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News, Reviews, & Opinion
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These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
End of the iPod Era?
The Guardian's Charles Arthur says that sales of Apple's music
player are heading for a long-term decline that could affect digital
music downloads, and he speculates as to whether connectivity - WiFi,
mobile phone, Bluetooth, or all three - could alter that.
Arthur's article is a concise history of the digital music player
phenomenon and muses that the idea that you might be able to do even
more with the device - as the iPhone and iPod touch have demonstrated
through Apple's online App Store - raises the bar
Link:
End of the iPod Era? Have Sales Peaked?
Worried That Your Cellphone Is Harming You?
ZD Net's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says he's been using cellphones for
more than 15 years, but noticing that lately hardly a week goes by
where he doesn't come across a study or report suggesting that using
(or sometimes even just holding) a cellphone could be causing him
harm.
Kingsley-Hughes's inference is that there's very little science
behind much of what is being said, but adds that when there's any sort
of widespread liability issue that even touches on big business,
there's a vested interest in keeping everything as muddy and unclear as
possible.
Link: Are You Worried That Your
Cellphone Is Harming You?
Pong Radiation Shielding Case for iPhone 3G/3GS
Reviewed
Test Freaks' Tomas Ratas has posted a thorough review of the Pong
Research Pong Case for iPhone 3G/3GS, noting that:
"Radiation in the movies and comic books may seem cool as it may
provide superpowers such as the Fantastic Four or the Hulk. In real
life radiation and prolonged exposures is known to cause cancer. This
past August saw the publishing of Cellphones and Brain Tumors: 15
Reasons for Concern; a document authored by forty leading scientists
warning about the use of cell phones and their emission of
radiation.
"Pong Research is a new company whose focus is on improving
environmental health. This past week they released their first product
the Pong Case for iPhone 3G/3GS. This is a protective case is designed
to reduce the user's exposure to radiation emanating from the cell
phone. It is a silicon case designed with proprietary technology that
directs the phone radiation away from the user's head....
"In 2004, the FCC conducted an investigation of numerous products
claiming to reduce cellphone radiation. All claims were found to have
no scientific basis. Pong is the first product to meet international
testing standards for SAR reduction and has been verified by industry
leading laboratory Cetecom to reduce SAR for the iPhone 3GS in the
WCDMA 1900 by over 60%."
Also see Pong iPhone Case Reduces Cell Phone
Radiation by 60%.
Link: Pong
Radiation Shielding Case for iPhone 3G/3GS Reviewed
Apps & Services
Free App Enables Millions of iPhone and iPod touch
Users Worldwide to Make Free Calls
PR: Witel Corp. has announced that its application, Witel for
iPhone, will be available on the Apple App Store beginning today. The
app also adds Witel service to any second generation iPod touch with a
compatible headset and microphone.
The Witel application transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into a
global mobile phone that allows you do the following from anywhere in
the world with a WiFi network:
- Make Free Witel-to-Witel calls from any WiFi zone.
- Make Calls to non-Witel phones in 48 countries for only $19.99 a
month.
- Receive calls to your Witel number anywhere in the world for
Free.
The Witel application is a perfect addition for home users who want
to save money on their phone bills, businessmen who travel often and
are sick of paying roaming charges, or families who wish to keep in
touch with their loved ones for free.
Witel users now have the choice of either buying a Witel Jetter for
only $59.99 or downloading the Witel application to their iPhone or
iPod touch.
"We are excited to be launching our iPhone application and placing
Witel into the pockets of millions of people around the world who are
carrying iPhone and iPod touch devices," said Gary Tsitron, Witel's
Chief Executive Officer. "A Witel application for the iPhone has been
the leading request from our users so we worked hard to deliver one in
record time."
A Video demonstrating the Witel iPhone Application and its various
uses can be viewed on our website at witel.com.
The Witel application for the iPhone or iPod touch will be available
for free from Apple's App Store on both devices.
Link: Witel
Pioneer Unleashes the Power of Its In-Dash
Navigation Systems with Free App
PR: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. releases its first iPhone
application created for use with Pioneer's new AVIC-U310BT and
AVIC-Z110BT in-dash navigation systems. Pioneer's AVIC FEEDS App
establishes a link between the Apple and Pioneer products, letting
iPhone owners find points of interest or search for destinations ahead
of time on their phone and easily access them via Bluetooth from their
Pioneer navigation systems. This eliminates the need to jot down or
manually enter address information into the Pioneer unit and allows
drivers to receive convenient turn-by-turn voice guidance while still
being able to use their iPhone for other purposes.
Through independent research, Pioneer discovered that a significant
percentage - more than 22 percent - of registered Pioneer navigation
system owners also own and use an Apple iPhone.
"We are continually looking for ways to enhance a driver's
experience by providing high quality navigation and entertainment
products that incorporate convenience and safety features," said Ted
Cardenas, director of marketing for the mobile business group of
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "After researching what technologies and
consumer electronics products our registered owners embrace, we
identified a natural opportunity to integrate the features and
functions of our navigation systems with Apple's iPhone."
