Netflix iPad app gets design refresh

Netflix has unleashed its newly-designed app for iPad, a week after the Android tablet iteration was given the same lick of paint.

The new offering brings a brand new interface which is a marked improvement on the initial version.

It aims to give greater visibility to Netflix's vast array of streaming content.

Greater focus

"The new design is much more immersive and provides greater focus on the growing number of titles in the Netflix catalog," said the company.

"In fact, the new interface displays twice as many movies and TV shows as before, enabling you to discover even more titles you'll love.

"Also, we've taken greater advantage of the tablet's unique features, inviting you to swipe through rows of titles featuring larger artwork."

No AirPlay

Netflix 2.0, which is a free download, still lacks Apple's AirPlay technology that allows users to stream content to the Apple TV set-top box.

Apple TV has its own Netflix app, but the advantage of AirPlay integration would be the ability to send content from the app to the TV set.

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Google Docs for Android given Honeycomb refresh

Google has announced changes to its Android app for Google Docs so that it runs better on tablets.

With Google keen to make its cloud productivity software as widely available as possible, a refresh with Android Honeycomb in mind was always likely, and so it has proved.

"Earlier this year, we introduced the Google Docs app for Android," explained Google's David Loxton.

"Since then, many users have downloaded the app and enjoyed the benefits of being able to access, edit and share docs on the go.

Spacious

"Today's update to the app makes Google Docs work better than ever on your tablet. With an entirely new design, we've customised the look to make the most of the larger screen space on tablets," he continued

"The layout includes a three-panel view, which allows you to navigate through filters and collections, view your document list, and see document details, all at once."

The update is now available for anyone with Android 3.0 and above and in 46 languages.

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Apple's 2012 MacBook Air refresh to include 15-inch model?

Apple looks set to refresh its MacBook Air line up in early 2012 but the latest rumours suggest it will also add a 15-inch model to the range at the same time.

The tip comes from Digitimes, which cites supply chain sources as the foundation for the information.

The refresh will see the 11-inch and 13-inch laptops get a bit of an update, with the existing models expected to get a price drop over the coming months in preparation.

MacBook Flair

Apple's slim Air range has seen increased competition from Intel's Ultrabook project over the course of 2011, with the chip maker's specifications including high performance computing in a slim, stylish package.

Digitimes' isn't always the most reliable tech outlet, but this isn't the first time we've heard talk of a 15-inch Air with previous rumours suggesting that the notebook was in the final testing stages.

The company's MacBook Pro range is also set for an overhaul in 2012, with some rumours suggesting that the Pro design will be brought into line with the Air's idiosyncratic wedge-shape.

Apple to have a massive product refresh in 2012?

Apple is planning to overhaul its entire product line in 2012, meaning that it's more than likely it will be the year we will see the iPad 3 and the iPhone 5.

According to Digitimes – which has a very wobbly track record when it comes to predicting all things Apple – order volumes are being finalised as you read this and key parts for the new iPad are also being ordered.

The refresh is said to be a significant one so we are likely to see massive changes to the products, rather than minor tweaks.

brightcove : 1065669898001iPad prototype

Interestingly there seems to be two separate iPad prototypes in development, with the codenames J1 and J2.

What could the J mean? A nice tribute to Jobs, perhaps?

While production of an iPad 3 looks likely to happen before the year is out, Digitimes reckons that manufacturing of a new iPhone and iMac range won't begin until the middle of 2012.

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Spotify to get iPhone app refresh

Spotify is about to release a key update for its iPhone – with Last.fm scrobbling a key addition for the mobile service.

The update is 'coming soon' according to the Spotify blog, suggesting that those interested should keep checking back over the coming weeks.

Update desire

"It's been a little while since we first released our iPhone app to the public and many of you have been wondering when you're going to see an update," blogged Spotify.

"Well, we're happy to announce that earlier today we submitted a new version to the nice people over at Apple for approval.

"Along with a number of fixes to the app we've added a range of great new features. Those additions include Last.fm scrobbling, the ability to open and play Spotify links and support for lower bitrate streaming (96kbps) for slower connections."

Updates appear to be making it through the Apple vetting process a little quicker these days, so we'll keep an eye out for it arriving.

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