iNews Review

iPad Not Cannibalizing PC Market, Hitachi's 6.6" Retina Quality Display, ColorWare iPad Grip, and More

This Week's iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2010.10.11

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

NPD: 90% of iPad Sales Incremental, Not Cannibalizing the PC Market

PR: Contrary to popular belief, the iPad isn't causing cannibalization in the PC market, because iPad owners don't exhibit the same buying and ownership patterns as the typical consumer electronics customer, according to respected market research company The NPD Group's new report iPad Owner Survey.

According to the report, only 13% of iPad owners surveyed bought an iPad instead of a PC, while 24% replaced a planned e-reader purchase with an iPad. iPad owners, especially consumers who purchased an iPad within two months of launch, are significantly more likely to own Apple products and newer technologies, such as e-readers and smartphones.

iPad owners are much more likely than the general population to own Apple computers, with 48% owning a Mac desktop or Mac notebook, while NPD's Online Household Penetration Study fielded earlier this year found Macs in only about 11% of households. In fact, of consumers who bought iPads in the two month initial launch phase, 50% owned an Apple computer, while that number dipped to 45% among later buyers. These buyers were also much less likely to own Windows desktops, with just 53% of iPad owners overall having a Windows desktop compared to 75% of total households. iPhone ownership also correlated very closely to iPad owners, as 38% of iPad owners also own an iPhone.

"Early adopters, like iPad owners, follow a traditional pattern of consumer behavior; they purchase products because they want them, not because they need them," says Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD. "However, as Apple increases iPad distribution and consumer interest peaks, the profile of an iPad owner is much more likely to mirror the overall tech population. When that does happen other tech products with similar usage profiles as the iPad, such as notebooks, netbooks, and e-readers will come under increased pressure from the iPad. Until then, however, most iPad sales are likely to be incremental additional technology devices in the home, rather than a one-for-one replacement of a planned purchase."

For more insight from Stephen Baker about how the iPad is affecting the PC market read his latest blog post on The NPD Group Blog.

Methodology

The online survey was fielded in August to more than 500 adult iPad owners by re-contacting them after being identified by screening the NPD Opt in Online panel.

Editor's note: NPD's conclusions are directly opposite those of DisplaySearch, which concludes that the iPad is gobbling up a big portion of the netbook market (see iPad in Tablet Sector Vanguard as Netbook Shipments Plummet). Or is it just a coincidence that netbook sales went into decline at the same time the iPad launched? It's one thing to have statistics, another to correctly interpret them. dk

Early Adopters Happier with Their iPads Than Later Buyers

Stephen Baker, NPD Group Vice President, Industry Analysis blogs:

"NPD has released the second in its series of iPad surveys. While the first looked at buying intentions prior to the launch this one is more focused on what the current ownership looks like and how those owners are using their iPad. In conjunction with the press release we thought we would add some color around the iPad experience, bypassing some of the more contentious product based discussions out there. The survey provided some in-depth information on all aspects of the iPad, but today we are going to look at two distinct areas. First, is what owners like and dislike about their iPads, and second is how consumers are using their iPad."

Baker goes on to say that a line of distinction was revealed between early and later iPad adopters, with 80% of early adopters saying they are very satisfied with their iPad versus just 65% of those who bought it two months or more after the product launch. He notes that early adopters are using their iPads for more than 18 hours per week, and with almost one-third of them that time is still increasing. Early adopters are 44% more likely to watch YouTube videos, 50% more likely to watch movies, 60% more likely to watch TV shows, 38% more likely to be reading e-books, and much more likely to be interacting with more advanced multimedia features than their late-buying counterparts. Another interesting insight is that 20% of users' iPad time is spent with it in bed.

The main complaints registered by users were the lack of USB ports, which 51% of all users cited as their number one reason for dissatisfaction, followed by the iPad's lack of an easy printing solution and multitasking capabilities. Baker notes that Apple will addressing both of the latter issues with the next iOS upgrade for the iPad.

Top features are portability, ease of WiFi connectivity (not so much love for 3G), and ebook capabilities

iPhone vs. Original Mac: A Teardown Showdown

The Original MacintoshPCWorld's Ian Paul says that no two Apple products share a closer parallel history than the original iPhone and the original Macintosh computer - each device was revolutionary for its time.

The Macintosh (later known as the Macintosh 128K) "was the first mainstream computer to include a graphical user interface similar to the ones we use today. The original Mac OS used movable application windows and included functions such as drag and drop. The 128K also popularized the use of a mouse and was notable for its compact dimensions. The iPhone was the first personal computer to masquerade as a cellular telephone. It also had an intuitive, exclusively touch-based interface with limited physical buttons and no stylus - a common device for touch-based phones and PDAs prior to the iPhone.

"So how does Apple's original landmark product, the Mac, compare to the current version of the iPhone?"

Paul takes an in-depth look.

ARM Plans to Add Multithreading to Chip Design

IDG News Service's Agam Shah reports that ARM plans to add multithreading capabilities to future architectures as it tries to boost the performance of its processors, a company representative said on Tuesday.

"Multithreading is a way to run multiple threads on a single processor core to boost application performance. Calculations can be broken up over multiple threads to yield quicker results," a technology Intel calls HyperThreading and includes on some of its Core CPUs.

