iLounge

Apple has released a free update to its highly acclaimed GarageBand music creation app adding universal device support. Chosen as iLounge’s 2011 App of the Year for iPad, GarageBand 1.1 can now be used on the iPhone and iPod touch and adds a number of other new features and enhancements including the ability to create custom chords for Smart Instruments, support for additional time signatures, the ability to transpose songs in semitones or full octaves and additional quantization options for recordings. Users can now also take advantage of additional export quality settings for AAC and uncompressed AIFF output and adjust velocity settings for Touch Instruments. The update also contains a number of other smaller enhancements including automatic fading, and arpeggiator control on the Smart Keyboard and improved audio import options. GarageBand 1.1 requires iOS 4.3 or later and is available from the App Store for $5.

Apple today announced that it will launch the iPhone 4S in Hong Kong, South Korea, and 13 other countries on Friday, November 11, with pre-orders beginning this Friday, November 4. The complete list of countries also includes Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Malta, Montenegro, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Portugal,  and Romania; pre-orders will not be available in Albania, El Salvador, Guatemala, Malta, Montenegro, and Panama. According to the announcement, the iPhone 4S is currently available in 29 countries and will be available in more than 70 by the end of the year.

Over the weekend, Apple started to air three new television ads for the iPhone 4S. Entitled “Siri, Snow Today”, “iCloud”, and “Camera”, the ads focus on the iPhone 4S’ Siri virtual assistant feature, iCloud integration for iTunes purchases, documents, iBooks, and Photo Stream, and the advanced optics and on-board editing and sharing features of the iPhone 4S’ eight-megapixel camera, respectively. All three ads are available for viewing now on Apple’s website.

Apple has been awarded a patent for its iOS devices’ “slide to unlock” feature. BBC News reports that U.S. patent number 7657549 states, “A device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device.” As noted in the report, the broad language of the patent would appear to cover not only Apple’s unlocking method, but those used by rival platforms, including Android and Windows Mobile. The patent was originally filed in June 2009, and lists Apple senior vice president of iOS software Scott Forstall as one of the seven inventors.

Satellite navigation company Garmin has released Garmin Fit, a new fitness application and accessory solution for the iPhone. The Garmin Fit app allows users to track workout metrics such as speed, pace, distance, time and calories and can also track heart rate and cadence with the help of additional Garmin hardware accessories. Along with the new Garmin Fit app the company has also introduced its ANT+ adapter for the iPhone allowing users to integrate their ANT+ fitness accessories such as footpad sensors for indoor training or speed/cadence sensors for cycling. The Garmin Fit app also allows users to control music playback and answer incoming calls and text messages without interrupting their workout and can also map workouts using the iPhone GPS and automatically upload workout data to its online Garmin Connect service. The online service provides the ability to log workouts, track totals, set goals and share workouts with friends and family as well as displaying a view of workout metrics through charts, illustrations, reports and map representations. Garmin Fit requires iOS 4.0 or later and is available from the App Store for $1. The Garmin ANT+ adapter for iPhone is priced at $50 and available directly from Garmin.

China Mobile, the world’s largest carrier by subscribers, now has 10 million iPhone users on its network, despite not offering the device, according to a Reuters report. Speaking at the ITU World telecoms fair in Geneva, China Mobile chairman Wang Jianzhou said, “The total number of iPhones in China Mobile’s network has reached 10 million—and we didn’t pay any subsidies.” He went on to say that Apple “promised to provide, when they develop the iPhone for LTE, that it will include TD-LTE,” China Mobile’s next-generation network technology. Wang added that the companies are “discussing the details,” although no agreement has yet been reached. China Mobile had more than 630 million customers at the end of September.

FishLabs has released Galaxy on Fire 2 HD, a high-performance version of its popular space adventure game exclusively for the iPhone 4S and iPad 2. Taking full advantage of the A5 chip, Galaxy on Fire 2 HD provides 3D models rendered with four times as many polygons and textures at a four times higher resolution than the original Galaxy on Fire 2, running smoothly at up to 40 frames per second. New Open GL 2.0 shaders and additional texture sets and specular maps provide extremely detailed surfaces for each of the 30 space ships and space stations in the game with console-quality graphics and enhanced special effects.

As with the standard version of Galaxy on Fire 2, the HD version takes the player on a journey through a vast universe of more than 20 star systems, 100 different space stations and 30 configurable space ships while following the immersive storyline of Keith T. Maxwell, thrust 35 years into the future and halfway across the galaxy by a malfunctioning hyperdrive. Maxwell must quickly adapt to his new environment while being drawn into the middle of an intergalactic struggle between the four major races and helping defend against a new alien threat. Galaxy on Fire 2 HD also provides support for transferring saved games between iOS devices and Galaxy on Fire 2 Full HD for Mac OS X via iCloud, including support for the upcoming Valkyrie HD add-on scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2012. Game transferability between the regular version of Galaxy on Fire 2 and the new HD version will also be coming with the release of Valkyrie HD. Galaxy on Fire 2 HD is a universal app requiring an iPhone 4S or iPad 2 and is available from the App Store for $10.