Ways to Navigate:
- POI Search - Points of interest (POI) searched through Pioneer's
AVIC FEEDS App can be selected by simply choosing the pin drop of the
desired location
- Take a Photo - Photos taken on an iPhone that are geotagged with
geographical metadata such as location coordinates can be saved for
future use as a POI
- Saved Photos - Geotagged photos sent to users or photos from the
Internet can be used as a POIs
Destinations created from a POI search or geotagged photos are
converted as a phone contact to the navigation system via Bluetooth.
Once the phone book is synchronized, the routable contacts are
identified by a unique icon that appears next to the contact in the
navigation system. By selecting that contact, Pioneer's navigation
system will calculate a route and provide turn-by-turn guidance to that
location.
Value of Convenience:
AVIC-U310BT and AVIC-Z110BT owners who want to take immediate
advantage of these convenient features can download the Pioneer AVIC
FEEDS App for free from their iPhone at pioneerelectronics.com or the
iTunes store.
Consumers who have not yet invested in a navigation system or an
iPhone can purchase these products for under $700 - the AVIC-U310BT
($599) and iPhone ($99), plus subscription and other fees associated
with the Apple device. Pioneer's AVIC-U310BT is the best value in
in-dash navigation, offering robust, full-featured route guidance, CD
playback and the convenience of built-in Bluetooth for handsfree
calling and iPod/ iPhone control.
The AVIC FEEDS App is also fully compatible with the AVIC-Z110BT
($1,599), Pioneer's flagship in-dash navigation AV receiver featuring
DVD playback, built-in Bluetooth, voice recognition, text-to-speech
guidance, an advanced touch screen interface and more.
Link: Pioneer Electronics
Earn-O-Meter iPhone App Offers Humorous Alternative
to Economic Anxiety
PR: For many, any job is better than no job in a poor
economy. The Earnometer iPhone application by Wry Apps is designed to
help good employees endure unpleasant work situations.
The Earnometer allows users to track income as it is earned in real
time, right down to the millionth of a dollar, while sitting through
pointless meetings, dull conference calls and inane conversations with
nitwits in the workplace. The Earnometer app is a humorous presentation
of a common but unspoken reality - many people work because the money
they earn outweighs the aggravation of their workplace.
EoMScreenShot.png
The brainchild of two technology industry veterans, the Earnometer
was originally built as a way to alleviate anxiety from a brief
consulting stint at a failing company. They needed comic relief.
Amid impending business failure at the company, the two came to the
realization that their coworkers were staying aboard only because they
needed the income. If they could humor themselves, they could better
endure the deteriorating situation.
Thus the Earn-O-Meter was hatched. Initially built as an in-joke
amongst a few office friends, the new Earnometer iPhone app calculates
and displays user's income six digits to the right of the decimal
point. Updating in real time down to the millionth of a dollar, figures
whiz by almost faster than the human eye can perceive. The effect is as
intended - Earnometer users visualize that a 20 minute meeting with an
annoying coworker may be unpleasant, yet is also profitable. A mindless
three hour conference call nets real money. Workday rough spots are
mitigated when one can see daily earnings piling up with stopwatch
quickness and accuracy.
"Work can be both satisfying and aggravating," says Wry Apps
President Stephen Brown. "Almost everyone goes through experiences at
work that challenge one's ability to remain sane. The Earnometer uses
humor to defuse otherwise intolerable workplace moments," according to
Brown.
More information about the Earnometer is on Twitter, YouTube, and
Facebook.
Link: Earn-O-Meter
ICS Mobile Introduces Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense
for iPhone and iPod touch
PR: ICS Mobile has announced that Navy Patrol: Coastal
Defense is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch. Navy Patrol:
Coastal Defense for iPhone and iPod touch is a hybrid application which
brings several new layers to the Tower Defense genre by incorporating
Role playing game (RPG) and real time strategy (RTS) elements into a
highly realistic water based environment powered by ICS' AWS Fluid
Simulation Engine.
The development process for Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense was a real
challenge since we needed to simultaneously develop a fluid simulation
engine, an open path tower defense game as well as a completely new RPG
inspired experience points system
Our main objective was to reinvigorate the tower defense genre by
bringing a more intense and engaging gaming atmosphere to players.
We wanted to provide players with a multitude of tactical elements
which will give them the freedom to personalize their game
strategy.
ICS Mobile announced today that Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense is now
available for the iPhone and iPod touch. Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense
for iPhone and iPod touch brings several new layers to the Tower
Defense genre by incorporating RPG and RTS elements into a water based
environment supported by the company's AWS Fluid Simulation Engine.
Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense contains hundreds of hours of gameplay
which will be prolonged by regular maps and specials updates. The
studio also announced that as a special offer, Navy Patrol: Coastal
Defense is available for the introductory price of $2.99 for the first
48 hours before it moves to its standard price of $4.99.
"The development process for Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense was a real
challenge since we needed to simultaneously develop a fluid simulation
engine, an open path tower defense game as well as a completely new RPG
inspired experience points system," said Joe Bayen, CEO at ICS
Mobile.
Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense for iPhone and iPod touch includes a
variety of unique features such as a "Turret Targeting System" which
gives players the freedom to micromanage each individual turret during
gameplay as well as a "Skills Tree System" which unlocks a variety of
weapon specials ranging from missile barrages,B52 air raids and Tsunami
waves to the unique "Touch-guided" satellite laser attack and
accelerometer-controlled storm special.
"Our main objective was to reinvigorate the tower defense genre by
bringing a more intense and engaging gaming atmosphere to players",
said Andrew Zeck lead programmer on Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense. "We
wanted to provide players with a multitude of tactical elements which
will give them the freedom to personalize their game strategy."
A social gaming environment was also embedded within the application
with a full integration of Facebook Connect. Nonetheless, ICS Mobile
will also remain fully engaged with its gaming community through the
Navy Patrol game forum. The forum is designed to be an exchange
platform where Navy Patrol enthusiast can share their gaming experience
as well as game tips and scores. The game forum will also provide a
direct connection to ICS Mobile's development team which welcomes
feedback as well as suggestions for new maps and specials for upcoming
game updates.
Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense is the first installment of the Navy
Patrol series, the studio states that each upcoming titles will use the
AWS engine as a core platform, however each game will possess its own
distinctive strategic theme and gameplay.
Navy Patrol: Coastal Defense for the iPhone and iPod touch is now
available worldwide via Apple's App Store for $2.99 for the first 48
hours and $4.99 thereafter.
Link: Navy
Patrol: Coastal Defense
enthusem App Lets Users Take Photos with iPhone and
Send Them as Greeting Card
PR: Haneke Design announced the enthusem iPhone application
at the prestigious DEMOfall 09 software show in San Diego, CA. Haneke
Design collaborated with ProspectSmarter, Inc., also based in Tampa, to
mobilize the web application version of enthusem for the iPhone.
ProspectSmarter, Inc.'s enthusem, which has attracted thousands of
users during its beta release, makes it fast and easy to send real
printed greeting cards that seamlessly integrate online content.
"We're very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Steve
Tingiris and the ProspectSmarter team to mobilize the enthusem web
application," said Jody Haneke, founder and president of Haneke Design.
"They created a well-defined, open API that was so easy for us to work
with. We completed our iPhone app a month ahead of schedule and it will
be available in the AppStore for anyone to download and enjoy this
month."
Enthusem cards contain a personal message and image, so the cards
are printed one-at-a-time and mailed every business day that the postal
service operates.
The printed greeting cards are mailed in a premium vellum envelope
with first class postage speeding them along to just about any place in
the world. There is no sign-up fee or monthly subscription for personal
enthusem accounts. Users simply create an account and pay for cards as
they send them or purchase credits in bulk at a discounted rate.
Haneke Design has extensive experience in mobilizing web
applications in the form of installed iPhone applications as well as
optimized mobile web sites. The firm's deep knowledge of Apple's
technical requirements for iPhone applications has made them a go-to
resource for some of the country's top brands. Additionally, Haneke
Design has met the challenge of delivering web content to the vast
majority of handsets in use today.
Link: Haneke
Design
An Easier Way to Share iPhone Photos (WiFi and
FTP)
PR: PhotoList version 2.0 brings more options for sharing
your photo albums, including the ability to transfer pics to and from
your computer via FTP. It's now even easier to save and share pictures
from your iPhone.
Other new features include:
- Email multiple pictures right from PhotoList
- View pictures on the Web through any browser, via WiFi
connection
- Facebook integration
- Screensaver which rotates through photo collection.
The app is still $1.99 and version 2.0 is available now in
iTunes.
Link: PhotoList
Mariner Software Releases Mariner Calc 2.0 for
iPhone
PR: Mariner Software, developers and publishers of
professional and personal software, have announced the immediate
availability from the App Store, Mariner Calc 2.0. Significant in this
version is the systemwide cut, copy and paste, as well as the ability
to email (outgoing) files. All of the new features in Mariner Calc 2.0
have been tested and function on the iPhone 3.0 and 3.1 operating
system.
Whether an enterprise, small business or home user in need of access
to Excel files on an iPhone or iPod touch, Mariner Calc is the perfect
solution. View and edit native Excel files .xls Excel 97 and higher,
supports multiple sheets and wirelessly transfers files. Mariner Calc
for iPhone includes 24 math functions, 18 finance functions, 17 trig
functions, 13 statistics functions, 14 lookup functions plus logic,
date, text and info functions and more. It also supports splitting
panes and freezing, as well as creating borders and changing fonts,
colors and alignment. Landscape and portrait views are both
available.
Other features included in 2.0:
- Named range support
- Find and replace
- Sort ascending or descending
- Password protected WiFi web based file server - Settings for User
info
- Settings for email options
- Settings for startup behavior
- New temp file system for quick saves of large files
Mariner Calc is now available for purchase from the App Store for
$6.99. It is a free upgrade for all Mariner Calc customers who have
purchased 1.X and requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later. For more information
visit the Mariner Calc for iPhone product page at the Mariner Software
web site.
