Wall Street Journal’s Yukari Iwatani Kane has spilled the details on Apple’s upcoming iPad 2 and they include a thinner, lighter design, front-facing camera, and… the same resolution display (i.e. not hi-res). Based on “sources familiar with the matter”, who have historically proven incredibly accurate, Kane says:

The new device will be thinner, lighter and will come with a faster processor, more memory and a more powerful graphics processor, said the people familiar with the matter. It will have a front-facing camera for the first time for features like video-conferencing, but the resolution of the new iPad’s display will be similar to the first iPad, they said.

The 3G version will be available on both AT&T and Verizon, though no word yet on whether there will be separate GSM and CDMA models or a hybrid model.

Nothing we haven’t heard before but it wouldn’t be unprecedented for the WSJ and Kane in particular to get this leak as a way to set expectations for iPad 2, which also means they might just be getting ready for an announcement event in the near future.

Assuming these details are accurate and imminent, how is iPad 2 sounding to you?

[WSJ]

iPad 2 in production, coming soon? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Google has released Google Translate for iPhone, a native iOS app that allows you to “speak to translate” in 15 different languages, with output support for up to 50 languages. Simply speak into your iPhone and the app will translate your speech into a number of different languages, even reading the text aloud for you:

• Translate text between 57 languages
• Translate by speaking the text instead of typing it (15 languages)
• Listen to your translations spoken aloud (23 languages)
• Display translations in full screen mode to make it easier for others nearby to read
• Star your favorite translations for quick access even when you're offline
• Access your translation history even when you're offline
• Spell out the translation of non-Latin script languages (e.g. Chinese, Japanese, etc..) in Latin characters to read it phonetically (e.g. Pinyin, Romaji)
• View additional dictionary results for single words or short phrases

Google Translate was previously available for iPhone but only through a webapp interface. With Google switching to a fully native version this lets users access a few additional features not available in the HTML5 version. It’s pretty fun to use and it would make a great sidekick if you’re traveling to a foreign country where you aren’t familiar with the native language.

Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

[free -- iTunes via Google Mobile Blog]

Google launches native Google Translate app for iPhone is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Want to win your very own Verizon iPhone 4 from TiPb? We’ll be announcing the winner right here on the front page tomorrow so hurry up! All you have to do is head on over to our hot new Verizon iPhone Forum and leave a reply in the official Verizon iPhone Give Away thread telling us why you love TiPb so much.

Its that simple, so go do it already and good luck!

(Not on Verizon? We’re also giving away an after-market AT&T iPhone color-swap to red or blue, check it out!)

Last chance: Win a Verizon iPhone! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

The Reagan Presidential Library and Museum has just undergone a $15 million dollar overhaul which includes the addition of an iPod touch for each person on a tour to utilize for audio of the tour as well as pictures and video while checking out the sights.

People who decide to take the tour starting today will be checked out their very own iPod touch and that will guide you through all the interesting things they have on display in the library and museum. The iPod will be the voice to explain what you are looking at as well as give background on items. Also users will be able to take photos and even video if they choose while they enjoy their tour. You are probably thinking what’s the point of taking photos and video on a device that isn’t your own to keep? Well they have an answer for that as well. Once you turn in your temporary iPod touch they will upload all your photos and video to a website and e-mail you to notify you that your media is ready to be viewed/downloaded or even shared to Facebook.

This seems like a pretty cool idea and definitely would make the tour a little more interesting for the younger generations. If you take this tour let us know your thoughts on it and if not let us know if you would like this feature included in a tour that you enjoy taking.

[ Washington Post ]

Reagan Presidential Library and Museum add iPod touch to tour is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Looks like Verizon iPhone users will be getting access to the same Verizon Navigator app that other Verizon smartphone users have been enjoying for a while now — but our sources at Verizon are now telling us it will only cost $4.99.

Sweet deal if you like subscription-based online maps. If the price proves to be true, anyone going to be taking them up on it?

Verizon iPhone users to get Verizon Navigator for only $4.99/month? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Wondering how to use the Wi-Fi personal hotspot on the new Verizon iPhone 4 or iOS 4.3 iPhone 4? Used mobile hotspot or a MiFi before but not sure how Apple’s works? No worries, it’s almost painless to share your iPhone’s 3G connection with up to 5 other devices (including your iPad or laptop!) and we’ll show you how after the break!

