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Google has had a rough time with its iOS software over the past few weeks, but immediately pulled it due to problems with push notifications. The app was resurrected in the App Store recently, but many of its problems were not resolved.

Today, Google has redeemed itself a bit with an update to its Search application, as it brings several welcome changes to the iPad version…

The new UI in the iPad edition of Google’s Search app is actually a joy to use. The main screen features a large search field, and four grey icons. One takes you to your search history, one enables a voice search, one launches Google Goggles, and the other opens the app menu.

The search function works well, as expected, and uses Google Instant to show you live results as you type. The Voice Search feature also works well. The app menu can either mean the world to you, or nothing to you, depending on how many of Google’s services you use.

Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and other Google apps are built right into Google Search. You can login to and use the services without needing to switch out of the application — very handy. Google+, Google Maps, and Google Offers are also integrated.

The bottom line is that the new Google Search update makes a good app great, especially for iPad users. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can download the new software [for the iPad] from the App Store.

What do you think of the new Google Search for iPad?

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Last night, Apple aired a new TV ad for its iPad 2. The commercial is fairly similar to previous adverts, showing people from all walks of life using the tablet in different ways.

The ads are actually an accurate reflection of how the slate has made its way into several industries. We’ve seen the iPad replace everything from voters ballads to NFL play books…

Apple has dominated the tablet market with its iPad line since it unveiled the original last year. It’ll be interesting to see if it can maintain that dominance in the face of stiff competition like the cheaper Kindle Fire.

What do you think of Apple’s new “Love” TV ad?

According to Maxis tweet, Maxis is throwing some time limited deals for the HTC Flyer and Motorola Xoom 3G tablets. With 24 months contract of Maxis 6GB Data Plan at RM98/month, the HTC Flyer can be yours for FREE while the Motorola Xoom 3G is offered at RM299. And, this offer is valid until 30th November.

DiGi too is offering broadband + tablet bundling plans with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. It also comes with a 6GB data plan contract of RM98/month but with a duration of 12 months. However the subsidy amount isn’t as much with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 offered at RM1584.

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RIM today announced two new phones in its BlackBerry line-up — the Bold 9790 and the Curve 9380. Both devices run RIM’s latest BlackBerry 7 operating system.

BlackBerry Bold 9790
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 slots just below the Bold 9900 flagship, it features a 1GHz single-core processor with 768MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (versus the Bold 9900 1.2Ghz processor with 768RAM and 8GB on board storage). You also get a micro SD card slot that support cards up to 32GB.

Other than that, the Bold 9790 features a smaller 2.45-inch capacitive touch screen compared to the 2.8-inch capacitive screen on the Bold 9900. The Bold 9790 has a lower resolution display as well, pushing 480×360 pixels with 246dpi versus the 640×480 screen on the Bold 9900 that pushes out 286dpi. Another notable difference is the camera. Both devices feature a 5MP camera but the Bold 9790 shoots videos in VGA resolution (640×480) while the Bold 9900 shoots 720p videos.

BlackBerry Curve 9380
The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is the first touchscreen device in the Curve family. It features a 3.2-inch 480×360 display, a single-core 800Mhz processor and a 5MP camera that shoots 720p videos, and that’s pretty much it.

No details on pricing has been announced, RIM says the Bold 9790 and the Curve 9380 will enter markets around the world in the coming weeks. You can expect local operators to offer plans for the devices when they arrive in Malaysia. We have a strong feeling that the Curve 9380 is coming to U Mobile when it hits Malaysia but this is yet to be confirmed.

Tune Talk now offers a new way to stay connected for long without the hassle of monthly top ups. Tune Talk customers can get 365 days of credit validity for a small fee of RM38/year. This is good for those looking for a prepaid service with minimal monthly top up commitments.

To activate this, send SET to 1212. It costs RM38 but Tune Talk requires a minimum balance of RM48 before activation. Do note that the RM38 will be deducted as a fee and you won’t be getting any free talktime or SMS. With this 365 days validity activated, it will last exactly 1 year from the date of activation which will be confirmed by SMS. You can check for validity period by calling *133#.

There are other things to look out as well. Any top ups made within the 365 days period will not extend the existing validity period. If you are a heavy user and have been topping up regularly, this isn’t a solution for you. However those that just requiring a line for receiving calls or simply isn’t spending as much as a usual prepaid user, this 365 days validity is worth a try.

For more information, head over to TuneTalk.