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in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
Protection
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
18% of Apple Product Owners Plan to Buy an
iPad
Macworld UK's Karen Haslam reports that almost one-fifth (18%) of US
households that own at least one Apple product intend to buy an iPad in the next twelve months, according to
Strategy Analytics, while just 2% of US homes that don't currently own
an Apple product intend to purchase an iPad.
Haslam quotes Strategy Analytics Principal Analyst David Mercer
suggesting that "Apple's iPad is preaching to the converted...."
Link: A Fifth of Apple
Product Owners to Buy an iPad
Web Browsing from Android Phones Grows 400% at
Apple's Expense
PR: According to new statistics released by mobile analytics
and payment specialist Bango Inc, the volume of mobile web browsing
from Android phones in the USA grew by 400% between Q1 and Q2 2010. In
comparison, the volume of growth from Apple devices was just 13% over
the same period, representing a market share decline of 16%.
US Mobile Web Browsing Stats, Q1 and Q2. Data source: Bango
HTC and Sony Ericsson smartphones showed the largest volume growth
of mobile web visits in the US during this period, with an increase of
162% and 148% respectively. This represented a growth in market share
between quarters of 94% and 84%. In the same period, the percentage
market share of LG, Motorola, and Samsung grew by 48%, 45%, and 26%
respectively.
BlackBerry smartphones continued to retain the highest volume of
mobile web visits during Q2 2010, accounting for 37% of visits to
mobile websites in the US. This represents a 20% volume increase over
Q1. In comparison, 26% of mobile visits were from Apple devices, while
phones from HTC, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG, and Motorola accounted for
a total of 27% of the mobile web visits in the US during Q2.
"Even with the advent of Apple's new iAd platform and Google's
acquisition of AdMob, BlackBerry still represents the best volume
opportunity for mobile advertising in the USA", says Bango CEO Ray
Anderson, "Apple appears to be losing ground to the latest Android
handsets from HTC, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, and Samsung, showing the
slowest quarterly growth in web browsing."
Bango measured the number of mobile visits made in the US across a
sample of websites during Q1 and Q2 of 2010. The survey focuses on
browsing activity from phones and did not measure mobile application
use. The data excludes popular mobile sites such as Facebook and
Twitter.
Link:
Web Browsing from Android Phones Grows 400% at the Expense of
Apple
27 Million Americans Buying a Tablet Next Year, and
It Might Not Be an iPad
Gizmodo's Sam Biddle notes that a new survey out of Forrester
reports 14% of Americans plan on purchasing a tablet device next year -
some 27 million prospective buyers, and perhaps more interestingly,
only 3.8% of future buyers said they were "wedded to" an iPad.
Link: Note to Apple:
27 Million Americans Are Buying a Tablet Next Year, and It Might Not Be
Yours
30+ iPad Competitors Coming This Year
More than 30 new tablet computers will flood what's shaping up to be
a red-hot market.
The Kiplinger Letter's Drake Lundell says that Apple's iPad is about
to get lots of company, with a slew of new tablet computers coming on
the market this fall from PC giants HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, and
Toshiba, to name just a few, as well as from smartphone makers like
Research in Motion (RIM), Samsung, and Motorola, which will give buyers
many more options and bring down prices.
Lundell notes that if they had been classified and counted as
notebook computers, iPads would have been the third largest seller in
that category after only two months on the market, ahead of Toshiba,
Lenovo, and Dell in the second quarter.
Lundell also reports that among functions not available on the
somewhat features-challenged iPad that will be offered on some of the
competing tablets will be a USB port on the Windows-based tablet from
Microsoft, support for Adobe's Flash software (which accounts for 90%
of web video), crisper screens, and dual-core processors for higher
speeds, as well as some of the units - particularly one being developed
by Verizon and Motorola - having the capability to stream live
television to the screen, the competition possibly even forcing Apple
to reduce its iPad prices.
Link:
Lots of Competition for iPad Coming
LG: Optimus Tablet 'Will Be More Productive' than
iPad
Electronista reports:
"LG in an interview today positioned its upcoming Android tablet as
the antithesis of Apple's iPad [sub. required]. Marketing VP Chang Ma
told the WSJ that the slate, which will go under the Optimus badge used
for phones in Korea, should be 'surprisingly productive.' Apple's
device is more focused on consuming content, he said."
