So we can post our three news roundups (Mac News Review, The 'Book
Review, and iNews Review) earlier, we first do a quick proofread and
link check, leaving out images. We add images later when time permits.
dk
Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Previews iPhone OS 4, Which Includes
Multitasking, Folders, iBooks, a Unified Inbox, and More
PR: Apple last week previewed its iPhone OS 4 software and
released a beta version of the software to iPhone Developer Program
members. The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes an updated Software
Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,500 new Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs) and over 100 new features that will be available to
iPhone and iPod touch users this summer. New features include
Multitasking for third party apps; Folders to better organize and
access apps; improved Mail with a unified inbox, fast inbox switching
and threaded messages; enhanced Enterprise support with even better
data protection, mobile device management, wireless app distribution
and more; Apple's new iAd mobile advertising platform; and iBooks, the
delightful new ebook reader and online bookstore recently debuted on
the iPad.
"iPhone OS 4 is the fourth major release of the world's most
advanced mobile operating system," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're
delivering over 100 new features, including multitasking, folders, a
unified inbox, deeper Enterprise support, and an iPhone version of our
iBooks reader and online iBookstore."
iPhone OS 4's new multitasking offers users a new way to quickly
move between apps, and provides developers seven new multitasking
services to easily add multitasking features to their apps. These
services include background audio, so apps like Pandora can play music
in the background, and VoIP, so VoIP apps can receive a VoIP call even
when the iPhone is asleep or the user is running other apps. iPhone OS
4 provides multitasking to third party apps while preserving battery
life and foreground app performance, which has until now proved elusive
on mobile devices.
Folders help users better organize and quickly access their apps.
Simply drag one app icon onto another, and a new folder is
automatically created. The folder is automatically given a name based
on the App Store category of that app, such as "Games," which the user
can easily rename. Using folders, users can now organize and access
over 2,000 apps on their iPhone. Users can also create and manage
iPhone folders on their Mac or PC using iTunes 9.2.
iPhone OS 4 delivers the best mail experience on a mobile phone with
its new Unified Inbox, allowing users to see messages from all their
email accounts displayed together in a single inbox. With just a few
taps, users can quickly switch between inboxes to see messages from any
single account. In addition, users can now thread their messages by
conversation, making it easier to stay on top of email discussions, as
well as open email attachments with compatible apps from the App
Store.
iAd, Apple's new mobile advertising platform, combines the emotion
of TV ads with the interactivity of web ads. Today, when users click on
mobile ads they are almost always taken out of their app to a web
browser, which loads the advertiser's webpage. Users must then navigate
back to their app, and it is often difficult or impossible to return to
exactly where they left. iAd solves this problem by displaying
fullscreen video and interactive ad content without ever leaving the
app, and letting users return to their app anytime they choose. iPhone
OS 4 lets developers easily embed iAd opportunities within their apps,
and the ads are dynamically and wirelessly delivered to the device.
Apple will sell and serve the ads, and developers will receive an
industry-standard 60 percent of iAd revenue.
The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes a developer preview of Game
Center, which contains a set of APIs that allows developers to create
apps with the ability to invite friends to play a game, start a
multiplayer game through matchmaking and track achievements and compare
high scores on a leader board. Apps created with GameKit APIs will work
with Game Center, Apple's new social gaming network available to iPhone
and iPod touch users later this year.
New enterprise features in iPhone OS 4 include improvements in
security, scalability and compatibility. The new Mobile Device
Management service can be integrated with third party servers to
wirelessly configure, query and even wipe or lock managed iPhones, and
iPhone OS 4 enables enterprises to securely host and wirelessly
distribute their own in-house developed apps to employees. The new Data
Protection feature uses a user's passcode as an encryption key to
protect mail messages and attachments stored on the iPhone. iPhone OS 4
now provides the option to set a longer, more complex passcode, making
iPhone and its data even more secure. iPhone OS 4 allows IT managers to
set up multiple Exchange ActiveSync accounts, is compatible with
Exchange Server 2010 and includes support for forthcoming SSL VPN
applications from Juniper Networks and Cisco.
Today, more than four billion apps have been downloaded from the
revolutionary App Store and more than 185,000 apps are available to
consumers in 90 countries. Over 85 million iPhone and iPod touch users
around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20
categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference
and travel.
The iPhone OS 4 beta software and SDK are available immediately for
iPhone Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iPhone OS 4
will be available as a software update to iPhone and iPod touch users
this summer.* A version of iPhone OS 4 will be coming to iPad this
Fall.
Apple Pushes Back International iPad Release to May
10
PR: We received a media advisory from Apple informing us
that:
Although we have delivered more than 500,000 iPads
during its first week, demand is far higher than we predicted and will
likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks as
more people see and touch an iPad. We have also taken a large number of
preorders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April.
Faced with this surprisingly strong US demand, we have
made the difficult decision to postpone the international launch of
iPad by one month, until the end of May. We will announce international
pricing and begin taking online preorders on Monday, May 10. We know
that many international customers waiting to buy an iPad will be
disappointed by this news, but we hope they will be pleased to learn
the reason - the iPad is a runaway success in the US thus far.
