Apple rumour round-up
A duo of Google Voice applications have reportedly been accepted by Apple, demonstrating its u-turn on banning certain apps developed using non Apple-approved tools.
According to unofficial Apple blog, Apple Insider, software to access previously banned Google Voice has popped up in the iPhone App Store. The apps, GC Mobile + and GV Connect were reportedly accepted by Apple on Sunday.
Apple took the bold step of publishing its App Store Review Guidelines a couple of weeks back which marked a step in the opening up its much criticised ‘secretive' applications practices.
According to the blog, Apple had previously claimed in a letter to the FCC that it was reviewing Google's Voice app but then went quiet for about a year, while Google claimed in a similar letter that Apple had ‘rejected' its app.
Apple is also planning a dedicated App Store for Apple TV, if rumours from another fan blog, Mac Rumors are to be believed.
Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO told Businessweek a store will be opened ‘when the time is right' and he intends it to become as revolutionary as the App Store was for the iPhone. While Apple TV may not be ground breaking in itself, many Apple fans are excited about AirPlay.
According to Mac Rumors, the iOS 4.2 update could allow any iOS video playback controller to stream video content to Apple TV so users could potentially watch almost any video on the internet on Apple TV via AirPlay.
Some commentators reckon this could mean Apple TV owners could use rival Apple services like Hulu Plus, providing it is encoded in H.264. However, users might not be able to access YouTube and iPlayer among other sites.
And finally, in one final rumour, Digi Times believes Apple will launch its second generation iPad in the first quarter of 2011, based on reports from component suppliers for the 9.7inch tablet.
The rumours conflict with others that optimistically tipped the new iPad to hit the stores in time for Christmas complete with cameras to enable users to use FaceTime.