Link: LG Vows Its Tablet
Will Be More Productive than Apple's
Acer Chairman Expects iPad Market Share to Drop to
20%
DigiTimes' Joseph Tsai reports that, in a Chinese-language interview
with the Economic Daily News, Acer chairman J.T. Wang said he expects
Apple's iPad market share to drop from close to 100% currently to only
20% to 30% after the tablet PC market stabilizes, also citing a
research report indicating that Android smartphones' market share has
already surpassed that of iOS models, and observing that based on past
experience, a closed platform will eventually lose to an open one.
Link: Acer Chairman
Expects iPad Market Share to Drop to 20% - Newspaper Report
(subscription required)
iSuppli: Apple to Dominate Tablet Market Through
2012
PR: Market research firm iSuppli's director of monitor
research Rhoda Alexander says that even with a flood of rival products
in the works (and confident saber-rattling from the CEOs of soon to be
tablet competitors Acer and LG this week), Apple Inc.'s iPad is
unlikely to face a viable competitor until 2011, allowing the company
to maintain a dominant share in the tablet market at least through
2012, with iSuppli Corp. researchers estimating that the iPad will
account for an overwhelming 74.1% of global tablet shipments in 2010, a
70.4% share in 2011, and a projected 61.7% slice even in 2012.
iSuppli's assertion is that it will take years for iPad's competitors
to gain enough traction and develop software support ecosystems that
would enable then mount a serious challenge to iPad's dominance.
Editor's note: iSuppli may well be right, but I'm still of a mind
that tablet computers offering real, credible capability as
productivity and content creation tools will be awfully attractive to a
lot of prospective tablet purchasers who are attracted by the iPad's
form factor and light weight but put off by its manifold deficiencies -
no Flash or multitasking support, no USB ports, non-upgradable memory,
cramped data storage, feeble processor power compared with even low-end
conventional PCs, no tabbed browsing, no really satisfactory word
processors and text editors, the general inability to run productivity
applications, no mouse support, and so forth. For my expanded thoughts
on this topic see
Why the Tablet I Buy Probably Won't Be an iPad on PBCentral.
cm
Link: Apple Set to
Dominate Tablet Market Through 2012
BlackBerry's Tablet to Use US Army's
Crusher-Vehicle Tech
Nerve reports:
"BlackBerry maker Research In Motion will pack its
soon-to-be-launched iPad with a unique software technology currently
being used in navigating the powerful Crusher combat vehicle by the US
Army."
If further reports that the "BlackBerry iPad" will run on software
developed by QNX Software Systems, an Ottawa-based software company RIM
acquired for $200 million in April to have exclusive access to its
software technology for its tablet.
Nerve notes that the QNX software technology powers not only the US
Army's six-wheeled unmanned Crusher combat vehicle, but also the music,
media and navigation systems in BMW and Porsche automobiles.
Editor's note: You can bet that Apple's lawyers have already sent a
letter to Nerve regarding its misuse of
the iPad trademark, which Apple acquired from Fujitsu in March
2010. The term is not generic, and you can be certain that it wasn't
RIM that called the forthcoming device a "BlackBerry iPad".
dk
Link: BlackBerry's iPad to Use US
Army's Crusher-Vehicle Tech
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. Apple iPad
PC World's Tony Bradley notes that the launch of the first iPad
contender is impending. The 7" Android-based Samsung Galaxy Tab is
scheduled to be released in Germany on September 2, and presumably
coming to market in the US sometime this fall as well, inviting obvious
comparison with the iPad. Bradley takes a look at how the two tablets
stack up against each other.
The article notes that the Galaxy Tab is expected to support Adobe
Flash, and possibly HD video as well - besting the iPad in two
important areas.
Editor's note: This "comparison" is not based on Bradley using the
Galaxy Tab or official Samsung specifications, which have not been
released, but on unnamed sources and speculation. dk
Link: Samsung Galaxy Tab
vs. Apple iPad: How Do They Compare?
Apps & Services
Google Mobile App for iPhone Gets Pushy
PR: "Ever missed an appointment or important email because
you were away from your desk? Now Google Mobile App can help with push
notifications from your Google account to your iPhone - an icon badge
shows you've got new mail in Gmail, and Google Calendar event reminders
appear right on your home screen.
"We've also added spiffy features to get you information faster -
when looking for flight info, weather, stock quotes or currency
conversion you'll see answers before you even hit 'Search'."
