How to Enable OmniFocus Siri Reminders on iPhone 4

OmniFocus for iPhone is a great productivity tool. With Apple’s new iPhone OS came integration with Reminders and Siri. When enabled, OmniFocus will check the Reminders app for new tasks, add them to your Inbox, and remove them from your Reminders list. This holds true for Reminders created using Siri in addition to those entered manually.

However, for some reason, The Omni Group limited the powerful new iOS 5 integration to iPhone 4S users. The good news is if you’re an iPhone 4 user, you can enable Reminders and Siri integration with a little bit of preference file editing. This trick does not affect the OmniFocus app’s performance, stability or existing functionality. Here’s how to do it…
This tutorial the iFile app from Cydia, but there are certainly other ways to accomplish the steps.

1.Open iFile and navigate to the OmniFocus app in /var/mobile/Applications
2.Scroll down to Info.plist, tap to edit, and open with Property List Viewer
3.Tap OFRegistrations > NSUserDefaults > defaultsDictionary
4.Scroll down to DebugEnableSiriOverride and enable it by tapping the On/Off switch
5.Also enable DebugSiriCapture
6.Tap Done
7.Respring your device

Now you are able to turn on the new features within the app. Here’s how.

■Launch OmniFocus and open the Settings view via the gear in the lower right corner
■In the Capture section, tap iCloud Reminders
■Enable iCloud Reminders. Enter your Apple ID credentials.
■Tap the Connect button and enjoy the awesome new features
It doesn’t end at merely adding new tasks; if you specify a date or location, OmniFocus will add the appropriate details for due date and contexts. You can view the OmniFocus video tutorial on using these new features below.

Is this a life changer for you? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments.

Tim Cook spotted at Valve’s headquarters

This is kind of interesting, AppleInsider is reporting that Apple’s CEO Tim Cook was spotted at Valve’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters this morning.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the company, Valve is a PC game developer responsible for massive hits like Half Life and Team Fortress. It also maintains the popular Steam gaming platform…
Much like the App Store, Steam serves as a hub for several different applications. The platform caters to around 30 million gamers, and offers automatic updates and other App Store-like features.

Cook’s visit to Valve’s offices has spawned speculation that there’s some type of collaboration between the two companies. If you’re the CEO of the world’s largest company, you don’t have time to take a trip up to Washington for something non-important.

On that front, Apple has been steadily increasing its efforts in the gaming space over the past few years. It’s mobile division, headed by popular devices like the iPad and iPod touch, have taken the handheld gaming market by storm.

Of course, this could end up being nothing. But if it did turn out to be something, we would kick ourselves for not mentioning it.

What do you think Tim Cook was doing at Valve’s headquarters?

Apple: we broke Amazon’s monopolistic grip on the publishing industry

Almost 48 hours after the US Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and five publishers over alleged ebooks price fixing, Apple decided to break the silence and go on the record about the situation.

In a comment made to AllThingsD, Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr defends the company’s position, claiming the following:
The DOJ’s accusation of collusion against Apple is simply not true. The launch of the iBookstore in 2010 fostered innovation and competition, breaking Amazon’s monopolistic grip on the publishing industry. Since then customers have benefited from eBooks that are more interactive and engaging. Just as we’ve allowed developers to set prices on the App Store, publishers set prices on the iBookstore.

It’s interesting to see Apple commenting on current legal matters, something the company rarely, if ever, did during Steve Jobs’ reign. This is just a side note though.

The important piece of information here is that Apple feels confident about this.

Earlier today, we reported about antitrust experts who claimed the DOJ has a very weak case against Apple. And with Amazon holding 80% of the ebook market, we fail to see how the DOJ will successfully prove Apple’s wrong doings. If anything, Apple’s way is better for everyone, especially Apple, of course.


Apple looking to make iOS app creation easier with new authoring tool

AppleInsider spotted an interesting patent application this morning entitled ‘Content Configuration for Device Platforms.’ The document was filed by Apple on December 15th of last year.

The patent describes a piece of software that would help non-programmers develop iOS applications. Remember the iBooks authoring tool Apple released back in January? Yeah, this is a lot like that…
AppleInsider explains:

“Creating these [iOS] applications would be a simplified process in which the user could select a template for their software. From there, they would begin to fill in the pieces and build their own iOS application, webpage, or advertisement.

The filing suggests that Apple sees this new, simplified iOS software creation tool as a way that small business, in particular, could get involved in application creation. In another example, a restaurant called “The Legends of Rib” has an interactive menu on the iPhone.”

