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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps
Protection
iPod and iPhone Deals
These price trackers are updated regularly.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Introduces New iPod touch
Apple on Tuesday introduced the second generation iPod touch
featuring a thinner contoured metal design, a 3.5" widescreen glass
display, 802.11 b/g WiFi wireless networking, integrated volume control
buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, a built-in
accelerometer and other advanced sensors, and Apple's Multi-Touch user
interface.
The 32 GB model holds up to 7,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 40 hours
of video; the 16 GB model holds up to 3,500 songs, 20,000 photos or 20
hours of video, and the 8 GB model holds up to 1,750 songs, 10,000
photos and 10 hours of video.
The new iPod
touch works with the new iTunes 8 Genius feature, allowing customers to
automatically create playlists while on the go. Users can preview the
playlist Genius creates, refresh the list to choose different songs and
save Genius playlists to enjoy again later.
The new iPod touch also features built-in Nike + iPod support making
it an incredible workout companion. Users simply place the optional
Nike + iPod sensor ($19 US) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect
with the new iPod touch to track miles run or sync with the latest
generation gym equipment.
The new iPod touch is available immediately for a suggested price of
$229 for the 8 GB model, $299 for the 16 GB and $399 for the 32 GB
model through the Apple Store, Apple's
retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. iPod touch requires a Mac
with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later and iTunes 8; or a
Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or
Professional (Service Pack 2) or later and iTunes 8. Existing iPod
touch users can update to the latest 2.1 software for just $9.95 to add
the new Genius feature. iPod touch owners who already have the 2.0
software get the 2.1 software update for free. Simply download the
latest version of iTunes onto your Mac or PC, and purchase the 2.1
software update via iTunes.
*Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings.
See www.apple.com/batteries for more
information. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and
128-Kbps AAC encoding; photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos
transferred from iTunes; and video capacity is based on H.264 1.5 Mbps
video at 640 x 480 resolution.
2G iPod touch 'Improves a Five Star Product'
PC Magazine's
Tim Gideon says:
"The most interesting improvements that come with Apple's iPod touch
2G aren't the physical tweaks, like its slimmer profile or new built-in
speaker. It's what's inside. This huge screen isn't just for Coverflow
or video viewing anymore - it's for games and apps. Calling it the 'the
funnest iPod ever,' Steve Jobs wants you to consider the new touch a
portable gaming device, and if 'Spore' is any indication of what's
possible, he'll get his wish. The Genius playlist feature is a welcome,
if somewhat imperfect addition, and the touch remains the best portable
media player on the market at any price - even if the earbuds still
suck. Oh, speaking of price, the touch 2G is cheaper: you'll pay $229
for 8 GB, $299 for 16 GB, and $399 for 32 GB of storage. (The
original 16 GB touch debuted at $399.)"
Link: Apple iPod touch
(2nd Generation)
iPod touch 2.1 Update Available to 1G iPod touch
Owners
AppleInsider's
Aidan Malley reports:
"Original iPod touch owners on Tuesday night got first crack at the
2.1 feature set with Apple's promised firmware update for
first-generation players.
"The update is available through iTunes and adds many of the new
features present in the second-generation iPod touch that aren't
dictated by hardware choices."
Link:
Apple Flips Switch on iPod touch 2.1 Firmware Update
Huge Demand for Original Apple iPhone
BloggingStocks' Brian White reports:
"When Apple, Inc. released the iPhone 3G back in July, little did it
know (most likely) that the device would have issues worldwide
connecting to 3G networks, causing consumer frustration on a level
we've rarely seen with any Apple product. Well, some consumers have
apparently given up and they're moving back to the older, slower,
original iPhone, which is causing a cottage industry to spring up
around the older device...."
Link:
Original Apple iPhone Seeing Huge Demand
6 Common Complaints about the iPhone 3G
Network
World's Brad Reed says:
"The iPhone's 3G incarnation generated lots of hype at its launch,
but it's quickly gaining a reputation for having slow data speeds and
inconsistent voice service. Indeed, the iPhone 3G has been such a
disappointment to a couple of users that they've even sued (one sued
the company for allegedly producing misleading advertisements that
promised data speeds at twice the rate of the original iPhone).
"Here, we examine the six most common gripes that users have had
about the iPhone 3G, from dropped calls to problems with mobile iTunes
to lack of enterprise features...."
