Research in Motion (RIM) releases fiscal quarter three results

Research in Motion (RIM) a.k.a BlackBerry, has released their fiscal quarter three results today. They missed their expected revenue, which was set at $4.31 billion, by about $230 million. On the other hand, RIM set a new company record on BlackBerry activations this past fiscal quarter, 4.9 million accounts. This brings the total users amount of BlackBerry users to about 41 million.

Also, the company announced a revenue growth of 35% to $15 billion.

Co-CEO Jim Balsillie siad that the company is "off to a great start in fiscal 2011 and expect strong shipments, revenue, subscriber and earnings growth in Q1."

Apple’s music streaming service coming third quarter of this year?

CNET is reporting today that Apple is planning to hold off on releasing its rumored music streaming service until the third quarter of this year.

Music industry sources told CNET this week Apple has informed label managers that a streaming music service is unlikely to be ready before the third quarter.

It will be a disappointment for iTunes fans who have been speculating as to when Apple might use music site Lala--which Apple acquired in December--for its streaming expertise to launch a cloud-based music service.

Apple recently purchased Lala, a online music streaming service and since the acquisition, Apple has been rumored to be planning to move iTunes to a cloud-based application.

AT&T and Apple working together to improve iPhone’s 3G connection

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple has been working with AT&T, attempting to address issues with 3G performance on the iPhone. The report mentions Apple even tweaking how the iPhone connects to AT&T's 3G network to reduce load.

Apple rejiggered how its phones communicate with AT&T's towers. As a result, the phones now put less of a load on the network for such simple tasks as finding the closest tower or checking for available text messages.

"They're well past networking 101, 201 or 301," said Mr. Donovan. Apple, he said, is now "in a Master's class."

Ever since the launch of the iPhone back in 2007, users have been complaining of poor network performance with AT&T. However, recently, AT&T has been making strides to improve their network, wanting users to report issues and where their service is poor.

Expose-like multitasking coming to iPhone OS 4.0?

AppleInsider is reporting today that they have found more evidence of multitasking support in iPhone OS 4.0. According to the report, multitasking on iPhone OS 4.0 will be very similar to the Expose functionality found on Mac OS X.

Those familiar with the design of iPhone 4.0 said that the user interface will resemble Apple's desktop Expose feature, in that a key combination -- reportedly hitting the Home button twice -- will trigger an expose-like interface that brings up a series of icons representing the currently running apps, allowing users to quickly select the one they want to switch to directly. When a selection is made, the iPhone OS zooms out of the Expose task manager and transitions to that app.

Reports of multitasking on iPhone OS 4.0 have been rumored for a while now. However, a recent report showed that multitasking is coming to iPhone OS 4.0.

Apple currently offers developers an option of using Push Notifications, the ability to send messages to the user without having the actual application open, to replace multitasking. Push Notifications was introduced in iPhone OS 3.0, which was released last June.

iPad to launch in Canada and other countries on April 24th?

iPad in Canada is reporting today that they have received information from a source saying that Apple retail store employees in Canada have been told that the weekend of April 24th is a "black out period," which means that employees cannot take time off. If this is true, it means that Apple is planning to release the iPad to Canada and possibly other countries on April 24th. It also coincides with the 'late April' date Apple gave to when the iPad would be coming to other countries.

We were contacted by a source with close ties to the Apple Store that the weekend of April 24th has been marked as a "black out period" for staff. This means no employees are allowed to book this day off. If that's the case, then it would make sense that this indeed would be the launch date for the iPad in Canada. Anytime there's a "black out period" you know it's for something big.

While there is not too much more information on what countries are included in this possible release, it seems like this could be the date. Pre-orders usually begin three weeks before the device launches, meaning that if this date were true, pre-orders for the iPad in other countries could begin as early as next week.

64 GB Zune HD coming April 12th for $350; current models price reduced

We reported earlier this week that an image was leaked onto the Zune HD homepage showing a 'Zune HD 64' model. Today, Microsoft announced a 64 GB version of the Zune HD, slated for release April 12th. It will be available in a handful of colors and the price tag will be $349.99.

Along wit the announcement of the 64 GB Zune HD, Microsoft has also cut down the pricing of the 16 and 32 GB models by $20 to $200 and $270 respectively.

There is no word yet whether the new 64 GB Zune HD will be running the 4.5 version firmware.