Verizon has revealed that it sold two million iPhones during its third fiscal quarter, although it has yet to reveal early iPhone 4S sales figures. AllThingsD reports that during the company’s conference call discussing its third quarter results, Verizon CFO Fran Shammo revealed the two million figure, while continuing a trend started by Apple of blaming anticipation for the iPhone 4S for slower than expected customer additions. Shammo went on to say that the company is “extremely pleased” with the iPhone 4S’ launch thus far, as it ran out the first day—and continues to be on allocation from Apple—but declined to share any sales volumes.

Speaking during the company’s Q3 2011 results earnings call, AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega made several interesting comments regarding the iPhone, and more specifically the iPhone 3GS. “[The] third quarter was simply slow because we didn’t have an iPhone launch in the third quarter like we did a year ago, but we think that’s going to dramatically change [in the fourth],” de la Vega said. “...we have another device that I think is going to dramatically change those people that are on smartphones and quick messaging devices, the [iPhone] 3GS, which is free with a 2-year contract. We’ve seen a tremendous, tremendous demand for that device even though it’s a generation old. And actually, we’re getting more new subscribers coming on the 3GS on the average than other devices. So we also have an inventory sold out on that device.” Earlier this week, AT&T reported activations of 2.7 million iPhones during the quarter, along with over one million iPhone 4S activations in the first five days the device was available.

Apple has aired its first TV commercial for the iPhone 4S. The new 30-second spot focuses on the iPhone 4S’ Siri virtual assistant, and shows a variety of people interacting with Siri, making statements such as “we have a flat tire” or “I’m locked out,” asking it to make meetings, bring up directions, send a text, make a reminder, or play music, asking it about the weather, or asking general questions. At the end, voiceover says, “Say hello to the most amazing iPhone yet” while the iPhone 4S and Apple logos appear onscreen. The ad is available for viewing now on Apple’s website.

AT&T, reporting its third fiscal quarter financial results, has revealed that it activated a 2.7 million iPhones during the period. According to the release, those 2.7 million iPhones represented over half of the 4.8 million smartphones sold by the company during the period, which ended September 30. By the end of the quarter, over half—52.6 percent—of the company’s 68.6 million postpaid subscribers were using smartphones, up from 39.1 percent in the year-ago quarter. In a separate release, AT&T said it had activated more than one million iPhone 4S units as of Tuesday, making it the most successful iPhone launch in the company’s history.

Apple has added a toggle for turning iTunes Match on and off to the Music section of iOS 5’s Settings app, suggesting an imminent launch for the service. Announced in June at WWDC, iTunes Match is a $24.99/year service that matches tracks in a user’s iTunes library with tracks stored on the company’s iTunes Store servers, uploading any tracks it can’t match, and offering users full access to all their music — up to 25,000 tracks — from any of their devices. The appearance of the toggle — which currently activates an alert stating that “You are not currently subscribed to iTunes Match. Use iTunes on your computer to subscribe” — has some suggesting that the service may launch ahead of Apple’s “end of October” estimate, however, the service does require iTunes 10.5.1, which is currently in developer beta and not available to the public at large. [via Mac Rumors]

Apple has updated its iPhone 4S specs page to indicate that the new handset offers support for GLONASS, a Russian acronym for Global Navigation Satellite System that serves as the Russian version of GPS. According to Wikipedia, the system fell into disrepair during the 1990s as the Russian economy collapsed, and was only recently restored to offer full global coverage. As noted by Mac Rumors, no mention is made on the page if the 4S will be able to take advantage of satellites from both systems on a worldwide basis, and only the device’s U.S. tech specs page has thus far been updated to mention GLONASS support.

U.S. regional carrier C Spire Wireless has announced that it will become the fourth carrier in the country to offer the iPhone 4S. “C Spire Wireless announced today that it will launch iPhone 4S, the most amazing iPhone yet, in the U.S. in the coming weeks,” said a brief release on the carrier’s site, which also announced that per-registration begins today. Based in Mississippi, C Spire serves various in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

Reporting its fourth quarter 2011 financial results today, Apple said it sold 6.62 million iPods during the quarter—a 27 percent decrease compared to the same quarter last year. Apple sold 17.07 million iPhones in the quarter, a 21 percent increase year-over-year, and down slightly from the 20.34 million units sold in the third quarter. Apple also sold 11.12 million iPads during the quarter, up 166 percent from 4.19 million units in the year-ago quarter. The unit sales of iPhones, iPods, and iPads bring the cumulative unit sales for the three device categories to 145.96 million, 321.18 million, and 39.85 million, respectively. The company posted revenue of $28.27 billion and net quarterly profit of $6.62 billion, or $7.05 per diluted share, compared with revenue of $20.34 billion and net quarterly profit of $4.31 billion, or $4.64 per diluted share, in Q4 2010.

