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How Apple Plans to Stop iPhone Location Tracking

Apple has finally addressed complaints that its mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad are tracking users by recording cellular tower triangulation data. The company issued a Q&A document to explain exactly what's happening on the devices they manufacture and how they plan to remedy the issues that even some members of Congress have expressed concerns over.

iPhone Tracker open source application

Apple is already facing lawsuits over the tracking issue, which was revealed by security researchers. Although individual devices have locally stored logs of location data going back as far as the installation of iOS 4.0, Apple insists that the company can't track individuals as any data it collects is anonymous and encrypted. According to the Q&A document, the purpose of these transmissions is to build better location based services and individual iPhones are never tracked at all.

Remote iPhone Unlock Services Shut Down Indefinitely

Here's a surprise: no-jailbreak remote iPhone unlock services Cut Your Sim and others are out of business. Apparently their supplier couldn't continue making unauthorized changes to Apple's IMEI database and needs to postpone the service indefinitely. These services were charging a fee of $170 or more to unlock iPhones in a process they claim is permanent without violating the terms of Apple's warranty.

unlock services remote apple IMEI

Luckily those who were in line to have their devices unlocked are getting their money refunded. It's not clear why the unlocking procedure had to be stopped, whether it was Apple getting involved or figuring out exactly where the leak was in their database security. What's interesting is that even the operators of Cut Your Sim aren't sure exactly how the iPhones are unlocked, just that the process originates from the UK.

Leaked Photos Show White iPhone 5 with Larger Screen

A prototype of the next iPhone has allegedly been revealed in photos by MIC Gadget. Some are calling the model an iPhone 4S since it relies heavily on the current iPhone design for its form factor. Seen below, the next generation iPhone in white features a larger screen than its predecessor.

iphone 5 leaked photo small bezel A5 processor

Although the authenticity of the photo can't be assured, this image corroborates several prior reports of a smaller bezel and edge-to-edge screen, cited as 3.7 or 4 inches compared to the current 3.5 inch screen on the iPhone 4. The model pictured above looks like it could be thinner than current iPhone models as well.

What will the iPhone 5 look like in September?

Sources describing the next iPhone have fallen into two camps, those who predict a complete redesign from Apple, and others claiming the device will remain much like the iPhone 4. Despite the appearance of several mockups indicating a radical departure from the current design, recent evidence points to a step change and possibly even a name that's more modest: the iPhone 4S. Much like the iPhone 3GS was just an iPhone 3G with improved hardware inside, it's looking more likely Apple could take this route with the next device.

iphone 5 mockup slim iPod touch

The design above illustrates one of the possible departures from the current iPhone 4 form factor, leading the next handset more in the direction of the iPod touch or iPad 2. Other designs have been described by some in the industry with mysterious sources at Apple and elsewhere that show a similar theme, metal back and slim profile without the silver external antenna so commonly discussed on the current model.

Angry Birds Seasons Adds 15 New Easter Levels

As expected, Rovio has released 15 new levels for Angry Birds Seasons to commemorate the arrival of spring and the Easter holiday. Version 1.4.0 for iPhone features pigs with bunny ears and plenty of Easter eggs. There are also bonus levels that can be unlocked by liking the game on Facebook from directly within the app.

Spring Angry Birds Rovio update Easter

The update is free for those who already own Angry Birds Seasons, but if you haven't joined the fun yet it's only $0.99 for all of the holiday levels ($1.99 on the iPad). Previous releases include Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's themed levels with the same basic game that Angry Birds fans have become accustomed to playing. Rovio continues to expand the Angry Birds franchise with new software on the horizon.

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