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News, Reviews, & Opinion
3 in 10 iPhone 3G Buyers Switched to AT&T
Almost Half Defected from Verizon, One-Quarter from T-Mobile,
One-Fifth from Sprint
PR: According to a new report from The NPD Group, the leader
in market research for the wireless industry, 30% of US consumers who
purchased Apple's new iPhone 3G from June through August 2008 switched
from other mobile carriers to join AT&T, the exclusive mobile
carrier for the iPhone in the US By way of comparison just 23% of
consumers, on average, switched carriers between June and August 2008.
Nearly half (47%) of new AT&T iPhone customers that switched
carriers switched from Verizon Wireless, another 24% switched from
T-Mobile, and 19% switched from Sprint.
"The launch of the lower-priced iPhone 3G was a boon to overall
consumer smartphone sales," according to Ross Rubin, director of
industry analysis for The NPD Group. "While the original iPhone also
helped win customers for AT&T, the faster network speeds of the
iPhone 3G has proven more appealing to customers that already had
access to a 3G network."
According to NPD's "iPhone 3G
Report," before the launch of the iPhone 3G, iPhone sales represented
11% of the consumer market for smartphones (January through May 2008);
however, after the launch of iPhone 3G, Apple commanded 17% of the
smartphone market (January through August 2008).
The average price of a smartphone sold between June and August 2008
was $174, down 26% from $236 during the same period last year. During
June through August 2008, the top four best-selling smartphones based
on unit-sales to consumers were as follows:
- Apple iPhone 3G
- RIM Blackberry Curve
- RIM Blackberry Pearl
- Palm Centro
Methodology: The NPD Group compiles and analyzes mobile device sales
data based on more than 150,000 completed online consumer research
surveys each month. Surveys are based on a nationally balanced and
demographically-representative sample, and results are projected to
represent the entire population of US consumers. Note: Sales figures do
not include corporate/enterprise mobile phone sales.
Link: The NPD Group:
One in Three iPhone 3G Buyers Switched from Other Carriers to Join
AT&T
8% of US Teens Own an iPhone; 22% Want One
Apple 2.0's
Philip Elmer-DeWitt says:
"Today's economic crisis doesn't seem to have reached the 769 high
school students polled in Piper Jaffray's 16th bi-annual survey of
teenage buying patterns and preferences.
"The survey, conducted at several apparently well-heeled high
schools in the United States over the past few weeks - while the global
financial markets were melting down - focused on MP3 players, online
music and Apple's iPhone.
"The results, released late Tuesday, may say more about the
demographics of the population Piper Jaffray is testing than the buying
power of most US teenagers, but they will be music to Steve Jobs's
ears...."
Link:
Survey: 8% of US Teens Own an iPhone; 22% Want One
iPhone 3G 'The Greatest Piece of Consumer
Electronics That Has Ever Been Made'
Daring
Fireball's John Gruber says:
"Let's just say it up front: the iPhone is the greatest piece of
consumer electronics that has ever been made.
"If I could travel back 20 years and show my then 15-year-old self
just one thing the future of today, it would be the iPhone. It is our
flying cars. Star Trek-style wireless long-distance voice communicator.
The content of every major newspaper and magazine in the world. An
encyclopedia. Video games. TV. Etc."
Link: The iPhone 3G 'The
Greatest Piece of Consumer Electronics That Has Ever Been Made'
Over Half of 2009 Cars Will Offer iPod
Connectivity
MacNN reports:
"For customers wanting a car that communicates with their iPod, 2009
is going to be a good year to shop for a new car. Over half of the 2009
model-year cars sold in the US will offer at least optional support for
Apple's iPod, according to research by iSuppli. The trend reflects
automakers' desire to increase sales by offering popular technological
features...."
Link: Over
Half of 2009 Cars Will Offer iPod Connectivity
EU Battery Rule May Zap iPhone, Blow Away MacBook
Air
The Register's
Jan Libbenga reports:
"The EU is readying a new set of directives that could spell trouble
for Apple's iPhone and any other gadget that lacks an easily removable
power pack.
"A new, draft batteries directive mandates that power cells inside
electronic devices must be 'readily removable' for replacement and safe
disposal. This isn't the case with the iPhone, which does not have a
user-replaceable battery.
"Neither do Apple's numerous iPods, or a growing number of handheld
devices from other manufacturers....
"Gary Nevison of Leeds-based repair services company Premier Farnell
believes the requirement is 'clearly intended to ensure that users can
remove batteries by opening a cover by hand or after removal of one or
two screws'."
Link:
EU Battery Rule May Zap iPhone, Blow Away MacBook Air
New EU Directive Pushes Toward Replaceable iPhone
Batteries
AppleInsider's
Prince McLean reports:
"The European Union is preparing new directives that could have an
impact on Apple's future products, including 'the New Batteries
Directive,' which proposes to mandate that batteries in electronic
appliances be 'readily removed' for replacement or disposal.
"The EU has taken the lead in pushing for industry regulations that
impact all companies that sell their products in Europe. For example,
the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, known as
RoHS....
