The iPhone 4S continues its march across the globe with Apple launching the device in 21 more countries on Friday.

Though no official word has come from the Cupertino company regarding precisely which countries these are, MacRumors has taken the time to piece together various bits of information to come up with a definitive list: Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

As you might expect, prices for the popular smartphone vary enormously. At R$2599 (US$1405) for the 16GB model, Brazil appears to take the award for the most expensive iPhone 4S in the world – thanks to high import duties on such devices. The 64GB model will set you back a wallet-busting R$3415 ($1845).

The phone first launched on October 14 in seven countries – the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK. Since then it’s been gradually rolling out the device to more and more markets, with yesterday’s launch bringing it to consumers in around 60 countries in all.

At launch in October, the iPhone 4S reportedly flew off the shelves, selling somewhere in the region of four million units in its first 72 hours. And last month it emerged that US carriers were unable to keep up with demand for the new smartphone.

With the 4S now available in 21 more countries from today, including the two enormous markets of Brazil and Russia, Apple can confidently look forward to some healthy financial figures for the current quarter, which will of course include holiday season sales.

This article was originally posted on Digital Trends

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Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/apple-launches-iphone-4s-21-more-countries-pricey-025313524.html

Anyone who has ever tried to type on an iPad can understand why TouchFire — a simple keyboard overlay that makes typing easier — has raised almost $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Instead of inserting a string of babble into your prose as usually happens when you rest your fingers on the iPad’s keyboard, TouchFire doesn’t set off a single key when you rest you fingertips on the product. Its defined keys make typing while looking away from the screen possible, and its silicon body is an improbably thin and flexible solution to a problem that is usually solved with clunky plastic add-ons.

[More from Mashable: Carrier IQ and Your Phone: Everything You Need to Know]

“Everyone else, when they think about a keyboard,” says TouichFire co-founder Steven Isaac, “they try to replicate what a mechanical keyboard is.”

Isaac doesn’t come from a mechanical engineering background. He worked on an operating system for one of the first tablet-like devices in the late 80s and early 90s, helped develop Internet Explorer 1.0 and led the team that launched MSN.com. But he was inspired to build his first piece of hardware when the iPad came out.

[More from Mashable: Largest-Ever Apple Store to Open in NYC Next Week]

“I thought, this is everything we dreamed of 20 years ago [when working on the tablet], but the input still sucks,” he says.

He recruited his co-founder, Brad Melmon, to help make the keyboard more than twice as thin as a credit card and easily rollable to the side of the iPad when not in use. Magnets on the keyboard’s sides snap it into place to type and snap it to the iPad case for storage.

The secret patent-pending sauce is a group of small microstructures in each key that allow fingers to rest on them at any angle without touching the iPad. When the device does finally go to market (as of now, an undefined date), Isaac expects it to retail for about $45.

Not so bad for a prototype that had its first of 49 iterations created in a garage with an exacto knife.

“This really was just two guys in a garage,” Isaac says. “And who knows, it could end up changing the world.”

[brightcove video="1306748481001" /]

In the video above, Isaac demonstrates the silicon iPad keyboard at Mashable‘s offices in New York.

This story originally published on Mashable here.

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/flexible-keyboard-overlay-turns-ipad-laptop-video-141259853.html

By Mikey Campbell

Published: 05:25 PM EST (02:25 PM PST)

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claims that an iTunes “flaw” allows surveillance companies to introduce a trojan horse onto users’ computers, subsequently selling the sensitive data to government agencies.

In an interview with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in London on Thursday, Assange purports that governments are using backdoors to access and store sensitive data from every single citizen in entire cities, including a new flaw in iTunes, reports the International Business Times.

“iTunes has a flaw in it and that flaw is automatically used by some of these [surveillance] companies to take over whatever computer system is running iTunes,” Assange said. “And there are these sorts of backdoors into every popular phone, into every popular computer and every popular computer program.”

Assange also spoke at City University in London about WikiLeaks’ newly released documents that detail large-scale surveillance of citizens by their governments. He went on to say that handset makers monitor and record conversations, and have the ability to take control of a phone without knowledge or consent from the user.

The WikiLeaks founder asked the crowd who had an iPhone, BlackBerry, or uses Gmail. Assange said, “well, you’re all screwed. The reality is intelligence contractors are selling right now to countries across the world mass surveillance systems for all those products.

