Previously, FaceTime was only available over cellular to customers with LTE or Mobile Share plans, and now, those who own the iPhone 4S and are on any tiered data plan can now use the carrier’s HSPA+ network to use Apple’s video chat tool. There’s no word on whether customers with unlimited data plans can use FaceTime over cellular, though, so it looks like the feature is still only good for those with tiered data plans.

AT&T says that it has already begun updating their “systems and processes,” and expects to start rolling the update out to eligible customers “beginning in the next couple of weeks.” Previously, back in November, the carrier announced that iPhone 5 users with tiered data plans would be allowed to use FaceTime over its LTE network.

The good news is that any AT&T customer with an older Apple device can now use FaceTime over cellular, including the iPhone 4S and previous-generation iPads. With the popularity of discounted older-gen iPhones, more and more budget-minded consumers are buying Apple’s older gear, and with AT&T’s lift on FaceTime over cellular, more users will finally be able to chat with their friends and family while on the go.

However, when AT&T announced that it was rolling out FaceTime to cellular customers there were caveats. Notably you had to be using a tiered data plan and a LTE device. Those caveats limited use to the iPhone 5 or the iPad with LTE connectivity.

Reports are coming in that AT&T has now quietly expanded support for FaceTime over a cellular connection to all customers. Some customers have reported that their grandfathered unlimited data plan iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S devices are now supporting FaceTime over the cellular network.

This was confirmed by a number of users over on the MacRumors forms. However, it’s worth noting that some users of those devices on unlimited data plans report that they still can’t access FaceTime over the mobile network. That could mean that the service isn’t rolled out to all users yet. However, it could mean that AT&T has made some sort of mistake allowing that access at all since it hasn’t bragged about it officially. If you’re on an unlimited grandfathered AT&T data plan, let us know if you can do FaceTime over your mobile network.

[via MacRumors]

“Due to their release dates, these products were not included in the previous lawsuit that concluded with a Jury verdict on November 6, 2012″ VirnetX said in a statement today, explaining its double-dip legal strategy. The company is hoping for damages and injunctive relief; last time around, it sought around $700m, though the judge granted roughly half of that.

Four US patents – Nos. 6,502,135, 7,418,504, 7,921,211 and 7,490,151 – are at the heart of VirnetX’s complaint, referring to how VPN connections are established for secure point-to-point communications between devices. In general that technology is used for businesses to share files securely with remote workers, but VirnetX successfully argued that Apple uses the same, patented technology when it establishes FaceTime video calls.

Apple, unsurprisingly, argued that the smaller company is chasing cash for something that it didn’t create. “VirnetX is not entitled to money for things they did not invent” Williams, Morgan & Amerson lawyer Danny Williams said as part of his final closing statement at the last trial. “The VirnetX technology, if used, is a small part of very large, complex products.”

No trial date for the new case has been confirmed, and Apple is yet to comment on the extended allegations.

Hulu has launched its new Hulu Kids service for paying subscribers, while the Samsung Galaxy Express and the MiFi Liberate are headed for AT&T. The creators of Expendable Rearmed have been working with NVIDIA to bring the classic Dreamcast game to Android, and we heard that Foxconn may be thinking about expanding into the US. Google began teasing its Niantic Project earlier today, and speaking of Google, it launched Free Zone today as well, a new program that will attempt to give feature phone owners access to basic Google services.

Hitachi has revealed its lineup of HDTVs and Smart TVs for fall 2012, and scientists have spotted a “Super Earth” in the habitable zone of a star that’s 42 light years away. The HTC One S has popped up at T-Mobile with a price tag of zero dollars, and AT&T is willing to shave $100 off the price of a new tablet so long as you’re willing to sign a two-year data agreement. Flomio has taken to Kickstarter to raise funding for its FloJack NFC reader for iOS, and Mimo has introduced a new touch screen monitor that’s compatible with OS X.

We learned when Star Wars: The Old Republic will be going free-to-play, and GameFly is offering BioShock as a free download for a limited time, so if you haven’t played it yet, have at it. AT&T has backtracked somewhat on its FaceTime restrictions, and the Humble Bundle for Android 4 has launched with six games that are all worth checking out. Finally tonight, Chris Burns gives us his review of Evernote 5 for iOS, so be sure to have a look at that. That’s all for tonight’s Evening Wrap-Up, enjoy the rest of your night folks!

AT&T said today that it will be rolling out this functionality over the next 8 to 10 weeks, so even though you’ll be able to use FaceTime over LTE eventually, you might still be waiting a while. Unfortunately, an AT&T representative confirmed to Gizmodo that those using an iPhone on an unlimited data plan don’t qualify for this new functionality, so if that’s you, don’t get too excited. We can’t imagine that those customers will be too happy to hear that, considering that if you’re on an unlimited iPhone data plan at AT&T, you’ve been a customer of the company for years now.

