Today Apple released an update for their iBooks app, bringing it up to Version 1.1.1. Normally such updates include a mundane list of bug fixes, however, the update notation offers one very intriguing update, audio and video support.
This update will be of particular interest to Textbook, STM (Scientific, Technical and Medical) and non-fiction publishers as it would offer a greater level of interactivity to their material. This update has me excited about the possibilities of what such a simple addition could bring to an area in the iBookstore which is currently rather lifeless.
The other updates are listed here:
- Double-tap an image within a book to view it in greater detail.
- Experience books that include audio and video.
- Enjoy substantial performance improvements when reading PDFs.
- Look-up definitions to English words inside books without a specified language.
- Addresses an issue that may have caused some book downloads to not complete.
- Includes many stability and performance improvements.
Apple has released a software update for the iPad, iOS 3.2.1. The update brings several improvements and bug fixes, the most notable being “Improved WiFi connectivity”. The full list of upgrades are detailed here:
- Improved Wi-Fi connectivity
- Fixed an issue that could prevent copy and paste of single-page PDF attachments in Mail
- Addressed an issue that could cause video playback to freeze
- Improved reliability of video-out when using iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
- Added Bing as an option for Safari’s search field
Since the iPad’s release many users have complained that the device has lost it’s WiFi connection during use, meaning some users have had to either input their router password again or reboot the iPad itself. Despite not having the same press as the iPhone 4’s signal problems (which is addressed in a simultaneous update, iOS 4.0.1) it has still proved an area of criticism and frustration for users. Time will tell whether this update is a complete cure or a short term fix.
Apple has released an update to it’s MobileMe iDisk app to make it fully compatible with the iPad as well as the iphone and iPod Touch.
The app allows users to access documents, pictures and music that were deposited on to their iDisk on their Mac. Users can open documents using specific apps dependent on the format. This functionality is considered a crucial aspect for many ipad users, especially those who use the iWork apps. While other parties have created apps with this functionality, such as DropBox, many MobileMe subscribers have been waiting for this app to be updated.
Here are Apple’s notes to coincide with the update:
- Designed for both iPhone and iPad
- Multitasking support for iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS (iOS 4 required).
- Quickly switch to another app and back to iDisk
- Play audio from your iDisk while using another app
- When app is opened, the last file or directory viewed is displayed
- Open to open iDisk documents in compatible apps such as iBooks
- When sharing a file, an email can be sent from any configured email account
- The URL for a shared file can be copied and pasted
- Various stability improvements
One problem I have encountered whilst using the app is that it is somewhat a one-way street in terms of use. You can access documents from your Mac, however, you cannot then save it back onto your iDisk after editing. This crucial feature will presumably be included with either and iWork update or when the iOS4 is released for iPad this Autumn.
[This is a unedited guest post by Sachin Patel, one of the few lucky people that got their iPhone 4 delivered early.]
Introduction
I bought the iPhone 4 through Apple on June 15th, and it arrived today, June 22nd. I did an upgrade swap with a friend where we used their eligibility and in turn, they got the old iPhone 3GS from us. In doing this, there were issues in upgrading via the computer, so we had to take it into an AT&T store to get it activated. I bought it because I’m an Apple Geek and because the new iPhone is amazing, much better than the 3GS, and will dominate any other smartphone out there, so I was happy to get it today, before it officially launches, on June 24th.
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Tags: iPhone 4, iPhone 4 Accessoires, iPhone 4 Accessory, iPhone 4 Battery Life, iPhone 4 Camera Test, iPhone 4 Case, iPhone 4 Cases, iPhone 4 Heat Issues, iPhone 4 Review, iPhone 4 Screen Protector, iPhone 4 Unboxing, iPhone 4 Vs Druid Incredible, iPhone 4 vs iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 vs iPhone 3GS, Review for iPhone 4
ATT have sparked controversy this week with the news they will be discontinuing their unlimited mobile broadband plan for the iPad 3G from June 7th.
Up until this point AT&T offered customers a choice of two data plans: $14.99 for 250 MB of data per month or $29.99 per month for Unlimited data. But just over 1 month since the launch of the iPad 3G on April 30th, this has been revised significantly. Starting today the unlimited data plan has been removed and replaced with 2 GB for $25 per month. Whilst for the average consumer this is a significant amount, for many it is seen as another reason of justification for Apple to move away from AT&T as their sole US data partner for the iPad and iPhone.
However, there is a clause that may offer some comfort to users. Those who have bought or ordered their iPad 3G before June 7th can still sign up to the Unlimited plan including purchases from Apple’s Online Store. Those who have bought after the 11.59 PM cut off will not have the option of this plan.
Many see this as a prime example of the real need for multiple data partners in the US to trigger competitive pricing like in other countries. The UK for example has 4 different carriers allowing users real choice and an option to suit everyone. Something that is very much lacking in the US.
One has to wonder what Apple’s thoughts are on this issue. Steve Jobs himself described the two plans as a “real breakthrough” when he unveiled the iPad back in January. I don’t imagine he envisaged the breakthrough to last only 38 days.
Mobile Broadband
Apple will begin to distribute material from self-published authors in their iBookstore on the iPad and when the iPhone O.S 4.0 is released, the iPhone and iPod Touch as well.
Self-publishing has been steadily moving away from it’s stigmatized beginnings as being the route to authorship for the talentless and vain to the point where it is commanding respect from the big publishing companies. Many of whom use the self-publishing market as a cost-free testing ground for the best authors, looking for those who sell and then signing them up. This is obviously a huge incentive for those looking to publish. Up to this point, the route for those looking to self-publish would be to use a print-on-demand service (which is becoming increasingly prevalent), enlisting the help of a self-publishing company who command fees of around $1000 or to self-publish an ebook. Now there is a fourth option, to publish an iBook.
Authors will be able to have their books published on the iBookstore without the need for an agent or publisher. It appears as if Apple is following on from it’s successful App Store model in which virtually anyone with an idea can be successful. Apple is allowing authors near total control with writers being able to set prices and global distribution locations for their work, much like they do with developers for the App Store. What isn’t clear at this point is whether Apple will carry over the model of taking 30% of the profits as they use in the App Store. Another point of uncertainty is whether there will be a reviewal process of any kind and if so, how strict will it be? Apple has come under pressure due to it’s app reviewal process, some describing it as totalitarian in nature. The guidelines set out by Apple stipulate the book be in EPUB 1.0.5 format and have an ISBN. They also state that payments will only be made once an author has sold a certain amount of books; Apple has not stated what this amount is as of yet.
It is hard to know at this point how this move will pan out. Will the iBookstore be filled with the half-hearted attempts of those with a slow Saturday afternoon? Will Apple operate a stringent reviewal process? Or will those who are genuinely talented who have been given a chance to shine be successful and championed? I for one hope so.
[Submit iBooks > iTunes Connect]
