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Report: Apple developing radio app for iPhone

2010-12-30T23:51:00.000-09:00

Citing anonymous sources, the Apple news site says the functionality of the application will be similar to what Apple built into the iPod Nano. That includes the ability to pause live FM transmissions and fast-forward when you resume playing.

According to 9 to 5 Mac, the delay in getting the app to market is Apple’s decision to integrate it with the iTunes Store, which is built into the devices. With this integration, people will be able to tap on a song they hear on the radio and buy it through iTunes.

Of course, Apple wouldn’t be the first company to offer some type of FM functionality on the iPhone. Applications like Wunder Radio have been around for over a year and enable people to stream Internet radio to their iPhone and iPod Touch.

The big advantage Apple would have is linking its application to the iTunes Store, which creates the potential for more revenue.

New Sonos S5 — an iPhone synced all-in-one music system

2010-12-29T23:54:00.000-09:00

Sonos, the home music system folks, just announced the forthcoming Sonos ZonePlayer S5, a wireless music system that works seamlessly with the iPhone via the free Sonos Controller App to bring all the music the Internet has to offer into the home. Unlike traditional docks, you don’t have to leave your iPhone docked and out of use to enjoy music, just queue up whatever you’d like to hear and slip your phone back in your pocket while the S5 streams your tunes.

Sonos ZonePlayer S5 features:
• Full control of your music experience with your iPhone, iPod touch, PC, Mac or Sonos Controller including your iTunes library and all of the popular online streaming services such as Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Siruis
• Crystal-clear, room-filing sound from 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers and subwoofer built in
• Access to music from your iTunes library and most every online music service/internet radio station
• Best-in-class wireless technology for multi-room music
• Simple setup & expansion – simple to add rooms

qStatus – The Fastest Way to Tweet or Update Your Facebook Status

2010-12-28T23:49:00.000-09:00

qStatus is a one of a kind status update application that lets you tweet and update your Facebook status like never before. It is straight to the point, super fast, ultra cool and darn effective. qStatus saves you the hassle of updating your Facebook status and Twitter separately by doing both for you instantly.

-Instantly update Twitter and Facebook or either
-TwitPic Support
-TwitVid Support
-Tweet Shrink and Tweet long
-Tweet your currently playing music
-Dedicate the current song your playing to your friends
-Customizeable background
-Tweety bird update sound

SPECK DEBUTS ALL-NEW REDESIGNED ‘SEETHRU’ PROTECTIVE HARD SHELL CASES FOR iPhone 3G AND 3GS

2010-12-27T23:53:00.000-09:00

Speck launched today its completely redesigned one-piece polycarbonate SeeThru hard shell case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. Expanding upon the already immensely popular SeeThru designs, these stylishly sleek patent-pending cases offer iPhone 3G and 3GS owners the ultimate defensive buffer from the abuse of the normal daily hectic lifestyle. Images of the new SeeThru cases can be found at http://www.speckproducts.com/content/seethru-for-iphone .

“If you were a fan of our initial SeeThru release for the iPhone 3G, you’ll fall head over heels in love with our new single-piece design,” says Irene Baran, CEO of Speck. “The new cases maintain the sleek looks of the iPhone while adding the simplicity of a more flexible one-piece design and extra level of comfort and grip to help keep your phone scuff and scratch free.”

The stylish and translucent, form-fitting case features all the protective benefits from the previous generation SeeThru, but has been updated to an easy-to-use single-piece design that also includes an integrated rubberized grip ring around the entire front bezel of the case for superior grip and increased shock-absorption. And true to SeeThru’s minimalist, lightweight mission, the case also protects without adding bulk and offers complete access to all controls, buttons and sensors. The new SeeThru cases come in a variety of colors to please any iPhone user, including clear, black and pink. The additional colors of aqua blue and red are available exclusively through AT&T online and retail stores. Red is also available internationally. All new SeeThru cases for iPhone 3G and 3GS are $29.95 MSRP (USD).

Ichigon today announce Symmetrix is available now on the Apple App Store.

2010-12-26T23:51:00.000-09:00

Symmetrix is the only application in the App Store that gives the ability to create hilarious symmetric pictures from photos yourself, your friends, family, and your favorite celebrities.

Simple and ingenious, it uses a mirror effect which creates an instantly funny and interesting symmetric image.

The Symmetrix launch will be accompanied with a photo competition. The best images in the competition will prizes like Livespeakr, Pogo stylus and iPopperz.

TomTom iPhone Car Kit hits US Apple Store

2010-12-25T23:48:00.000-09:00

The TomTom Car Kit is on the US Apple Store right now for $199.95 with free shipping. The catch is that the kit is listed as not shipping for 2 to 3 weeks. If you use your iPhone as a navigation device a lot, this may be a good item to get.

The TomTom kit is expensive, but it offers a built-in speaker, TomTom maps, a docking station, and more for your money. Nav apps suck some battery life if you don’t have the iPhone plugged into the power outlet while in use.

BoxTone Mobile User Management Solution Extends to Support Enterprise iPhone

2010-12-24T23:50:00.000-09:00

BoxTone®, the company that developed the industry standard for the management, monitoring and support of the BlackBerry platform, today extended its mobile user management solution to manage, track and control iPhone, Palm Pre, Windows Mobile and other ActiveSync-based smartphones.
BoxTone v5.0 enables enterprises, governmental agencies and managed service providers (MSPs) to automatically discover and inventory all enterprise-connected smartphones, track utilization, identify threats and eliminate wasted spend. This comprehensive approach to mobility management is what IT organizations need to maximize the productivity of their cross-platform mobile workforce, while optimizing the balance of service quality, cost and risk.
“With the invasion of employee-owned smartphones running on multiple mobile platforms, organizations are experiencing a new set of mobile management, compliance and cost challenges,” stated Alan Snyder, CEO, BoxTone. “Increasingly, BoxTone’s more than 230 customers worldwide had been asking us to extend our best-in-class BlackBerry platform management solution to accommodate a variety of leading smartphones. Today we responded, with BoxTone v5.0.”
Aberdeen’s September 2009 research report “Mobility Management to Drive Compliance for Employee-Liable Smartphones and Lower TCO” noted that “many IT departments feel compelled to accommodate the influx of employee-liable devices because they must find some way to satisfy the insatiable hunger for mobility among users with organizational mandates to reduce capital expenditures.” While cost savings can be had by shifting device procurement and data plan payment responsibilities from the enterprise to the employee, adding significant numbers of enterprise-enabled smartphones brings unique risks and challenges.
“The more smartphones connect to an enterprise, the higher the risk for lost or stolen sensitive information, and the potential for greater IT support costs,” stated Snyder. “With enterprise-enabled smartphones expected to jump from 10-15 percent today to 70-80 percent by 2012, those risks and costs are set to significantly increase. Enterprises that fail to proactively address this challenge will be run over by the chaos, costs and complexity of mobile diversity.”
BoxTone v5.0 starts by proactively discovering, in real-time, more than 40 critical mobile user data points including smartphone model, smartphone ID, ownership model (employee-liable versus corporate-liable), supporting infrastructure (Mobile Server, Mail Server and wireless carrier), synchronization history and whether a smartphone is BlackBerry Enterprise Server-attached or ActiveSync-attached.
Armed with full visibility to its enterprise-connected smartphones, the software’s expanded Compliance Management capabilities take over tracking and auditing of all corporate-liable and employee-liable smartphones and user activity. Benefits include the ability to rapidly identify security policy violations or threats – such as rogue or unsecured smartphones – and to confirm devices are wiped before substantial financial loss or regulatory actions ensue or IT credibility is impaired.

Philips unveils Wake-up Light HF3490 and HF3480 alarm clocks

2010-12-23T23:47:00.000-09:00

Philips uses a large light box that simulates a natural sunrise with light that gradually comes on starting 30 minutes before your alarm is set to go off. Philips claims the clocks are clinically proven to have an impact on the quality of awakening. After the 30-minute light period, the device can wake you to sounds or music.

Sounds the devices offer include chirping birds, gentle beep, African jungle sounds, or soft chimes. The iPod version of the device can wake you to FM radio or playlists from your iPod as well. Both versions have the FM tuner. Both versions are available now for $169.99 for the HF3480 and $199.99 for the HF3490.

Apple Set to Pass 100K Available iPhone Apps Milestone

2010-12-22T23:47:00.000-09:00

Apple has approved over 100,000 applications in its App Store, according to the latest figures from App Shopper, an industry tracking firm. That number of approved apps dwarfs the number of apps offered by mobile app store competitors Android Marketplace, Windows Mobile Marketplace, BlackBerry App World, and Nokia’s Ovi Store. Apple’s next closest competitor, Google’s Android Marketplace, offers a relative small 10,000 mobile apps, according to App Shopper. BlackBerry App World hosts 3040 apps.

iPhone as an eBook Reader Threatens Kindle, Says Report

2010-12-21T23:45:00.000-09:00

Apple’s iPhone is quickly becoming the ebook reader of choice for many, and could steal market share from Amazon’s Kindle, according to a report from market research firm Flurry.

The iPhone and iPod Touch turned into a popular handheld gaming platform over the last year, as most of the apps released for the devices were in the games category. Even Nintendo acknowledged that iPhone games were among the reasons its DS portable gaming machine under-performed in sales.

And now it appears it is the Amazon Kindle’s turn to take a beating, as book applications for iPhone exceeded the popularity of games apps in the last four months, according the Flurry report. In September, iPhone books (some running on Kindle for iPhone) overtook games for the first time, while one in every five new apps in the App Store in October were books.

Legally, Factory-Unlocked iPhone 3G To Given Away In New Contest..

2010-12-20T23:44:00.000-09:00

To promote RingtoneStudio for
iPhone, PocketMac will be giving away one factory-unlocked iPhone 3G
in a contest starting today. Second and third place winners will win
a $50 or $15 iTunes gift card, respectively. The contest ends
November 30, 2009 and is based around the software, PocketMac
RingtoneStudio for iPhone.

“We want to get people to try and then talk about our great
ringtone creation software, PocketMac RingtoneStudio for iPhone,”
said Tim Goggin, VP Of Sales & Marketing. “The more people help us
promote this software, the cooler the prizes get.”

Different levels of prizes will be available to contestants based
on how many copies of RingtoneStudio are sold before the end of
contest. In the beginning, three $15 iTunes gift card are available
to win. If sales of RingtoneStudio exceed 100 copies sold during the
contest period, two $50 iTunes gift card will able to win. If sales
of RingtoneStudio top 250 sales, one lucky winner will take away a
legally, factory-unlocked iPhone.

Goggin continued, “These iPhones are the rarest of rare. In most
countries, iPhones are only offered by one or two carriers. But in
some areas, Apple ships these phones to the consumer unlocked. That
is, they can be used with a SIM card from any carrier. This is one of
these phones.”

Legally-unlocked iPhones require no “jailbreaking”, the process
of modifying an iPhone to work with a different carrier. Instead,
these iPhones are programmed to accept any SIM card.

Also, they can be updated to the latest versions of the iPhone
operating system without the hassles involved in updating jailbroken
phones.

The software at the heart of the contest, RingtoneStudio for
iPhone, was designed to produce an unlimited quantity of ringtones -
avoiding Apple’s 99 cent-per-ringtone fee. It creates ringtones from
any unprotected music format or from a variety of QuickTime-friendly
video formats.

This contest runes through November 30, 2009. RingtoneStudio 2.0
for iPhone is available now for $19.95.

