Call it either "ScatchGate" or "ScuffGate," Apple appears to have yet another non-controversy on its hands with the iPhone 5's new aluminum back, which is more prone to scratches or scuffs than the last few models. Of course, those of us who owned an original iPhone back in 2007 remember well how the back side picked up scratches, so we'll just kick back and let the rest of you twist in the wind over it for now. But in case you're curious what Apple has to say about it, read on...
For the most part, the iPhone 5 doesn't need an instruction manual -- but that isn't stopping Apple from releasing one anyway. Don't go looking inside the box, however: You'll want to head to the iBookstore and download the free iPhone User Guide for iOS 6, a 153-page iBooks title which claims to be "everything you need to know about iPhone in a handy eBook format."
The gang at iFixit is at it again, this time partnering with Chipworks for a "double the fun" teardown of Apple's new A6 processor found in the new iPhone 5. The two companies discovered the custom ARM processor "looks a little homespun at first," with the ARM core blocks "laid out manually -- as in, by hand." While such an approach "will usually result in faster processing speeds," the process is far more expensive, not to mention time consuming. "The manual layout of the ARM processors lends much credence to the rumor that Apple designed a custom processor of the same caliber as the all-new Cortex-A15, and it just might be the only manual layout in a chip to hit the market in several years," the teardown notes.
The transition is complete! The app formerly known as JibJab Jr. Books is now officially StoryBots Starring You StoryBooks thanks to the latest version 1.2.3 update now available on the App Store. "Make like a bunny and hop over there to update JibJab Jr. Books and enjoy all the goodies StoryBooks has to offer, including all the books your kids have grown to love, super-fast loading times, an improved home screen, and animations at the end of each book," the StoryBots announcement reads. "Our kids love it. We think your kids will, too!" As always, the app and the first storybook is free, with others available for in-app purchase as well as a subscription to the Book of the Month Club, and the app promises to be quicker and more responsive along with its all-new look and feel.
9to5Mac is reporting that Apple senior VP of marketing Phil Schiller has weighed in on the iPhone 5 scratching "controversy" as users discover the new aluminum back is more susceptible to small scratches than the glass used in the previous two models. "Any aluminum product may scratch or chip with use, exposing its natural silver color. That is normal," Schiller wrote in an email reply to one inquisitive user who remarked about the "scuffs, scratches and marks" on his new baby. Given that the iPhone 5 is already holding up much better in drop tests than previous models, we'll be quite happy with a few scratches rather than shattered glass, thankyouverymuch.
If you're missing Google Street View and transit directions in iOS 6, it should be no surprise that third-party navigation providers are practically tripping over themselves to offer you a product to help ease your pain. Garmin introduced several such products to their lineup on Tuesday, including their Garmin N. America app for $44.99 which now offers "urban guidance" for public transportation, panorama view 3D and yes, Google Street View coverage. Most of their apps have likewise been updated with support for the iPhone 5's taller screen as well as iOS 6 in general -- and we're pretty sure other navigation app providers will be following suit soon enough.
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