Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
Protection
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated regularly.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone Most Popular Camera on Flickr
The Los
Angeles Times reports:
"Here's a tidbit that's sure to irk Flickr's elitist photographers:
The iPhone has just topped Canon's high-performance Digital Rebel XTi
as the most popular camera on Yahoo's popular image-sharing
site...."
Link: iPhone Passes Canon Rebel XTi as Most Popular Camera on
Flickr
iPhone vs. Palm Pre Satisfaction Bake-off
Fortune's
Philip Elmer-DeWitt says:
"Palm Pre owners love their smartphones, but not as much as owners
of Apple's new 3GS iPhone love theirs."
Link: iPhone vs. Pre: Satisfaction Bakeoff
iPods 'Are Noise Pollution'
Courier Mail's
Danny Rose and Bec Gill report:
"Listening to your iPod at full volume can be like taking a chainsaw
to your eardrums, an Australian hearing expert says.
"Professor Harvey Dillon also believes personal MP3/MP4 players and
other loud "leisure noise" activities will be a cause of rising rates
of hearing loss."
Link: iPods 'Are Noise Pollution'
Apple Cracking into Business Market with
iPhone
EE Times' Rick
Merritt reports:
"Apple Inc. is leveraging its iPhone success as a Trojan horse to
break into the market for business cellphones and computers that has
long evaded the company, according to a research report released
Wednesday (August 12)."
Link: Report: Apple Cracks into Business Market with
iPhone
Build an iPhone Dock from an iPhone Box
TUAW's Dave Caolo says:
"As the product of frugal New England Yankees, I like items that
multi-task. If said item is something that could typically get thrown
away, even better. Check out this awesome iPhone 3GS dock made from its
retail box."
Link: Build Your iPhone a Dock from Its Own Box
Apps & Services
Gmail Push Now Available on iPhone
PR: GPush, the Gmail push application for the iPhone, is
available now through the Apple App Store. Instant or "push" Gmail has
been accessible on most smartphones for years, but surprisingly has not
been available on iPhone, until now. GPush, which is now available in
the App Store, enables iPhone users to instantly receive Gmail
notifications on their iPhone. Without GPush, iPhone users can
sometimes wait up to an hour to be notified of a new email received in
their Gmail inbox.
The GPush Application, which retails for 99¢ in the App store,
gives iPhone users the ability to choose how they want to be notified
of new email. GPush options include having the iPhone vibrate and ring
and having the GPush icon display the number of unread messages
received. GPush users also receive previews of incoming emails,
displaying the sender's name and subject headings.
"The lack of push Gmail on my iPhone is the one feature that made me
want to switch back to my Blackberry," said Eliran Sapir, Cofounder of
Tiverias Apps. "With GPush, I can continue using my iPhone with no
worries of when my next email will arrive." Yoni Gontownik, Cofounder,
said, "with all that is going on with Google, Apple and the FCC, we are
pleasantly surprised GPush was accepted into the App store."
Link: GPush (available through the iPhone App Store)
TomTom App for iPhone Now Available
PR: TomTom announces that the TomTom for iPhone navigation
application can be purchased in the Apple iTunes App Store.
"With TomTom for iPhone, millions of iPhone users can now benefit
from the same easy-to-use and intuitive interface, turn-by-turn spoken
navigation and unique routing technology that our 30 million portable
navigation device users rely on every day," said Corinne Vigreux,
Managing Director of TomTom. "As the world's leading provider of
navigation solutions and digital maps, TomTom is the most natural fit
for an advanced navigation application on the iPhone."
The TomTom app for iPhone 3G and 3GS users includes a map of the US
and Canada from Tele Atlas, and is available to download through
http://www.tomtom.com/tomtom-app for 99.99.
