicely formatting fractions and exponents You can toggle equations on and off by tapping the symbol that looks like an eye.

When you add or edit an equation, a keyboard pops up with math symbols, operations, and functions. There are six available variables: x, y, z, r, theta, and phi, depending on if you are graphing 2D or 3D equation in rectangular or polar form.

After adding an equation, you can change its color from the 24 preset colors or from the color wheel. You can also adjust the opacity which is great for graphing inequalities.

In addition to graphing equation, you can also solve them. For example, if you want to solve 2x+5 for x=10, you type "x=5;2x+5" and the answer will appear right below your entry.

To trace a graph, simply hold your finger down on the screen and the points associated with the x value of where your finger is will pop up. If you have more than one equation, points will appear on all of them. The coordinates associated with the points will appear over the points.

You can also interact with the graph by pinching to zoom in and out and scrolling to pan around. If you want to reset the window, just tap the refresh button.

As previously mentioned, you are not limited to just 2-dimensional Cartesian graphs. You can also graph in polar form and 3D. Interacting with 3D graphs is quite awesome. I am impressed with how smooth the Quick Graph runs when rotating the object around.

One of the great (paid) features of Quick Graph for instructors is the support for VGA out. However, when projecting the app, only the graph is shown. This is disappointing because it would be helpful for students to be able to see how equations are entered since it can sometimes be tricky. Seeing which equations are graphed and the colors associated with them is also helpful for students.

Advanced Features

Quick Graph is a free app that includes a lot of features. However, if you want to plot more than six equations at once, graph inequalities and implicit equations, use 2D tracing and independent 2D zoom, and project the app with VGA, you'll need to pick up the $1.99 in-app upgrade. I must say, I am very impressed with how much is included for free and find the $2 purchase to be quite a steal.

The Good

• Rectangular an polar forms
• 2D and 3D graphing
• Dark and light themes
• Includes a very helpful user manual
• Advanced features are only $1.99
• Universal for iPhone and iPad

The Bad

• Does not support iPad Retina display
• VGA out only displays graph. No mirroring option.

The Conclusion

Quick Graph is a fantastic graphing calculator for the iPhone and iPad. It runs super smooth and, as its name implies, is super quick. The biggest disappointment for me is that Quick Graph doesn't yet support the new iPad's Retina display, but I'm sure it's coming, so I still recommend that every math student and instructor pick this one up.

Free - Download Now

iMore has teamed up with the amazing folks at Scout to give away FOUR new iPads (with 16GB & WiFi) featuring Retina Display, iSight camera, & more! You can enter for your chance to win over one our iMore Facebook Page, and you can get more chances to win by sharing with your friends.

The contest starts now and ends May 21, 2012 at 11:59pm PDT so don't waste any time -- Enter now!

• iMore Facebook page

Find the perfect iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, accessory, or app gift for the mother in your life!

Looking for just the right tech gift for mother's day? Trying to decide between an iPhone and an iPad? An Apple TV and an iPod touch? A gorgeous case or a fantastic speaker? An app she'll love or a game she can't get enough of? Or perhaps you're simply looking for a great way to send a card, some flowers, or a gift certificate? Not a problem. iMore's got you covered. Whether you're buying for your mother, or helping the kids buy for theirs, here are some of our favorite device, peripheral, and product picks for mom!

iOS device gifts for Mother's day

It's a big ticket item to be sure, but whether you're footing the bill alone or chipping in with the rest of the family, there's no gift quite like an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV.

The Apple TV starts at only $100, the iPod touch and iPhone at $200 (on contract for the iPhone), and the iPad 2 at only $400. If the mother in your life doesn't yet have an iOS device, it's the perfect time to get her one. And if she does, but she's looking for more, it's a great time to help out. With an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV, a whole world of content opens up. Watch, listen, learn, laugh, love. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Not sure which one you should get? Not a problem! Start here:

• iOS device gift guide

iPhone and iPad accessory gifts for Mother's Day

If the mother in your life already has all the iOS devices she needs, and you still want something substantial you can wrap up and give her, accessories are a great gift idea. They can change the way her iPhone or iPad looks and works, and make mom's life easier or simply more fun. Here are some of the very best accessories for Mother's Day, picked by our exceptionally accessory-savvy senior editor -- and mom -- Georgia.

