Apple wants to buy your old iPhone, iPad

Despite all the new products constantly flowing out of Cupertino, Calif., Apple has a program to get some of its old stuff back. and it will even pay you for the pleasure.

Apple has been recycling old batteries and computers at its stores for years. when I worked at an Apple Store several years ago, we would fill our battery recycling boxes a few times each month to send away. We also brokered quite a few old PC recycling program transactions (free when purchasing a newMac).

Now, Apple has incorporated its smaller devices into the Reuse and Recycle program. if you have an oldiPhone,iPad, Mac, or PC notebook or desktop, simply visit Apple’s Reuse and Recycle site and fill out the form.

(Credit:Screenshot by Joe Aimonetti)

I happened to have my iPhone 3G (16GB) lying around unused, so I gave the site a whirl. After defining the model I had on the first page, I answered (and you should absolutely be honest here) questions about the condition of the device. there are a couple scratches, but the battery charges nicely and works great when there’s an activated SIM card.

(Credit:Screenshot by Joe Aimonetti)

At the end of the day, I got a quote for $65 for my old iPhone. That includes free packaging and free shipping to PowerON (they send you a box and pay for postage). PowerON then determines the actual value of your device and applies it to an Apple Gift Card. and don’t worry, if the actual value is different than the quote, they will call you.

If the actual value is lower and you’d rather keep your old iPhone for memory’s sake, PowerON will ship it back to you, for free.

Do you have old gear you’d like to exchange for cash? do you have other methods to make money on old iDevices? Let me know in the comments!

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Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Headset

Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Headset

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Plantronics Backbeat Bluetooth Headphones. the Plantronics Backbeat 903+ is great for workouts, commutes, or just chilling out at home. Immerse yourself in rich audio streamed from your iPhone, smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled MP3 player. wherever you enjoy listening to your music, never miss a beat or a call with easy-touch button controls. the voice alerts also let you know the status on battery, music track forward and back, mute, out of range and more. this product is compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled phones. Size: 2″ x 8.5″ x 5.5″

Enjoy rich music and clear, natural-sounding phone calls with Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Stereo Bluetooth Headphones with Mic. Offering the convenience of a wireless connection, the BackBeat 903+ is ideal for working out at the gym, listening to music while commuting, or just chilling out at home. One-touch controls, voice alerts, and OpenMic technology offer hands-free convenience, while the rugged construction is designed for on-the-go lifestyles.

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Young inventor pops onto scene

A little ingenuity goes a long way for 7-year-old North Lima boy

He’s started his own limited liability corporation.

He’s presented in front of investors.

He’s invented his own iPhone and iPod application.

And, oh yeah, Connor is just 7 years old.

The soon-to-be second-grader recently debuted his first app called Toaster Pop, a brightly colored game in which participants try to spread butter, jam and other toppings on one of his favorite breakfast foods — toast.

But the tech-savvy Connor, who attends South Range Elementary in Beaver Township, drew his inspiration from something his father showed him earlier this year: an old-school, pop-up toaster.

“I didn’t know about one before,” Connor said. “Then it just came to my mind: This could be a really good app.”

He tied two generational appliances together, and in March, Connor began a five-month journey.

The process, which ended with the Toaster Pop’s recent debut, wasn’t as simple as he thought.

The youngster had to fill out forms many adults have never seen or dealt with, including the legal paperwork to file for an LLC and a nondisclosure agreement when he met with an investor, Benjamin Daniel Ventures, which signed on after Connor gave a PowerPoint presentation he designed himself.

He got some assistance from his father, Craig, founder and president of GreenEnergy TV, but did most of the grunt work himself. Zamary said he told Connor if he wanted to invent an app, he’d have to go through the legal and business processes to get there.

“I didn’t want to be the dad who was the idea killer,” Craig Zamary said. “This is his thing. he wants to do it. If he makes mistakes, that’s how you learn. If I do it, it’s a disservice to him. This is about his path.”

So far, the path has been clear.

The app also has received rave reviews from users. It’s currently ranked as a five-star application — the highest rating available — because it’s simple enough for those children who borrow their parent’s iPhones, yet challenging enough that it keeps gamers coming back for more.