Users can enter the contest at
http://www.CreateiPhoneRingtones.com/contest/

A YouTube video detailing the contest can be found at:

A YouTube video previewing RingtoneStudio can be found at:

A social media version of this press release can be found at:

http://pitch.pe/32011

More information about both products can be found at:

http://twitter.com/pocketmac

iPhone 4th-gen “midboard” on sale at Chinese retailer?

2010-12-19T23:44:00.000-09:00

The vendor claims they’ll be able to ship the OEM part within 5-12 days, as well as that they have “final pictures” of the iPhone 4th-gen back cover that they’ll be adding to the site soon. As for the midboard itself, it’s said to be 113.5 x 57.3 mm which makes it slightly shorter and slightly narrower than the current iPhone 3GS.

Normally we’d be indecently sceptical about any leaked Apple parts – in fact we are now – but as Gizmodo points out, China Ontrade were spot on when it came to the iPhone 3G’s display assembly. They had access to that part a month ahead of Apple’s official launch; that raises the question of when this fourth-gen device might drop, considering a new iPhone handset isn’t expected on the market for another eight months. Keep a lookout for it maybe coming to the market a little sooner.

The iPhone is the worst phone in the world

2010-12-18T23:43:00.000-09:00

That’s right, we said it — and we’re not taking it back. The iPhone may be the greatest handheld surfing device ever to rock the mobile Web, and a fabulous media player to boot. It may be the highest-rated mobile phone on CNET UK, rocking the pockets of half of our crack editorial team. It’s certainly the touchscreen face that launched a thousand apps. But as an actual call-making phone, it’s rubbish, and we aim to prove it.

Check out more of what they have to say at…CNet UK

Apple Plans For ‘World Mode iPhone’ Bad News For AT&T

2010-12-17T23:42:00.000-09:00

The Apple rumor mill claims that work is underway todevelop a ‘world-mode’ iPhone capable of operating on both CDMA and GSM/UMTS networks. World mode. Rumors also persist that Verizon will begin to carry the iPhone in 2010. All of these rumors suggest that the AT&T honeymoon with the iPhone is nearing an end.

A ‘wordl-mode’ iPhone could signal the end of exclusivity and be bad news for AT&TThese are just rumors at this point, but when a rumor is both pervasive and tenacious there is usually a reason. That gives AT&T some reason to be concerned. Without iPhone exclusivity, what does AT&T bring to the table that would entice customers to switch to, or stick with the wireless provider?

I think it’s about time that they expand to different networks so the consumer has more choice.

via NetworkWorld

WANT YOUR HOUSE TO TEXT YOU WHEN THERE MAY BE TROUBLE? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

2010-12-16T23:41:00.000-09:00

Protection One, Inc. (Nasdaq: PONE), one of the nation’s leading providers of security systems to homes and businesses, has developed an iPhone™ application that allows users to access their security panels and receive real-time security updates from their iPhone or iPod Touch®.

With the eSecure application from Protection One, users can confirm that their security system is armed while on vacation or turn off the alarm while at work to let in cleaning crews or other contractors. When armed, the eSecure system will send text or e-mail messages when motion is detected, a particular door is opened, in the event of a flood, if high carbon-monoxide levels are recorded and even when a liquor, medicine cabinet, safe or other sensitive area is accessed.

This technology is designed to offer peace of mind to users whenever they are outside of the home or business via real-time wireless access. Protection One is the first national provider of monitored security to offer this application.

“No one wants to spend a vacation or business trip worrying about leaving the garage door open or if the security alarm is set,” says Protection One President and CEO Richard Ginsburg. “This application puts security at your fingertips and keeps you connected, even when you’re away.”

The application maintains safety and security with multiple layers of password protection. A standard Protection One keypad code is required for access to the eSecure keypad, which is neither stored on the device nor visible to anyone looking at the screen.

The eSecure iPhone application, which is free with the eSecure service subscription and available for download now from Protection One at the iPhone Apps Store, is compatible with all iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Working in tandem with a Protection One security system, the iPhone application is customizable to deliver peace of mind every time you leave the home or office.

Rumors: A Verizon iPhone in 2010

2010-12-15T23:40:00.000-09:00

Judging from reader comments around the web, there are a lot of cellphone owners in America locked into Verizon contracts who would buy an iPhone in a minute if they didn’t have to switch carriers to get it (me included!).

Verizon has made it pretty clear that it would cut a deal with Apple, were it not for a couple of impediments: 1) the contract that makes AT&T the iPhone’s exclusive U.S. carrier, and 2) the fact that Verizon’s network (based on CDMA2000 technology) is incompatible with Apple’s smartphone (which uses W-CDMA (UMTS)).

The first roadblock — AT&T’s contract — is set to expire next year, according to a widely cited 2008 USA Today article that included an interview with chairman Randall Stephenson. (Stephenson declined to comment on the details of the contract.)

The second barrier could also disappear were Apple to build a new iPhone that is compatible with both AT&T and Verizon’s networks.

Last week, AppleInsider reported on rumors that Apple may be doing just that. Its source was a leaked OTR Global report, based on unnamed sources in Apple’s Taiwanese supply chain, that said Apple was making a “worldmode” phone using a new hybrid chip from Qualcomm.

Stay tuned for your up to the minute new on this.

via Brainstormtech

SYMBIAN FOUNDERS CREATE FLOOK, THE WORLD’S FIRST LOCATION BROWSER

2010-12-14T23:40:00.000-09:00

Today, Ambient Industries (www.ambientindustries.com), a mobile application software company, debuts flook (www.flook.it), in the Apple Store. Offered for free, Flook is a location browser that lets users discover and share the world around them. Flook’s design is being lead by a team of four co-creators with deep programming, entrepreneurial and creative backgrounds – Roger Nolan and Jane Sales founders of Symbian, led the teams creating that company’s comms and kernel respectively. Tristan Brotherton has deep web and media expertise and Dave Jennings’ background in machine intelligence and location services informed flook’s servers. Together, they have built an imagination-centric company, shrugging off the typical corporate structure, enabling the creativity and wonder that has gone into flook’s world of robots, color and whimsical interface.

“Flook is about serendipity, being lucky and finding something really great nearby, whether it is a beautiful building, a great tapas spot, some cool street art or a ridiculous sale,” says Roger Nolan. Flook’s design marries the photo, some text and the location and adds in a conversation to capture a moment that lives on. Jane Sales adds, “Now you can browse the world around you as if you were flipping through an ultra-local magazine made just for you – and then chat about it. Flook is the first mobile application to enable true location-based messaging.”

Developer spots usage record for iPhone 3,1 in iBART app

2010-12-13T23:39:00.000-09:00

Apple fans and developers keep their ear close to the ground to find the new tidbits on coming Apple products from all sorts of sources. Often those sources include usage logs and deeply buried profiles in updates and software from Apple. Developer Pandav has discovered a usage record for an iPhone model that has not been announced.

Apple saw 60,000 first-day iPhone sales in S.Korea

2010-12-12T23:39:00.000-09:00

Apple has seen about 60,000 units of iPhones sold in South Korea on its debut on Saturday, which is pretty good as the nation has already reported 400,000 smartphones sales in the third quarter.

The number, though far away from the one million sales in the U.S. for the iPhone 3GS, has already been a great success compared to the estimated 5,000 units sold during the first week in China.

The handset is available through KT Corp, the second largest carrier in Korea.

“We’re hoping that this iPhone will be a trigger point for the smartphone market in Korea,” Yang Hyun-mi, KT’s chief strategy officer, wascited as saying. Hyun-mi also noted that smartphones only control one percent of the mobile market in the nation.

via International Business Times

iPhone Lands on GTA TeleGuam December 11

2010-12-11T23:38:00.000-09:00

Back in October, Slashgear mentioned that Apple fans in Guam would be able to get their hands on the iPhone on GTA TeleGuam. At the time, we didn’t know key details like how much and exactly when the iPhone would land on the island. GTA TeleGuam announced all the details today and pre-orders are underway.

Subscribers will be able to get the 8GB iPhone 3G for $99.95, the iPhone 3GS 16GB for $199.95, and the iPhone 3GS 32GB for $299.95. All three flavors of the iPhone will hit the carrier on December 11 with pre-orders starting today.

On December 12, the iPhone will be available in certain retail locations like the Andersen Air Force Base and others. Users will be required to get a new plan and contract to get the iPhone at the stated prices with the cheapest plan costing $69.90 per month for 500 minutes and unlimited data.

via Slashgear

Fresh News : zzZ is Finalist of the App Star Awards !

2010-12-10T23:36:00.000-09:00

Need a hotel while travelling for your business or for your next road-trip? zzZ is the ultimate iPhone app to search and book the perfect room on the way.

Browse quickly hotel pictures

With impressive coverflow feature, it’s easy to find the best looking hotel for the cheapest price.

Book in total safety

As soon as you find the perfect hotel, book it instantly from the app, with our 100% secure connexion.

Apple scraps 1,000 iPhone apps

2010-12-09T23:38:00.000-09:00

Apple has booted Molinker and its products from the AppStore, following complaints that the developer was posting fake reviews.

The Chinese company had more than 1,000 apps in the store, mainly cheap travel guides for the iPhone. The products actually represent about one percent of the apps available in the app store.

Molinker was caught out by the iPhoneography blog, which noticed that a good 90 percent of reviews on Molinker products came from the same 50 people – most of whom had pretty poor English too. Even more suspiciously, these users only seemed to use Molinker apps, as they never reviewed anything else.

The implication was that the reviews were being posted by staff at the company itself. The owners of the blog contacted Phil Schiller to draw Apple’s attention to the scam.

CHILLINGO LAUNCHES SEED ROLE-PLAYING GAME

2010-12-09T23:37:00.000-09:00

In SEED 1: Rise of Darkness, players adventure within a thriving fantasy-RPG universe developed by CH Games. Players begin their adventure as an unskilled apprentice, who must defeat enemy monsters and complete quests to discover new weapons, skills and spells. Eventually, they will become a powerful hero who can change the fantasy world of Kalikoop forever.

Game Features
· Explore a thriving fantasy universe: Every step of this exciting journey will be rewarding and enjoyable! Visit over 20 unique towns, and conquer monstrous enemies on hundreds of battlefields around the world.

· Grow and customize your character: Collect special items and manipulate them to your preference through socketing, compounding and refining your collection. Use skill and intelligence to make powerful combinations of untold power!

· Use reflexes and skill in combat: Battle armies of fearsome monsters using weapons and magical forces. Upgrade skills and learn new abilities via elemental combat powers, weapon specializations and stunning magical spells.

· Ever-changing appearance: Become attached to your character as they grow. See your character’s appearance change every time you equip powerful new armor and impressive weaponry!

· Real-time changes to the game universe: Witness day turning to night in-game, just as it does in the world around you. Some quests can only be done at night, while your battles also change as the sun fades and the moon rises!

· Easy transport and discovery: Want to save time? Just take a trip on the Ship or the Air Balloon to make your travel easier.

“All of the characters and quests in SEED 1 took a long time to create,” said Jinsik Kim of CH Games. “The end result was worth the effort, as this game is incredibly deep and offers unprecedented variety to iPhone and iPod touch adventure gamers.”

Nuance offers Dragon Dictation for iPhone at no charge

2010-12-08T23:35:00.000-09:00

Nuance has announced a slick new app for the iPhone called Dragon Dictation that takes the speech recognition tech that works well on the PC and puts in on the iPhone. The result is an application that allows you to dictate your texts or emails rather than typing them out.