DigiTimes: Apple Planning a Smaller iPad
DigiTimes' Ninelu Tu and Joseph Tsai reports:
"Apple is reportedly scheduling a smaller 5- to 7-inch version of
the iPad that is expected to launch as soon as the first quarter of
2011, according to DigiTimes Research senior analyst Mingchi Kuo.
"Kuo, citing talks with upstream component sources, said Apple's
smaller-size iPad will be priced below US$400 and will target the
highly-portable mobile device market and consumers that focus mainly on
reading and do not have a high demand for text input."
Link: Apple Reportedly
Planning a Smaller-size iPad for 1Q11, Says DigiTimes Research
(subscription required)
Opera Is Top Download in the App Store
9 to 5 Mac's Seth Weintraub reports that the free Opera browser app
(more below) is the top downloaded in all markets
tracked by Apple. It's reported that there were over one-million Opera
Mini downloads in its first 24 hours of availability.
Link: Opera Is Killing It
in the App Store
Opera Mini for iPhone: It's Fast
The Register's Andrew Orlowski reports:
"At last. Apple approved Opera's Mini browser for the iPhone
overnight, and in in a few hours it's already attracted over 150
reviews. They're not all positive, and not all accurate, but it's an
indication of how much interest there is in a better browser. While
Safari was the jewel in the crown of the iPhone user interface, it
hasn't changed in three years. There are now 80 million iPhone and iPod
Touches out in the wild, so some choice is long overdue.
"What's it like, then?"
Link: Opera
for iPhone: The Review
Mobile Safari vs. Opera Mini iPhone Speed Test
GadgetVenue's Matthew reports:
"A few days ago Apple surprisingly approved the Opera Mini web
browser for the iPhone. Opera have designed their browser to be faster
than Safari with claims from the company saying it can potentially beat
it speed wise by up to 5x.
"Of course 5x is quite a bold statement to work, however after
testing my self, seeing a video online and seeing some test results
compiled by LifeHacker it seems like this is almost the case in some
instances which is quite impressive."
Link:
Mobile Safari vs. Opera Mini iPhone Speed Test
For Writing and Real Work, iPad Needs a Keyboard
Dock
Cult of Mac's Leander Kahney says:
"The weirdest thing about using Apple's
iPad Keyboard Dock is that you are constantly reaching for a mouse
- a mouse that isn't there, of course. The iPad doesn't support mice.
Instead, you should be tapping and swiping the screen.
"Using the keyboard to work with the iPad takes you out of the
multitouch mode and puts you back in mouse/keyboard mode. And while you
can use the keyboard in a limited way to navigate the iPad, you can't
use many of the desktop shortcuts you've learned over the years....
"So using an iPad with a keyboard takes a little getting used to,
but the $69 iPad Keyboard Dock is a very handy accessory, with a couple
of caveats."
Link:
For Writing and Real Work, iPad Needs a Keyboard Dock
iPad Keyboard Dock or Bluetooth Keyboard?
Macworld's Dan Frakes says:
"Compared to the iPhone's tiny onscreen keyboard, the version on the
iPad is nearly touch-typable, especially in landscape mode. But if you
plan to use your iPad for serious data input - such as writing an
article like this one - you'll want a real, physical keyboard.
"Apple's official option is the iPad Keyboard Dock, which combines
an iPad-optimized version of the company's no-keypad keyboard with a
sturdy dock base. But one of our favorite iPad surprises is that you
can instead use any Bluetooth keyboard, including Apple's own
super-portable Wireless Keyboard."
Link:
iPad Keyboard Dock or Bluetooth Keyboard?
Notes About iPad and Keyboards
ZDNet's Jason D. O'Grady relays a couple of interesting tips about
the iPad when used with a keyboard, such as when you pair Apple's mini
Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad it completely overrides the
onscreen/virtual keyboard and more.
Link: Notes About
iPad and Keyboards
Finally, Bluetooth Keyboard Support for the
iPhone
MobileCrunch's Devin Coldewey says that among the iPad features they
felt would be useful on the iPhone, unfortunately just one seems to
have made it in OS 4.0, albeit a handy one: Bluetooth keyboard
support.
Link:
Finally, Bluetooth Keyboard Support for the iPhone
Sympathy for iPad Luddites
Rough Type's Nicholas Carr asks: "is it possible for a Geek God to
also be a Luddite? That was the question that popped into my head as I
read Cory Doctorow's impassioned anti-iPad diatribe at Boing Boing,"
with the device Apple calls "magical" and "revolutionary" impressing
Doctorow as a counterrevolutionary Trojan horse ushering in a
locked-down, self-contained ecosystem with nary a USB port in sight and
no support for third party apps not blessed by Apple, all of which
manifests "a palpable contempt for the owner."
Carr notes that Doctorow is not the only Geek God uncomfortable with
Apple's transformation of the good old hacktastic PC into a sleek,
slick, sterile appliance, with veteran programmer Tim Bray, who
recently joined Google, fretting that iPad, specifically designed to
optimize a few tasks and cripple others, could lead to "a very nasty
future scenario" he dreads for personal and ideological reasons, being
deeply bought-into the notion of a Web populated by devices almost
anyone can afford and be creative on.
