The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. A “Dream Team” of iOS experts have just rolled out an untethered jailbreak for Apple’s dual-core A5 iDevices, dubbed Absinthe A5, and designed to target iPhone 4S and iPad 2 running iOS 5.0.1 on board. Please note that it’s for Mac users only, at the moment, but a Windows version is probably going to be out very soon. As usual with most hacks, proceed with caution, but definitely proceed. Click the following link to learn more about the new release, get jailbreaking file here or hit the jump to watch the video.

Update: Well, that didn’t take long. Shortly after the Absinthe A5 untethered jailbreak released for OS X users, the Dream Team further extended their hacking solutions and returned back with a new jailbreak file, designed for Windows aficionados. So either click the source link below, or get the real thing right over here. Once again, you should plan carefully every step.

[greenpois0n]

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Ladies and gentlemen, the real untethered iOS 5.0.1 jailbreak y’all been waiting for is finally out and ready to open a wide range of your personal Apple iDevices (including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 1, iPod Touch 3G and iPod Touch 4G), except the iPhone 4S and iPad 2, which carry inside an upgraded A5 chipset. No sign as to when these two might get their own jailbreaking release, but be sure we’ll have this one sooner rather than later. Those with the pre-A5 machines can use a combination of tools to approach their hack, such as Pwnage Tool,  redsn0w 0.9.10, and Chronic Devteam’s Cydia package (look for “Corona”). Hit the link below to learn even more or click the jump to watch the video (courtesy of Cydiahelp). Happy jailbreak!

[via iPhone Devteam]

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Google’s newest Android operating system version has had experts and users alike sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting impatiently for the Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) to be delivered on mobile devices with all the bells and whistles of the ice cream truck. Users have delayed purchasing new mobile phones and tablets until the new operating confection was available. After all the headlines and the anticipation, does Android 4.0.- finally beat Apple’s iOS?

In some areas and functions, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” In other facets, it’s, well, “not yet.” While Ice Cream Sandwich does make user control of apps easier, animation less jerky and the interface more user-friendly, it can’t yet claim the fame of toppling iOS yet. But it’s getting there, and it’s our opinion that Apple should be getting very, very worried.

Improvements

First, the good news: Many of the Gingerbread snafus, glitches and hang-ups are gone. Smoother operations are the norm with Ice Cream Sandwich. However, there still are a few that we’ll outline below.

The separated, dedicated Function keys permanently resting at the bottom of the screen are tremendous time savers. You want to return Home? Press the key. Want to head back one screen? Press that key. Want terrific apps management? Press that dedicated key. Forget a screen full of icons that you can’t see when surfing or texting or writing a note: The dedicated function keys are offset and separated from the used screen area. They’re always there – unless you deliberately use a full screen operation.

The user interface is a major improvement from Gingerbread (2.3) to Honeycomb (3.0) to Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0). Logical organisation is the key phrase. While there is still a learning curve for new Android users, learning to navigate the device is much simpler and shorter than ever. It’s not quite as intuitive and familiar as Win 7 or as easy as iOS, but it’s a major step up from Android 2.2 Froyo, Android 2.3 Gingerbread or Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

Quirks and Glitches

Alas, while apps are much more easily managed in ICS, many apps don’t work with ICS: The apps are made for Gingerbread; many won’t even download onto an ICS-driven device. Overall, Android apps are much fewer in number than Apple apps, and with the ICS compatibility issue, the Android number just dropped even farther.

The touch controls for apps might be nicer, but the touch controls still have a minute lag that is absent in Apple iOS. It’s better than it used to be, but the lag is still there. Because of that barely noticeable but noticeable delay, Ice Cream Sandwich can seem rather sleepy at times.

Future Possibilities

Android developers are extremely responsive to glitch reports, so much so that Ice Cream Sandwich has moved from the 4.0 original version to 4.0.3 in just a few weeks. It won’t be long at all before Android OS is a true, heads-on competitor with Apple iOS.