Link:
Six Common Complaints about Apple's iPhone 3G
Best Cell Phones for Mac Users
PC Magazine's
Jamie Lendino says:
"Whether you've got a brand-new iMac or MacBook or are still
trucking along with an older G4 or G5, here are the handsets that will
play nicest with your prized Apple computer."
Link: Best Cell Phones
for Mac Users
Apps
Election '08 App Tracks Polls and Such in Real
Time
CrunchGear's
Devin Coldewey reports:
"After so long in gestation, the 2008 election season has actually
kind of snuck up on me. And what with the App store being released, I
thought there would be a ton of politically-orientated apps out there.
Incredibly, there are virtually none, and certainly none this cool. You
can track polls, electoral vote estimates and so on based on live data,
and organize it by state, candidate, percentage and all that. It even
has historical data built-in so you can look at trends. Best of all,
it's nonpartisan...."
Link:
Election '08 (only available through the
Apple App Store)
Yahoo Offers Social Connect App for iPhone
IDG News
Service's Nancy Gohring reports:
"Yahoo launched a new application for the iPhone that connects a
long list of popular social networks within one interface.
"OneConnect for the iPhone is a free application available in the
Apple App Store that also integrates instant messaging and short
messaging into one application.
"The Pulse feature in OneConnect lets users see a status list of
their friends that pulls from social-networking applications including
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Bebo, Friendster, Flickr and Last.fm. The
list is populated chronologically, with the most recent update from a
friend on any of the sites at the top."
Link: Yahoo Offers Social
Connect App for iPhone (only available through the
Apple App Store)
Home Control App for iPhone and iPod touch
PR: Savant Systems LLC, having lead the convergence of an
open architecture platform to integrate automation and control, A/V
switching, and general purpose computers, has announced the
introduction of a downloadable application for Apple's iPod and iPod
touch that runs natively on either device in order to provide 2-way
control of any home system connected to one of Savant's innovative
ROSIE automation systems. The new application providing complete home
automation and media control will soon be available on the iPhone App
Store for $199.
"Our application effectively leverages all the power of Apple's
amazing mobile computing platform, enabling homeowners with a ROSIE
control system to enjoy unprecedented levels of convenience and
efficiency added to their daily lives," stated Savant president Jim
Carroll. Savant's new application features intelligent 2-way
communication from feedback-capable systems in the home, such as
lighting, HVAC, security cameras and supported audio/video equipment.
The application also incorporates the "gesture" control and "tilt"
sensors found on both Apple devices.
Savant's new application has been engineered to provide complete
control over the ROSIE On-Screen Display (OSD), which uses HD graphics
to provide intuitive control of systems throughout the home. The
application also includes a section dedicated to "themed interfaces"
that can be customized by an authorized Savant dealer using RacePoint
Blueprint software and a compatible ROSIE system on the network. "We
wanted to give our customers the ultimate 2-way application to control
their homes from the iPhone or iPod touch and make it easily
downloadable for them from the iPhone App Store," concluded
Carroll.
Link: Savant
Systems (only available through the
Apple App Store)
AcroBible Provides Fingertip Bible Access
Anywhere
PR: AcroDesign Technologies have announced the release of
their downloadable, native, NIV iPhone bible. The feature rich
AcroBible costs $28.99 and is a download rather than an online,
annual-fee based Bible. This means that users pay just once, and can
access the bible anywhere, on planes, busses, etc. AcroBible is an
offline Bible and needs no WiFi connection. Special features of the
AcroBible include the ability to search for words or phrases, createbookmarks, attach notes to any verse, and highlight verses in up to six
colors.
Personal notes and highlighting are backed up via AcroBible's
www.ibiblespace.org. The AcroBible has one button back-up to the
ibiblespace site which uploads all of the user's personal notes and
highlights. When iPhone owners buy a newer iPhone they can restore
their personalized AcroBible notes and highlighting to the new phone
with just one button. Users can also type notes via their home computer
and download them to their iPhone via the ibiblespace.org site.
AcroBible is a native iPhone/iPod touch application so the touch
interface works like the built-in iPhone applications, making it easy
to search and navigate the Bible. The interface is very attractive and
very fast enabling users to traverse the Bible with almost no wait.