It also has Connor — who bounces ideas off his three siblings and many cousins — ready for more: He’s already started plotting out Toaster Pop 2.0, which he says will include “the elusive golden toast.”

For now, however, he’s content with Toaster Pop, available for 99 cents in Apple inc.’s App store.

Apple makes a 30-cent commission on the app; Connor will get to keep the rest.

He already knows exactly what he wants to do with it. some will go toward his college fund (he wants to be an entrepreneur just like his father), some will go toward buying his brothers and sisters iPods (you know, to play Toaster Pop).

The rest, he’ll donate to the children in Somalia in east Africa, a nation devastated by the worst famine in 20 years.

“When I heard about the starvation down in Africa, I thought, ‘Wow, maybe this app could help,’” Connor said. “Some of the money could go to Africa to help the kids down there.”

It may seem like Connor is all business, but he also makes time for normal 7-year-old activities, including sports and reading most of the “Harry Potter” books. That is, when he’s not playing Toaster Pop or his previous favorite app, the hit sensation angry Birds.

But life as an inventor occasionally postpones some regular daily occurrences, most notably bedtime. Zamary said his son sometimes stays up a bit later than normal so he can speak with Michael Gill of Dynamic Visions, the application’s California-based developer.

“It’s kind of funny because he goes to bed at about 7:30 or 8 p.m.,” he said. “When he’s done, I’ve got to say, ‘Go upstairs and brush your teeth, buddy. It’s time for bed.’”

Bedtime isn’t the only restriction. despite having his own LLC, Connor doesn’t have his own email account — yet.

“It’s going to be a little while,” Zamary said with a chuckle. “I told him he’s got to use mine, but he still signs his name ‘Connor’ with a little smiley face.”

Connor admits he’s done something few his age have been able to accomplish, but says he doesn’t think it’ll change his everyday life, including at school.

“I doubt it [will change anything],” he said. “I’ll just be a normal kid at school again.”

How to Save on iPhone

The actual tears of pleasure shed through iphone enthusiasts and also proprietors have got soon changed into ful grief after AT&T’s latest announcement which it might tax levy a $ 200 payment for upgradation to next-generation iPhone, introduced several days back again.

For those consumers who’re ineligible for subsidized rankings, the update tax provides the great complete to a significant $ 400 or even Five hundred dollars for the 3g, once more, with respect to the product. Nevertheless, felony masterminds and also tech nerds really feel they have easy way about everything. Below are a few simple, fast methods to shave off the $ 200.

Market iphone 3g to Todd listing

This can be a extremely obvious option. Stick Todd listing advertisements looking for an acceptable price for the iphone 3g. do not assume a king’s ransom coming from AT&T customers, since Apple will be promoting the phone in an historical low price of a hundred dollars. the prospective finance industry is non-AT&T buyers who plan to unlock the iPhone.

In order to add more benefit for the iphone 3g, unlock and also jailbreak yourself, prior to toting Todd listing.

Market iphone to Gazelle

E-junk investor Gazelle offers $ 200 to $ 250 for utilized iphone 3g handsets, based on condition. Selling iphone on the site is very easy: Basically key in iphone 3g within the research option, choose the product, struck on promote option, price the cell phone’s condition, express the accessories you own and click on compute.

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CSR Audio Platforms & aptX Technology Help Monster Go Wireless

Press Release Source: CSR, Plc. On Thursday September 1, 2011, 5:44 pm EDT

CAMBRIDGE, England & SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– CSR, Plc. (LSE:CSR.l – News) (NASDAQ:CSRE – News) today announced that Monster, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance headphones, connectivity solutions and A/V accessories, has signed a multi-year licensing agreement to use CSR aptX audio codec technology to help its drive into the wireless audio market with a range of high-fidelity wireless speaker and headphone products, utilizing CSR’s wireless audio platforms, to be introduced in the coming months.