Apple has just rolled out iOS 5.0.1  (build number 9A405) for its iDevices lineup, now available through your iTunes app. The new update, which many iphone 4s owners have been waiting for, fixes the pesky battery-draining problem that users were suffering from in iOS 5. In addition, the new release is offering a bug fix for uploading documents to the iCloud service and brings some new multitasking gestures for iPad’s first-gen. Happy updates!

Update: It’s a 790MB download if you’ll choose the iTunes path, or 44.6MB delta for those who will update wirelessly (OTA).

Apple has just pushed out iOS 5, one of its biggest updates ever, now available for download through your iTunes account, for  iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, as well as both iPad 1 & iPad 2. iOS 5 includes more than 200 new features for your iDevices, among them: The notification center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, integrated Twitter app, photo enhancements (plus grid & edit features), iCloud sync and backup for your mail/calender/contacts/notes/reminders etc. (you get 5GB of storage for FREE), WiFi sync capabilities, Airplay mirroring, multitasking gestures and more. In addition, Apple has also released iTunes 10.5 filled with iCloud support and plenty other goodies you will all get to try with iOS 5 on board. And speaking about the cloud, looks like iCloud.com is now officially LIVE and ready for use (in case you have iOS 5 or OS X  Lion client). Check out the video after the break.

Update: Apple has also released two new iOS apps, including AirPort Utility and Find My Friends, which can be downloaded via iCloud.

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Today, the world mourns the loss of a true visionary and a tech legend. Steve Jobs passes away at the age of 56, only few weeks after stepping down from Apple’s CEO position, leaving 317 Apple patents listed under his name and an amazing cultural experience we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Here are some of the tributes from those who knew him:

President Obama:

Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity.  By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun.  And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last.  Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.

Apple CEO, Tim Cook:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Please hit the break to read even more tributes, along with Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address video that would truly inspire and motivate one and all.

[Apple]

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At the “Let’s Talk iPhone” event in Cupertino, Apple officially introduces its iPhone 4S, an upgrade to the iPhone 4 with the “S” mark stands for Speed (Or Super Man, your call). The 4S will run on HSDPA network (dual CDMA / GSM) and will launch on October 14 in the US (Canada, Australia, UK, France, Germany, and Japan), priced at $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB and $399 for 64GB, while orders start October 7th.

The new iPhone 4S will sport a rear eight-megapixel camera  (capable of 3264-by-2448 pixel resolution) with a backlit sensor, a DSLR lens mount, and last but not least: 1080p HD recording. Besides that, it boasts 1GB RAM (vs. the 512mb on the iphone 4), a powerful dual-core A5 processor, a 7x times faster graphics integration and finally, and maybe a little disappointing, the same concept/design of the good ‘ol iphone 4.

What else inside, you’re asking? Well, it has that same stunning 3.5-inch Retina display up front, paired with the nice and fragile glass cover on the back, a built-in Wifi connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 +A2DP, a battery that delivers impressive 8 hours of 3G talk time, 6 hours of 3G browsing, 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours in music mode.

Software wise, the iPhone 4S will run Apple’s latest and greatest iOS 5 platform which will be released, free of charge, on October 12th, along with other cool features such as AirPlay mirroring, Notifications center, Reminders, the iMessages, a Newsstand app, and the big daddy of them all - iCloude support. The 4S is also the first iDevice to run Siri, your personal intelligent voice assistant that lets you ask any question about weather forecast, directions, technological issues, restaurants recommendations and more – Compatible with English French and German languages in the Beta stage – Or set up calender meetings, voice-to-text messages, alarms, different kind of web searches/activities and many other options on board.

Apple also plans an 8 GB iPhone 4 that will be launched at the same day for $49.99(!), replacing the iPhone 3GS that will be offered for nothing but $0 at the entry level point.

Make sure you checkout the Official iPhone 4S/Siri introduction videos after the break, along with the full PR announcement and a comparison table between the new 4S device and its twin brother – iphone 4.

