iLounge

According to a new teardown of the third-generation iPad, the new tablet sports the same camera sensor module found in the iPhone 4. Chipworks writes that the sensor found in the third-gen iPad is the Omnivision OV5650, which features five-megapixel resolution, supports 1080p video recording—likely omitted from the iPhone 4 due to the limitations of the A4 processor—and a backside-illuminated sensor, though it should be noted that the lens system in front of the sensor is larger, and taken from the newer iPhone 4S. The front-facing camera was also found to be an Omnivision unit, specifically the same 640x480 (0.3-megapixel) OV297AA camera sensor found in the iPad 2 and the fifth-generation iPod nano. [via Mac Rumors]

Sparrow, developer of the popular Mac e-mail client of the same name, has released an advanced e-mail app for the iPhone and iPod touch. Sparrow provides a number of features beyond the built-in iOS Mail app including specific options for Gmail users such as Priority Inbox, labels and archiving as well as a unified inbox and photo attachment support. Intuitive swipe gestures can be used to navigate between accounts and mailboxes, folders and labels from a sliding panel view or quickly switch between inboxes or unread and favourite items from the top bar.

Sparrow also allows users to connect with Facebook to display contact profile pictures directly in the message list; options for quickly replying, starring, labelling, archiving and deleting individual messages can be quickly accessed simply by swiping in the message list or users can select multiple messages to apply common actions. Additional features include a smart contacts view that places the most frequently-used contacts at the top of the contact list, support for multiple e-mail accounts and aliases on a single account and advanced search features. The initial version is not without its limitations however; features such as push notifications and landscape support are currently planned for a future release. Sparrow requires iOS 5.0 or later and is available from the App Store for $3.

China Unicom has completely lifted the 50MB—formerly 20MB—limit on app downloads over its 3G network, leading some users to question its intentions. Citing Chinese-language Sina Tech, M.I.C. Gadget reports that China Unicom issued a statement on the matter, saying, “After getting feedback from Apple, this [50MB limit for 3G] issue is resolved, and our Chinese account holders can now download apps [over 3G] with no file size limit. If you still have a problem, please restart your iPhone and try it again.” The Sina Tech reporter tested the new policy and was able to download a 103MB game over a 3G connection without receiving any type of warning. The customers concerned over the change claim that they may now easily exceed their data plan limits without meaning to, making the new policy more of a trap than a benefit.

Wolfram Alpha has released an update to the iOS application for its computational knowledge engine adding a new optional image processing feature. Available as a $1 in-app purchase, the premium image processing add-on allows users to import pictures into Wolfram Alpha for quick analysis and processing either from the device’s camera or photo library. The app will provide detailed information on an image including basic characteristics and EXIF data along with other data such as an intensity histogram and colour analysis; users can then perform additional processing functions including making level and colour adjustments, adding effects and performing optical character recognition. Modified images can be shared via e-mail, posted to Facebook or saved to the photo library. The latest update also adds e-commerce links for consumer product queries and weather information and general user interface improvements. Wolfram Alpha requires iOS 4.1 or later and is available from the App Store for $3; the image processing add-on is available as an in-app purchase for an additional $1.

Tap tap tap has released a major update to Camera+ adding a host of new features including improvements to sharing and photo import, workflows and more. Camera+ 3 now allows users to share a photo to multiple online services or even multiple accounts on an online service at the same time; performance has also been improved when sharing. The latest version also now provides the ability to select multiple photos during import and adds features such as larger thumbnails and zooming to the import panel to help users more easily identify the correct photos.

Version 3 introduces a new Workflows feature that allows users to more effectively adjust the app to their usage style, allowing for workflows such as shooting several photos in sequence and editing later or editing and sharing each photo as it’s taken. Focus and exposure can also now be locked independently when taking photos and a VolumeSnap setting can now be found in the options menu. The update also sports an improved user interface for the Lightbox with increased usability along with a persistent iOS status bar when working in the Lightbox view. New APIs have also been added allowing third-party apps such as Tweetbot, Twitterrific, WordPress, Foodspotting and Twittelator Neue to integrate with Camera+ for various functions such as capturing, editing and sharing photos. The new version also makes a number of smaller improvements including tuned clarity for photos particularly for iPhone 4S users, performance improvements, opt-in notifications for news and updates, and numerous bug fixes. Camera+ 3.0 requires iOS 4.0 or later and is available from the App Store for $1.

