Filed under: iPhone, App Store, SDK, iPod touch, Jailbreak/pwnage

As Apple seems to be lightening up and accepting more applications using private APIs (including Ustream and others that stream video from the iPhone 3G), word comes that the review team is now officially allowing the UIGetScreenImage() function to be used in applications distributed in the App Store.

An Apple forum moderator stated in the developer forums:

"After carefully considering the issue, Apple is now allowing applications to use the function UIGetScreenImage() to programmatically capture the current screen contents." The function prototype is as follows:

CGImageRef UIGetScreenImage();

Apple also states "that a future release of iPhone OS may provide a public API equivalent of this functionality." It's also noted that "At such time, all applications using UIGetScreenImage() will be required to adopt the public API."

This function, which is a part of the Core Graphics framework, allows an application access to what's being currently being displayed on the screen. It's useful for things like capturing a screen shot, as our own Erica Sadun's BETAkit does to allow developers to send screen shots to a developer. It also allows streaming video from the iPhone camera, as an application like this captures what's being displayed on the screen from the camera, and records it or sends it somewhere.

What other features devs are hoping to see opened up? There's things like general calendar access, Core Surface, and XMPP and app-settable timers that developers would like to take advantage of in their SDK apps.

I hope this is a sign of what's to come for the iPhone SDK, and that we'll see more things like this opened up soon for App Store distribution.

[via the Apple Developer Forums, dev membership required]

TUAWDevelopers now can use private API for screen capture on iPhone, says Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: iMac, Bad Apple

Uh oh! It looks like there's shipping delays and availability issues with 27 inch iMacs. It's reported that these delays could be due to graphics issues with the GPU. Several Apple resellers are citing shipping delays when trying to order the models.

Apple made a brief statement to CNET tonight acknowledging the delays, but iMacs are showing a two week shipping delay on Apple's online store, which might mean you won't be able to purchase one in time for the holidays.

Graphics issues are nothing new to these iMac models. Some 27 inch iMacs also had issues earlier with graphic performance and Flash, which was fixed in the 10.6.2 update. The 27 inch iMac has also had a number of other reported problems before, from machines that have had broken screens, to iMacs arriving that simply don't work.

TUAWApple is delaying shipments of 27 inch iMacs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple Corporate, Apple, iPhone

Apple today filed a countersuit against Nokia for patent infringement as a response to the lawsuit Nokia filed against Apple back in October. The countersuit is over the 13 patents that cover many different communication technologies that are used in the iPhone, which Nokia clams to hold the patents. These patents cover the GSM, UTMS 3G, and Wireless-LAN standards used in the iPhone since early 2007.

Bruce Sewell, General Counsel and senior vice president for Apple stated: "Other companies must compete with us by inventing their own technologies, not just by stealing ours."

We'll post any more details on these lawsuits as this develops, so stay posted.

Update #1: Engadget's Nilay Patel has, of course, pointed out some interesting things. Notably: while this is about patent infringement, the majority of claims are around some insane licensing terms Nokia felt it was entitled to. Read his post for the breakdown and a PDF of the paperwork.%ContinueContents%

TUAWApple countersues Nokia for patent infringement originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Rumors, Apple

Over the past few days, several patent applications by Apple have been unearthed -- here's a recap.

Universal Dock
Apple flied a patent for a more "universal" dock for iPods and iPhones. This dock would be made of an elastic, sponge-like material, and would conform to any shape, instead of having to find a dock adapter. Silly putty? Spage-age memory foam? We're not sure what the magical morphing material would be, but not having to deal with bunches of little adapters for each iPod would be terrific.

Tamper-resistant indicators
Apple also filed a patent for a "sticker" which would show evidence of tampering. If you would open the casing of an Apple product, the casing could be attached to a sticker, which would also be attached to a part inside the casing, and would indicate if the casing had been opened. This would be similar to the liquid sensors that Apple has been putting in iPhone and recent iPod models. It also sounds similar to the same sorts of stickers you see warning you that you'll violate your warranty if you break the seal. This warning is seen frequently on hard drives, but would Apple use this to preclude 3rd-party battery replacements? We hope not.

iPod motion controls
Apple also filed a patent for controlling an iPod with motion. It would use an accelerometer, which is currently found in the iPod nano, iPod touch and iPhone. There's the "Shake to Shuffle" that's been a part of 4th and 5th generation iPod nano models, and the iPhone and iPod touch since iPhone OS 3.0, which allows to skip to a random song by shaking the device. Further motion-based controls may allow you to scroll by tilting, or move to the next song by "flicking" the device in your hand. Either way, you'll want to turn it off before you go dancing in an iPod ad.

As with all patent applications, it doesn't mean that these features could be released, it just gives a general idea on what Apple has been focusing on.

[Engadget and AppleInsider]

TUAWApple patents recap, universal docks, iPod motion controls and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Internet, iPhone, App Store, SDK, iPod touch

Late yesterday, Apple introduced a RSS feed for news from the App Store Resource Center, which was introduced a few months ago, and gives iPhone developers news about what's going on with the App Store for developers. Apple promises to deliver current turnaround time for app reviews (kind of a hot topic), program updates, development and testing techniques, and much more. Add it to your reader of choice.