SGP Linear Blitz Case for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 review

Every iPhone looks pretty much the same. Luckily, there are tons of awesome cases that can add some personality and style, and change the look on a daily basis if we so choose. The SGP Linear Blitz is simply one of the hottest iPhone cases I've ever seen. It's bulkier than ultra-light or feather cases, but offers more protection. The Apple logo cutout is simply amazing. If you don't think the mother in your life would mind trading a little extra size for incredible good looks, the SGP Linear Blitz Case could be for her.

$31.95 - Buy now

Overboard waterproof case for iPhone and iPad

Time was, if you wanted to get away from it all, you secreted yourself in the bathroom and took a long, relaxing, sudsy soak in the tub with something indulgent to drink and marvelous to read. Getting a trashy magazine or paperback a little wet was no big deal, but for our previous iPhones and iPads, it's a deal breaker. That's why the Overboard waterproof cases are so great. They completely protect your device while still keeping it responsive to the touch. And while, with an iPad or iPhone you can certainly read your fill of iBooks, Kindle, or Newsstand, you can do more -- watch TV and movies, and play video games. Now that's relaxing!

Various - Buy now

SGP GLAS.t Screen Protector

The problem with screens is that they scratch. The problem with most screen protectors is that they feel like plastic. Not so with the SGP GLAS.t. As the name implies, this screen protector looks and feels like glass. If the mother in your life is a little less careful and a little more rough and tumble with her iPhone, this is a great way to keep it safe.

$29.95 - Buy now

BodyGuardz ScreenGuardz HD for The new iPad and iPad 2

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The iPad has an even bigger screen than the iPhone and, especially if we have little ones around the house, can require even more screen protection. It won't stop damage due to drops or impact (you'll need a protective case for that) but it will stop scratches and scrapes that happen in the blink of an eye but annoy you ever after.

$17.95 - Buy now

SGP kuel H12 Stylus Pen

Steve Jobs might have thought a stylus was yucky, but for many a mom, it can be miraculous. For ladies with long nails or in freezing winter climates, properly using an iPhone or iPad touch screen can be difficult or uncomfortable. Not so with a stylus. Any app that involves handwriting, drawing or painting can also be much easier, and much more fun with a stylus. As can gaming.

The SGP kuel H12 Stylus Pen is Mobile Nation's favorite stylus. If you think your mom might want something smaller and more compact to carry around, try the Kuel H10.

$19.95 - Buy now

Jawbone JAMBOX

The one downside to the iPhone and iPad is their small, mono speakers. If mom wants to blast some music and get her groove on, Apple isn't going to get the job done. But the Jawbone JAMBOX will. It works over Bluetooth so once it's charged and ready to go, there are no wires to get in your way. It's small and easy to carry, yet packs a powerful audio punch. It can also be used as a speakerphone which is especially great for group calls or FaceTime with families on special occasions.

$199.95 - Buy now

iPhone and iPad app gifts for Mother's Day

Apps are great tech gifts. They're not expensive but they can provide ours of use, or just plain fun. Best of all, you can gift them up until the last possible moment, and they'll still arrive at nearly the speed of email. Here are some of our favorite apps for mom, picked by our very own app editor extraordinaire -- and mom -- Leanna Lofte.

Sincerely Ink

Don't be lame and rush to the grocery store to pick up some last minute left-over Mother's Day card on the morning of -- make a custom card with Sincerely Ink! It features 32 different Mother's Day templates that can be customized to featured your photos. The convenience of making the card and mailing it directly with your iPhone and iPad is easier than going to the store and the personalization makes it more special for Mom -- it's a win-win!

Free - Download Now

The Photo Cookbook - Baking

Does your mom love to bake? Then she's going to love The Photo Cookbook - Baking for iPhone and iPad and its 60 yummy recipes and 500+ gorgeous photos! Each recipe is beautifully laid out and easy to follow and tapping on an ingredient will tell you more about it.