“We are thrilled with the very strong finish of an outstanding fiscal 2011, growing annual revenue to $108 billion and growing earnings to $26 billion,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Customer response to iPhone 4S has been fantastic, we have strong momentum going into the holiday season, and we remain really enthusiastic about our product pipeline.”

“We are extremely pleased with our record September quarter revenue and earnings and with cash generation of $5.4 billion during the quarter,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the first fiscal quarter of 2012, which will span 14 weeks rather than 13, we expect revenue of about $37 billion and we expect diluted earnings per share of about $9.30.”

Following a series of conflicting reports from AppleCare representatives, iLounge has confirmed that Apple intends to phase out its $69 AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone in favor of the $99 AppleCare+ for iPhone, a change that will have major implications for future iPhone customers. As of today, the $69 plan may still be purchased during the iPhone’s one-year standard warranty period—unlike the new AppleCare+ plan, which must be purchased at the point-of-sale—but only for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, not the iPhone 4S.

According to AppleCare representatives, AppleCare will be “phased out” or “discontinued” for iPhones, remaining an option for customers who purchased their phones prior to the introduction of the AppleCare+ plan, until all potentially eligible customers have exhausted their one-year warranty periods, sometime on or near October 13, 2012. Notably, AppleCare+ is currently not available in all countries, and the prior AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone is still promoted as the primary option for customers where AppleCare+ is not available. In the United States, Apple’s AppleCare page for iPhone now lists only AppleCare+, while no mention is made of the $69 plan.

Introduced in July 2007, the original AppleCare Protection Plan extends the iPhone’s one-year of defect- and battery-related repair coverage to two years. The new AppleCare+ plan goes beyond this by adding coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to handling, each subject to an additional $49 service fee. The difference in the packages means that customers will need to pay more up front, and immediately, as the AppleCare+ plan must be purchased with a new iPhone. Additional charges may apply down the road, depending on how fortunate the user is in preventing damage to the handset. Previously, AppleCare representatives had the option to repair an accidentally damaged iPhone one time without charge to the user, a customer satisfaction policy that we have been told will no longer be permitted with AppleCare+‘s introduction.

Apple has updated its “how to buy” page for the iPhone 4S to reflect the fact that its retail stores in the United States and Canada are now accepting reservations for the new handset. As stated on the page, “iPhone 4S is available in store by reservation only. Reserve yours after 9:00 p.m. tonight for pickup tomorrow. When you come in, you’ll choose a carrier and plan, and we’ll get your iPhone up and running before you leave the store.” It seems unlikely that Apple would refuse to sell any unreserved units to walk-in customers, and as such, it may be taking reservations and then selling any remaining stock on a walk-in basis. According to an Apple retail employee who spoke with Mac Rumors, their particular location was still selling the iPhone 4S to walk-in customers, adding that supplies are “evaporating.” Apple launched the iPhone 4S on Friday, and this morning announced sales of over four million units over the weekend.

Samsung has filed for preliminary injunctions barring the sale of the iPhone 4S in Japan and Australia. The Wall Street Journal reports that the motions, filed in Tokyo District Court and the New South Wales Registry, claim infringements on technology and user-interface patents and wireless telecommunications standards, respectively. “We are actively responding in (the legal battle) with Apple,” said Samsung spokesman James Chung. The company is already seeking a ban on iPhone 4S sales in France and Italy; a Dutch court rejected a Samsung injunction motion against Apple’s products last week, while an Australian court granted Apple a temporary injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet.

In an article discussing the Siri personal assistant feature of the iPhone 4S, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Siri team is one of the largest software groups at Apple. Citing a person who worked at Apple on the project, the report states that when it began integrating Siri into the iPhone, Apple focused on keeping Siri’s personality friendly and humble, and worked on its responses in an attempt to forge an emotional tie with customers. “We thought of it almost as a person on the phone,” said the person. “How would we want a person to respond?” Apple purchased Siri for $200 million in 2010.

Marco Arment has released Instapaper 4.0, a major update to the popular offline reading app for iOS devices. The new version features a number of significant improvements including completely redesigned interfaces with a new grid view on the iPad version and a unified and restyled navigation view on the iPhone/iPod touch versions. Users can now also perform server-side searching of the full content of their entire Instapaper archive and can select multiple articles to archive, delete or move in a single operation. The update also adds support for hardware brightness control in iOS 5, draggable scrollbars for quickly navigating through documents and the inclusion of article authors, published dates and site titles in articles whenever available.

Instapaper 4.0 also expands Friends support allowing users to browse recent links from their Facebook news feed, Twitter timeline and Tumblr dashboard and users can also customize the number of liked and archived items stored on the device, take advantage of integrated Wikipedia lookups from within articles and opt to use the built-in dictionary under iOS 5. A number of other smaller enhancements and bug fixes have also been included. A detailed overview of the new features is available in a post at Macro Arment’s blog. Instapaper 4.0 is a universal app requiring iOS 4.2 or later and is available from the App Store for $5.