Link: Mariner Calc for
iPhone
BitWink Introduces Zoom Lens 1.0 for iPhone
PR: BitWink introduces Zoom Lens 1.0, their new digital
camera zoom for iPhone. Offering precise pinch-to-zoom control of the
real-time camera view, Zoom Lens 1.0 brings an 8x digital photo zoom to
the iPhone with automatic sharpening of the resulting photo and
full-resolution output.
Using a beautifully minimalist interface, Zoom Lens 1.0 offers a
user experience that will be instantly familiar to iPhone photography
enthusiasts. Presented with the familiar camera interface augmented
with a retro-analog zoom indicator, the user simply pinches the live
preview to set the level of desired zoom. 3GS users can continue to
single-tap to set the focus point at any zoom level. When the shutter
is pressed an automatically-sharpened preview is displayed for the user
to pan and zoom across prior to saving.
"Zoom is a feature that every iPhone camera user wants. It's a bit
of a mystery why Apple don't include it as standard." said Matt
Farrugia, founder of BitWink. "There are alternatives available on the
App Store but we could see from the reviews that users weren't
satisfied with the experience being offered. We asked ourselves, if
Apple did zoom, what would it look like? It seems obvious that
pinch-to-zoom should be the metaphor, so that was our starting point,
and we kept it very simple, very focused from there. It's not a bells
and whistles app - just one thing, done really well."
Feature Highlights:
- Offers precise pinch-to-zoom control of the real-time camera
view
- Provides up to 8x digital zoom
- Saves in full-resolution output (e.g. 1536 x 2048 on the 3GS)
- Automatically displays a sharpened image in the post-capture
preview
System Requirements: Camera-enabled iPhone with iPhone OS 3.1 or
later
Zoom Lens 1.0 for iPhone may be purchased now for an introductory
price of $0.99 and is available exclusively through Apple's App
Store.
Link: Zoom Lens for
iPhone
Laridian PocketBible for iPhone
ZD Net's Matthew Miller reports:
"I go through quite a few mobile phones, but one of the main reasons
I always have made sure I had a Windows Mobile device at hand was so
that I could access and use Laridian's PocketBible application. Yes, an
application has been so important to me personally that I have
purchased and used devices just to be able to use that application. I
have been beta testing an application that I am very excited about and
am pleased to tell you all that PocketBible for the iPhone/iPod touch
is now available in the App Store for FREE...."
Link: Review: Laridian
PocketBible for the Apple iPhone
Pantone Turns iPhone into Color Studio on the
Go
PR:
Over the last several years, there has been a fundamental shift in the
way designers work - projects have become more digital, and inspiration
more spontaneous. Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global
authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the
design industries, today announced myPantoneT, an iPhone application
for the changing needs of today's designer. myPantone gives graphic,
digital, multimedia, fashion, interior and industrial designers the
freedom to capture, create and share Pantone Color Palettes - wherever
they go and whenever they find inspiration.
"myPantone marries the power of the iPhone with the inspiration of
Pantone Color Palettes, enabling designers to be creative whenever
inspiration strikes them. Providing a digital, portable design studio
and essential color tools at their fingertips, myPantone gives
designers the freedom to access Pantone Colors anywhere, without the
need to be in their office or carry around cumbersome guides," said
Andy Hatkoff, vice president of technology licensing for Pantone. "Now
with myPantone's Portable Color Memory™ in their pocket,
designers no longer need to agonize trying to recall an exact
color."
With myPantone, designers have access to all the Pantone Color
Libraries, including the Pantone Matching System for coated, uncoated
and matte stock; the Pantone Goe System for coated and uncoated stock;
Pantone Pastels for coated and uncoated stock; and the Pantone Fashion
+ Home Smart Color System. The application also enables designers to
easily create harmonious color palettes by finding complementary,
analogous and triadic combinations for selected colors.
myPantone
takes advantage of the iPhone's built-in camera to let designers
capture whatever inspires them - from architecture and street scenes to
fashion and nature. Colors can be extracted from any photo on the
iPhone and then matched to the closest Pantone Colors.
Once created, users can share color palettes with other iPhone users
and automatically post notification of new palettes to Facebook and
Twitter, attaching text notes and voice annotations to palettes when
posting. Color palettes can be emailed to colleagues and clients as
color patches, or as application-ready swatch files for use in design
applications including Adobe Creative Suite (.ase), CorelDraw and
QuarkXPress. Designers can also share their color palettes with other
designers by sending them to the Pantone-hosted Web site
mypantone.com
Each color swatch in myPantone includes sRGB, HTML and L*a*b*
values. Additionally, myPantone provides invaluable cross-referencing
color capabilities to make it simple for users to find similar colors
among the various Pantone Color Libraries. For example, users can
identify the Pantone Goe Color that most closely matches a given
Pantone Matching System Color.