The initial results of this agreement, being shown this week at the IFA Berlin 2011 global trade show, include the StreamCast Bluetooth Module for the Monster ClarityHD™ Model One High Definition Multi-Media Speaker Monitors and future Monster iPod docks and wireless headphones, all of which depend on CSR aptX technology and wireless audio platforms to deliver outstanding sound quality without annoying wires for a more compelling user experience.

“These introductions represent a significant step for Monster into the wireless audio market, and the use of CSR aptX and Bluetooth wireless audio platform is instrumental in enabling us to maintain our reputation for delivering the highest quality consumer audio products,” said Noel Lee, the Head Monster. “We believe wireless is the future of home and personal audio, and the CSR aptX audio codec is the de facto standard for retaining the full integrity of the original digital audio to enable our speaker and headphone products to provide outstanding sound.”

The Monster ClarityHD™ product line is a clear reflection of Monster’s ongoing mission to create products that deliver impressive and accurate sound, with innovative features and capabilities to match. Monster products are designed to deliver the bass, the detail, and the dynamics of the sound artists and producers work hard to perfect in their studios. The high-quality Clarity HD speaker products deliver superior accuracy of sonic reproduction across all frequencies, crystal clarity, articulation and intelligibility, with a commitment to reproducing the musical intent of original source material.

“Monster is a world leading manufacturer of high-performance audio solutions, and their endorsement of our aptX audio codec is an important milestone in our efforts to establish it as the benchmark for wireless stereo audio quality in consumer electronics products,” said Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR’s Home business area. “Together with our marketleading Bluetooth stereo audio codec platforms, aptX technology offers exciting possibilities to deliver CD-quality stereo audio wirelessly to a broad range of consumer products, and is being rapidly adopted across the industry by Monster and other Tier One manufacturers.”

although standard Bluetooth technology offers the ability to stream stereo audio wirelessly from audio devices to headphones and speakers, this bandwidth-constrained solution does not come close to the audio quality consumers have come to expect from their electronic entertainment systems. CSR aptX audio coding technology solves this problem, breaking the bandwidth barrier to deliver CD-quality stereo audio wirelessly over Bluetooth connections for a variety of consumer electronics applications.

CSR Bluetooth devices and audio platforms are at the heart of many of the world’s most popular consumer electronics products, and are available in a number of highly integrated solutions featuring Bluetooth 4.0 and low energy support, wideband speech, aptX high-fidelity audio, CVC noise cancellation and other technologies for a variety of multimedia applications.

About CSR

CSR is a global provider of innovative silicon and software solutions for the location-aware, media-rich, cloud-connected world. our platforms are optimised for the automotive navigation and infotainment, digital cameras and imaging, connected home infotainment and wireless audio markets. we provide solutions to complex problems in the audio-visual, connectivity and location technology domains across a broad range of markets, with a technology portfolio that includes GPS/GNSS systems, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM, NFC, aptX and CVC audio codecs, JPEG, MPEG, H.264 imaging, IPS printing, microcontrollers, DSPs and broadband receivers. CSR’s technology solutions and market platforms enable its customers to deliver a superior user experience and are adopted by leaders in the auto, computer, home and mobile markets. more information can be found at csr.com. Keep up to date with CSR on our blog, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CSR_plc.

ABOUT MONSTER®

Monster was founded by Head Monster Noel Lee with a commitment to creating products under the Monster Cable® brand to literally “make music sound better.” Today, Monster has grown and diversified to become the world’s leading manufacturer of connectivity solutions for high-performance audio, video, car audio, computer, console and computer gaming, as well as a leading innovator in the field of iPod®, iPhone® and iPad® accessories and professional audio and sound reinforcement. as part of its commitment to improving the music listening experience, Monster worked with Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine to create the Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ headphone line, including the Heartbeats by Lady Gaga headphones. The company is also continuing to innovate with its own line of Monster brand headphones, including “Turbine Pro™ In-Ear Speakers™,” the first in-ear headphones geared for use by music professionals and audiophiles. Additionally, under its Monster Power® brand, the company is the leading manufacturer of high-performance AC power line conditioning and protection products for audio/video systems.