Update1: Whether it’s the Steve Jobs effect or the iphone 4S attraction, one thing’s for sure – the iphone 4S mobile device is already a hit. According to the latest news, the Cupertino giant has already received over 200,000 AT&T pre-orders in the first 12 hours of online availability (since October 7), which means the entire first iphone 4s U.S online stock is GONE and it would probably take one or two weeks of shipping for those who aim for a second round of orders. That’s crazy! To say the least.

Update2: And to be even more precised, Apple has just issued a new press release announcing even more staggering numbers – Over one million pre-orders for the iPhone 4S in 24 hours. Wow. Almost twice the previous single-day iphone 4 selling record of 600,000.  Full PR after the break.

[Apple]

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Apple has officially started selling unlocked iPhone 4 devices through their online US store. And while we’re not exactly sure what that means, iPhone 5 wise, the fourth generation (that only work on AT&T’s 3G network, Stateside) will set you back for $649 (16GB) or $749 (32GB), and the best part – will run without restrictions on a U.S. carrier, whether it’s the black mobile device that you like, or perhaps the relatively new whitish flavor.

[Apple]

Apple has just rolled out iOS 4.3.3, available now via iTunes for its iDevices - with fixes for the battery life problems, and of course the way your mobile devices (e.g iPhone and iPad) are tackling location tracking database, shrinking it and making it more encrypted. The new firmware update makes sure that the location data archive that was backed up to iTunes, will now be correctly removed from the idevices system upon switching location services off. Direct links for iOS 4.3.3 after the break.

Update: Yes, you’ve guessed that right boys and girls, the Dev-Team has just dropped in their latest and greatest jailbreak solution for Cupertino’s recently announced, iOS 4.3.3 update. In that regard, both PwnageTool and redsn0w are now capable of handling the 4.3.3 firmware and appear to be available for download from various vendors and sources. And while an iPad 2 jailbreaking solution is yet to be determined, the rest of the group (of iDevices) can be fully extracted and seem to support the new untethered jailbreak. Even more links after the break.

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The iPad 2 is reported to be selling quite good throughout the States and beyond, but as time goes by and the popularity rise steadily, more and more countries are looking to be part of the overwhelming sales growth. As for that matter, Apple has additionally confirmed a WiFi iPad 2 release in Japan today, April 28, and in 11 more countries tomorrow, including Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and UAE, then in China on May 6. And while local prices are yet to be determined, suggested retail pricing is on par with the US market, at $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model and $699 for the 64GB model. As for the iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G connectivity, prices are matching US MSRPs and said to be at $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model. Full PR after the break.

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iPhone 5 may not be available for purchase this coming summer, but according to a Reuters report, delivered by three different people who are well informed about the manufacturing process, the Cupertino legend might start shipping throughout the US somewhere around September, while mass production is rumored to start sometime in early July. We can expect to see and hear more about it in Apple’s WWDC 2011 event which takes place this summer between June 5 and June 9, so stay tuned there is more to come!

Apple has just released iOS 4.3.2 for all iOS devices (e.g iPhone 4, 3GS, iPad 1 & 2, iPod touch), while at the same time Verizon models are getting the v4.2.7 upgrade. The new iOS version is now available through your iTunes software and claimed to fix a few pesky bugs, several security issues, iPad 3G connectivity problems and repeated frozen Facetime video calls – A minor update, but very essential. Happy downloads everyone! (666.2MB).

Update: And a few hours later… A tethered jailbreak has just been launched into the pond. Mind you, it will not unlock the new baseband on iOS 4.3.2 yet, so make sure you follow the link and read the step-by-step guide much more carefully.

Apple has just rolled out a new firmware update for the myriad of iDevices, with the latest release of iOS 4.3.1 which should fix several pesky bugs that users have been experiencing in AV-out, enterprise apps, iPod touch graphics and mobile network connections. The new update is now available for download via iTunes, so hook your stuff and get it done right.