Once you have created your color palettes you can then share them in
a variety of ways:
- E-mail an HTML image of your palette
- E-mail color palettes that can be used in the Adobe
- Creative Suite (.ase files), QuarkXPress® and CorelDraw
- Upload to the myPantone.com palette sharing web site
Other features include:
- Text and voice annotation of palettes
- Post notifications of new palettes to Twitter and Facebook
- GPS tagging of palettes
Requirements:
- Compatible with the iPhone or iPod touch mobile digital
devices
- Requires iPhone OS 3.0
Pricing, Availability and System Information
myPantone is available for download at the Apple iPhone App Store
for $9.99/€7.99/£6.99. myPantone is compatible with iPhone
OS 3.0 or higher, and can be used on the iPhone or iPod touch.
Link: myPantone
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Released for iPhone/iTouch
PR: Utility Warrior introduces The Tale of Peter Rabbit by
Beatrix Potter, their new children's animated audiobook for iPhone and
iPod touch. Designed specifically to leverage the iPhone's unique
abilities and peerless interface, The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a moving
audio book based on the classic children's story by Beatrix Potter.
This is the first in a series of the company's "moving audio" range of
audiobooks.
Peter is a naughty little rabbit who gets into trouble when he goes
into Mr. McGregor's garden and eats some of his vegetables.
Whether keeping the little ones occupied on journeys, or helping
them learn to read, The Tale of Peter Rabbit features a compelling
narrated story, with beautifully illustrated images based on the
originals by Beatrix Potter herself. Illustrations actually move around
and zoom in and out of the screen while they listen to the narration,
and offers a unique way to keep young children engaged. Additionally,
the application contains the full book, so once it is downloaded there
is no need for an Internet connection.
The story scrolls across the bottom of the screen with the current
word highlighted as it is read, and the story can be paused and resumed
at any time. The "Read to me" lets a child enjoy the timeless antics of
Peter Rabbit. The "I'll read" mode lets a child read at their own pace.
As they read the story for themselves, they just touch the word as they
read it; the illustrations will change with each chapter but they will
not be fully animated so that there is no visual distraction while they
read.
Feature Highlights:
- Compelling, animated Illustrations and story line
- Serves to help enhance reading skills for young children, 3 thru
6
- Two Modes for learning: "Read to me" and "I'll read"
- Does not require an Internet connection
"Young children are under-represented with apps in the app store,"
said Adrian Nelson, founder of Utility Warrior. "Based on my experience
with my own children, I know how important it is to stimulate a child
to learn to read - which must be just about the most important life
skill a parent can teach their child. In order to help children learn
to read and associate word sounds with letters, I felt it important to
highlight the word as they were being read in the narration and then
give the child the option of trying to read it at their own pace as
well without narration. So in the case of this audiobook, I wanted to
learn how to synchronize narration and images in a fun multimedia type
way - and the best way to learn something is to do it - and do it
well."
System Requirements:
- iPhone or iPod touch 2.2.1 or later
- 10.3 Mb
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is $1.99 and available
worldwide, exclusively through the App Store under the Books
category.
Link: The Tale of Peter
Rabbit
New Free Version of Comics by comiXology for
iPhone
PR: comiXology has just released a free version of its Comics
by comiXology app that includes all the free comics (30+). It's only if
you wish to become a comics consumer that will you need to buy the
version that offers in-app purchasing.
Link: Comics by
comiXology for iPhone
Books
iPod: The Missing Manual, Eighth Edition Coming in
November
PR: Get the scoop on iTunes 9 and all of the newest
iPods with this best-selling Missing Manual. Apple's gotten the world
hooked on portable music, pictures, and videos with its amazing
entertainment center, but one thing they haven't delivered is an easy
guide for getting the most out of it. That's where this book comes
in.
iPod: The Missing Manual, now in its 8th edition, provides a
no-nonsense view of the latest iPod line, including the tiny Shuffle,
the video-capable Nano, the high-capacity Classic, and the WiFi-enabled
Touch. With crystal-clear explanations and easy-to-follow color
graphics, the book provides expert guidance on all of the amazing
things you can do:
- Rev it up. Find out how to install iTunes and load music on your
iPod. And get advice on buying copy-protection-free songs from stores
like Amazon and Rhapsody
- Rock around the 'Pod. Learn everything from turning it on and off
to using the iPod Nano's nifty new video camera
- Get in iTunes. Choose the files from your iTunes library to load
onto your iPod, move your iTunes folder to a bigger hard drive, and add
album covers to your collection
- Play like a Genius. Let iTunes' Genius feature whip up smart
playlists from your library, and suggest songs from the iTunes Store
that fit with what you already own
- Feel the power. Download movies and TV shows, and learn how you can
begin to watch a show on your iPod and finish viewing it on your TV.
Play photo slideshows, find hot podcasts, and more
- Cruise the App Store. Soup up your iPod touch, from upgrading to
the latest version of the iPhone OS to installing the iTunes Store's
nifty new collection of programs, including games that turn the Touch
into a pocket arcade
Even if you don't have one of the brand new iPods, this Missing
Manual has plenty of information on iTunes 9, the App Store, and
everything else you'll want to know. iPod: The Missing Manual is as
useful, satisfying, and reliable as its subject.