The Photo Cookbook - Baking is also available as an in-app purchase for $3.99 in The Photo Cookbook - Quick & Easy. So if you want to go all out, get Mom the Quick & Easy app and pick up the Italian, Asian, and Baking cookbooks available as in-app purchases.

Pro-tip: Make Mom one of the items from the The Photo Cookbook - Baking and present them both to her as gift on Mother's Day.

Baking, $4.99 - Download Now

Quick & Easy - $4.99 - Download Now

Gilt City

What Mom doesn't love to shop and get a great deal? Gilt City will be her go to app then next time she hits up the big city closest to her because it's loaded with great deals from local shops and restaurants. I actually recommend picking something up for her from Gilt City, and when she complains that you spent too much money on her with that package of four Salsa dance classes, you can exclaim "No worries, Mom! It was only $30 with the Gilt City app! Here, let me download it to your iPhone for you!" Your mom will be so proud!

Free - Download Now

Sitter Sorter

For mom's of little ones, finding a baby sitter and keeping track of her regular sitters is a chore in and of itself. With Sitter Sorter for iPhone, this chore becomes a breeze -- and maybe even a little fun. Sitter Sorter allows Mom to store the days and times that sitters are available and all their contact info, so when she's looking for a sitter, she can just type in the time and date that she needs a sitter for, and Sitter Sorter will list which sitters are available during that time. Then she can send the sitter a text, or if the sitter is also using Sitter Sorter, a request is sent to the sitter and s/he can send a confirmation right back.

$0.99 - Download Now

Cut the Rope

Every mom needs a good game for those times she just wants to relax and have some time to herself, and what a better game than Cut the Rope! It's fun, cute, and can be played for short bursts of time or for hours at time. Perfect!

$0.99 - Download Now

Last minute gift ideas for Mother's Day

If you've waited until the last minute and you forgot a gift for that special mother in your life, here are your choices: a) crash through the upstairs window, dive roll through the flowerbed, hotfoot it to the car, screech out the driveway, and hit up the QuickyMart of air fresheners and chocoblocks; or b) check out the list below, tap a few links, type a few words, sit back and wait for the smiles.

Netflix, Hulu Plus, Slacker and other subscription

Subscription are nice because you give them once but they last the entire year. For iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad using mom's, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Slacker are great options.

• Netflix
• Hulu Plus
• Slacker Personal Radio

iTunes, App Store, iBooks gifts and gift certificates

Content is king of the last minute gifts. Your mom can never have too many apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, or books to enjoy. With a gift certificate, they can find the ones that are just perfect for them!

Variable - Buy now

Amazon gift certificates

Amazon has a ton of digital content all there own, but they also have old school media -- paper books, plastic CDs and Blu-Rays, games that come on cartridges... Gift certificates let them pick just exactly the goods -- real or virtual -- they want, and Amazon will deliver it straight to their door or their device.

Variable - Buy now

Your picks?

There you have it, iMore Nation, our top tech gifts for Mother's Day. Did we miss any of your favorites? If so, tell us all about them in the comments below!

Refurbished iPad 2 and original iPad models sold through Apple have had their prices cut by between $20 and $50 recently. Here's the new breakdown.

iPad 2

• 16 GB Wi-Fi: $319, down $30 from $349
• 32 GB Wi-Fi: $399, down $50 from $449

• 64 GB Wi-Fi: $499, down $50 from $449

• 16 GB Wi-Fi+3G: $449, down $30 from $479

• 32 GB Wi-Fi+3G: $529, down $50 from $579
• 64 GB Wi-Fi+3G: $629, down $50 from $679

Original iPad

• 16 GB Wi-Fi: $279, down $20 from $299
• 32 GB Wi-Fi: $349, down $50 from $399

• 64 GB Wi-Fi: $449, down $50 from $499

• 16 GB Wi-Fi+3G: $379, down $20 from $399

• 32 GB Wi-Fi+3G: $449, down $50 from $499
• 64 GB Wi-Fi+3G: $549, down $50 from $599

So, for the cost of a brand-spanking-new Retina iPad, you could get a gently-loved iPad 2 with four times the storage and possibly a lot more battery life. These are solid price cuts, but unless you're already heavily invested in the iOS ecosystem with apps, music, movies, or books, I'm unconvinced that a first-gen refurbished iPad is worth $80 more than the Kindle Fire or BlackBerry PlayBook. What do you guys think? Could you find a use for a cheap original iPad, or is it even worth the trouble at this point? If you're interested in picking up one of the recently-discounted iPads, you can pick 'em up over here.