"Introduced with RoHS, the EU's 2006 Battery Directive updated
existing regulation from 1991. It primarily sought to prevent the
unnecessary use of toxic metals in batteries and attempts to make it
easier to properly dispose of and recycle old batteries. The directive
required EU member states to implement national laws and rules on
batteries by September 2008.
"While the Battery Directive now in force states that it must be
easy for consumers to remove batteries from electronic products, the
'New Batteries Directive' now being drafted over the next year goes
even further to state that electrical equipment must be designed to
allow that batteries be 'readily removed' for replacement or removal at
the end of product's life....
"Such a regulation would seem to impact Apple's integrated battery
design of its iPods and the iPhone, which are somewhat unique in that
their batteries are not designed to be user replaceable and typically
require special tools or professional assistance to remove them."
Link:
New EU Directive Pushes Toward Replaceable iPhone Batteries
Woz Predicts Decline of iPod, Prefers Google G1
Openness to iPhone Locked-Downness
The
Telegraph's Rupert Neate reports on a wide-ranging interview with Apple
Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak:
"Steve Wozniak was such a chronically shy teenager he could barely
summon the courage to speak to other kids, instead he would spend his
evenings tinkering with calculators and dreaming of super
computers.
"He's a different man today. Mr. Wozniak, or Woz to use one of his
many nicknames, has just had a roomful of high-powered businessmen in
stitches as he recounted the rocky beginnings of one of the world's
most loved companies....
"Last week Apple's shares tumbled nearly 20pc after two analysts
downgraded the stock on fears that the consumer spending slowdown could
seriously hit future profits.
"While many company founders would steer well clear of commenting on
valuations, Mr. Wozniak says the downgrade was 'correct': an admission
which could wipe further millions of the shares which have fallen by
from a high of $179 in August to just over $100 on the close last
week.
"In fact he believes: 'It is time for the whole computer industry to
maybe have a bit of a slowdown. For twenty years we have been in this
replacement and upgrade market,' he says. 'It is very easy to postpone
that when there are financial irregularities.'....
"...he predicts the imminent death of the company's most popular
product, the iPod.
"'The iPod has sort of lived a long life at number one,' he says.
'Things like, that if you look back to transistor radios and Walkmans,
they kind of die out after a while.'
"Mr. Wozniak even speaks out against the iPhone 3G, Apple's latest
cult product....
"'Consumers aren't getting all they want when companies are very
proprietary and lock their products down,' he says when comparing the
iPhone's closed operating system to the new Google phone's open source
system which allows anyone to modify and adapt the way the phone works.
'I would like to write some more powerful apps than what you're
allowed,' he laments...."
Link:
Steve Wozniak Interview: Iconic Co-founder on the iPod, iPhone, and
Future for Apple
PC Magazine's Smartphone Superguide
PC Magazine's
Sascha Segan says:
"Here's a look at the latest and greatest smartphones on all four
major platforms: BlackBerry, Apple, Windows Mobile, and Symbian. Plus a
sneak peek at the hottest handsets on the horizon."
Link: PCMag.com's
Smartphone Superguide
How to Debloat Your Smartphone
PC Magazine's
Jamie Lendino says:
"Even your cell phone isn't immune to crapware, so get rid of it all
with these tips."
Link: How to Debloat
Your Smartphone
8 Ways to Track Your Portfolio on the iPhone
The Apple Core's Jason D.
O'Grady says:
"In case you haven't been paying attention, US financial markets are
in a tailspin (Dow and AAPL both down 4 6+% today). Securities continue
on their relentless roller coaster ride that could make veteran stock
brokers lose their lunch.
"If you'd like to stay more in touch with your financial portfolio
there are a number of iPhone applications that can help you."
Link: Eight Ways to Track Your
Portfolio on the iPhone
Track Presidential Election Polls with Your
iPhone
The Apple Core's Jason D.
O'Grady says:
"While you may not be able to watch tonight's V.P. debate on your
iPhone, you can sure keep up with the polls. Poll Tracker '08 (iTunes
link $0.99) is an iPhone application that's a dream for election
junkies and politicos of all stripes."
Link: Track the Presidential Election
Polls with Your iPhone
Software Makes iPhone Photography Fun
Cult of Mac's
Giles Turnbull reports:
"I cooked up many reasons to justify buying an iPhone, and the fact
that it had a camera (no matter how poor quality) was one of them. I
liked the idea of having a camera that was so well integrated with the
rest of the software on the machine.
"As it turns out, third-party software that makes use of the camera
is the stuff I'm getting most excited about, and playing with most
often.
"The most recent addition to my iPhone home screen is CameraBag....
"CameraBag, created by 3D modeling specialists Nevercenter in what
looks like quite a radical departure for them, lets you take a photo
(or import one from your on-phone library) and add preset effects that
mimic classic film styles from the days when cameras used to use
film...."
