iPad HD

Square Enix has released an HD version of Chaos Rings exclusively for the iPad.  This version boasts a beefed up resolution of 1024×768 pixels.  For those that haven’t heard of Chaos Rings, it is a Role Playing game designed from the ground up that started off on the iPhone and iPod Touch devices.  Those who have played Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX on the PlayStation 1 will feel at home with Chaos Rings’ static but visually stunning hand painted graphics with turn based 3D battle scenes.

Square Enix is known for their fantastic story lines, emotion heightening soundtracks and strategic gameplay which keeps their fan base coming back for more and Chaos Rings doesn’t disappoint.  If you are an RPG fan or are looking for an App that provides more than a 5 minute gaming fix, your money will be well spent with this App.  Chaos Rings for iPad is available now at the App Store for $15.99.  In celebration of this release, Square Enix is offering all of their Apps at a discounted price for 2 weeks so be sure to check out their other digital offerings as well!

Source: iTunes App Store

Apple has wasted very little time to bring this update for your iPad.  The only known addition is a patch for the JailbreakMe exploit used to jailbreak all iDevices.  So if you want to stay jailbroken, or would like to jailbreak your iPad, I would suggest staying on 3.2.1.  I would also recommend that you save your SHSH blobs in case you accidentally update your iPad.  SHSH blobs allow you to downgrade your iPad and are unique per iPad.  This means you can’t Google and download SHSH blobs.  You have to retrieve them yourself.

While the topic of the legality of ‘jailbreaking’ your iDevice remained in limbo for quite some time, the recent US government ruling that it is in fact legal is great news for jailbreakers.  The term ‘jailbreak’ relating to iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads refers to providing freedom from a ‘locked platform’.  It essentially gives you root access to your device and allows you to install 3rd party software that is not found in Apple’s App Store.  A similar example is the state of your computer.  You are not restricted to only installing the manufacturer’s software.  You have full access to install whatever 3rd party software you like. Your jailbroken device gives you that freedom.  In fact, apps were created and enjoyed for jailbroken iPhone 2Gs before there was even an official App Store!  Continue reading to see how easy it is to jailbreak your iPad and what you should watch out for to keep your iPad jailbroken…

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On July 21st, Skype’s blogger-in-chief, Peter Parkes provided some very good news to iPhone and iPad Skype users.  Not only has Skype been updated to support multitasking, there will be no additional charges for 3G calling as previously planned!  While this has no effect on iPad Wifi users…those with the 3G models and iPhone users will benefit from this change of heart.  Good on ya Skype!  Now please make Skype a universal app to take advantage of the iPad’s extra real estate…

Source: Skype Blogpage

Netflix, a California based company recently announced plans to bring their service outside the U.S.  Canada will be the first to receive this service sometime this Fall.  Netflix allows monthly subscribers to stream movies and tv shows to their computer’s and other mobile devices such as the iPad!  No word yet on the actual start date of the Netflix service in Canada or what it will cost.

Source: www.netflix.ca

With two versions, three capacity sizes and six price points, it can be confusing as to which iPad you should buy.  Do you need to be connected to the internet at all times or do you live in a city where free WiFi is readily available at various locations?  Are there any other differences between the WiFi only and the WiFi + 3G iPads?  If you are still debating on which iPad to buy, feel free to read more on my opinions about the subtle differences between the various offerings of the iPad.

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One of the many deciding factors that helped me justify my iPad purchase came as an iPhone update to Konami’s Metal Gear Solid Touch App. The update mentioned that it is now compatible with the iPad. I was excited to hear that developers are adding value to their Apps by providing cross compatibility between the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices. Then I see on the AppStore…I’ll keep with Konami as an example…Frogger being sold as a separate app that was developed specifically for the iPad. So if you currently own Frogger for the iPhone, which does work on the iPad…you’ll have to make a second purchase if you want to play it in the iPad’s native resolution. This will also put a second icon on your iPad if you purchase both.

I’m torn to think if having separate apps are a good or bad thing for developers, cutomers and the AppStore on a whole. On one side, I support the developers by purchasing their apps and contributing to their long term success. On the other, I can’t help but think that money is the only deciding factor to create a secondary app for the iPad…thus getting the customers to pay twice for the same app.

Adding further confusion is the separation of free Apps. The free Google Mobile App was updated to run natively on both the iPhone/Touch and the iPad. The free eBay app offers two separate apps that work for each respective device. So now is there a question of coding difficulty that developers decide whether to make one universal app or two separate ones?

In terms of paid apps, we as the consumer have the power to voice our oppinions with our wallets. I will really have to like a purchased iPhone app a lot to justify a second purchase that will run at a higher resolution on my iPad. Personally, I’d be much happier to see an update with that fantastic line…now runs on iPad! Otherwise, that separate app better have more features than just a higher resolution. I now find myself searching for that “+” sign in the AppStore that indicates a universal app for all devices before I make my purchase.

What’s the answer? Should developers continue to sell separate apps of the same software as long as the sales are there? Should developers offer iPhone app owners a cheaper upgrade of the same app through an in-app purchase? Tell us what your thoughts are by leaving a comment below…we’d love to hear from you!

Welcome everyone to iPad HD! Here you find news on all things iPad…from Apps to Accessories to Hardware changes. We hope you enjoy visiting us and we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions too.