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
Nexus One
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
US Court: iPod Hearing Loss Your Fault, Not
Apple's
The Register's Rik Myslewski reports:
"A US court has turned back an appeal of a 2008 ruling that declared
that if you blow out your ears by listening to your iPod too loudly,
it's your own damn fault.
"In a victory for common sense and personal responsibility, the
court sided with the iPod manufacturer in the case of Birdsong v.
Apple, Inc....
"Judge Thompson's ruling is akin to the commonsense understanding
that if you put your hand down a garbage disposal, then turn it on, you
can't blame the disposal's manufacturer if your new nickname is
'Stumpy' - especially if that manufacturer had warned you not to be
such a thorough chowderhead.
"Apple is off the hook, and the nanny state takes one in the teeth
thanks to the levelheadedness of one Northern California judge."
Your editor emphatically agrees with Myslewski's assessment of these
ludicrous nuisance litigation lottery torts. cm
Be sure to read iPhone App Relieves Ear Ringing
(Tinnitus) below. dk
Link: Court:
iPod Hearing Loss Your Fault, Not Apple's
Cut Your Risk from Cell Phone Radiation
Gannett News Service's Kim Komando answers the following reader
question:
"Question: I use Bluetooth headphones with my iPod touch. My son
said the headphones can cause cancer. Is there evidence to support
this?
"Answer: Before we discuss Bluetooth, let's talk about cell phones.
They emit radio waves, a form of radiation. This worries some
researchers. Despite dozens of studies, no definitive connection to
cancer has been made. Bluetooth headsets and headphones also use radio
waves. If you're really concerned, ditch Bluetooth. Try noise-isolating
canalphones. Learn more about them at: http://www.komando.com/news.
Link: Take
These Steps to Cut Your Risk from Cell Phones
Mount Your iPhone Like a Flash Drive
Mac Amour's Hedi Regaya says:
"Bored of that SSH solution to gain access via a FTP client to your
iPhone, or you just want to use your iPhone like a flash disk, here's
the tutorial on how to make your iPhone mount on your desktop just like
any disk you connect to your Mac."
Link:
Mount Your iPhone on Your Mac Just Like a Disk
What to Do If Your iPhone Develops a Problem
Tech Radar Tech Staff says:
"Restoring your iPhone is a bit extreme, but when all else fails
it's worth giving it a shot
"Unless you've got a dud unit, the iPhone hardly ever has any really
serious problems that can't be fixed by a few simple procedures (and
most don't require you to reinstall your music or apps).
"It's just a fact that with so many incredible features, once in a
while an app on the iPhone is going to get stuck - just like they do on
Mac OS X or Windows.
"In this iPhone troubleshooting guide, we'll take you through the
most common problems that can occur with the device and show you how to
resolve them. So, whether you're having problems with 3G or SMS,
booting or battery life, we're here to offer an answer to your
SOS."
Link: How to Fix
Your iPhone: What to Do If Your iPhone Develops a Problem
iPhone Hack for Bluetooth Keyboards
The Register's Bill Ray reports:
"Developers have managed to hack together a Human Interface driver
for the iPhone, allowing any Bluetooth keyboard to be used on
jailbroken iPhones.
"The software doesn't work in all applications, but does connect
most applications to the kind of travel keyboard which is making
laptops redundant, even if it can't do copy and paste just yet.
"The iPhone's soft keyboard might be OK for a pair of thumbs, but
touch typists prefer something physical to work with and Apple's
failure to support Bluetooth . . . is hard to
understand...."
Link: iPhone Gets
a Decent Keyboard
Use a Bluetooth Keyboard with Your iPhone
iClarified says:
"These are instructions on how to connect and use a Bluetooth
keyboard with your iPhone. This tutorial will use the BTstack Keyboard utility by Matthias Ringwald."
Link: How to Connect and
Use a Bluetooth Keyboard with Your iPhone [BTstack]
Nexus One
Google's Nexus One: A New Approach to Buying a
Mobile Phone
PR: Nexus One is an exemplar of what's possible on mobile
devices through Android - when cool apps meet a fast, bright and
connected computer that fits in your pocket
Android was developed with one simple idea: Open up mobile devices
to enable greater innovation that will benefit users everywhere.
We first executed on this vision a little over a year ago, when
we launched Android on one device with one operator in one country.
Today, we have 20 devices with 59 operators in 48 countries and 19
languages. And because Android is free and open source, it continues to
flourish. Android allows devices to be built faster, and at lower cost.
And anyone can build anything on top of the platform. This ultimately
benefits users.
To help adapt Android to the needs of consumers, we apply our
engineering resources to selected projects with handset makers and
operators. Together we have improved the rate and pace of innovation in
mobile phones. The volume and variety of Android devices today has
exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. And we believe we can
accelerate the pace of innovation further. So we thought: What if we
work even more closely with our partners to create devices which
showcase some of the great software technology we've been working on?
And what if we make those devices available for purchase through a new,
simple online web store from Google?
Well, today we're pleased to announce a new way for consumers to
purchase a mobile phone through a Google hosted web store. The goal of
this new consumer channel is to provide an efficient way to connect
Google's online users with selected Android devices. We also want to
make the overall user experience simple: a simple purchasing process,
simple service plans from operators, simple and worry-free delivery and
startup.
The first phone we'll be selling through this new web store is the
Nexus One - a convergence point for mobile technology, apps and the
Internet. Nexus One is an exemplar of what's possible on mobile devices
through Android - when cool apps meet a fast, bright and connected
computer that fits in your pocket. The Nexus One belongs in the
emerging class of devices which we call "superphones." It's the first
in what we expect to be a series of products which we will bring to
market with our operator and hardware partners and sell through our
online store.