Link: AcroBible
(only available through the
Apple App Store)
TweakerSoft AroundMe 1.0 for iPhone
PR: TweakerSoft introduces AroundMe 1.0, their new
application for the iPhone. By leveraging the iPhone's unique
abilities, AroundMe quickly acquires the user's location and allows
them to choose the nearest bank, bar, gas station, hospital, hotel,
movie theatre, restaurant, supermarket, theatre and taxi.
AroundMe shows a complete list of all the businesses in the category
tapped on, along with the distance from where the user is located. The
selected listing is then displayed on a Map and plots the route to the
nearest address. The chosen information can be added to the contact
list or even emailed to a friend.
AroundMe also includes a Nearby listing too. Use Wikipedia to easily
discover information about a chosen locale. Fast, easy and accurate,
AroundMe is an ideal day-to-day companion.
Language Support: English, German, French, Italian, Swedish, and
Portuguese
Minimum Requirements: iPhone 2.0 or later
Pricing and Availability: AroundMe 1.0 for iPhone is only $1.99 and
available exclusively through Apple's App Store.
Link: AroundMe (only
available through the
Apple App Store)
BdPricer 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch
PR: Bad Dog Apps, a Mac OS X Software house with over 10
years experience with the Mac OS X, has announced the availability of
BdPricer for the iPhone and iPod touch on Apple's App Store, extending
their line of existing iPhone products like BdTranslator and our menu
bar based applications BdContacts, BdCalendar and BdTranslator, too
include our first of many new iPhone applications.
BdPricer is the perfect shopping companion, for the smart shopper.
Simply enter the product you want to compare the price for and let
BdPricer do the rest. The user can scroll or page through the found
products; preview the price range of the products, read both product
features and reviews, seller reviews, along with detailed product
specifications on items if available.
BdPricer keeps track of all your searches and allows you to bookmark
common searches. Product items can be stored and searched on in the
favorites view. Use the BdPricer's quick look up directory to find
common items form 15 main product categories, with over 150 sub
categories and 3,000 sub category items, to instantly find the products
your are interested in.
BdPricer gives you the power to negotiate on the spot when making
any buying decision. Use the information to make the right product
choice or pricing to negotiate a better price. Features also provide
the option to navigate to the store that has the product on-line to
order it right from your phone.
If you are buying anything over the price of $50.00, BdPricer will
probably pay for itself on your first use. This powerful application
aids the consumer to stay on top of all purchasing decisions through
comparative pricing. Never shop blind again, use BdPricer for all your
purchases at major USA retail chains.
Note: An internet connection or 3G wireless is required to do live
product searches using Google Shopping, also all returned information
is in English. Product and pricing information in from American
retailers in US dollars only, depending on your location in the world
you may or may not be able to order products form there websites.
Language support: English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish and Swedish.
Pricing and Availability: BdPricer for the iPhone is available on
Apple's App Store today for $9.99 .
Link: BdPricer (only
available through the
Apple App Store)
ZeptoPad: Handwritten Note-Taking App for iPhone
and iPod touch
PR: Ubiquitous Entertainment Inc. announces the launch of
ZeptoPad 1.5, an upgraded version of the handwritten note-taking
application ZeptoPad, now on sale for the iPhone and iPod touch. A
video available on YouTube:
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=02_GqDD1w8k
This product will show at AppleExpo 2008 in Paris, 17th-20th
September. The functions added to the ZeptoPad 1.5 are as follows:
New functions provided by ZeptoPad 1.5
Copy / paste of multiple figures and texts
Thanks to this newly added function, users will now be able to copy
and paste multiple figures and texts using the editing tool.
Three display modes available
Instead of the single display mode originally offered, ZeptoPad 1.5
will allow users to choose from a total of three different display
modes: plain, ruler, and grid. An especially high level of demand had
been expressed for the grid display function.
Zoom out function
After using the ZeptoPad special feature, which allows the screen to
be expanded and higher levels of detail in drawings, users will now be
able to zoom out so as to quickly display entire drawings within a
single screen.
Redo function
In addition to the undo function offered previously, ZeptoPad 1.5
will also include a redo function, providing users with a greater level
of control to edit content.
Rotate / expand / shrink
In addition to the move function offered previously, ZeptoPad 1.5
will allow users to rotate, expand, and shrink imported images and the
entire drawn area of text and figures. Enhanced basic functions - The
maximum number of worksheets that can be saved has increased from 16 to
320. - The maximum number of paths that can be drawn has increased from
96 to 256. - The resolution of pasted images has been upgraded from
32x32 to 128x128.