Link: Google Mobile App
for iPhone Gets Pushy (download
link)
Say it & Mail it Recorder 4.0.3 for iPhone: No
Typing Required
PR: Texas based Carnation Software has released Say it &
Mail it Recorder 4.0.3, an update to their popular emailer app for
iPhone and iPod touch. Say it & Mail it is the quickest and easiest
way to email a voice memo from your iPhone to yourself or to others.
Send yourself reminders when you are away from your computer. No typing
required. Your email address and subject are auto-filled. Include a
picture in your email. Pictures are full resolution compressed jpg
format and the size can be adjusted. Include a movie in your email.
Include a Google Map link to your location in your email. Email to
groups.
Four methods of recording to fit your style:
- Method 1: Tap 'Say it' then tap 'Mail it'
- Method 2: Hold the iPhone to your ear and speak. When you move the
iPhone away, recording stops and the email window opens
- Method 3: Shake it to start recording and shake it to stop
- Method 4: Tap on the microphone to start recording and tap it again
to stop
Great way to send anyone a detailed email without using the
keyboard. Emailed voice memos are compatible with Mac, PC and any other
computer O/S (uses compressed wave format). No file maintenance on your
iPhone, since audio files are not stored there. No advertising in your
emails. Just a 'Say it & Mail it' signature, which you can
optionally remove in the Info setup. Quick 'n easy. Don't strain your
fingers and your eyeballs typing out long email messages. Just "Say it
& Mail it."
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iPhone OS 3.1.2 or later
- 0.4 MB
Say it & Mail it Recorder 4.0.3 is $2.99 (or equivalent amount
in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the
App Store in the Business category.
Link: Say it
& Mail it Recorder (download
link)
Enlevel Studio Releases Free iMotion Flashlight
App for iPhone 4
PR: California based Enlevel Studio introduces iMotion
Flashlight 1.0, the first motion sensor LED flashlight app for the
iPhone 4. Using the iPhone's built-in motion sensors, iMotion
Flashlight has the ability to turn on the LED light when the phone is
held. iMotion Flashlight takes advantage of the iPhone Retina display
to include a high definition interface. The interface is designed to be
user friendly. Turning on and off the LED light is fast and
intuitive.
iMotion Flashlight motion sensor capabilities not only makes turning
on and off the flashlight fast, but it also helps reduce battery usage
by automatically turning off when the iPhone is put down. This makes it
the perfect tool to work with in dark places. For example, iMotion
Flashlight would be ideal to be used when working on the inside of a
computer, to find something under a bed, or even to work under the hood
of a car. The user can put down the iPhone to free both hands, and
iMotion Flashlight will automatically turn off the light.
Feature Highlights:
- The app detects when phone is held and turns on
- The user can enable shaking to turn on the phone
- The app has high definition graphics that takes advantage of the
Retina display
- Fast on and off button
- Elegant UI
Device Requirements:
- Requires a device with a LED torch
- iPhone 4 compatible
- Requires iOS 4.0 or later
- 0.9 MB
iMotion Flashlight 1.0 is free and available worldwide, exclusively
through the App Store in the Utilities category.
Link: iMotion Flashlight
(download
link)
Protecting Your iPhone
PR: If you're among the millions that already invested in an
iPhone, or if you're thinking about it, you may have concerns about
protecting your new investment. One of the most appealing features of
the latest iPhone model, the dual front and back glass, has some owners
particularly worried about its durability.
Repairing a damaged iPhone can be expensive - some retailers charge
$149 or more to replace a cracked screen. In addition, replacing a lost
or stolen iPhone means paying full retail price - up to $700 -
again.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your iPhone,
give yourself some peace of mind and remain connected to family and
friends.
A good case or silicone protector can help protect the back and
sides against scratches and provide some impact protection.
A screen protector is a transparent film that protects the screen
from scratches and can also help remove glare.
Some products, such as the InvisibleShield Full
Body Easy Install from Zagg, combine body and screen protection.
There are a growing number of waterproof cases designed specifically
for iPhones, such as the Magellan ToughCase. It allows your device to
be submerged up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes.
But what happens if, despite your best efforts, your phone is
damaged? Or, what can you do if it's lost or stolen? Apple's extended
iPhone warranty program only covers manufacturer defects and faulty
batteries.
Renters or homeowners insurance may cover the loss of a phone, but
there is usually a high deductible, and the phone is typically covered
only as part of a larger claim, such as a fire or burglary. Before
considering this option, check with your insurance agent to see if your
phone is covered under your policy and what restrictions may apply.