Manufactured by HTC, the Nexus One features dynamic noise
suppression from Audience, Inc., a large 3.7" OLED display for deep
contrast and brilliant colors and a 1 GHz Qualcomm
Snapdragon™ chipset for blazing speeds. Running on Android 2.1,
the newest version of Eclair, the software includes innovations like a
voice-enabled keyboard so you can speak into any text field, fun Live
Wallpapers, a 3D photo gallery for richer media experiences and lots
more. Of course, it also comes with a host of popular Google
applications, including Gmail, Google Voice and Google Maps
Navigation.
Today, the web store allows you to purchase the Nexus One without
operator service or with service from T-Mobile USA. We expect to add
more operators, more devices and more countries in the future,
including Verizon Wireless in the US and Vodafone in Europe. To learn
more about the Nexus One, and our new web store, we recommend checking
it out for yourself by visiting www.google.com/phone. We look forward
to seeing how our new program and the Nexus One contributes to
accelerating innovation on mobile products for the benefit of users
worldwide.
Size and weight
- Height: 119mm
- Width: 59.8mm
- Depth: 11.5mm
- Weight:
- 130 grams w/battery
- 100g w/o battery
Display
- 3.7" (diagonal) widescreen WVGA AMOLED touchscreen
- 800 x 480 pixels
- 100,000:1 typical contrast ratio
- 1ms typical response rate
Camera & Flash
- 5 megapixels
- Autofocus from 6 cm to infinity
- 2X digital zoom
- LED flash
- User can include location of photos from phone's AGPS receiver
- Video captured at 720 x 480 pixels at 20 frames per second or
higher, depending on lighting conditions
Cellular & Wireless
- UMTS Band 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900)
- HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
- HSUPA 2 Mbps
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n)
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- A2DP stereo Bluetooth
Power And Battery
- Removable 1400 mAh battery
- Charges at 480 mA from USB, at 980 mA from supplied charger
- Talk time
- Up to 10 hours on 2G
- Up to 7 hours on 3G
- Standby time: Up to 290 hours on 2G Up to 250 hours on 3G
- Internet use
- Up to 5 hours on 3G
- Up to 6.5 hours on WiFi
- Video playback: Up to 7 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 20 hours
Processor
Operating System
- Android Mobile Technology Platform 2.1 (Eclair)
Capacity
- 512 MB Flash
- 512 MB RAM
- 4 GB Micro SD Card (Expandable to 32 GB)
Location
- Assisted global positioning system (AGPS) receiver
- Cell tower and WiFi positioning
- Digital compass
- Accelerometer
Additional features
- Haptic feedback
- Teflon coated back
- Second microphone for active noise cancellation
- SIM card slot
- Micro SD slot
- Proximity sensor
- Light sensor
- Graphics, Video And Audio
- Audio decoders: AAC LC/LTP, HE-AACv1 (AAC+), HE-AACv2 (enhanced
AAC+) Mono/Stereo standard bit rates up to 160 kbps and sampling rates
from 8 to 48 KHz, AMR-NB 4.75 to 12.2 kbps sampled @ 8 KHz, AMR-WB 9
rates from 6.60 kbit/s to 23.85 kbit/s sampled @ 16 KHz., MP3
Mono/Stereo 8-320 Kbps constant (CBR) or variable bitrate (VBR), MIDI
SMF (Type 0 and 1), DLS Version 1 and 2, XMF/Mobile XMF, RTTTL/RTX,
OTA, iMelody, Ogg Vorbis, WAVE (8-bit and 16-bit PCM)
Image
- JPEG (encode and decode), GIF, PNG, BMP
- Video: H.263 (encode and decode) MPEG-4 SP (encode and decode)
H.264 AVC (decode)
- Audio encoders: AMR-NB 4.75 to 12.2 kbps sampled @ 8 KHz
Link: Nexus
One
Nexus One vs. iPhone, Droid & Palm Pre - Total
Cost of Ownership
BillShrink's Erik Chang reports:
"...we decided in typical BillShrink fashion, we would take a look
at the overall total cost of ownership of the Nexus One vs. iPhone vs.
Droid vs. Palm Pre. This is the first time that any phone has been
available for purchase unlocked and available for purchase at a
discounted rate with a T-Mobile Contract....
"So, here is what you've been waiting for, our total cost of
ownerships comparison of the Nexus One up against the rest!"
On the plus side: Lower cost of ownership than the iPhone, contract
free service, lowest cost unlimited usage plan. On the minus: Only 4 GB
of storage, a lot less apps available, and T-Mobile service means
very
limited 3G coverage.
Link:
Nexus One vs. iPhone, Droid & Palm Pre - Total Cost of
Ownership
Apps & Services
iPhone App Relieves Ear Ringing (Tinnitus)
PR: Listening to music on an iPod at high volumes can cause a
nagging ring in the ears ("tinnitus"). Instead of taking the earbuds
off and waiting it out, tinnitus sufferers can now squelch the phantom
noise by listening to the tinnitus treatment provided by Excelltech's
Ringing Relief.
Inspired by a 2007 UCI
study touting the effectiveness of low frequency hums in
alleviating temporary tinnitus, Excelltech Mobile brings the low
frequency treatment to the iPhone and iPod touch. Ringing Relief lets
tinnitus sufferers choose from one of many of these hums which when
listened to for 90 seconds should cure the persistent ringing.