- iPod: The
Missing Manual, Eighth Edition Released
- By J.D. Biersdorfer, David Pogue
- Available in November and for preorder now.
Purchase Link
The Best Camera Is the One That's With You: iPhone
Photography by Chase Jarvis
PR: World-renowned photographer and director Chase Jarvis
today announced the launch of an ecosystem - the first of its kind,
including a new book, a new app, and even a new online community -
centered around the idea that The Best Camera Is The One That's With
You. With the new iPhone application "Best Camera App" now available on
the App Store, an online photo-sharing community, and a book, this
unique project encourages photographers, both amateur and professional,
to explore and share their vision with the world. With only an iPhone
3GS in his pocket, Chase has an endless outlet for creative expression,
inspiration, and photography at the click of one button. As more than 2
million visitors discovered (in just 72 hours), when Chase Jarvis
published his first iPhone gallery, the iPhone is truly capable of
creating and sharing interesting and intriguing images.
The App: Best Camera
The Best Camera App allows users to creatively edit and share iPhone
images more simply than ever before. There's a unique set of filters
and effects that can be applied at the touch of a button. Stack them.
Mix them. Remix them. There are virtually infinite creative
possibilities.
The Community: TheBestCamera.com
The Best Camera App also allows users to share their images directly
with the world via Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, and
www.thebestcamera.com, a new online community where iPhone users can
contribute to a living, breathing gallery of iPhone photography from
around the globe. This virtual exhibition displays images uploaded by
Best Camera App users and lets them vote for the images they like.
The Book: The Best Camera Is The One That's With You
Chase has pulled a collection of his iPhone photography together
into an amazing visual journal. Proving the phrase he inadvertently
coined, The Best Camera Is The One That's With You, his new book
released by New Riders, part of the Peachpit family of creative
imprints, reveals what is possible with an iPhone camera. In The Best
Camera Is The One That's With You, each page displays a beautiful image
taken with his iPhone, with Chase sharing inspiring anecdotes.
"For me, this book has become a stake in the ground. With it, I hope
to underscore - perhaps even legitimize - the idea that an image can
come from any camera, even a mobile phone," said Chase Jarvis.
"Inherently, we all know that an image isn't measured by its
resolution, dynamic range, or anything technical. It's measured by the
simple - sometimes profound, other times absurd or humorous or
whimsical - effect that it can have upon us. If you can see it, it can
move you. I am proud of the ecosystem we've created: this book, this
app, and this community. Join us. I look forward to seeing your
pictures."
The Best Camera App is available for $2.99 from the App Store.
The book, The Best Camera Is The One That's With You: iPhone
Photography by Chase Jarvis, is now available at Peachpit.com,
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and other retailers
worldwide.
Readers can learn more about the app, the site, and the book at
TheBestCamera.com and by following Chase on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube,
and via his blog, chasejarvis.com/blog
A beacon of creativity with boundless energy, Chase Jarvis is well
known as a visionary photographer, director, and social artist. He is
widely recognized for re-imagining, examining, and redefining the
intersection of art and popular culture through still and moving
pictures. While commercial work for brands like Nike, Pepsi, Volvo,
Reebok, Apple, and Red Bull have earned him recognition from the
International Photography Awards, The Advertising Photographers of
America, Prix de la Photographie Paris, and numerous other industry
buzz centers, his recent push into personal work and fine art has
rapidly gained the attention of curators and art critics, mainstream
audiences, and celebrity circles worldwide. The online hub for Jarvis
and his work is at http://www.chasejarvis.com
Berkeley-based Peachpit has been publishing the industry's
best-selling books on the latest in graphic design, desktop publishing,
multimedia, Web design and development, digital video, digital
lifestyle, and all-things Mac-related since 1986. Its award-winning
books feature authors who are at the top of their field, pioneering new
techniques and new approaches. It is the home of the internationally
recognized Visual QuickStart Guide series, the design imprint New
Riders and its highly popular Voices That Matter series, and is the
publishing partner for Adobe Press, Kelby Training/NAPP, Apple
Certified, and others. Peachpit is part of Pearson, the international
media company. Pearson's primary operations also include the Financial
Times Group and the Penguin Group.
Link: The Best
Camera Is The One That's With You: iPhone Photography by Chase
Jarvis
Purchase Link
Accessories
Kensington's Power-free, Sound Amplified Cradle
Transforms Your iPhone into a Car Navigation System
PR: Kensington Computer Products Group has announced an
innovative new car mount with amplified sound for use with any iPhone
navigation application. The newest addition to the Kensington iPhone
accessory line of products allows iPhone users to easily navigate while
driving, as well as double the volume of turn-by-turn directions from
navigation applications. As the mobile professional need for navigation
capabilities increases, Kensington's new car mount combined with iPhone
navigation applications offers users a cost-effective alternative to
traditional Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
The Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle
for iPhone acoustically increases speaker volume without additional
battery drain to the iPhone, allowing drivers to easily navigate while
keeping their eyes on the road. The sounds amplifying cradle mounts in
seconds to a vehicle windshield or vent and holds an iPhone securely
even on the roughest terrain. Compatible with any navigation
application for iPhone, the cradle will be carried in all Apple stores
beginning in early November 2009.
