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News, Reviews, & Opinion
SquareTrade Finds iPhones Suffer Fewest
Failures
Researchers Vince Tseng and Austin Sands at independent warranty
provider SquareTrade analyzed failure rates of over 50,000 smart phones
covered by SquareTrade Care Plans, finding that Apple iPhones had the
fewest malfunctions, with Motorola and HTC close behind.
The iPhone 4 was the most reliable phone, with 2.1% of units
projected to have a non-accident malfunction in the first 12 months.
However, phones by major makers of Android devices. such as Motorola
and HTC, were also found to be very reliable, with just 2.3% and 3.7%
failure rates, while BlackBerries and other smartphones were less
reliable, with 6.3% and 6.7% failing in the first 12 months of use.
However, SquareTrade notes accidental damage is responsible for over
75% of smartphone failures, and BlackBerry devices had the lowest
one-year accident rate at 6.7%, while iPhone 4 had the highest at 9.4%.
Go figure.
The full report SquareTrade report can be downloaded as a PDF file
or read on the company's website.
Link: Smartphone
Reliability Survey Finds Apple iPhones Suffer Fewest Failures; Major
Android Brands Not Far Behind
Link: SquareTrade
Samsung Galaxy Tab a 'Train Wreck'
Gizmodo's Matt Buchanan says the 7" Galaxy Tab is the first
post-iPad tablet that matters and the first Android tablet meant for
humans. But is it actually fit for humans?
In a word, No.
For one thing, says Buchanan, "there's no way to not feel like a
total dorkface while typing on this thing. In portrait, it's like
tapping on a massive, nerdy phone. In landscape, it's just dumb."
Buchanan says the Tab feels like a grab bag of neglect, good
intentions, and poor execution, although he compliments it on feeling
dense, and sturdy (if surprisingly thick) - probably the best
constructed Samsung mobile device ever. But in general, he says, "This
thing is just a mess. It's like a tablet drunkenly hooked up with a
phone, and then took the fetus swimming in a Superfund cleanup
site.
Link: Samsung Galaxy
Tab Review: A Pocketable Train Wreck
Rethinking the iPhone: Cost of Service Is a
Killer
The Register's Cormac O'Reilly says:
"When I asked my friend Quentin recently how he liked his new
iPhone, he said it was great, except as a telephone. He was right, and
as a devoted iPhoner since its introduction, this made me think.
"My carrier's coverage (AT&T) is lousy, the 3G connection is
slow/patchy and AT&T is expensive, on average $82 a month....
"So I decided to rethink the experience . . . How I hate being in
the hands of a telephone company!
"So this is what I did: it retains all of the iPhone functionality,
markedly improved my phone and Internet experience, saved money and
ended the two-year contract habit. And I can live with the minor
compromise, which make me less manic."
Find out how O'Reilly switched from the iPhone to other
solutions.
Link: Rethinking
the iPhone: The Swiss Army Knife of Telephony, but the Cost of Service
Is a Killer
iPad Needs Mouse Support to Replace Laptops and
Netbooks
Seeking Alpha's The Market Flash blogger says that he's impressed
with iPad, but wonders whether it can become (or is) an all purpose
computing platform. The fact that a docking keyboard was quickly
offered as an accessory for the iPad shows that Apple thinks the tablet
has potential as an all-purpose computing platform, but while you can
fire up iWork on your iPad with a docking keyboard to do some
heads-down word processing or whatever, you'll quickly notice that you
don't have a mouse, being obliged tap, squeeze, and pinch to navigate
around your document and select icons on a screen that sits vertically
in front of you (and knocks over easily).
Ergo: The iPad needs a mouse to be fully competitive with laptops
and netbooks as an all purpose computing platform, and while there are
third-party mouse driver hacks for the iPad, most users don't want to
hassle with the technical vagaries of jailbreaking their iPad and don't
wish to void their warranty by doing so.
The author contends that addition of an accessory mouse would make
the iPad leap a lot easier for a lot more people.
Editor's note: I agree completely. cm
Link: iPad Needs Mouse
to Replace Laptops/Netbooks
Hypernetworking and Hypertexting Bad for Kids in
More Ways Than One
Medical Net's Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD reports:
"According to a new study adolescents who text excessively or who
are hooked on social networking sites are more likely to engage in
unhealthy behaviours like smoking and binge drinking than their peers
who are not similar users. Scientists at the Case Western Reserve
School of Medicine surveyed 4,257 high school students from an urban
county in the Midwest to look at the health effects of communications
technology usage.