"My concert going friends always complain about their ears ringing",
said designer Ed Williams. "I used to tell them to stand further from
the speaker, now I have them listen to Ringing Relief."
Although not an excuse to endure loud noises, Ringing Relief will
help concert goers should they forget their earplugs and others who
encounter an unexpected noise that keeps their ears ringing. The best
"cure" is of course prevention, as noises that leave ears ringing could
also cause potentially permanent hearing loss.
Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or later
Ringing Relief is free and available worldwide exclusively through
the App Store in the Healthcare & Fitness category. A Pro version
is also available with more hums and without ads.
Link: Ringing
Relief (download link: Ringing
Relief, Ringing Relief Pro)
AutoStitch Brings Automated High Resolution
Panoramas to the iPhone
PR: Vancouver-based Cloudburst Research announces the
immediate availability of AutoStitch Version 2.0, which now creates
high-resolution images of up to 20 megapixels using the iPhone's own
camera. This extraordinary resolution is achieved by a fully automated
approach for seamlessly stitching together multiple images taken from a
single location.
With this major update, AutoStitch allows iPhone users to create
poster-quality images that can exceed those from even expensive
dedicated cameras. Despite its limited resolution, the iPhone is now
the most frequently used camera on popular photography sites such as
Flickr. AutoStitch allows iPhone users to create beautiful
high-resolution photos using the camera that they always carry with
them.
AutoStitch has previously gathered impressive reviews and an
enthusiastic user community for its ability to stitch wide-angle
panoramas from freehand images snapped in any order or arrangement from
a single location. Due to processing and memory restrictions of the
iPhone platform, previous versions of AutoStitch limited the final
resolution of the panorama to a similar size as a single iPhone image,
which is 3 megapixels on the iPhone 3GS and 2 megapixels on earlier
models. Cloudburst Research has recently developed faster stitching
algorithms and new methods for robust memory management on the iPhone,
which now allow for dramatically higher stitched resolutions while
still maintaining fast performance.
The new version of AutoStitch allows a user to choose their desired
resolution for stitching and the final maximum image size. On the
iPhone 3GS, the user can select a maximum final image size of up to 20
megapixels, which will be achieved when stitching 10 or more
overlapping images. Due to internal memory restrictions, the maximum
resolution on the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G is lower, at 5
megapixels, but this still more than doubles the camera resolution of 2
megapixels.
While some other iPhone apps attempt to expand a single iPhone image
to a higher resolution, they can add no new detail that was not in the
original image and therefore have limited utility to a photographer.
AutoStitch creates genuine high resolution images that extend the
capabilities of the iPhone camera into new territory.
AutoStitch brings professional quality photography to the iPhone by
providing two important capabilities: high-resolution imaging and
wide-angle photography. At the same time, its fully automated stitching
approach provides a user experience that has proven to be simple and
fun for even the casual user.
Device Requirements: Any iPhone with OS 2.2.1 or later
AutoStitch 2.0 is $1.99 and available worldwide exclusively through
the App Store in the Photography category. The full App Store name is
AutoStitch Panorama. Review copies are available to the media upon
request.
Link: AutoStitch (download link)
Gas Cubby by FRAM: Free Sponsored Release of a
Must Have iPhone App
PR: App Cubby and Honeywell Consumer Products Group
announce the release of "Gas Cubby by FRAM," a free, sponsored version
of App Cubby's critically acclaimed iPhone app Gas Cubby. All iPhone
and iPod touch owners can download the app and use it to optimize fuel
economy and better maintain their vehicle.
Gas Cubby was originally launched in the App Store in November of
2008 and has been refined and polished ever since. It was selected by
Apple as an "App Store Pick of the Week" and by CNN as one of the "Ten
Best iPhone Apps for Dad" on Father's Day. It has also received
hundreds of positive reviews from users and critics alike. The paid
version of Gas Cubby will continue to be available in the App Store for
those who would prefer to use the app without ads. Existing users of
Gas Cubby can upgrade to 2.1 and continue to use the app without
ads.
With a focus on ease-of-use, Gas Cubby by FRAM supports multiple
vehicles, and offers excellent charts for miles-per-gallon (MPG), gas
price, gas expenses, as well as service expenses. Advanced searching
and filtering allow for in depth analysis and will automatically
generate new charts based on the filtered data. Users may store vehicle
data, such as VIN, license plate, and insurance policy. Among Gas
Cubby's most helpful features are its customizable service
reminders.
Data fields can be turned on an off, allowing the user to enter as
much or as little information as necessary. Customizable tags allow
grouping or categorization of records. If further visualization or
analysis is needed, a few quick taps will create an Excel-compatible
(CSV) report. Once a report has been generated, it can be emailed to
anyone as an attachment using App Cubby's secure, custom mail
service.
Feature highlights include:
- Tracks gas mileage and vehicle maintenance
- Charts: MPG, stats, gas price, gas expenses, service expenses
- Customizable service reminders
- Supports multiple vehicles
- Store vehicle data: VIN, License Plate, etc.
- Data fields can be turned on and off in Settings
- Excel compatible email reports (CSV attachment)
- Easily search, sort, and filter records
- Customizable tags
- iPhone optimized online user manual
- International Units: MPG (US), MPG (Canada), MPG (UK), MPG
(Imperial), L/100km, gal/100mi (US), gal/100mi (Imperial), km/L, km/gal
(US), km/gal (Imperial), and mi/L
Link: Gas Cubby by FRAM (download link)
iPod classic, nano, and video Join List of
eReaders with Notescasts
PR: The iPod classic, nano, and video now join the Kindle and
nook as eReaders with Notescasts. iPod owners are downloading
Notescasts from a growing list of titles covering a broad range of
topics, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Pride and Prejudice,
Alice in Wonderland, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Top 10 Yosemite
Hikes, a Guide to Glacier National Park, Cycling Guides, Walt Disney
World, Walt Disney World Secrets, Disneyland Guide, and more.
