Creator of 'Magic: The Gathering' making new iOS game 'Map Monsters'

Richard Garfield, the creator of collectible card game Magic: The Gathering, is designing a new game for the iPhone and iPad, and he's turning to Kickstarter to fund it. Map Monsters, described as a free-to-play location-based adventure game, centers around capturing monsters and uses real-world raw map data and your device's GPS to place you in a fantasy world. The developer, BodSix, is keen to point out that location is a secondary mechanic — although users will advance in the game faster if they do, it's not absolutely necessary to physically get out of the house to play the game.

Map Monsters has already been in development for over 12 months and the game engine, art assets, and core mechanics are all completed. Garfield says the development team needs $40,000 to add additional content, secondary mechanics, and social elements to the game. He's also planning to port the title to Android and says additional funds will go towards making that happen. As the final product will be free, contributors to the project are to receive their investment back in the form of in-game cash, with the higher tiers getting more and more elaborate gifts to go along with the credit. Funding will close on May 5th, and given the size of Garfield's fanbase we're pretty certain he'll reach his target.

WWDC 2012 coming to San Fran on Jun 11th

It's time to shift around that summer vacation. Apple today announced that it will be kicking off this year'sWorld Wide Developers Conference on June 11th at San Francisco's Moscone West. The event is set to run through the 15th, focusing on developing for OS X Mountain Lion and iOS, by way of 100-plus technical sessions and hands-on labs, letting the developer community work directly with Cupertino staff -- and you can bet we'll be there as well. More info on the event -- including ticket purchasing details -- can be found in the press release after the break.

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The new iPad gets way too hot says Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has reported today that the new iPad runs a lot hotter than its predecessor, the iPad 2.

While playing games, the new iPad runs 13 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 playing the same game. 

The firm used a thermal imaging camera to record temperatures, and the new iPad got as shockingly high as 116 degrees while playing "Infinity Blade II." Consumer Report's article follows numerous complaints around the Web of the iPad overheating when playing games, streaming movies or during heavy downloads. 

Consumer Reports say:

We ran our test while the new iPad was propped on the iPad SmartCover, plugged in, and after it had run Infinity Blade II uninterrupted for about 45 minutes. The device's 4G connection was not turned on, though its Wi-fi link was. The ambient room temperature was about 72 degrees. (Apple recommends not using the iPad in environments over 95 degrees.) 

We also ran the test with the new iPad unplugged. Then we compared the temperature of the new iPad to that of the iPad 2 using the same tests. 

When unplugged, the back of the new iPad reached temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It was only when plugged in that it hit 116 degrees. The hottest areas weren't evenly distributed throughout the iPad's back, but were concentrated near one corner of the display as shown in the images taken from the rear of the device above. 

So, when plugged in, the back of the new iPad became as much as 12 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 did in the same tests; while unplugged the difference was 13 degrees.

The most important detail is that some customers say that it made using the new iPad very "uncomfortable" and it "hurt".

The New iPad: Magnets, how do they work?

A manufacturing change in the new iPad appears to have broken compatibility with certain Smart Covers, as well as some third-party cases that use the iPad's built-in magnets. From video and photo evidence posted at Mark's Hangout, it appears that the new iPad now uses a polarity-sensitive sensor to wake the device from sleep upon opening the cover, meaning that the magnet must be correctly aligned — apparently early Smart Covers were initially made with the magnet in question facing either way. Opening the cover and reversing the panel fixes the issue, though obviously somewhat hinders the cover's visual appeal.

Newer Smart Covers don't exhibit the problem, suggesting that Apple has changed the design specification at some point — possibly last October, when the line got a color refresh. Reports on the Apple support forums say that the company will exchange defective covers for new ones at the Apple store, and third-party manufacturers including Targus and Maroo are also offering replacements.

Instagram finally heading to Android "very soon"

Instagram is heading to Android "very soon," according to founder Kevin Systrom. Speaking at South by Southwest, Systrom raved about the app's growth, boasting of its 27 million registered users. "They're not excited about it because it makes your photos look beautiful," he says, "They're excited because it networks people across the world and it's the single fastest growing thing in mobile period." The Android version is currently being tested in a private beta, and it's reported to be superior than its iOS counterpart. "It's really, really fast," Systrom said. Don't look so surprised, he did tell us, after all, that iOS was just the beginning.