IK Multimedia has released DJ Rig for the iPhone and iPod touch, a new pro-quality DJ mixing app designed to complement the company’s iRig Mix mobile mixer. Debuted at CES 2012, DJ Rig provides a full-featured double-deck DJ mixing app for the iPhone and iPod touch that allows users to instantly play and mix songs from the device’s music library. Features include automatic tempo sync and beat matching, sample-based pads and performance recording and a comprehensive set of high-quality DJ effects.

DJ Mix is designed to provide an intuitive and flexible mixing solution for both the professional and novice DJ alike with a collection of easily accessible creative tools and synchronization of beats between songs to allow quick mixing at the tap of a button. Users can also add real-time effects with an XY touch interface and take advantage of the built-in sampler to quickly capture source audio for instant playback and looping. A unique X-Sync function also allows users to sync music from an external source in addition to the music on their iOS device when used in conjunction with the iRig Mix portable mixer, automatically matching tempo and providing seamless transitions. Mixes can also be recorded and exported via iTunes File Sharing. DJ Rig requires iOS 4.3 or later and is available from the App Store for $2. The basic app includes six DJ effects and eight built-in sound banks along with one adjustable queue point. A Pro Bundle is available via in-app purchase for $5 which adds six additional effects, seven extra sound banks, three more cue points and a digital deck interface.

Apple has been sued over its allegedly misleading commercials for the iPhone 4S. The Wall Street Journal reports that in the class action complaint, filed in US District Court in San Jose, Brooklyn native Frank M. Fazio claims that Apple’s commercials—which show Siri finding guitar chords, making appointments, and more—are misleading, as the real-life performance of Siri falls short. Fazio claims that Siri often does not understand what he is saying, or that she responds with the wrong answer; the complaint states that Siri is “at best, a work-in-progress.” The suit is seeking unspecified damages.

Path has released an update to its iOS social sharing application adding integration with the Nike+GPS app, a new music matching feature and several other improvements. With Path 2.1 users of the Nike+ GPS app can now automatically journal all of their runs in their Path simply by connecting the two apps. A note will be added to the user’s Path when starting a run to allow friends to comment or cheer and when the run is finished, a map will be added showing the user’s route.

Path 2.1 also incorporates a new Music Match feature that allows users to share songs they’re listening to using their device’s microphone to identify what’s currently playing rather than having to enter the name of the song. Additional improvements inlaced the ability to adjust the camera’s focus and exposure points separately when taking photos and the addition of a new comic book effect camera lens for iPhone 4S users. The update also adds several other smaller UI and filter improvements and bug fixes. Path 2.1 requires iOS 4.3 or later and is available from the App Store as a free download. Nike+ GPS 3.4 or later is also required to post runs to Path.

As announced last month, China Telecom launched the iPhone 4S on its network in mainland China today. According to an M.I.C. Gadget report, the carrier has taken over 200,000 pre-orders for the device, with orders in Beijing and Shanghai topping 10,000 and 20,000 units, respectively. While China Telecom operates a CDMA network similar to the ones operated by Verizon and Sprint in the U.S., it is passing out micro UIM cards—similar to GSM SIM cards, but developed for CDMA handsets—that are required to activate the phone. China Telecom is the third-largest mobile carrier in China with a reported subscriber base of roughly 130 million subscribers.

There’s been a crazy quantity of news over the last day—new iPad and Apple TV hardware, new iOS and iTunes software, a new iPhoto app for iOS, and updates to virtually every major Apple-developed app in the App Store. Here’s an index to all of the major stories we’ve posted so that you can see what’s what, easily.