While the Kindle, nook, and Sony eReader are working to introduce
themselves to the marketplace, the newest eReader comes to the table
with an already established base of over 100 million users worldwide
and, for many, a price far more agreeable - $0.
Add "eReader" to the list of features found with your iPod classic,
nano, and video. Offering interactive text, a color screen, and an
option to play video, all within the iPod's "Notes" feature, the iPod
offers readers a more interactive and engaging experience than that
found with existing eReaders.
The driving force behind this are the new "Notescasts"®, digital
books downloaded to the "Notes" feature included with nearly every iPod
in use worldwide today. Developed by TimeStream Software, Notescasts go
beyond conventional eBooks by including interactive text, much of which
is linked to related color photos, video, audio or additional
information. As an example, TimeStream Software's 200 page Walt
Disney World Guide Notescast links to nearly 150 corresponding
colorful photos throughout the text.
"I think iPod owners are going to be pleased to know they already
own an eReader and don't have to buy a new one for $260 or more." said
Mike Westby of TimeStream Software. "Even better, their existing iPods
offer superior music, video and color screen capability over that found
with other eReaders on the market."
iPod owners are downloading free and 99¢ Notescasts from a
growing list of titles covering a broad range of topics. Downloads are
available from the Notescasts website.
Requirements: Compatible with iPod classic, iPod video, and iPod
nano, both Windows and Macintosh formatted.
Link: Notescasts
TuTuneMe for iPhone: Customizable Music Player for
the Car
PR: PureBlend Software has released TuTuneMe 1.0 - a unique,
highly customizable, gesture-based music player app for iPhone and iPod
touch users - optimized to make listening in the car more convenient,
safe, and fun. From a distance, the app's interface is easy to see and
use. Intuitive gestures play/pause music, switch songs/playlists,
adjust volume, and much more. TuTuneMe users can customize the app's
gesture actions and visual themes.
TuTuneMe's author, Cliff Joyce, cites driving as his inspiration for
the app: "My iPhone is my car stereo, so I wanted a music app that
could be readable from two feet away. I wanted to play, pause, and
change songs quickly using fullscreen, easy to remember, sloppy
gestures. I needed fast access to my playlists with very few taps and
screens - without taking my attention away from the road. And I wanted
my music player app to match the other electronics in my car's
interior."
Music is controlled by 18 different finger gestures, which can be
easily edited to perform one of several dozen possible actions. For
instance, (like the Photos app) users drag album covers to change
songs, and pinch the screen to resize album covers and
song/artist/album text. Continuously swiping a finger up and down can
adjust the music's volume or the screen's brightness.
Users can pick a TuTuneMe theme to match their mood or their car's
dashboard. There's over 50 built-in themes, and more can be downloaded
from the tutune.me website. The app also lets users get creative and
have fun creating and sharing their personalized themes with friends
and family - choosing fonts, colors, graphics, and even album art and
text size.
A bright iPhone's screen can be distracting when driving at night,
so TuTuneMe provides day and might modes. Users can change a theme's
brightness, and designate any theme for day or night use - then quickly
(or automatically) switch between day and night modes.
All of the app's displays are large and easy to read, which is
especially good for use in a vehicle, though the company cautions
drivers to use their iPhones responsibly: "Please be careful when
operating motor vehicles. We do not condone any inappropriate use of
this app which may endanger yourself or those around you. We want
TuTuneMe users to have fun customizing themes and aspects of the app,
but please do that while not driving."
The app sports nine customizable tool panels, providing controls for
changing brightness, volume, songs, album art size, forward/rewind,
repeat and shuffle modes, and quick access to heads-up displays for
date, time, and battery information.
TuTuneMe is also socially networked. Users can manually or
automatically post info about the song that's playing to Twitter and
Facebook - the song name and artist, along with a link to the track get
the track from iTunes. Users can share their personalized themes with
friends and family via email, SMS, Facebook, and Twitter.
Features:
- Control the player with swiping and tapping gestures
- Edit gestures, choosing from several dozen actions
- Streamlined access to iTunes playlists
- Choose from over 50 built-in themes, and download more
- Design personalized themes
- Share themes and song info with friends on Twitter and
Facebook
- Works in portrait or landscape (the orientation can be locked)
Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.1 or later
TuTuneMe 1.0 is $2.99 and available worldwide exclusively through
the App Store in the Music category. Promo codes are available for
qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent
when making your request.
Link: TuTuneMe (download link)
New Version of RealSki Augmented Reality iPhone
App
PR: Version 1.1 of RealSki™, a new augmented reality
(AR) iPhone App created by Resort Technology Partners (RTP), is now
available on the iTunes App Store and offers more than 80 mountains in
North America from which to choose. This new mobile Smartphone
phenomenon - made possible by technology built into the iPhone 3GS -
helps skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts navigate trails and
on-mountain features at some of the US and Canada's top ski
resorts.
"The fact that you are instantly oriented to the surrounding that
you are looking at creates a more natural and easy way for skiers to
navigate."
After launching RealSki, users turn on their iPhone's built-in
camera, and move it up, down, and around to scan their surroundings.
