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Apple Releases New iPhone OS

21 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT

Today, around 1:00PM, Apple released its new operating system for the iPhone. After negotiations with IBM, iPhone OS 4.0 will be officially distributed under the name "iOS 4." The update will showcase over 100 new features. Among the most notable are multitasking, app folders, unified mail inbox, iBooks, 5x digital camera zoom, home screen wallpapers, and iPod playlist creation.

It is a free update and download. The update will only work on the 3G, 3GS, and 4 models. And not every feature will be available for each device (ie. the 3G won't be able to multitask).

To install the iOS 4 on your iPhone execute the following steps:

-Download and install iTunes 9.2 onto your computer
-Open iTunes and Plug your iPhone into your computer
-Click on your iPhone under the devices tab of the source list on the left in iTunes

-Click on "Check for Update"

A few warning messages will appear through the process. We strongly recommend backing-up your data before initializing the update. Good luck and enjoy the much welcomed (and long awaited) features.

AT&T's Smartphone Data Plan Changes

9 Jun 2010 07:30:00 GMT

AT&T's Smartphone Data Plan Changes

Over the past few days we've noticed some confusion as to AT&T's annoucement of capped/limited data plans and the "elimination" of the $30/month unlimited data plan. Here's a quick chart based break down of options which went into effect June 7th, 2010:

New customers are not eligible for the unlimited data plan at all. And once an existing Unlimited Data plan customer decides to switch to either the Data Plus or DataPro plan, they will no longer be eligible for the Unlimited Data plan. AT&T notes that currently 98% of its customers do not use more than 2GB per month (on average). Customers will be able to monitor their data usage. Also AT&T has provided a data calculator to help customers detirmine which plan is right for them.

This change will save many customers some money on their monthly bill. But its no surprise AT&T decided to implement this just before the release of iOS 4 and the new iPhone 4. With the 3G and 3GS iPhones being capable of tethering with an OS update and the capabilities of higher video streaming resolutions for the iPhone 4 some users will be easily exceeding that 2GB limit. At the moment, these users will be getting nailed with overage charges.

If a user desires to fill their 8GB iPhone 3GS with a few movies via 3G on the DataPro tethering plan, they will be hit with over $100 in data charges alone. With this void in practical pricing, it would seem as though AT&T is looking to discourage heavy data use as much as possible. On a positive note, AT&T WiFi hotspots will now be available for free under the new data plans.

Apple Officially Annouces iPhone 4

8 Jun 2010 22:30:00 GMT

Apple Officially Annouces iPhone 4

Yesterday Apple officially annouced the release of the iPhone 4 at WWDC '10. Apple’s market dominant smartphone will receive quite a few changes, including an instantly apparent design update that eliminates the previous rounded back and edges and opts for a much more rigid looking design with sharper edges and a flat back. The physical dimensions will change slightly as well. Although the height and weight will remain the same the width gets a trim of .09 inches and the depth slims down .11 inches (compared to the 3GS). Those with tight pant pockets will definitely appreciate the leaner size.

Features, features, features. The iPhone 4 will be a feature-rich hardware upgrade from the 3GS. Those still rocking the original iPhone on AT&T's EDGE network are likely to finally see an upgrade as worthwhile. We’ll start off with the screen. The 3.5" display has a 960-by-640 pixel resolution at 326 ppi and a contrast ratio of 800:1! Yes, the iPhone 4 will play 720p HD video. What was the iPhone 3GS at? A resolution of 480-by-320 pixels and 163 ppi; and in terms of phone specifications, the 3GS is no slouch. Sound like mumbo-jumbo tech-talk? The LCD monitor you are probably using to read this very post is likely displaying less than 100 ppi; and most LCD's won't have a pixel density above 130 ppi. Still having a hard time imagining the difference? Well, put simply, three times as many pixels per inch almost directly translates into 3x as sharp!

The iPhone 4's cameras - one front, one back - are another selling point. It will support the new FaceTime app (iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 video calling). Also note that FaceTime will require a WiFi connection and will not use cellular data networks at release. Likely because the existence of the Skype app, FaceTime will not support iPhone 4 video calling with any other device. With the iMovie app you will also be able to edit the 720p HD videos you record right on the iPhone 4. Also added was an LED flash for camera use in low light situations, and its about time.

The internal WiFi card is now capable of 802.11n at only 2.4GHz and will still operate on b/g based wireless networks. Estimated talk time will increase 2 hours compared to the 3GS for up to 7 hours on 3G and 14 hours on 2G. Estimated audio playback time also increases from 30 hours to 40 hours. Internet browsing will also see slight gains in use-time off a single charge on both 3G and WiFi.

Many new features will also be added with iPhone OS 4 (iOS 4) which can be installed for the 3G and 3GS as well, for free. Among these are Multi-tasking, iBooks, and home screen wallpapers.

There will be 4 initial models to select from: 16GB Black, 16GB White, 32GB Black, and 32GB White. Apple has set the price points at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model. Reservations start June 15, 2010 and the iPhone 4's release date is set on June 24, 2010.

Is your smartphone data plan under AT&T? As of Monday June 7th, 2010 AT&T's new data plans will potentially affect you. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s full coverage on how you may be affected...

PCExchange to Fully Support RSS Feeds

7 Jun 2010 20:00:00 GMT

RSS Feeds Notice

PCExchange will be updating RSS Feeds on a regular basis - often daily - beginning June 7th. Keep an eye out for the myriad of topics covered by PCExchange. Here's a taste of what information will be passed via RSS:

-Website Changes and Updates
-Specials
-Recent Tech News
-Tips for New Users as well as Seasoned IT Vets

PCExchange Initiates Free Recycling Program!

4 Jun 2010 19:00:00 GMT

PCExchange Recycling Program - We Now RECYCLE Computers and Electronics
If you recently started using a new computer or have any computers collecting dust... PCExchange recycles computers and electronics FREE of charge. We also ensure your personal data is protected and the machine is recycled properly. You may even qualify for free pick-up, yes that means we come to you... for free.
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