Help page featuring multilingual support
In line with the global expansion of the App Store, the help page
will be written in eight different languages. (Languages available:
English, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and
Portuguese)
ZeptoPad allows users to write and draw on their iPhone with a
freedom that rivals the experience of using a paper notebook. "Zepto"
is a prefix in the International System of Units denoting 10 to the
negative 21st power. Accordingly, this application was developed to
allow users to sketch without limitations, expanding and shrinking
worksheets as they see fit. While previous note-taking applications
have always focused on memorization, the aim of ZeptoPad is to support
the act of thinking. Main functions of ZeptoPad Text input Users are
able to record text data inputted via the keypad.
Handwritten note-taking
In order to create figures, which would be difficult to construct
using text alone, users can input data by handwriting on the
touchscreen. Data with a much higher level of detail can therefore be
recorded.
Directory
Using this function, users can bring up a list of the worksheets
they have created.
Worksheet sharing (Shake & Share function)
To share a worksheet, users can either attach it as an image to an
email and then send it, or transmit it to another ZeptoPad via WiFi
(using the Shake & Share function).
Note: A worksheet can be transmitted with the Shake & Share
function when two iPhones (iPod touches) have ZeptoPad installed, are
connected to the same WiFi access point, and are then shaken up and
down simultaneously.
Link: ZeptoPad (only
available through the
Apple App Store)
Protection
iSkin solo for iPhone 3G
PR: iSkin Inc. has introduced its new solo bodyguard for
iPhone 3G: a sleek and stylish protector that echoes the iPhone 3G's
beauty in a slim, fashionable package.
Featuring a stunning high -
gloss finish accented with subtle curves, the solo perfectly
encapsulates the iPhone 3G and delivers protection against impact,
scratches, dirt, dust, and everyday hazards. This protection and design
is complimented by a touch compatible clear protective screen film to
guard against scratches, integrated volume and power button protection,
unobstructed access to all ports and controls, and a non - slip grip
surface that helps keep the iPhone 3G and users well connected while on
the go. And the solo's slim-fitting design easily slides into a pocket,
purse, or any other compact space.
Offered in four high-gloss color finishes: Puma (opaque black),
Baron (translucent red), NightCrawler (translucent blue) and Angel
(opaque white), the solo is designed to give owners the flexibility of
a color makeover for their iPhone 3G. In addition, its slim, sleek
profile compliments today's high-fashion look with added
sophistication.
The iSkin solo for iPhone 3G is available today at iSkin.com for
$29.99 and will be available at authorized iSkin resellers in the
coming weeks.
Link: iSkin solo for
iPhone 3G
TuneWear Cases and TuneFilm for 2G iPod touch
PR: TuneWear announces protective cases and protective film
for Apple's new iPod touch 2G. The new line includes our best selling
silicone case series [IceWear for iPod touch 2G], crystal-clear
polycarbonate hard shell case [TuneShell for iPod touch 2G], and clear
protective film [TuneFilm for iPod touch 2G]. All iPod touch 2G
products will become available in September.
IceWear for iPod touch 2G
IceWear for iPod touch 2G utilizes our patented rib technology for a
strong grip. Made of the same high-density silicone used in diving
masks, IceWear for iPod touch 2G protects iPod touch 2G from accidental
bumps and drops.
IceWear leaves the Multitouch display unobscured, allowing for
complete control and viewing of the screen. Embossed edges around the
screen help to prevent scratching when iPod touch 2G is placed face
down on a flat surface. TuneFilm, a clear film which covers the
Multitouch display of the iPod touch 2G for extra protection, is
included free.
All ports on iPod touch 2G are left open for easy access. The
headphone jack, dock connector and buttons are easily accessible.
Attach and use the USB docking cable without the need to remove IceWear
from iPod touch 2G.
The back of IceWear has small holes for attaching charms, neck
lanyards or wrist straps. (not included) - SRP $24.95
TuneShell for iPod touch 2G
TuneShell for iPod touch 2G is made of crystal-clear polycarbonate
allowing you to enjoy the full beauty of your iPod touch 2G while
protecting it from dirt and scratches. This hard but thin case seems
almost invisible when installed.