Digital overlays will change in real time to match what the camera
sees. This allows users to find the location of facilities and points
of interest, including:
- Named runs including skill designation (green, blue, black) and
directional heading
- Lift names with loading and unloading areas
- Lodges, restrooms and restaurants
- Special areas such as terrain parks
Once users download version 1.1 of RealSki, they can make In App
purchases of the AR navigation maps to North America's most popular
resorts with their iPhone 3GS. Each download is only 99 cents.
"With a big mountain such as Whister Blackcomb, RealSki provides a
new solution to an age-old problem: finding your way on the mountain.
RealSki is much easier to use because you don't need zoom in and out
like you do on other mobile ski maps," said Mark Sedgwick, director of
information technology at Whistler Blackcomb. "The fact that you are
instantly oriented to the surrounding that you are looking at creates a
more natural and easy way for skiers to navigate."
"I am excited about the future opportunities of RealSki based on the
overwhelming positive response from initial users and industry leaders.
These discussions have lead to further enhancements to the application
that we will be introducing to the market," explains Michael McDermott,
senior vice president of sales, marketing and product management at
RTP. "One of the enhancements that we are actively pursuing is
expanding RealSki to Europe."
John Gifford, General Manager for Stevens Pass resort in Washington
state is equally enthusiastic about RealSki, and said, "As both the GM
of Stevens Pass and an iPhone App user, I was excited for our resort to
be one of first to be included in the launch of this new augmented
reality technology. We hope many of our customers can utilize this new
and easy-to-use mobile navigation system."
System requirements: RealSki requires an iPhone 3GS (iPhone OS 3.1
or higher) as it relies on the GPS, compass, camera, and accelerometer
to make AR work.
Link: RealSki (download link)
Have a Runny Nose? With iTissue You'll Never Need
Worry Again
PR: Independent developer Joe Henry has launched iTissue 1.0,
an interactive tissue simulation application, on the iTunes App Store.
Although tissues aren't usually a big part of life, we all use them,
and iTissue simulates that experience bringing out the fun in it with
cute graphics and hilarious interaction!
The iPhone has many unique features that developers can take
advantage of to make creative and interactive applications. iTissue
does just this but in a way never before seen on the iPhone; "iTissue
gets the user to physically interact with the iPhone, but in a more
exaggerated way than just tapping the screen with a finger," said
Henry.
The idea behind iTissue is extremely simple. The user pulls a tissue
out of a tissue box and rubs their nose on the tissue (or iPhone) to
produce boogers. The user can vary the number of boogers put on the
tissue by rubbing their nose for a longer period of time, or just
tapping the screen with their nose. After the user has filled the
tissue with boogers or is done with the tissue they crumple it up and
toss it off-screen - a somewhat ironic action, ignoring the trash can
in the background.
Features:
- High quality, cute cartoon graphics
- Refined user experience and interaction
Minimum Requirements:
- iPhone OS 3.1.2 or higher
- iPhone or iPod touch
Pricing and Availability:
iTissue 1.0 is available on the iTunes App Store for 99¢ in
both the Entertainment and Games categories.
Link: iTissue (download link)
btstack - A Portable User-Space
Bluetooth Stack
PR: The aim of this project is to support devices for
which the OS either does not provide a Bluetooth Stack or the available
stack is severely limited (e.g., on the iPhone).
It provides a portable Bluetooth Stack that runs as a user-space
daemon and will support different Bluetooth HCI transport layers (e.g.,
HCI H4 UART and H5 the "Tree-Wire" protocol), different interprocess
communication methods, and support multiple applications in
parallel.
It is not a port of an existing Bluetooth Stack. However, best
practices from the Bluetooth Stack used in the BTnode Project at ETH
Zurich and others are incorporated.
For a first overview, have a look at this BTstack presentation at
the Google Open Source Jam in Zurich with a focus on the iPhone where
I've presented the iPhone WiiMote OpenGL demo. Look in at the Wiki
pages for an Architecture overview and a little GettingStarted
example.
YouTube video demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFWjVkzJb_s
Link: btstack
New Bible Memory App for iPhone and iPod
touch
PR: Mobilize Faith, LLC announced today that it has
introduced the Bible Memory app for iPhone and iPod touch, making it
easier and more fun to build Bible knowledge and memorize scripture.
Just in time for anyone who wants to make memorizing verses a key part
of their 2010 New Year's resolutions, the Bible Memory app is available
on the iTunes App Store for $3.99.
Bible memorization is an essential practice in Christian life, but
there is no simple, organized and effective way to ensure that
intention translates into practice, especially given today's busy
lifestyle. Many have resorted to index cards or paper, which are
outdated and inefficient, and identifying a catalog of verses to
memorize can be cumbersome and difficult.
Bible Memory is the first app for the iPhone and iPod touch that
solves many of the barriers associated with creating a daily, weekly or
monthly practice of memorizing scripture. Bible Memory puts 250
categorized verses in four translations at users fingertips wherever
and whenever they have a free moment for quiet study and reflection
while commuting, during a break, or while waiting for an
appointment.
The idea for Bible Memory came to us while listening to our pastor,
who was speaking of the virtues and importance of memorizing scripture
and challenged the congregation to memorize one verse a week for the
rest of the year. When we got home, my husband and I began thinking
about how we would memorize our verses. We were still on fire after
that morning's call to action and out came the index cards and pens and
we began to wonder whether there was a better and less archaic way to
memorize scripture, said Petra Barrientos, Managing Partner of Mobilize
Faith. It was at this point that we thought of creating Bible Memory
and are especially delighted to introduce the app at the beginning of
the New Year for anyone who is looking for an exciting and personally
rewarding way to strengthen resolve and spirit in 2010.
