Launch

Sprint launches LTE in 22 new markets, expands in others

Sprint customers with an iPhone 5 or other LTE device will be happy to hear that the carrier has launched its next-gen 4G service in 22 new markets today, and has expanded its coverage in several areas.

Today's new cities include Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Napa, California. And between the roll out and the aforementioned expansion, Sprint's LTE network now covers 110 US markets...

Facebook to host event June 20th, says it’s been working on ‘big ideas’

It's just June now, and the Facebook team has already had a big year. It's launched major new search tool, rolled out a completely revamped version of its Timeline feature, and oh yeah, it developed its own Android launcher.

But apparently it's not finished yet. The social networking giant just sent out invitations to a media event scheduled for June 20th. Facebook's invite doesn't offer many details, but it does say that it's been working on big ideas...

Fitbit’s new activity-tracking Flex wristband now available for $100

At CES this year, fitness accessory startup Fitbit announced the final missing piece of its highly-regarded activity-tracking line: a wristband. Dubbed the 'Flex,' it offers all of the durability and accuracy of its clip-on products, in a more wearable solution.

Initial market feedback for the band was tremendous, but a lot of that enthusiasm has seemingly subsided during this lengthy waiting period between announcement and availability. Nevertheless, the Fitbit Flex is finally here and available for purchase...

New webstore offers all of your favorite Apple-related Kickstarter projects

Are you an iPhone or iPad user who's always looking for cool new accessories? If so, you might be interested in knowing that there's a new website out (well, it's relaunching) that offers a range of Apple add-ons that aren't typically sold in stores.

The site, called BiteMyApple, is billed as a one-stop accessory shop for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac computers. And its entire inventory is filled with products that were once successful Kickstarter projects. More details after the fold...

Siri Eyes Free makes its debut today in Chevy’s Spark and Sonic vehicles

Last summer, during its WWDC keynote, Apple announced that it was going to be taking its digital assistant act on the road. It introduced Siri 'Eyes Free,' a feature that allows qualified iPhone users to interact with Siri over Bluetooth using stock vehicle controls.

A total of 9 major automakers have pledged support for the hands-free system including Audi, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar. And today, it makes its official debut in Chevrolet's youth-oriented Spark and Sonic vehicles...

New 128GB iPad now available for online order

As promised, Apple's new 128GB iPad has become available today. While in-store availability is still unknown, the tablet can be ordered online with an estimated shipping time of 1-3 business days.

Evidence of the high-capacity iPad was first spotted in the just-released iOS 6.1 firmware last week. And shortly after that, Apple confirmed the slate's existence and launch date of February 5...

Evasi0n could drop at noon EST tomorrow

By now, most of you have probably already heard that Evasi0n will not be arriving today. The evad3rs tweeted this afternoon that the final countdown towards 'tomorrow's release' has begun.

Of course, they didn't give us any idea of what time to expect it tomorrow. But, as a few folks on Twitter have pointed out, the progress bar on the Evasi0n page is set to expire at noon tomorrow...

Apple releases iOS 6.1 with more LTE support and Siri improvements

Following up Saturday night's release of the fifth iteration of the iOS 6.1 beta, Apple has seeded the final version of iOS 6.1 to the public (download link). The release comes nearly three months after the initial beta of iOS 6.1 was issued to developers.

So what did Apple do to its mobile operating system during all of that time? Well, most of the changes here were expected. There's now more carrier support for LTE, and Siri is now able to purchase movie tickets through Fandango.

Keep reading for the full change log...

Pebble’s smartwatch app now available in the App Store

Good news this morning for anyone who ordered a Pebble smartwatch, the companion iOS app is now available for download. The news comes just a day after the company announced that it had started shipping its first round of watches.

The app is needed to unlock much of the Pebble's functionality, and as of yesterday, it wasn't in the App Store. And there was some concern that customers would get their watches, after months of waiting, and not really be able use them... 

Apple expanding LTE support to 36 new carriers next week

iPhone 4s

During Apple's quarterly earnings call yesterday, Tim Cook announced that Apple would be adding 36 additional carriers to the list of compatible LTE providers for its iPhones and iPads next week.

The good news is, Cook says these carriers will be in countries that are not currently supporting LTE. So for those of you who have a 4G iPhone or iPad and don't currently get LTE, be on the lookout...

Microsoft’s Surface Pro to land on February 9 with $899 price tag

After a bit of a delay, Microsoft today announced launch details for its new Surface Pro tablet. The device will become available for purchase on February 9, and will run $899 for the entry-level 64GB model.

The Pro's release comes more than three months after its less-capable sibling, the Surface RT. And with reports suggesting that it didn't do so well over the holidays, Microsoft is hoping the Pro will be a hit...

Google+ iOS apps land in 48 new countries and territories

Google's social network may have gotten off to a rocky start, but through perseverance and a string of handsome mobile app updates, it's managed to turn the service into a hit. As of last month, it had more than 500 million users, with 235 million being active.

And that number could see a small bump this weekend, as the search giant just announced that it has launched its two iOS Google+ apps in 48 new countries and territories this week, including Barbados and the Ukraine. We've got the full list after the fold...