If you’ve used an iPhone before, Wi-Fi personal hotspot enhances the previous method for tethering and works in pretty much the same way — albeit much more easily. IIf you’re brand new to iPhone 4, Apple has made it even quicker to get to and get going with. Here’s how.

1. From the Home Screen launch the Settings App
2. In Settings tap on Personal Hotspot
3. Toggle Personal Hotspot to “On”
4. If Wi-Fi is currently disabled a popup will appear asking you to enable it.
5. You will see a default Wi-Fi password. You can either use it or tap on it to change it to a password of your choosing.
6. Once you’re happy with the settings go to your Mac or Windows PC and look for the name of your iPhone under available Wi-Fi networks.
7. Enter the password
8. A blue bar will appear on top of your iPhone showing the connection is established and how many devices are connected.

That’s it. Enjoy your Wi-Fi but keep track of your 3G data!

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

Daily Tip: How to use Wi-Fi personal hotspot is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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We’ve been getting reports from readers that the iTunes and/or App Store is currently down for some users. It’s working for me but a quick check of Twitter shows it’s definitely not an isolated problem.

Are you having problems downloading iTunes content and apps? Is iTunes even asking for your password? Let us know in comments!

Update 1: Looks like it’s back up!

Update 2: But not for everyone! Grrrr! Some users are being told their Apple IDs have been disabled. They can change passwords, credit cards, etc. but can’t download media or apps. We’re looking into now but let us know if you’re having that problem.

Updated: iTunes App Store down? Apple IDs disabled? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

The long overdue BBC iPlayer app will be released on Thursday according to a BBC engineer. Geoff Marshall, an Interactive Operations engineer for the BBC, responsible for the iPlayer services, broke the news via his twitter stream. He also went on to say, "It will take advantage of the higher-res screen that iPad2 has got." "HD content will look good." Now we don't know if this is inside knowledge about iPad 2 or just a guess but it is interesting all the same.

The app will only be available for the iPad and streaming will be WiFi only. If you are on a 3G connection you will just be able to browse content. The app will be available in the UK only at launch however the service will launch in the United States in June / July as a paid subscription service.

BBC iPlayer lets you catch up with programmes from the BBC from the past seven days that you may have missed or want to watch again. iPlayer is accessible now via iOS devices through the mobile web version but the iPad app should make it a much nicer experience. We will let you know as soon as the app is available.

[Twitter]

BBC iPlayer app for iPad to arrive this Thursday, all set for the iPad 2 high-res screen? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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As we previously mentioned, Fox aired a promo at the Super Bowl on Sunday for their new film ‘Rio’, which would feature a little secret code that will unlock a new level of Angry Birds.

After the break is the promo that aired, and features the Angry Birds code, which is a level reference (0:27 – If you didn’t figure it out, we’ll show you how you can unlock the secret level on Angry Birds.)

To unlock the bonus level, just follow these instructions.

1. Go To Level 13-12
2. Waste The First Yellow Bird. (you don’t need it)
3. Launch The White Bird Backwards
4. Drop The Egg on the small ledge behind the catapult.
5. Exit The Level.
6. In Golden Eggs, on the second page you should see a golden football.
7. Enjoy.

Once you complete the level, you’re redirected to a site so you can enter the ‘Rio’ sweepstakes, to possibly win a trip to Rio de Janeiro, to see the world premiere of the film. (Unfortunately, if you’re outside the U.S. you will be redirected to the ‘Angry Birds Rio’ app trailer.)

Rio Super Bowl Promo with Angry Birds secret is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

• Real Racing 2: Update brings 6 new levels and more! [$4.99 - iTunes link]

• Coverage?: Compare coverage between AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Maps are refreshed and updated and now include 4G. [$1.99 - iTunes link]

• YourCards: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Send an eCard with this little app. [Free - iTunes link]

• The Weather Channel: iPhone version updated with iWitness weather – upload photos of the weather. iPad version updated with push notification to alert of severe weather conditions. [The Weather Channel for iPhone, Free - iTunes link] [The Weather Channel Max for iPad, Free - iTunes link]

• BEATbox – REAL Human Beatboxing!: Use real video clips of a man’s face and create loops of “human beatboxing” by beating tapping on his face. [Free - 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 Tuesday, February 8 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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