The claim comes just days after news that a program called Caller IQ has been secretly logging and sending home extensive amounts of data from mobile users, like keystrokes and device location, though the company that develops the software says the information is used solely for analytics.

“They are selling Trojans so if you go to some website or if someone sends you an email and bang, it infects your phone with a Trojan and it records what you’re saying in the room even when the phone doesn’t appear to be active,” Assange said.

Phones built by HTC and RIM are running Carrier IQ, and Apple recently acknowledged that although it used the software in earlier builds of the iOS platform, access to user data was limited. German regulators are currently investigating the Cupertino, Calif. tech giant’s claims.

It is unclear if Assange has found a true flaw in iTunes, or is merely lumping iOS devices in with products affected by the Carrier IQ software as he has yet to detail the security breech.

Mobile user privacy has been a hot button topic in Congress as of late, with the specter of large corporations colluding with government agencies likened by Assange to an Orwellian “Big Brother” society.

Most recently, Apple found itself under the scrutiny of the U.S. Senate’s Subcommittee on Privacy involving geolocation tracking in what the media dubbed “Location-Gate.”

“We may end up in an Orwellian totalitarian surveillance state, of course that sounds bombastic but that’s literally the surveillance system that we are in,” Assange said. “It’s total surveillance. It’s a worrying situation for Western democracy.”

The new claims from Assange purport that security firms are secretly selling surveillance “equipment” to states around the world, allowing governments to locate mobile phones to within 50 meters. Once again, however, it is unclear what the WikiLeaks founder meant by “equipment” as his accusations mention only software.

The iTunes backdoor has not been confirmed by a third party and Apple has yet to issue an official statement regarding the accusations.

Article source: http://feeds.appleinsider.com/click.phdo?i=4e977462ba9702cf2838d00f8170334c

Swapping music between iPhones just got real easy. And forget Yelp’s review manifestos, you should go tiny. Then become a rat-battling rogue and get ready for robot combat.

If you want to see all the apps on one page click here.

Article source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/xagw5rCHE90/

By Mikey Campbell

Published: 07:08 PM EST (04:08 PM PST)

iPhone 4S retailers in at least seven countries are reporting that the device will launch in their respective countries on Dec. 16, including Russia and Brazil, two of the most populated states in the world.

Retailers in Russia, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the Philippines took to the internet this week, announcing that Apple’s newest handset would be available starting Dec. 16, according to a list compiled by MacRumors.

AppleInsider previously reported that Russia and Taiwan would begin selling the device sometime in mid-December, and now retailers like Digital.ru are posting that pre-orders have started for the upcoming debut. Taiwan News also reports that orders are being taken by local shops, and reassert the Dec. 16 release.

Following a late-November Colombian launch, South America continues its iPhone 4S rollout as Brazilian telecom Claro put up a promotional webpage advertising the device. Reports also claim that a Latin America iTunes Music Store will open prior to the phone’s release.

Rounding out the latest international push, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the Philippines, all report that the handset will be on sale from Dec. 16.

Promotional webpage for the iPhone 4S | Source: Claro

Article source: http://feeds.appleinsider.com/click.phdo?i=4f36417e01c4333f95fd50cfd3c6f947

spiderArm Ltd. launches into the iPad® accessories market with the spiderArm support system for iPad 2. A complete set that uses up to 3 arms for precise positioning ergonomic comfort. Offers Universal iPad access with “hands free” usability for home, school and workplace.

(PRWEB) December 02, 2011

spiderArm Ltd, a breakout new iPad accessory manufacturer is announcing the new spiderArm™- a complete iPad® system now available for immediate shipment worldwide. Includes everything to position your iPad exactly where it is needed most.

“The spiderArm offers versatile hands free support with 360 degree radial adjustment,” said Tim Henderson spiderArm Inventor. “You can use 1, 2 or 3 arms for perfect positioning and ergonomic comfort… great for movies, video calls and gaming.”

Tim conceived the spiderArm™ seeking an easy way to adjust his iPad® for reading in bed. He connects all three Arms for maximum extension and adjustability. Tim added, “spiderArm is the only iPad stand solution that allows for temporary or permanent mounting in multiple locations. Two base options offer c-clamp, surface, under the cabinet and wall mount solutions.”

There’s a detailed user guide available online at- http://www.spiderArm.com/user-guide/

Three articulating arms with 270 degree joints freely adjust to any angle and height. The spiderArm™ features engineered construction for commercial, professional and home use. Rugged with a quality finish, polycarbonate joints in piano key white and soft anodized finished aluminum tubes.