iTunes 10.6 rolls out same day as iOS 5.1

It's not just iOS device users getting a software update today. Apple has also now made iTunes 10.6 available for download, which includes support for 1080p movies and TV shows to match those available on the new Apple TV. The update also brings with it a number of improvements to iTunes Match, including better song matching, and improvements to the way album artwork is downloaded and displayed. You can find it at the link below or download it via Apple's Software Update tool.

iOS 5.1 rolls out today for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch UPDATE: Adds 4G symbol to AT&T connected devices

Well, it looks like we didn't have to wait long for that iOS 5.1 update promised for today. The update is already rolling out to iPhones, iPads and compatible iPod touches. That brings with it a number of improvements and bug fixes, including the previously-announced Japanese language support for Siri, a redesigned camera app for iPad, the ability to delete individual photos from Photo Stream and, somewhat curiously, an "updated AT&T network indicator." What's more, as previously rumored, the camera shortcut is now also always visible on the lock screen for iPhone and iPod touch users.

Update: As a number of commenters have pointed out, it turns out that update to the AT&T network indicator is a change to display "4G" in the status bar, even though the device's connectivity of course remains the same speed as ever.

New iPad is official. Retina display, Siri, A5X chip, LTE

Apple told us they had something to show us that was "Resolutionary" and we had to see it to believe it.  This new piece of hardware is definitely a step above its predecessor, but not as crazy as some would have prophesized.  The device is available for pre-order right now and will be released in the United States on March 16th. The features of the new iOS device are as follows:

• 1080p Retina Display
• Siri Dictation
• The new A5X Dual-Core CPU, Quad-Core GPU
• 4G LTE attennas with 3G "world" connectivity
• 5 Megapixel iSight cameras

Photos and more information to come, so stay tuned.

Official: Apple iPad 3 event to be held on March 7th in San Fransisco

The date has been booked, the invitations have been sent, and the cake has been prepared.  Apple has officially sent out their invitation for their upcoming iPad 3 event.  In just one week, on March 7th, Apple will hold an event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Fransisco.  Apple, as always, is keeping the details hush hush, but they are telling us they have "something you really need to see. And touch." We will be covering that live to find out what that "something" might be.

Apple OS X Mountain Lion Pre-Release Available to Developers

So it turns out we can get OS X Mountain Lion, so we will be diving straight into it because Apple is releasing the preview version of its latest OS X to the members-only Developer Program. If you're up to date on those $99/year dues as we are, you can head on over to the Member Center to get your OS 10.8 fix, and start checking out those shiny new Messages, Reminders, Notes and Notification Center apps. Or kick up your feet and bring your desktop to the big screen with AirPlay Mirroring. If you have the Apple-approved credentials to proceed, you can find all that and more by making your way over to our reference link just below.                     

Apple previews OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion

Many of us thought that 10.7 Lion would have been the final step before OS 11, but we were very wrong.  Apple has announced a pre-dev build of theit latest OS slated to be released later this year (summer most likely). With more and more iOS like applications and overall feel, this looks like a very cool OS.  We here at The Geek Domain were not one of the lucky ones to get our hands on a build. But, our friends over at The Verge were so hit that source link to see their full run down of the new OS from Cupertino.

iPad 3 debug photos confirm some key details

BGR is claiming that one of its sources has access to an iPad 3 prototype which, at this stage of development, it may be true. According to them, these debug screenshots confirm some of the speculation about the next Apple tablet:

• Confirmation of the presence of the faster A6 processor, "model number S5L8945X." The A4 is the S5L8930X and the A5 is S5L8940X.
• There model numbers are J1 and J2. BGR claims this is the same iPad available in Wi-Fi and GSM/CDMA/LTE flavors.

Like always, take all rumors for what they are worth: nothing until proved right. What I really want to see is data about the final resolution of that screen. Pop over after the break to see the debug photos.

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iPhone 5 to apparently be "NFC Heavy"

9to5mac has reported that the upcoming iPhone 5 will have NFC support, and developers are already building apps. Apparently, Apple iOS engineers are "heavy into NFC" and devs are "confident enough to bet the app development on." 

What remains unclear is who Apple will partner with for its payment systems, and the report has some speculation based on recent reports and interviews.

First comes from Ed McLaughlin, the boss of emerging payments at MasterCard:

The timeline is always as rapid as it makes sense for consumers. (In regards to mass NFC adoption) That's a combination of having a critical mass of the merchants, which is what you're seeing right now, and getting devices into the hands of consumers. I don't know of a handset manufacturer that isn't in process of making sure their stuff is PayPass ready."