AT&T has caught a lot of flak for limiting FaceTime usage to those with a Mobile Share plan, and it looks like the carrier has finally had enough of the grief its been receiving lately. In a statement posted to its website, the company explained why it’s taken so long in letting more customers use FaceTime over its mobile network. “In this instance, with the FaceTime app already preloaded on tens of millions of AT&T customers’ iPhones, there was no way for our engineers to effectively model usage, and thus to assess network impact,” AT&T said. “It is for this reason that we took a more cautious approach toward the app.”

If it would have opened the floodgates earlier, it claims, the amount of people using FaceTime on its network could have had a negative effect on the quality of its service, thus making everyone angry. Whatever the reason, if you have an iPhone 5 or an LTE-enabled iPad, you can now use FaceTime on AT&T data plans other than the Mobile Share Plan. Not too bad, but we have a feeling that some won’t be happy with the exceptions AT&T has put into place.

VirnetX’s complaints had centered around four patents involving the establishing of virtual private networks through which secure communications can take place. They use a domain-name service to set up, and are commonly used for accessing files stored at an office from a remote location.

However, Apple used the same technology in the process of establishing FaceTime video calls, VirnetX argued, and demanded more than $700m in damages. “For years Apple refused to pay fair value for the VirnetX patents,” McKool Smith lawyer Doug Cawley, representing VirnetX, said in court. “Apple says they don’t infringe.”

Unsurprisingly, Apple denied any such infringement, with lawyers for the firm arguing that FaceTime uses a different system. “VirnetX is not entitled to money for things they did not invent” Williams, Morgan & Amerson lawyer Danny Williams said in closing. ”The VirnetX technology, if used, is a small part of very large, complex products.”

VirnetX has previously snatched over $100m from Microsoft for patent infringement in 2010, and currently has Cisco, Siemens, and others in its sights for further lawsuits.

Only a few days after those complaints were made known to AT&T by the consumer groups, the FCC has announced that it will review the objections and “exercise our responsibilities” if necessary. The statement comes from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, although he said he couldn’t comment specifically on AT&T at this time. He noted that if a good faith effort to resolve the issue doesn’t lead to a resolution the FCC would look into it.

Consumer watchdog organizations claim that the FCC’s Open Internet rules prohibit arbitrarily limiting a service like FaceTime over specific networks. This appears to be exactly what AT&T is doing with FaceTime by charging users more to access the service. No formal complaints have been filed with the FCC at this time according to reports.

AT&T continues to maintain that it is compliance with FCC rules on network neutrality. AT&T believes it is compliant with its FaceTime blocking because the application comes pre-installed. AT&T believes that net neutrality rules only apply to downloaded applications.

[via The Verge]

The group has informed AT&T that they intend to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission against the wireless carrier for violating net neutrality rules. After all the waiting by users for Apple to make Facetime usable over cellular networks instead of WiFi, only to see AT&T cut out the option unless users paid an additional fee has many up in arms. Here’s what Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood said in a press release:

“AT&T’s decision to block FaceTime unless a customer pays for voice and text minutes she doesn’t need is a clear violation of the FCC’s Open Internet rules.” “It’s particularly outrageous that AT&T is requiring this for iPad users, given that this device isn’t even capable of making voice calls.”

In comparison, rivals from Verizon and other carriers will allow this feature outright, while AT&T looks to bank on the situation. Although according to AT&T they are in compliance of the network neutrality rules because Facetime comes pre-installed. They allow any and all 3rd party apps to be downloaded and installed with no additional charges. Basically those rules only apply to downloaded apps.

We’ll take this moment to ask you guys again. Do you really want Facetime over 3G, or do we just resent paying for things? With the iPhone 5 already being AT&T’s most successful iPhone launch ever surely Facetime over cellular poses a huge task for network stability and bandwidth demand, but AT&T should be up to the challenge. We’ll be hearing more on this soon from both AT&T and the group filing the complaint, we’re sure of it.

[via CNET]

Essentially what we have is a near identical camera as what we saw with last years iPhone 4S. The difference here is of course quality will be slightly improved, but they’ve also made it thinner, much thinner. The iPhone 5 is being touted as the world’s thinnest smartphone and this plays a big role. How big exactly? 25% thinner while still managing to improve the specs and features.