If the app works with Bluetooth devices or headphones with a mic this may well be the answer to the need for sending texts and emails on the road. It is sure to be faster than typing them out as well. If the iPhone app is anything like the PC software, it will stumble on technical terms and jargon, but should work well for the average user. The best news of all is that Nuance is offering the at no charge for a limited time. The NaturallySpeaking software can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the version so a free iPhone app is surprising.

DELICIOUS VINYL RELEASES THE FIRST IPHONE GAME WITH A LIVE DJ EXPERIENCE FEATURING TOUCH SCREEN SCRATCHING

2010-12-07T23:35:00.000-09:00

Ever wanted to step into the DJ booth and get the party started right? Then “Bust a Move”, do the “Wild Thing” and pour the “Funky Cold Medina”, as Delicious Vinyl DJ puts you in control of the dance floor. Delicious Vinyl and Ten23 Software are proud to announce that Delicious Vinyl DJ, a new music rhythm game for the iPhone and iPod touch is now available for download exclusively on iTunes.

Delicious Vinyl DJ puts anyone with an iPhone or iPod touch inside the DJ booth and behind the decks cutting and scratching across the greatest golden era hip-hop tracks ever! Don’t just play along with the song, bust a move out of the living room and work that cut! Get the party started anywhere! Match multi-colored notes as they flow down the screen; trigger scratches on two turntables with a thumb twist or tap a button on the mixer in time with the music to score points. Just like a real DJ, increased accuracy determines how fresh and tight the mix will sound and gets you more points! Delicious Vinyl DJ delivers the party to wherever you are – no peripherals or add-ons necessary!

EyeTV 3.3 conquers 3G iPhone video streaming

2010-12-06T23:33:00.000-09:00

In October, Elgato’s original EyeTV for iPhone allowed streaming video over a 3G network connection via a backdoor, which broke the iPhone OS SDK rules and Apple quickly yanked EyeTV from the App Store. Another version of EyeTV removed the backdoor, and the world assumed that 3G network streaming in EyeTV was gone forever.

However, yesterday Elgato proved the assumption premature by releasing EyeTV 3.3 for Mac OS X and a new Elgato Web site.

To use the new video-streaming features of EyeTV, you must update the software to version 3.3. Mobile Safari on your iPhone handles the rest by launching this Web site: https://live3g.eyetv.com . Launching the Web site results in the execution of a new iPhone Web app called Live3G that lets you watch live television on an iPhone anywhere via a 3G connection.

via CNet

Microsoft Bing comes to the iPhone

2010-12-05T23:34:00.000-09:00

Mobile workers could benefit from a new Bing application launched for the iPhone and iPod touch yesterday, which features new enhancements in voice search and location-based services.

The new app, available free of charge from the App Store, includes voice search capabilities which have already found their way onto Windows mobiles and BlackBerry devices, according to an official Bing blog posting.

“Just say ‘San Francisco weather’ for a quick result, or even say a full address for a map or directions,” explained the blog posting.

Is the Apple Tablet a King Size iPhone ?

2010-12-04T23:32:00.000-09:00

Let’s face it. The apple tablet PC has been one of the biggest rumours of 2009. It’s size is said to be anything from 7 inches to 12 inches, & rumoured names being anything from iSlate to iGuide. Since the last two months or so, the media was persistent with the news that it would probably be releasing in January 2010

Now Apple has confirmed that they will be holding a Press Conference on January 26th & the masses are certain that is when the Apple tablet will be released. The details surrounding the event are very closely guarded, as always. The ex-president of Google China claims that he has some information- ‘from a friend’-

Hover Mother: An RC Helicopter You Control With Your iPhone

2010-12-03T23:32:00.000-09:00

Parrot’s AR.Drone is an RC helicopter whose flight you control via your iPhone’s Wi-Fi. Not only does the unit come with two video cameras and augmented-reality game apps that allow solo play or head-to-head shootouts with your friends’ AR.Drones. Add a protective prop hull for indoor flight, or if you just wanna make it look like the futuristic choppers in AVATAR.

MONSTER OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE LINE OF ADVANCED APPLE® IPOD® and

2010-12-02T23:31:00.000-09:00

Monster, a leading manufacturer of advanced consumer electronics accessories, is helping lead the way in the fast-growing Apple mobile accessories category with a comprehensive line of innovative products geared toward Apple® iPod® and iPhone™ users. Notably, the company is bringing new meaning to the term “freedom of the open road” with its cutting-edge iPod and iPhone accessories for automobile use, including the new iCarCharger™ 800 (SRP: $29.95), an innovative two-in-one charging device.

New at CES 2010: iCarCharger™ 800 – Innovative Dual Charging Device
Drivers seeking to charge multiple mobile devices while on-the-go are often frustrated by the lack of charging outlets in their vehicle. The new Monster iCarCharger is an easy-to-use, two-in-one charger that solves this problem with an additional in-line USB plug for simultaneous charging of USB-powered devices. Drivers can now charge their iPod or iPhone and also connect another device such as a cellphone, Bluetooth headset, PDA, or even a second iPod with the device’s included USB charging cable. Featuring an easy-to-read power status LED display, the iCarCharger 800 is a heavy-duty unit with 1A current output for power-hungry devices, with 24K gold charging contacts for total reliability. Note: the iCarCharger 800, like Monster’s iCarPlay Wireless 800 and iCarCharger 1000 (see below) are all Works with iPhone certified products for iPhone and iPhone 3G.

Vodafone to sell iPhone in UK in January 2010

2010-12-01T23:33:00.000-09:00

Vodaphone is the latest of the UK’s major phone networks to offer the iPhone to customers.

The cheapest tariff available is £30 a month for 24 months, plus additional handset charges ranging from £59 (iPhone 3G 8GB) to £239 (3GS 32GB).

Both business and consumer contracts are subject to a 1GB monthly data limit on mobile internet use. Orange has a decent limit of 750MB per month.

Vodafone and O2 both offer unlimited wifi use. Orange’s data limit includes connections to the internet via BT Open-Zone wifi.

Both O2’s and Orange’s lowest tariffs – £34.26 and £29.36 respectively – are on a 24-month contract and come with a free iPhone.

Vodafone comes close with a £35 a month contract over a two year period, also including a free 3G 8GB handset.

Tesco Mobile tariffs start at £20 a month for 12 months – with a £222 charge for the same model of handset. However, Tesco says that the shorter contract will enable customers to upgrade more quickly.

via BBC

The Sharper Image’s latest dock turns your iPhone into an old-school wall clock

2010-11-30T23:31:00.000-09:00

Here’s a neat iPhone dock for those who dig old school wall clocks with Roman numerals. Simply start the dedicated app, put your beloved handset in the middle, and have the whole thing (with the iPhone) turned into a clock. Kinda cool, though I’m not sure it’s actually 60 bucks cool.

The Sharper Image is behind this accessory/app combo, but I couldn’t find it on their website. Likewise, there is no single “sharper image” app in the AppStore. Guess this has just been announced and should be available within weeks…

Apple May Be Prepping iPhone OS 4.0

2010-11-29T23:30:00.000-09:00

The special event Apple has scheduled for January 27 may be more than just a showing-off of Apple’s new tablet, according to industry sources. It also could be the launch of version 4.0 of the iPhone operating system and the Software Development Kit (SDK) to accompany it.

The SDK will reportedly contain tools to assist developers in converting existing applications for the tablet. This could also make a higher-resolution iPhone possible in the future.

Mac4Ever – the site originally reporting these rumors – is not entirely confident that the new version of the OS will arrive as expected. Still, the site has published some very accurate rumors recently, including information about the iMac that proved to be accurate a month later when the updated iMac was released. The site also contains a rumor that says the tablet will be very different than the many conceptions floating around the internet.

Evidence of a fourth generation iPhone and updated operating system have also appeared in App Store analytics data.

CES: App That Adds Second Number to Your iPhone Nears Major Milestone

2010-11-29T23:29:00.001-09:00

Peter Sisson is the CEO of Toktumi, a San Francisco company with a cool app that adds a second phone number to your iPhone. He kinda looks like Roger Sterling, the silver-haired, hard-drinking, hard smoking character from Mad Men.

Except Peter isn’t smoking, and he isn’t drinking. But he’s certainly got the same moxie. Sisson borrowed someone’s badge to gain entrance to an exclusive, invite-only CES event so that he could pitch a new version of his iPhone app to some of the hundreds of press in attendance. I’m glad he did, because it’s a doozie.

iLuv App Station rotational alarm clock for iPhone and iPod touch breaks cover

2010-11-29T23:29:00.000-09:00

iLuv makes gobs of gear that goes along with the Apple iPod and iPhone. The company has a hoard of alarm clocks and speaker docks designed to let users get the most out of their Apple players. The company is unveiling some new gear at CES including a cool alarm clock called the App Station.

The App Station Dock works in conjunction with a free iLuv app available on the App store once the dock launches. When you dock the iPhone or iPod touch into the App Station it turns into an alarm clock complete with weather forecast and temperature.

Case-Mate Hug charges iPhone with no wires

2010-11-28T23:28:00.000-09:00

The Hug system includes a case for the iPhone and a wireless charge pad. The case appears to wrap around the iPhone sort of like the Mophie juice pack does. The charger is a smart device and knows when the battery is full and will stop the charging when full.

The Hug case will work with every Hug charger allowing the charge pad to support future cases. The case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS will ship this month for $89.99 including the case, charge pad, and a screen protector.

New Kinetix announces price and availability for Re remote accessory for iPhone

2010-11-27T23:27:00.000-09:00

A company called New Kinetix announced a similar device called the Re Remote Control and the firm has announced pricing and availability for the device. The IR accessory turns the iPod and iPhone into a universal remote that can work in any room of the house without WiFi.

The accessory makes the iPhone capable of learning any remote and needs no batteries or wires to operate. The accessory will sell for $69.96 and will be available to purchase on the manufacturers website in March.

Is the iPhone touchscreen more accurate than Android? Study says yes

2010-11-26T23:02:00.000-09:00

The Apple iPhone bested its Android competitors when it comes to tracking and accuracy on its touchscreen, according to a new study.

According to analysis by the MOTO Development Group, a company that offers products and services for startups, the iPhone has better integration of software and screen than the Motorola Droid, Google (HTC) Nexus One or HTC Droid Eris.

Analyst: Sprint Nextel may offer the iPhone in fall

2010-11-25T23:01:00.000-09:00

AT&T Inc. will have plenty of company selling service to iPhone users in the second half of the year, if analyst Tim Horan at Oppenheimer & Co. is correct.

In a note to investors this week, Horan wrote that he thinks AT&T’s (NYSE:T) exclusivity on the popular Apple Inc. device will end by midyear and that all leading providers will jump in. Horan predicted that T-Mobile USA Inc. would be the first with the phone during the summer, with Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S) arriving in the fall, and Clearwire Corp. coming on board in 2011.