Editor's note: ARM announced it's first multicore processor, the Cortex A5 MP, one year ago, and multithreading (as well as multiple cores) can make multitasking work more smoothly - as anyone who has ever used a single-core OS X Mac and then gone to a two-or-more processor setup can attest. dk

5 Things the Next iPad Needs to Hold Its Edge

PCWorld's Tony Bradley says that if Apple had any doubt when it launched the iPad, it seems clear by this point that competition in the tablet arena will be fierce - and that Apple will get the same two year head start it enjoyed in smartphones with the iPhone. Upcoming tablets are already raising the bar on the standard set by the iPad, with competing tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the BlackBerry PlayBook featuring the kinds of features that many had hoped would be in the original iPad, and promising to offer formidable competition for the iPad once they hit the street.

Bradley proposes that in order for iPad to maintain its edge, or even remain relevant, some key elements demand address in the next generation:

  • Camera(s)
  • FaceTime
  • Processor power
  • Memory
  • Weight

Editor's note: To which I would add Flash support, full multitasking and symmetric multiprocessing, which the PlayBook features, and a USB I/O port. cm

Hitachi Demos 6.6" IPS Screen with Retina Display Resolution

The Register's Tony Smith reports that Japan's Ceatec consumer electronics show has largely centered on Android tablets and Toshiba's glasses-free 3D TV line. But what caught his eye perusing an Impress report on show highlights was Hitachi's 6.6" tablet-oriented LCD panel that incorporates in-plane switching (IPS) technology for a brighter, higher contrast image that can be viewed from a greater range of angles than a conventional LCD panel, and with a better-than-full-HD resolution of 1600 x 1200, making for a pixel density of 302 ppi, which Smith observes is only slightly less than the iPhone 4's 3.5" "retina display", which comes in at 326 ppi - and more than double the density of the iPad's 132 ppi.

Editor's note: Imagine a next generation iPad with this screen! dk

Analyst: 45 Million iPads in 2011, New Model Soon

Forbes' Elizabeth Woyke reports that a new analyst research report out of East Asia by Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White says that Apple is developing a smaller version of the iPad and suggests that sales numbers of the original iPad could reach 45 million in 2011.

$135 Android Tablet Arriving in UK

PR: UK vendor Morgan Computers is offering a 7" Android-based tablet computer for £84.95 VAT in or £72.30 ex VAT (roughly $135 and $115 at today's exchange rates)

With this inexpensive device, you can surf the net, check your emails, and video chat with touchscreen technology. Download various applications available via Google Android. Morgans tout it as "the perfect product for those of you who can't afford an iPad."

Morgan's tablet even goes the iPad several key features better with its SD Card slot, a USB port, and a camera - all of which the iPad is woefully bereft, so that users can easily browse images, music, and documents stored on external sources.

Specifications:

  • 7-inch Google Android Tablet with Touchscreen TechnologyCPU: ARM9 -VIA8505+ 400 MHz
  • OS: Google Android 1.7.4
  • Memory: 128M
  • Storage: 2 GB
  • LCD: 7" 16:9 TouchPanel
  • Resolution: 800 x 480 QVGA
  • WiFi: WiFi 802.11b/g
  • USB Port: Yes
  • SD Card Port: Yes
  • Earphone: Yes
  • Built in Stereo Speaker: Yes
  • Built-in Camera: 0.3 M/Pixel
  • Battery: 7.4V 1800 mAh
  • Standby time: 3 Hr.
  • Size: 195 x 120 x 16 mm
  • Codecs Supported: H263 /avi

Morgan Computers says that stock is due in around the 25th October 2010.

Editor's note: The iPad's CPU runs at 2.5x the speed, its 1024 x 768 display runs circles around 800 x 480 (even the 4G iPod touch beats that at 960 x 640), and its battery is rated at 10 hours. dk

One Laptop Per Child Preparing Tablet for Western Markets

The Register's Bill Ray reports:

"One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) has taken $5.6m from chip shop Marvell to create a tablet PC intended for western consumption, stepping somewhat away from its stated aim of 'providing an affordable educational device for use in the developing world'.

"The tablet, which will apparently be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, will be Android-based rather than making use of the Sugar environment originally favoured by OLPC...."

Chrome OS on the iPad

SlashDot's CmdrTaco reports:

"A user named Hexxeh has posted a video online of the iPad running Google's upcoming Chrome OS. Hexxeh was able to put Chrome OS on an iPad because the open source code for the operating system is available in its Chromium state, but it's not necessarily true that Apple will allow iPads to run other operating systems going forward...."

Poll: 75% of Canadians Drive While Distracted

CTV.ca News reports that while most Canadians say they disapprove of distracted driving, nearly 75% do it anyway, according to new poll conducted for Allstate Canada by Leger Marketing. The most common forms of Canuck distracted driving is adjusting a radio or iPod or eating while driving, according to the poll.

The article says Canadians are most likely to disdain texting while driving, 88% of respondents saying they viewed it negatively, yet 8% of Canadian drivers still admit to doing it, even though it's illegal in all but two Canadian provinces.