As you can see from the image above, the 8 megapixel camera has a 3,264 x 2,448 backside-illuminated sensor, f/2.4 aperture and more. This is the same as the previous generation only thinner. This helps the device reach that ultra thin level it couldn’t achieve before. The new camera being smaller helps them pack everything in here. I’m excited about that new and improved dynamic low light mode! More details coming up shortly and once again, follow along at live.slashgear.com

Apple’s handling of FaceTime has been shoddy, it has to be said. The company originally promised to open the system up to third-parties, making it a cross-platform service rather than limiting it solely to its own iOS and Mac clients. That hasn’t happened, and beyond revealing 3G support in the upcoming iOS 6 back at WWDC 2012, Apple has been quiet on where, exactly, FaceTime is going.

Leaving out carrier-specific details at the WWDC keynote is a good example of that, though Apple isn’t done any favors by AT&T’s famed reluctance to commit to anything until the last minute. Going by the error messages popping up on devices already running the iOS 6 beta, it’s looking very likely that AT&T will be demanding another tithe for those wanting to use the data they’ve already paid for to make FaceTime 3G calls – on top of mandatory data package fees and, if required, tethering add-ons.

Exactly how much that will cost – if, indeed, it happens at all – remains to be seen. AT&T could go for a pay-per-use fee, either on a per-call basis (say, $0.50 per FaceTime 3G call you make, regardless of length) or based on data consumption. Or, it could opt for a set fee each month for blanket FaceTime 3G calling; say, $10 more on top of your existing data package.

Is $10 too much to ask for the convenience of not using, say, Skype and instead relying on Apple’s streamlined alternative? Would $5 be acceptable? What if AT&T said you could make as many FaceTime calls over 3G as you like, as long as you also upgrade to a tethering package? How much is “too much”?

Listen to the current crop of complaints, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Apple gadget users have been crying out for a video calling, but that the prospect of AT&T fees is going to yank the rug out from under it. Apple hasn’t released usage figures for FaceTime – perhaps indicative that it hasn’t exactly set the world alight, given Apple loves nothing more than loudly proclaiming the numerical evidence of its successes – but is the current lack of 3G support really the blockade, or is it the fact that video calling really just doesn’t rate highly on the priority list of most?

What does rate strongly is the suspicion that fat-cat carriers are preparing to squeeze yet more fees out of us every month. Even if we don’t want to use a feature, nothing enrages us like the possibility that someone might want to charge us for it. So, don’t conflate anger over the possibility of AT&T plan changes with a real appetite for video calling services. Sometimes, subscribers just like an opportunity to blow off steam.

That doesn’t mean the CEO has completely ruled out the idea of charged FaceTime cellular access, however. Stephenson was non-committal in his answer, saying that he had heard “the same rumor.” As you may have already gathered from reactions across the internet, the idea hasn’t exactly gone down well. Users are rightly pointing out that data is already bought and paid for, so applying additional charges for services that use that data simply comes across as a way to siphon more money from customers.

Carriers in the United States and Europe have tried to build a business model around video calls in the past, although high prices and lack of phones to take advantage of the technology resulted in the service’s failure to take off. There are millions of iPhone 4S’ out there capable of using FaceTime over cellular, but we’re pretty sure that consumers will balk at the idea of paying extra for the privilege. Hopefully AT&T will get the message that charging for FaceTime over cellular will go down like a lead balloon before the company finalizes its plans.

[via TechCrunch]

For tethering, AT&T – like many other carriers – requires that subscribers pay for an extra data plan. It’s suggested that, given FaceTime will likely increase the amount of 3G traffic users consume, the carrier will demand they cough up another fee to cover it.

Interestingly, 9to5Mac found that Verizon handsets do not give the same error message as AT&T devices running iOS 6, though it’s not conclusive proof that the carrier will not be demanding an extra tithe for FaceTime 3G calls.

Whether AT&T’s fee is in the form of a set allowance for FaceTime 3G traffic, a pay-per-call charge, or a flat fee covering “unlimited” use each month (though likely with a “fair use” policy) remains to be seen. “We’re working closely with Apple on the new developer build of iOS 6″ AT&T said in a statement, “and we’ll share more information with our customers as it becomes available.”

It’s exact form could have a significant impact on those AT&T subscribers still clinging onto their older, now-discontinued unlimited data plans. If AT&T demands an all-new data package that covers FaceTime 3G, rather than simply adding the service as an account add-on, such users may have to choose between their grandfathered plans or the ability to make video calls over cellular data connections.

[via MacRumors]

The original iPad won’t get iOS 6 at all, staying on iOS 5, while the iPad 2 will miss out on Siri functionality, unlike the new iPad on iOS 6. Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation in Apple’s new Maps app – replacing Google Maps in iOS – will be limited to the iPhone 4S and iPad 2/new iPad.