Looks like Sprint Nextel is trying to stay ahead of the game and maybe beat Verizon to the iPhone punch. It needs something big to keep their run rate under control

Apple iPad: What We Still Don’t Know

2010-11-24T23:00:00.000-09:00

Apple answered a lot of questions Wednesday about its fabled tablet, now known as the iPad. We know it has a 9.7-inch screen, weighs 1.5 pounds, has Wi-Fi with a 3G option, and Apple claims it has up to 10 hours of battery life. The iPad runs the iPhone OS and “almost all” iPhone apps and uses the ePub format for books. We know a lot about this device, but there are still so many unanswered questions, not to mention a few mysteries, to keep you guessing. Here’s what’s at the top of my mind:

Adobe Flash, Ten hours of battery life? Really?, Mobile Me, “Almost all” iPhone apps?, Magazines, AT&T? Really?, How much for those accessories?, Is the iPad a threat to netbooks?, Why no Webcam?, VoIP, How comfortable is the typing?, The next iPhone OS

Check out all the answers to these questions at PCWorld

SPECK’S AWARD-WINNING SEETHRU SATIN FOR iPhone 3G AND 3GS AVAILABLE NOW

2010-11-24T22:58:00.000-09:00

Highly anticipated before it’s CES 2010 launch, Speck’s SeeThru Satin for iPhone greeted the world with much fanfare, hardly out of the box upon winning iLounge’s coveted “Best in Show” award.

“SeeThru Satin’s classy and elegant presentation brings a distinct softness and style to the iPhone,” said Irene Baran, CEO of Speck. “MacBook owners have flocked to our SeeThru Satin hard shell cases and we’re excited to bring this same rich look and feel to the iPhone.”

The entire SeeThru Satin for iPhone 3G/3GS line includes six colors: black, blue, red, purple, pink and green. Featuring the same hard-shell protection as its predecessor, Speck’s glossy translucent “SeeThru” case line, SeeThru Satin increases in-hand comfort, tweaking its former look with the coveted soft-but-grippy, semi-translucent finish. This unique blend arrived on the scene to much critical acclaim last year in the form of cases for Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks. Speck SeeThru Satin cases for iPhone 3G/3Gs are now available for $29.95 MSRP

Rubble Muddle LITE hits iTunes App Store plus new features added to full game

2010-11-23T22:58:00.000-09:00

Hot on the heels of iTunes releasing Rubble Muddle last week (see Jan 28th 2010) comes the Rubble Muddle LITE mobile game. Developed for iPhone and iPod touch and published by GlobiGames Ltd, this FREE version gives casual gamers a tantalising preview of a brand new family puzzle arcade game. With three unique levels each with 3 difficulty settings, Rubble Muddle LITE contains all the fun of the full version and is a great appetiser before full game play. Based on the popular 2D matrix puzzle genre, the game challenges a player’s reaction and alertness by blasting rocks that pile down the screen to bag precious jewels mixed up in the rubble. A race against the clock, points are gained through rapid touches over blocks of rocks to detonate them. Value of gained points depends on the rock or jewel type and size of cluster removed. Added excitement comes from a range of random visual effects and bonuses that appear throughout the game. Keep an eye out for Rubble Muddle LITE expected to be available on iTunes from February 8th 2010. It is compatible with 2nd generation – OS 3.0 or later.

Also announced today is the update of Rubble Muddle to Version 1.01. This new update is available on iTunes App Store from 3rd February 2010 and adds 4 new levels to each difficulty setting in Rubble Muddle. If the gamer manages to complete all 60 game scenarios, an ultimate finish screen now allows them to log their highest score. Both Rubble Muddle Version 1.01 and LITE are also reduced in size which means they can now be acquired ‘over the air’ (iPhone) or both downloaded from Apple’s iTunes website.

SILVER LINING IDEAS KICKS OFF CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH LUCKY DAY

2010-11-22T22:56:00.000-09:00

Silver Lining Ideas, Inc. (SLI), a philanthropic mobile applications developer and publisher, today announced that Lucky Day for iPhone™ and iPod® Touch is now available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store.

Lucky Day is an entertainment app with an Asian flair, based on the same concept as the classic Magic 8 Ball game. The player asks a question then shakes the iPhone or iPod Touch to reveal the answer on the screen. After a moment, the screen returns back to the original opening page so the player can ask another question. However, there is a twist — if the player can figure out how to enter into the hidden room in the game, he/she will be entered to win a prize!

Like all apps from Silver Lining Ideas, Lucky Day is an app with its heart in the right place. A portion of all proceeds from revenue generated by Lucky Day will be donated to animal rescue organizations operating on local levels and nationwide. Of the more than 100,000 apps on the iTunes App store, no other apps donate funds to help animal rescue causes.

Fizz Software Releases Baseball Manager 2010 for iPhone and iPod Touch

2010-11-21T22:55:00.000-09:00

Following on from the huge success of Soccer Manager (a Top Ten game in the UK and across Europe). Fizz Software Ltd is delighted to announce that Baseball Manager 2010 for iPhone and iPod Touch is now available from the.

At last a Baseball manager simulation for the iPhone and iPod Touch has arrived. Baseball Manager can be described as Fantasy Baseball meets The Sims.You take control of your favorite baseball team and guide them through spring training, the regular season into the post season and hopefully all the way to the World Series. You control everything from player trading and contract negotiations to choosing the starting lineup for each game.

Choose any team from the top two leagues . Trade players, negotiate contracts, deal with your team owner on your path to glory.

Konami Reveals Billboard Chart-Topping Artists for Innovative

2010-11-20T22:54:00.000-09:00

Konami Digital Entertainment today announced the availability of Rhyme Player on the Apple App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch. Brought to you by the music genre leader, the new interactive title bridges lyrics and beats for music game aficionados, and provides gamers a new way to experience some of today’s most popular songs and artists including: “Just Dance” from Lady Gaga, “First Time” from Lifehouse, “ABC” from the Jackson 5, “Poison” from Bell Biv DeVoe and “Show me” from The Cover Girls.

In Rhyme Player, players must tap into their inner rhythm master and touch the song lyrics along with the beat. To test their rhythm, gamers can play through two levels, Easy and Normal. In the Easy levels, gamers will have to follow the lyrics as they flow from the bottom of the screen and tap the line in the upper part of their screen along with the beat. In the Normal levels, gamers must tap the lyrics according to the beat of the song. The game additionally offers different gameplay modes, Shuffle and Ensemble, that challenge players with different lyric flow patterns.

OverMyMinutes.com Announces First iPhone Application for Mobile Monitoring of Cell Phone Minutes and Text Messages Overages

2010-11-19T22:54:00.000-09:00

OverMyMinutes.com today announced the release of the first iPhone application that offers users the ability to keep a constant watch on their iPhone minute and texting usage. The newly-developed application is a mobile compliment to the San Francisco company’s existing free tracking service website, OverMyMinutes.com. The Overmyminutes.com Alerter is available to consumers for immediate download through the Apple iTunes App store for all models including the recent 3G and upcoming 4G OLED models. The iPhone application builds upon the standard website’s feature of monitoring minute usage by adding text message monitoring of AT&T iPhone accounts.

Speck – Get 25% off with code SPEXY! Limited Quantities!

2010-11-18T22:53:00.000-09:00

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and Speck wants to help you find the perfect gift for your significant other and loved ones. That’s why from now until Valentine’s Day, Speck is offering 25% off all pink, purple, and red cases. The sale is good for ALL pink, purple, and red products including two of the newly released Fitted for iPhone3G/3GS, the Red DustJacket for Kindle 2, the Purple and Red SeeThru Satin cases for iPhone 3GS, and many more! Included in this sale are cases for the BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Bold, iPod shuffle, Kindle2, MacBook, iPhone3G/3GS, iPod touch, BlackBerry Storm, and iPod nano. There’s even a couple of notebook bags you can pick up for 25% off.

Come check out the sale at http://www.speckproducts.com/campaign/valentines_2010 and enter the code SPEXY to get 25% off the latest and greatest protection for all your mobile devices. Act soon – products are limited and this great deal won’t last long!

Dracula: Path of the Dragon – Chillingo’s dark new adventure

2010-11-17T22:52:00.000-09:00

In Dracula: the Path of the Dragon for the iPhone you play as Father Arno Moriani, who is sent to investigate a potential candidate for sainthood in Transylvania. Submerged into a riveting storyline, you are challenged to solve complex and engaging puzzles that lead to a final confrontation with Dracula! This gripping adventure sucks you in and leaves you “dying” for more.

The year is 1920. You begin your investigation of Dr. Martha Calugarul in the village of Vladoviste, half-destroyed in World War I. On the hillside sits the Castle of Twilight, the famed home of Vlad the Impaler. Father Arno–not being knowledgeable of the ways of the vampire–begins to track a mysterious figure he believes is responsible for evil deeds in the area. He realizes later, that he is inadvertently walking the path of the dragon. As you solve puzzles based on medicine, history, and the occult, you’ll uncover the mystery of the dragon and of the vampires.

The mechanics in Dracula : the Path of the Dragon for the iPhone, are simple: point and then click. Adventure gamers with a taste for methodical puzzle-solving could appreciate Dracula: the Path of the Dragon.

SpotLight GPS Pet Locator now available for the iPhone

2010-11-16T22:52:00.000-09:00

Positioning Animals Worldwide, Inc. (PAW) today announced the generalavailability of the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator mobile iPhone application. Developed by PAW, SpotLight GPS Pet Locatoris the only product that combines GPS tracking technology with the 24/7 AKC CAR (American Kennel Club CompanionAnimal Recovery) recovery services, paving the way home for the millions of pets that go missing each year.“The SpotLight iPhone app is another piece to our corporate strategy of lowering consumer’s anxieties when theyhave to be away from their pets, and if lost, have the best tools to recover their pet as quickly as possible,” said ChrisNewton, CEO of PAW. “With the addition of the iPhone application consumers can now get real-time turn-by-turndirection from their iPhone, from the internet and by calling 1 888 DOG-LOC8 where an AKC CAR professional willdirect them to their pet.”The SpotLight mobile iPhone application is feature rich yet easy to use. For example, it allows the user to locatemultiple pets and plot them via three different views (satellite view, digital map or hybrid) on a map. It also utilizesthe phone’s GPS so when you are tracking your dog it will update your current location as well as your pets, all inreal-time.

iTonesPASS App promises to forever change Apple’s rules.

2010-11-15T22:50:00.000-09:00

“No more shall we be subjected to the absurd and confining business ideology of the tyrants in Cupertino,” cried Mark Murdoch, head developer of the app iTonesPASS. After repeated rejections by the review team that rules the App Store, the developers at iTonesPASS have declared an all out war against Apple. The not so secret method of getting around the behavior of Apple is the web app.

iTonesPASS is the newest player on the app scene and promises to forever change Apple’s rules and guidelines. Using the web app approach, iTonesPASS has been able to escape the strict guidelines that are set by Apple. “We plan on providing iPhone users with free access to over 3 million MP3 quality ringtones. If Apple does not want to share in this new and exciting venture, that is their loss,” said Boris Pollack, head of media content at iTonesPASS.

iTonesPASS offers ringtones of the latest Billboard 200 hits, as well as all of the classic favorites that are still desired by iPhone users everywhere. Offering over 3 million MP3 ringtones at no cost is sure to change the way iPhone consumers use ringtones on their handsets. Apple is perhaps fearful that this new and exciting opportunity will impact the communist method with which they conduct business on iTunes. While Apple believes their approach of rejecting apps based on their own personal interests is the way to go, it does leave them at a distinct disadvantage when compared to more open platforms such as Android. In time, app providers with a more developer friendly environment that promotes creativity and freedom will certainly win.

iTonesPASS has promised that they will not submit in front of any mighty corporation, and certainly not one that frowns upon creativity and self expression. If Apple ever asks the developers at iTonesPASS why they refuse to accept the rules of the App Store, the response would most certainly be “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Revo Solutions and Bulkypix are happy to announce that Magnetic Sports Hockey

2010-11-14T22:51:00.000-09:00

Enjoy again the hockey experience of your youth, this time with added dynamism in a beautiful and detailed 3D environment, such that your children can enjoy it too.
Magnetic Sports Hockey is based on the classic table game where players were mounted on a spring right in the middle of a shallow pit. We implemented magnetic forces together with the shallow pit for a more dynamic and spectacular game. More, now you can move your goalkeeper and even tilt the board.
Customize your team and start playing!
Challenge your friends everywhere (using WIFI, Bluetooth or 3G network), Magnetic Sports Hockey is the ultimate way to create and play ice hockey championships. You can even chat with the opponents online.
Share your results and achievements on social networks using Openfeint.
Who will be the best Magnetic Sports Hockey team! Come on and join us to try to be the one!