Carr says he has a lot of sympathy for the iPad Luddites' point of
view, affirming that personally a beige box with easily accessible
innards, a big rack of RAM, and a dozen or so ports is his ideal model
of computing, but saying he's not under any illusion that progress
gives a damn about what he wants, noting that an emblematic
characteristic of technological advance is refinement tending to remove
real human agency from the workings of a tool, observing that the
earliest radios were broadcasting as well as listening devices and the
first phonographs could be used for recording as well as playback -
much like early computers were Jacks-of-all-trades, but both morphed
turned into streamlined, single-purpose entertainment boxes, suitable
for living rooms, with the tools of creativity segregated from the
mass-market device, one result being individuals who imagine themselves
great fans of progress changing their tune as soon as progress destroys
something they care deeply about and raging against the evolution.
Link: Sympathy
for the iPad Luddites
3 Ways the iPad Breaks Apple's Brand
BNET's Erik Sherman says the iPad has become emblematic of a
cultural divide over the concept of central control, and suggesting
that Apple has put itself at risk of damaging to its traditional brand
identity, in which the Mac was perceived as a platform that supported
creative tools providing creative people with their own technical
landscape, whereas the iPad is all about media consumption, and
observing that he can't remember another recent Apple product that
created so many serious second thoughts by core customers, noting that
people are frustrated over things it lacks: USB, a camera, a real
keyboard, and even the cloth that comes standard with the iPhone to
help keep the smudge-inviting screen clean.
In so positioning itself, Sherman says Apple leaves its core of
loyalists on the outside, making creatives just another part of the
audience and not their own tribe.
Apple's usually near perfect pitch design is also off the mark this
time, Sherman contends, with most reviews complaining that the iPad
just a bit too heavy, raising the alarm that Apple could lose a grip on
its most important asset: the well wishes of its most loyal customer
base.
Link:
Three Ways the iPad Breaks Apple's Brand
Why Early Adopters Are Returning iPads
WalletPop blogger Tom Barlow says that he had high (in retrospect,
unrealistic) expectations for his new iPad that arrived last Saturday.
The iPad fell short of fulfilling those expectations, so he took
advantage of the 14-day return policy and shipped it and its keyboard
dock back for a refund, noting that he's not alone in his
disappointment.
Specific shortcomings noted include the lack of a Flash viewer, a
major drawback. He hoped to use the iPad in place of his creaky PC
laptop for writing business articles and fiction, but he found the iPad
mounted on the optional keyboard dock a flimsy construct, dashing
confidence that it would put up with the abuse he puts a laptop
through.
Moreover, he found the iPad cumbersome to hold and carry, with the
slippery aluminum back of the iPad making it all too easy to drop, and
that moving files back and forth form his Windows-based home system
proving more awkward than he'd hoped.
Other complaints registered by prominent iPad returners like media
expert Jeff Jarvis ("I am having morning-after regrets") include lack
of multitasking ability (Michelle Alexandria of tv.com), and privacy
issues, digital rights, and the Apple handcuffs cited by
science-fiction writer Corey Doctorow, who didn't buy one in the first
place.
"As a toy, as an entertainment platform, the iPad is great (if you
don't mind paying for everything you watch)", says Barlow. "As a work
platform, not so much; certainly not at a price point well above that
of more versatile netbooks."
Link: Why
Early Adopters Are Returning iPads
450,000 iPads Sold, but How Many Returned?
ZDNet's Joel Evans observes that last week Apple treated the world
to what's coming in iPhone OS 4.0 with initial reviews mixed, but what
was more interesting was how many iPads are flying off the shelves -
reportedly more than 450,000 have been sold. And more interesting than
that is scuttlebutt that there's a tremendous amount of buyer remorse
with the iPad, with early adopters returning them in droves.
Evens notes that were he not a publisher/developer of apps, he would
probably be returning his iPad too, finding that it adds little that
his iPhone and a laptop don't already handle very satisfactorily.
Sounds like there should be lots of iPad choice in the Apple
Certified Refurbished channel very soon.
Link: 450,000 iPads Sold
but How Many Returned?
DIY Duct Tape iPad Sleeve and Docks
TUAW's Frank Hsueh says:
"Actually doesn't look too bad, does it? It has a certain je ne
sais quoi, brought about by the use of industrial textiles.
"Red Green would be
tickled."
Link: Do-it-yourself
Duct Tape iPad Sleeve and Docks
The $5 iPad Dock
TUAW's Michael Grothaus reports:
"Despite the glut of fancy iPad dock accessories flooding the
market, a trio of enterprising Dutchmen have come up with a brilliantly
simple iPad dock . . . All stands are handmade. Best of all,
it only costs $5 (or free, if you make one yourself)."
Link: The
$5 iPad Dock
iPad Stop-Motion Disassembly Video Released by
TechRestore
PR: 1675 high-definition frames of iPad striptease,
stop-motion animated to an electronic beat - need we say more?
iPadframestrip.jpeg
Maybe just a bit more. From unboxing to unbuilt and back again, in
under three minutes, this video is a roller-coaster ride that
celebrates the exciting innovation and beautiful design of Apple's
state-of-the-art technology - animated by TechRestore designer Brian
Northway, with time-lapse reassembly performed by Apple Certified
technician, Ivan Villanueva.