Some consumer groups recommend keeping your previous phone as an
emergency backup, or finding a temporary replacement from an online
auction site. Most items on these sites are not covered by a warranty
or product quality certification.
Another option is to set aside $5 or $10 each month as an emergency
fund to go toward replacement. However, with the high-cost of iPhones,
and other smartphones for that matter, saving enough could take a long
time.
A more expedient option would be to choose wireless phone insurance.
An iPhone protection plan, such as MobileProtect from Asurion, offers
comprehensive coverage for the iPhone, covering not only damage, but
also loss and theft.
"Nearly 50 percent of claims we see are filed for lost and stolen
phones," said Cindy Christy, Asurion president. "MobileProtect,
authorized by AT&T, is the first product to include loss and theft
coverage, as well as protection in the event of damage, including water
damage, and failure after the warranty expires. Plus, it provides the
added convenience of next day replacement in most cases and a 12-month
warranty."
iPhone customers may enroll in MobileProtect anytime up to 30 days
after activating their new device. Customers simply visit the App
Store, download the Asurion MobileProtect App, click "get started" and
follow the guided process. Rather than large upfront fees,
MobileProtect customers will be charged $11.99 monthly to their credit
card. There is a one-time deductible for each approved claim of $99,
$149 or $199, depending on the iPhone model.
To file a claim, MobileProtect subscribers can visit
www.MyMobileProtect.com, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report a
lost, stolen, damaged or faulty iPhone.
Link: MobileProtect
Accessories
KeyCase iPad Folio with Integrated Bluetooth
Keyboard
PR: UK-based reseller GearZap offers the new KeyCase iPad
Folio case with integrated Bluetooth keyboard.
With an
integrated Bluetooth 2.0 Keyboard that seamlessly connects with the
iPad for quicker and more comfortable typing, this folio case is ideal
for people who regularly use their iPad for emailing, making notes and
writing documents.
The clever design of this multifunctional case allows it to protect
the iPad, whilst it can easily convert into the laptop style
configuration. If you don't need the Keyboard it simply folds behind
the iPad and out of sight.
Product Features
- Stylish & streamlined protective leather case designed for
iPad.
- Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 Silicone Keyboard.
- Quiet keystrokes, dustproof & spill-proof.
- Durable Leather Style Exterior.
- Magnetic fastening secures case closed.
Rechargeable battery lasts for approximately 45 hours per charge.- Bluetooth keyboard charges using standard Apple power cables.
- Auto sleep mode when idle for 10 minutes.
- Easy setup - automatically reconnects when turned on.
Colour: Black
Case Material: PU Leather
Warranty: 12 Months
£59.95 inc. VAT
Link: KeyCase iPad
Folio
Plantronics M100 Bluetooth Headset in Radiant Red
Exclusively at Apple Stores
PR: Plantronics has announced that its recently introduced
Plantronics M100 Bluetooth Headset is available today in a new color,
Radiant Red, exclusively at nationwide Apple stores and the Apple
online store.
One of
the industry's slimmest headsets - the device measures only 8mm in
thickness - the M100 is claimed to deliver outstanding audio
performance by incorporating dual microphones, wind-noise reduction and
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology.
Touted as perfect for iPhone users, the Plantronics M100 displays an
onscreen battery meter on the iPhone for easily monitoring the
headset's battery level. It also includes convenient voice alerts for
remaining talk-time, low-battery, mute and connection status. When it
comes to noisy environments, the M100 automatically adjusts to receive
volume based on the surrounding sound levels, so users remain handsfree
and focused on the task in front of them. Purchasers at Apple locations
will also receive an exclusive lanyard for the M100 - perfect for
keeping your headset close when not in use.
"iPhone users will appreciate the Plantronics M100 headset's audio
performance and ease of use, including the ability to check their
headset's battery level with a quick glance," says Jeff Ducote, senior
director, Mobile Category at Plantronics. "The M100 headset also
delivers a great design. We think users will love its sleek look and
the new Radiant Red accent color."
The Plantronics M100 in Radiant Red costs $79.99 and is available
today at Apple stores and online.
Link: Apple Store
Link: M100 Radiant Red,
Plantronics
'iPhone 4 Made Simple' - What Are the New Features
on the iPhone 4?
