It has taken a fairly long time for Microsoft's Office suite to reach the mobile scene, and even though the launches for iOS and Android are now official, the Redmond company neglected to bring support for Apple's iPad right off the bat. Outgoing Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has assured iPad users that touch support for the larger displays of Apple's iDevice is forthcoming, adding that work is "in progress," and that users can still access Office Web Apps using their browser.
In terms of tech product design, Apple's Jony Ive is arguably the most iconic. The somewhat enigmatic, cult figure of the Cupertino company has not only been responsible for some of the most memorable gadgets of our times, but was also the mastermind behind Apple's recent design overhaul of the iOS mobile operating system. If you cast your minds way back, you might remember the news that Sir Jony would be designing a one-off camera for Leica, and as first seen in November's Vanity Fair, the creation is just about ready.
It had to be the worst kept secret in the technology industry, and just about anyone with even a passing interest in Apple or iPads already knew that it was on the cards, but Apple is indeed set to hold an iPad announcement event later this month according to AllThingsD.
We already know that Microsoft is committed to prove themselves as a hardware company. The introduction of the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 in New York last month pretty much confirmed that the Redmond based company aren't planning on licking their original Surface wounds and shying away from a competitive market. October 22nd is the date that was given during that dedicated event, and as the launch date gets ever closer, we are now seeing some Surface 2 promotional videos that show consumers exactly what they'll be getting if they part with their hard earned dollars.
The Google Chromecast was originally announced back in July this year, but the 2.83-inch dongle has already managed to notch up a number of fans. The ability to stream high-definition content over a Wi-Fi or local network is obviously something that appeals to the masses. For the first time since the original announcement, it looks like those international fans can start getting their hands on the device as Amazon.com has announced the availability of international Chromecast shipping.
Google is as serious about its Android smartphone and tablet platform as it can be, and the latest “discovery” by François Beaufort is a definite testament to that. The Chromium expert noted a feature in the latest beta of Google Chrome for desktop that allows developers to control their Android devices directly from their desktop, thanks to an experimental screencast feature that Chrome beta carries.
As well as bringing a plethora of new features and options to its user base, iOS 7 also carried a visual overhaul, with most of the UI elements having been altered in what has been an extermination job on the previously omni-present skeuomorphism. As such, developers have been readily updating their apps to comply with the new look, and while many of the major devs have already pushed their new, aesthetically adjusted versions, the famed cross-platform WhatsApp Messenger remains very much in the era of iOS 6. New leaked screenshots, however, offer a flavor of what could be in store once that update does finally make the App Store, and just like the Messages app, it appears clean and in-keeping with the rest of the OS.
With each new iPhone that Apple releases it doubles up its photo-taking abilities. Supposedly the world's favorite camera, the iPhone needs to be able to take some top shots, especially with the competition heating up - Nokia in particular seems keen to become the smartphone maker of choice for those taking photographs on a daily basis.
Taking an industry like that of the smartphone and turning it on its head in the space of one keynote can't be an easy task, but the folks at Apple managed it back in 2007 when the iPhone was announced. Demonstrated on-stage with typical Steve Jobs gusto, that iPhone unveiling is still the stuff of legends, and anyone lucky enough to have been there will no doubt remember it for quite some time.
iOS hacker and jailbreak wiz Winocm, who is currently working to jailbreak iOS 6.1.3 as well as 6.1.4 has given a "definite ETA" on making his efforts a tangible success "before 2014." Thus, it would seem that he is indeed making strides, and although many iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users are currently waiting and hoping for news on a possible iOS 7 jailbreak, this is certainly a good day for the jailbreak scene in general.