Explore the world of Monster at monstercable.com.

iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain statements (including statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or performance, or assumptions related thereto) that are not historical facts and constitute ‘forward looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 in relation to CSR’s multi-year licensing agreement with Monster for CSR aptX audio codec technology, and their performance characteristics in Monster’s high-fidelity wireless speaker and headphone products, and other future events and their potential effects on CSR. these forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as ‘will become,’ ‘enable,’ ‘allows,’ ‘allowing,’ ‘look forward,’ ‘to help bring,’ ‘the ability to,’ ‘key to improving,’ and other similar expressions regarding the performance characteristics of aptX™ Bluetooth audio compression technology, and their performance characteristics in Monster’s high-fidelity wireless speaker and headphone products, and their potential effects on CSR. Any future release of aptX™ Bluetooth audio compression technology or Monster products containing CSR’s technology, or related products or modifications to such products’ capability, functionality or features are subject to ongoing evaluation by CSR and Monster, and may or may not be implemented and should not be considered firm commitments by CSR or Monster and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. such forward-looking statements represent the current expectations and beliefs of management of CSR, and are based upon numerous assumptions regarding CSR’s business strategies and the environment in which CSR will operate and therefore involve a number of known and unknown risks, contingencies, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of CSR, including, but not limited to, those detailed from time to time in CSR’s periodic reports (whether under the caption Risk Factors or Forward Looking Statements or elsewhere), which are available at the SEC’s web site sec.gov. Each forward looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof. CSR does not undertake to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein, otherwise than required by law.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery available: businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6848619&lang=en

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6848619

Untethered Jailbreak/Unlock iPhone 3GS iOS 4.3.5 or 4.3.5 on Baseband 5.16.02

First of all, please be aware that untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.5 is not yet available. however, the good news is that you can downgrade to iOS 4.1 as strangely, Apple is still signing this iOS version.

Secondly, there is no software unlock available for baseband 5.16.02. Your only way out is to update it to iPad baseband version 6.15.00, which has some risks. Please read carefully.

Steps:

1. Backup your contacts, photos, apps etc.

2. Download iOS 4.1 firmware for iPhone 3GS.

3. Download redsn0w 0.9.8rc18 for Windows or Mac.

4. Download latest version of TinyUmbrella from here.

5. Launch iTunes, connect your iPhone, hold down the SHIFT key while you click the RESTORE button in iTunes and select the 4.1 firmware file you have just downloaded.

6. The restore will end with error 1015 and recovery loop on the iPhone, this can be resolved using the “Exit Recovery” button in TinyUmbrella.

7. Start redsn0w 0.9.6rc18.

8. Browse for the iOS 4.1 firmware you just downloaded.

9. Select ‘Install Cydia’ and ‘Install iPad Baseband’. Warning: installing iPad baseband will break your GPS.

10. Follow on screen instructions to put your device into DFU mode to begin jailbreak.

11. when the process is done, you will find that your iPhone is now jailbroken on iOS 4.1 with iPad baseband 6.15.00.

12. Launch Cydia from Springboard (home menu)

13. Search for ultrasn0w on Packages in Cydia. if you cannot find it, add new sources by typing ultrasn0w repo: repo666.ultrasn0w.com (with zero, not o).

14. Install Ultrasnow 1.2.3.

15. Reboot your iPhone.

To make sure you can always go back to iOS 4.1, launch Cydia and select ‘make my life easier.’

Tags: Unlock iOS 4.3.5 3GS

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 20th, 2011 at 5:06 pm and is filed under Baseband, Cydia, IPSW, Jailbreak, Redsn0w, Restore, SHSH, TinyUmbrella, Ultrasn0w, Unlock, iOS 4.1, iOS 4.3.4, iOS 4.3.5, iPhone 3GS, iTunes. you can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. you can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Reviews: OtterBox Reflex Series Case for iPod touch 4G

Both Reflex cases feature a two-piece, black polycarbonate and rubber design that splits apart right at the middle, using a small clip to stay together. Because the two devices have somewhat different shapes, the actual rubber coverage varies between them: on the iPhone 4, rubber runs along the perimeter of the case’s back, jutting out to cover the corners, volume buttons, Sleep/Wake button, and the area around the noise-canceling microphone and headphone port. the iPod touch model, on the other hand, has rubber extending all the way to the edges with the same kind of button protection. neither device’s buttons are hindered by this coverage.