The list of omitted features for the iPhone 3GS also includes VIP list support, VIP/Flagged smart mailboxes, and Offline Reading List, all of which are only on the iPhone 4 or later, and iPad 2 or later. Apple’s plans for Made for iPhone hearing aids, meanwhile – which will offer certification to compatible hardware – will demand the iPhone 4S.

Although several Android OEMs have opted not to upgrade their older phones to newer releases of the OS, a common explanation has been that the usability experience is not necessarily worth the accompanying performance compromise. Limits on functionality for older devices is not particularly unusual – hardware requirements for more processor-intensive features are always going to rub difficultly with lower-power chips in earlier phones and tablets – but Apple’s decision to mock Google and Android while slipping these omissions into the small-print is likely to earn the company some criticism.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Previously, anyone wishing to place FaceTime calls over 3G had to do so either via WIFi hotspot or using jailbreak tweaks, but it looks like the rumors have panned out. Anyone will be able to make FaceTime calls over 3G networks on any carrier without any issues, and if you have an iPad that means FaceTime over 4G too.

Naturally, the service does use a sizable chunk of bandwidth in order to send video and audio to the receiving party, so it could eat into your limited data plan quite quickly. Still, it’s nice to have the option and choose when to use it rather than not have it all. FaceTime over cellular connections will be available with iOS 6 when it’s made available soon.

The message reads, “Disabling 3G may end FaceTime. Are you sure you want to disable 3G?” Since the video chatting service currently runs only when connected to Wi-Fi, this error message has no place. That is unless Apple intends on enabling Facetime via 3G soon.

Another new message has been noted that reads, “Enabling 3G will end your phone call. Are you sure you want to enable 3G?” That message comes up when the user tries to re-enable 3G, but re-enabling 3G is said to have no effect on the call at all. I’m not surprised Apple is considering enabling Facetime via 3G. I also won’t be surprised if carriers try to block it somehow.

[via CNET]

Though the code doesn’t explicitly refer to iChat in particular, it does include strings related to third-party services AIM and Jabber. Not to be confused with the iMessage application found in iOS 5, which only allows text messaging, but does not connect across various messaging platforms such as AIM, Google Talk and more. Furthermore is the fact that the “IMService” code in iOS 5 refers to both the iMessage and FaceTime services. At the moment, iMessage and FaceTime are completely different applications in iOS 5, with the iPhone dishing off FaceTime duties to the phone’s native calling application, and the iPad and iPod touch having a separate application specifically designed for FaceTime usage. What the code now implicates is that FaceTime could, in the future, become integrated in iMessage directly itself.

Take note that support for more instant messaging services could easily be added to the built-in Messages app in iOS 5 rather than having to add a new iOS program called iChat. If this is what’s going to happen with this situation, 9To5 Mac notes that it might be a smarter decision for Apple to rebrand iChat on Mac OS X as Messages and possibly even push out iChat and FaceTime on other operating systems (cough, Windows) to provide an overall multi-platform unified messaging solution.

[via 9To5 Mac]

Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White issued a note to investors today, reiterating his previous belief that Apple’s HDTVs are already in early stage pilot and prototype production. White also noted that the hardware refresh for the current Apple TV set-top box may have been delayed due to plans related to the Apple HDTV, which could launch sometime in 2012.

“We believe the TV experience is in need of greater simplicity and innovation, providing Apple with opportunity to yet reinvent another product category and develop even closer ties with its customers,” wrote White.

Estimating that the LCD TV market would generate about $102 billion in 2012, White believes that the market has huge potential for Apple, which could dominate with its “unmatched aesthetics, expansive digital ecosystem and overall quality” as well as charge a premium price two to three times greater than competitors.

Additionally, White believes that Apple would not only use iOS and integrate Siri and FaceTime with the new HDTV, but that the company could also bring in iAds advertising and integrated App Store to allow developers to earn more revenue through apps developed specifically for the HDTV.

[via AppleInsider]

There is no guarantee the feature will make it into the final version of iOS 5 since it has only surfaced in the beta 3 version. I can see this being a very cool feature for chatting with groups and it might make the iPhone 4 an inexpensive video conferencing solution for business to use rather than having to buy an expensive dedicated system.

Someone at Tipb got to try the feature hands on and said it is indeed “magical.” Of all the features of the iPhone 4, I have never once used FaceTime. Video calling just doesn’t seem that interesting to me. Obviously, you will need an AirPlay device for your TV to get this service to work.