Link:
Software Makes iPhone Photography Fun
Do-It-Yourself iPhone Stand Let's You Rock Out
with Your Clock Out!
iPhoneSavior says:
"Here's a super slick concept that couples a simple do-it-yourself
iPhone stand with the wildly popular app 'Digital Clock'. Nathan Barry
fashioned himself a custom iPhone stand using the plastic tray found
inside his original iPhone 3G packaging. The idea centered around
creating a digital clock stand for his bedroom.
"'Quite easy to do,' Barry said, 'All you need is a sharp craft
knife and a steady hand.'"
Link: Do-It-Yourself
iPhone Stand Let's You Rock Out with Your Clock Out!
Transform Your iPhone into a Toolbox
Hardmac's
Lionel reports:
"The number of applications available from the iTunes Store and
destined for the iPod touch and iPhone keeps growing. Among this crowd
of impressive products, we found a small perl which will please both
DIYers and those who just want to impress their friends with the
capabilities of their phone...."
Link: Transform Your iPhone
into a Toolbox
Apple's Classical Music Growth Suggests an App
Store Growth Path
Macworld's Ben
Boychuk reports:
"Apple has a well-earned reputation for fulfilling customer desires
on its own timetable. The disharmony around the App Store is hardly the
first time Apple sounded off-key to its fans. Consider the flat note
that the iTunes Music Store struck with classical music fans early
on.
"The parallel between classical fans and iPhone users feels apt.
Classical music aficionados are a peculiar and particular breed. iPhone
users are particular, too. Each has specialized needs and certain
expectations. But Apple has come a long way with classical music
lovers....
"Fact is, Apple has steadily improved the classical (and jazz)
sections of the store. The company imposed order on the chaos, making
listings more accurate. Searching and browsing is much improved. Users
can browse by subgenre - contemporary, orchestral, piano, opera,
etc.
"Where five years ago recordings of major composers such as
Beethoven and Mahler numbered in dozens, today they number in the
hundreds...."
Link: Where
Classical Music and iPhone Apps Converge
Apps
Easy WiFi Now Available at Apple's App Store
PR: Devicescape Software, the leader in secure and seamless
WiFi technology for devices, announced today that the company's Easy
WiFi application is available for download at the Apple iTunes store.
With Easy WiFi, iPhone and iPod touch users can automatically connect
to the WiFi networks they use, without the headache of using a browser
and entering usernames and passwords.
"We are very excited about the ability to distribute Easy WiFi
through Apple's App Store. We've built a vibrant user community on
other platforms but it's clear that WiFi use on iPhones and iPods is
uniquely strong, and that's been reflected in immediate and strong
demand from people all over the world. Easy WiFi improves the user
experience by allowing users immediate access to the services they care
about," said Dave Fraser, CEO at Devicescape.
Devicescape Easy WiFi supports thousands of networks with hundreds
of thousands of hotspots all around the world. While most major
carriers are supported, Devicescape aims for relevant, personal
coverage for users and includes many local networks such as small
retail stores, universities, municipal networks and free hotspots.
Uniquely, Devicescape users can customize and improve their own
coverage by reporting new networks to be supported.
Link: Devicescape (only available through
the
Apple App Store)
Free, Interactive Virtual Zippo Lighter
PR: Zippo Manufacturing Company and Moderati Inc. today
announced the launch of the Virtual Zippo Lighter, a free, branded
application available in Apple's iTunes App Store for the iPhone and
the iPod touch.
The
Virtual Zippo Lighter brings the look and feel of Zippo's iconic
lighter to the iPhone, with interactive action that mimics the real
thing. It opens with a flick of the wrist and lights with a turn of the
flint wheel, and the truly windproof flame sways as the device is moved
back and forth. The Virtual Zippo Lighter allows Zippo fans to
experience the famous "Zippo Moment"* for free, by holding their cell
phones aloft and swaying to power ballads at concerts.
Zippo manufactures an average of 12 million windproof pocket
lighters each year, and nearly 450 million since the first lighter was
created in 1932. Zippo windproof lighters enjoy a widespread and
enviable reputation as valuable collectibles throughout the world. In
the United States alone there are more than four million collectors,
plus millions more worldwide - and throughout cyberspace. This
collaboration with Moderati represents the brand's first cooperative
foray into downloadable applications for mobile devices.
"We are excited to launch the Virtual Zippo Lighter into Apple's App
Store," said Pat Grandy, Marketing Communications Manager at Zippo.
"It's a true representation of our brand in a virtual format and our
partnership with Moderati, with their experience in mobile marketing
and development, is helping to bring a digital alternative to the
'Zippo Moment' for 21st century concertgoers."
This collaboration marks Moderati's entry into iPhone application
development. Long known for its mobile on-deck content services and
ringtone application development, Moderati has been increasingly
working to introduce brands to the mobile arena through its
relationships and expertise.
The Virtual Zippo Lighter features a selection of designs to
customize the skin of the lighter, as well as an animated flame that
reacts to movement of the phone. The application takes advantage of
several features of the iPhone and iPod touch developer platform,
including the accelerometer to enable movement of the flame in response
to motion. Realistic sound effects highlight the action of the lighter
when it opens and closes, and the vibration feature lets you know when
the flame is upside down.