Report: Palm webOS 1.4.1 being released to customers

Multiple customers of the Palm Pre and Engadget are reporting that the Palm webOS 1.4.1 update is being released to customers. There is no word yet on what the update fixes or improves, and it only weighs in at 6 MB.

Late last month the webOS 1.4 update was released to both Sprint and Verizon users.

YouTube to unveil new video page design today

YouTube is set to unveil a new video page design for all videos sometime later today. Google says that it is one of the biggest redesign's the video sharing website has ever done.

The overhaul will have a "like/dislike" system, replacing star ratings. Other things have been combined, removed or moved to free up space and make the page cleaner and more professional looking.

TechCrunch was able to obtain an email sent from YouTube to all partners regarding the design overhaul:

Dear Partner,

We want to provide you with an update on YouTube’s new video page, which we’ve been hard at work on for the last several months.

You can read more about it here:

http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2010/01/video-page-gets-makeover.html

http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2010/02/latest-changes-to-video-page-new.html

On Wednesday, March 31st we’re happy to let you know that we’ll be transitioning all YouTube videos to this new video page.

This new video page makeover is one of the biggest redesigns in YouTube history — and we’re excited to make YouTube a better place for you and your content!

We'll have a complete overview of the new YouTube video page design in a few days.

Apple releases MobileMe Control Panel 1.5.1 for Windows; VoiceOver Kit for iPod; Time Capsule and Airport Utility and firmware updates

Apple today released multiple software updates.

MobileMe Control Panel 1.5.1 for Windows

MobileMe Control Panel is required to manage iDisk settings and to sync contacts, calendars, and bookmarks on a Windows PC.

This update is required for Windows computers running iTunes 9.1.

The update weighs in at 2.39 MB.

VoiceOver Kit for iPod 1.3: The update allows automatic downloading of updated pronunciations from iTunes 9.1 and is available for the third-generation iPod Shuffle and fifth-generation of the iPod Nano.

Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station Firmware Update 7.5.1

This update provides several fixes for the latest Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station (Late 2009) including:

• An issue with wireless performance in the 5GHz band
• An issue with creating a Guest Network in the 5GHz band

AirPort Utility 5.5.1(Mac OS X: 10.24 MB) (Windows: 10.70 MB)

AirPort Utility 5.5.1 includes general bug fixes and addresses the following issues:

To be able to use the new firmware, you are required to update your Airport Utility first.

Apple releases iPhone Configuration Utility 2.2

Continuing in the release of Apple software updates, Apple today released iPhone Configuration Utility 2.2, the application that allows users to "create, maintain, encrypt, and push configuration profiles, track and install provisioning profiles and authorized applications, and capture device information."

iPhone Configuration Utility 2.2

• 64-bit for Intel
• Drops PowerPC support
• Other release notes were unavailable when this listing was update

The update can be downloaded here.

Apple releases QuickTime 7.6.6 for Leopard and Windows

Apple today released QuickTime 7.6.6 to both Mac OS X Leopard and Windows users, addressing security and performance issues with the media player. The update also appears to be bundled with the Mac OS X 10.6.3 update, which was released yesterday for Snow Leopard users.

QuickTime 7.6.6 for Leopard (65.63 MB): This update requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

QuickTime 7.6.6 for Windows (32.28 MB): This update requires Windows XP (SP2 or later), Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Apple sued over multi-touch patent infringement

SlashGear is reporting that Elan Microelectronics, a Taiwanese company, is suing Apple over a multi-touch patent they filed back in 2003.

This company sued Apple last year regarding the same patent, but did not win the case. The patent in question is No. 7,274,353, which describes the detection of multi-fingers that allows for any subsequent multi-finger applications to be implemented."

The lawsuit will be covering the patent being used from the iPad to the Magic Mouse.

Zune HD 4.5 firmware update coming soon

Engadget is reporting that they have received information on the Zune HD 4.5 firmware update. The next version of the Zune HD software will reportedly bring SmartDJ and added codec support for videos. Microsoft has said that they will not be adding DivX support, but will be supporting Xvid.

The SmartDJ feature will work like the Genius Mixes feature on an iPhone or iPod touch, which brings songs that go perfectly together in one album.

There is no word on when the update will be coming, but it will be released soon.

Twitter unveils new homepage design

Twitter has deployed a new homepage today that non-logged in users see when viewing Twitter.com. New features include: scrolling trending topics, “top tweets”, and a “who’s here” with avatars of well-known Twitter users.