Well, looks like it didn’t take the good fellows over at iFixit a long time to get their hands on a brand new iPad 2, and then tear it apart into several small bite-sized pieces. To put things in a nutshell, their findings suggest (at least when it comes to the WiFi-only version) that Apple’s second-gen iPad device (model number A1395) includes pretty much the same size battery as the iPad 1 – a 3.8V, 25 watt-hour unit, alongside a 1GHz A5 CPU, 512MB of RAM, 16GB of Toshiba TH58NVG7D2FLA89 NAND Flash, and a Broadcom: BCM43291HKUBC WiFi controller. Furthermore, there’s also a clear evidence for the existence of a S6T2MLC N33C50V Power Management IC, tucked with a tiny biny gyroscope (AGD8 2103), and a small pair of integrated speakers. And if you’re seriously interested in this fascinating topic, head on past the break to watch iFixit’s full-fledged explanatory coverage.

[iFixit]

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OK, so It’s Apple’s iPad 2 first day of sales over there, in famous Uncle Sam’s land, with downtown stores opening their doors somewhere at sunset, roughly 5:00 PM, as brave people start gathering around, while average (solid) queues length varies from small town to big city. Although, this definitely isn’t the crazy scenes we’ve seen in iPad’s first-gen / iPhone 4 debuts, back in 2010, there’s still quite a bit of potential there, assuming those queues are only going to grow bigger and longer. We’ve been busy gathering for you a few examples of images, taken by random Twitter users. More pictures after he break.

Reminder: Appe’s iPad 2 will launch in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on March 25.

Update 1: We’ve just added a couple of videos from The Cube in New York, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, WA, and another one from the Walden Galleria . Check ‘em out after the break.

Update 2: We’ve also added a few unboxing videos after the break.

Credit: Marguerite Reardon/CNET

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So It’s iPad 2 launch day in the US of A, fellow readers, and that means long waiting queues outside Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, Target, Verizon Wireless, and Walmart retail stores, which are all expected to start selling Cupertino’s latest and greatest 9.7-inch wonder at about 5:00 p.m local time, and not a moment earlier. But for those looking to skip the hassle of lining up in front of crowded places, you can actually do it without leaving your couch – simply login at Apple.com at 1am PST/4am EST, pickup your favorite second-gen iPad 2.0 tablet (whether in Black or White flavors), browse through the optional accessories around, and play your online orders before the sun rises. In addition to that, you’re also getting the option to put a two line personalised engraved message on the back of the iPad, and dedicate it to your beautiful girlfriend or your most beloved mother. Full PR is half past the corner.

Update1: Well, it looks like the demand for iPad 2 is on the rise, ladies and gentlemen, and If you missed the first wave of online purchasing, you don’t want to miss the second one (assuming you do have plans to get yourself a brand new iPad device), which isn’t expected to ship for the next 3-4 months! Yes, it’s out of stock for online homies, at least for the time being. In store sales are still going as usual, with analysts predicting over 600,000 iPad 2 record sales over launch weekend only. Still want one and don’t have a retail store around? I guess you can try your luck over at eBay, though we hear that prices have already reached a whopping $2600 in there.

Update2: According to a Reuters citing industry analysts, Apple sold close to 1 million iPad 2s over the launch weekend alone. The profile of iPad 2 buyer is said to be composed of approximately 60% existing iPad owners and 40% of first time iPad customers. 100% percent of them claim to own at least one Apple product somewhere in their homes.

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Apple officially rolls out its most anticipated iOS 4.3 firmware update for iPhone 3GS/4,  iPod touch 3rd and 4th generations, iPad 1, iPad 2 and Apple TV devices. The new version, which has just gone live ( two days before time) and available for download via iTunes or Apple’s website, features several improvements such as mobile hotspot capabilities for iPhones, Airplay updates, a few Javscript Safari improvements, minor security fixes and the option to determine whether the side switch will act as a rotation lock or mute button, in case you are an avid iPad user. So there you go. Happy update!

