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AT&T announced earlier this month that iOS 6 users with an LTE device and a "tiered data plan" would be allowed to use FaceTime over a cellular connection. While a step in the right direction, AT&T's new restrictions still left out those with grandfathered unlimited data plans and older devices. However, it looks like AT&T may have had a change of heart.

According to Cult of Mac and MacRumor forum users, grandfathered customers with unlimited data plans, and those with the iPhones 4S can now use FaceTime over a cellular connection. Cult of Mac reader Michael B. was one of the first to notice the change:

"I have AT&T grandfathered unlimited data. Rebooted my phone and now FaceTime is enabled. Woohoo! Looks like AT&T’s accountants figured out that they’ll make a bundle on overages with everyone making phone calls in High Def."

iOS 6 users looking for a way to replace Apple Maps may want to check out the new Nokia HERE Maps application now available in the App store. The app delivers features that Apple Maps lacks like voice-guided walking navigation and public transportation routes. Users can also download and save maps to use later without a data connection.

Other features include: The ability to search with history and suggestions, easy social network sharing, the ability to organize your favorite destinations into "collections", walk navigation through pedestrian routes, parks, alleyways, and of course public transportation and driving directions.

If you thought it was too early to start thinking about Apple's next iPhone, then think again. A report cited by MacRumors points to an iPhone 5S launch next summer, well ahead of the one-year anniversary of the iPhone 5 next September. Not only this, but Apple could also be looking to refresh the iPad with Retina display in June or July.

Announcing a fifth-generation iPad next summer would stagger the update with an iPad mini 2 launch in October 2013. Apple is rumored to already be testing the trial production of an iPhone 5S, with full manufacturing to ramp up early next year. Component suppliers in Asia are expected to benefit from strong demand from Apple during this time period thanks to the new product releases.

One of the more versatile video applications to be released for iOS, VLC Media Player was launched in late 2010 by Applidium. Unfortunately for VLC fans the app was pulled due to wording the General Public License (GPL). Now according to a report by Cult of Mac the app could return to the App Store.

The open-source GPL didn't allow Applidium to distribute VLC Media Player in the App Store, since Apple controls content in the store with Digital Rights Management (DRM) controls. VideoLAN, the creators of VLC have since changed the licensing on their software over to the Lesser General Public License (LGPL), opening the door for developers like Applidium to distribute apps built on the software in venues like the App Store.

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.