"'Our research shows that Canadians do not fully understand what is considered to be a distraction while driving and continue to engage in those dangerous behaviours,' Saskia Matheson of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada said in a news release."

Editor's note: If changing the volume or radio station on your car stereo is considered distracted driving, I can't think of too many people who don't qualify. I also think that's a ridiculous extension of the distracted driving concept, since this generally involves pushing a single button to increase/decrease volume or select/seek another station. Others define distracted driving very narrowly, such as "driving whilst using a mobile phone to make a call or send a text message" (Macmillan Dictionary). We need a standard, sensible definition that everyone can agree on. dk

Mercedes-Benz Financial to Equip All US Dealers with iPad

PR: Mercedes-Benz Financial announced that it is distributing the 3G version of the Apple iPad to the entire Mercedes-Benz US dealer network, giving all 355 dealers instant mobile access to its proprietary dealer point-of-sale system called MB Advantage.

Mercedes-Benz Financial sent the consumer-focused Apple iPad to 40 dealers in June to pilot it as a mobile tool on the showroom floor just weeks after Apple launched the device. As a result, Mercedes-Benz Financial became one of the first companies in the world to use the iPad for a business application.

During the pilot, Mercedes-Benz Financial collected feedback from dealers on how MB Advantage on iPad performed for dealer finance teams when interacting with customers.

"MB Advantage on iPad allows Mercedes-Benz dealers to increase their mobility and efficiency, from the initial finance and lease process through the lease turn-in process," said Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial. "The dealer feedback was so positive, it became a clear decision to make this business tool available nationwide."

As a result of the dealer feedback, Mercedes-Benz Financial has developed signature pad functionality for MB Advantage which will allow customers to sign certain documents electronically on the iPad screen. That functionality will be available by the end of October.

Many dealers in the pilot found that in addition to the benefits of using MB Advantage on iPad in the sales process starting with credit applications or checking special marketing programs with the customer next to the vehicle on the showroom floor, it also enhanced the lease vehicle turn-in process such as expediting the inspection and agreement on maturity statements.

"As I process lease returns on the iPad, customers can accompany me through the turn-in inspection," said Robert Bostwick, Sales Manager at Schumacher European in Phoenix, AZ. "I can show them on the iPad what I'm noting and we can discuss it while the vehicle and the inspection forms are right in front of us."

In addition to utilizing MB Advantage on iPad, Mercedes-Benz Financial has a robust mobile strategy, becoming the first auto finance company a year ago to create an App for customers to manage their accounts via iPhone and following that with a mobile website for all Smartphone users in early 2010. As a result, Mercedes-Benz Financial has received more than $10 million in monthly lease and finance payments via a payment channel that was established only 12 months ago.

Apps & Services

SafeCellApp Launches Advanced Mobile Solution to Combat Distracted Driving

PR: SafeCellApp launched today as the most advanced iPhone application on the market to address the growing problem of distracted driving. SafeCellApp is a mobile application that provides a solution to keep you safe and legal by warning you of local no-text and no-cell rules, alerts drivers entering known school zones, and pays safe drivers back with cash rewards at their favorite retailers.

SafeCellAppSafeCellApp will be available for Android mobile phones by early October and will automatically disable the phone, email, and messaging functions on 98% of smart phones when the driver exceeds 5 m.p.h. A BlackBerry version is also in the works.

SafeCellApp is the only application that will push current laws in place for users locations by using GPS technology and a proprietary database of federal, state, county, and city cell phone usage laws.

SafeCellApp features Continuous Visual Advisory capability, a function that issues real-time alerts to drivers entering locations with local restrictions on text or cell phone usage.

"Mobile devices have changed every aspect of how we live and interact with others. But too many of us find it impossible to ignore our phones when we are behind the wheel," says Scott Taylor, SafeCellApp cofounder and chief information officer. "Despite the increased awareness of the problem, people are not changing their driving behavior. This application takes the decision making out of the equation, allowing people to decide to drive safely at the beginning of their trip, rather than wrestling with the urge to answer the phone or check their texts once they're already on the road."

Rewarding Good Behavior

Unique to distracted driving applications, SafeCellApp offers cash-equivalent rewards for safe driving behavior. The application activates when the device is traveling at speeds in excess of 5 m.p.h. Using proprietary, web-based tracking and logging mechanisms, SafeCellApp records trip details including the driver's phone, email and text usage. These reports, which can be accessed by users, parents, or companies to monitor driving behavior, become the basis for a first-of-its-kind gaming feature that awards points for safe driving that are redeemable for cash rewards at major retailers. Users will accrue 1 point for every 1 mile driven while adhering to all applicable wireless laws in their location(s).

Failure to comply with local laws will cost users reward points, giving individuals, families, and employees yet another motivation to play it safe while behind the wheel. The rewards program includes more than 2,000 different products that users can redeem their SafeCellApp driving rewards points for including Ecerts, Gift Cards, Charitable Donations, and Merchandise. Retail partners include Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many more.

While the reward program with SafeCellApp will be attractive to everyone, the hope is that it's a program that finally offers driver's an incentive to refrain from distracted driving behavior. It keeps you safe, legal, and pays you back, said Tina Pantoja, SafeCellApp cofounder and president.