Tim’s enthusiasm for spiderArm radiates as he explains… “We have found so many uses- all the iPad® stand possibilities are in one box. SpiderArm moves with you at home in the den, living room, kitchen counter or nightstand. Tested at work for the office desk, trade show display, shipping bench and manufacturing. In addition, the spiderArm excels for education at school- excellent for classrooms, labs and music studios.”

Tim suggested, “spiderArm™ at mealtime, I whip up my favorite recipes with the iPad® in the kitchen. Combine the C-Clamp Base with the shortest Arm for handy access above the spills and splashes. It offers sturdy-adjustable support for all your cooking, emailing and online research.”

Looking close there are some innovative features of this Patented Design, where Tim’s years of production and development experience stand out.

The “secureSnap™ case” is unique among iPad® accessories, click the four corners down with a snap to secure your iPad 2. The connecting shortArm features a ball joint connection with a smaller adjustment knob that allows secure positioning at any angle.

The “C-Clamp feature” securely screws a temporary mount to any surface. Padded to protect furniture, table and bench tops and headboards. Remove the base of the C-Clamp it is now an excellent Wall Mount bracket as well.

An important addition to this system is Tim’s “surfaceMount™ 2-way base” for permanent placements. It securely screw mounts tabletop or under the cabinet for quick access offering 360° radial adjustment.

For more information, visit http://www.spiderArm.com

Hi-resolution photos and digital media upon request.

Interviews, promotional and evaluation samples available.

About spiderArm Ltd

spiderArm Ltd Established to offer leading designs in iPad® accessories

Providing the best in quality, function innovation

iPad® is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

# # #

Marty Hiester
spiderArm Ltd
(509)255-4126
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/spiderarm-ipad-stand-system-now-available-worldwide-003107160.html

By Daniel Eran Dilger

Published: 08:19 PM EST (05:19 PM PST)

JP Morgan analysts who met with top Apple executives note that the company’s leadership views both its own iPhone 3GS and Amazon’s Kindle Fire as devices that will attract customers to iOS as they “gravitate to more feature-rich experiences.”

Analyst Mark Moskowitz issued his note after meeting with Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook and chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer, describing a the meetings focal points as “longer term in nature.”

Moskowitz said he left the meeting “confident in our view that Apple can continue offering feature-rich, user friendly product experiences to sustain the companys above-peer revenue and earnings growth power.”

Prior to the meeting, JP Morgan had increased its fourth calendar quarter iPhone sales estimates from 25 million to 28 million, while the firm “slightly lowered” its iPad sales estimates.

After meeting with Apple’s executives, Moskowitz wrote, “our view is that the iPhone raise is reasonable and that our iPad trim might have been too cautious.”

iPhone 4S sales not slowing, iPhone 3GS finding new customers

Moskowitz expressed the view that iPhone sales were not losing momentum, reiterating the view that iPhone 4S sales had not plateaued since the new model’s launch.

The note also stated that Apple views the iPhone 3GS, its first free model, as “a good dynamic for the iPhone family,” observing that while it is not a top seller, it is “introducing Apples products to a wider audience of customers.”

Kindle Fire not pressuring iPad, may expand tablet interest

Regarding iPad sales, Moskowitz wrote that “Apple appeared confident in its position of strength in the tablet market continuing,” adding that the company is not too concerned about low priced competitors.

“If anything, we think that Apple views the Kindle Fire as a device that stands to bring incremental consumers to the tablet market, and here, these consumers could gravitate to more feature-rich experiences,” Moskowitz wrote. “In other words, we think that Apple is not seeing much pressure from lower-priced tablets, yet.”

Moskowitz also commented on Apple’s plans for its cash, noting that the company focused its cash discussions “around its investments in product pipeline, supply chain, and retail footprint,” rather than entertaining ideas of a stock buyback or didivend payout.

“In our view, we think that the use of cash issue has received too much attention of late, due to investor concerns over slowing tablet sales,” Moskowitz said, adding, “we expect that investors will begin to refocus on the revenue and earnings power of Apple once the December quarter is in the books and there are no signs of deteriorating sales momentum.”

Article source: http://feeds.appleinsider.com/click.phdo?i=4f690cc2a2ae3cca3a0791766e3aae20