If you want to understand why Apple used the words “totally wrong” in a statement, read on for Glenn Fleishman’s examination of the whole iPhone 4 signal strength and antenna kerfuffle. Glenn also looks how Hulu Plus will bring subscription TV to the iOS, and both he and Adam contribute articles that ponder what friendship means in the online world. Adam goes on to cover the release of the new Kindle DX and how it will compete with the iPad, and he looks in depth at how members of a household can share titles purchased from the iBookstore. Finally, Matt Neuburg explains just how fast app switching in the iOS works and what it means in the context of multitasking. Notable software releases this week include HoudahSpot 3.0, Adobe Acrobat and Reader 9.3.3, WireTap Studio 1.1.1, and HP/Epson Printer Drivers 2.4.1/2.4 for Mac OS X 10.6.
Apple says it discovered a flaw in its method of calculating the number of signal strength bars on the iPhone that could overstate how strong reception is. A small change in signal could drop two bars in the display.
Hulu has finally released a preview of its software for iOS: Hulu Plus. The service costs $9.99 per month, but includes full episodes - in HD, where available - from ABC, NBC, and Fox, as well as a vast backlist. The service will work with Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players, gaming systems, and computers, too.
In an attempt to keep the Kindle DX relevant in a world occupied by the iPad, Amazon has released a new model that features a higher-contrast E Ink screen and the significantly lower price of $379.
Concerned about buying books from the iBookstore because other members of your household won't be able to read them without using your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch? Never fear, because there are multiple ways that members of a family can all share the same purchased books - from different iTunes accounts - on multiple iOS devices.
In which we learn how multitasking on an iPhone 4 is just like how a scientist takes a trip to Jupiter. Or something.
What are the qualities of friendship? Who do you think of when asked about your friends? If someone says he or she is your friend, must you accept that unilaterally? Most popular online services now force you to confront these questions.
In which Adam thinks about how most social networking services are bidirectional, even though most online relationships are largely one-way, and explains how he deals with a vast number of acquaintances.
Notable software releases this week include HoudahSpot 3.0, Adobe Acrobat and Reader 9.3.3, WireTap Studio 1.1.1, and HP/Epson Printer Drivers 2.4.1/2.4 for Mac OS X 10.6.
Three quick blips for you this week - Glenn's appearance on the TechFlash podcast, a thought-provoking essay on the move away from "thingness," and some hard numbers on whether it's faster or slower to read on a device like an iPad or Kindle.