One of the most noticeable attributes of these cases is the large lip that extends over the edge of the device’s bezel. It’s much larger than those that we have seen on most models, and seems particularly pronounced on the iPod touch version due to its smaller size. the protection is appreciated, but it is worth noting that there’s a bit more bulk because of it, and we noted some screen film peeling on the iPod touch. Also noteworthy is an accessory issue: neither model fits in a Universal Dock when the bottom half is on, so you’ll need to remove it whenever docking is needed. other than shape, the most notable difference is on the inside: the iPod touch version has a soft fabric lining, while the iPhone 4 version is pure plastic.

Aside from the OtterBox name, there’s not a lot about either model of the Reflex Series Case that stands out from the crowd. the integration of rubber and plastic adds to the level of protection, so it’s appreciated, but it’s not executed as well as the star in the category, Speck’s CandyShell Flip. We like Reflex’s button coverage and the lip; combined with the screen protector film that is included with both models, the device is well protected. so while they’re not the most exciting cases in the world, they do the job and look a lot cleaner than most OtterBox cases. the remaining issue is only the price: while this company’s super-protective cases can justify asking prices in the $45 range, simpler designs like this typically go for $30 to $35 from other companies. Given the quality of the design and materials for the price, Reflex merits a limited recommendation.

Apple Patent Describes Solar-Powered iPhone, Notebook Charger – Entertainment and Technology News

Among the 16 new patents granted to Apple this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, was this fairly interesting one describing a solar-powered charging system for electronic devices. the patent details a system that includes a voltage converter and controller that would work alongside a solar power source.

The voltage converter would be attached to a solar power source by way of an input cable. It would also be attached to an “electronic load” via an output cable. that “electronic load” could be a “portable electronic device,” says the filing – which basically means almost anything Apple makes, from iPhones to MacBooks.

The voltage converter is configured to monitor an amount of power drawn by the device at its output, while the controller is configured to control the voltage converter in order to reduce the amount of power drawn subsequently, if it goes over a certain predetermined threshold. In other words, it’s a key part to a solar power charging system for electronics.

Apple has previously filed patents for an auxiliary solar cell, that would work as a backup power source for mobile devices, as well as a method for covering a device in solar cells. However, it’s not likely that we’ll see solar-powered gadgets from Apple (or anyone, for that matter), until the costs associated with their production are reduced.

Image credits: Patently Apple; Tmcnet.com

Elgato EyeTV Mobile streams live TV to iPads

Elgato, makers of the EyeTV line of accessories, has announced EyeTV Mobile for the iPad 2. Consisting of a dock connector dongle with a built-in TV antenna, the accessory will allow iPad 2 owners to watch live TV anywhere via a forthcoming EyeTV Mobile app on the App Store.

the accessory and app replicate a great deal of the functionality of the EyeTV lineup for the Mac, including the ability to pause/rewind/record live TV and receive certain kinds of radio transmissions. the best part is this setup will not consume any mobile data whatsoever; the TV signals come in directly through the antenna accessory, so you don’t even need to be connected to the internet to watch live TV on your iPad 2.

there are some caveats to the EyeTV Mobile rig. first is the price: €99.95 / ₤99.95 (US price unavailable) may be a bit steep for many people’s wallets. According to the product’s tech specs, it only supports standard definition channels, and its lack of support for Freeview HD suggests it will be of limited utility where I live. the product is also only compatible with the iPad 2; owners of the iPhone, iPod touch, and original iPad are out of luck.

That having been said, if you’ve been looking for a no-fuss way to watch TV on your iPad that doesn’t involve hooking up a bunch of different devices and streaming over Wi-Fi or 3G, EyeTV Mobile might work for you if your terrestrial TV channels broadcast a compatible signal. There’s no word on a release date yet (Engadget says late September), but when it’s released we’ll see if we can get hold of a review unit.

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