It is currently unknown whether the new homepage is available to everyone.

[UPDATE] Motorola Droid users receiving Android OS 2.1 update today?

Engadget is reporting today that Motorola Droid users on Verizon Wireless will be receiving the long-awaited Android OS 2.1 update later today.

Today at noon, 1,000 users will get notification of the update and by midnight, 9,000 more will go out. If everything goes as planned and no bugs are reported, the remaining users will get the 2.1 update beginning on Thursday, April 1.

Starting 03/30/2010, Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software update for the DROID by Motorola. Users will be able to upgrade their software to version AP: ESE81/BP: C_01.3E.03P to receive new improvements and enhancements.

Key Advantages:

• Email - Yahoo Mail is now supported - customers can simply sign in with their Yahoo! Email address and password. Note:Yahoo! Email is not available over Wi-Fi
• Pinch to Zoom now available in the Browser, Maps, and Gallery
• Speech-to-Text - Customers can now use their voice instead of typing whenever a text-entry box appears
• Google Goggles is now preloaded
• The new Gallery application uses 3D layout and shows both pictures taken with the customer's Android device and images from Picasa Web Albums account online

Software Schedule: Below is the software-upgrade notification schedule (All times listed are Eastern Time):

• At noon on 03/30, 1,000 users will receive notification of the update.
• At 11:59 PM on 03/30, 9,000 more users will receive the update notification.
• After the first 10,000 users receive the update on 03/30, there will be a 24-hour period when no additional upgrades will be delivered.
• On Day 3 (04/01), 200,000 users will receive the update notification at 11:59 PM. This schedule will continue each day thereafter until the update has been delivered to all users.

Download & Install Conditions:

• An OTA download requires 40% or more power availability if the device is not connected to an external power source or 20% or more power if it is connected to an external source
• If roaming, the customer will not receive the update. The only option in this scenario is for the subscriber to enable Wi-Fi and wait for a mandatory OTA. The wait period in this case will not be more than 12 hours
• User must wait to receive the upgrade via OTA
• User is unable to make or receive calls, including emergency calls during this time

Users will see the following information when they select *More info* on the update screen: This software update includes new enhancements to support Yahoo! Email, pinch-to-zoom, and many other improvements for your DROID by Motorola. You will be unable to use your device or make emergency calls for the duration of the install. The software updates automatically, and your DROID will power off and on as part of this software upgrade.

UPDATE: Everybody, It's true. Here are some pictures of people who actually got the update today

Apple releases iTunes 9.1 and iPhoto 8.1.2

Apple today released a pair of Software Updates, one updating iTunes to version 9.1 and the other fixes issues with iPhoto, updating it to 8.1.2.

iTunes 9.1

iTunes 9.1 comes with several new features and improvements, including:

• Sync with iPad to enjoy your favorite music, movies, TV shows, books and more on the go
• Organize and sync books you've downloaded from iBooks on iPad or added to your iTunes library
• Rename, rearrange, or remove Genius Mixes

iPhoto 8.1.2

Apple releases Bonjour Print Services for Windows

Apple today released Bonjour Print Services for Windows, allowing Windows users to use Apple's automatic service discovery protocol to connect to network printers or shared printers connected via USB.

Bonjour Print Services for Windows

Bonjour Print Services for Windows lets you discover and configure Bonjour-enabled printers from your Windows computer using the Bonjour Printer Wizard.

Use Windows Update to make sure you have the latest Service Pack installed for your computer.

The software requires Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, but Apple recommends Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista Service Pack 2, or Windows 7. The download weighs in at 5.18 MB.

Updating your Facebook status is now possible through Yahoo! Mail

Yahoo! today began applying a feature to all Yahoo! Mail accounts that have a Facebook account attached to them that allows users to update their status straight from Yahoo! Mail.

One feature that was introduced today is the ability to update your Facebook status via Yahoo! Mail. When you setup your Yahoo! account with a Facebook username and password, it automatically adds an option under the "Share" box that allows you to share your status to Facebook and Yahoo!.

The second feature that was announced today is that whenever someone that is a Facebook contact in your Yahoo! Mail account sends you an email, their profile picture shows up in the corner of the email.

Last month, Yahoo! introduced the ability to import Facebook contacts into Yahoo! Mail.

