With its new emphasis on iCloud, Apple is looking to make wireless backups of app data as efficient as possible in iOS 5 and beyond. The operating system will automatically remove temporary files stored in app directories on your device to free up space. Developers must now explicitly specify which important offline files are to remain in an app directory regardless of how much storage space is left on the device.
Submitted by Bob Bhatnagar on
iPhone users who have experienced shorter than expected battery life using iOS 5 continue waiting for Apple to track down the cause of the power drain. The recent iOS 5.0.1 update made some changes to improve battery life, fixing the problem for some iPhone owners. Apple explained that more work was underway to figure out other causes of battery drain that are still affecting others.
Developers had hoped that iOS 5.1 would contain more fixes and battery life on the iPhone 4S would improve for those experiencing the problem. Unfortunately, it seems this is not the case, and the iOS 5.1 beta firmware has not solved the ongoing battery issues. Many iPhone 4S users have not had any problem with their battery life, which makes the problem even more elusive.
Submitted by Bob Bhatnagar on
Looking for a less expensive way to call overseas? AT&T now provides a solution in their own Call International iPhone app, available for free on the App Store. Calling from the US using the app requires no recurring monthly charge, contract commitment or prepaid balance. According to AT&T the rates offered when using Call International are their lowest available.
Contacts can be dialed directly from your iPhone Contacts list without entering any codes or PIN numbers to call. Calls are billed directly the credit card associated with your Call International account. This account can be set up directly within the Call International app on your iPhone. So what are the advantages of VoIP calling?
Submitted by Frank Macey on
Google gets credit for Gmail's sharp mobile web interface on the iPhone, however despite several native apps available from the company we have yet to see Gmail for iOS. This could all be set to change, as a Gmail app is said to be on its way to iTunes. Google has not made any official comment about a possible iPhone and iPad mail application, but observers think the time is right considering Apple's launch of iOS 5 Notification Center.
Sources have told tech reporter MG Siegler that the Gmail iOS app has already been submitted for review and should be released shortly. Besides Gmail's powerful search capabilities, push notifications would make the app infinitely more useful for iPhone owners. Unfortunately reading Gmail on the iPhone currently does not provide a push option.
Submitted by Frank Macey on
Missing the days of record players, cassette tapes and compact discs? The days of the iPod may even be numbered now that Apple has changed the iPod app icon in iOS 5. If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia, here are some iPhone apps that will make your music player a little more interesting.
First off is AirCassette, which brings back the Sony Walkman and homemade mix tapes for $1.99. AirCassette is the most versatile of the bunch, and has graphics simulating several different blank tapes to choose from.