Apple iPhone users can download the SafeCellApp from the Apple iPhone App Store. Activation of the app's features is $11.99. The SafeCellApp license is renewed annually at the same cost.

At $11.99 per year, SafeCellApp's cost is significantly lower than less functional competitive apps. Users who visit the iPhone app store and purchase SafeCellApp by December 27, 2010 will only pay a one-time fee and will be granted a lifetime license with free upgrades.

With an extensive list of standard features, each version of the application was designed to assist individuals, families, and corporations in correcting the dangerous behavior that has made distracted driving a national epidemic.

SafeCellApp Unique Features

  • Pushes laws based on GPS location
  • Alerts Drivers Entering School Zones
  • Reporting Capabilities
  • Gaming/Rewards Functionality
  • Cash Equivalent Reward Redemption
  • Continuous Visual Advisory (CVA)™
  • Web based trip tracking (Trip Tracker)™
  • National Regulation Repository
  • Core Features for iPhone
  • GPS Enabled
  • Software Enabled
  • 911 override
  • Voice prompts for cell laws
  • Passenger disable function

Core Features for Android (October/2010)

  • Speed engagement
  • Responds with automated in-transit message
  • Blocks texting
  • Blocks calls
  • GPS Enabled
  • Software Enabled
  • 911 override
  • Voice prompts for cell laws
  • Passenger disable function

Cell phone Models

  • Apple iPhone (OS 3.0 and higher)
  • Android (October, 2010)
  • Blackberry (late Fall, 2010)

Free Yap App Automatically Converts Voicemail to Text

PR: Yap announces availability of Yap Voicemail for iPhone. The free application automatically converts voicemails into text making it easier and more convenient to access, search and respond to voice messages. iPhone users running iOS 4.1 can download Yap Voicemail from the App Store.

Quickly Read Voicemail Messages

Yap VoicemailListening to long and tedious voice messages is a common gripe. Now, Yap Voicemail lets users glance at their iPhones to quickly preview messages and determine whether they require immediate attention. In addition, users are able to check their voice message in situations like business meetings or loud settings where listening to messages is not practical.

Find Important Messages Quickly

Instead of listening to each message until finding that critical piece of information, Yap Voicemail lets users type in a few keywords that describe what they are searching. Yap Voicemail displays transcriptions of all of the voice messages that match.

Reply Using Email and Text Messages

Just because someone called and left a message doesn't mean a return phone call is required. Thanks to reply functionality that is integrated with iPhone's native SMS and email, Yap Voicemail lets users conveniently and quickly respond to voicemail messages via a text message or email.

Yap Voicemail is powered by Yap's high accuracy, fully automated speech recognition technology. This is the same technology used by wireless carriers and service providers charging as much as $5-$10 per month for voicemail-to-text services. Yap Voicemail offers identical performance at no cost to iPhone users.

"Converting voice messages into text revitalizes iPhone's voicemail experience making it a much more powerful and convenient communications tool," says Igor Jablokov, CEO at Yap. "By removing all pricing barriers, this superior service is something all iPhone users can now enjoy."

To learn more about Yap and its Yap Voicemail application, visit booth #908K at the CTIA Enterprise & Applications show floor.

SpeechTrans Brings Spoken Language Translation to the iPhone

PR: The language barrier has always been a formidable obstacle to global commerce, travel, and understanding other cultures, and SpeechTrans, Inc. has broken that barrier. The company's Speech Trans application for iPhone, powered by Nuance Communications, translates spoken language effortlessly and naturally, allowing users to simply talk into their iPhone in one language, and then hear a natural voice speaking the translated words in another.

SpeechTrans instantly translates the user's voice for instant playback in a second language, making it ideal for quick translations and conversations between multiple parties that do not have a common language. SpeechTrans utilizes Nuance's core Dragon voice technology - the same technology at the heart of the trusted Dragon NaturallySpeaking dictation software and the successful Dragon Mobile Apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The voice-enablement of the app was developed through Nuance's Mobile Developer Program.

"We created SpeechTrans to make business and pleasure travel more efficient and more fun," said John Frei, CEO of SpeechTrans. "Studying foreign languages is always wonderful, but not every traveler has time for a lengthy language course. SpeechTrans is the perfect translator when you don't know the language, and helps fill the gaps if you're still learning."

Both unidirectional and bi-directional language versions are being developed for translation between English and Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, German, and Portuguese, with additional languages being added to the platform continuously. The initial launch offers a bi-directional English/German app with English/Spanish unidirectional making it easy for a German or Spanish-speaking person to hold a conversation with an English-speaking person in near-real time, without the aid of a third-party human translator.

In addition to speaking directly into the app, users can also take advantage of the text-to-speech interface, and can both hear and read the original spoken words and the translations. The added utility of the text function allows users to correct spellings in the translations, using the iPhone international keyboard settings. The recordings or the text translations can be easily emailed or saved for future reference, a function that makes SpeechTrans an excellent business and social tool, with Twitter and Facebook integration. The app comes with 500 preloaded transcriptions; additional transcriptions can be purchased as needed. It also comes with free unlimited text-to-speech translations.