[via Tibp]

Speculation on a Windows 8 video chat app began when folks over at MDL forums noticed a DLL named ConsentUX.dll which included the following:

100,Do you want to allow %1 to use your %2 ?
101,CapabilityName
102,DisplayName

1600,Block
1601,Do you want to you allow Chatter to use your video ?
1602,Allow
1603,Always Allow

Manan Kakkar further pointed out that during the Windows 8 preview this week, he noticed that there was a peculiar icon on the Windows 8 lock screen that may be an indicator for a video chat app. The icon had the number 7 next to it, and Kakkar believes this could indicate 7 missed video chats. The icon is a bit ambiguous though, so its hard to say.

[via WinRumors]

There’s a sense that Apple is content with its industrial design right now: at first glance the new iMac looks indistinguishably from the old. That’s because most of Apple’s efforts have gone on inside, slotting in Sandy Bridge processors behind the 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit IPS display of our review unit. They’re paired with the latest AMD Radeon GPUs, and thanks to the twin Thunderbolt ports – which double as DisplayPort connectors – you can now chain a pair of external displays off of a single iMac.

That opens the door to a vast work area, though we’ll have to wait to test that until we’re back at the office. Interestingly, there’s also Target Display Mode support – the ability to use the iMac as a display, not a computer in its own right – though updated to suit Apple’s latest ecosystem. Plug in a Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro and you can use the iMac as a second monitor for it; unfortunately the same doesn’t hold true for a previous-gen MacBook Pro, the Mini DisplayPort of which won’t work.

Still, using a 27-inch quad-core beast as a dumb display seems frankly wasteful, especially when on its own its such a potent desktop. We’ve seen zero lag in loading apps and OS X – along with the iLife suite – runs like a dream. Would we have liked to have seen a Blu-ray drive and maybe HDMI? Of course, but that’s not on Apple’s roadmap. What you do get, Apple told us, is performance on a par with a Mac Pro, along with a FaceTime HD camera for 720p video calls – it’s worth noting that only the most recent MacBook Pro has FaceTime HD camera support, though, not the iPhone 4, iPad 2 or iPod touch.

Thunderbolt peripherals are still in short supply commercially, but when we met with Apple for an iMac briefing in New York the company showed us some pre-release hardware so as to get a better idea of what the updated desktop is capable of. Last time, at the MacBook Pro launch, Apple demonstrated four uncompressed HD videos being pushed through a single Thunderbolt connection; this time, Apple was pushing six uncompressed HD videos through a quad-SSD Pegasus Thunderbolt DAS.

A 4k2k video streamed at 505-600MB/s, and Apple also had footage shot on a RED camera that exceeded 750MB/s, with playback smooth and glitch-free. The iMac’s new AMD Radeon graphics options also give the computer a new burst of performance; Apple showed us how the iMac could flip through dozens of 30-megapixel images with no lag, editing and zooming as they went, while a Portal 2 demo ran at 98.8 frames per second. The same title on the last-gen iMac would only have managed around 80-percent of that, we were told.

Moving forward, the displays of all iMacs will be individually calibrated at the manufacturer, for improved on-screen quality. In fact, if you’re comparing Apples to Apples – forgive the pun – the those moving from the entry-level last-gen iMac to the new entry-level machine are likely to see the biggest differences, thanks to that GPU upgrade.

Still, that’s not to say there isn’t an improvement to be had when you consider quad-core across the board. We’ll be putting the iMac through various benchmark tests for the full SlashGear review, so until then enjoy the live gallery!

There’s also a second 21.5-inch pre-config model, with a 2.7GHz Core i5, Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB of storage, for $1,49. The entry-level 27-inch iMac is $1,699 and has a 2.7GHz Core i5 CPU, Radeon HD 6770M graphics and a 1TB drive. Options include up to 2TB of storage, a 256GB SSD and additional DDR3 memory from the 4GB standard.

A FaceTime HD camera for video calls with other Macs and the iPad 2/iPhone 4, SD card slot and IPS display are all standard. There are also two Thunderbolt ports on the 27-inch model, each of which doubles as a Mini DisplayPort connector; both sizes have a FireWire 800 port, four USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet and audio in/out. Integrated WiFi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR round out the key specs, and there’s a choice of a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad along with the standard wireless keyboard.

The new Apple iMac goes on sale today.

Press Release:

Apple Announces New iMac With Next Generation Quad-Core Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today updated its signature all-in-one iMac® with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime® HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.*

“With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we’ve made the world’s best desktop even better.”
“Our customers love the iMac’s aluminum enclosure, gorgeous display and all-in-one design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we’ve made the world’s best desktop even better.”

The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.

iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire® and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad® 2, iPhone® 4, the current generation iPod touch® and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop line is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard®, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife®, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Snow Leopard builds on more than a decade of innovation and includes the Mac App Store℠ for finding great new apps for your Mac. iLife ’11 features iPhoto® with stunning full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand® with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US).

Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare® Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.

*Testing conducted by Apple in April 2011 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/imac/features.html.

**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of April 2011. EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Next you’ve got to know how close we are to the launch of the greatest game ever made – Portal 2 is Almost Here! So close we can taste it. Next grasp some real-world knowledge with everyone’s favorite knowledge dropper Philip Berne in “She Gets the Furniture, I’m Keeping Fringe.” Then back out of reality with everyone grabbing their own live channel on YouTube – YouTube Live Streaming officially launches. Finally everyone in the world can tell their horrible opinions to everyone else with no loading and saving between them!

Your daily iPad 2 updates include a Maine school where kindergarteners are picking up their iPad 2s for free. They’d better be on the lookout for Verizon Roaming Bugs. While you’re in Apple mode, get taught by none less than main man Chris Davies in another installment of SlashGear 101: What is Apple FaceTime? Then for everything earlier in the morning, hit up the Morning Wrap-Up.

BONUS something you don’t need to know but will be glad you took the time to learn about - the PXL 2000 - a camera that records to cassette tapes – find out all the weird details courtesy of our resident oddity locator mister Kevin Fubar (pronounced “FOO-bar”.)

So Apple invented video calling, right?

No, not at all, though they did do a lot to make it easier to use – just as long as you have the right hardware. Video calling is actually a part of the 3G standard, which – if the carrier and whatever phone you’re using supports it, which isn’t the case in the US – has been available since around 2003. Unfortunately a combination of high pricing, poor understanding by users, mediocre quality and patchy reliability meant this form of video calling has never really taken off.

Apple’s FaceTime takes advantage of the company’s tight control over the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and MacBook software, which has allowed it to polish the video calling experience to the point where everyday use is possible. Now FaceTime is available to anybody at the touch of an on-screen button.

Do I need an Apple phone to use FaceTime?

Not necessarily a phone, but definitely something with the Apple logo. FaceTime was first supported on the iPhone 4, which was Apple’s first mobile device with a front-facing camera (i.e. one that looks at the user, rather than out the back of the handset). The latest iPod touch and iPad 2 both have front-facing cameras and FaceTime support as well, and Apple has released a FaceTime app for its Mac and MacBook computers so they can join in the fun as well. FaceTime comes free on the mobile devices and the very latest Macs, and is a $0.99 download from the Mac App Store for earlier Mac owners.

Okay, so how do I use it?

It’s pretty simple, just as Apple was aiming for. On the iPhone you make a voice call in the normal way and then tap the FaceTime button on-screen to switch to video. On the iPod touch and iPad 2, you start a video call in the FaceTime app. You’ll need an Apple account in order to make and receive calls, since that’s used as the “phone number” for devices other than the iPhone 4.

Currently, FaceTime video calls can only be made when you have a WiFi connection, not when you’re using the mobile network for data. That’s a limitation Apple has put in place itself, though the company has said it is working on removing it in the future.

I’m not into Apple, can I video call with something else?

You certainly can, though the process gets a bit trickier. Various apps are available for Android and other mobile phone platforms which promise video calls, sometimes over not only WiFi but the 3G mobile networks too. That means you can make video calls when away from your home network or a WiFi hotspot, as long as your signal is strong enough.

Skype, Fring and Qik are all among the companies offering video calling apps, though their effectiveness often varies on a phone-by-phone basis. Not all phones have front-facing cameras, either, though they’re becoming more common on the latest handsets. A future SlashGear 1010 feature will look at the best video calling apps if FaceTime isn’t your thing.

Apple has said it plans to open up FaceTime to other manufacturers, so that non-Apple phones can make and receive calls too, but so far there’s no sign of that actually happening.

More information at Apple’s FaceTime page.

My boyfriend and I have both recently experienced this problem several times – when one of us is calling the other via FaceTime, an old picture freezes on our screen, while the person receiving the call only sees a black screen. It’s kind of creepy, because it brought up photos of both of us at work, where I have used FaceTime a few times but he never has. We’re just wondering how/why this is happening, and if there is a fix. It’s not terribly inconvenient, but it’s definitely unsettling, where is seems that even if we haven’t taken a picture or used FaceTime, the camera is keeping images. If anyone else is experiencing this, we’d love feedback. Thanks!

I’ll make a quick guess as to what’s going on here. There’s probably some minor bug that’s misplacing a memory address when buffering the image data it’s getting from FaceTime. But, as any geek knows, assuming the user is remembering correctly is always a bad idea when it comes to weirdness like this. So, to follow that probably incorrect assumption, I wonder if it’s possible that the program is snagging data from the CCD without any user indication. I would prefer to have hardwired capture indicators enabled whenever a camera is going.