I-play to “Share the love” with their Dream Day Wedding iPhone game Sale for the Valentines Weekend

2010-11-13T22:49:00.000-09:00

After captivating over 50 million players with its best-selling series of Hidden Object games for PC and mobile, DREAM DAY WEDDING finally comes to the iPhone and iPod Touch! Embark on a fun and romantic journey in this beautiful Seek-and-Find adventure! Solve puzzles and find wedding items hidden all over New York City as you arrange Rachel and Nate’s big day in the Big Apple. Try to avoid a wedding crisis and solve last-minute emergencies to make their Dream Day come true!

– AN EXCITING MANHATTAN ADVENTURE
From the lucky bride’s apartment to the elegant tailor shop, the tasty bakery to the grandiose ballroom and beyond, search for wedding items in 9 gorgeous locations around the city!

– TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Challenge your brain with exclusive mini-games and puzzles tailored for the iPhone: Party Puzzle, Choc-O-Matic, Wedding Crisis and more!

– PLEASURE FOR YOUR EYES AND EARS
Pinch the screen to zoom in and explore the beautifully detailed backgrounds, while listening to a soothing classical soundtrack. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

– EXTEND THE HONEYMOON
The fun doesn’t stop! Unlock the Honeymoon Bonus Pack to play in a surprise exotic location and get 10 extra hints.

– SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Did you know hidden object games can be a great learning tool for kids? Family members can play together by saving up to 5 player profiles.

Wacky Puzzle Action Game From Konami Jumps Onto an All-New Portable Platform

2010-11-12T22:48:00.000-09:00

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that WireWay is now available on the Apple App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch. Initially introduced to gamers on the Nintendo DS, players will now be able to use the innovative touch controls to safely guide the lovable alien named Wiley on his journey through 32 breath-taking stages.

In WireWay, players help Wiley on his quest to find precious sources of energy called Elan stars. Gamers must navigate by using stretched wires while avoiding obstacles like falling stones, eerie skulls and floors full of thorns. As players jump from wire to wire, they are tasked with collecting as many stars as possible in order to grant Wiley super powers that enable him to jump higher and further.

While advancing through the levels, players can also test their skill by employing two additional game modes, each with eight challenging levels. In the “Flick Trials” mode, players must reach their goal with as few jumps as possible, while in “Strategery” mode, players can create a one of a kind course for Wiley to steer through. For gamers who just can’t get enough of Wiley, an expansion pack will provide 16 additional levels of missions including eight levels of both game modes.

White Birds Productions and Bulkypix are proud to announce the release of SocCars on iPhone & iPod Touch

2010-11-09T22:47:00.000-09:00

A unique and rich gameplay
Ten incredible cars, all different and with unique features. Many types are available to suit your style, from the extremely agile racing car, ideal to overtake opponents, to the heavy armored vehicle, the championship’s best defense.
Expect clever, tenacious opponents with evolving tactics!

Be the first to collect the bonuses that appear on the terrain and make your opponents raging mad!
With the “Rocket” feature you can deflect the ball’s trajectory,
selecting “Freezer” will immobilize your opponent for a moment,
while “Magnetic” will draw the ball towards you.

Three different game arenas which change according to your encounters.

Thoughts on iPad

2010-11-08T22:28:00.000-09:00

After almost 2 years of speculation, Apple Inc released their first product in a new category called the iPad.

With so much hype and anticipation, it was almost impossible for Steve Jobs and company to fulfill everyones expectation of what this device could/should be. It wasn’t very long before comparisons to other products began and folks started pointing out what they saw as shortcomings of the device. Voices from all over the interwebs quickly made comparisons to netbooks and others began calling it a “Bigger iPod Touch”.

First of all, for full disclosure purposes, I am an Apple follower. My primary job (employment) is taking care of over 100 Apple Macintosh computers and servers at a private school. I also own shares of Apple Inc. stock. That said, I have not yet tried the iPad, nor have seen it other than the pictures and videos that are scattered across the net.

“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” – Steve Jobs

It’s not about what’s missing.

The internet is abuzz with everything that is missing from the iPad. It doesn’t have a camera. It’s to heavy. It doesn’t have HDMI. It doesn’t do multitasking, and so on. If we take a look back at 2007, the same thing happened with the iPhone.

The internet declared that features missing from the iPhone would lead to it’s doom. The iPhone circa 2007 had no 3G, no MMS, no copy/paste, no apps. Many predicted it would fail or that announced that they wouldn’t buy one because of these shortcomings. We all know how that turned out, right? The biggest thing to remember here is that in 2007, right after the announcement, NO ONE had even held one in their hands or tried one out. The demo units were all behind a glass. There were no sample units for anyone to touch.

Today we know that the iPhone was a huge success… a 40 million sold and growing kinda success. Yeah.

iPad like the iPod?

I think what some folks are feeling with the iPad is liken to my first notion of the iPod back in 2001. When Steve Jobs walked out on stage and introduced the iPod, I thought it was the stupidest thing for Apple to do. I really thought that Apple was losing it. “Why in the world did they bring out an mp3 player? And why is it so expensive?!” were my words before even trying it out. It was only after I reluctantly tried an iPod out in the Apple Store did I understand how cool it really was. The feel of it in my hands and the way it operated were just amazing. It was simple and elegant and I just had to have it. I bought it on the spot… and eventually so did millions of other people.

Update: Read forum reactions to Apple’s 2001 Announcement of the iPod and see if there are any similarities to today.

If you read the blogs of anyone that actually had hands on with the iPad yesterday, you know how each had their own opinions of the device before the hands on. It’s what they said or wrote after the hands on that really caught my attention. Almost all of them said it’s something you have to touch and experience to really understand. They also mentioned how fast it was!

I believe that this is one of those devices you’ll just have to try for yourself in order to understand what it means to you. Not reading about it. Not imagining what it’s like. Not watching videos of it, but actually using it with your own hands. It’s not about what features are missing. The things we feel are missing today, will be here before we know it. Then folks will move on to the next thing and this will happen all over again. No one is ever satisfied with tech, right?

What folks are missing

I think there are two things that most folks missed about Apple’s iPad announcement.

The first is that they are using their very own processor, the Apple A4. Why is this important? Apple now controls all the ingredients to their pie. They no longer have to rely on anyone else’s off the shelf microprocessor that might have specs that are “close” to what they are looking to use it for. Instead, they built a custom made one just for the iPad. By fabricating a chip set of their own, they can now control the speed, the battery life and just about any of the intricacies that might have been limiting using an off the shelf processor from Intel or anyone else. Apple’s R&D will pay off because I do not think there is any other mobile device maker that actually controls all of the pieces of what they make the way Apple does. From industrial design, to the OS, then the battery and now the processor. Apple controls it all to bring an elegant user experience.

I can only imagine that Apple will be fabricating their own chip set for the next iPhone and iPod Touch. The Apple A4 was a huge step forward and probably one of the most important announcements that was overlooked yesterday.

Second is the iPad OS. Sure it might look just like what you’re used to in an iPhone but it goes even deeper now. Whether you know it or not, the iPad is preparing you for the future of computing. The iPhone and iPad do something that I didn’t even notice at first. It obscures the entire file system from you. The user experience is so well thought out that you don’t even bother to worry about where your files are stored, unlike in a regular computer. We spend less time worrying about files and more time using the device.

Thinking about this made me realize that the iPad is exactly what a lot of people want. A computer that does the things easily and elegantly; without fear or worry that you’ll mess something up. The iPad OS is so nice, I think even my grandparents could use it without much trouble. There are no discs to install, no virus to be afraid of, no files to accidentally misplace. It just does what it’s meant to do. This to me, is the future of computing… where the abstraction of the underlying “computer” is removed from the user experience. Perhaps one day, computers as we know them today will be only for professionals who need file level access to do their jobs.

Lastly, yes, I am getting one. I don’t have to touch it to know that this is the next step in mobile computing. I am not entirely sure where the iPad will take me, but I’m going to find out.

Editors note: This article originally appeared on my personal blog but i thought it fit here as well.

Zombie Wonderland coming to iPhone

2010-11-07T22:46:00.000-09:00

Get ready! Grab your weapons because they are coming! When the pesky undead come out at night to haunt Niceville, there is only one person who knows how to clean up the mess: You! Hold the fort until dawn and you’re good to cash in on the fame and fortune of a Zombie Cleaner!

Zombie Wonderland is a fun, fast and engaging variation of tower defense in 3D for the iPhone, with strong elements of time management and survival horror. Well, without the horror part. And you can cut a little slack on the time management too. It’s about shooting zombies, actually. The cute kind, as there is nothing more annoying than cute zombies.

Niceville is a lovely town that is having a bit of an inconvenience right now. A little zombie infestation is causing some discomfort to the citizens, and they decided to take action.

Chuck, a Zombie Cleaner, is the guy to call when you’re having a Zombie infestation at your place. He will be called by property owners of Niceville that need help getting rid of the wretched dead-alive things. He works from dusk till dawn, always checking the clock to see when the Zombies will go back to bed – when the sun comes up!

His duty is to keep the zombies at bay and maintain an impeccable floor. His job is to shoot his beloved shotgun Betsy until his shoulder hurts and his face is cramping because of that stupid smile. He works the graveyard shift because it’s always twilights and long nights for a Zombie Cleaner!

Zombie Wonderland makes perfect use of the touch screen interface on the iPhone. Pinch to zoom in or out; swipe sideways to rotate the camera; tap a zombie and Chuck will shoot him, tap again for another dose of hot lead. Tap a window and Chuck will run to it, where you can then use your hammer to nail some planks to the window and keep the scent fresh in the house. Swipe up and down to clean the floors from zombie gut splash.

When you are tired of running around, get yourself a sprayer, that thing people call machinegun. Place it on a window and voilá! Instant protection! And in the unlikely case a zombie comes into the house, use the tool at hand to clean the floors after Betsy shows him who’s boss!