Source: MacRumors

T-Mobile recently announced the details their plans to upgrade to LTE in 2013 thanks to a chunk of the 1900 MHz spectrum they earned through the busted-up AT&T deal. Those upgrades will also include enhancements on HSPA+, which should -- finally -- support the iPhone. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that T-Mobile will be selling the iPhone any time soon, but they've been more than happy to accommodate iPhone-toting AT&T expatriates so far, and this HSPA+ expansion should make that job much easier.

We're holding out for an LTE-capable iPhone 5 to hit the streets this fall, but even if T-Mobile has their first LTE markets ready early on in 2013 and manages to lock down an agreement with Apple to sell it, it will be at least three or four months behind the other major U.S. service providers. That's going to be a steep handicap, especially considering Sprint will keep offering unlimited plans for the foreseeable future.

Even without LTE, if Apple includes the same HSPA+ 42 radio in the next iPhone that they included in the new iPad, and T-Mobile manages to get the device on their network, performance might not be too bad.

Given how high a percentage of sales the iPhone made up on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint last quarter, and how not having the iPhone seemed to put a dent in T-Mobile's sales, we're guessing there might be some deals to be made.

Any T-Mobile customers out there itching to get HSPA+ on their iPhones? Would any of you on AT&T be willing to switch to T-Mobile if you knew you could keep your wireless data speeds?

Source: T-Mobile

For today only, the iMore iPad 3 Accessory store has the Seidio EXPERT Case for the new iPad and iPad 2 on sale for only $36.95! That's a whopping 33% off! Get it before it's gone!

Protect and conveniently transport your new iPad (iPad 3) or iPad 2 with the sleek and eco-friendly, EXPERT case.

Made from synthetic leather that is eco-friendly and elegant, the EXPERT Case is also thin enough to slide into your briefcase or purse. Your The new iPad will be securely held in this portfolio case by Clean-Grip adhesive technology.

In addition to transporting, securely holding, and protecting your new iPad and iPad 2, use the EXPERT case to prop up your device in two angles that are optimal for typing, viewing movies and television shows.

Utilizing revolutionary technology, Clean-Grip adhesive technology was engineered to hold ultra-securely without messy residue and simultaneously allow you to remove and reposition your new iPad or iPad 2, if necessary.

Features:

• Sleek case adds 2.3mm to each side of your device
• Clean-Grip adhesive technology
• Made from an eco-friendly process
• Versatile front cover allows you to prop device in convenient viewing angles
• The new iPad Cover Lock can be activated when not in use

Shop Seidio EXPERT Case for the new iPad now!

Apple has released information on the security updates that were covered in the recent release of iOS 5.1.1. When it was originally released yesterday, all that we knew was that there were various bug fixes. This update actually covers some important security fixes too for Mobile Safari and WebKit based browsers in general.

• Available for: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation) and later, iPad, iPad 2. Impact: A maliciously crafted website may be able to spoof the address in the location bar.
• Available for: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation) and later, iPad, iPad 2. Impact: Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to a cross-site scripting attack. Description: Multiple cross-site scripting issues existed in WebKit.
• Available for: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation) and later, iPad, iPad 2 Impact: Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. Description: A memory corruption issue existed in WebKit.

If you do a lot of web surfing on your iOS device it is definitely worthwhile upgrading to iOS 5.1.1 just for these security updates. Of course if you are running a jailbroken device you will want to still clear for now.

Given that, with iOS 5, Apple introduced over-the-air (OTA) updates to the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, it's interesting that they're still waiting and bundling security patches into larger software updates. OTA updates are done via bit-differential (delta file), and happen on-device and without the need to backup, re-install, and restore, so they're small and incredibly efficient. Apple could choose to push out security updates far more frequently. It's possible they think more frequent updates could annoy users, or their numbers tell them too many users are still updating over USB with iTunes for it to make sense right now. Hopefully, however, they're moving in that direction.

