News

As expected, Apple has released iTunes 11 with major changes. The software has a redesigned edge-to-edge interface along with a long list of new features and improvements. Besides another icon update, Apple has included custom designs for each album, movie or TV show and a new library with simpler, more intuitive views.

iCloud integration is much improved, with playback syncing making it possible pick up where you left off listening on different devices. Purchases can also be streamed or downloaded to different pieces of Apple hardware immediately with your Apple ID. Speaking of purchases, the iTunes Store has been completely redesigned with a clean look that makes it easier to use.

Looking for more Lightning to USB options for your iPhone 5? Griffin has announced it will be the first to hit the market with official third-party Lightning cables for Apple devices. All of the options are designed to prevent tangles and kinks in the cord.

All of Griffin's cables will be fully compatible with the iPhone 5, iPad mini, 4th generation iPad, iPod touch 5G and iPod nano 7G. The products were announced in a press release and will be available starting the first week of December.

The iPhone 5 can now be purchased unlocked in the U.S. via the Apple Store. An unlocked iPhone allows Apple customers to buy the device without agreeing to a two-year carrier contract, however, this also means users are stuck paying an unsubsidized price. Apple is offering the 16GB model for $649, the 32GB model for $749 and the 64GB model for $849.

The unlocked iPhone 5 only works with GSM wireless networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile (T-Mobile customers considering buying an unlocked iPhone 5 may want to wait until next week to see if the T-Mobile iPhone rumor is true). The unlocked iPhone 5 does not support CDMA-based carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint, and requires a nano-SIM card to work.

Deutsche Telekom is rumored to be working on a deal to bring the iPhone to its U.S. subsidiary. Merrill Lynch's Scott Craig told investors "speculation is heightening" that the telecommunications company will announce a deal with Apple at next week's analysts day.

T-Mobile has been working on expanding its high-speed HSPA+ network, and even offers free iPhone support, and iPhone nanoSIMs to its customers using unlocked devices. It has been estimated that T-Mobile is carrying nearly a million unlocked iPhones on its network.

Another update to the Skype iPhone and iPad apps has been released, adding new features and bug fixes. Desktop users will recognize some of these features, which include the ability to log in with your Microsoft account. This integration is the next step in Microsoft's plan to replace the Messenger IM client with Skype.

The Skype iPhone app can now be used to chat directly with contacts on Hotmail, Messenger or Outlook.com. Those who are new to Skype will find that an account can be created directly from the app, no computer required. Account holders with the iPhone 5 probably noticed that Skype optimized its app for the larger display, already released in a previous update.