I-play Launches Artist Colony for the iPhone™ and iPod® Touch Combining a Gripping Plot and Stunning Graphics with Connected Social Features

2010-11-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

Oberon Media’s publishing division and the world’s leading multi-platform casual games publisher, today announced the launch of Artist Colony for the iPhone™ and iPod® touch. Based on the successful PC franchise already downloaded by millions of players, this highly acclaimed story of love and betrayal will keep friends all over the country enthralled while allowing them to share their experiences by posting game achievements through Facebook. By bringing this game from the PC to iPhone and iPod touch and offering social connectivity, Oberon reinforces its leadership role in delivering quality multi-platform content that maximizes the ability to leverage connected social features.
Fueled by love betrayal and creative genius, this game entices players to restore a thriving oasis of artists by rebuilding the community. Players must attract new talent to the colony by renovating the gorgeous surroundings and inspiring artists, dancers, musicians and more to become masters of their craft. Once inside the colony, players will create, perform and sell brilliant works of art to revive the ultimate creative sanctuary.
Artist Colony is the latest I-play game made more compelling by the integration of connected social features. Fans can now share their experience with their friends as they play through this masterpiece. As players complete the various challenges and receive awards they can share their accomplishments with their friends on Facebook. Players can also post messages when they sell a work of art, when a new artist has arrived or when artists fall in love with each other.
Artist Colony immerses and engages players with a gripping plot, stunning graphics, changing seasons and creative adventure. Featuring 15 characters, each with unique personalities, preferences and creative talents, players strive to complete over 550 masterpieces in 12 picturesque locations. In this time management sim game, players are required to delve into each character’s unique passions and emotions in order to guide them through relationships, jealousy and rejection. As they uncover clues that reveal the history of the colony and the secrets behind its original founders, players will be captivated by the pieces that begin to come together in this gripping adventure with a dramatic twist of fate.

iPhone dev agreement placeholder, Google grabs most iPhone web traffic, AT&T promises better iPhone service

2010-11-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

Eagle eyed developers have noticed that the iPhone developers agreement has been changed with a placeholder referencing the event today. We only have a while to wait before we find out what Apple has up its sleeves.

A report has surfaced that shows the majority of the web traffic generated by the iPhone goes to Google. Non-search traffic is 48.05% and Yahoo grabs 1.24%. I wonder if a change to Bing by Apple would greatly affect these numbers.

AT&T has promised to improve the service for iPhone users in America. It had better, the announcement of a Verizon iPhone is widely expected for today.

AT&T sells 3.1 million iPhones, Google VoIP app hits iPhone, iStunt game free today

2010-11-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

AT&T is gaining a bit on Verizon thanks to the iPhone. Last quarter AT&T sold 3.1 million iPhones and now has 85.1 million total subscribers.

Apple may have denied the Google Voice App for the iPhone, but Google has a workaround in place. The search giant has made a GV Web App that works with HTML5 mobile handsets including the iPhone.

iPad Forums

If you are looking for a new free game app for your iPhone today, the game iStunt is available for free. The app is only free for today though so hop over and get it now.

Nokia says it is bigger than Apple, Mass Effect comic on iPhone, Crush the Castle app

2010-11-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

iPhone owning fans of the Mass Effect 2 video game will get a glimpse of the Dark Horse Mass Effect Redemption comic as a free download on February 3. After the free into the app will be 99 cents.

Nokia reminded Apple that it was in fact the larger mobile phone company this week. The reminder came after Jobs said that Apple was the largest mobile device company.

Wired has posted up a review of the iPhone game Crush the Castle. The game sells for $1.99 and is said to be well worth the money.

AT&T beefing up network, band promotes music with fighting game, ADBOWL lets iPhone users rank Super Bowl commercials

2010-11-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

With the iPad being unveiled last week iPhone owners may be wondering how much worse the AT&T network will get. AT&T has announced that it is updating its network to handle the new load and improve service.

It’s not uncommon for bands to promote themselves in games on the iPhone like TapTap and Rock Band. A group called Shinobi Ninja is promoting itself on a non-music game called Shinobi Ninja Attacks.

One of the main reasons people watch the Super Bowl each year is to check out the commercials. A new app for the iPhone called ADBOWL will let you rate the commercials.

Fourth Gen iPhone under our noses, VeriFone PAYware ships, iPhone loses market share

2010-10-31T22:22:00.000-08:00

You probably recall that pic that turned up last week showing the iPad with an iPhone along for size comparison. Reports are now coming in that the iPhone in the pics is none other than the long rumored 4th generation device.

That VeriFone PAYware iPhone credit card system that turned up a while back is now officially shipping. The app part of the system is free and the hardware card reader can be purchased at VeriFone dealers.

AppleInsider reports that despite booming sales for the last quarter on iPhones, the device still lost a bit of market share. The reason is that the entire smartphone market saw some impressive growth.

OS update lands, Stanza asked to remove USB feature, manufacturer chosen for next iPhone

2010-10-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

Apple issued a new OS update for the iPhone Tuesday that patches security holes in the device. The new OS is version 3.1.3 and is available now.

Apple has reportedly demanded that Lexycle remove the USB feature in its Stanza iPhone app. The USB feature allows users to share books via USB.

Reports are coming in that the manufacturer for the next generation iPhone has been chosen. AppleInsider reports that Pegatron Technology will join Foxconn in making the devices.

Patent hints at location-based social networking, appOmator makes app creating easy, Siri app debuts

2010-10-29T22:21:00.000-08:00

A new patent has been published by Apple that outlines a way that Apple can make social networking and video calls use location aware features. The feature would allow you to go to where a person you are talking to actually is.

A new software application for Mac computers has landed in beta form that is called appOmator. The software is designed to let anyone create their own iPhone app in under an hour.

A new application called Siri can be downloaded on the App Store now. The app is like a virtual personal assistant and is described as a complementary product to web search.

Sling Player gets 3G streaming, AT&T iPhone mess, Cisco voice-over-WiFi app

2010-10-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Sling Player app on the iPhone has been missing one key feature for many users — 3G streaming. That missing feature has now been added back with testing of a new 3G streaming version of the app underway.

BusinessWeek is talking about the mess that is the AT&T network and the iPhone. The publication points to the popularity of the iPhone as one of the main causes of issues with the network.

Cisco is set to update its iPhone app to allow voice-over-WiFi calls to be placed. Cisco expects the app to be popular for companies that don’t want to buy as many mobile minutes.

Apple blocks GPS targeted ads, Tapulous launches Riddim Ribbon, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 headed to iPhone

2010-10-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

Apple has reportedly blocked developers from using GPS to target ads based on a users location. Apple blocked the devs from using its Core Location framework.

Tapulous has launched a new game for the iPhone called Riddim Ribbon. Tapulous is the company behind the popular TapTap Revenge games on the iPhone.

One of the most iconic characters in the Sega portfolio is Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is rumored to be coming to the iPhone this summer.

Pearson offers learning app, iPhone grabs 25% of US smartphone market, zoomIt adds storage to iPhone

2010-10-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

Pearson is a company that is well known in the professional and tech communities for its library of informational and educational books. The company has announced a new iPhone app offering online libraries, video, and more.

ComScore has announced that the iPhone now holds 25% of the US smartphone market. That puts the device in the number two spot behind RIM.

A new product called zoomIt adds storage and connectivity to the iPhone. The device has a SD card slot and plugs into the 30-pin connector on the bottom of the handset. It sells for $59.95 and is massively ugly.

iControlPad in production, no explicit app category, and MobileMe on Mobile Safari enhanced

2010-10-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

Apple recently killed off about 5,000 apps on the App Store that were adult in nature. A rumor was circulating that a new category for explicit apps might be coming. That rumor has now been quashed according to an Apple spokesperson who stated, “It’s not going to happen anytime soon.”

Apple has enhanced MobileMe when accessed on Mobile Safari browser by iPhone users. The app will offer direct links to things like calendars, contacts, and more. You can also access the Find My iPhone feature from any iPhone or iPod touch when your phone is lost. There are several other features as well.

Opera mini browser coming, iPhone refresh expected in April, Bowlingual translates dog barks

2010-10-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

Of all the things I wish my iPhone had, a different browser isn’t one of them. If you want an alternative to Safari, Opera will be showing off a version if its Mini browser for the iPhone at MWC.

Analysts say that an iPhone refresh will do more for Apple stock than the iPad. The April/March time frame is now being pointed to for an iPhone refresh.

A new iPhone app for pet lovers has been announced called Bowlingual. The app promises to translate what your dog is saying in barks to human language and posts it to twitter.

iPhone Universal Remote Case, Unioo backup batteries, and iPhone card scanner

2010-10-23T22:11:00.000-08:00

A company called Power A has offered up a new Universal Remote Case for the iPhone that works with a free app to turn the iPhone into a remote control. The system lets the iPhone control any IR device.

Macworld is looking at several apps that the business user with an iPhone will want to check out. The four apps are all business card scanners to save you from typing in contacts.

Will Opera Mini get approved, 7m iPhone users want Flash, iPhone photo exhibition

2010-10-22T22:18:00.000-08:00

We learned yesterday that Opera Mini web browser was going it be announced for the iPhone. The real question is will Apple approve the app since it clearly competes with Safari.

Adobe has announced that 7 million users of the iPhone want Flash on their device. Adobe says the 7m users tried to download Flash for iPhone by December 2009.

I have often complained that the camera on the iPhone isn’t that great, but maybe it’s just that I can’t take pictures. A new photo exhibition has opened with photos all taken from the iPhone and only edited using software available on the iPhone and they look great.

Plants vs. Zombies, Photoshop app hits 6M, Final Fantasy for iPhone trailer

2010-10-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

CNET figures that the Plants vs. Zombies game for the iPhone is the perfect iPhone app, which is saying a lot. The app is a variant of a tower defense game that has the player setting up plants to destroy zombies that are getting on their lawn.

The mobile version of Photoshop from Adobe for the iPhone has now been downloaded more than 6 million times. The app was released in October and is the second most popular free app for photography.

I have mentioned the Final Fantasy game for iPhone before and if it was interesting to you, you will be glad to hear this. The official trailer for the game is now available and it looks darn cool.

reMail gobbled by Google, call for BBC app ban, and 21 useful travel apps

2010-10-20T22:17:00.000-08:00

Search giant Google has acquired the firm behind the reMail search application for the iPhone. The app is designed to provide a search function for Gmail and IMAP email accounts.

BBC News reports that a newspaper group is calling for BBC iPhone apps to be blocked. The reason behind the cry to ban the apps from the Newspaper Publishers Association is that the BBC apps would “damage the nascent market” for apps.

The LA Times is offering up its list of 21 most useful travel apps. Making the list are apps like MapQuest, Skype, Kayak, Priceline and more.

Hackers laugh at app store ban, Opera 6x faster than Safari, MeeBo multi IM chat app debuts

2010-10-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

ChannelWeb reports that hackers who were banned from the App Store for violating AT&T rules are scoffing at Apple. Most of these hackers are more known for work on Jail Break software that malicious code.

Opera is claiming that its Mini browser for the iPhone is six times faster than Safari. I remain confused to why Opera developed the app when Apple won’t allow apps that perform things its own software will.

The Meebo app for iPhone has hit the App Store. The app lets a user bring IM contacts form multiple services to the iPhone, it sounds like Trillian for the iPhone to me.

iPhone Users Use 5x The Data Of Blackberry People Per Month

2010-10-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

According to a study from the analysis firm Validas, considering data from more than 1,000 smartphone users, iPhone users use around twice the amount of data than other smartphone users, and almost five times as much as Blackberry users. The difference is strikingly apparent when you see that that nearly 80% of Blackberry users and 54% of other smartphone users use less than 50MB per month.

Apple doubles app download limit, iBoob app causes UK row, Line2 app gets approved

2010-10-17T22:16:00.000-08:00

This is some very good news; Apple has doubled the download limit for app size over 3G. Previously the limit was 10MB and now the limit is 20MB. No more waiting until you get home to grab that new game!

The iBoob app that animates the boobage of women in photos is causing an uproar in the UK. Apple withdrew the app after numerous consumer complaints.

