Gay Rights Petition Against iOS App Gaining Steam

The iOS App from Exodus International boasts that they have over 35 years of ministering teh gay away. Wait what?

Seriously Apple, clearly this would fall under the umbrella of objectionable content or hate speech. Change.org has been petitioning Apple to pull the "ex-gay therapy" app from their App Store and with good reason. To imply this group's pray the gay away method is based on any kind of scientific research is just offensive.

The bigger issue being if this can get through Apple's walled garden, what's keeping a KKK app from being approved? Listen Apple, get your shit together and do the right thing.

As of this post, Change.org has gathered approximately 130,000 signatures.

Confirmed: iPad 2 is carrier unlocked

Well if you've been on the fence about which iPad you'll be buying, we've got confirmation that the iPad is carrier unlocked so you can easily switch to your favorite carrier or local carriers if you're looking to dodge very costly international data charges.

More over at The Noisecast.

iPad 1 Now Starting at $399

Now here's an announcement for all you Macheads on a budget.

If you don't mind last year's model, the iPad v.1 starts at just $400. Sure there's no dual-core A5 processor or dual cameras, but if you don't mind making a few sacrifices, you can walk away with a brand spankin' new (no refurb) iPad on the cheap(ish).

Apple Store via Engadget

Place Your Bets.. The House Always Wins

It's almost showtime but for now take a look at this gem from Bookmaker.com.

Apparently the folks over at Bookmaker.com have you covered for a Vegas-style keynote. So if you're a betting (wo)man you can find out what your odds are and where to place your bets. You know if you're into that sort of thing. Or you could just play keynote Bingo.

via TUAW

Happy iPad 2 Day!

In just a few hours our lives will change forever, until the next refresh. So grab some popcorn, get your bingo cards out, and let's get ready for Apple buzzword shots!

Or if you're like me you'll just be trying to keep up with the news as it happens from your desk.

What to Expect:

1. New iPads. It's on their invite (which we didn't get) so why not announce it.
2. MobileMe announcement; it's everywhere and it seems imminent just don't be too disappointed if some of the best features aren't free.
3. FaceTime for iPad. If you're on a Mac that isn't the latest MBP series, download the app. It's worth the $.99 (US App Store).

What NOT to Expect:

1. iTunes Streaming service (aka Apple using Lala's acquisition efficiently). It's not gonna happen because iTunes makes enough money with its purchase only model, there really isn't any viable competition... yet.
2. iPhone 5 announcement. We go through this every time Apple holds an event. IPhones have their own event, that's when we'll hear about them.

Maybes:

1. Although this isn't an announcement for Lion , Apple's latest version of OS X, don't be surprised if we hear a few more morsels of info as how Apple plans on blurring the line between desktop and mobile.
2. iPad 2 will be on sale immediately after the announcement. It's not too likely but it would be a great way to reaffirm Apple's dominance in the mobile space. It ain't easy to project selling 6.5 million iPads in one quarter without having a lot of sway in the manufacturing world; this will just show how much clout Apple really has.

If there's anything you think we missed, drop a line in the comments.

New MacBook Pros: Rumor Round 1

Seems like it's Apple Rumor Monday around these parts, but here's the first (hopefully the only) MacBook Pro refresh rumor: New MacBook Pros out March 1, 2011.

If MacRumors is correct, then you really shouldn't be buying a MacBook Pro just yet.

via MacRumors

MobileMe For Free?

IPhone season is in full effect over at the Wall Street Journal, as reports rumors of a newer cheaper iPhone are coming out (again). However, one of the biggest pieces of anonymously sourced pieces of info come from Apple's MobileMe is expected to be free in its latest revamp.

Currently MobileMe subscribers dish out $99 per year for what can be basically broken down to a Dropbox account and the ability to remote wipe your iPhone/iPad, so having it go free will be a big deal for folks who either said $99 per year is steep or couldn't justify the cost by not having an iPhone to remote wipe. It will be interesting to see if/how Apple will sweeten the pot for folks who've been paying the $99.

Also, lost (buried) in the original article, is mention of Apple's streaming music service which may or may not be ready in time for the MobileMe announcement. Gotta love those anonymous sources.

WSJ Online via TUAW