Bible Memory Features
The Bible Memory app has been designed from the ground up to
creatively utilize the interactive features of the iPhone and iPod
touch to help users have fun and stay engaged while memorizing Bible
scripture.
Bible Memory guides users through regular practice to build verse
memorization.
- Each Bible verse is presented in three learning modes: read the
Bible verse; review the verse a phrase at a time as users practice
their ability to recall words of scripture; and complete three rounds
of timed, fill-in-the-blank quizzes that become more difficult.
- Users can work through the verses in Bible order, or focus study on
particular categories or books.
Bible Memory not only helps users memorize verses, it also creates a
support system for scripture study and extends the benefits through
social networking and sharing.
- The app allows users to identify up to three Bible study partners
who are notified of progress and who can help keep users
accountable.
- Users can set an alert to remind them that it is time to
study.
- Automatic quizzes test retention of previously memorized
verses.
- Metrics provide visual feedback on overall progress, by category,
and by retention quiz results.
- Users can also share any verse with integrated email.
Bible Memory was designed and developed with the help of Hawk Ridge
Consulting, LLC, a developer of unique and entertaining applications
for the iPhone and iPod touch.
Mobilize Faith is a technology startup based in Great Falls, VA that
harnesses mobile technology to provide tools for anyone seeking to
follow a God-led Christian lifestyle. The company's first product,
Bible Memory, is the only app that helps you both memorize and share
scripture with the iPhone and iPod touch. Mobilize Faith is committed
to bringing products to the faith-based marketplace that are
imaginative, effective, fairly priced and of the highest quality
possible.
Bible Memory app for iPhone and iPod touch now available
The Bible Memory app for the iPhone and iPod touch helps you build
your Bible knowledge and strengthen your faith by memorizing
scripture.
Bible Memory not only helps you memorize verses, it builds a support
system for your study of scripture.
- Set an alert to remind you that it's time to study.
- Identify up to three Bible study partners to notify of your
progress and help you stay accountable.
- Automatic quizzes test your retention of previously memorized
verses.
- Metrics provide visual feedback on your progress overall, by
category, and by retention quiz results.
- Share any verse with integrated email.
Bible Memory is the first app for the iPhone and iPod touch that
helps you to memorize scripture by guiding you through regular
practice. Each Bible verse is presented in three learning modes:
- Read the Bible verse. Over 250 categorized verses in four
translations are included.
- Review the verse a phrase at a time, as you practice your ability
to recall the words of scripture.
- Test your memory with three rounds of timed, fill-in-the-blank
quizzes that become progressively more difficult. Quiz includes both
the text and the verse reference.
Mark completed verses as memorized or study further. You can work
through the verses in Bible order, or focus your study on particular
categories or books.
Bible Memory 1.0 is $3.99 and available worldwide exclusively
through the App Store in the Reference category.
Link: Bible
Memory for iPhone and iPod touch (download link)
Best Western Introduces iPhone App
PR: Best Western International today announced its debut in
mobile offerings with the unveiling of its free iPhone application,
titled "Best Western to Go."
"We can now be even more of a resource for our guests, particularly
those who are making decisions on the fly."
"Best Western to Go" features include:
- Search and Book: Find and book reservations at more than 4,000 Best
Western hotels in over 80 countries worldwide.
- Program: Create an itinerary and input addresses of attractions and
restaurants. Once these have been entered, users can easily find their
location using the app's GPS-enabled map.
- Personalize: Capture and categorize favorite locations in specific
destinations. Travelers can also upload photos and descriptions to
remember the locale.
- Socialize: Stay connected with family and friends by sharing an
experience, such as a lunch at a kitschy diner or a souvenir purchase.
Travelers can push this information directly from the app to their
Facebook page, email or to other iPhone users.
- The "Best Western to Go" iPhone application marks a first for the
World's Largest Hotel Chain®, which plans to launch applications
for multiple mobile platforms in 2010 that cater to the growing number
of travelers staying connected via smart phones.
"We pride ourselves on being available to travelers no matter their
location, which is why mobile accessibility was a natural next step for
us," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales
for Best Western. "We can now be even more of a resource for our
guests, particularly those who are making decisions on the fly."
Best Western plans to unveil multiple upgrades to its iPhone
application throughout 2010, as well as introduce applications for
other mobile platforms including Blackberry® and Android™.
The hotel chain will work closely with application users to incorporate
helpful features that best meet their travel needs.
Link: Best
Western to Go (download link)
Updated Version of RunPee for iPhone
PR: RunPee.com has updated the iPhone app version of its
handy website that lets moviegoers know when it's "safe" to run and
empty their bladders during a film without missing a key part of the
flick. The RunPee app for the iPhone not only has a timer for every
movie that lets film goers know exactly when it's okay to hit the
restroom, but it also gives them a quick summary of what happened while
they were answering nature's call. With the new RunPee iPhone app
moviegoers can pop out of the theater knowing the only thing they'll
miss is the pain of "holding it" or the dreaded long line at the
restroom at the end of the film. The app which can be downloaded from
iTunes for $1.99 covers all new film releases.
RunPee
2.0's big difference in the primary update is to enable multiple
languages and regions. From the upper-right you can select the language
that you want the interface and Peetimes to be displayed in. ( Read
this if you would like to help with the translations. ) The
translations are done automatically by Google Translate. So if they
seem a bit awkward that's why.
The Regions selection gives users the option to select the area that
they live in so that the list of movies will be relevant to them. I use
IMdb.com when I add movies to the RunPee database. If a country isn't
listed in the release data for a movie then it gets the default date
which is when it comes out in the USA.