Of course, there are services available right now for folks that want to create applications with little programming knowledge. But they typically cost money, have shoddy interfaces, and other limitations. Apple’s solution would be free, and assumedly better.

Since this is merely a patent application, there is no telling whether Apple will ever release such a tool to the public. But as a programming novice who sometimes bounces around in Xcode in an attempt to create things, I sincerely hope it does.

Meet Pebble: the iPhone-connected wristwatch you’ve been waiting for

The iPhone-connected wristwatch has been the unicorn of iOS accessories for the past few years. Folks have been asking for one, but manufacturers have yet to produce one that appeals to the masses. Then came the Pebble.

MacStories points to a brilliant Kickstarter project for a smartphone-connected wristwatch known as the Pebble. It’s developed by the same folks who made the InPulse Smart Watch, and is packed full of features…
Pebble is a customizable wristwatch that connects to your iPhone or Android device via bluetooth. As of right now, it can pull data like caller ID, email, calendar alerts, Facebook messages, and Twitter notifications from the handset. But using the SDK, third party developers will be able to add all kinds of different functions.

And the watch’s features don’t end there. It also has an e-paper display — viewable in direct sunlight, a built-in accelerometer, and a battery that will last you a staggering 7 days. The Pebble comes in arctic white, jet black, cherry red, and a mystery color to be decided on by Kickstarter backers.

At the time of this writing, the Pebble project had already received $388,000 of its $100,000 goal. So it’s for sure getting funded. But for those of you who are interested in the watch, a pledge of $99 scores you a jet black Pebble — which is about $50 less than it will cost you when it hits retail stores this fall.

What do you think of the Pebble?

Apple caught testing new virtual tour feature for its online store

For those of you who missed it, Apple’s website went offline last night around 7pm PST. Every once in a while, this can signal the coming of new products. But when the site returned, only minor changes were spotted.

MacMagazine, however, is reporting that Apple used the site’s downtime to test out an interesting new feature for its online store. The addition would allow sales specialists to demonstrate products to customers via the web…
Apparently Apple was spotted testing the screen sharing feature on its Brazilian site sometime last night. Here’s an excerpt from MacMagazine’s report via Google Translate:

“But if you want more details about a particular aspect of the product may then request a guided tour. When the wizard you want to help you in this way, a small confirmation popup window appears at the bottom of the window.

After confirming his desire to see the screen of the expert, the window of chat going to take the entire length of the screen of your Mac Chat is in the right and the left one can see in real time, the screen wizard.”

Essentially, this sounds like Apple is looking to bring its retail shopping experience to its online store. It’ll be interesting to see if the company decides to launch this feature on a full scale, and what the public’s reaction will be.

iTunes 11 to include iOS 6 support and deeper iCloud integration

9to5Mac is reporting tonight that it has learned some details regarding the next major iteration of Apple’s media management software, iTunes 11. Apparently Apple has been working on it for months now, and has recently seeded an internal beta.

According to the report, the iTunes update will feature a host of new additions including support for iOS 6…
“Apple is working on iTunes 11 as a version of iTunes that supports their upcoming iOS 6 release and future devices. Apple typically releases new versions of iTunes alongside major new OS’s and mobile devices. While iTunes 11 is built as an iOS 6 compatible-release, according to sources, iTunes 11 could very well be a release coming farther down the road, and Apple could very well release another iTunes 10.x point update as a simple iOS-6-compatibility release.”

Furthermore, the site claims it’s seen evidence of increased iCloud integration:

“Perhaps the biggest testament to this is a dedicated iCloud settings panel within iTunes. This panel is a centralized, always accessible spot for users to control iCloud related features while in iTunes.”

Last summer, we reported that we had heard iTunes 11 would receive a complete facelift and iCloud integration sometime this year. And since it appears that the iCloud part is panning out, our fingers are crossed that the facelift element does to.

What do you think? Is it about time for a new version of iTunes?

DOJ could sue Apple as early as Wednesday over eBook pricing

Reuters is reporting tonight that the US Department of Justice could file a lawsuit against Apple as early as tomorrow morning over its iBook Store. The store utilizes an ‘agency’ model, which allows publishers to name their own eBook prices.

The DOJ believes that Apple is acting in concert with a number of publishers, who have recently raised their eBook prices across multiple platforms, to raise prices across the industry — which happens to be a violation of federal antirust laws…
“The Just Department is investigating alleged price-fixing by Apple and five major publisher: CBS Corp’s Simon & Schuster Inc, HarperCollins Publishers Inc, Lagardere SCA’s Hachette Book Group, Pearson and Macmillion, a unit of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH. A lawsuit against Apple, one of the parters not in negotiations with the Justice Department for a potential settlement, could come as early as Wednesday but no final decision has been made, the people said.”