TomTom app for iPhone key features
TomTom app for iPhone includes the exclusive IQ Routes™
technology*. Instead of using travel time assumptions, IQ Routes bases
its routes on the actual experience of millions of TomTom drivers to
calculate the fastest route and generate the most accurate arrival
times in the industry. TomTom IQ Routes empowers drivers to reach their
destination faster up to 35% of the time.
Additional TomTom app for iPhone features include:
Best routing and maps
- Navigation software including fast route planning and clear voice
instructions
- Automatic rerouting if a turn is missed
- Route demo or map of route when trip planning
- Alternative route options if avoiding roadblocks, toll ways or
looking for high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes along route
- Latest Tele Atlas maps of the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and
New Zealand
- 6 million Points of Interest included
- Easy to use and personalize
- User interface fully optimized with iPhone.
- Multiple display options including landscape and portrait
navigation view
- Night and day color mode for optimized screen visibility in varying
light conditions
- User interface available in 18 languages**
- Change view settings (2D or 3D map display)
- Easy to download from iTunes App Store
- Complete phone and map integration
- Multitouch gestures such as tap, swipe, pinch and zoom to operate
the application and zoom in and out of the map
- Navigation to contacts in address book
- Points-of-interest search and call capabilities from iPhone
Pricing and Availability
The TomTom app for iPhone including full maps of the US and Canada
will be available for $99.99 on the Apple App Store.
Compatibility with iPod touch and other iPhone models coming
soon.
Requirements for use on the iPhone 3G or 3GS include phone
installation of OS 3.0 and installation of iTunes on the PC or Mac.
Link: TomTom for iPhone (available through the iPhone App Store)
AAA App for iPhone Provides Location Info with
Requests for Assistance
PR: AAA announced its AAA Roadside app for iPhone users is
now available on the iTunes App Store. The free app provides AAA
members with a way to use their iPhone, and its innovative location
based services, to quickly send their vehicle location, description,
specific vehicle problem and other detailed information directly to AAA
for roadside assistance. The user always has the option to place a
voice call, and once the request is submitted, the AAA member receives
a confirmation that his/her information was received by AAA Roadside
Assistance.
"Dealing with a breakdown can be a stressful situation for anyone,
even more so when you're not familiar with your surroundings," said
Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive vice president. "The AAA Roadside app
for iPhone is another way AAA helps members get back on the road and
onto their destinations. We think the AAA Roadside app is an invaluable
tool for motorists, especially for those hitting the road this
summer."
The app includes a While You Are Waiting feature, so members can
search for nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair shops, Hertz rental
locations offering AAA member discounts, AAA Approved accommodations,
AAA offices and retail locations with discounts on auto parts and more.
Each search displays key information for each location, such as the
name, address, phone, distance from location,routing map, driving
directions and a summary of the discount details. For those who are not
AAA members, the app also has a Join AAA feature.
AAA Roadside is available for free from the iTunes App Store on
iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Please visit AAA.com/roadside
for further details.
AAA's first app, AAA Discounts, launched in April 2009 and has been
downloaded more than half a million times from the App Store. AAA
Discounts displays Show Your Card & Save partners near the user's
location.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization,
AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance,
financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902,
the not-for-profit, fully taxpaying AAA has been a leader and advocate
for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited
on the Internet at AAA.com.
Link: AAA.com (app available through the iPhone App Store)
i.TV Redefines the Universal Remote Control
PR: i.TV has announced the i.TV Remote Control Framework that
gives third parties the ability to develop solutions to control
external devices such as a television, an AV receiver, or DVR via i.TV
on the iPhone and iPod touch.
The TiVo remote is the first integrated remote control on i.TV for
TiVo subscribers with a broadband-connected TiVo DVR. "With i.TV, you
can now use your iPhone or iPod touch as a remote control for
televisions, DVRs and other home entertainment devices, said i.TV CEO,
Brad Pelo. "By bringing together the television guide and remote
control on a mobile device you carry in your pocket, i.TV will change
how people discover and watch television shows and movies.! We are
pleased that TiVo is the first of our partners to introduce remote
control capabilities for their customers who use i.TV.