"Zippo is widely-known as the best and coolest lighter in the
world," said Cindy Mesaros, SVP of Marketing and acting President of
Moderati. "We are taking that concept to the virtual world, and the
iPhone is the perfect platform for it. We are proud to hold our Virtual
Zippo Lighters aloft."
Currently, the Virtual Zippo Lighter is the only free and branded
lighter in the App Store with fully interactive lighter simulation, a
realistic looking flame and multiple case designs. Future releases of
the application will include the ability to engrave on the lighter and
blow out the flame.
* The term Zippo Moment was coined by Ann Powers, former Village
Voice and New York Times music critic, to describe the way
in which fans would light their Zippo lighters in anticipation of a
favorite song or power ballad.
Link: Virtual Zippo Lighter (only available through the
Apple App Store)
The Talking English Dictionary Available for
iPhone & iPod touch
PR: Paragon Software Group has launched The Talking English
Dictionary for the iPhone and iPod touch. The most authoritative
coverage of vocabulary in the English-speaking world is coupled with
Paragon's advanced SlovoEd engine to bring premium dictionary content
to iPhone users directly on the mobile device screen.
The Talking English Dictionary was tailor-made for the iPhone, with
all special characteristics and unique features of the device in mind.
The dictionary database contains more than 240,000 words, phrases and
definitions in British English, and is the most up-to-date dictionary
of its kind available on the market. No Internet connection is required
- simply download once and use it without incurring any additional
expenses. The "History" feature shows the last 15 translated words, and
the "Cross-Lookup" feature is an easy check of language comprehension.
For users wishing to take advantage of the premium audio abilities of
the iPhone, a native British sound module of 20,000 words is available
as well.
"We are pleased to include one of Oxford University Press's premium
British dictionaries in The Talking English Dictionary," said Evan
Schnittman, Vice President of Business Development at OUP. "Oxford
University Press has a 600 year history of being at the forefront of
technology in scientific, linguistic and scholarly research. OUP
dictionary content made available on latest-generation iPhones through
Paragon's SlovoEd dictionary engine helps further that mission."
The Talking English Dictionary features rapid browsing through the
SlovoEd engine, which compresses the dictionary content to a minimum of
memory space while allowing the user to perform multiple learning, word
reference and translation functions as quickly as possible. Now, users
can find authoritative definitions with a single click without having
to leave the active application and switch to the dictionary.
Paragon Software Group offers a wide choice of more than 120
dictionaries for 30 languages, and the best dictionary content from
world-famous publishers. The product is available for $24.99 (19.99
€ or £14.99) from the Apple Store.
Link: The Talking English Dictionary (only available through the
Apple App Store)
NetSketch 1.3 Now Available on the App Store
PR: Gotow.net announces the release of NetSketch 1.3, a
collaborative drawing application for the iPhone and iPod touch.
NetSketch is a full-featured vector drawing app and allows you to
sketch in real-time with friends on multiple iPhones. The update is
available through the App Store and includes several new features.
Gotow.net announces the release of NetSketch 1.3, a collaborative
drawing application for the iPhone and iPod touch. NetSketch is a
full-featured vector drawing app and allows you to sketch in real-time
with friends on multiple iPhones. The update is available through the
App Store and features several performance improvements:
- A tabbed color picker allows you to rapidly flip between brushes as
you draw. Select a different brush color and size for each of the three
tabs in the color picker, and you can flip between them as you work.
Leave one of the brushes white, and you can quickly erase unwanted
lines.
- An improved emailing interface allows you to more reliably email
large drawings to others. A progress indicator appears as the drawing
is sent.
See the NetSketch web site for screenshots, uploaded drawings and
additional information about the update.
System Requirements:
- iPhone or iPod touch
- Wireless network required for sharing features
NetSketch is $5.99 and is available for immediate download on the
iTunes App Store. All updates are free!
NetSketch allows you to draw on the iPod's screen using a full range
of colors and brush sizes. You can share drawings over the wireless
network, and others using the NetSketch application can contribute to
your work. As you draw, everyone's changes are reflected in real
time.
Unlike other drawing programs, NetSketch features infinite pan and
zoom based on familiar gestures. It is the only iPhone app to render
drawings in a fully scalable vector space independent of the size of
the iPhone's screen. When you zoom in, you get smooth, accurate lines -
not huge pixels. You can draw at any level so it's easy to add
detail.
Link: NetSketch (only available through
the
Apple App Store)
Dilithium Releases Live and Video On-Demand
Streaming for iPhone
PR: Dilithium, a leader in high-quality multimedia delivery
over mobile and broadband networks, announced the availability of live
video and Video On Demand (VOD) streaming support for the iPhone
utilizing the Dilithium Content Adapter (DCA). The DCA iPhone solution
is an infrastructure offering that can be deployed by operators and
service providers enabling their customers to access live or on demand
video content through the standard iPhone Safari browser.
The DCA solution supports live and
prerecorded clips in a wide range of video formats. DCA performs on the
fly and on demand media format and codec adaptation. iPhone users do
not need to install a special application, and may be on WiFi, WiMax,
3G, or 3.5G (HSDPA) networks.