Most likely, the both of them did open up the FaceTime app, but didn’t connect a call. The app buffers image information right away to get it ready to start the whole process of sending that data over to the recipient. When no call connection is made, and the program is exited from, that buffer isn’t overwritten. So when the next call is made, the program opens up the same buffer and OMG! there’s already something that looks like image data there! So it sends along that old bit of buffered video and then goes black, because the camera is sending the new data to another chunk of memory. It sends that buffered frame and then gets stuck, it doesn’t have the right spot where the new camera images are being stored.

[via Intomobile]

The front facing camera is only VGA quality and can record up to 30 frames per second with audio. VGA quality is only 640 x 480. The rear facing camera is slightly better but still Apple seems a bit evasive on the specs. The back camera can record video in 720p HD up to 30 frames per second with audio and can take still images with 5x digital zoom.

Exact resolution information for the cameras to do a megapixel to megapixel comparison between the iPad 2 and competing tablets may be intentionally omitted. But based on what’s been shown, its apparent that the Motorola Xoom’s 2MP front camera and 5MP back camera with dual LED flash has got the iPad 2 beat.

Both incoming and outgoing video calls are supported, and you can also chat between Macs. Up to 720p HD quality is possible, and we’re expecting the app to be preloaded onto the new MacBook Pro models and use their rebranded FaceTime-HD webcams. You can download FaceTime for Mac 1.0 from the Mac App Store.

[Thanks Greg!]

As you’ll probably remember, the fourth-gen iPod touch has a 0.7-megapixel camera on the back that’s used for 720p HD video recording or 960 x 720 stills. The iPad 2′s front-facing camera, meanwhile, is VGA resolution and also does stills and video, just like on the iPhone 4.

That could put a dampener on two of the three apps seemingly coming with the second-gen slate, PhotoBooth and the regular Camera app, which were spotted in iOS 4.3 Beta 2 earlier this week. Obviously Apple is going to have to work hard to fit everything it wants to inside the iPad 2′s slinky casing, but we’d hoped for a few more megapixels along the way.

The Camera app is straightforward, offering a simple way to use the iPad 2′s camera to take snapshots and, presumably, record video clips. It’s unclear at this stage – though rumored to be the case – whether the iPad 2 will have a rear camera for photography as well.

As for FaceTime, that will allow for video calls over WiFi with iPhone, iPod touch and Mac users from the second-generation slate. Finally, PhotoBooth has various filters to modify pictures and video; the new beta makes mention of Thermal Camera, Mirror, X-Ray, Kaleidoscope, Light Tunnel, Squeeze, Twirl and Stretch. Previous digging suggested the iPad 2 would also have a proximity sensor.

[via MacRumors]

The rumor started with a “key WP7 employee” at CES reports Neowin. Apparently, this worker said that Microsoft was working hard to add a similar feature. The app would apparently be bundled with Microsoft Live services allowing it to work across multiple platforms and devices.

Neowin says that the WP7 worker that talked about the feature would not say if it would come to WP7 or be delayed until WP8. The pic attached here shows the Microsoft.Phone.Media.Extended.dll clearly highlighting a source selection for the cameras on the device.

You can see the sweet government document pertaining to FACE right here: [Entry 78980756] – be sure to read the whole thing should they someday own the face, your face, and my fact. Facebook now has three months to pay the necessary administration fee, then once they’ve payed, they can begin with the procedure. One of the biggest brands that might become questionable in the future is Apple’s “Facetime” – a brand name whose operation scope might be inside this legal document. Watch out!

[Via the Telegraph]

Of course, a rumor like this isn’t new by any means. When Apple’s FaceTime video chatting software was unveiled, there was people immediately talking about the possibility of using the application on the iPad. The first generation tablet device doesn’t support the ability to do it, so the obvious thing for Apple to do would be to have it supported in the second generation. According to the report, Apple is set to announce the second version of the tablet in the first quarter of 2011.

The company behind the CMOS image sensors you’ll find in the iPhone, OmniVision, is apparently also tapped to do the same thing for the pair of cameras in the iPad, according to investment firm Detweiler Fenton. The company is apparently building a 5MP camera for the back of the device, and an unknown mega-pixel for the front. At this point, considering the impact that FaceTime has had for Apple, there’s probably no doubt that Apple would want to include the feature for the tablet. But, is the camera on the back of the device necessary for a 10-inch tablet? That’s probably up to personal preference.