TiVo is about giving the user control of the television experience,
said Jim Denney vice president of product marketing at TiVo Inc. Having
the TiVo remote available through i.TV is another way TiVo customers
can access the content they want, the way they want.
The i.TV Remote Control Framework gives development partners a
flexible platform upon which to re-imagine the traditional remote
control. For example, developers can make alphanumeric keypads for
channel number entry optional and instead present users with a
graphical user interface where they can tap on images or links to
change channels on a television. Remote controls built upon the
framework use scripts that dene user interface elements and key press
behavior for controlling external home entertainment devices. Device
discovery and communication between the iPhone or iPod touch and
external hardware are handled via the Bonjour protocol or Apple's
External Accessory Framework for Bluetooth accessories.
Also new in i.TV 2.0
- New user interface - Streamlined and simplified UI and user
experience, based on feedback and usage data from millions of i.TV
users.
- iTunes integration - From show detail screens, discover and
instantly download download relevant television episodes, movies, and
podcast content from iTunes.
- Alerts - Using the iPhone OS push notification capabilities, i.TV
now allows users to set alerts for specific, upcoming shows or simply
ask for an alert anytime a new episode will air.
i.TV 2.0 with integrated TiVo remote control, iTunes integration and
new user interface is free and will be available in August from the
iTunes Store.
i.TV (pronounced eye-dot-TV) is an application for the iPhone and
iPod touch that helps people discover, share and consume media. With
i.TV, users can browse hundreds of thousands of up-to-date local TV and
movie listings, as well as a catalog of hundreds of thousands of TV and
movie titles available for download and DVD rental. i.TV also includes
community features and allows people to write reviews, rate shows and
recommend shows to friends via an e-mail alert. i.TV enables users to
watch movie trailers and television previews, purchase movie tickets,
manage their Netflix queues, and use their iPhone or iPod touch as a
remote control. Founded in April 2008, i.TV is headquartered in Palo
Alto, CA.
Link: i.TV (to be available through the iPhone App Store)
Edovia Introduces TouchPad 1.0 for iPhone and iPod
touch
PR: Edovia announces its 7th app, TouchPad 1.0 for iPhone and
iPod touch. TouchPad is a remote trackpad and keyboard package that
lets you control any Mac remotely. Tired of having a keyboard and a
mouse laying around in your living room? Get rid of that lousy setup
with TouchPad! Use your iPhone or your iPod touch to remotely control
you computer through WiFi. With TouchPad's intuitive use, you'll feel
right at home if you have already used a track pad on a MacBook. It's
almost like having a micro laptop in your hands/
Feature Highlights:
- Super-easy setup
- Modifier keys (Ctrl, Option/Alt, Cmd, Shift)
- Tab, Esc keys included
- 1 finger, 2 finger and 3 finger gestures
- Vertical, horizontal scrolling
- Swipe left or right with 3 fingers (Back and Forward)
- Horizontal and vertical orientation supported
- Pad still works while keyboard is visible
- Easy to use Connection Manager
Requirements:
- Supports with OS X 10.5 (Leopard), OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
- Windows and Linux NOT supported
- Connects through a WiFi connection and Bonjour
- Screen Sharing or VNC server required
- English keyboards supported
- iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS, iPod touch (1st & 2nd gen)
TouchPad 1.0 is $3.99 and available exclusively through the App
Store. Promo codes available upon request.
Link: TouchPad (available through the iPhone App Store)
Accessories
2-in-1 Stereo Speaker/Headphone System Goes from
Private to Party
PR: Up until now, personal headphones meant an isolated
experience, and for subway rides, visiting in-laws, and plane trips,
that's a welcomed relief. But what happens when you want to turn a
personal reverie into a portable party?