DCA patent-pending technologies and architecture allow smart
transcoding, transrating and transsizing on the fly. It supports the
widest range of phones and devices through RTSP and HTTP (including
progressive download) and has a PHP-based high level API that offers
easy integration in operator and service provider frameworks and
workflows. DCA has the most advanced built-in caching feature allowing
significant reduction in unnecessary adaptation while providing support
for ad-insertion.
Link: Dilithium
Weather Underground Launches WunderRadio for the
iPhone
PR: Weather Underground announces the availability of
WunderRadio, an iPhone application that gives users access to thousands
of streaming internet radio stations powered by RadioTime's extensive
guide.
WunderRadio utilizes the iPhone's GPS capability to locate
nearby radio stations including NOAA weather radio streams. RadioTime
guide provides a quick and easy way to find radio content from
thousands of stations across the world. Listeners can browse by genre
or location to see what is available for their tastes, locations and
connections. Users can build a list of their favorite stations
providing instant access to a personalized directory. WunderRadio also
allows users to access radio scanners to pick up local police, fire and
EMS agencies across the US.
"The initial impetus behind this application was to provide iPhone
users with instant access to local weather radio streams," said Alan
Steremberg, President of Weather Underground. "During development, we
decided to extend the scope of radio stations offered by working with
RadioTime. The result is an easy to use portal to over 60,000 of the
best talk, music and sports radio stations around the globe."
WunderRadio provides links to the web site of the radio station that
you are listening to as well as information on any songs that are
playing. When listening to the weather radio stations users can link to
Weather Underground's free iPhone weather. The application features
internet radio stations that are streamed by Windows Media and MP3
formats - providing users with a vast number of stations.
"WunderRadio has created an innovative approach for iPhone users to
explore the unique music, talk formats and personalities only radio can
offer, and which online streaming music services just can't provide,"
said Bill Moore, CEO, RadioTime. "The integration of RadioTime guide
with Weather Underground's technology makes it easy to browse the
enormous selection of radio the world has to offer."
As part of the ongoing relationship between Weather Underground and
RadioTime, both companies are also pleased to announce that Weather
Underground powered weather radio stations are now to be included in
RadioTime's directory of channels.
The nation's first online weather service, Weather Underground is
committed to delivering the most comprehensive, reliable weather
information possible. The company's state-of-the-art technology
monitors conditions and forecasts for locations across the world. With
thousands of international users contributing local observations from
personal weather stations, Weather Underground is able to provide
up-to-the-minute weather conditions for the most finely targeted areas.
In addition to serving free online weather information to millions of
Web users at www.wunderground.com , Weather Underground delivers
custom-designed weather page solutions to an array of businesses and
media clients - both online and in print.
RadioTime is the leading radio tuner that powers Internet services
and devices by connecting them to radio broadcast DJs, talk
personalities, and sports programming. Listeners easily access free,
live, local, and global radio programming through RadioTime service.
Its service enhances other products and services by powering them with
thousands of radio channels and programming. RadioTime, founded in
2002, is based in Dallas, Texas. More information is available at
www.radiotime.com .
Link: (only available through the
Apple App Store)
WebIS Announces Note2Self 2.00 for iPhone
PR: WebIS has announced Note2Self 2.00, a major update to
their easy-to-use audio recorder for Apple iPhone. It allows anyone to
quickly record a voice note, save it in a Saved Notes list and
automatically send it to any email address, all without pushing a
single button. Instant, hands free voice mail. Improvements include a
WiFi web server, automatic level pause during recording, multi-note
delete, audio scrubbing, three defaults using Contact Pictures, and
many other improvements.
As wonderful as iPhones are, they still lack an easy way to create
actionable items with the most natural method of output: the human
voice. Note2Self allows anyone to quickly record a voice note, save it
in a Saved Notes list and automatically send it to a preset email
address. All of this can be performed handsfree, without having to
select a contact, type text, or any other distraction that could prove
dangerous or difficult to do.
The key to unlocking productivity is for Note2Self to be incredibly
streamlined and focused. Start Note2Self. Bring the iPhone up to the
ear and start talking. Bring it back down and the recording stops. The
recorded message is saved or emailed automatically.
"... collecting short notes to yourself and sending them off - it
works extremely well" Jesse David Hollington, iLounge.
Version 2.0 brings Note2Self to the level of the most complete
professional level audio recording tool on the iPhone today. It does
this by bringing some major new improvements, an updated look and a
completely overhauled set of options. A full list of 2.0 features
include:
- Built-in WiFi Note2Self Server allows you to record and download
nearly any size* voice note to your desktop (Mac, PC, Linux)
- Settings moved into the application itself and redesigned *
Automatic Pause During Recording when Level goes below user
setting
- Badge Count is now user configurable
- Support for Landscape mode and rotation (rotation disabled during
recording)
- Awesome new Multi-Note Delete/Send user interface
- Now offers 3 Default Emails with Contact Pictures for sending
email
- Added ability to specify custom email during initial recording
- New Volume Bar
- Pause and Seek through your audio while playing
- Elapsed time while playing
- Improved Spanish Localization
- Many other improvements throughout the application
Leveraging Apple's Cocoa Touch foundation, Note2Self is gorgeous
looking and truly an easy to use application. It uses the accelerometer
to toggle recording on and off automatically. Instant, hands free voice
mail. Only on the iPhone.