TuneShell has a completely smooth texture making it convenient to
slip in and out of your pocket or bag. It snaps easily onto your iPod
touch 2G and leaves the headphone jack, dock connector, switches and
the Multitouch screen open for complete access to everything you like
about iPod touch 2G. There are no screws or latches thus making this
case easy to put on and easy to take off. - SRP $24.95
TuneFilm for iPod touch 2G
TuneFilm for iPod touch 2G is a crystal-clear protective film for
iPod touch 2G. Completely covering the iPod touch 2G Multitouch
display, TuneFilm provides protection against dirt and scratches and
gives you the peace of mind knowing that your iPod screen will be
like-new for a long, long time.
TuneFilm for iPod touch 2G is sold separately and is included free
with select TuneWear products such as IceWear for iPod touch 2G. - SRP
$14.95
Link: TuneWear
Cases and TuneFilm for iPod touch 2G
TuneWear Leather Cases for iPhone 3G
PR: TuneWear announces leather cases for Apple's new iPhone
3G. The new line up includes our high-quality Napa leather case series
[Ambassador for iPhone 3G] and the leather shell case [LeatherShell for
iPhone 3G]. All iPhone 3G leather cases is available in now from the
TuneWear online shop.
LeatherShell for iPhone 3G
LeatherShell for iPhone 3G is a smooth genuine leather shell-type
case for iPhone 3G. The smooth, high-quality leather feels good to the
touch and protects iPhone 3G from dirt and scratches. The smooth
texture and slim design make it easy to carry iPhone 3G in your hand,
or slip iPhone 3G in and out of your pocket or bag. The combination of
high-quality black genuine leather with white color stitching is
perfectly suited to both casual and formal occasions. - SRP $29.95
Prie Ambassador for iPhone 3G
Prie Ambassador for iPhone 3G is available in five different fashion
looks. Traditionalists can choose versions in black Napa leather with
either white or red stitching to complement any style. Other models
include gold, gold with white, and silver colored leather for iPhone
users who are looking to attract more attention to their device. The
sturdy metal clip attaches to just about anything and is removable. -
SRP $59.95
Available in 5 color variations:
- Black with Red stitch (B/R)
- Black with White stitch (B/W)
- Gold
- Gold/White
- Silver
Link: TuneWear
TuneWear Protective Cases and Protective Film for
iPhone 3G
PR: TuneWear announces protective cases and protective film
for Apple's new iPhone 3G. The new line up includes our best selling
silicone case series [IceWear for iPhone 3G], clear protective film
[TuneFilm for iPhone 3G], the crystal-clear polycarbonate hard shell
case [TuneShell for iPhone 3G], and the polycarbonate hard shell case
with protective cover [TuneShell Plus for iPhone 3G]. All iPhone 3G
products is available in now from the TuneWear online shop.
IceWear for iPhone 3G
IceWear for iPhone 3G utilizes our patented rib technology for a
strong grip. Made of the same high-density silicone used in diving
masks, IceWear for iPhone 3G protects iPhone 3G from accidental bumps
and drops.
- SRP $24.95
TuneFilm for iPhone 3G
TuneFilm for iPhone 3G is a crystal-clear protective film for iPhone
3G. Completely covering the iPhone 3G Multitouch display, TuneFilm
provides protection against dirt and scratches and gives you the peace
of mind knowing that your iPhone 3G screen will be like-new for a long,
long time.
- SRP $14.95
TuneShell for iPhone 3G
TuneShell for iPhone 3G is made of crystal-clear polycarbonate
allowing you to enjoy the full beauty of your iPhone 3G while
protecting it from dirt and scratches. This hard but thin case seems
almost invisible when installed.
- SRP $24.95
TuneShell Plus for iPhone 3G
TuneShell Plus for iPhone 3G is made of crystal-clear polycarbonate
allowing you to enjoy the full beauty of your iPhone 3G while
protecting it from dirt and scratches. This hard but thin case seems
almost invisible when installed. The special feature of TuneShell Plus
is the 0.4mm thick touch surface which covers and protects the iPhone
3G Multitouch display and still allows complete control of all the
Multitouch functions such as flicking, tapping and pinching.
- SRP $29.95
In order to better serve the growing iPod and iPhone markets,
TuneWear has expanded to a new office in Cerritos, CA as of September
1, 2008.
Link: TuneWear