Over a million people have viewed TechRestore's videos, showing
various consumer electronic devices, MacBooks, iPhones and iPods being
taken apart and worked on by a TechRestore Technician. The videos are
enjoyed and used by viewers all over the world that want to learn more
about their gadgets. The iPad Disassembly video now joins our library
which includes stop-motion take apart of the iPhone 3G, PSP Go,
Modbook, Nintendo DSI, Barnes & Noble nook, Kindle 1 & 2,
MacBook Air, Apple TV, PSP and more. All of these videos can be found
at TechRestore's YouTube channel. In addition, all videos are available
for download from the TechRestore Download center (in full HD quality
as well as iPod/iPhone/iPad-ready format) or as a free podcast on the
iTunes Music Store. In addition to stop-motion disassembly videos,
TechRestore offers informational and instructional videos at
TechRestore EDU.
From unboxing to unbuilt and back again, in under three minutes,
this video is a roller-coaster ride that celebrates the exciting
innovation and beautiful design of Apple's state-of-the-art technology
- animated by TechRestore designer Brian Northway, with time-lapse
reassembly performed by Apple Certified technician, Ivan
Villanueva.
TechRestore performs repairs and upgrades on MacBook, MacBook Pro,
PowerBook and iBook computers. In addition, our consumer electronics
division performs overnight repair on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Sony
PSP, PSP Go, Mac mini and Apple TV. TechRestore is certified by and
follows the strict guidelines of the Bureau of Electronics Repair and
all TechRestore technicians are highly trained and many carry advanced
electronics degrees, including Apple certification.
Link: iPad
Stop-Motion Disassembly Video
Tired of the iPad? Google May Cure Your Woes with
an Android-based Tablet
DailyTech's Brandon Hill says:
"With Apple's iPad and iPhone OS 4.0 soaking up the majority of tech
headlines these days - along with side stories detailing the ongoing
battle between Apple and Adobe - most people are ready for a break from
Apple.
"And if there's one company with enough clout to drown out the buzz
surrounding an Apple product, it's Google. According to a report by the
New York Times, Google will soon be selling its own tablet
device. Although the NYT article isn't exactly clear on the matter, it
appears that Google will be selling it own branded Tablet - a la
the Nexus One...."
Link:
Tired of the iPad? Google May Cure Your Woes with an Android-based
Tablet
$600 WePad Android Tablet: Will It Kill the
iPad?
T3's Adam Bunker says:
"Don't give Apple your money just yet....
"The WePad is a German-made tablet running on the Android OS that is
consciously aiming to steal Apple's thunder by offering a host of
features that the iPad doesn't.
"What kind of features? Well, for a start, the OS is fully
customisable thanks to its Android underbelly, but there's also a
bigger, 11.6-inch 1080p HD display, HDMI output, Flash support, a built
in 1.3-Meg camera, a stronger 1.66 GHz processor and multitasking right
out of the box.
"Still want an iPad?"
The price: €449 - about US$605.
Link:
WePad Android Tablet Pricing Unveiled - Will It Kill the iPad?
Apps & Services
Opera Mini App Approved for the App Store
PR: Opera announces its popular mobile browser, Opera Mini
has been approved for iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store. Opera
Mini will be available as a free download within 24 hours, depending on
market.
01-Speed-Dial.png
Opera Mini, with more than 50 million users worldwide, enables fast
mobile Web browsing by compressing data by up to 90 percent before
sending content to the device, resulting in significantly improved page
loading. Users of the app will notice an uptake in speed, especially on
slower networks such as the 2G Edge network. Surfing the Web with the
Opera Mini App on iPhone and iPod touch will also help users save money
because of its data compression capabilities. This will hold especially
true while the user is incurring roaming charges.
02-Tabs-NYT.png
"We are delighted to offer iPhone and iPod touch users a great
browsing experience with the Opera Mini App," said Lars Boilesen, CEO,
Opera Software. "This app is another step toward Opera's goal of
bringing the Web to more people in more places."
03-Context-menu-NYT.png
Opera_Mini_on_iPhone.jpeg
A demo video is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpTCS3g-cBY
Link: Opera Mini
(download
link)
Gibson Learn & Master Guitar App
PR: Gibson Guitars, known worldwide for producing classic
models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic
and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. The Gibson Les Paul guitar
is the best selling guitar of all time and bears the name of the late,
great Les Paul.
iPhone_Screenshot_2.jpeg
Now you can have Gibson on your iPhone with the Gibson Learn &
Master Guitar App. Gibson has partnered with Legacy Learning Systems,
producers of the Learn & Master Guitar course, the most
comprehensive guitar instructional series on the market, to provide you
with a must-have application for any guitar player. This application
provides you with essential tools to help you become a better guitar
player as well as free full length lessons from the award winning Learn
& Master Guitar course that will take you from beginner or
intermediate to advanced.
gibcol.jpg
Features:
- A professional quality Chromatic Tuner that will allow you to tune
any instrument using the iPhone microphone (or iPod Touch with
microphone attachment)
- Alternate Tuning settings so you can quickly and easily tune your
guitar to various alternate tunings, including Open G, Low C, Drop D,
E♭ and others.