[Apple]

Samsung’s second-gen Galaxy Tab has already had its first appearance in public, at the MWC 2011 event in Barcelona, Spain, but the last word on that Honeycomb tablet still hasn’t been said. A lot has happened since then; Apple has officially announced the iPad 2, for one – A viable threat, that the South Korean giant couldn’t just ignore. On the contrary, in a recent chat with Yonhap News Agency, executive VP Lee Don-Joo admitted that Samsung needs to do some re-thinking as far as the Tab II inner parts are concerned, and made the pledge to “improve the parts that are inadequate” but didn’t specify what, where or when. In addition to that, Sammy’s top executive has also mentioned that his company will reconsider the new Tab pricing model, and may lower the Galaxy Tab 10.1 -inch price range, in response to the iPad 2 most attractive retail selling prices. A good step towards success.

Update: Looks like Sammy’s Honeycomb tablet will be released on schedule after all. According to Yonhap News Agency that have recently been in contact with Samsung, there are no plans to upgrade or redevelop the company’s next-gen Galaxy Tab in the foreseeable future. Perhaps in some other models.

Apple has ended months of speculation by officially unveiling the iPad 2, company’s most anticipated second-gen tablet that will start shipping Stateside on March 11th and March 25th in other countries, with prices as follows: $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB), $699 (64GB), add $130 for 3G. The formal announcement which took place this morning at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California was super exciting, with Apple CEO Steve Jobs surprisingly taking the stage himself.

The iPad2 is only 8.8mm thick, 33% thinner than the original one (and thinner than iPhone 4), weighs 1.35 pounds, and has that same 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS display (Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating) that offers a full capacitive touch screen, supported by 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch. Apple promising a “nine times faster on graphics” 1GHz custom built A5 (dual-core) chip (twice faster on cpu), while tablet capacities are claimed to be the same traditional ones, at 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of flash storage.

The iPad2 comes either in black or White hues, with 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 plus EDR technology, as well as a large speaker on its back, microphone, 512MB or RAM, and a 30-pin dock connector, downstairs. The new iPad will also be available in a 3G flavor with speeds up to 7.2Mbps, while battery life is estimated at 10 hours or so. In addition, the industry giant and innovator says “…that 2011 will be the year of iPad 2″ with 65,000 apps compared to 100 only on Google’s Honeycomb.

So, what else is new in iPad 2, you ask? Well, there are two built-in cameras inside, one on rear, capable recording a 720p video at 30fps, and a front-facing one, supporting 5x digital zoom. Some cool accessories that Apple is tossing, such as the HDMI video out which will run for $39, and a stunning smart cover case, made of materials like micro-fiber and “magnet” elements – that’s $39 for the plastic version or $69 for the leather.

Software wise, iOS 4.3 being announced (available for download on March 11, free of charge) with new iTunes Home Sharing features, Airplay updates, and Nitro Javscript Safari improvements, delivering much faster surfing results. Other than that, we’re looking at the new ability to “share your 3G connection via wifi” which is best known as Mifi personal hotspot, a lovely revamped Photo Booth edition, supporting nine live video streams at once, Apple’s FaceTime feature for video conferencing purposes , a whole new version of iMovie, that takes advantage of the iPad’s big screen (about $4.99) and the most famous “touch instruments” OS X app, GarageBand  that will join the lineup with 8track recording, 250+ loops, effects, amps and plenty stuff more for a very small price tag ($4.99).

So there you go ladies and gentlemen. Who’s buying the new iPad and who’s not?

Hit the jump for the video introductions along some few more pics and full PR notes.

[Apple]

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Looks like the wait is over, fellow readers, now that the Chronic Dev Team Greenpoison hack is finally out and about, to help you jailbreaking iOS 4.2.1 firmware. Now, as some of you may or may not have noticed, this most recent update (RC5 build) is an untethered jailbreak, which of course means you do not need to re-jailbreak if you restart your iDevice. Cool, isn’t it? Well, the good news is that the new software works for both Mac and Windows users. The bad, if you’re willing to take our advice, is that you still need to proceed with caution – and if that’s ok with you then go for it.

Update: If you happen to own a Verizon iPhone and are willing to give it the jailbreak treatment using Greenpois0n’s latest and greatest RC5.4 hacking software, mind you it’s here  – live and kickin’, ready to rock your iOS 4.2.6 devices with some cool Cydia apps, whether you’re a Mac or a PC user.

[greenpois0n]