The Toktumi Line2 app for the iPhone has now been approved by Apple. The app allows iPhone users to make free calls while traveling with VoIP among other features.

Apple doubles iPhone’s 3G app download limit

2010-10-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

Apple has apparently boosted the maximum size of an iPhone app download over 3G from 10 MB to 20 MB. Previously, users who wanted to download an app larger than 10 MB had to switch to a WiFi connection.

The most obvious reason for the limit in the first place was likely to preserve bandwidth. However, many have speculate that Apple has made the change in anticipation of the iPad, which is set to debut in late March.

The thinking behind that is iPad application downloads will be larger than typical iPhone apps populating Apple’s App Store. Due to its 9.7-inch screen, iPad apps will have to support higher-resolutions graphics, especially for games. In the meantime, it appears iPhone users will be able to enjoy downloading larger apps while on the go using 3G.

Apple removes some adult apps, Photoshop 1.0 for iPhone, video calling in 3.2 SDK

2010-10-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

Apple has removed some adult apps that have had complaints from users. Among the apps removed were one that animates parts of people in pictures and one for a porn star’s fans.

Photoshop is one of the most popular photo editing applications around. A version of the app is already on the App Store, but those wanting old school Photoshop 1.0 can now get the app as well.

A new feature for the iPhone and iPad is rumored to be coming in the 3.2 SDK. The new feature is video calling, but since the iPhone lacks a front camera and the iPad has no camera, the feature would need new hardware.

Photoshop 1.0 recreated for iPhone

2010-10-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

Adobe already has a version of Photoshop available for the iPhone in the App Store, but what if your tastes run more retro than that? Ansca Mobile has taken their Corona iPhone development platform and a copy of Photoshop 1.0, and produced a special version intended for last week’s 20th anniversary of the Adobe app. It allows access to the Photoshop 1.0 Levels panel, taking any image in the iPhone’s gallery and letting you tweak white point, black point and gamma, in separate red/green/blue or combined channels.

Apple defends app removal, iPhone takes 3rd for 2009, iPhone Os going to new platforms

2010-10-13T22:12:00.000-08:00

The iPhone took third place in smartphones globally in 2009 according to numbers from Gartner. First place went to Symbian devices with RIM in second.

Apple is reportedly ready to bring the iPhone OS to new platforms according to a new job posting. The thought is that some tweaking might bring some new functionality to the Apple TV device with iPhone apps.

Unioo i800, i1500, and i5400 batteries for iPhone, iPod and other devices debut

2010-10-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

The i800 is an iPhone/iPod touch charger that will also work with other iPods that have the docking connector. The battery clips onto the bottom of the device and has an 800mAh battery providing up to three more hours of talk or video. The i1500 is the same sort of device with a 1500mAh battery inside and up to five more hours of video and talk.

The i5400 is a different kind of animal and is designed to work with different brands and types of gadgets. Inside the case is a 5400mAh battery that can be used on gadgets including GPS devices, MP3 players, and other mobile phones. It ships with a variety of USB adapters and adapters specifically for the Samsung M300, LG VX8500, Nokia 619, Sony PSP, and Nintendo DS. All of the batteries charge from the USB port on your computer and have LED charge indicators. Pricing starts at $39.99 and the items should ship soon.

I SPY and Clifford Apps From Scholastic Break Top 10 on the App Store

2010-10-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

Scholastic Media is pleased to announce its I SPY™ Spooky Mansion iPhone™ app cracked into the Top 5 in the “Paid Kids Games” category on the App Store. With 3,000 apps in this category, I SPY Spooky Mansion jumped up nine spots in one week experiencing the highest number of downloads yet in a single day, besting its previous record set on Christmas Day. I SPY Spooky Mansion is also ranked in the Top 10 among “Paid Puzzle Games”. In the “Paid Educational Games” category, Scholastic Media’s Clifford’s BE BIG With Words App is currently among the Top 10.

I SPY Spooky Mansion and Clifford’s BE BIG With Words lead Scholastic Media’s suite of apps based on its top children’s book properties including Clifford the Big Red Dog®, I SPY™, The 39 Clues™ and WordGirl®. These regularly rank highly among the thousands of kids, puzzle and educational games available. An additional I SPY app called I SPY Riddle Race is currently among the Top 50 among “Paid Kids Games” and “Paid Puzzle Games”.

Power A unveils iPhone Universal Remote Case

2010-10-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

Power A has unveiled its new iPhone Universal Remote Case that works in conjunction with a free software app to turn the iPhone or iPod touch into a universal remote that can control any IR device. The IR transmitter is built into a shiny black case that fits around the iPhone and looks a lot like the Juice Pack Air to me.

The case has the IR blaster and the software app allows the iPhone to control all functions and devices in your home theater from one screen. This case is cool because it looks much cleaner than some of the other devices that are dongles and look added on and fragile plus it will protect your iPhone. The app will also get enhancements and updates as time goes by according to the maker. The case will be available soon for right under $60.

iControlPad for iPhone in production; release imminent

2010-10-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

The basic iControlPad will be a simple sleeve into which the iPhone slots. It will have a D-pad plus two analog joysticks, four control buttons and two function keys (Start and Select). As for the second upgraded model, that will also squeeze in a battery which can be used to recharge the iPhone/iPod touch rather than drain the device’s own power during gaming.

There is still no word on pricing, or exact release dates, but the iControlPad team are suggested people sign up to their newsletter for information. Supplies of the first batch will be limited, and we’re expecting this to sell like the proverbial hot-cakes.

V-MODA Remix remote headphones for iPhone, iPhone owners to drive iPad sales, Vogue mag launches app

2010-10-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

A new set of headphones for iPhone 3GS users has been unveiled called the V-MODA Remix Remote. The headphones have a mic and inline remote for controlling track and volume and can be bought at Apple Retail stores for $99.

A survey has been conducted and claims that iPhone owners will be the main drivers of iPad sales. The survey was conducted by AdMob and showed that 16% of the 960 smartphone owners using the iPhone surveyed plan to buy the iPad.

This won’t mean much to most of the guys out there, but ladies using the iPhone who like fashion mags will be glad to hear that Vogue is unveiling an iPhone app. The app will provide videos, discounts, and other offers when the user takes a picture of an ad in the print mag.

TigerText is deletes texts, iPhones made by kids, ZonePlayer S5 is tested

2010-10-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

We have all sent texts at one time or another and wished after the fact that they could be deleted. A new app called TigerText is available that lets users send messages to each other via the application and set them to delete automatically. The app is $2.50 for unlimited messages.

Apple has announced that three of the suppliers who help construct the iPhone, iPod, and Mac computers have been hiring 15-year-old workers in countries where the minimum work age is 16. The workers were no longer employed at the time of the audit.

If you are in the market for a new iPod speaker system, one that allows the music to be played without actually docking it might be appealing. MercuryNews has tested the Sonos ZonePlayer S5 speaker system and in the end found that set up can be difficult and the thing is very expensive.

Lingopal Holdings Lingopal – Fun Multilingual Phrasebook Review

2010-10-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Lingopal’s Fun Multilingual Phrasebook is a fun little app that will give you access to commonly used phrases in over 44 languages. It is however not meant to be used as a comprehensive dictionary by any means.

The application takes into account your native language and the language that you want to hear the phrase in. That’s right, you read that right, the application will “speak” your phrase for you with the correct foreign inflection and pronunciation. No more bungled pronunciations and taking a chance that you might be saying something sillier than you originally meant…that alone is worth the $10 in my book.

I’m not sure if I’d rely on this application if I didn’t know how to speak a foreign language at all, but it does come in handy for a quick reference and it does include over 900 phrases.

In any case, there’s not much more that needs to be explained, I’d rather you watch the application in action…Here’s my vid review, Enjoy and if this app is something you’re interested in, please check it out in the iTunes AppStore, for $10, you can’t go wrong.

Chillingo’s Defender Chronicles – Legend of the Desert King

2010-10-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

At the time of this review, Defender Chronicles is on sale in the iTunes AppStore for $3.99; that’s a 20% discount from the normal price.

Defender Chronicles is, in it’s most basic gameplay design a tower defense game…However, where it differentiates itself is in the fact that it allows you to upgrade your hero character and give him/her more armor/weapons/abilities.

If you’ve been watching the AppStore, you’ll notice that Defender Chronicles has been amongst the top games and with good reason…the graphics are top notch and the gameplay is easy to pick up and put down in a pinch.

Other features include an epic storyline with over 20 different types of units, abilities and upgradability. There are 5 difficulty levels and 5 modes and Chillingo’s even included the ability to email your friends for a challenge.

The latest release, includes tons of features, some of which are:

OpenFeint integration
New map – Helegom
New enemies and new bosses
Option for Vibration & HQ Graphics
and many more…

So, instead of writing more about what the game is like, I’d like to show you my vid review…it exemplifies the gameplay of this amazing app…for $3.99 in the AppStore, you can’t go wrong.

Gamevil’s Hybrid: Eternal Whisper RPG Review

2010-10-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Gamevil is quickly becoming one of MY favorite game publishers. I feel they are off to a great start with their porting of RPGs to the iPhone…originally, they arrived on the scene with Zenonia, the awesome RPG i reviewed here. But, this review isn’t about Zenonia, but rather an action/adventure RPG called Hybrid: Eternal Whisper . I think that for the most part, Hybrid can be classified as an sort of a side scroller with RPG elements (weapon/armor/skill upgradeability.)

If i’m not mistaken Hybrid: Eternal Whisper was created the ground up for the iphone OS and it’s amazing multi-touch capabilities. Not only do you slash at enemies using special button combinations, you can also “draw” spells on the screen to activate powers such as fire, wind and gravity to name a few.

Another fun aspect of this game is that you can “link” both physical and magical attacks for an insane amount of damage….Then at the end of the stage, you will get a letter ranking a la “Devil May Cry.” Most of the times, I’d get a B or C, but I’ve earned an A in one level…this alone may keep the game fresh for some perfectionist gamers.

Other than that, I really enjoyed the excellent graphics and the wonderful soundtrack…While I was doing this review, I heard that more RPGs are coming our way in the future…I have to say Gamevil is the company to watch..I’d even liken it to the SQUARE/ENIX for the iPhone platform, these guys are THAT good…

Anyway, have a look at my two part vid review, I’m very proud of it..Enjoy and when you’ve had enough, buy it now in the AppStore, it’s only $5.99.

Whatsapp Inc. Whatsapp Messenger

2010-10-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

For some time now, I’ve been looking for an app to be written that was similar to the BlackBerry messenger but for the iPhone. In fact, it was one of my project ideas when I was starting to learn Objective-C. In any case, Whatsapp has provided iPhone users with an app that provides just that; a direct messaging network that is exclusive to iPhone users.

Whatsapp makes use of the iPhone’s built in Addressbook as a cross-reference to see if any of your contacts are using whatsapp. If they are, the people are instantly added to your whatsapp contact list. There is an upside and downside to this as 1) you need to know your contact’s phone number BUT the feature comes in VERY handy because there is almost ZERO configuration when it comes to finding your friends.

In my vid review, I mentioned that whatsapp messenger is going to be integrated into this app…shortly after I published the review, the developer contacted me and told me that although this feature is coming in the future, it may be arriving in the form of a separate application.