- A Standard Mode Tuner that allows you to tune each string to a
sample tone
- An accurate Metronome with multiple time signatures, visual and
audio options, and a set-your-own tempo tap pad
- A Chord Library with a sample of the essential chords for every
player beginner to advanced
- Free Videos Lessons - Watch full length lessons from the Award
Winning Learn & Master Guitar course. Watch as instructor Steve
Krenz gets you started on your way to mastering the guitar. You will
also be directed to printable resources to accompany these lessons on
www.learnandmaster.com
- Quick access to Gibson.com's mobile site where you can keep up with
the latest in music industry news, artists and events.
New in Version 1.1:
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
- Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.
Note: iPod touch users will need an external mic or mic'd earphones
plugged into the audio jack in order to use the Chromatic and Simple
tuners (with sound off) - To use the tune without a microphone, click
on the Modes button on the Chromatic Tuner screen - change to the
Simple mode with Sound "ON" - click Done and you will be taken
to the Simple tuner screen. Touch the string you want to tune and a
tone will play and repeat. Tune your instrument to the tone being
played.
iPhone_Screenshot_1.jpeg
Designed and developed by Gibson Guitars, Legacy Learning Systems,
and Deepwell Software.
The Gibson Learn & Master Guitar app is also your portal to the
Gibson Mobile site where you can find the latest news and information
about your favorite artists and your favorite guitars. If you are
looking for in-depth interviews with the hottest artists or want to
keep up with the latest in designs and technology from the worlds #1
guitar maker, this is your connection!
Link: Gibson
Learn & Master Guitar (download
link)
Link: Gibson
eBay for iPad Transforms Online Shopping
Experience
PR: eBay has announced the availability of its first
application for iPad in conjunction with the US debut of the device.
The eBay for iPad app delivers a dramatically different, visually
compelling shopping experience to browse the vast selection of products
available on eBay , the world's largest online marketplace. eBay for
iPad builds on the momentum of eBay's expanding portfolio of new iPhone
apps, including its new Selling and Classifieds apps launched earlier
this week. More than 8 million consumers are using eBay's shopping app
for iPhone. eBay expects to generate $1.5 billion in merchandise volume
through mobile commerce in 2010.
ebpad.jpg
Debuting in the top 10 most downloaded free iPad apps in the iTunes
Store, eBay for iPad pushes the boundaries of mobile shopping and
features an elegant, graphical interface in which users can:
- View and search through items in a rich, visually compelling
gallery display
- Scroll through a vast selection of items seamlessly using their
fingertips
- Easily filter search results by price, category and more using
intuitive finger controls
- Quickly pinpoint items in a desired range with a Pricing
Histogram
- View item details without navigating away from search results
"eBay for iPad defines a new way to shop, with visually rich
displays and eBay's vast selection at your fingertips," said Lorrie
Norrington, president of eBay Marketplaces.
ebpad2.jpg
eBay Mobile Applications - Buy and Sell Virtually Anywhere,
Anytime
As a global leader in m-commerce, eBay recognizes that sellers and
buyers are increasingly turning to mobile devices for their shopping
needs. eBay's mobile applications are available in more than 190
countries and eight languages and generate a mobile purchase every 2
seconds.
The launch of the eBay for iPad app continues the company's momentum
in mobile commerce. In late March, eBay released two new apps for the
iPhone: eBay Selling and eBay Classifieds. eBay Selling is the
company's first app designed exclusively for casual sellers, allowing
consumers to list an item for sale in less than 60 seconds through an
interface fully integrated with Apple iPhone technology. Similarly, the
eBay Classifieds app offers an easy-to-use experience for buying and
selling locally with built-in safety and security features to ensure a
smooth transaction.
Link: eBay for iPad
Yahoo! Re-Imagines Entertainment; Launches Yahoo!
Entertainment App for iPad
PR: Yahoo! Inc. has announced Yahoo! Entertainment for the
Apple iPad. The app provides consumers with a brand new experience for
the way they live, consume and enjoy content. People are able to
explore entertainment content, television listings, videos, news and
more - through an elegant and immersive experience that only Yahoo! can
provide. Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad is available for free from the
App Store on iPad or at http://itunes.com/apps/yahoo-entertainment
yahoopad.jpg
Yahoo! is leveraging the powerful features of the iPad to create one
of the most interactive and personal experiences possible. An
innovative Multi-Touch user interface makes it easy to help people
discover new content on Yahoo! Entertainment. The app takes advantage
of iPad's geolocation functionality to pinpoint consumers' locations to
deliver relevant, local television listings and content. The app can be
used in both portrait and landscape displays.
"Devices like the iPad allow Yahoo! to create new experiences and
expand the art of what's possible in the eyes of consumers. Just like
we did with Connected TV and mobile, we successfully re-imagined the
consumer experiences for an entirely new platform," said Tapan Bhat,
senior vice president of Yahoo!'s Integrated Consumer Experiences.
"Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad is simply amazing. The combination of
compelling and engaging content coupled with unique design and
innovation, provides consumers with an unparalleled Web
experience."
yahoopad2.jpg
The Yahoo! Entertainment App offers an intuitive and rich design.
