iLounge are strangely confident that there will be a new iPhone sometime in*January*2011, and they're also pretty confident that we'll see a seven-inch version (down from the current almost-ten) of the iPad at the end of the year. Also on their news list are an updated iPod range, and a less expensive version of the Apple bumper (so as to*minimise*losses if they're giving them away).Osmos for iPhone is out, and just like it's iPad counterpart, it plays*beautifully (albeit on a slightly smaller screen). Look for it in the App Store now, or read the review to get a feel of what you'll be getting into.
Amazon updated their Kindle app for iOS to support fast app switching, but they also added a dictionary and the ability to lookup words in Wikipedia! Of course, these features have already been present in Apple's own iBooks app for quite some time - but it's good to see other companies investing the time in iOS apps, especially if they already have their own hardware for reading.
The most-highly-compensated CEO in the world is Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle. What's also interesting, however, is the fact that Steve Jobs is fourth on the list of highly-paid CEOs - thanks, no doubt, to his large salary (I jest).
OmniFocus for iPad is out, and it's one of the more expensive apps out there at almost $50. However, if you're already well ingrained into your GTD*methodology*and love your iPad like a mother loves her son, then this might just be the app for you - however, I'd still check out The iPhone Blog's review of it before making a decision.
Office for Mac 2011 is just around the corner, with an expected launch date of "the end of October", say Mac Mojo. With a lower price per installation than previous editions of the Office for Mac suite, here's hoping it starts to get competitive with Apple's own iWork in the near future.
Prototypes have recently surfaced using Apple devices to show off a new tactile feedback system. This particular implementation shows how such a system would work on a device such as the iPhone, allowing users to feel differences between*textures*using some new-fangled localised tactile feedback with no moving parts. Imagine how much better iBooks would be if you could actually feel the books as you turned the page!
Playing Cards is just that - a set of playing cards that allows you to play any card game, anywhere. If you're lining up for the new iPhone 4 and want to have a game of go-fish with your better half, Playing Cards. If you're at a restaurant and want to entertain your kids before the meal arrives, Playing Cards. Of course, this app requires more than one iOS device to be of any use, but it's a niche.
Vellum for iPad is one of the more impressive drawing apps for the iPad I've seen, and while you've got to be pretty talented (or just willing to have a go) to create masterpieces, it's unique style and choice of brushes and smudges can make anyone the next Van Gough. It's not out yet, but keep on eye out in the App Store when it finally lands (although the iPhone version is available right now).
If you're frequently sharing screenshots with other people, be it via Twitter, the forums, or any other means, you need to take a look at Skitch. Don't forget about the companion web service though - for some, that's as invaluable as Skitch itself.
There's supposedly a new Foxconn*manufacturing*plant that will eventually assemble up to 200,000 iPhones a day - but what's really interesting is that the new plant will also "preserve the well-being of the employees that work there", according to HardMac.
Macworld have a review of Uface, an app that allows you to create your own social networking avatar without the need for any*drawing*skills. If that sounds good to you, it's $2.49 in the App Store.
Friday Morning News