Find My Friends
Hidden in the native Settings application of the first iOS 4.3 beta is a reference to a new "Find My Friends" feature, discovered by MacRumors. The strings for Find My Friends are associated with MobileMe, suggesting that the service would be tied to Apple's $99-per-year service.
The name suggests the feature could be similar to existing products like Google Latitude or Loopt. The official Google Latitude application was initially rejected from the iPhone App Store, but Apple eventually approved the software in December.
Apple's interest in a location-sharing service was detailed by AppleInsider in December, in a patent application filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Referred to in the documentation as "Friend Locator," the service would use Apple's push notification service to share their location with friends via GPS.
iOS 4.3 beta references new iPhone, iPad models
Also uncovered in the pre-release software are references to new models for the iPhone and iPad, as uncovered by Engadget. The beta features identifiers for two new iPhones and three iPads.
The iPhones are known as "iPhone4,1" and "iPhone4,2," while the just-announced CDMA handset headed to Verizon on Feb. 10 is referred to as "iPhone3,3." The lack of reference to an "iPhone4,3" is also of note.
The code also reveals three new iPads, referred to as "iPad2,1," "iPad2,2," and "iPad2,3." The first-generation iPad is currently available in two variants: a Wi-Fi-only model, and one with an added 3G radio compatible with GSM-based carriers, like AT&T in the U.S.
This week, a Verizon executive let slip that Apple plans to release a new iPad with a CDMA radio built in, to allow the hardware to connect to its network. That new CDMA iPad could represent the third model referenced in the iOS 4.3 beta.
59 Comments
This week, a Verizon executive let slip that Apple plans to release a new iPad with a CDMA radio built in, to allow the hardware to connect to its network.
Why does AI keep reporting Verizon's announcement as a "slip?" Is there any evidence that suggests that the announcement was inadvertant and that Verizon or Apple did not want this information public?
Looking forward to iOS4.3, I like the concept of 5 fingered controlling and navigation.
Apple just continues innovating. Can't wait for iPad2, I have bought 3, sent 2 to Russia, and have to fight my kids and wife for the other one.
My 7 year old knows how to use it as well as my iPhone, no manuals, a minute training and she is off and running. Isn't that what good software is about ?
User friendliness, simple and no manual, just explore and quickly learn, however the haters confuse this with what they term a "toy". I feel sorry for them, they are so ignorant and just do not get it and will never be the wiser.
I discovered Apple in 1999, and have never regretted this.
I am constantly in awe-struck of their innovations.
As a computer programmer I appreciate good UI design and robust and well thought out architecture and code, it is obvious to all that Apple are the creme-de-le-creme.
Hey not fair, I posted first with a change, but was beaten, had to edit my original post.
AI you are BASTARDS lol !
"Find My Friends" sounds like it can be used by a paranoid spouse to check up on the other one.
Is there any evidence that suggests that the announcement was inadvertent
A decade and a half of Apple being obscenely secretive on future products isn't enough of a clue for you?