Through real-time content from local providers, the app surfaces and
recommends TV shows, entertainment articles, and a wide variety of
videos from across the Web. Key features of Yahoo! Entertainment for
iPad include:
- TV Program Guide and Listings: Find favorite programs,
featured TV shows, and recommendations; customize and filter content
for a personalized entertainment guide.
- News, Comics, and Book Reviews: Read the most sought after
entertainment news from Yahoo! TV and Yahoo! Movies and more, in an
easy-to-navigate, magazine-style layout.
- Original Video Content: From sports to news, discover videos
from Yahoo!'s top media properties, including Yahoo! Sports Minute and
Tech Ticker. Video content is also available from other notable
sources.
yahoopad3.jpg
The Yahoo! Entertainment App demonstrates the future direction of
Internet design and is another example of Yahoo!'s continued commitment
to delivering cutting-edge, innovative and personally relevant
experiences. It is the first of many engaging experiences being
developed by Yahoo! for iPad.
Link: Yahoo!
Entertainment
SkyGrid App for iPad
PR: SkyGrid has announced its SkyGrid App for iPad is now
available on the App Store. Using SkyGrid, iPad users can now discover
and share exciting new things from across the Internet right when
they're happening.
skygrid.jpg
"The iPad with its large display, innovative Multi-Touch user
interface, and revolutionary software was our first choice of devices
to launch SkyGrid on," said Kevin Pomplun, founder & CEO of
SkyGrid. "We're delighted to have an app available for the launch of
the breakthrough iPad."
skygrid2.jpg
To anyone with a TV, the SkyGrid App for iPad will feel familiar and
easy-to-use. Today when you watch TV you flip through many channels to
find what you want. SkyGrid works just like a TV, and instead of
channels it has streams. SkyGrid streams are dedicated to important
changes happening around events, people, or specific things users care
about. SkyGrid even has rising streams that quickly take users to the
events, people, and topics that are spreading fastest across the
Internet.
skygrid3.jpg
The patented technology behind SkyGrid uses a unique algorithm that
determines information velocity or the things that are spreading the
fastest across the Internet. By determining what is spreading the
fastest, SkyGrid connects users to only the most important or relevant
content.
The SkyGrid App for iPad is available for free from the App
Store.
SkyGrid lets you see the events, people, and topics that are
spreading the fastest across the Internet, right as they're happening.
SkyGrid is for people who want a simple way to see the important
changes happening around events, people, or specific things they care
about. Many people enjoy using SkyGrid to see exciting things changing
in sports, entertainment, world events, politics, travel, fashion,
business, and an almost unlimited number of categories.
Link: SkyGrid
Notability for iPad
PR: Ginger Labs, Inc. has announced its Notability App for
iPad is available on the App Store. Notability takes advantage of
iPad's large Multi-Touch screen, keyboard, built-in microphone and WiFi
connectivity, to put the power of creating, reviewing and sharing notes
at a user's fingertips.
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"College students want an app that allows them to easily create
notes and quickly access the web," said Fred Mitchell CEO of Ginger
Labs. "Notability on iPad is a great solution that gives users lots of
functionality and also lets them share their notes with classmates and
sync with recordings of the lecture."
Notability is designed around 3 types of notes:
- Text notes - type on the expansive onscreen keyboard.
- Figure notes - draw colorful figures on the large Multi-Touch
screen.
- Web notes - visit web sites for quick references via built-in
WiFi.
ginger2.jpg
The Notability App for iPad automatically creates summaries for each
note, using a familiar 2-column view. Summaries help to quickly
navigate notes, and the built-in microphone is used to make recordings.
Notes created during a recording are bookmarked in time and these notes
are scrolled in sync with the recording as it is played back.
Other features include:
- Share notes to a classmate's browser.
- Search notes across all note-taking sessions.
- Format text styles, size and color.
- Plugin earbuds to hear the professor.
- Tune the sound with the 5-band equalizer.
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The Notability App for iPad is available for $8.99 from the App
Store.
Link: Notability
Men's Health Magazine Launches on iPad with Free
Preview
PR: Men's Health, the largest men's lifestyle magazine brand
in the world, announced that a digital edition of the publication
designed exclusively for the Apple iPad is available for purchase. The
release makes Men's Health one of the first consumer magazines to enter
the iPad market. The April issue of the magazine, complete with a host
of multimedia and interactive content, will be available for download
in the Apple iTunes store for $4.99 and will be followed by the May
issue, available by April 20th. iPad users will also be able to
download for free 15 pages of handpicked content from the April issue
as a preview.
menshealth.jpg
In addition to the health, fitness and lifestyle tips and in-depth
feature stories Men's Health readers have come to rely on from the
print edition of the magazine, the iPad app will present users with a
highly interactive experience - including real-time polls, increased
social networking capabilities with Twitter and Facebook,
audio-narrated slide shows, and photo galleries of bonus content. The
Men's Health iPad app is also set to incorporate fullscreen,
high-definition video footage from behind the scenes of Men's Health
cover shoots.
"When you have a brand as strong as Men's Health, you have to let
the content do the talking," said Men's Health Brand Editor, Matt Bean.