Last month we heard word that publishers were working with the DOJ to reach an out-of-court settlement, but it appears Apple was not a participant. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, as it could have huge ramifications for Apple’s iBook Store.

T-Mobile says it welcomes unlocked AT&T iPhone users with open arms

Last week we heard a rumor that AT&T was going to start unlocking out-of-contract iPhones over the weekend. And sure enough, on Sunday we were able to confirm that this was indeed the carrier’s new policy. We even showed you how to do it.

So now that you’ve unlocked your handset, you’re probably wondering what the benefits are. Well aside from the improved resale value and the ability to use your iPhone abroad, you can take the device with you to another, less expensive, carrier.

In fact, it sounds like T-Mobile would welcome you with open arms…
A T-Mobile spokesperson just gave the following statement to 9to5Mac:

“Today we have more than one million unlocked iPhones running on our network. T-Mobile currently offers microSIMs for customers who already have a GSM phone they want to use on the T-Mobile network, including an iPhone. In order to set up an unlocked iPhone on T-Mobile’s network, customers simply need to purchase a microSIM card and select a T-Mobile Value plan that suits their needs.

T-Mobile’s Value plans enable customers who bring their own smartphone, such as the iPhone, to save money. For example, T-Mobile’s Value family plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB of high-speed data is just $49.99 per line for two lines.

In addition, we will continue to deliver more value to customers as we expand and modernize our 4G network. Beginning this year, we will introduce HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz PCS spectrum. When we do, our 4G network will be compatible with a broader range of devices, including the iPhone.”

It’s worth noting that the iPhone experience on T-Mobile’s network isn’t 100% native. Some users have reported problems with MMS and due to incompatible technologies, most unlocked iPhone users only see 2G data speeds.

But hey, for the savings, it might be worth it.

How to download your Instagram photos and close your account

As most of you know by now, Facebook has just acquired Instagram, the popular photo sharing service, for a cool $1 billion. The company’s CEO Mark Zuckerburg made the cheerful announcement from his Facebook page earlier today.

But not everyone is excited about the buyout. In fact, a lot of folks have told us that they plan on ditching their Instagram accounts now that the social network is in charge. So we’ve put together this easy guide on how to do just that…
Before you cancel your account, you’ll want to make sure and save your pictures. Luckily, there is a free service called Instaport that enables you to do this both quickly and easily.

Simply login to the Instaport website with your Instagram credentials and you’ll be given the option to export your vintage coffee photos to your Flickr account, or download them to your hard drive.

Now that you’re photos are backed up, you can safely delete your Instagram account. Do this by visiting the service’s account removal request page and entering in your account information. This is a point of no return, so you’ll want to be sure about this before moving forward.

And that’s all there is to it. No more Instagram.

That being said, it’s interesting the see how many people are actually considering leaving Instagram over the Facebook acquisition. Judging by Zuckerburg’s press release from earlier today, it sounds like the service will remain largely unchanged.

What do you think? Have you deleted your Instagram account in light of today’s news?

Despite criticism, Apple is beating competitors in supply chain efforts

The New York Times published an interesting article yesterday regarding Apple’s efforts to improve working conditions in its supply chain. But unlike the report it ran earlier this year, which largely criticized the company, this piece praised Cook’s team.

After doing a little research, The Times found that Apple is far more transparent with its overseas factory audits and is doing more to correct violations than any of its competitors. In fact, a majority of the companies won’t even comment on the matter…
Nick Bilton writes:

“Apple’s rivals are quick to say how much better, faster, cheaper or more popular their smartphones computers and tablets are. Yet when it comes to working conditions in the Chinese factories that build these competing products, Apple’s electronics rivals have been silent lately…

…In the last week I have asked Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, Microsoft and others about their reports on labor conditions. Most responded with a boilerplate public relations message. Some didn’t even respond.”

Bilton went on to quote the responses he received from different companies regarding their supply chain efforts. My favorite has to be the one from Mary Ellen Keating of Barnes & Noble who said “We don’t comment on our supply chain vendors.”

But at least they responded. Samsung wouldn’t even give a statement. Really? In this day in age, where Apple gets handed petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures calling for it to improve supply chain labor conditions, you have nothing to say here? Wow.

Apple’s been publishing reports on its vendors’ labor practices since 2007. And it recently joined the Fair Labor Association to double its efforts. So why does it seem like Apple is the only company taking heat over supply chain conditions?

