TiPb brings you a full glossary of common iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Apple TV data and wireless networking related terms.

Reading up on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV and wondering what all those data specifications and cellular networking terms mean? From 2G to WDCMA, 802.11 to Bluetooth, we’ve got you — and every wireless term we can think of — covered below!

For even more iOS and Apple-related terms see our complete iPhone and iPad glossary. And as always, if we’re missing anything, add additions and corrections in the comments below!

[Special thanks to The Cell Phone Junkie, Mickey Papillon for help compiling this list!]

• 2G: Second generation data networking used by iPhone and iPad. Think of this like old-fashioned dial-up modems. (see EDGE.)

• 3G: Third generation data networking used by iPhone and iPad. Think of this like base level broadband Internet (cable/DSL). 3G is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by 3G next to the carrier logo. (see HSPA and EVDO.)

• 4G: Forth generation data networking. Also a marketing term used by Sprint for WiMax, T-Mobile for HSPA+, and AT&T for HSPA+. Think of this as super-fast broadband Internet (cable/fiber). (See HSPA, HSPA+, LTE)

• 802.11: The standard used for WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), typically referred to as Wi-Fi, connections on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. While older models supported only 802.11b/g, 2010 models added support for the faster, longer range 802.11n standard. (Only iPad supports 802.11n on the clearer 5Mhz frequency, however.)

• A2DP: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is a Bluetooth standard used to transmit and receive stereo music. Added to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad in iOS 3. It’s what lets you send iPod music to your wireless stereo Bluetooth headset.

• Airplane Mode: A Setting on iPhone and iPad that turns off all radios, including cellular voice, data, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Called Airplane Mode because these radios are typically required to be turned off while on an airplane.

• AVCTP: Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol allows for the transmission of basic music controls between devices and accessories. Only properly supported for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad since iOS 4. It’s what lets you play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and skip through music and video via wireless stereo Bluetooth headsets.

• Bluetooth: Named after a Danish King (seriously), Bluetooth is a wireless technology used for exchanging short-range (under 30-feet) data between electronic devices. iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad support Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for better security and simpler pairing. Apple currently supports Bluetooth for wireless phone headsets, stereo headsets, keyboard connections, and data tethering.

• CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access is an underlying network standard and the common abbreviation for CDMA2000, the technology used by Verizon and Sprint in the US.

• CDMA2000: The networking technology used by Verizon and Sprint. A single CDMA tower typically has a longer range and thus provide greater coverage than a single GSM tower.

• EDGE: Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution, also called 2G, 2.5G or 2.75G depending on the data speed, is an older data network used by carriers like AT&T. The original iPhone was EDGE-only. Current iPhones can use EDGE when 3G is not available (or on T-Mobile in the US where 3G frequencies aren't compatible). Real world EDGE speeds max out around 150Kbps and do not allow simultaneous voice and data (calls will not come through while using EDGE data). EDGE is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by the uppercase letter E. iPhone 4 and iPad support EDGE on the 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz frequencies.

• EVDO: EVolution Data Optimized is the 3G networking technology used by CDMA carriers like Verizon. EVDO Rev A can achieve speeds up to 3.1 Mbps but cannot handle simultaneous voice and data, but does allow incoming calls to come through during an active data session. (Answering an incoming call will shut off the data connection.) EVDO Rev B can handle voice and data but is not planned for deployment by any US carriers. iPhone 4 supports CDMA EV-DO Rev. A on 800, 1900 MHz.

• GPRS: General Packet Radio Service is the oldest and slowest form of data networking available to GSM iPhones and iPads. Data rates are typically below 50 Kbps. GPRS is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by the lowercase letter o.

• GSM: Global System for Mobile communication is the underlying technology standard used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and the majority of carriers in Europe and around the world.

• HSPA: High Speed Packet Access is a fast form of 3G data networking. The iPhone and iPad support HSPA up to 7.2 Mbps (AT&T currently supports up to 14 Mbps in some areas). Typically split into HSDPA (download) and HSUPA (uplink/upload). iPhone 4 and iPad support UMTS/HSPA on the 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz frequencies.

• HSPA+: Enhanced High Speed Packet Access is a faster form of 3G data networking, now called 4G in T-Mobile and AT&T's marketing. Apple will support HSPA+ in 2011. Top speeds can reach 56 Mbps. Bell and Telus currently offer 21 Mbps HSPA+.

• LTE: Long Term Evolution is a 4G networking technology currently being deployed by Verizon and scheduled to be deployed by AT&T, Canadian carriers, and others. Theoretical speeds are measured in the hundreds of Mbps but initial implementations haven't reached those yet. Likewise initial implementations only use LTE for data while future versions could be pure IP-based for both voice and data. Neither iPhone nor iPad yet support LTE.