The Third-Generation iPad: Apple unveiled the third-generation iPad, dropping its recent numbering scheme in favor of calling it “the new iPad.” It features a Retina Display with over 3 million pixels, a new 5MP rear camera, support for some 4G LTE networks, and a body that’s slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad 2’s, but is otherwise cosmetically virtually identical. After the announcement, we discovered that the new iPad’s battery was much larger, Bluetooth 4 was added, and AirPlay was still locked at 720p from the super high-res device.

Click on the title of this article for many more links to our coverage.

As predicted by a third-party developer, Apple has raised its download limit for media acquired over a 3G connection to 50MB. The prior ceiling was 20Mb, leaving little headroom for developers looking to take full advantage of the third-generation iPad’s increased resolution. The new limit is now in place, for the iPad as well as the iPhone and iPod touch.

Following today’s iPad event, Apple has released iOS 5.1 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. According to the release notes, the new version adds Japanese language support for Siri and the ability to delete photos from the Photo Stream. Additionally, the Camera shortcut is now always visible on the lock screen for the iPHone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and fourth-generation iPod touch and improvements have been made to camera face detection to highlight all detected faced. The update also includes a redesigned Camera app for the iPad and adds support for Genius Mixes and Genius playlists for iTunes Match subscribers. Several other optimizations and bug fixes are noted including improvements to audio for TV shows and movies on the iPad, podcast controls for playback speed and skip back on the iPad as well as an updated AT&T network indicator and fixes for issues relating to battery life and audio dropouts on outgoing calls. iOS 5.1 is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad, iPad 2, third-generation iPod touch, and fourth-generation iPod touch, and is available now via the update feature in iTunes or as an over-the-air update. To update your iOS device over-the-air, open Settings, tap on General, and tap on Software Update.

Fishlabs has released the much-anticipated update to Galaxy on Fire 2 HD adding support for the Valkyrie HD expansion pack. Released last fall, Galaxy on Fire 2 HD is an enhanced version of the popular original Galaxy on Fire 2 that has been optimized to take full advantage of the improved graphic capabilities of the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 along with support for synchronizing saved games via iCloud. The latest update brings the Valkyrie expansion pack to Galaxy on Fire 2 HD adding enhanced 3D models, console-quality visuals and increased textures, resolutions and effects to the original expansion.

The expansion continues the storyline of Keith T. Maxwell’s galactic adventures as he now attempts to unravel a conspiracy orchestrated by a mysterious and cunning new enemy. The new add-on provides new spaceships, weapons and equipment along with nine new planets across four solar systems and a new black market trading system. Users can also now purchase their own space station, the Kaamo Club, in order to store additional spaceships and valuable goods. Galaxy on Fire 2 HD is available from the App Store for $10 and is compatible with the iPhone 3GS/4/4S, third- or fourth-generation iPod touch or iPad, although the enhanced graphics are only available on the iPhone 4S and iPad 2. The Valkyrie HD expansion is available as an in-app purchase for $5; users with the original Galaxy on Fire 2 standard edition installed on their device will receive the Valkyrie HD expansion for free when first opening the new version.

Apple has proposed settlements to both Motorola Mobility and Samsung in an effort to end some pending litigation, Dow Jones Newswires reports. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report claims that Apple has asked for roughly 1 percent to 2.5 percent of net sales per device, or between $5 and $15 per handset. One person said that Apple isn’t looking to offer patent licenses to all competitors, nor is it seeking to create a royalty business. The report also suggests that Apple may be using its own patents as bargaining chips to reduce any penalties it might face as a result of negative court rulings related to standards-essential patents held by the two companies.

ABC Family has launched a universal iOS app providing full, on-demand access to ABC Family television content on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Developed by the same team responsible for the ABC Player app, the new ABC Family app is designed to provide viewers with convenient and timely on-the-go access to the network’s popular content with free, ad-supported episodes form a variety of original series including Jane By Design, Make It or Break It, Switched at Birth, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

New episodes will typically be available via the app the day after airing on the television network—at the same time as they are posted online at ABCFamily.com. Links are also provided within the app to allow users to purchase and download their favourite episodes directly from the iTunes Store. The universal ABC Family app also provides some additional unique features such as the ability save playback positions within an episode across multiple iOS devices; the app is also the first from the Disney/ABC Television Group to support closed captioning. ABC Family requires iOS 5.0 or later and is available from the U.S. App Store as a free download. Video streaming is available only to users physically located in the United States and its territories.