Fusion: integrate Facebook sharing into iOS 5 and more

Wouldn’t it be great if you could have Facebook integration that acted similar to iOS’ built in Twitter integration? Well, now you can.

Introducing Fusion — a jailbreak tweak that integrates Facebook, Foursquare, and even MySpace (obligatory lol) into your default Twitter composition pane. But the tweak doesn’t stop there, it also allows you to composes messages for all of the aforementioned networks using Siri.

Check out our full video walkthrough on this awesome jailbreak tweak inside…

The wonderful thing about Fusion is that it’s a totally familiar and seamless experience. You don’t have to do or learn anything new; it just works.

If you’ve ever sent a tweet before from an iOS 5 device, you can update your Facebook status or Foursquare info the same way. It’s the tight integration with the existing mechanisms that make Fusion such a wonderful tweak.

I know a lot of people have been dying for Apple to put native Facebook integration into iOS — well, Fusion is the closest thing to that.

If you have an iPhone 4S, or have managed to get Siri running on an older device, it also comes bundled with an AssistantExtension plugin dubbed Furi. With Furi installed, you can compose posts destined for multiple social networks using only your voice.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, the expansion possibilities for Fusion are virtually unlimited as far as supported social networks go. You see; each network is simply a plugin, and additional plugins can be created by any developer. In other words, with Fusion, your $2.00 investment need not necessarily stop there.

For less than the price of a venti latte at your favorite Coffee joint, you can have built in Facebook integration that feels almost Apple like. If you’re a Facebook fan at least, I’d say we have a sure winner on our hands.

Fusion can be downloaded from Cydia’s BigBoss repo starting now. Let me know what you think about it in the comments below.

Rockstar’s Max Payne to land on iOS April 12th

Attention iOS gamers, Rockstar — the makers of hit titles like Grand Theft Auto – has just announced that it will be bringing its popular third person shooter Max Payne to iOS this month.

The Payne franchise has had quite a run in the PC/console gaming realm, selling more than 7.5 million copies. And Rockstar is hoping that its popularity will transfer over into the iOS platform…
The premise of Max Payne is pretty easy to follow. The main character is essentially a rogue DEA (drug enforcement administration) agent who turns into a one-man-army vigilante after his wife and daughter are murdered by junkies high on a new drug.

According to the developers, the game has been completely optimized for iOS devices and will feature HD graphics, high-resolution textures, and user-customizable controls. It will support the iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S, the iPod touch 4, and all three iPads.

Rockstar hasn’t announced prices yet, but judging by the company’s previous releases, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it priced at $4.99 when it hits the App Store next Thursday.

Are you excited to see Max Payne come to iOS?

Sparrow push notifications reportedly working for some users? [Updated]

It looks like the folks at Sparrow have started to enable push notifications for a handful of users. Perhaps this is a part of a larger rollout?

YouTube personality Duncan33303 has reported that push notifications are now working on his 1.1 installation of Sparrow, as have others.

According to a blog post on Sparrow’s website, the push update was supposed to be available in the next released of Sparrow, that being version 1.2. It appears, however, that the developers of the highly popular Mail app alternative may have included code in the 1.1 update to make push notifications work without the need for Apple’s approval…
As the developers alluded to on their blog post:

“Thanks to your amazing support, we feel confident that Apple might revise its position on the Push API. We’ll submit a version of Sparrow 1.2 including it. this might delay Sparrow 1.2 validation but we’re already working with some partners to include Push in future versions of Sparrow without needing Apple clearance. Push is coming. With or without Apple.”

…it looks like they’re at least testing the 3rd party push technology with some of their users. We’ve tried to see if we could replicate the push notifications, but we were unable to do so.

Prior to Sparrow’s release there was some concern that the app would be rejected by APple for duplicating existing core functionality. Those worries subsided after Sparrow made its way to the App Store back in mid-March.

Unfortunately, the release arrived on the App Store sans Push Notifications. This was due to Apple’s strict positioning on the usage of the Push API. Many have campaigned for Apple to change their stance on its usage, but Sparrow has acknowledged that if Apple doesn’t relent, they will take matters into their own hands.

In the meantime, you can check out our jailbreak how-to for enabling push notifications via a handy jailbreak tweak.

Are you receiving push notifications on your 1.1 Sparrow installation? Let us know if you are in the comments below.

You can read and watch our full review of Sparrow located here. One of our main gripes was the lack of push notifications. If Sparrow can solve this conundrum, then it would be hard not to recommend it over the stock Mail app.

Update: Matthew Panzarino is reporting that these are likely just local notifications. Still, progress.