iPhone

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.

GameStop has started offering in-store credit for used iPod, iPhone and iPad devices. A message on their website reads:

"Did you know that GameStop now buys your old iPod, iPhone and iPad devices? Trade them in at GameStop for in-store credit. Perfect for trading toward games, accessories, systems and more. Bring in your old iPod, iPhone or iPad and a Game Advisor can assist you. Plus, you’ll score PowerUp Rewards points on every item traded."

Apple plans to invest $1 billion dollars to secure a supply of LCD screens after having issues with LG Display and Samsung.

The proposed move is a product of the Samsung/Apple feud. Apple is looking to move away from their new rival, and invest in a Sharp Corp factory to manufacture LCD screens for iPhones and iPads in the future. Japanese chipmakers are hoping to benefit from the switch, and are preparing for increased orders from Apple if they can't patch their relationship with Samsung.

"If the situation escalates into a state of war, this could mean a huge shift in orders," an unnamed source told Reuters.

Facebook rolled out a new messaging system for iPhones and Android devices on Tuesday. The new Facebook messaging app simplifies the way you stay in contact with your friends and family by offering an extension of the Facebook messaging feature.

Facebook Messaging is a separate app that allows you to use one click to receive or send messages that are sent through notifications or texts, making it easier for you to connect with your friends on facbook or in your phone's contact list. The app saves all e-mails, texts, and messages so you can keep track of conversations on your mobile device or computer.

Apple has released iOS 4.3.5 to patch another security hole. The last update released only a few weeks ago patched the PDF exploit used by hackers to release the latest jailbreaking tool. This update is to stop "an attacker with a privileged network position" from stealing your data while you're surfing the web. If your iPhone or iPad is jailbreak free, or you don't plan on jailbreaking it in the future, accepting the update is probably a good idea. However, the current redsn0w 0.9.8 jailbreak hack still works with the update.

Just connect your device to your computer and "check for updates" to download iOS 4.3.5 for your iPad, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPhone 4, iPod touch (4th generation), iPhone 3GS. The Verizon update is labeled 4.2.10.

You can stop cutting your SIM cards, because T-Mobile if offering free micro SIMs for Apple smartphones via their website. All you have to do is sign a two-year contract and enjoy the EDGE network. Doesn't sound like such a great deal if you ask me. The T-Mobile online ad reads:

T-Mobile has been rumored to be preparing to offer the iPhone on their network for awhile now, and even though Apple is trying to buy the carrier, some analyst believe that 2011 will be the year it actually happens. While regulatory authorities examine the possible AT&T/T-Mobile deal, AT&T is claiming that the companies would operate separately for several years. If true, this would make a T-Mobile iPhone still desirable.

Starting today (July 18), CNN and HLN (made famous by Casey Anthony) will be the first news networks to stream 24-hours live on iOS devices and online. The online service and CNN app for the iPhone, iPod and iPad are available to cable subscribers with AT&T, Comcast, Cox, DISH Network, Suddenlink or Verizon.

Online viewers can go to the CNN video page and access the stream by selecting the "Live" tab. Apple users can download the iPad app or the iPhone/iPod app to add CNN Live to their devices.

Those "well placed and anonymous sources" are at it again. The tech blogs Chip Hazard and West Coast Gadgets have kicked off a whole new set of rumors by claiming that the iPhone 5 is in the hands of AT&T and Sprint beta testers. Chip Hazard's "well places sources" in AT&T mobility revealed that beta testers have been testing the iPhone 5 since July 6. Citing no sources, West Coast Gadgets announced that Sprint beta testers will be spotted in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York City, and Chicago starting this Monday.

Why is Apple purportedly using 3rd party testers? According to another tech blog, AT&T and Sprint are ensuring another Antennagate doesn't happen by checking for reception and connectivity. The author also points to Apple's own internal testers losing an iPhone last year, but wouldn't giving out more devices to 3rd parties increase the chances of a repeat, and more leaks? With all the so-called "inside sources" releasing so much information, it seems like Apple is having a hard enough time keeping their own people quiet these days.

On Friday, Apple launched iOS 4.3.4 to patch a vulnerability that allowed hackers to remotely take over iOS devices. Unfortunately, this security risk was also the same PDF exploit used by Comex to release JailbreakMe 3.0 a little over a week ago. Not a big deal if you stuck with iOS 4.3.3, but for those of you who didn't get the memo, there is a savior in the form of a tethered jailbreak. Not as good, but better than nothing.

Redmond Pie released a tutorial on how to jailbreak your iPhone, iPad (sorry doesn't work for the iPad 2) and iPod touch running iOS 4.3.4.

Developers playing with iOS 5 beta 3 have discovered that it features AirPlay mirroring. AirPlay allows you to mirror your FaceTime video chats to a larger screen. If AirPlay mirroring makes it to the final version of iOS 5, your iPhone or iPad could change business conferences, future Twilight fan club meetings, or long distance family chats. No more trying to huddle around your iPad to wave at Grandma.

The initial images of AirPlay from iOS 5 aren't that impressive (see above), but it seems like a small price to pay for the possible benefits. However, AirPlay may get a boost from the next generation iPhone or iPad, depending of what kind of camera they have.