"Kensington is delighted to once again offer a simple and affordable
solution that allows mobile professionals to turn their iPhone into a
navigation device," said Kensington Global Product Manager, Frederic
Frappeau. "According to Strategy Analytics research, worldwide GPS
enabled smartphone shipments are expected to increase 34 percent, from
57 million units in 2008, to 77 million units this year. Kensington
sees this trend as an opportunity to provide smart, personal
accessories that can make mobile professional travel that much easier
for a more productive lifestyle."
"Right positioning of the iPhone in the car is important for optimal
GPS reception, so the Kensington mount makes a great addition to our
app," said Gerhard Mayr, Vice President Worldwide Mobile Phones and New
Markets at NAVIGON. "In addition, NAVIGON's sought after text-to-speech
feature which clearly pronounces upcoming street names is a natural fit
with Kensington's Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle
for the iPhone."
Give your iPhone GPS, podcasts, and phone calls a sound boost. The
built-in amplification system in the cradle doubles the volume coming
from your iPhone speaker, making it easier to hear your turn-by-turn
directions, calls and more. The cradle mounts in seconds to the
windshield or vents and holds your iPhone securely even on the roughest
terrain.
Key Features of the Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Sound
Amplified Cradle for iPhone Include:
- Amplified Sound - Amplifies iPhone speaker for twice the volume
with no added battery drain for amplified turn-by-turn directions
- iPhone Compatible - Includes 4 sets of swappable rubber inserts to
fit iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone with or without a case
- Navigation Application Agnostic - Works with any navigation
application for iPhone (inclusive of Navigon , TomTom , and
others)
- Easy to Use and Driver Friendly - Insert or remove your iPhone from
the cradle simply, with one hand
- Convenient In-Car Access - Cradle pivots for vertical or landscape
modes and includes both windshield and vent mounts for preferred
proximity in vehicle
- Use for Hours on the Road - Provides a safe, secure mount on even
the roughest roads, and the flexible arms securely hold your iPhone -
even when in a case
The Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle
for iPhone will be available at all Apple stores beginning in early
November 2009.
Link: Kensington Windshield/Vent
Car Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle for iPhone
AT&T Releases 3G MicroCell
PR: AT&T 3G MicroCell acts like a mini cellular tower in
your home or small business environment. It connects to AT&T's
network via your existing broadband Internet service (such as DSL or
cable) and is designed to support up to four simultaneous users in a
home or small business setting. With AT&T 3G MicroCell, you receive
improved cellular signal performance for both voice calls and cellular
data applications like picture messaging and surfing the Web.
Device Features:
- Enhanced coverage indoors - supports both voice and data up to 5000
square feet
- Available unlimited minute plans - individual or FamilyTalk
plans.
- 3G handset compatible - works with any AT&T 3G phone.
- Supports up to four voice or data users at once.
- Device is secure - cannot be accessed by unauthorized users, easy
and secure online management of device settings
- Seamless call hand-over - start calls on your 3G MicroCell and
continue without interruption, even if you leave the building.
Device Requirements:
- 3G wireless phone/device
- Broadband service over DSL or cable
- Computer with Internet access for online registration
Additional Information:
Installing your device near a window is strongly recommended to
ensure access to Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS link is needed
to verify the device location during the initial startup.
The 3G MicroCell device is portable. The device may be moved,
provided the new location is within the AT&T authorized service
area and properly registered online.
Link: AT&T 3G
MicroCell
MoGo Talk
for iPhone Bluetooth Headset Charges Phone
PR: MoGo Talk for iPhone is the first Bluetooth headset that
can charge with your mobile phone and is capable of delivering superior
audio quality in an ultra-thin (5mm) design.
Mogo Talk's folding earpiece lays completely flat, enabling it to
store and charge on the back of a mobile phone or inside a laptop. The
MoGo Talk earpiece is specifically designed to comfortably fit inside
your ear, not around a clunky speaker like other Bluetooth
headsets.
Mono headset
- Size: 24mm X 50mm X 5mm
- Weight: 9 grams
- Thinness: 5mm
Talk time: Up to 4 hours- Standby time: Over one week
- Range: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Bluetooth Version 2.0 with Easy pair
- Echo Suppression
- Active Noise compensation
- Multiple eartips included
- Multiple storage and charging solutions available
Price: $129
Available for preorder now.
Product Delivery Expected September 2009.
Link: MoGo Talk for
iPhone
Protection
Pong iPhone Case Reduces Cell Phone
Radiation by 60%
PR: Pong Research, a new research-driven company developing
technologies to improve environmental health, has introduced the Pong
iPhone Case, a protective case that reduces users' exposure to
radiation from the phone's antenna. The Pong iPhone Case is a sleek
silicone skin containing a proprietary technology module that redirects
cell phone radiation away from the user's head.