C Spire Wireless is now selling the iPhone 4S for $50 offer standard retail. The discount, which is only available when signing up for a new two-year agreement, brings the price for the 16GB iPhone 4S to just $150; 32GB and 64GB models are selling for $250 and $350, respectively. In addition, the carrier is offering $25 off the 8GB iPhone 4, bringing the price for that model to $75. C Spire launched the iPhone 4S on its network last November. [via 9to5Mac]

Intuit has released TurboTax SnapTax, a new tax preparation app for the iPhone that allows U.S. and Canadian users to prepare simple tax returns by snapping a picture of their W-2 or T4, answering some basic questions and then reviewing and securely filing their return electronically. Available in separate country-specific versions, users can download the free SnapTax app to prepare their returns and pay via in-app purchase when filing; U.S. federal and state tax returns are $20 each, Canadian tax returns are $10 each. TurboTax SnapTax (U.S.) is for U.S. taxpayers who do not have children or dependents, do not own a home or real estate and have income of less than $100,000 that comes from only a W-2, interest or unemployment. TurboTax SnapTax 2011 (CDN) is for Canadians under the age of 65 who have no children or dependents, only a T4 slip, no RRSP contributions or charitable donations and reside in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I. or Saskatchewan. Both apps require a camera-equipped device with iOS 4.1 or later.

Reflection, a new application for Mac, promises to let users of the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 use AirPlay Mirroring to wirelessly stream their device’s content to their Macs. Features of the software include the ability to add show an iPhone or iPad frame around the streamed content, the ability to run in full-screen mode, force portrait or landscape orientation, and the ability to serve as an AirPlay audio receiver; audio is automatically sent when using Mirroring. Reflection supports OS X 10.6 or later and requires an iPhone 4S or iPad 2 for screen mirroring; it is available now as a free time-limited trial, while a full license sells for $15.

In response to growing customer unrest over its decision to throttle the data speeds of customers on “unlimited” data plans who were among the top five percent of users in their area, AT&T has posted a new support page clarifying its policies. According to the company, customers on unlimited data plans will see their data speeds throttled any time they exceed 3GB of usage for the month; their speeds will return to normal once a new billing cycle begins. “You’ll still be able to use as much data as you want. That won’t change”, the page states. “Only your data throughput speed will change if you use 3GB or more in one billing cycle on a 3G or 4G smartphone or 5GB or more on a 4G LTE smartphone.” Notably, customers on unlimited data plans pay $30/month on AT&T, the same amount the company charges for 3GB of capped data; users on the latter plan have the option of tethering, while customers on unlimited plans do not.

Offline web reading service Readability has released an official native iOS application. The free universal app allows Readability users to sync and access their saved web articles on their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad while on the go. Designed to focus on simplicity, the application provides a clean, minimalist reading interface with impressive typography and intuitive gesture controls for managing and navigating content. Users can access and manage their current reading list as well as starred and archived items and can share items to Facebook and Twitter from directly within the app.

Readability originally attempted to release a native iOS application last year, but the app was rejected by Apple for not using the App Store’s in-app purchasing for its Premium subscription service. Instead, Readability continued as a web-based application specifically optimized for the iPhone and iPad Safari browser and the company partnered with other developers to provide Readability integration into other news and reading apps such as Reeder, Pulse, Longform and Early Edition 2. It is also worth noting that earlier this year the company changed its subscription model to remove the requirement for a paid subscription to access the full set of Readability features; instead subscriptions are now voluntary donations to support the Readability service and writers. Readability is a universal app requiring iOS 4.2 or late and is available from the App Store as a free download.