That
solution is now here as iHome, a leading supplier of innovative
iPod/iPhone speaker solutions, today introduced the iHMP5 2-in-1 Stereo
Speaker/Headphone System. The first, over-the-ear headphone offering
from iHome, the iHMP5 is unique among other headphones as it is fitted
with an inline pre-amp that when activated can fill a room with stereo
sound.
"At iHome, we continue to drive innovation throughout our product
line by imagining new interpretations of product categories and
applying creative design options to make them a reality," said Evan
Stein, vice president of Marketing, iHome. "Our iHMP5 is a perfect
example of this as we completely change the way people view headphones
by allowing them to turn it into a portable speaker system."
The
iHMP5 allows users to configure the unit in two ways: as a personal set
of headphone to listen to music privately, or as a speaker system to
share the fun with friends. Available in three fashionable colors, the
iHMP5 is outfitted with a lightweight, adjustable headband and full
360-degree padding on the ear-cups for noise isolation, making the
private listening experience both comfortable and clear. However, for
those times when sharing is a must, consumers can simply activate the
battery powered amplifier and the stereo sound is there for
everyone.
The iHMP5 is currently available for purchase at The Apple Online
Store and on ihomeaudio.com
for a suggested retail price of $59.99.
iHome supports its franchise with national print, broadcast and
online advertising campaigns, and the company's products can be found
worldwide in over 56 countries or on the Web.
The iHMP5 is currently available through Amazon.com:
Link: iHMP5
Micro Boombox Style Speaker for iPod/iPhone
PR: Most iPods don't have a speaker, although the iPod touch
2nd Gen and iPhone 3G (even iPhone 3Gs has a built-in speaker, it is
still mono). Want a method to enhance your iPhone/iPod with a stereo
speaker?
Here you are!
Features:
- Battery Free, powered by iPod
- Stereo output
- Drag power directly from iPhone/iPod, no batteries required.
- ideal to share music and video anywhere and anytime
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Audio input: Apple Dock connector
- Easy access to volume control
This accessory is compatible with:
- iPhone 2G (or iPhone 1st Generation)
- iPhone 3G ( or iPhone 2nd Generation)
- iPhone 3GS
- iPod touch 1st
- iPod touch 2nd
- iPod classic (6G)
- iPod nano 4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st
- iPod mini
- etc...
Specifications:
- Weight 19g (approximately)
- Dimensions: 62mm W x 15mm D x 30mm H
$31.99
Link: USB Fever Retro Cassette Stereo Mini Speaker for
iPod/iPhone
RadTech Styloid v2.0 Stylus for Touch Screens
PR:
Patterned after a fine writing instrument, Styloid allows precise
control of both touch screen interfaces and the small buttons found on
modern digital devices. Useful for users with large fingers or long
nails who typically have difficulty manipulating small target screen
elements and buttons. Even works while wearing gloves.
Styloid features a rugged, hard-anodized aluminum barrel with
polished stainless steel accents and pocket clip. Striking in
appearance, Styloid is finished in satin black, and is free of any
sharp edges which could scratch the device being controlled.
Features:
- Finely-styled instrument for manipulating touch screens and/or
small buttons
- Perfect for users with large fingers, long nails or while wearing
gloves
- Provides precision control for for iPhone, iPod touch and
others
- Solidly constructed from anodized aluminum and polished stainless
steel
- Free of sharp edges which could damage or scratch touch
screens
- Features a secure, polished stainless pocket clip
Price: $14.95
Link: Styloid v2.0 Stylus
New iPod/iPhone Accessories for Charging,
Playback, and Sync Flexibility
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) has
announced two new products in its iPod/iPhone accessories line: the
NewerTech 3 in 1 Audio/Sync/Charging Cable and the NewerTech Auto
Charger & USB Sync/Charging Cable. The two new accessories join an
award winning line of other accessories to provide iPod and iPhone
owners more functionality, flexibility, and enjoyment from their
devices.