SpeechTrans powered by Nuance is currently available for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, with versions available for Android, BlackBerry, and Nokia smartphone platforms in the future.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • iOS 3.0 or later
  • 1.2 MB

SpeechTrans is currently available in unidirectional English-to-Spanish for $9.99 through the App Store in the Travel category, with a free upgrade when the bi-directional version is available; thereafter the bi-directional version will be priced at $19.99. A fully bi-directional English-German version is currently available for $19.99.

PlainText, a Free iOS Text Editor

PlainText 1.0 PR: Hog Bay Software's PlainText is a basic text editor for your iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone with an uncomplicated, paper-like user interface. Unlike the default Notes app, PlainText allows you to create and organize your documents in folders and sync everything with Dropbox.com.

Features

  • Folders keep your documents organized.
  • Paper-like interface keeps the focus on your text.
  • Dropbox sync means your documents are always available.

PlainText works exclusively with plaintext (.txt) files saved in UTF8 encoding. If you edit a file on your computer and it shows up blank when synced to PlainText, it's probably because the file wasn't saved with UTF8 encoding on your computer.

System Requirements

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
  • Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Freeware

Paint it! Show Turns Your iPad into a Portable Art Gallery

Paintit Welcome ScreenPR: Corel introduced Corel Paint it Show, the first photo-painting slideshow app created specifically for the iPad. Offering a fun way to show off favorite photos from Facebook and the iPad photo library, Corel Paint it! Show draws you in and offers a photo-viewing experience unlike any other.

Fun to watch and virtually effortless to use, Corel Paint it! Show automatically turns your snapshots into a customizable slideshow of painted masterpieces, right before your eyes. Select an album from your Facebook account or images from your iPad, start the slideshow and let Corel Paint it! Show do the rest. You can also save your favorite painted images on your iPad, post them to your Facebook account, or email them to friends and family.

Paint it post to Facebook"At Corel, we're continuously inspired by the question, 'What else is possible.' For 25 years, this question has motivated our teams around the world to come up with new and better ways to help our customers express their creativity and become even more productive," says Nick Davies, Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Corel. "With our first iPad app, we wanted to take the photo-viewing experience one step further. Corel Paint it! Show transforms your iPad into a portable art gallery, using a variety of painting effects to transform each photo, brushstroke-by-brushstroke, into a beautiful masterpiece. It's a unique and eye-catching way to enjoy and show off your favorite photos and, watching people play with Paint it! Show, I can tell you, it's addictive™

Corel Paint it! Show includes 5 different painting effects. The app will apply effects to your images randomly or you can select specific effects to be applied. In addition, you can also customize your slide transitions and access your iTunes Library to add songs or personalized playlists.

Paint it slideshow controls Corel's One-of-a-Kind App for iPad Users

Built on Corel's groundbreaking digital painting technologies, Paint it! Show is Corel's first iPad app and the latest addition to the Corel Paint it! product family. Recently, the Corel Paint it! photo-painting software for Mac and Windows was honored with the PTPA (Parent Tested, Parent Approved) Seal of Approval, recognizing excellence in family products.

Corel Paint it! Show is available in English in various markets worldwide and is priced at 99¢ in the US and Canada from Apple's App Store.

Totally Tanach Hebrew Bible Supports Retina Display

PR: Davka Corporation and Redlex announce the release of Totally Tanach version 1.1, a major update to the popular Hebrew/English Bible study app for iOS. Totally Tanach features verse-by-verse synchronization of English, Hebrew, and Rashi's commentary, and perfect positioning of Hebrew vowels and cantillation marks.

Users can browse and study all 24 books of the Bible - from Genesis through Chronicles - search the texts with the program's Hebrew search function, and bookmark and email selections for future reference. Totally Tanach is an ideal study tool for all students of the Hebrew Bible.

Totally TanachNew Features in Totally Tanach version 1.1:

  • Universal app - Totally Tanach is now a universal app and runs on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • Retina display support - Totally Tanach provides full support for the iPhone 4's Retina display, and displays Hebrew and English text with razor-sharp clarity.
  • Additional commentaries - Totally Tanach now includes the complete Hebrew commentary of Rashi on all 24 books of the Bible.

Program features include:

  • Easy navigation to all books of the Bible
  • Viewing of Hebrew and English text in parallel columns
  • Viewing of Rashi and Hebrew text in parallel columns
  • Bookmark and email verses
  • Copy and paste of Hebrew and English text

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later
  • Universal Application
  • 11.6 MB

Pricing and Availability:

Totally Tanach 1.1 is $9.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Reference category.

GoodReader PDF Reader for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch

PR: GoodReader for iPad is the very first non-Apple app that was ranked Top Paid iPad App #1 in USA during iPad launch days. Later it was also ranked #1 in many other countries.

GoodReaderGoodReader is touted as a super-robust PDF reader with advanced reading, annotating, markup and highlighting capabilities, excellent file manager, TXT file reader and editor, audio/video player, and Safari-like viewer for MS Office and iWorks files.

Within moments of downloading GoodReader, you can be transferring files directly from your computer over a USB cable (iPads only for now), a WiFi connection, from the Internet, or from email attachments. It also easily integrates with MobileMe iDisk, box.net, MyDisk.se, and other popular WebDAV servers, and also with non-WebDAV services like Google Docs and Dropbox.

