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Rumor: Apple's iOS dock ports headed for a diet

What's one thing that's basically stayed pretty much the same throughout the entire lifespan of iOS devices? The dock port.

But that could change soon, according to a new report. iMore says that Apple is on the cusp of switching to a smaller version as part of a move to save space and make room for other components in its portable devices.

How soon that change is headed to a device is as unclear as ever though. iMore suggests it won't be the next iPad, but could be the next iPhone. … Read more

Apple is combating Siri ports, blocking unauthorized devices

The hacking community is abuzz with news that Apple has decided to thwart attempts to bring Siri to older-model iPhones. The requirements for connecting your iPhone with Siri has a new element, a token, that has blocked third-party apps like Spire from accessing Siri's database.

The SetActivationToken appears to be the culprit, though it is unclear exactly what the requirement of the device is for this token.

The main concern for users with older iPhones is that the SetActivationToken could signal a focused approach by Apple to stop Siri access for unapproved devices. Though the new token does stop … Read more

AirPort Utility 6.0 missing a number of features

Yesterday Apple released AirPort Utility 6.0 along with an update to the older Version 5.x of the same program. The new tool offers an updated and intuitive interface for managing your Wi-Fi network, but it also is missing some key features that, while not necessarily beneficial to most home users, might frustrate IT professionals and network administrators.

After installing the utility and exploring its features, MacFixIt reader Joshua O. wrote in regarding a number of these he found:

I've been surprised that no one has commented on the massive loss of functionality in the new Airport Utility. … Read more

Apple updates AirPort utility and Base Station firmware

Apple has released a couple of updates for its AirPort Utility software for OS X Lion, and also has released new firmware updates for its AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule router devices.

AirPort Utility 6.0 is available to edit and configure both AirPort Base Station, Time Capsule, and AirPort Express networking devices. Apple has updates the prior version to version 5.6 that resolves issues with accessing passwords in the system keychain, but has also released version 6.0 which implements support for configuring iCloud to remotely access mass storage attached to the AirPort and Time Capsule devices. … Read more

Apple AirPort Utility 6.0: No love for Windows or Snow Leopard

Apple today launched version 6.0 of its AirPort Utility that enhances the networking experience for those using its networking products.

These products include the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and Time Capsule.

The new version lets you do all that you can do with the previous version (version 5.5.3), but with a more streamlined interface that resembles that of Apple's apps.… Read more

Netgear brings dual-band 450Mbps to a gaming adapter

LAS VEGAS--Netgear announced today at CES 2012 its first dual-band 450Mbps adapter, the N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port Wi-Fi Adapter (model WNCE4004).

It connects Ethernet-ready devices, such as desktop computers, printers, and game consoles, to an existing Wi-Fi network. The adapter comes with four network ports, meaning you can add up to four wired devices to the Wi-Fi network at the far end of the connection.

The fact that it supports dual-band and the higher 450Mbps speeds means that you can use it with any existing wireless networks without having to worry about compatibility or performance degradation.

Netgear says that … Read more

More than Fire can dress up in Silk

The browser Silk may be native to the Kindle Fire, but one Android developer has discovered a way to transplant it to any rooted Android device, an XDA forum post from the end of December revealed.

If you're an Amazon.com addict but don't have a Fire, Silk could become your go-to browser. Silk is unique because of its "cloud acceleration" ability, which renders Web sites extremely quickly using a combination of the SPDY protocol developed by Google and computing power provided by its own cloud-based servers. Silk is also known for the ability to learn … Read more

Developer ports Siri to iPhone 3GS

A follow-up to 9to5Mac's report on developer Steven Troughton-Smith's porting of Siri to an iPhone 4 reveals that another developer, Ryan Petrich, has created a scenario for Siri to function on an iPhone 3GS, though performance is not very good.

Last week Siri was hacked to run on an iPhone 4 by jailbreaking an iPhone 4S to recover the files necessary to run Siri on the iPhone 4. 9to5Mac provided a great interview and video showing the iPhone 4 running Siri next to an iPhone 4S.

Now, according to developer Ryan Petrich, Siri can run on the iPhone … Read more

Siri on older iPhones; Apple not listening

Siri may be most at home on the brand new iPhone 4S, but she's up for a little adventure and willing to explore other iOS devices--if you're willing to port her over, at least.

Since the new iPhone and its integrated voice assistant were introduced two weeks ago, there's been talk about getting it up and running on other iOS gadgets, including the iPad and of course, the plain old vanilla iPhone 4.

At first it wasn't looking too good, based on early experiments attempting the portage using an iPod Touch and the Gold Master build of iOS 5. A few of the Apple hacker genius-types out there appealed for patience--just wait until we actually get our hands on the new iPhone, they told us.

They were right, kind of.… Read more

Fixing AirPort problems in OS X

One of the prominent problems that people have after upgrading their systems or otherwise modifying their systems is when their Wi-Fi connections will not work properly. The Wi-Fi connection may turn off after a brief period of connectivity, or it may just immediately shut down. At other times it may stay on but not receive a proper configuration from the router and be given a self-assigned IP address.

When these problems occur, generally people try various fixes like running general maintenance routines, but while doing this cannot hurt (and may have some secondary benefits), clearing system caches and resetting the … Read more