NEW MYSPACE LOGO COMING

MySpace is trying to generate some buzz and excitement around its aging product.  They introduced a new logo at the Warm Gun design conference recently and the crowds reaction was silence.  The new logo is the word my followed by a space.

The space won't remain blank however. It will be filled with user generated art as seen in the video from the Warm Gun conference.  MySpace VP of User Experience Mike Macadaan explains:

MySpace is a platform for people to be whatever they want, so we’ve decided to give them the space to do it.


What are your thoughts on the new logo?  Is anyone still using MySpace? [Geek]

NEW iPHONE 4 FLAW

The free bumper program just ended and already we have word of another flaw in the design of the iPhone 4.  This flaw concerns the back which is made of glass, according to Ryan Block of gdgt.com.  Block citing Apple engineers, says that non-bumper type cases, ie slip over cases, are scratching the glass on the back of the iPhone 4.  These scratches, caused by dirt and debris getting caught between the case and the glass, can lead to cracking of the glass.

Apple has gone as far as pulling all slip over cases from the Apple stores.  Most of these are third-party cases that pay Apple 10-15% to have the "Made for iPhone" badge.  Needless to say these companies are not happy.  Users can still buy the cases, just not through the Apple stores.

This may help explain the rumor that the next generation iPhone will be a completely different form factor and not have a glass back. [Gizmodo]

LEAKED: NEW APPLE iPAD DESIGNS

Patently Apple has released some new design specs for Apple's iPad, which they have obtained from the Chinese patent office.  While these are new features it is not clear when or even if they will ever make it into the actual product.

The first shows a new 30-pin connector that will allow for docking in landscape mode.  The current iPad only docks in portrait mode.

The second design shows a smart bezel, which has been rumored about since February 2010.  The exact function of this design is not explained, but there are three distinct renderings showing this feature off.

There have also been rumors about Face Time coming to the iPad.  While there have been some drawings showing what appears to be a front facing camera there is some debate over whether it is a camera or a light sensor.  

With these leaked documents, it does appear that the next generation of  iPad will have a major face lift. [Patently Apple]

APPLE PARTS WAYS WITH DESIGN COMPANY SURFACEINK

Apple has ditched design firm SurfaceInk after a 10 year relationship.  Apparently, SurfaceInk showed off a prototype tablet back in June that was too similiar to the iPad.  The prototype is 12.1 inches and runs Linux.

SurfaceInk also designs for HP and Palm, but it wasn't until they showed of the prototype that Apple got worried. [NY Times]