With the PDF Reflow feature, reading your documents on a small iPhone screen is a pleasure, because it extracts pure text from PDF files and automatically wraps words. This amazing feature fits all of the text to your screen perfectly. That means you never have to scroll left and right to read the text. For a better idea of how on-the-fly reflow works, sneak a peek at the Reflow screenshot at the top of the page.

With no bars or buttons blocking the text, you have true full screen reading. The PDF hyperlink feature allows you to quickly jump back and forth within the document. Tapping a link will whisk you across a huge PDF book in an instant, and the "Go Back" button takes you back to the page you came from. If you already know what you're looking for, the Text Search feature helps you find your way to the exact info you want in any PDF or TXT file. You can even use the 50x zoom, which gives you a better view, without distorting the image. That makes it perfect for viewing PDF maps or drawings.

GoodReader supports massive PDF and TXT files, but it can also handle all of the most popular file types:

  • MS Office - .doc, .ppt, .xls and more
  • iWork'08/'09
  • HTML and Safari web archives
  • High resolution images
  • It even does audio and video

With GoodReader on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can read virtually anything, anywhere. Books, movies, maps, pictures; GoodReader puts it all in a single app, right in your pocket. From the very first time you use it, GoodReader is sure to be the most used app you will ever buy.

New in version 3.0.0, 3.0.1

Major update introducing major new feature - PDF Annotations, including notes, highlights, markups and drawings (iOS 3.2 or later):

  • all annotations that you create or edit in GoodReader - notes, highlights, markups, and drawings - are saved in a PDF file, so you will be able to see them later on a computer or in another copy of GoodReader on your colleague's device
  • all notes, highlights, markups, and drawings created outside GoodReader, and properly stored in a PDF file, can be viewed or edited in GoodReader
  • types of annotations that you can create and edit in GoodReader: comments ("sticky notes") with 7 different icons, text highlights, freehand drawings, lines, arrows, rectangles, ovals, text underlines, text deletion marks (strikeouts), text insertion marks, text replacement marks. You can freely adjust color of all of the above.
  • other types of annotations that you can view in GoodReader: text boxes with callouts, polygons and polylines, "squiggly" underlines, "cloudy" shapes, rubber stamps, file attachments. All annotations that can be viewed, can also be deleted. In addition, some of them can be edited in a limited fashion (color, placement, scale).
  • you can now extract files from PDF file attachments
  • two main gestures that you should use to work with annotations - single tap, and tap & hold. Depending on where you tap (on a text, on an existing annotation, or on a free space on a page), different menus will be presented to you.

Other important improvements and new features:

  • now you can select text directly on a PDF page. Tap on a text and hold your finger for a while. You can then copy it to the clipboard, or create markups for it (highlights, underlines, strikeouts, etc.)
  • certain not very large files were known to consistently crash GoodReader (as well as other PDF reader apps) for no apparent reason. This was the issue with iOS 3.x. We have resolved this issue. It shouldn't be a problem now, even if you're still on iOS 3.x.
  • now we can hide PDF watermarks (adjustable option in settings)
  • certain button images in place of PDF links that were not shown before, are now shown correctly

And some other nice things:

  • you can now choose which minimum zoom ratio you prefer for PDF pages - fit to screen or fit to width (an option in settings)
  • we have lifted the limitation for a size of files being extracted from PDF Portfolios. Now we're able to extract files of any size. Just make sure that you have enough of free disk space!
  • now when you copy a file to the same location as the original, a copy is created. Very handy if you want to annotate a PDF file, but also want to leave the original file unchanged.
  • a workaround for the issue when WiFi was conflicting with Bluetooth (slow WiFi connection, occasional WiFi signal drops when Bluetooth switch is on, etc.) was finally found. Now there should be no conflict between WiFi and Bluetooth when working in GoodReader.

System Requirements

  • iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (GoodReader for iPhone and GoodReader for iPad are two different applications)
  • iOS version: 3.0 or newer

Price: 99¢ (in US App Store, will vary in other countries)

PDF Expert for iPad - Read, Annotate PDFs Like a Pro

PR: Readdle releases PDF Expert for iPad, cutting edge application for working with PDF documents. PDF Expert combines professional PDF reader, extensive annotation capabilities and powerful file management in one iPad application. It lets read and search PDF documents, markup text, create notes, draw with a finger and save all these changes inside PDF file in a format compatible with Preview and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

PDF Expert for iPadPDF Expert for iPad focuses on solving various tasks that many people face daily. Managers and executives can proofread and correct PDF documents on the iPad screen; students are able to make notes and drawings right on the textbook page during the lecture; scientist can quickly review tech article and highlight important paragraphs.

To handle these tasks PDF Expert for iPad supports different types of PDF annotations. In addition to highlights and notes, user can strike-through, underline and copy text as well as draw right on the PDF page. The latter function is widely used to highlight text in scanned bitmap documents as well as for handwritten notes.

Another benefit of PDF Expert for iPad is the ability to edit PDF annotations created in Apple Preview or Adobe Acrobat Reader. The function works vice versa too, thus annotations made on iPad could be changed on the Mac or Windows computer.

