iOS 5 is currently on version beta 4 which is still a few steps away from launch. However, it appears that some apps are beginning to get approved for iOS 5. The images below show the Camera+ app and the Mashable app which both make mention of the new OS.
Gmail Calling Rolling out to 150 Countries
A few months ago, Google rolled out Gmail calling which allowed those in the US to make calls direct from Gmail. The service is now expanding in to other countries which will mean that 150 more destinations will have the ability to call mobiles and landlines direct from their email accounts.
Skype To Bring Video Calling to Windows Phone 7
By the end of 2011 you will more than likely be able to use Skype on your Windows Phone 7 smartphone to make video calls. This assumes you have a front facing camera of course.
Microsoft is currently hiring someone “…for building and optimizing the Skype Video Engine solution for Microsoft Windows and Windows Phone platforms.”. This strongly indicates that Skype video calling will be coming soon to WP7 smartphones.
Google Android Platform Distribution Stats Updated
The latest statistics about the Google Android platform have been published. The graph shows the usual rise of the newer versions of the operating system. The largest portion is Android 2.2 which accounts for 55.9% of all devices which is followed by Android 2.3.3/4 with a 23.7% share.
Internet TV Explained and the Advantages
The term ‘Internet TV’ refers to a television service that is available online. Much like conventional television, it allows viewers to select what they want to watch from a directory of channels. Many major Internet TV web sites are available on an on-demand basis. Unlike conventional Digital or Satellite TV, on-demand Internet TV viewers aren’t limited to only what is currently being broadcast. They can choose from the most recently aired shows or take a trip into the past with a visit to the site’s archives.
iCloud Pricing Revealed
When Apple announced iOS 5, they also announced a new service called iCloud. iCloud allows the iPhone and iPad to connect up seamlessly to the internet to store backups of your phone as well as documents, apps and music. The service will come with a free allowance of 5GB for each username. When Apple announced iCloud they also mentioned that for those going over the 5GB limit there would be an option of paying for more space. The prices have now been revealed.
iPad 2 Begins Shipping in 24 Hours in US
After launching a few months ago, Apple now seems to have caught up with demand as the majority of iPad 2 models are now shipping within 24 hours. Out of the 18 variations currently available, all but the 64GB black WiFi model are shipping within 24 hours at the moment. The other 17 version (various white/black/WiFi/WiFi+3G/Verizon/AT&T) will all be with buyers tomorrow if ordering today.
Microsoft and Nokia Event Being Held on August 17
In a few weeks time on August 17, Nokia and Microsoft will be holding a special event. The event is being held in Cologne, Germany at the GamesCon trade fair. It isn’t fully known how many Nokia/WP smartphones will be on show at the event, ie… which smartphone will be revealed, but what we do see is the Nokia and Windows Phone logo on show which guarantees that we’ll see where Nokia is at with the new operating system while also getting launch details of the device.
Microsoft Gives Windows Phone a New Logo
Microsoft has now released a new logo for Windows Phone. The new logo is part of the Mango update and has appeared in the latest build 7710 and all those that follow.
The logo is more basic than the previous version and is flat and somewhat looks like the tile system that Microsoft use on Windows Phone smartphones.
Skype for iPad Launched
Earlier this morning Skype launched a native app for the iPad. Unfortunately it was pulled out of the app store moments later and then followed by a tweet saying:
To ensure your best Skype experience, we’ve temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today.
Good new though as a quick check of the app store shows that it is available again (at least here in the UK where I am testing it now).
iPhone 5 Clone Spotted in China
The image below is what could be the iPhone 5 when it launches. The device is a clone that was built in China, perhaps by people who have access to the designs of the new iPhone. It’s a little different to what we expected in that it’s a cross between an iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 in that it has the metal sides, but instead of being completely flat, the edges are more rounded.
HTC Desire Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update Arrives
HTC has announced that the new update for the HTC Desire has been made available. There’s a problem though as they also announced that a few features might break such as SMS and MMS as explained below:
In addition certain functions may no longer be usable after re-flashing the ROM, including but not limited to MMS and SMS and HTC also disclaims liability for any unusable functions.