Note2Self can record audio as long as there is free space, and
offers two encoding options to help decide the quality of the voice
message which are playable with Apple's QuickTime software.
Note2Self Sending Service:
While the iPhone email client is capable of sending attachments,
this ability is not yet available to Apple iPhone Developers. So for
Note2Self to send email voice notes, WebIS has set up a passthrough
server that accepts voice notes via a web service and then sends the
email to the recipients.
System Requirements: iPhone or Second Generation iPod touch 2.0 with
microphone
Link: Note2Self
(only available through the
Apple App Store)
TalkingPics 1.2 by Big Stone Phone
PR: Big Stone Phone announces immediate and free availability
of an update to its popular program TalkingPics v1.2 - the audio
recorder/picture taking field data gathering tool.
Key features in TalkingPics include:
- Create as many projects as you want
- Each project can have unlimited recordings
- Attach a notes and photo to each recording
- Attach map of current location to recording
- Run Slideshows on the iPhone
- Offload files to the Desktop
"TalkingPics users wanted two features: the ability to download
files to Windows as well as the Mac and the ability to record audio in
a highly compressed format that would allow for lengthy recordings. We
listened, and we have delivered! " said TalkingPics Project Leader Jeff
Biggus of Big Stone Phone.
TalkingPics v1.2 features the ability to upload audio and images to
the desktop via Safari on Windows or the Mac. Users of other browsers
can install Apple's free Bonjour plugin to allow them to download files
right through the browser.
Additionally, Mac users can automate the process with an Applescript
produced by TalkingPics. This version can handle audio files of any
size, including extremely large ones. Upload speed has been drastically
improved as well.
This version adds a new preference to choose either the ultra high
quality lossless format (which is great for music, but creates large
file sizes) or the WAV compressed format (which is good for voice and
where small file size is the most important consideration). Another
advantage of the WAV format is that it can be used on the web without
further processing.
Additionally this version has an option to use the full size image
(1200 by 1600 dpi) and more than doubles the default size image (600 by
800). Speed to take snapshots has also been dramatically improved.
TalkingPics is available for download and use today directly from
your iPhone or computer from the App Store.
Link: TalkingPics (only available
through the
Apple App Store)
Babelingo Travel Phrases 1.3 for iPhone
PR: Alta Vida LLC announces Babelingo 1.3, their language
translation utility for iPhone and iPod touch. Containing more than 300
useful phrases in 10 languages, Babelingo is an easy-to-use phrase book
communicator, allowing anyone to show a professionally translated
phrase to a foreign language audience. Phrases are displayed in a large
and beautifully rendered script, easily read from a distance. Version
1.3 includes professionally translated phrases in the Portuguese
language.
Alta Vida LLC announces Babelingo 1.3, their language translation
utility for iPhone and iPod touch. Containing more than 300 useful
phrases and words, Babelingo is an incredibly fast and easy-to-use
phrase book communicator, allowing anyone to show a professionally
translated phrase to a foreign language audience.
Babelingo can translate to and from 10 different languages,
including English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, German, Czech,
Hindi, Japanese and Chinese. Each phrase is carefully translated by
highly skilled professional translators and displayed in a large,
beautifully rendered script that is easily read from a distance. With
the latest version users can enable viewing of phonetic phrases for
Japanese, Chinese, and Hindi (Romaji, Pinyin, and Romanized Hindi
respectively).
Each category, phrase, word, and screen can be presented in any one
of the supported languages. The user chooses their native language, the
alternative audiences language, and Babelingo does the rest. Phrases
are grouped by category in a flat list for fast navigation. Simply tap
a phrase and its translation is immediately displayed.
For commonly used phrases, users may add them to a favorites list
for quick and easy access. Quickly search for phrases using key words.
Hindi speakers can search for Hindi script using the English keyboard
and phonetic spellings (Romanized Hindi). And Babelingo is more than a
simple phrase book too. The application also enables two way
communication by allowing the alternate party to navigate Babelingo in
their own language and respond to requests, making it the perfect
travel companion for both business and leisure.
Version 1.3 includes professionally translated phrases in the
Portuguese language, and a recommended update. In addition, this
version allows users to enable viewing of phonetic phrases for
Japanese, Chinese, and Hindi (Romaji, Pinyin, and Romanized Hindi
respectively). Customers who have a need for a specific language are
urged to contact support so that it may be prioritized into a future
release of Babelingo.