If you haven't yet updated to iOS 5.1.1 and you're looking for some help to get started, here's where to go:

• How to update your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad over-the-air using iCloud
• How to update your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad using iTunes on Mac or Windows
• iOS 5 help and discussion forum

Apple is supposedly looking into developing a way for multiple users to access one iPad with separate accounts and home screens. In response to an emailed suggestion for the feature to be added,  Apple said that it was a known issue being investigated by engineering.

"After further investigation it has been determined that this is a known issue, which is currently being investigated by engineering," the official response from Apple Developer Connection's Worldwide Developer Relations team reads.

This is a reasonably generic response and could be just a standard emailed reply sent by Apple for suggestions and bug fixes. The developer does claim that many other filed bugs have never received such a response so maybe there is hope.

Sharing the iPad with other family members is common practice but the ability to give them separate accounts makes a lot of sense. Each family member could have their own login screen, home screen and favourite apps all password protected so other family members could not delete or change anything. Only problem with this solution would be the additional storage space required for multiple users. Of course if you plan on using your iPad this way, you could always just buy the 64GB.

Both Apple's OS X for Mac and Microsoft Windows, as well as various Unix, Linux, and other computer systems, have provided multiple user logins for decades. So far, Apple has avoided that with iOS. Instead of multiple user logins for each member of a family, they seem to prefer multiple user devices, where each member of the family has their own iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad.

That doesn't address other common situations, however, such as handing an iPad to a friend or guest, and providing a way for them to use it for web browsing or gaming without giving them access to all your other personal information.

So, while the response from Apple above may well be boiler plate, it does serve to bring some much needed attention to the issue.

Is multiple user login or guest mode something you'd like to see in iOS 6?

Source: Apple Insider

The Wacom Bamboo is a popular pen stylus for iPad and iPhone. It's a longtime favorite of several of iMore's editors and contributors, and comes from one of the most trusted names in digital pen technology. However, the Wacom Bamboo is facing intense competition from several other pro-level capacitive stylus companies. How does it stack up?

Decidedly middle of the road. The Wacom Bamboo isn't a bad stylus for the iPad or iPhone, but it isn't a great one either, at least not when compared to the higher-end offerings from SGP, Adonit, and Ten One Design.

In terms of style, the Wacom Bamboo looks like a typical pen, complete with feed and straight barrel. It's got a satin-textured and milled aluminum body and comes in a wide range of color options, including black, white, blue, green, pink and orange. You can also get a Duo version that has a real ink pen on the opposite end.

The Wacom Bamboo is well put together and feels like it's built to last. Even the capacitive tip, which on some pens can tear or wear down, holds up remarkably well to extended use.

Where the Wacom Bamboo suffers a little is comfort during extended use. While some people love straight barrel pens, we prefer more rounded, more ergonomic curves. The Wacom Bamboo is also shot by pro-level stylus standards, and that combined with the sharpness of the feed made it harder to get into a comfortable position and more likely to become uncomfortable over time.

Where the Wacom Bamboo suffers a lot is in its capacitive quality. In our tests it worked okay but not great across the board. The tip was the mushiest we've used and that meant we had to push more, longer before it would start to register. Once it did register, it moved well across the glass, but any time we lifted it we had to go through that sinking, mushy tip push again.

For script writing this wasn't a huge issue because the pen tip remains in contact for extended periods. For print writing, where the pen tip leaves the iPad screen more often, it was considerably more annoying. That was even more true for standard navigation and gaming, where each and every tap and swipe required pushing just a little too much to get it to sink in and register. For drawing apps it was the same story again -- okay but not great performance and too much pressure required any time the tip had to be re-introduced to the iPad screen.

The good

• Large amount of color choices
• Durable

The bad

• Capacitive tip is too mushy
• Pen design is too short and straight, feed is too sharp

The conclusion

The current Wacom Bamboo stylus for iPad and iPhone is serviceable but not inspired. In every way we measured, with the exception of shortness, the Wacom Bamboo has been eclipsed by more comfortable, more capacitive, and generally better performing competitors. If you simply want an okay general purpose stylus to keep with your for occasional hand-writing note-taking, drawing or otherwise creating art, or simply playing games, and you have to have it without any hint of a curve to its barrel, the Wacom Bamboo is a serviceable choice. Otherwise check out the other options first and make sure you don't like something by SGP, Adonit, or Ten One Design better.

