iOS

Even after all of the patent battles over mobile device gestures, Apple is setting its sights on the future by looking beyond the touch screen alone. Future iPhones and iPads could feature a invention that would replace or supplement pinch-to-zoom gestures with other technology. A patent for the concept was filed by Apple in May 2011.

The above diagram from AppleInsider shows how the automatic zoom system might work on an iOS device. Essentially content on the screen would dynamically resize based on the change in distance from the viewer's face. There would be two distinct modes of operation for the automatic zoom feature.

Apple released iOS 5.1.1 a few days after iOS developer pod2g announced that his jailbroken iPhone 4 running iOS 5.1 was untethered. Of course you will want to avoid the update if your device is currently jailbroken. For non-jailbreakers the update brings improved reliability for the HDR option when accessing the camera app, and a few bug fixes. Here is a complete list of changes:

Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut.

Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks.

Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances.

Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List.

Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase.

Some iOS users have great app ideas, but maybe they're just not very good at programming. Apple could be seeking to broaden app development opportunities to people without typical developer skills if a patent revealed by AppleInsider means anything.

Apple has already released the iBooks Author software package to help streamline the process of publishing ebooks. Although there are already services that help build iOS apps, nothing would compare to a software package from Apple dedicated to the process. Drawings from the patent application show a variety of graphic interfaces that could be used to make apps.

Apple has started to prompt iOS users to enter security questions in an effort to increase security for Apple ID accounts. The dialog box that pops up on the home screen may look suspicious, but the process is legit. The box reads "Security Info Required" and explains that a password confirmation is necessary.

If you see the pop up, don't be alarmed, simply tap the Security Info button to make sure that Apple doesn't bother you again. This will forward you over to a Security Info screen, where you'll need to enter three separate security questions with answers.

Rockstar Games has announced that Max Payne Mobile will be available for iOS devices on Thursday, April 12th. The Android version will be available two weeks later on April 26th. Both the iOS and Android versions will feature HD graphics, high-resolution textures, Social Club connectivity and user-customizable controls. Pricing is unknown, but Rockstar's last iOS game Grand Theft Auto III retailed for $2.99.

Max Payne Mobile will be available for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch 4, iPad, iPad 2 and the new iPad. A list of supported Android devices will be listed on their blog in the coming weeks.

Sometimes the iPhone home button stops working properly. The iPhone operating system is heavily dependent on the home button for several features and functions, and when it ceases to be responsive this can really slow you down. There are several reasons why the home button might not register a press, these can be both hardware and software issues.

The most common problems with the iPhone home button are when pressing the button does nothing, or a double-click only registers a single click. Delays can also happen between presses and action. Luckily there is a quick fix that will calibrate your iPhone home button you can try first. This trick can fix an unresponsive home button thanks to a software reset. To reset a sluggish home button perform the following steps on your device:

Apple just announced at today's Apple "Let's Talk iPhone" event that iOS 5 will be a free update available to all users come October 12th. iPhone and iPad owners have been long awaiting the release of iOS 5 since its announcement earlier this year. The iOS has been through multiple beta releases with Apple's iOS developer community and is now ready for release.

Apple has basically been reviewing iOS 5 features and has yet to make an announcement regarding what version of a new iPhone will be released. Rumors from earlier this morning suggest that Apple will not be releasing an iPhone 5 today, but will instead be releasing only the iPhone 4S.

Two patents submitted by Apple point to major feature enhancements under development that would dramatically change the iOS Maps app on iPhones and other mobile devices. Both patents were discovered in the past two weeks by AppleInsider. The patent diagram below shows Apple's take on augmented reality.

Several apps have tried to implement augmented reality by overlaying graphics on top of live video from the iPhone camera. In one example, Yelp included a feature that showed nearby businesses directly on live video of the area. The app made waves two years ago as the first iOS augmented reality application, combining data from the camera, GPS and compass.

Screenshots acquired by 9to5 Mac reveal a gesture-based passcode lock screen already in use internally at Apple. The AppleConnect iOS application for employees makes use of the feature.

Much like a similar gesture-based passcode lock found on Android devices, the Apple version allows users to set a private code based on points that are connected by the user on the screen. The iOS version has a progress bar indicating the strength of an individual gesture entered for use as a passcode.

In September 2010 the Apple iPhone overtook BlackBerry for the top spot in US smartphone market share. A new report by Nielsen shows iOS commanding 28.6 percent of the market in November 2010, more than any other smartphone operating system.

BlackBerry and Android were neck and neck in November, with Android devices on the rise and BlackBerry devices losing market share but maintaining a slight edge. It's not clear how long iOS can keep its top position, as Android almost doubled its share from June to November.