"They found that teenagers who 'texted' more than 120 messages per
day were 40% more likely to have tried cigarettes, 43% more likely to
be binge drinkers, 41% more likely to have used illicit drugs, 55% more
likely to have been in a physical fight, 3.5 times more likely to have
had sex, and 90% more likely to report having had four or more sexual
partners. These teenagers were termed as 'hyper texters' and 19.8% of
the surveyed teenagers came under this category."
Editor's note: Those who text "excessively" or a "hooked" on social
networking are the kind of extroverts most likely to give in to peer
pressure, which is the leading reason for getting involved with most of
the activities listed. They also show addictive behavior in their
texting and social networking habits, so it's no surprise they they
exhibit addictive behavior in other areas as well. Although there is a
strong correlation between these activities, the study does not show
cause-and-effect (i.e., excessive texting leads to binge drinking),
only that excesses in one area predict excesses in other areas. In
short, it's probably not the texting and social networking that are
leading to these other behaviors. dk
Link: Hypernetworking
and Hypertexting Bad for Kids in More Ways Than One: Study
iPhone, BlackBerry, Users Biggest Spenders
IntoMobile's Stefan says
"They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and I'm ashamed
to admit that I used to profile people based on what type of mobile
phone they carried. Seems like I might have been right all along
because data collected by personal finance service Pageonce shows that
an average iPhone users charges around $6,872 to their credit cards
every month, whereas the typical Android user does only $5,330. In
between iPhone and Android owners are the BlackBerry crowd with $5,693
spent per month, and in last place are Windows Mobile users with a mere
$5,076. Now I don't, and probably never will, own a credit card, so
these dollar amounts frankly shock me."
Link: iPhone Users
Typically Charge about $6900 to Their Credit Cards Every Month, 35%
More than WinMo Users
Apps & Services
TechRestore Now Offers iPhone 4 Screen Repairs
PR: TechRestore, Inc. is offering lightning fast iPhone 4
screen repair if iPhone 4 owners wish to install the screen themselves.
TechRestore has developed a reputation with iPhone owners for fast
repair turnaround, competence of its Apple Certified Technicians, and
award-winning service. iPhone 4 owners now have a repair solution with
a price based in reality, a superfast repair timeframe and a 1-year
warranty. The service uses the high-quality retina technology LCD
screen, a new touchscreen digitizer and a new frame.
TechRestore's fast iPhone 4 screen repair is priced at $99 if
owners are content to install the screen themselves or $139 including
parts and installation.
"It is important to understand that to properly repair the iPhone 4
screen, both the retina display and the touchscreen digitizer must be
replaced," says TechRestore founder and President Shannon Jean. "We get
calls every day from iPhone users that purchased a cheap digitizer or
LCD by itself, who attempt the repair and are bitterly disappointed by
the poor quality and inability to use the individual parts for a
repair."
As noted, TechRestore's iPhone 4 screen repair service uses the
original, high-quality retina LCD screen, plus a new touchscreen
digitizer and a new frame. The repair is performed by an Apple
Certified Technician and repair turnaround time is typically the same
day that the iPhone 4 is received at the TechRestore repair center.
iPhone 4 owners can schedule a repair or purchase an iPhone 4 screen
assembly by calling 1-888-572-7372 or by visiting TechRestore online.
TechRestore also provides wholesale pricing to iPhone repair companies
that buy iPhone 4 screens in quantity. Repair companies looking for
incredibly low pricing, should call 925-689-9488 or visit TechRestore
to register as a wholesale customer.
TechRestore also provides same-day and overnight repairs for Mac
laptops such as the MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook, and iBook, and
repairs iPhones, iPads, iPod touch, Mac mini, Apple TV, and Sony PSP
gaming systems. The company's refurb group sells restored MacBook and
MacBook Pro systems at competitive prices, and perhaps most
importantly, each repair includes a free Ninja
Link: iPhone 4 Screen
Repair Service
Link: iPhone 4 Screen for
self-repair
DashCam for iPad and iPod
PR: St. Edward Enterprises
LLC announces their first iPhone/iPod touch application called DashCam,
which is meant to serve as a "black box" for recording consumer's
driving. DashCam combines the rear facing camera of the iPhone/iPod
touch, Google Maps, GPS and microphone to allow the user to record
his/her driving, track the route along which s/he is traveling on
Google Maps, display the speed and average speed, and the ability to
share the video part via YouTube, Facebook, Email, or just save the
video on the iPhone/iPod touch in the Photo Album. The recording can be
used in various ways, some of which include fighting traffic tickets,
providing evidence in case of an accident, learning purposes, and
personal entertainment.