• Personal Hotspot: Introduced with the Verizon iPhone and iOS 4.3 it replaces Tethering and, on iPhone 4, adds the ability to share cellular data over a Wi-Fi connection with up to 5 additional devices. Availability will depend on carriers and some may/will charge extra for it. Think of it as a built-in MiFi or the ability to turn your iPhone into a mini mobile Wi-Fi router.

• Tethering: Sharing your iPhone’s cellular data connection with your laptop via USB (dock cable) or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Available since iOS 3 though AT&T only chose to support it with iOS 4. Not available on all carriers and some carriers charge extra for it. Replaced in iOS 4.3 with Personal Hotspot.

• UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is a 3G, transitioning to 4G networking technology. WCDMA (including HSPA) is part of UMTS.

• WCDMA: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access is a UTMS technology which, while easily confused with the CDMA network used by Verizon, is actually associated with GSM networks like HSPA.

TiPb Guide: Common iPhone and iPad data and wireless networking terms is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Every week a few of us from team TiPb will bring you our current favorite, most fun and useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they're iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch related, they're fair game.

To see what we picked, and to tell us your pick, follow on after the break!

Ally’s pick: LockInfo 3.0

LockInfo and BiteSMS are the single 2 reasons I can’t live without jailbreaking. Little tweaks and customizations I can do without, LockInfo I couldn’t be without.

I was able to take a first look at LockInfo 3.0 before it was released to the public (it’s currently in public beta). This is a huge update to an already great app. The update adds themes, favorites, calendar status bar alerts, and more. If you’re a jailbreaker, make sure you check it out. There is a 14 day free trial as well.

[$7.99 via Cydia]

Brian’s pick: Chopper 2

Chopper 2 is a very fun game not only available on iOS but also on the Mac App Store as well now. There are 36 missions that take place on 12 different levels. Your job is to escot vehicles across levels, defend different items from enemies, and even pick up civilians with your helicopter. The game allows you to use your gyroscope as well for increased controls. It features leaderboards and achievements and is universal across all of your iOS devices which is the best part! But are you ready for my favorite part about this game? If you buy the Mac version you can sit back with your computer and use your iOS device as a remote to play the game with rather than the keyboard! I tried it out and it took a bit of getting used to but I love it now! This game actually got me away from Angry Birds believe it or not! It is insanely fun so give it a shot!

[$0.99 - iTunes Link]

Chris V’s pick: Ultimate Hangman

Over the last few days, I have been playing Ultimate Hangman with the family. This is a fun, well designed hangman game with a single or multiplayer mode. In single player mode, you can choose from a list of word categories (animals, SAT words, verbs, etc) although sometimes the words don’t quite match the categories. In multiplayer mode you can choose words for each other to try to guess. My wife and I have been focusing on playing three letter word hangman, which is actually much more difficult that you might think!

This hangman game has multiple background themes, including “chalkboard”, “snowman”, and “flower power”. My favorite, however, is “doodle”, where the hangman comes to life as you are trying to guess the word. Nothing like seeing the little hangman throwing up his arms in disgust or putting his thumb and pointer finger on his forehead like an “L” when you guess the wrong letter! I do wish the multiplayer mode had options like keeping track of scores or selecting a specific number of games to play (it just goes on and on right now) but it still is a great way to pass the time. Best of all, the app is a universal binary, so you can play on either your iPhone or iPad!

[Free - iTunes link]

Leanna’s pick: Starbucks Card Mobile

I go to Starbucks every morning that I teach and, until now, I would rummage through my bag for my Starbucks card while in line. Now, I browse email, Twitter, and Facebook, order my drink when it’s my turn, launch the Starbucks Card Mobile app for the barista to scan, instantly check my updated balance, and head out to class. Quick. Simple. Perfect.

[Free - iTunes link]

Rene’s pick: XBMC for Apple TV, iPad [Jailbreak]

I ran my original Xbox for a long time, longer than Microsoft supported it, longer than it ought to have been run. XBMC was the reason. Originally Xbox Media Center, it showed that independent software could not only do more than Microsoft at the time (and much more than Apple who hadn’t even tried yet) but do it better and more elegantly. XBMC was a set top workhorse, and thanks to XMBC we now have Plex, Boxee, and a slew of independent and open source media center software that almost always supports way more than established companies and their Hollywood overlords will allow.

And now it runs on Apple TV and iPad.

It does require a Jailbreak, which is an admittedly tethered pain in the ass for Apple TV on iOS 4.2 right now, but the leap in functionality is transformative. At $99 it literally turns Apple TV into the best deal in set top and that’s saying something.

Hopefully the install process will become as easy as ATV Flash but either way, XBMC is what a lot of home media lovers have been waiting for.

[Free - XBMC]

Your pick?

You're part of the team as well, so jump into the comments and let us know your pick of the week!

TiPb Picks of the Week is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

iPad Live! hits the air tonight! iOS 4.3 beta 2 is here and so are a ton more iPad 2 rumors if you can believe it. Rene, Chad, and Ally will be breaking it down for you this week. You know you want to join us:

• 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 2am GMT

http://www.tipb.com/live/

Come be part of the show!

iPad Live! podcast tonight! Come chat! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Toshiba is yet another company launching yet another Android-based tablet trying desperately to differentiate themselves and get a little attention by having some fun with iPhone and iPad users.