Dan Florio, creator of RunPee.com and the new iPhone app, says,
"We're on a mission to save bladders from blowing up in cineplexes
across the nation and this new iPhone app is our trusty tool! Every
movie has a few scenes that are not crucial to the plot, that you can
safely miss and still follow the storyline when you sit back down. This
iPhone app lets users know when the coast is clear so they never have
to miss a good part again. Our iPhone app gives moviegoers "immunity"
from the effects of mega-sized sodas and flushes away those grueling
post-movie restroom lines where you have to wait your turn in pain and
avoid awkward eye contact with the 30 other people in the restroom with
you. Those lines really piss me off."
Florio created the iPhone app in response to thousands of inquiries
from iPhone users at the website RunPee.com who all wanted the same
thing - an app version of the site that told them when it was safe to
take a leak. Florio wanted to help iPhone users enjoy their movie going
experience, quipping, "Because a bladder is a terrible thing to
hold."
iPhone application helps moms assure that their children(and they)
can take a bathroom break during the movie without missing important
elements to the plot.
RunPee also helps Moms, kids, and pregnant women handle bathroom
emergencies during movies without missing important scenes. Once you
are in the restroom you can unscramble the "spoiler" to find out what
is happening onscreen so you don't miss anything.
Armed with RunPee, young kids no longer have to try to hold it in,
or worse, end up peeing in the theater seats. Now a parent can say to
their children, "Jimmy, about 45 minutes into the movie we're going to
take you to the rest room. And here's what will be happening while
we're away..."
Pregnant women especially can enjoy returning to the theater again.
The Dallas Morning News reports, "With even comedies heading into the
three-hour ring, now every moviegoer's bladder (bless your heart,
pregnant women; the Web site even has a maternity T-shirt) can breathe
a sigh of relief."
You may not have a pause button at the movie theater, but with
RunPee.com and the new RunPee iPhone application, it is now "safe" to
take the kiddos to the movie theater potty at predetermined times. No
more emergencies after drinking gallon sodas or that extra large cherry
slurpie.
Erin Moore, owner and mommyblogger for ThingsMomsLike.com, says she
likes RunPee because she's "been missing the very best parts of movies
for years." She adds, "I've got a 14 and 6 year old and that means two
pregnancies, too. [With RunPee] I'll never miss another plot twist
again!"
Dan Florio, owner and creator of RunPee.com says, "Each movie has a
couple of scenes that are not crucial to the plot, that you can safely
miss and still follow the storyline when you sit back down."
Florio suggests printing out the PeeTimes for free off the website,
and bringing them along to the theater for handy movie break reference,
or buying the 99 cent iPhone app from iTunes.
Florio created the companion iPhone RunPee application to help busy
moms know *exactly* when to suggest a bathroom break for their young
ones. The iPhone app has a timer to let you know when it's safe to go,
how long you have to be gone, and provides plot descriptions of exactly
what you are missing that you can read while waiting in the
restroom.
Florio said making an iPhone app available was in response to
literally thousands of inquiries from the small bladdered among us,
plus moms everywhere and tech-savvy smartphone users. Dan says, "People
don't want to have to remember to print out their PeeTimes before
leaving the home, and with the iPhone RunPee app you don't have to. All
you so is set the RunPee app to count down at the start of the film to
cue the movie goer when PeeTimes begin."
Before the iPhone app version of the service, Florio came up with
the idea for the website RunPee.com during the 3-hour run time of Peter
Jackson's King Kong, where he said he wished someone could have told
him when to duck out from the movie and, well . . . run pee.
Since then, Florio has seen a lot of movies, paying closest attention
to the parts that are okay to miss. The Global Mail reports, "Florio
looks for scenes that can easily be summed up in words "like a long car
chase" or (are) simply so unexciting they can be recapped without
sacrificing drama."
The RunPee.com website that inspired the iPhone app has been lauded
as a novel and important new Internet innovation. Comedy Central called
it "the solution to cinematic urination." CNET hails RunPee.com,
"Genius!" while the Calgary Sun notes, "It's taken off to become an
online and pop sensation." Entertainment Weekly, KNBC, the Wall Street
Journal, NPR, Fox News, Boston Herald, the New York Times, LA Times,
Gizmodo and Lifehacker.com have made note of the RunPee.com website. (
See a short 2 minute video about the site produced and aired by the
ReelzChannel. )
The iPhone app has a timer that can be started at the beginning of
the film that keeps track of the elapsed time during the movie. This
way the user can see at a glance how long they have to hold it until
the next PeeTime. An update that is already being worked on will give
the iPhone a slight vibration a few minutes before each PeeTime just in
case the user forgets. Once in the restroom (or at the concession
stand), the viewer can read the "spoiler" to find out what is happening
onscreen for the few minutes that they are away.
There is a version of RunPee that should run on just about any phone
browser. Go to m.RunPee.com and
check it out. It costs $1 a year if you want to get access to movies
that have been out for less than 31 days. For older movies, it's
free.
Link: RunPee for
iPhone (download link)
Accessories
L5 iPhone Universal Remote for iPhone and iPod
touch
PR: L5 Technology has introduced a accessory and free app
that turn any iPhone or iPod touch into a universal remote control.
Launching at ShowStoppers @ CES, the L5 Remote provides consumers with
a powerful alternative for replacing multiple and often-confusing
remote control devices. The L5 Remote transforms the iPhone and iPod
touch into a personal universal remote that controls televisions, DVDs,
DVRs, cable boxes, audio equipment, and most other products that come
with an infrared remote.