Available immediately for $14.99 MSRP in a choice of white or black
color, the NewerTech 3 in 1 Audio/Sync/Charging Cable allows Dock
Connector equipped iPod, iPhone, and iPhone 3G/3GS users to:
- play music through any Auxiliary input equipped car stereo,
computer, or portable speakers
- update or download pictures, music, and/or videos via Mac, PC, or
content portals like iTunes
- charge via any Mac or PC USB port
Available immediately for $19.99 MSRP in a choice of white or black
color, the NewerTech Auto Charger & USB Sync/Charging Cable allows
Dock Connector equipped iPod, iPhone, and iPhone 3G/3GS users
to:
- charge via any vehicle's 12 volt Power Accessory outlet or any Mac
or PC USB port
- update or download pictures, music, and/or videos via Mac, PC, or
content portals like iTunes
Link: NewerTech 3 in 1 Audio/Sync/Charging Cable
Link: NewerTech Auto Charger & USB Sync/Charging Cable
Protection
2 New iPhone 3G/3GS Cases from iPhone CAZE
PR: iPhone
CAZE has announced D Stripe and Color Shine, two new styles of its
Leather series and Style series for iPhone 3G/3GS. D Stripe features
distinctive diagonal stripe texture, perfect for matching with your
stylish iPhone 3G/3GS. It is tough and durable, providing you with a
good hand feeling.
Color Shine features 6 charming colors and is made out of
top-quality plastic providing a soft, warm glow and good protection for
your iPhone 3G/3GS.
In addition to
D Stripe and Color Shine, CAZE also offers other high quality and
stylish iPhone cases including Mirror Go/Metallic series and Slim
Fit/Leather series. All products are well tested and packed in an
aluminum foil bag and a gift box for shipment.
CAZE designs and manufactures high quality, fashionable and unique
iPhone cases for iPhone 3G/3GS in a wide assortment of styles and
colors. iPhone CAZE offers a variety of cases of different materials
from leather, metallic, fabric, silicone to Swarovski crystal.
Starting from today till end of August, customers purchase any case
from iPhone CAZE website will get special gifts that worth up to $35.
Buy now to receive an extra iPhone case (value $20) or a Swarovski
Crystal Apple logo (value $20). Also, a free Mirror Screen Protector
(value $12.99) and a Mircofiber Cleaning Cloth (value $2) are included
for free for every order.
This promotion ends on August 31st. Free shipment and online order
tracking are available. Products will be shipped within 24 hours during
weekday and 30 Days Money Back Guarantee is provided.
Link: iPhone CAZE
Marware CEO Premiere+ for iPhone 3G/3GS
PR: Marware Inc. has announced the CEO Premiere+ for the
iPhone 3G/3GS. The CEO Premiere+ is Marware's latest eco-leather
carrying solution for the iPhone. It includes a hard shell case, which
protects the sides and back of the iPhone for an added layer of
coverage.
Try on
this executive style, premium hip case for your iPhone 3G/3GS with a
bonus hard shell included. Made from high quality eco-leather, the CEO
Premiere+ is an environmentally friendly carrying solution. The durable
Velcro™ flap keeps your iPhone secure and won't cause antenna
interference like magnet style cases. The attached belt clip is so low
profile and unobtrusive that you can easily slip the case into a
pocket, purse, or briefcase. The included hard shell protects the sides
and back of the iPhone for an added layer of coverage. The shell can be
used alone or kept on your iPhone inside the hip case for maximum
protection.
What's so great about eco-leather? The tanning process used to make
this leather uses less toxins than traditional leather tanning. This
minimizes toxic runoff into the ground and water tables. Throughout the
entire process, the leather remains RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous
Substances) compliant. No chlorine, no sulfuric acid, and no
petroleum/chemical based dyes. This is real leather, without the
environmental impact of standard tanning and dying processes.
The shell can be used alone, or kept on the iPhone while it's inside
the hip case for added protection. The attached low profile belt clip
adds no bulk and allows you to easily slip the case into a pocket,
purse, or briefcase. The durable Velcro closure keeps the iPhone
secure. The CEO Premiere+ also comes with Marware's Lifetime
Warranty.
