iPad

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.

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.

VitaminWater has figured out a way to make your daily commute better by turning bus shelters into charging ports.

iPhones have made waiting for the bus a little more tolerable, and now you can charge your device at bus stations in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. The ad agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky invented the "Alternative Energy Source" -- an ad campaign to promote the VitaminWater Energy drink by offering USB ports for charging mobile devices at bus stations. Now there are two reasons to walk a few extra blocks to find a bus shelter, to stay out of the rain and to charge your iPhone.

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.

Two patents filed by Apple suggest that the company is ready to test the waters of stylus type devices. The first product is a digital pen with a conductive heated tip for better interaction with the capacitive-sensors in Apple devices like the iPhone or iPad. It features a rechargeable battery and docking station that can connect to an iOS device.

The second, more interesting digital pen is the “communicating stylus,” a wireless pen that allows the user to send handwritten notes to an iPhone or iPad from across the room. The communicating stylus features accelerometers and wireless transmitters for sending position data to an iOS device. Users can doodle or take notes on their iPhone or iPad by writing in the air or using a whiteboard. Some speculate that Apple plans to introduce these new devices as an attempt to make their hardware more useful to students and teachers.