"Our model - the free newsstand preview, with an in-app purchase option
- does just that, while creating a natural opportunity for sponsor
integration that never existed before. We won't just be offering
monthly issues using this approach, either. We'll be able to provide
everything from a training guide to a gift subscription to a
compilation of recipes."
"We've learned from our experience developing for the iPhone and
iPod touch, and have taken full advantage of this new medium," said
David Zinczenko, SVP/Editor-in-Chief of Men's Health. "Our iPad
products will be some of the most robust and well-rounded in the
marketplace yet." Zinczenko also said that Women's Health will be
available on the iPad as of its May issue.
Other capabilities of the Men's Health iPad app include:
- Connect - Every printed website URL is live. Simply tap to
visit websites from within the app, allowing users to learn more, buy
products featured in the magazine, and access handpicked, related
content from MensHealth.com.
- Watch - Exclusive video takes users step-by-step through
exercises, recipes, and tips, featuring the world's top athletes,
trainers, chefs, and other experts.
- Interact - How do you stack up to the Average Guy? Users
have the ability to take real-time Snap Polls throughout the issue to
find out.
- Share - Users can share content with friends, and so much
more: Tweet a shocking stat from Bulletins, brag about completing a
Men's Health physical challenge via a Facebook post, or email a recipe
with a shopping list to yourself or a friend - all without ever leaving
the app.
Gillette, the world leader in men's grooming products, is the
official launch sponsor of the April and May issues of Men's Health on
the iPad. The iPad app is the latest addition to a stable of nearly 20
Men's Health-branded iPhone and Android app products on the market
since June 2009, which have combined to accrue over 600,000 downloads,
more than half of which have been purchased by consumers.
Link: Men's Health iPad
Edition
Accessories & Services
ColorWare Adds Custom Colorized iPads
PR: The much anticipated iPad is finally here, touted as a
revolution for the print industry and touch computing - and now
ColorWare offers the device in an array of custom colors.
cwipad.jpg
ColorWare's design studio is simple to use and will allow you to
customize the body, button, and even the logo. Browse product images
and videos, or spin the product in the 360º section to see every
angle. You can even share your designs with friends over your favorite
social networks.
cwipadcol.jpg
The iPad offers the convenience and size of a notepad paired with
the power of a multitouch Apple computer, and now you can have the
tablet with a custom Softouch color finish instead of the standard
gray.
ColorWare Custom iPad (WiFi)
- Multi-Touch Display
- 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches, 1.5 pounds
- One Year Limited Warranty
Buy new (includes iPad) $900/$1,000/$1,100 (16/32/64 GB) (Available
USA and Internationally)
Send your iPad in: $400 (Ships Only to USA)
ColorWare Inc., established in 2000, is an industry leader in
altering the color of existing products. ColorWare began with the
concept of transforming the ubiquitous beige computer into a
custom-colored work of art. The idea began with an attempt to color a
late-model cell phone in 1999. After a year of testing and
experimenting, the ColorWare high-gloss, scratch-resistant
polymer-based coating was perfected. ColorWare's initial offerings
included 22 standard colors available on two MP3 players, three gaming
consoles, and four computers, and many new products as well as
additional colors have been added in recent years.
As evidenced by ColorWare's appearance in magazines such as In
Style, Vogue, and Entertainment weekly, a ColorWare product is also a
statement in fashion and individuality, and as such fills a high-demand
niche market.
Link: ColorWare
Design Studio
Pedestal Base for the iPad
PR: The new Pedestal Base for iPad has the same look and feel
as the expensive acrylic bases that Apple features in their retail
outlets, and now you can have that same look at home or office when
displaying your brand new iPad at a more friendly price. The Pedestal
Base will improve the performance of your iPad and display it in
style.
lrg_1.jpeg
New PC Gadgets have designed the Pedestal Base to match Apple's own
viewing preferences. In addition, they've added a couple of extra
features including an open slot to hold excess cables, a rear hole to
route your charging cable through, and nonskid pads to elevate your
iPad to increase ventilation and reduce slipping. Just like the Apple
displays, you can position your iPad in either the horizontal or
vertical position.
lrg_2.jpeg
- Attractive acrylic base holds iPad in vertical or horizontal
position
- Provides better working angle to improve performance
- Similar to pedestal bases seen in Apple Stores
- Open slot in front stores earbuds and other cables
- Slot in rear for charging cord
- Nonskid pads prevent slipping
- High quality black acrylic construction gives your iPad an elegant
look while improving overall performance
lrg_3.jpeg
Retail $29.95
Link: Pedestal
Base for iPad
Element Case for the iPad
PR: Designed with both landscape and portrait modes in mind,
the the new "Joule" work stand for iPad provides a stable solid base
with a simple, clean, and elegant design that enhances your iPad and
makes it easier to use.
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Unlike some iPad stands, the Joule won't tip over when using the
iPad's touchscreen, allowing you to better and more safely utilize your
iPad on your desktop or kitchen counter top.
joulekitchen.jpg
CNC machined in the USA from solid aluminum, the Joule comes in a
brilliant polished finish or a black anodized coating. Custom coatings
and laser engraved graphics are available.
joulefront.jpg
Other features:
- Magnetically attached tilt foot at the rear allows for quick and
easy view angle adjustments.
