Can Your iOS Device Be Jailbroken?

DCR reader Ro found this helpful iOS jailbreak compatibility guide from jailbreakmatrix.com while surfing Gizmodo.  The guide lists all iOS devices, firmware versions, and jailbreak options.  Great job jailbreak matrix team!  Please remember, jailbreaking your device may result in a bricked device and Apple has said it will void warranties on jailbroken devices.

Microsoft Is Hard At Work On Windows Tablets

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke about tablets at a company financial conference. CNET reports that Ballmer recognized the success of the iPad and said Microsoft based tablets will be shipping when they are ready.  Ballmer did provide some details into the company's tablet plan.  The tablets will not run the Windows Phone OS, but Windows 7. These computers will also be Intel based opposed to using ARM processors.  Ballmer also stated that Microsoft will not allow hardware to be a limiting factor in its plans and will design hardware where it needs to.  Lightly joking, Ballmer said that the tablets will be able to print because "some people actually like to print every now and then."

I'm not sure if Microsoft understands what consumers want in this category.  They basically invented the form factor but have been trying to jam a desktop operating system into it for over a decade.

Amazon Announces New Kindles

Last night, Amazon announced 2 new versions of the 6" Kindle eBook reader.  Amazon has decided to take the Barnes & Noble and Apple approach by offering 3G and WiFi only models.  Both devices are supposed to offer "50 percent better contrast than any other reader".  Additionally, the new models are 21% smaller than the previous version, have double the storage (3,500 books), are 15% lighter (8.7oz), and offer an enhanced PDF reader. The WiFi Only model will sell for $139 and is available in graphite, while the 3G model will sell for $189 and is available in graphite and white.  Both models can be pre-ordered now and will ship August 27th.

DVD reVIEW: Hot Tub Time Machine

If you are looking for a good sci-fi based drama at the local redbox or for your Netflix queue, think about picking up Hot Tub Time Machine.  The movie stars Crispin Glover as Phil, a down on his luck bell hop.  A group of friends travel back to the 1980s in a hot tub to help right Phil's life.  Will the Motley Lou help prevent Phil from losing his arm, allowing him to provide the proper applause at his favorite opera?  Bring a box of tissues for this emotional journey.  Hot Tub Time Machine has a good supporting cast consisting of John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, and Chevy Chase.

 

6" Amazon Kindle Out Of Stock, New Model Coming?

The base model Kindle is listed on Amazon as out of stock.  Is this due to increased demand from the recent price drop to $189, or is there a new model coming soon?  There have been rumors about a new color display device, so it is possible.  Amazon has recently updated their iOS app to allow audio & video in some of the eBooks on their store.  Stay tuned for any updates.

Apple Empties Vault With New Releases

 

 

Images Courtesy of Apple 

 

Today, Apple updated the iMac, announced Mac Pro updates & 27" LED Cinema Display, released the Magic Trackpad and Apple Battery Charger.

The iMac line was updated to the following base specs:

• 21.5" 3.06GHZ i3, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, 8X Double Layer SuperDrive, ATI HD 4670 256MB Video card - $1199


• 21.5" 3.2GHZ i3, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD, 8X Double Layer SuperDrive, ATI HD 5670 512MB Video card - $1499


• 27" 3.2GHZ i3, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD, 8X Double Layer SuperDrive, ATI HD 5670 512MB Video card - $1699


• 27" 2.8GHZ i5, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD, 8X Double Layer SuperDrive, ATI HD 5750 1GB Video card - $1999


• An i7 model is available for build to order.

 

An update to the Mac Pro was announced with expected ship dates some time in August. Base configurations of the models are: 

• Quad Core 2.8GHZ Xeon W3530, 3GB RAM, 1TB HD, 18X Double Layer SuperDrive, ATI HD 5770 1GB Video card - $2499


• 8 Core 2.4GHZ Xeon E5620, 6GB RAM, 1TB HD, 18X Double Layer SuperDrive, ATI HD 5770 1GB Video card - $3499


• 12 Core Option as a BTO available starting at $4999.

Apple also announced a 27" LED Cinema Display that will be available in September for $999.

 

The Magic Trackpad was released bringing gestures to desktop Macs.  The Bluetooth Trackpad sells for $69 and is powered by 2 AA batteries.  I wonder if this will lay the foundation for iOS apps to replace the current dashboard in OS X?  Along with the Magic Trackpad, the Apple Battery Charger was released and sells for $29. The charger comes with 6 rechargeable AA batteries and claims to reduce its standby power usage to 30mW, compared to 315mW for the average charger.

Quick Tip:Remove Playlist Item From iTunes Library

Here is a quick tip for deleting an iTunes playlist item from the main iTunes library.

For Mac OS X:

Press the option and delete keys for the selected track to remove it from the library.

For Windows:

Press the shift and delete keys for the selected track to remove it from the library.