"Wide popularity of the iPad among education and business customers unveils that people need Acrobat Reader equivalent on their devices. PDF Expert for iPad is the very close alternative to desktop PDF readers and with later releases we plan to extend application capabilities even further" explains Igor Zhadanov, Readdle CEO.

Online storages are perfect complement to the iPad, therefore PDF Expert for iPad can connect to Dropbox, GoogleDocs and MobileMe iDisk directly. User can download document, review, annotate it and put back online - all within several finger taps.

Device Requirements:

  • Compatible with iPad
  • Requires iOS 3.2 or later
  • 6.4 MB

PDF Expert for iPad 1.0 is offered at the introductory price of $4.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category.

Master Lock Launches Free Mobile App and Website for Secure Password and Data Storage

PR: From PIN codes and key codes, to passwords and lock combinations, most people are on password overload. Over time, these passwords and codes have evolved from simple 4-digit PIN numbers to complex combinations requiring letters, numbers and symbols. People are forced to choose between ones that are easy to hack or easy to forget. Thanks to the new Master Lock Vault, consumers can now store and retrieve all of their confidential access information in one free, safe and convenient location; no matter how complicated a combination may be, it will never be lost or forgotten again.

Master Lock VaultWith the Master Lock Vault, consumers only need to remember one unique password and username that they create on www.masterlockvault.com. In addition, smart phone users will find a mobile version available at the same address. Those with Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch can download the free Master Lock Vault app from the App Store for instant access to stored information anytime, anywhere. Users simply set up an account, then can review, add, change and delete stored information quickly, easily and safely from any computer or smart phone.

"We are becoming a more security-conscious society surrounded by passwords, and it's not easy to remember them all, much less store them safely," says Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. "As a leader in off-line security solutions, it's only natural that we take our expertise online and provide consumers with the safest method to store and retrieve passwords and combinations in a secure environment from a brand they trust."

Master Lock VaultThe Master Lock Vault provides the highest level of website security available today - a 256-bit encrypted connection - for safe storage of users' security sensitive information. As a result, the Master Lock Vault is safer than storing information offline where it could be discovered, leaving you at risk for identity theft. A green bar and padlock symbol in users' browsers alerts them to the fact that they're on the secure site. Information stored in the Master Lock Vault cannot be accessed by Master Lock, and Master Lock does not share users' information with anyone, ever.

For additional protection with safeguarding your information, Master Lock encourages you to:

  • Never use the same password for multiple accounts
  • Never write down your password in a public place, such as in a Rolodex or on a sticky note on your computer monitor
  • Never create passwords that are easy to crack, such as
  • Default passwords (guest, admin)
  • Dictionary words (rabbit, Packers)
  • Words with numbers appended (password1)
  • Words with simple obfuscation (p@ssw0rd)
  • Double words (fishfish)
  • Common keyboard sequences (qwerty)
  • Common numeric sequences (911)
  • Identifiers (555-1234, 01/12/1965)
  • Anything personally related to you (license plate number, birthday)

iPhone Life Releases New Version of Its Free Magazine App

PR: Longtime technology firm Thaddeus Computing, publisher of the popular iPhone Life magazine, has released their new iPhone Life app version 2.0. The free app lets users access daily iPhone Life blogs, current news from other web sites, tips, archives of previous issues, and the best iPhone sites around the globe. The app has been redesigned from the ground up and features a new user friendly interface. It is optimized HD for both the iPhone and iPod touch and the iPad.

iPhone Life is the only print magazine 100% devoted to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users. Each issue features reviews of the best apps, the top accessories and the latest news from Apple. Additionally, readers can discover in each issue exciting games, plenty of tips and hidden features, iTunes and Safari how-to's, the iPhone in the workplace, excellent articles about creating apps, and autobiographies from iPhone and iPad users. iPhone Life also publishes an annual buyer's guide and how to guide.

New Features:

  • Now Available on the iPad
  • New user-friendly interface
  • Landscape Mode
  • Free Digital and Print Magazine Trial Offer

Feature Highlights:

  • Read the latest iPhone Life blogs
  • Get iPhone News from the top iPhone web sites
  • Read reviews on featured Apps
  • Learn hidden features with tips and tricks
  • Enjoy articles previously published in iPhone Life
  • Subscribe to iPhone Life

Designed specifically to take advantage of the device's unique abilities and interface, the new App makes content from the magazine and the iPhone Life website easily and conveniently readable on the iPhone or iPad, and provides a window into the content from the top iPhone sites throughout the web

"Enthusiastic iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users who want to learn and know more will love this App," said Hal Goldstein, Executive Editor at iPhone Life. "Every day on your iOS device, you can check out the latest reviews and news, traverse to the iPhone sites, and read content from past issues."

System Requirements: iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (all versions)

Offered as an excellent and convenient extension to both the print magazine and website, the iPhone Life App is completely free and available now. iPhone Life magazine is printed bimonthly and available through subscription and newsstands worldwide. New users may subscribe now ($15.97) and save 72% off the news stand price. Two year subscriptions are only $24.97.