The
Pong iPhone case is the first product proven by FCC-certified
laboratories to reduce cell phone radiation. The case reduces the
specific absorption rate (SAR, a mobile industry standard of
measurement) by 60% and reduces intense 'hotspot' cell phone radiation
(Electric Field Intensity) by 85%. The Pong iPhone case is immediately
available for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, retailing for $59.95
through www.pongresearch.com. A BlackBerry model will be available
later this year, with models for other devices to follow.
The Pong case merges high science and breakthrough technology with
contemporary industrial design. Its patented technology module employs
principles of antenna theory and physics to channel the emitted
radiation into a 'chimney effect,' pulling the radiation up and away
from the phone. Full signal strength is maintained, so that the phone's
function and battery life are not compromised. For more information on
the science of the Pong Effect, see 'How It Works' at:
http://www.pongresearch.com
"Because of my concern about the
effects of non-ionizing radiation on the human body, I arrived at the
position that redirecting this energy was the best approach," said Dr.
Alfred Wong, chief scientist of Pong Research, professor emeritus of
physics at University of California Los Angeles and director of HIPAS
Observatory in Alaska. "It took us a number of years of research into
putting the correct antenna structure in the case itself so that the
case would couple with the energy from the phone's internal
antenna."
With the number of cell phone users worldwide growing from only four
million in 1989 to over four billion in 2009, concerns about the link
between cell phone radiation and cancer have steadily mounted. The
French government in May banned the use of cell phones in elementary
schools citing the 'principle of precaution' regarding children's
vulnerability to cell phone radiation. In the United States, "Cell
Phones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern," a landmark document
signed by 40 leading scientists, was published in August.
"Similar to smoking a cigarette," said Dr. Wong, "one cigarette
won't kill you, but over years of exposure, the effect is cumulative.
Many people are concerned about cell phone radiation, but out of
necessity they continue to tolerate their own heavy usage. I think it's
a matter of balancing the fear against the need."
The Pong iPhone case is available now atpongresearch.com and retails
for $59.95. The Pong for BlackBerry will be available late 2009.
Link: Pong
Research
Case-Mate iPhone 3G/3GS ID Credit Card Cases
PR: Everyone knows less is more but less with more, that's a
breakthrough. This stylish new iPhone 3G/3GS protective case features
an ultra slim slot for bare necessities - ID, cash, debit or credit
card. For heading into work or out to the club, give your wallet a
break. Turns out sometimes, you can take it with you.
The iPhone 3G/3GS ID Case is the next wave in convenience
for lifestyle engineers. This stylish new iPhone 3G/3GS protective case
features an ultra slim slot for bare necessities - ID, cash, debit or
credit card. For heading into work or out to the club, give your wallet
a break. Turns out sometimes, you can take it with you.
ez-slide Film Application Instructions
Protect the back of your iPhone in 4 easy steps:
- Peel the ez-slide film from the backing.
- Line up the film to the back of your iPhone and apply the film to
the center working your way to the edges.
- Use the enclosed soft card to smooth out any air bubbles between
the iPhone and the ez-slide film.
- Once the ez-slide film has been applied, slide one side of your
iPhone into the case-mate ID Case, followed by the other.
The magnetic strip of the credit card should be facing towards the
phone when inserted into the ID Case. To remove a card, push up from
bottom of the case or push up from the top of your credit card.
Features:
- Easily fits 2 credit card size items of your choice
- Only 2.5 mm thicker than our slim, award-winning Barely There
case
- ez-slide protective film included
- Screen protection kit included protects your iPhone
- Access to all ports and controls
$29.99
Link: Case-Mate
iPhone 3G/3GS ID Credit Card Cases
CAZE Announces Argyle Love Shiny Case for iPhone
3G/3GS
PR: iPhone CAZE has released Argyle Love, a new style of its
metallic series for iPhone 3G/3GS. iPhone case has become part of a
fashion for iPhone users. In view of this, CAZE presents Argyle Love
for iPhone users to dress up his/her iPhone in this season's Hot Hues
& Styles. CAZE is creating new case styles by mixing colors and
pattern. In this new product, CAZE adorned a semitransparent shiny case
with decorative stitching in the traditional argyle pattern.
The Argyle Love features instantly-recognizable Argyle pattern and
is available in Silver Black/Silver. (This is a true Limited Edition as
only 250 cases of each color are available worldwide.) Traditional
pattern on a shiny case gives a mix 'n' match fashion style and
uniqueness possible.
Customers who buy any case from CAZE will get a Free Mirror Screen
Protector. To show your personality and uniqueness, take your pick from
the new series to fit your personality: Argyle Love/ Silver Black and
Argyle Love/ Silver. This series is available in Premium version and
will be released on 30th September.
iPhone 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. Products will be shipped within 24 hours during weekday and 30
Days Money Back Guarantee is provided.
Link:
Argyle Love