Developed by L5 Technology, the L5 Remote is comprised of a
small hardware device that plugs into an iPhone or iPod touch dock
connector and a free app to be available from the iTunes App Store. The
L5 Remote offers a quick an easy setup, using a drag and drop features
so consumers can create their ideal, and personally customized remote
control interface. The L5 Remote is priced at MSRP $49.95 and will be
available for purchase in February from the L5 Technology web site
www.L5remote.com and retailers nationwide.
"With the fast pace of innovation in the smartphone market,
handhelds are becoming the consumer electronics platform of choice,
causing disruptions across many markets. We see peripherals that
connect smartphones to the physical world as key components in the
revolution," said Wade McNary, founder and CEO of L5 Technology.
"Leveraging the power, versatility, and portability of handheld
devices, and following Apple's philosophy of design elegance and
simplicity, we have solved a common problem. This one small device
reverses a long trend toward complexity in remote controls."
How Does L5 Remote Work?
Consumers purchase the L5 Remote hardware - an adaptor measuring
1.25" x 0.85" - and plug it into the iPhone or iPod touch docking port.
They will then be prompted to download a free app from the iTunes App
Store, which allows them to simply drag-and-drop to create their own
customized remote control interface. The app will guide them through a
short process of programming the app to control the infrared
devices.
Using infrared technology, the L5 Remote can control any number of
devices in any number of rooms. Consumers can easily set it up to
control products in the living room, bedroom, office, or any other
location. The L5 Remote will work to a distance of approximately 30
feet.
The L5 Remote is portable and does not require batteries, WiFi or
external power to work. The product can control thousands of devices,
including TVs, cable boxes, stereos, DVD players, ceiling fans, air
conditioners, and many other products.
Link: L5 iPhone
Universal Remote
NewerTech Introduces Window Mount for iPhone
3G/3GS
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) announced today
the NewerTech Window Mount for iPhone 3G and 3GS models. With an exact
fit cradle and super vacuum adhesion, the $19.99 MSRP NewerTech Window
Mount keeps an iPhone 3G or 3GS securely in place even in the roughest
of environments for safe operation and viewing.
Safe & Easy Viewing In Any Environment
Specifically designed for iPhone 3G/3GS models, the NewerTech Window
Mount offers secure, 360 degree viewing of an iPhone 3G or 3GS in
autos, trucks, SUVs, and boats; as well as on desktops, airplane tray
tables, and on any other flat surface. Its flexible, yet robust neck
combined with super vacuum adhesion eliminates any sags, drooping, or
vibration drawbacks that plague other "one size fits all" window
mounts.
Flexible mount keeps your iPhone in view and within easy
reach.- Unlike other mounts that easily fall off or hold a variety of
devices, the NewerTech Window Mount is specifically designed for iPhone
3G/3GS models. With its exact fit cradle and super vacuum adhesion,
your iPhone 3G/3GS will remain securely in place even in the roughest
of environments. The flexible neck is also stiffer and more robust than
other mounts on the market so you won't get sags, drooping, or
vibration problems that will require you to readjust the mount every
time you look at it.
"The NewerTech Window Mount really 'sucks', but in a good way," said
Jen Soule, Product Process Manager, NewerTech. "It holds an iPhone 3G
or 3GS safely and securely in place so a user doesn't have to
constantly readjust the mount or experience any unexpected and
potentially dangerous unmounting."
Product
Specifications:
- Length: Overall 9"
- Works with: iPhone 3G, 3GS
- Color: Black
Warranty: 1 year warranty
The NewerTech Window Mount is available immediately for $19.99 MSRP
from NewerTech's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC), as well as
through the retail channel, and is specifically designed to hold Apple
iPhone 3G and 3GS models only.
Link: Window Mount for
iPhone 3G/3GS
JogJacket for iPhone 3G/3GS and iPod touch
PR: JogJacket for iPhone/iPod touch is a case made out of
Neoprene material for iPhone 3G/3GS/1G iPod touch/2G/3G, and comes with
an armband to allow attaching to your arm. The armband is detachable
and can be adjusted to 10 different fit sizes. The Neoprene material
used is light and durable, and will protect your iPhone/iPod from dirt
and scratches.
It has a transparent screen on its front side to allow
full control and viewing of your iPhone/iPod screen to watch movies,
slideshows and see song selections, while guarding your iPhone/iPod
screen from dirt and scratches. The front face is also outlined with
light reflective material to assist you to be seen in low light
conditions such as while jogging at night.
JogJacket for iPod/iPhone is also compatible with "Nike iPod Sports
Kit" and is ideal for listening to your iPhone/iPod while jogging or
exercising. The wireless sensor of your "Nike iPod Sports Kit" can be
stored in a pocket on the case when it is not used. This pocket can be
used to your accessories such as your ear rings.
You can also detach the armband from JogJacket for iPod/iPhone and
use it as a simple case to clip onto your belt, or attach the strap
(included) through the hole located at the top of the case to hang it
from your neck.
JogJacket for iPod/iPhone is a must have item for individuals with
an active lifestyle.
Specifications
- Size: app. 50 (W) x 102 (H) x 3 (D) mm
- Weight: app. 10 g (including armband)
This Sport armband is suitable for:
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3GS
- 3G iPod touch
- 2G iPod touch
- 1G iPod touch
Package Contents:
- JogJacket case
- Adjustable armband
$15.99
Link: JogJacket
for iPhone 3GS/iPhone 3G/iPod touch 1G, 2G & 3G