Feature highlights include:
- Over 300 useful phrases and words
- Each and every phrase carefully translated by highly skilled
professional translators
- 25 different categories
- Large and beautifully rendered translations
- Native language responses
- Phrase search
- Favorites list
- No network connection required
Language support: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French,
German, Czech, Hindi, Japanese, and Chinese
Minimum Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 2.0
Babelingo 1.3 for iPhone and iPod touch is only $5.99 and available
exclusively through Apple's App Store.
Link: Babelingo
Travel Phrases (only available through the
Apple App Store)
Accessories
Waterproof Headphones and Armbands for iPhone,
iPods
PR: H2O Audio, the leading water sports music company has
announced the launch of their new range of waterproof headphones and
waterproof armbands for your iPod, MP3 Player or Phone - liberating
swimmers, surfers, kayakers and runners throughout the country.
The Surge headphones and Amphibx armbands
are guaranteed to an impressive 3.6 metres and are the ultimate
wearable music solution for any watersports.
H2O Audio is the first company in the UK to launch a range of
watersports music products which house in an armband your everyday
iPod, MP3 Player or Phone. The Surge and Amphibx range are the products
of years of research and development by H2O Audio and athletes,
including the pioneering water sport's legend Laird Hamilton and
Natalie Coughlin, 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals for Team USA
swimming in Beijing.
The Amphibx's unique shape and specialist materials have been
designed to comfortably grip your arm while you are dropping in,
cutting it back or wiping out. The latch tight locking closures
provides a 100% watertight and secure seal, while the clear touch
window enables full operation of iPod touch and wheel controls. The
Amphibx range comes in both medium and large sizes; the medium fits a
nano or small MP3 players, whilst the large fits a standard iPod, an
iPhone and any size MP3 player.
For extreme comfort and the perfect fit during action waterports
Surge waterproof headphones come with 5 different size earpieces.
Sound-isolating, watertight earplugs harness the full audio experience
provided by Surge's waterproof 8mm neodymium drivers. Their gold plated
3.5mm jack will fit most players on the market.
For the serious swimmers out there, H2O Audio also offers the iSH2
Shuffle Headset - a sleek waterproof headphone that includes an
integrated waterproof case for the iPod shuffle. The iSH2 Shuffle
Headset attaches easily to goggles, and allows perfect freedom of
movement for those tumble turns.
H2O Audio Surge headphones are available now priced at £49.95,
the Amphibx waterproof medium case £54.95, large is £64.95
and iSH2 Shuffle Headset is £59.95 and are all available from
Harrods, The Kings Road Sporting Club, or online.
Link: H2O
Audio
Car Windshield Mount with Handsfree and Charger
for iPhone 3G
PR: This auto mount is designed to give you a
convenient, user-friendly and safe way of having your device easily
accessible in your car - so you can be productive during your commute
without becoming a hazard on the road.
Features:
- Powered by Car Cigarette / lighter Socket
- Charging your iPhone on the go
- A handsfree while you are driving
- Power indicator
- You can connect to headphones / earphones if would like
- On / Off Switch for charger
- Accept / Reject calls
- Volume Control
- Superior Voice Quality
This device is compatible with: iPhone 3G
Color - Black
$39.99
Link: Car
Windshield Mount with Handsfree and Charger for iPhone 3G
Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPod nano
4G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the Sportsuit
Convertible for the iPod nano 4G. The new Sportsuit Convertible is the
ideal 3-in-1 case for anyone who desires versatility and a cool look.
Resilient Lycra protects your iPod while the Orca-skin material
provides a comfortable feel.
The new ergonomic design allows you to insert or remove your iPod
nano both quickly and easily. The patented Multidapt system gives added
versatility, allowing for the use of the included stretchable armband
and belt clip, or a variety of car and bike solutions (sold
separately). Simply remove the clip or armband and the Lycra and
Orca-skin material provide a protective, slim sleeve for carrying or
placing in a bag. All this, an included key pouch and easy access to
all iPod nano 4G functionality truly makes the Convertible 3 cases for
the price of one.
Features:
- Multidapt system provides a 3-in-1 solution for use as an armband,
belt clip, or ultra-low profile sleeve
- Lycra and Orca-skin construction provides protection and a very
cool feel
- Clear vinyl protects the screen and Click Wheel
- Easy access to all nano functionality
- Use in the car, on a bike, or at the gym (clips and accessories
sold separately)
- INCLUDES: case with Multidapt base, armband, belt clip, and key
pocket
- Marware's Lifetime Warranty
The Sportsuit Convertible is available in black neoprene. It retails
for $29.99 and is available now for pre-order online.
Link:
Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPod nano 4G
Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPod touch
2G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the
Sportsuit Convertible for the iPod touch 2G. The new Sportsuit
Convertible is the ideal 3-in-1 case for anyone who desires versatility
with a cool look.
Resilient Lycra protects your touch while the Orca-skin material
provides a comfortable and smooth feel. The new ergonomic design allows
you to insert or remove your iPod touch both quickly and easily. The
patented Multidapt system gives added versatility, allowing for the use
of the included stretchable armband and belt clip, or a variety of car
and bike solutions (sold separately). Simply remove the clip or armband
and the Lycra and Orca-skin material provide a protective, slim sleeve
for carrying or placing in a bag. All this, an included key pouch and
easy access to all iPod touch functionality truly makes the Convertible
3 cases for the price of one.
