App Store down?

We’re getting a lot of reports from readers that they can’t connect to the iTunes App Store from either their Mac or Windows PCs, or iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Some readers are saying they can connect, however, so while it’s down for a lot of people, it may not be down for everyone. (And some can access from one device but not another — confusing!)

Can you access the App Store? Let us know either way!

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iPad 2 hits 25 more countries this Friday, March 25

There will be no delays as Apple has just confirmed iPad 2 will be available this Friday, March 25 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Just like the US launch, online orders will begin a 1am (they don’t say which time zone?) and in store purchases will be available starting 5pm local time.

While competitors are still struggling to catch up with our first iPad, we’ve changed the game again with iPad 2,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the US, and customers around the world have told us they can’t wait to get their hands on it. We appreciate everyone’s patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone.”

Apple also announced that iPad 2 will be available in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and additional countries in April.

If you’re having trouble deciding if you want an iPad 2, or which of the 12 models you want (no CDMA versions outside the US), check out our iPad 2 buyers guide and full on iPad 2 review. Then let us know what country you’re in and whether you’re ordering online or lining up!

[Apple PR]

Apple officially announces iPhone 4 on July 30 for Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and SwitzerlandiPad coming in July for Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and SingaporeiPad launches in Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Sweden, and TaiwaniPad hits Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK on May 28iPad pricing: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, UK

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Original iPad can use the Smart Cover, with a little work [video]

If you are hanging onto your original iPad but really want one of the new Smart Covers for iPad 2, now you can. Dan Provost has discovered that by simply super gluing a few small magnets to the side of your iPad 1, the case fits and works very nicely.

The video after the break shows how it is done and although it does sound a little rough and ready, the final result is actually quite neat. If you decide to remove the case in the future, you’re still going to be literally stuck with the magnets on the side of your iPad, so be aware before you try this for yourself.

Folding of the cover to allow the iPad to stand up looks a little precarious but in the raised typing wedge mode it looks fine. The one missing feature, is the iPad does not automatically turn on and off when opening and closing the cover.

Is anyone willing to give this a go? Let us know in the comments!

[TUAW]

Smart Cover for iPad 1 from Studio Neat on Vimeo.

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Sony Xperia Play videos get NSFW on iPhone!

Um. Okay. Wow. Sony Ericsson, makers of the Xperia Play (aka PSP Phone) went out and got Kristen Schaal from the Daily Show to go all NSFW on iPhone gaming in a new series of YouTube videos (these can’t air on primetime TV, right?). You’ve got your Killing It, Pwnage, Kittenlicious, Kristennetsirk, and Kristen within Kristen, and no kidding — there’s adult language, sexual situations, violence, and numerous potshots taken at our precious iPhone.

(Interestingly, the videos are actually light on real PSP game play. It would have been nice to see them show off their games vs. Infinity Blade, Real Racing 2, Dead Space, and other top tier iPhone games… Right?)

Check out the videos after the break and let us know what you think, full of win or marketing #fail?

[9to5Mac]

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Daily Tip: How to use the iPhone headset and mic controls

Curious how to use the headset and mic controls that come with your new iPhone or iPod touch? With them, the stock Apple earbuds let you take calls and control music even while your iPhone or iPod is tucked away in your pocket. For some more information on how to use your headphones please stay with us after the break.

Below are a list of functions you can perform completely on your headset:

Answer an incoming call.Hang up a single callSwaps calls (multiple calls)Play/Pause MusicReject an incoming callSkip Track (while playing music)Activate Voice Control (Only On iPhone 4, 3GS, and iPod Touch 3rd/4th)Hangs up current call (multiple calls)

The new headset mics come with +/- buttons to adjust volume, for music or calls.

Did you find these controls useful? Are there any I’ve missed? If you know of any other mic controls, let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

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With US iPad 2 stocks still low, should Apple be going ahead with the international roll-out?

We’re getting a lot of feedback from American readers who are upset that, with iPad 2 inventory so low at US Apple Stores and online orders already pushed back over a month, Apple is going ahead with the international iPad 2 roll-out this Friday. They believe that Apple should meet “home country” demand first even if it means delaying the international launch by a month, like they did last year for the original iPad.

Of course, many US iPads were also bought by international enthusiasts eager to get it right away (or by scalpers who lined up by the dozens to make a quick buck selling them overseas.) I’m guessing if you live in the US you might agree that Apple should meet US demand first (or are even thinking of traveling to the Canadian or UK launch to try to get your iPads back!). International buyers are no doubt relieved the won’t be a delay this year.

Give us your opinion — or just vent if you must — in the comments! (Just keep it respectful)

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International iPad 2 pricing announced, UK less than the original iPad launch price

Earlier today Apple confirmed that iPad 2 will go on sale Friday, 25 March at 5pm local time, with online orders starting a 1am — and now international pricing has begun to show up.

Read on for the full breakdown…

In the UK, iPad 2 is actually cheaper than the original iPad. The WiFi only models of the iPad 2 will go on sale at £399.00 for the 16GB, £479.00 for the 32GB and £559.00 for the 64GB. The premium to go with a 3G derivative will be exactly £100.00.

The original iPad WiFi only cost was £429.00 for the 16GB, £499.00 for the 32GB and £599.00 for the 64GB model, so this represents a nice saving on every model for those in the UK.

In Australia, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available for a recommended retail price of A$579 inc GST for the 16GB model, A$689 inc GST for the 32GB model, A$799 inc GST the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a RRP of A$729 inc GST for the 16GB model, A$839 inc GST for the 32GB model and A$949 inc GST for the 64GB model.

In Canada prices are $519 (CAN) for the 16GB model, $619 (CAN) for the 32GB model, $719 (CAN) the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $649 (CAN) for the 16GB model, $749 (CAN) for the 32GB model and $849 (CAN) for the 64GB model.

France gets a MSRP of € 489 including VAT (€ 400.86 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 16GB model, 591 € including VAT (€ 484.15 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 32GB model, and 693 € TTC ( € 567.43 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 64 GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available at an MSRP of 609 € including VAT (€ 501.20 excluding VAT and pay for private copy) for the 16GB model, 711 € including VAT (€ 584.48 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for the 32GB model and 813 € including VAT (€ 667.77 excluding VAT and remuneration for private copying) for The 64GB model.

In Germany, iPad 2 goes for 479 € including VAT (€ 402.52 excluding VAT) for the 16 GB model, for 579 euros including VAT (€ 486.55 excl VAT) for the 32 GB model, and for € 679 inc VAT (€ 570.59 excluding VAT) for the 64 GB model. iPad 2 with WiFi + 3G for 599 € including VAT (€ 503.36 excluding VAT) for the 16 GB model, for 699 euros including VAT (€ 587.39 excl VAT) for the 32 GB model, and for 799 € including VAT (€ 671.43 excluding VAT) for the 64 GB

How do the prices compare to the original iPad in your country? Let us know in the comments!

[Apple]

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