Another thing that the developer mentioned was that intention of the application was to duplicate the SMS functionality without incurring costly charges. I’m happy to say that if that was their goal, then they have achieved that goal and more. Not only can you direct push a message to another iPhone user, you can also update your status in your address book and on Facebook…this is a very interesting and amazing capability for anyone that is socially connected.

Anyway, without further delay, here’s my vid review, Enjoy and if you like it have a look in the AppStore, at $1.99 it’s a deal

YACA: Yet Another Camera App: Snapture

2010-10-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

There are a ton of apps that take advantage of the iPhone’s built-in camera. There was a lot of hype surrounding the release of Snapture . so we decided to take a look and see how this camera app compared to the standard camera app that already comes with the iPhone.

We gave a demo copy to our good friend Mr. Lee who did a lot of testing and had this to say:

In reviewing and critiquing Snapture I needed to realize a few things. First, I needed to understand that a cell phone camera was not meant to be a replacement or the equal to a digital cameral. Second, I’m an old guy and don’t like taking pictures of myself by holding the camera a foot away from my face. Okay, with those caveats, here goes:
The good:

Zoom capacity: terrific. It is very convenient and useful to be able to zoom by finger tips. No more walking a bit closer or post pix cropping.
Thumbnail on screen: extremely great idea. No more switching camera function.
Level Aid: I like it. Okay, it may not be for everybody, but I found it to be very useful. Heh, nothing like a level sunset, or a proportioned group shot.

Mixed:

Touch screen shutter: maybe it is a learning curve, but I took a ton of accidental shots. Nothing like getting three pictures of your feet.
One touch email: convenient feature, but a little limited. “Camera” allows for email, MMS, Assign to Contact, and Use as Wallpaper options.
Multi-shot: why? maybe it is just me, but multi-shots are primarily for sporting events and other action type moments. These type of moments require a fast shutter speed and a high quality lens. Not the real forte of Snapture.

Not so good:
Saving shots: your shots (4) stay on the screen as thumbnails. If you take more shots, the pixs either get automatically or manually saved. Guess where they get saved to? The Camera roll in Camera. So how do you review pre-4 shot photos? Yep, open Camera and review the Camera Roll.

You be the judge:
Side by side photos: attached are side by side photos taken close in time with similar lighting and distance.

Photo from the built-in camera app.

Photo via snapture.

Overall: C+. Remember the caveats.

Snapture is ON SALE NOW (75% off) in the iTunes App Store for a limited time.

Chillingo’s Horror Racing Review

2010-10-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, I played A LOT of video games. Needless to say, one of my favorite video games of all time, was a game called Rock ‘N’ Roll Racing by Blizzard, Horror Racing is just like Rock ‘N’ Roll racing.

In an nutshell, this is a top down racing game where you can blast your opponents with weapons that you find along the racetrack. I guess its sorta like Super Mario Kart, but from a top-down perspective. Can you tell that I really enjoyed this game, maybe I’m a little biased but I think that this game just nails the gameplay head-on.

You can create profiles to accommodate more than one player and each player can upgrade their cars depending on how much they win from the races they play. There is a great help option and the controls are marked clearly.

Now on to the gameplay: the car is controlled by a virtual steering wheel and there are various obstacles as well as weapons littered around the course for you to pick up as you and three other cars race around the track. Sometimes I found it a little frustrating to use the virtual steering wheel but after a while it became more intuitive…If I could suggest anything, I think that perhaps the developer could add in some options for other control schemes in the future but it’s not necessary…

At the time of this writing, the game is 20% off and is selling in the AppStore for $2.99. Have a look, it’ll be well worth your time.

iON Universal Mobile Power Bank

2010-09-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

ON – Universal Mobile Power Bank

We’ve all be told at “great things come in small packages”, but upon receiving this particular power bank from iON from FSP Direct, the package itself was the object of admiration!

Roughly the size of a 5 stacked credit cards, the iON charger has a tacky, soft-silicon type cover for easy grip. There is a single pin hole for the ipod or USB connector and a hidden USB charger cord imbedded in the body.

The cords are all flexible so your iPhone, iPod, PDA, or even perhaps your digital camera can be attached and laid on top of the device while it charges.

Additionally, the charger itself has a LED indicator that quickly and easily informs you of the remaining charge.

The power bank comes with a small velveteen pouch with inner pockets to hold your adapters.

The timing couldn’t have been better for this product’s arrival. I was just getting ready to head out on a trip and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put this power bank to the test.

After draining my ipod during the flight, I immediately charged it back at the hotel. Within a few hours, it was ready to go. Likewise, during a long 7-hour drive, we found our iPhones precariously close to dead and the charger came in handy to keep one phone alive to get us to our destination.

Small, discreet and unassuming, this credit card sized power bank will quickly and quietly power any 5V or less device. For $29.99 at the FSP Direct shop, this is a great deal for an easy-to-use, and easy-to-carry device!

My New iPhone: 52 Simple Projects to Get You Started – Book Review

2010-09-29T20:47:00.000-08:00

I’ve never been a fan of reading books on any of Apple’s devices. I mean I’ve owned desktops, laptops, and now an iPhone and till this book, I’ve never had to read a book on how to operate Apple’s devices.

However, this book, “My New iPhone: 52 Projects for Every iPhone User” is unlike any other book that I’ve read and I think the format actually works for me.

My past experiences tell me that I learn best by doing and this book provides that in spades. The 500 pages guide readers through projects that are meaningful, fun and useful at the same time.

Not only does this book feature included applications but it also goes into some of the third party applications and that I found useful too….I really appreciated that this book was up to date (covering up to iPhone OS 3.0, if I’m not mistaken).

I really like the book and if I think if I could think of anything for the next revision, it would be to include a chapter or two about movie editing and using the compass feature.

I believe that this book is a deal for $29.95 especially since you’ve already took the plunge for what many would consider the best smartphone to date…Why not find out how better to utilize this wonderful tool. I’ve included a link to the table of contents and amazon’s listing ($10 off list price).

Chillingo’s 3-Day Wild $0.99 sale

2010-09-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Christmas, Chillingo has some great games for sale and they include:

Touch KO ($.99)
Defender Chronicles ($.99)
Jules Verne’s Secrets of the Mysterious Island ($.99)
Julse Verne’s Return to Mysterious Island ($.99)
Cash Cow ($.99)
iDracula ($.99)
Toki Tori ($.99)

I have also posted video reviews at http://www.youtube.com/user/typezero3.

Pinger’s TextFree Unlimited SMS Review

2010-09-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of carriers (well, AT&T) charging you some insane monthly fee to get an unlimited amount of text messages? Well, Pinger’s TextFree Unlimited application might just be your answer.

TextFree is able to use a phone number or email address to get messages to and from iPhone to iPod Touch. Not only that, all the replies are free.

The developer says that TextFree is:

The fastest and most reliable texting application
Is able to notify you of texts even when you’re NOT in the app
Able to assign a different tone to each friend
Able to customize look and feel of chats/conversations
Horizontal keyboards
Emoticon support
Supports many U.S. carriers

Anyway, this is pretty much a straightforward app. Take a look at it in my vid review.

Thoughts on iPad

2010-09-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

After almost 2 years of speculation, Apple Inc released their first product in a new category called the iPad.

“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” – Steve Jobs

It’s not about what’s missing.

Today we know that the iPhone was a huge success… a 40 million sold and growing kinda success. Yeah.

iPad like the iPod?

Update: Read forum reactions to Apple’s 2001 Announcement of the iPod and see if there are any similarities to today.

What folks are missing

I think there are two things that most folks missed about Apple’s iPad announcement.

Lastly, yes, I am getting one. I don’t have to touch it to know that this is the next step in mobile computing. I am not entirely sure where the iPad will take me, but I’m going to find out.

My Thoughts on Apple’s iPad – The Beginning…

2010-09-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know what the iPad is. Even more surprising, is that it’s only been five days since Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad and already in that short span of time, there has been a lot of product analysis made by so-called industry pundits. At first glance, the iPad has been overlooked by casual observers as an oversized iPod Touch. By the same token, there are others that feel that the iPad represents Apple’s vision of the future of computing.

As for me, I find myself gravitating towards the second group. When I hear the griping and groaning for all the the iPad is not, I think that the detractors should just step back and see what the iPad for what it is. In an nutshell, for me, the answer is simple:

It is an actual shipping product, not some proof of concept/prototype
It’s operating system is ready for mass consumption, not half-baked
At it’s heart lies an Apple-designed CPU, called the A4 which will most likely drive all of Apple’s future mobile devices.
It’s .5″ thin and 9.7″ diagonally across (enough said)
The UI (user interface is not just a scaled down version of an existing OS, but rather one that has been custom-tailored to a specific form factor – ie. Windows OS based tablets)
Users will be able to organize, buy and search almost all forms of media: music, videos, games and now books
Access to a HUGE library of software already 140K strong
An interactive eBook reader
The capacity to run a version of iWork specifically re-designed for the touch form factor (I think that this is Apple’s litmus test: to see if people can be productive with a product designed from the ground-up to be optimized for a touch interface)
Starts at $500

I know there’s more but that’s what I could think up off the bat. I think the industry was expecting wonders for that price point. They wanted Apple to bring features such as video conferencing, a futuristic 3D interface and much, much more I can’t even fathom. There was no way Apple could satisfy industry pundits. If they had included all the features that were rumored, I feel that the iPad’s placement as a third product line might be confused with laptop replacements. Whether or not Apple wants to do this in the future is beyond me, however, Apple will not make the transition overnight…more than likely is the fact that the iPad will probably prove to be the pivotal point in which Apple begins to transform it’s business.

Either way, I think that for the price, the iPad brings quite a lot to the table. I will be one of the first in line to pick one up, because succeed or fail, I appreciate what it represents…a fundamental shift in consumer computing. And remember for all the whining, Apple is the ONLY company doing something about the future of personal computing.

Keep watching this site as more details on the iPad are unveiled…I’m sure I’ll be able to provide more insight as well.

Make an iPhone app with AppMakr in Just 20 Minutes

2010-09-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own iPhone app for your website or blog, now you can do so pretty easily with AppMakr. All you need to get started is an RSS feed and some graphics for a splash page and an icon for your app.

AppMakr makes creating iPhone and iPod Touch (2nd Generation and up) apps easily. No Cocoa coding knowledge needed. No learning the iPhone SDK either, although getting a Apple Developers Account can help you test your app out before you submit it for publication.

All you need to do to create your app in AppMakr is to sign up for an account. Once you have an account, you simply fill out form that asks for your RSS feed(s). You can then upload customized images for your splash page and icon graphics.

Our friends at nemu*nemu took AppMakr for a spin and created their first iPhone app! You can read all about the processes, pros and cons in this blog post here.

Also, don’t miss the special deal to get $50 off your first app build when using AppMakr to create your iPhone application at the end of the blog!

Chillingo’s Cogs Review

2010-09-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

Cogs is a 3D rendition of the classic tile slider puzzle game. Remember those puzzles where you slide the pieces around to compose the picture? Well, Cogs is very reminiscent of that, in fact, I remember when the Mac OS (prior to OS X) used to include a game just like that. Anyway, if you watch my video review, you’ll understand how this game is played. It is very challenging but yet keeps you coming back for more.

The game itself is very reasonably priced…you can buy the game at $.99 with the option to buy more puzzle using the in-game purchasing feature. Cogs itself is pretty self-explanatory, watch my video to see it in action:

I hope you enjoyed my review, if you’re interested in Cogs, check it out in the Apple iTunes AppStore: Thanks for watching.