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Twitpic for iPhone had the potential to be a really neat app and a possible Instagram alternative, but it missed the mark on too many levels

Twitpic is one of the most popular photos hosting services for Twitter and now they've released their very own iPhone app that lets you browse through the photos of all the people you follow on Twitter who have shared their photos with Twitpic, add comments, as well as add filters and effects to your own photos to share to Twitter and Twitpic.

Sounds a lot like Instagram, doesn't it? In fact, it's very similar, but I'm not ready to call it an "Instagram Killer" -- it falls short in too many ways.

There are three different types of feeds with Twitpic: your main timeline, the popular stream, and streams for individual users. All off them show rectangular thumbnails of the photos with a little icon that shows how many comments have been left on the photo. For the timeline an popular streams, you will, of course, also see which user posted the photo and their profile photo.

Tapping a photo will open it on a black background, and after a brief pause, the toolbars and caption will appear, and after another short pause, will disappear again. You can tap the screen to bring up the toolbars at anytime and tapping the comments icon will bring up all the comments for that photo and allow you to leave a comment of your own.

Unfortunately, comments on photos must have been made with the Twitpic app. I would've like to see all Twitter @replies to the tweet that included the photo be marked as comments in the Twitpic app. Since most people see Twitpic photos in Twitter, it makes perfect sense.

One thing that sets Twitpic apart from Instagram is that there are more editing options available. The "Add Effects" screen has tabs for effects, enhance, crop, orientation, and brightness. Crop, orientation, and brightness should be self-explanatory.

In the enhance screen, you can choose auto, night, backlit, or balance, and the effects tab has 10 different filters you can choose from. They're OK. Nothing amazing, but not terrible.

What is terrible, is the naming inconsistencies in the Twitpic editing screens. When you first take or choose the photo you want to upload, there is a button in the top right hand corner called "Add Effects", but this screen has five different tabs, one of which is called "Effects". When tapping on one of the tabs, the navigation arrow in the toolbar to take you back is called "Editor". But wait, I thought that was the "Add Effects" screen? Sure, I know what they mean, but it's the little details like this that make me think the app was thrown together.

The other thing that annoys me about Twitpic is the edits are destructive. Once you hit "Apply", there's no turning back. Returning back to that screen doesn't let you adjust your edits, just layer on new ones. The biggest problem with this is with effects. A lot of the effects apply some sort of special edging to your photo, which is fine, until you decide you want to crop your image. You'll either crop it completely away or, depending on how you crop, only crop it off a couple of the edges. The only way to fix it is to start over and make sure you save adding the effect for last -- even though it's the first tab. Yet another thing that makes me ask "was this app really put through proper testing?"

Once you have your photo edited to perfection, you can share it to Twitter with Twitpic and… that's it. Your photo isn't even saved to your Camera Roll! And what about the unique twitpic.com URL that is assigned to each photo? Nope, nowhere to get that either. What Twitpic was thinking, I have no idea. I guess they want to be greedy with your photos and not only not give you the means to share directly to another network, but not even let you share your photos separately to somewhere else like Facebook or Instagram.

The Good

• Browse through the Twitpic photos of who you're following on Twitter
• Upload photos to Twitpic and share to Twitter
• Edit photos with minor adjustments and add filters/effects

The Bad

• Inconsistent naming
• Destructible edits
• Can only share to Twitpic and Twitter
• Doesn't save to Camera Roll

The Conclusion

Twitpic for iPhone had the potential to be a really neat app and a possible Instagram alternative, but it missed the mark on so many levels it's not even funny. The editing experience is terrible and the restriction to only sharing to Twitpic and Twitter and not even your Camera Roll is a deal breaker for me. If they wanted to be exclusive to Twitter, they could've at least pulled in the replies to the tweets with Twitpic links to the comments, but not even that's the case.

Sorry Twitpic, that's three strikes -- you're out.

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