PR: The latest title in Apress' Made Simple series, "iPhone 4
Made Simple", is the go-to guide for the latest and greatest version of
the iPhone. This comprehensive book includes over 1,000 screen visuals
and clear-cut instructions that illustrate both basic and advanced
features of the iPhone 4, from email and calendar tips to navigating
the App Store and understanding Bluetooth and WiFi networks. It helps
readers take advantage of all the features, apps, and secret techniques
available.
The iPhone 4 can do more than just about any other smartphone on the
market. In a beautiful and elegantly designed package, the iPhone 4
includes plenty of new features. Gary Mazo co-author of "iPhone 4 Made
Simple," the latest title in Apress' "Made Simple" series, has provided
a handy list of the six exciting new features available with the iPhone
4:
- An amazing Retina display (960 x 640 pixels), four times better
than older models
- First-ever video chat using a front-facing camera
- Video recording at 720p
- Longer battery life
- App switching/multitasking
- Two powerful speakers
"iPhone 4 Made Simple" is the go-to guide for the latest and
greatest version of the iPhone. This comprehensive book includes over
1,000 screen visuals and clear-cut instructions that illustrate both
basic and advanced features of the iPhone 4, from email and calendar
tips to navigating the App Store and understanding Bluetooth and WiFi
networks. "iPhone 4 Made Simple" helps readers take advantage of all
the features, apps, and secret techniques available with the new iPhone
4.
What you'll learn:
- How to use copy/paste, spotlight search, and voice memos
- Support for both Windows and Mac users
- How to use music, videos, photos and voice notes
- Detailed iTunes instructions
- How to sync playlists, videos, contacts, calendars, and notes
- Fast email, phone, calendar, and browser tips
- How to create your own ringtones and wallpapers
- How to use Google Maps to find just about anything!
- How to navigate the App Store for games, productivity apps, and
more
- Understanding Bluetooth and WiFi network setup and security
- How to install and remove software icons
- How to use you phone internationally and save money when traveling
overseas
- How to save your battery life by understanding the network
settings
- All the best tips and tricks for the touch screen
- iPhone 4 Made Simple
- By Gary Mazo, Martin Trautschold
- ISBN13: 978-1-4302-3192-9
- ISBN10: 1-4302-3192-0
- 752 pp
- Published August 23, 2010
- Print Book Price: $29.99
- eBook Price: $20.99
Link: iPhone 4 Made Simple
(currently available from Amazon.com
for $19.79)
Protection
WaterWear Water Resistant Holder with Earphones
for iPhones/iPods
PR:
WaterWear has adopted a durable transparent material to prevent
intrusion of dust and water inside the special double chuck. The
product comes with waterproof earphones, iPod, or iPhone in the water
bath and you can enjoy music or movies. You can enjoy your music
converted to use a variety of connectors for mobile phone cases.
With easily visible screen equipment storage, you can also enjoy
shooting in dusty dust and wet conditions using camera equipment
storage. If you use the iPhone while listening to music on earphones
waterproof phone, so you can make a voice call to talk things over with
the case.
A neck style strap is included to avoid loss and also, make it
comfortable and convenient to watch movies.
Inside the case, iPod or iPhone can connect to various other players
with 3.5mm stereo mini jack to use earphones connected to the
waterproof case back comes with a special connector. The Case front
uses touch to manipulate iPhone and iPod touch controls. This enables
various operations while casing.
This case facilitates iPhone/touch use while bathing, fishing in the
river, even when using mobile phones in emergency situations so they
can be carried safely and without worry of flooding. The product front,
has been found to help in emergencies by reflecting the light, etc.
because it uses reflective material.
This
accessory is suitable for (see note below):
- iPhone 4G
- iPhone 3G/iPhone 3Gs
- iPod touch 1G/2G/3G (see note below)
- iPod classic 1G/iPod 2G
- iPod nano 5th/4th
- iPod video
- Smartphone (e.g. HTC, Blackberry, Nokia phones)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: Approximately 95 (W) 175 (H) 11 (D) mm
- Weight: about 150g
- Strap length: about 48cm
- Ear length: about 120cm
Caution:
- This product is not waterproof. Not suitable for use
immersed in water. Do not use while swimming or diving.
- The included earphone does not have a microphone and receive/reject
button for Phones' function, but you will have no problems to use it as
a phone functions(hear and talk).
$26.99
Link: WaterWear
Case