Features:
- Multidapt system provides a 3-in-1 solution for use as an armband,
belt clip, or ultra-low profile sleeve
- Lycra and Orca-skin construction provides protection and a very
cool feel
- Clear vinyl protects the screen
- Easy access to all touch functionality
- Use in the car, on a bike, or at the gym (clips and accessories
sold separately)
- INCLUDES: case with Multidapt base, armband, belt clip, and key
pocket
- Marware's Lifetime Warranty
The Sportsuit Convertible is available in black Lycra and Orca-skin.
It retails for $34.99 and is available now for pre-order online.
Link:
Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPod touch 2G
Protection
Transparent, Scratchproof Protection for the New
iPhone
PR: NLU Products, the developer of scratchproof, transparent
skins for mobile devices, and Micro Center, the leading US retailer
focusing on the needs of dedicated computer users, has announced that
NLU's BodyGuardz for transparent, scratchproof protection for the Apple
iPhone are now available at Micro Center's twenty-one retail locations
across the United States. BodyGuardz are an ultra thin residue-free
layer of 'skin' that adheres directly to the iPhone, protecting the
exterior from scratches and daily wear and tear in addition to
providing a scratch-guard barrier for the phone's screen.
"Adding Micro
Center to our growing list of retail partners gives iPhone users the
flexibility of either ordering BodyGuardz online or picking them up
from a retail location," said Marc Hodson, Sales Vice President of NLU
Products. "BodyGuardz skins protect the iPhone from environmental and
physical threats to eliminate dings and scratches as well as preventing
more serious injury to the device."
BodyGuardz are made from the very same material that is typically
used to shield the fronts of automobiles from abrasive elements and
environmental impact. Applying BodyGuardz protective skin to the
surface of the Apple iPhone leaves no residue, nor does it cause any
damage to the device itself. A transparent scratch-guard barrier
protects the screen and the skins provide a custom-fit that protects
the device without interfering with operations.
"Micro Center is always looking for new products which add value for
our customers. BodyGuardz skins not only extend the life of iPhones and
protect them against accidental damage, but are also sleek and
stylish," said Kevin L. Jones, Vice President-Merchandising for Micro
Center.
All BodyGuardz iPhone protectors are backed by the BodyGuardz
Advantage program that includes a lifetime replacement program, two
custom-fit protective skins with purchase, the BodyGuardz application
solution, squeegee card and complete application instructions.
BodyGuardz for the new Apple iPhone are now available for US MSRP
$24.95. BodyGuardz for the Apple iPhone are available for purchase at
all Micro Center retail locations from coast to coast and online.
Link: BodyGuardz
Crystal Case for iPod touch 2nd Gen
PR: Features:
- Unique ergonomic design
- Crystal clear
- Fully Protected from bumps and scratches
- Light weight
- Perfectly fit
- Anti-dust
- Easy access to all ports, buttons and sockets
Color - Crystal Clear
$11.99
Link: Crystal
Case for iPod touch 2nd Gen
Marware Glide for iPod touch 2G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the Glide for the iPod touch
2G. The firm-textured Nappa leather construction hides your touch
neatly out of harm's way. Here's the best part: the Glide uses a
dual-purpose strap system for easily removing the touch, as well as
locking it in place.
Gently pull the strap, and the touch slides partially out of the
case for easy removal. Slide the touch back into the case and the strap
recedes and folds over the top with a secure Velcro closure system. The
Glide is available in four festive colors and is now shipping.
Features:
- Textured leather protection with microfiber interior
- Secure premium Velcro closure system
- Built-in, recessed pull-tab for easy iPod retrieval
- Ultra-slim profile: great for carrying in pocket, purse or bag
- INCLUDES: leather sleeve, clear protective film, and microfiber
cleaning cloth
- Marware's Lifetime Warranty
The Glide is available in black, blue, purple and pink textured
leather. It retails for $24.99 and is now shipping.
Link:
Marware Glide for iPod touch 2G
Marware Sport Grip for iPod nano 4G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the Sport Grip for the
iPod nano 4G. The Sport Grip is the ideal colorful complement for your
nano. Slip-free, high-grade silicone protects the sides, top, back and
bottom while providing access to the ports.
The docking port is safely covered by an easy-access silicone slot.
Subtle texturing allows for a secure grip, and the result is an
ergonomic, comfortable and sporty way to get a firm grip on your
nano.
Features:
- Rugged but soft silicone protection
- Contains antimicrobial additive
- Docking port is safely covered until you need it
- Textured side for gripping
- Easy access to hold switch, Click Wheel, headphones port, and dock
connector
- INCLUDES: silicone skin, clear film protector, and microfiber
cleaning cloth
- Marware's Lifetime Warranty
The Sport Grip for the Apple iPod nano 4G is available in black,
white, and frosted. It retails for $14.99 and is shipping now.
Link:
Marware Sport Grip for iPod nano 4G