Features:
- Eco-leather hip case with included hard shell
- Built-in, slim belt clip for bag and belt attachment
- Eco-leather minimizes harmful tanning chemicals and dyes
- Includes: Eco-leather hip case, hard shell, clear screen protector,
cleaning cloth and Marware's Lifetime Warranty.
The CEO Premiere+ is available in perforated, black eco-leather. It
retails for $39.99 and is shipping now. To learn more about Marware's
eco-friendly products, please visit Marware online. Marware is a
leading provider of software and accessory solutions for Apple iPhones,
iPods, and notebooks.
Link: CEO Premiere+ for iPhone 3G/3GS
Marware SportShell Convertible for iPhone
3G/3GS
PR: Marware Inc. has announced the SportShell
Convertible for the iPhone 3G/3GS is now shipping. With an added
detachable armband and belt clip, the SportShell Convertible is a
cleverly designed 3-in-1 carrying solution. It is a tough hard shell
case, an armband case, and a belt clip case that provides the freedom
to take the iPhone anywhere.
The armband allows the iPhone to rest securely and comfortably on
your arm while you go for a walk, jog or the gym. Remove the armband
and insert the belt clip, which doubles as a stand. Remove the clip and
the SportShell Convertible easily slips into a pocket, purse or bag.
The SportShell Convertible also comes with Marware's Lifetime
Warranty.
Features:
- Armband case, clip case, or slim pocket case - interchangeable
parts
Quick release/attach armband design prevents perspiration from
getting into iPhone- Securely clip to waistband, belt, or armband
- Clip locks in place to become a stand
- Interchangeable pieces offer maximum versatility
- Includes: Hard shell case, clip, flat back piece, armband, clear
screen protector and cleaning cloth
The SportShell Convertible is available in black and retails for
$44.99 and is shipping now. Please visit Marware for additional
information. Marware is a leading provider of software and accessory
solutions for Apple iPhones, iPods, and notebooks.
Link: SportShell Convertible for iPhone 3G/3GS
Chinese Opera Face Pattern Plastic Hard Case for
iPhone 3G/3GS
PR: Frank writes to say he's addicted to gadgets & gizmos
and finds this Beijing Opera Mask Style iPhone 3G/ 3GS Case cool and
creative. Frank elaborates:
"I've never really known anyone heavily or remotely into Beijing
opera, but if you are, this is the hard plastic case for you. It makes
a statement about a unique artistic interest, and you're not blowing
your money on a common version of protective cover for your iPhone 3G/
3Gs. You can purchase it for $3.99 from Uxsight."
If you finally hold and own your precious iPhone 3G/ 3Gs, why don't
dress it a little with this Chinese Beijing opera mask styled iPhone 3G
cases?
Description:
- Chinese Opera Face Pattern Plastic Hard Case for iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3G Hard Case with elegant and fashionable design, elegant
Chinese opera face pattern inlaying it
- This Opera Face 3G Case is made from high quality and durable
plastic materials, protects your phone from dust, fingerprints,
scratches and bumps.
- Plastic Hard Case for 3G molds perfectly to the iPhone 3G's shape
and highlight its beauty while providing full access to all
controls.
- This form fitting snap on iPhone 3G Plastic Case is designed to
offer all-around external surface protection to your iPhone without
compromising usability.
- 3G Cover provides the maximum protection available while allowing
easy access to keypads, camera and side buttons port.
- Easy to install, Snap-on. No tools needed.
- Compatible with Apple iPhone 3G.
- This is a non-OEM generic product.
- Apple iPhone 3G is not included.
- Weight: 16g
Price: $3.69
Shipping Fee:
- $5.49 first item
- $2.39 any additional item
Link: Chinese Opera Face Pattern Plastic Hard Case for iPhone
3G/3GS