In related news, iTunes Connect will be unavailable from December 23rd to December 28th. You'll remember that Apple did the same thing last year. You'll won't be able to access anything in iTunes Connect in that time, which includes, sales reports, app submission, generating promo codes and more. Hey, even geeks need a holiday break, right? Make sure your pertinent business is concluded before then and enjoy the break!

TUAWApple introduces iPhone developer RSS news feed, takes time off from iTunes Connect originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Airport, Software Update, Apple, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Apple today released several updates today including AirPort client software, and EFI firmware revisions for some MacBook and MacBook Pro models.

First, the AirPort Client Update 2009-002 update fixes the following issues:

• An Inability to turn AirPort on or off in some cases after upgrading from Mac OS X Leopard.
• An occasional loss of network connection when using Wake on Demand.
• An Inability to create a computer-to-computer network, or share the Internet connection on some MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini computers.

Next, the MacBook and MacBook Pro EFI updates allow the installation of SuperDrive Firmware Update 3.0, reducing the noise of the optical disc drive when waking from sleep and startup. The SuperDrive firmware installation is a 2nd step; you need to do the EFI update, then check again for software updates. This update is available for the Late 2008 aluminum MacBook model and the Early 2009 and Mid 2009 white MacBook models, and for Late 2008 15 inch MacBook Pro models and Early 2009 17 inch MacBook Pro models. (The KB article for the MacBook EFI update may need a little editing, as it refers to a suggestion from a mysterious 'Glenno.')

These updates are available through Software Update, or they're available from Apple's support page.

TUAWApple releases updates for AirPort software, MacBook and MacBook Pro EFI originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Accessories, Peripherals, iMac

A display, whether it's a primary, extra display for a portable, or a desktop secondary, is something that's very useful, and makes a great gift. Here's a few gift ideas for displays to use with your Mac.


Dell ST2210

This display offers a 1920x1080 resolution, a 21.5 inch viewing area, and is available for only $189. It has a DVI and VGA port, which means that you might need an adapter to connect it. There's also a 24 inch model of this display, the Dell ST2410, if you're looking for something a little bit bigger.


Samsung XL2370

If you're wanting another option, there's the Samsung XL2370. It's LED backlit, like the Apple LED Cinema Display, and can be purchased for around $399. It has a display resolution of 1920x1080, and it features a DVI and HDMI port, so you'll need an adapter to hook it up to a Mac with a Mini-DVI or Mini DisplayPort.


Apple LED Cinema Display

The Apple LED Cinema Display offers unique features that make it easy to connect to a Mac, like the MagSafe connector that charges a MacBook. The display is measured at 24 inches, and can display a 1900x1200 resolution. It also features a built-in iSight camera, a mic, speakers, and a three-port USB hub. You can purchase it for $899, though refurbished models have shown up for $599 from Apple.



27 inch iMac

The 27-inch iMac, can be used in Target Display Mode as a monitor for another Mac with a Mini DisplayPort. It offers a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, and it's LED backlit. You'll just need a cable to do so, and you can purchase a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable from Apple or Monoprice. Of course, the iMac is a computer, so we aren't suggesting using it primarily as an external display.

Do you have any suggestions for displays? Leave a comment and let us know!

TUAWTUAW Holiday Gift Guide: Displays originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple Corporate, iTunes, Apple, Music

Earlier today, Greg Sandoval at CNET reported that Apple was in talks to buy out music-streaming service Lala; his piece suggested that these talks were in advanced stages, and a deal could happen at any time -- Apple just needed to sign on the dotted line.

As of this evening, Sandoval's rumor is looking a lot more like a done deal. The Wall Street Journal and the NY Times are both confirming that Apple has pulled the trigger and spent a minuscule fraction of those billions in cash on Lala. No numbers were announced, but the WSJ notes that an investment of $20 million in Lala from Warner Music Group was written down by more than 50% earlier this year.

Why Lala for Apple? The AP noted that Lala co-founder Bill Nguyen demoed an iPhone app in October that allowed 'intelligently cached' songs to be streamed to your iPhone, with the recently-streamed songs replayable even outside of cell coverage areas; Wired suggests that Lala's bundle-payment setup, where users buy stream credits, could save Apple's iTunes Store millions in credit card fulfillment charges. The deal is expected to put Nguyen and the Lala engineers on Apple's payroll, although the Times notes that Lala's agreements with the labels to stream music are non-transferable.

Lala's model for music streaming is an interesting one; the service scans your hard drive for songs you already own and lets you stream them at will, taking the concept Apple's also providing with Home Share to the Web (other services also let you share media between iTunes instances). You can also choose to stream songs you don't already own for $0.10 a piece, and 'upgrade' to a downloadable version at will.

Lala also recently made an agreement with Google to offer music previews in Google searches, greatly expanding Lala's reach. It's not clear whether Apple's purchase will have any affect on that arrangement

Is this a streaming service you would like to see come to iTunes? Leave a comment below and let us know!

TUAWLala bought by Apple, streaming iTunes Store around the bend? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software Update

TUAWApple updates Java for Snow Leopard and Leopard originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: App Store, SDK

Apple quietly tweaked the interface of iTunes Connect for App Store developers today, changing the way applications are listed. It changed from the list format that was previously used, and now shows a group of five app icons in a row, which gives a more complete look at your apps. Below the icon, it now shows the name of the application and a colored indicator showing the application status.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

TUAWiTunes Connect gets a face-lift originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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