- Rubber pads at the bottom assure a firm grip on any surface.
- A velvet lined recess holds the iPad comfortably and securely.
- Designed and made in California.
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Available now for $129
Link: Element
Case for the iPad
Belkin Cases for the iPad
PR: Additional sleeves make it comfortable and easy to use
your iPad whether you're at home or on the go
Belkin adds nine cases to its lineup for the iPad - Cap Sleeve,
Contour Sleeve, Grip Vue, Grip Ergo, Grip Swell, Grip Groove, Leather
Sleeve, Leather Folio, and Envelope. Like the previously announced
Pleat, Vue, and Grip Sleeves, the new cases and sleeves add design,
comfort, and protection for your new Apple iPad while you're on the
go.
belkinipad.jpg
The new iPad unlocks the opportunity for these always-connected
people, allowing them to read books, play games, watch movies, send
emails, listen to music, browse the Internet, and much more. Belkin's
new assortment of sleeves and cases protect and give you instant access
to your iPad, making it comfortable to use in your hand, on your lap,
or at a desk or table
We've conducted consumer insight research that shows people want to
be able to connect to the world - their friends, family, the Internet -
at any given point in time, whether at the doctor's office, waiting in
line at the grocery store, or even in a café. With these key
insights, Belkin has developed new cases designed to keep the iPad
easily accessible and protected.
Availability
- Vue Sleeve and Grip Vue available now at Apple stores in the
US
- Vue Sleeve, Grip Vue, Pleat Sleeve, and Cap Sleeve available now at
Apple Online stores in the US
- Other sleeves will be made available throughout spring 2010 in the
US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
belkinipadopen.jpg
Sleeves
These sleeves feature lightweight, durable material and soft inner
lining to help cushion your iPad and protect the touch screen.
Cap Sleeve (F8N276) - $39.99
- Close-fitting knit design provides easy access
- Cushions and protects iPad touch screen from scratches
- Rolls neatly to store when not in use
- Colors: Perfect Plum/Violet Mist, Caviar/Gray
- Cap
Sleeve for iPad (purchase
link)
Contour Sleeve (F8N370) - $59.99
- Contoured, reinforced, fused-rubber design protects iPad while on
the go
- Compact design fits easily into a larger bag
- Colors: Perfect Plum/Violet Mist, Caviar/Gray
- Contour
Sleeve for iPad
Grip Cases
Grip cases protect your iPad with a rugged layer of silicone or
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Different textured designs add style,
color, and increased grip-ability. Grip cases allow your iPad to charge
while in the case.
Grip Vue (F8N378) - $49.99
- Translucent case provides durable protection and enhanced
grip-ability
- Made with impact-resistant TPU material
- Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
- Grip
Vue for iPad
Grip Ergo (F8N384) - $49.99
- Ergonomic design offers comfort while reading, gaming, or surfing
the Internet
- Contoured ridges provide maximum grip-ability of your iPad
- Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
- Grip
Ergo for iPad
Grip Swell (F8N382) - $49.99
- Made with snug layer of rugged silicone for shock absorption
- Features laser-etched printed pattern
- Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
- Grip
Swell for iPad
Grip Groove (F8N383) - $49.99
- Features gripable textured surface with in-molded pattern to
protect iPad
- Made with durable silicone for shock absorption
- Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
- Grip
Groove for iPad
Leather Cases
These fashion-inspired leather cases protect your iPad from everyday
scratches and scuffs.
Leather Sleeve (F8N375) - $59.99
- Enables instant access to iPad
- Made with luxury leather and durable materials
- Features soft inner lining for protection against scratches
- Secure closure keeps iPad in place
- Leather
Sleeve for iPad
Leather Folio (F8N376) - $59.99
- Made with durable luxury leather to protect iPad screen
- Features soft inner lining for protection against scratches
- Secure closure keeps iPad in place
- Leather
Folio for iPad
Envelope (F8N377) - $49.99
- Made with durable leather-look materials to protect iPad
screen
- Features soft inner lining for protection against scratches
- Secure ribbon closure provides extra security in keeping iPad in
place
- Envelope
for iPad
Shield Clear (F8N385) - $59.99
- Slim, formfitting polycarbonate design minimizes bulk
- Clear case preserves the look of the iPad
- Made with durable materials for optimal protection
- Shock-absorbent and impact-resistant to protect iPad screen
kickBACK P1: Hybrid Case with Kickstand for
iPad
PR: Shatterproof polycarbonate and shock resistant black
rubber hybrid case for iPad.
P1hybrid.jpg
Includes kickBACK case, ultra-clear screen protector and a
microfiber cleaning cloth.
Hinged kickstand for convenient widescreen and vertical viewing as
well as low-angle typing
P1hybridupright.jpg
Polycarbonate and rubber hybrid case provides unmatched protection
and shock resistance
Integrated traction nubs provide grip on flat surfaces
Price: $44.99
Link: kickBACK
P1
iPad Bacon Case
PR: It's here. The famous handmade Bacon Case is now
available for the iPad, landed at your Grill, ready for the newest
Apple gadget.
PadBaconCase.jpeg
$59
Link: iPad Bacon
Case