[via Barrons]

What someone having access to your computer means is someone either hacking into your computer, access with which they wouldn’t bother hitting up your FaceTime for, or someone literally walking up to your computer while you’re not there. That’s silly. The original warning for this security risk came from German site MacWelt, but they’re sure to remedy. Let’s all remind ourselves never to walk away from our computers anyway, just incase.

[Via Tuaw]

From Around the Web

Robot Teaches Itself to Fire Bow and Arrow: We know robots are getting smarter, and better at pretty much everything, thanks to the ingenious engineers and designers behind their creation. This robot, developed by Dr. Petar Kormushev at the Italian Institute of Technology, has taught itself to not only fire the bow and arrow, but fire it better over time. The robot is designed from open source software, and features Augmented Reward Chained Regression (ARCHER) technology, which is the learning algorithm that made it possible for it to learn how to hit bulls eyes. The possibilities are certainly endless, and slightly disturbing. [via TechnaBob]

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A tweet from DU, the carrier that’s handling the launch of Apple’s new iPhone in the United Arab Emirates, confirms that the video chatting feature will indeed not be supported in the region. The iPhone 4 is set to launch tomorrow in the area. Here’s the statement from the carrier:

“Our iPhone 4 customers won’t be able to make Facetime calls, as the feature is currently unavailable in the UAE.”

The Apple sites representative the areas Qatar, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia still show no signs of any FaceTime support, and now we know why. While DU couldn’t go into any further details as to why the WiFi-only feature isn’t supported, they did say that as soon as more details are available, they would be sure to share them. It could be something to do with VoIP restrictions, surely, or it could be something completely different.

Worth noting, is that if you have an iPhone 4 that wasn’t bought in the region, or from DU in particular (beginning tomorrow), then you can use FaceTime. It seems to be that the feature is being disabled from the hardware/software in the region, based on the selling location, and not the device itself. So, it will be interesting to see how the region enforces this rule, beyond hoping that the majority of customers purchase their new iPhone from region-specific carriers.

[via TUAW]

The competition is coming the strongest from Android, Google’s mobile Operating System. And from other manufacturers, like Samsung, which just introduced their brand new tablet device, the Galaxy Tab. The Tab features a 7-inch display, and both front- and rear-facing cameras, which will let it take advantage of video chatting. And considering the iPhone and iPod Touch are currently taking advantage of FaceTime, Apple’s own video chatting application/feature, it’s no surprise that the next version of the iPad would want to take advantage of that.

Earlier rumors suggested that the next iPad would have only one camera, but this new report from Kumar says that two cameras are expected. The 7-inch report, claiming that Apple is working on a significantly smaller tablet device, suggests that the release of other Android-based tablets, and perhaps the Tab in particular, are causing Apple to play with the idea of releasing a stark change in their tablet ideas. Traditionally, the iPad refresh would have meant the same sized display, at least, but with extras added on to make people want to buy it.

Of course, rumors about a smaller iPad pre-date the launch of the tablet device from Apple, so it could be that the Cupertino-based company has been working on the smaller device for some time now. Either way, it would probably mean a cheaper price tag for consumers, as well as make the device itself lighter to hold, and more one-handed friendly.

[via GigaOM]

If true, Apple are unlikely to be the only company planning Face Time integration with desktop software.  The company has promised to release the necessary APIs so that other manufacturers and software developers can create interoperable products – Qik recently confirmed they plan to do so with their eponymous software, which will run on Android and Symbian among other platforms – though has not yet set a public timescale for their availability.

The French site also suggested that iLife would soon be updated, removing iDVD and replacing it with a new, unknown application.

[via Apple Insider]

We’re sure that there’s going to be some kind of auditory notification, too (and, a pop-up), but if you’ve got your device on silent, you still want to be informed that a FaceTime call is on its way. That’s why we’re happy to see that a vibrating motor has been installed in the new iPod Touch. It’s small, which isn’t surprising at all, but it’s probably got enough oomph to get the point across, if you were to have your device in your pocket.

[via CrunchGear]

According to a new report from 9 to 5 Mac, it’s beginning to sound like people’s hopes and dreams are about to be dashed. Apparently, well-informed sources have come forward to tell the site that sticking a 5MP camera into the current frame of the iPod Touch wouldn’t be possible. And, if Apple’s going to go even thinner for the next version of the touchscreen personal media player, then the chances get thinner along with it.

The sources also suggest that the new iPod Touch will actually have a 3.2MP camera inside, and there’s no mention of a front-facing camera at all, so FaceTime may not be happening, either. Whether or not the new version has a 5MP camera with HD video recording isn’t a big deal. At least it will have a camera at all. But, we can imagine there’s going to be plenty of people out there that would love to get their hands on FaceTime without having to sign over a contract with AT&T.

[via 9 to 5 Mac]