Yahoo! is certainly trying to become more of a social connection site, and so far, they are succeeding.

iTunes 9.1 details leaked

MacRumors is reporting that they have received word from a source that claims to know information about the un-released iTunes 9.1 update. According to reports, it will be released around the same time as the iPad this Saturday and its main new feature is eBook content to support the iPad.

According to the source, the existing "Audiobooks" entry in the iTunes Source list will be replaced with a broader "Books" section. A similar change will made to the sources for managing content on connected devices such as iPhones, iPods, and iPads. The revamped "Books" section for connected devices will reportedly display all book content compatible with a given device for easy content management.

The update is also going to reportedly improve Genius Mixes, the feature in iTunes that automatically selects songs "that go great together." Users will be able to have more control over Genius Mixes, including the ability to rename them and organize them. Also, users will reportedly be able to delete them by right-clicking.

Finally, the iTunes 9.1 update is reportedly going to bring changes to device support, rearranging the summary pane of the Sync screen and moving the "Check for Updates" and "Restore" buttons to the left side. Also, users will be able to have to choice to convert their songs to 128 kbps AAC format when syncing to them to the device.

There is no further information regarding iTunes 9.1 and no release date has been officially announced yet.

Details on next-generation iPhone; iPhone OS 3.2 SDK; Verizon iPhone

There are multiple topics on this post.

Next-Generation iPhone shows taller form-factor

Nowwhereelse.fr has found that a mobile phone repair shop has posted a YouTube video showing what it claims to be a LCD screen of the next-generation iPhone. This screen has a taller form-factor than its previous versions.

This lines up with a report that surfaced earlier that the iPhone will have a taller form-factor.

iPhone OS 3.2 SDK for iPad Gold Master seeded

Apple has seeded the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK Gold Master edition to paying developers. The Gold Master is the final build of the iPad OS that will be shipping with the iPad. The Gold Master build is only available to paying developers.

Verizon iPhone coming soon?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that Apple is currently developing two new iPhone models, one of which will be compatible with Verizon Wireless' CMDA network, for release later this year.

According to the article, the two iPhone models will be produced by different manufacturers:

The people briefed on the matter said one of the new iPhones is being manufactured by Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which produced Apple's previous iPhones. The model that has CDMA capability, used by Verizon Wireless, is being manufactured by Pegatron Technology Corp., the contract manufacturing subsidiary of Taiwan's ASUSTeK Computer Inc., said these people.

The new GSM iPhone would be released sometime this summer, while the CDMA model for Verizon Wireless would not go into production until September.

The rumor that the iPhone would be coming to Verizon Wireless has been going on since the launch of the iPhone, back in 2007. There have also been many rumors of guessing when the AT&T exclusivity with the iPhone would be ending, and to this day, no one really knows. Recent reports are showing that Apple extended the contract with AT&T for one more year.

Next-Generation iPhone to have higher resolution display, front-facing camera and multitasking support?

Daringfireball's, John Gruber is reporting today that he knows some features that will be coming in the next-generation iPhone including:

• A4-family CPU system-on-a-chip
• 960x640 double-resolution display
• second front facing camera
• 3rd party multitasking in iPhone 4

The front-facing camera and multitasking have been rumored to be coming to the iPhone for a while now. However, multitasking was reportedly planned in iPhone OS 3.0, but then removed, being replaced by Push Notifications. However, reports are showing that Apple is planning to add multitasking support in iPhone OS 4.0, slated for release later this year. The higher resolution display has not been mentioned before, but would make sense since all of the competitor smartphones are using higher display resolutions.

Apple publishes iPad firmware download and licensing agreement

Along with the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK for the iPad being seeded as a Gold Master, Apple has published two new files today, one being the iPad OS 3.2 firmware download and the other being the iPad licensing software agreement.

• iPadDocumentation_3.2.ipd
• iPad1,1_3.2_7B367_Restore.ipsw

The firmware file, which is labeled with build 7B367, is of little use without an iPad to install it on.

The software liscensing agreement for the iPad reveals one important piece of information: what is the plan on OS upgrades for the iPad:

Apple will provide you any iPad OS software updates that it may release from time to time, up to and including the next major iPad OS software release following the version of iPad OS software that originally shipped from Apple on your iPad, for free. For example, if your iPad originally shipped with iPad 3.x software, Apple would provide you with any iPad OS software updates it might release up to and including the iPad 4.x software release. Such updates and releases may not necessarily include all of the new software features that Apple releases for newer iPad models.

The download links are available below:

Firmware

Licensing Agreement (via MacRumors)