Appstore App Review: Cards; Apple Goes Hallmark

Now that the holiday season is over, and it’s about that time to send those thank you cards, you may want to consider taking a close look at an app first introduced back in October: Cards.

The app allows you to create a custom made card, (complete with pictures and envelope) and send it anywhere in the whole wide world.

Fees start at $2.99 for anywhere in the U.S and $4.99 for outside the U.S.  You’ll even get a push notification the day it’s scheduled to arrive.

Full app review after the break.

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Apple 'Education Announcement' January 19th

So Apple decides to interrupt my CES action by sending an email about their press event. I knew this was coming, but not expecting the email while on the road.  Also, the event is going to be held in New York City of all places which is very bizaree considering all Apple event are on their campus.  The event takes place January 19th (just as we suspected) but since this is in NYC, it may be hard to attend.  From the invitation, Apple will have the event centered around education, so just as presumed, no hardware announcement, but rather software and other media.  Stay tuned to The Geek Domain for more as this develops.

Netflix updates iOS app. Optimized for iPad

We've already seen Netflix's more tablet-optimized interface in the latest version of its Android app and now, as promised, the company has brought much the same UI to its iOS app. In addition to giving iPad users the ability to view more content at a glance, version 2.0 of the app also brings with it support for Netflix users in Latin America, as well as a number of stability fixes. As always, it remains free for Netflix members. Hit up the App Store to download it now.                                                      

Twitter begins rolling out new interface including Android and iOS apps

Twitter is rolling out a new version of its interface today, shuffling around all your information and compartmentalizing it into four distinct elements: Home, Connect, Discover, and Me. The interface is completely redesigned on the web, and comes along with updated versions of the company's mobile apps. It's clear that this marks a major initiative for the company to bring together disparate parts of its service, not only in web views, but to connect the dots between its online and app presence.

Additionally, the mobile apps have been redesigned (quite handsomely) to reflect to web changes. You'll find a similar stream of activity there. Android and iOS users can get the new version right now. iOS users may not immediately see the update, but can grab it by going to the App Store > Updates > Purchased. We checked out the Android app on Hoenycomb, and the new version hasn't added any screen size optimizations. It's still the same mobile app, stretched to fill the larger screen.

Hop over to their preview site to get all the info and read on after the break for the intro video.

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Office for iPad in 2012???

Microsoft's released a few apps here and there for the iPhone and iPad but has kept one of its big ticket items out of the iOS family. According to The Daily, that all might change in 2012 with the launch of Office for iPad. The publication claims that this new release will play nice with Office 365's cloud-based service, and iPad documents should be compatible with the desktop versions of Office. In fact, this closely mirrors both Office for Windows Phone and iWork on the iPad, with document syncing and compatibility between mobile and desktop apps. Office for iPad's price point also is rumored to be similar to iWork on iOS's $10 per app pricing. The Daily claims a new Office for Mac will be coming out closer to the end of 2012, but the iPad apps are likely to launch much sooner. It looks like Microsoft's big 2012 is getting bigger.

Apple Store Employees track YOU for your purchases

Due to their Black Friday sales, Apple is continuing to roll out ways to streamline the shopping process, including new retail self-checkout and the ability to pick up online purchases in select stores. As for those behind the counter, Apple Store employees are using a location-based app to make the pickup process even faster for customers. This app, which runs on the iPod touch every employee carries, sends an alert out when customers have entered the store to pick up an online purchase. It shows the customer on a map of the store so employees can find them and deliver their purchase, ideally without the customer ever having to ask for help. Of course, this is contingent on that customer having made the purchase on their iPhone using the official Apple Store app, and that they brought that iPhone with them. While this only accounts for a small percentage of Apple's customers, anything it can do to make things quicker in its crowded stores should be appreciated by shoppers.

Delta lets you track your bags on your phone

In April, Delta launched a baggage tracking program that gave fliers a tracking number which could be used to check the status of the bags online or at customer-service counters. Now, Delta's rolling the features into its Fly Delta iOS and Android apps. Tap "track my bags" and the app will let you scan your baggage ticket with your camera, and then you'll get updates as your bags are checked in planeside as long as you have a data connection. Plus, you'll get a notice for which baggage carousel to go to. It's better than running around La Guardia at 2AM searching for your bags, but shouldn't Delta be able to tie your flight information to your baggage and cut out the antiquated paper receipt scanning step? The free iOS and Android apps are available now, and BlackBerry and Windows Phone will be getting the updates in the "next few weeks." Follow up after the break for the video.

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