LED Light for iPhone 4: Free LED Flashlight Utility

PR: Blue Wind announces LED Light - for iPhone 4 LED Flashlight Version 1.04, an update to their extremely popular, free flashlight utility for iPhone 4. Number one in the Top 100 Free Utilities in the US App Store on 9/26/10, the utility enables the iPhone 4 owner to set their camera's flash to remain on continuously, creating an anytime, anywhere emergency flashlight. The update incorporates newly designed icons, complementing the instant activation flashlight, easy on/off button, strobe light function, and on/off sound effects.

Weighing only 4.8 ounces, the 4.5 x 2.3 inch iPhone 4 is one of the few things, like a wallet, that people take with them everywhere. Now, to this ubiquitous, cybernetic Swiss army knife comes a free app providing the most basic utility of all: light. Walking down unlit country paths, searching dark closets, resetting circuit breakers, reading on a bus, LED Light is handy, bright, and the perfect emergency flashlight. It is one of the few free utility apps that nearly every iPhone 4 owner is likely to use on a daily basis. Blue Wind advises that LED Light consumes power quickly, and that continued use of the flash may dramatically decrease battery life.

Feature Highlights

  • Simple, practical alternative or emergency light source
  • Instant on continuous or strobe light
  • Bright white LED produces 45 lumens, more efficient than incandescent or halogen
  • LED beam brighter than screen-based flashlight utilities

"Apple finally put a high quality still/video camera light on the iPhone," stated Producer Doosun Hong. "Now, with iPhone 4 the user can use the camera function under almost any conditions, and use LED Light to provide emergency light anytime."

Device Requirements

  • iPhone 4
  • iOS 4 or later
  • 2.3 MB

LED Light - for iPhone 4 LED Flashlight Version 1.04 is free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category.

Accessories

ColorWare Grip for iPad

ColorWare Grip for iPadPR: The ColorWare Grip for iPad is designed to let you carry your iPad securely and with style. All Grips are carefully manufactured in Minnesota using aircraft-grade aluminum to create a durable and perfectly fitted handle.

ColorWare's design studio is simple to use and will allow you to customize your Grip. 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.

ColorWare Grip for iPadWith a color and finish of your choice, the ColorWare Grip will fit your on-the-go lifestyle while setting your iPad apart from the rest.

Features:

  • Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Fits all iPads
  • Installation Tools Included
  • Secure Fit
  • Made in Minnesota

The downside? The Grip costs (gulp!) $300

Go Unveils Dual-USB Chargers for Convenient Charging of Multiple Electronic Devices at Once

PR: iGo has unveiled the small and convenient iGo Dual-USB Chargers ($19.99 MSRP) for mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, portable game consoles and more. While most USB chargers on the market only have one USB port, iGo's new wall and car chargers have two USB ports. With the ability to charge two devices at once, the new iGo Dual-USB Chargers provide the ultimate in charging flexibility.

iGo Dual-USB Chargers"With the proliferation of electronic devices on the market, we challenged our engineers to design a family of sleek chargers that could conveniently charge multiple devices at once. Whether you are at home, in the office, or on the road, the iGo Dual-USB Chargers offer a flexible charging solution"

Measuring less than two and a half inches long and only three-quarters of an inch thick, the versatile iGo Dual-USB Wall Charger is one of the smallest wall chargers on the market. The charger also features folding AC plug blades, making it a convenient travel charging solution for powering electronic devices while on the go. And when it's plugged in, there is no need to worry about wasted power since the iGo Dual-USB Wall Charger has excellent no-load power consumption and exceeds Energy Star requirements by more than 85%.

For those who find themselves on the open road, the iGo Dual-USB Car Charger provides two USB outputs that can simultaneously charge two phones, iPods, Gameboys, or any other mobile device. The iGo Dual-USB Car Charger works with any standard in-vehicle outlet, allowing users to rapidly charge virtually all of their electronic devices at once while in the car.

Both iGo Dual-USB Chargers eliminate the need for multiple chargers by including USB power cables that attach to any iGo power tip. Additionally, any standard USB charging cable can be used, increasing the chargers' usefulness. When purchased at iGo.com, the Dual-USB Chargers also include one free power tip for a mobile electronic device.

"With the proliferation of electronic devices on the market, we challenged our engineers to design a family of sleek chargers that could conveniently charge multiple devices at once. Whether you are at home, in the office, or on the road, the iGo Dual-USB Chargers offer a flexible charging solution," said Michael D. Heil, president and chief executive officer of iGo.

Padacs Announces Premium iPad Keyboard Case

PR: International specialist mobile accessories company Padacs has announced the Rubata iPad keyboard case, a premium leather-bound cover with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard with special iPad keys.

Rubata Bluetooth Keyboard CaseAvailable early November, the Rubata Bluetooth keyboard will extend the excitement of Padacs just-released Toccata keyboard case, which has proved hugely popular with US reviewers.

Rubata differs from the Toccata through its 100 per cent leather case, a hard plastic shell keyboard and special keys that make the iPad even easier to use. Special keys include one touch access to functions such as Select All, Copy, Cut and Paste as well as keys for Blank Screen, Slideshow and Search.

The Rubata Bluetooth keyboard case costs $99.95.

Padacs currently ships its products throughout the US, Canada, and Australia.

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