So I thought I’d have a little fun back. Launching a super-secret Word Lens-like iPhone app that automagically translates BS into English, I went to the Toshiba Tablet site, was redirected to their “iOS doesn’t support Flash” site — wait, what? Really? — then watched as the letters re-arranged themselves in augmented reality glory to give me a more accurate reflection of the device’s true capabilities.

The “entire internet” isn’t achieved by simply adding Flash to WebKit. Flash isn’t even a part of most of the internet, just the web. Even the “entire web” includes more plugins than just Flash, like Silverlight and the Flash of the previous decade, ActiveX.

So while it would be nice to have a Flash player on iOS, it would be even nicer if companies like Toshiba spent less time making silly sites targeting iPad users and spent more time making fantastic user experiences to woo iPad users away (and force Apple to work harder to woo them back).

Otherwise they’re just proving Tim Cook right.

(Actual Toshiba screen shot after the break).

Translating the Toshiba Tablet iPhone, iPad site is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

We received a lot of questions and conflicting reports about whether or not the new iOS 4.3 personal hotspot feature would work on iPhone 3GS and the answer — from a software standpoint as of beta 2 — is… kinda.

Personal hotspot replaces tethering in the iOS 4.3 Settings system and while iPhone 3GS does indeed show the new Personal Hotspot feature it doesn’t show the Wi-Fi option available on iPhone 4. Yup, Bluetooth and USB are the only options, same as were previously available under Tethering.

Now whether or not Apple adds the feature in for iPhone 3GS users when iOS 4.3 goes into general release, and whether individual carriers like AT&T choose to implement it or not we don’t know. But as of now, there is Personal Hotspot, just no Wi-Fi, and that means 1 device only, not 5.

For more see our iOS 4.3 walkthrough.

UPDATE: Per comments below, no Wi-Fi option for iPhone 3GS under iOS 4.3 beta 2.

UPDATED: iOS 4.3 features: personal hotspot on iPhone 3GS is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Theme It is a new site and app (via Cydia) that will feature themes for iOS. Anyone currently jailbroken knows how big of a pain it can be weeding through themes and tweaks in Cydia. Hopefully having something like Theme It will reduce some of the clutter and allow users to more efficiently browse for quality themes.

Theme It boasts to provide only the highest quality themes to their users. They’ve already gotten some of the best theme creators on board in an attempt to offer a better option for browsing themes. The app will be available via Cydia and will have an actual website as well. The counter along the top of the site shows we have less than 2 days before launch.

I know I’m looking forward to seeing if this makes me more apt to install and download themes. I don’t theme as much as I used to since weeding through Cydia for quality themes can be pretty time consuming. How many of you are excited to have a new way to browse and obtain new themes?

Demo video after the break!

[iClarified]

Theme It will bring theme store to iOS [Jailbreak] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

According to AllThingsD Apple has hired David Rice as their new Global Security Director. A 1994 graduate of the US Naval Academy with a masters in Warfare and Systems engineering, he’s worked for the NSA, the US Cyber Consequences Unit, and Neohapsis. He’s also the author of the book Geekonomics:

In it he argues that software is modern infrastructure–just like a bridge (hence, the picture on the cover)– and if it's poorly made or insecure, it constitutes a public hazard.

Those who buy software–consumers, corporations and governments–end up being "crash test dummies" for an industry with no accountability for losses incurred by their customers, he argues.

Rice joins Window Snyder, former head of security at Mozilla, Ivan Krstic, former head of security at One Laptop per Child, and Jon Calla, former CTO of PGP among Apple’s recent security hires.

Based on his background, it seems his “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” view would entail making Apple software more secure so they’ll waste less money on patching security exploits later. That’s good news for Mac and iOS users when it comes to protecting us from malicious exploits like viruses, especially as Apple’s market share increases and they become a larger target. It’s not great for Jailbreak users who depend on the non-malicious exploits to gain root access to their iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad in order to customize and run apps beyond what Apple allows.

[AllThingsD, thanks Anthony!]

Apple hires David Rice as new Global Security Director is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Apple has begun airing a new AT&T and Verizon double-punch iPhone commercial touting “Two is Better than one”

It shows off all the features and apps we’ve grown to know and love throughout Apple’s previously AT&T-only US iPhone commercials, side by side, zooming in on one or the other to highlight the identical user experiences. Just as revealing is that the differences are not mentioned. No hint at reception, data speed, simultaneous voice and data, international roaming, etc.

Obviously both AT&T and Verizon will be competing for iPhone customers come February 10 but just as obviously Apple wins either way.

Video after the break (we’ll swap in Apple’s official video when it becomes available).

[9to5Mac]

Apple airs joint AT&T and Verizon iPhone commercial is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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