DashCam is compatible with iOS 4.0 or later and iPhone 3GS, iPhone
4, and 4th generation iPod touch and is currently available at the App
store.
The
DashCam is based on combination of Google Maps and iPhone/iPod touch
AGPS. Route tracking tracks each point traveled on the map and displays
it in the red highlighted line overlaid on top of the Google Maps.
Starting location is shown as a green pin and ending location
is shown as a red pin. Current location is shown via the blue dot.
Speed, average speed, and time of the recording is also being tracked
and displayed. Video recording resolution can be adjusted in the
Settings page via three modes, high, medium, and low. In iPhone 4 the
high setting will allow the user to record the video at 720p
resolution. Video recording can be recorded in landscape and portrait
modes.
Playback
While playing back the video on the iPhone or iPod touch, the user
can see where the video was recorded on the displayed Google Maps via
the blue dot which tracks user's location at the given time along the
highlighted route. Starting point and end point of the route is
displayed via a green pin and red pin respectively. Speed and average
speed is also displayed and reflects the speed and average speed at
that time and location of the video recording. User can fast forward or
rewind the video to a specific time or place on the map.
Link: DashCam (download
link)
TekTrak Gives You 94 Reasons You'll Never Lose an
iPhone Again
PR: TekTrak announces the launch of their iPhone app that
allows GPS tracking of the iPhone remotely from any web browser. By
taking advantage of assisted GPS tools already on the iPhone, TekTrak
wants to make sure you never lose your phone again. TekTrak is the
location-tracking app for everyone, offering the service at drastically
lower prices than competitors with TekTrak Pro.
So leave the house with confidence and wear those silk pants with
the slippery pockets. TekTrak gives users peace of mind, knowing they
can always find their iPhone again. TekTrak Pro is a full-featured
tracking app, which allows the phone's owner to access their iPhone's
location information from anywhere. For $4.99 a year you can lose (and
then find) your phone as often as you like.
"Today's mobile
device is more than just a phone - it includes a lot of important
information, including contacts, passwords, e-mails, pictures and more.
We developed TekTrak so that people can live worry free and affordably.
Your iPhone should be a utility, not a liability," says TekTrak CEO
Arik Waldman.
Users simply download the app (link below) and follow the simple
registration steps to create a login. Then they can track their phone
from any web browser by visiting tektrak.com.
TekTrak Pro brings these great features to your iPhone:
- Real time web based location tracking of your phone's
location.
- Location history of your phone - where it was and when.
- Runs in the background, ensuring GPS is not continuously on,
draining the battery.
- Remotely ring or send push notifications to your phone.
- Checks location at predetermined time intervals, and can be
adjusted to continuous or hour-long periods as well.
Before TekTrak, iPhone users were limited to tracking apps that
either cost upwards of $100 a year, or shoddy apps that ran GPS
continuously and ran down your battery. TekTrak tackles the pain of
battery drain by running in the background and using GPS at an interval
vs. always on.
TekTrak gets your phone back.
Link: TekTrak
(download
link)
'Fuzz Alert'
Locates Speed Traps, Red Light Cameras, and DUI Checkpoints
PR: Users can locate police enforcement locations on the map,
and "set" the trap location for other users by double-tapping the
location on the map screen. Speeding tickets, red light camera tickets
and DUIs can be a very expensive for a driver! This application will
prove its value in a matter of minutes, saving drivers costly and
embarrassing traffic stops.
Unique feature: Pimp your ride. Once registered, users get a classic
car and be able to pimp it out by reporting traps and getting positive
feedback.
- Active users will be able to build out a sweet new ride with this
feature.
- The more time you run the app the more points you receive to pimp
your ride.
- User Ranking is a rating of how well the user is reporting traps
and is based on users verifying their traps.
- The more verification of your traps, the more your ranking will
increase.
- The Rankings will decrease for disputed reports on certain traps;
more disputes of traps, the more user ranking will decrease.
Got a ticket? Drivers can
fight their speeding ticket in the "settings" area, users can link out
to TicketVoid.com to find a
local traffic ticket attorney or DUI attorney.
Fuzz Alert was launched in September 2010 and has far succeeded all
of its early projections. The company cross posts its traps to Twitter
and has amassed almost 8,000 Twitter users in a couple of months.
In summary, Fuzz Alert lets users locate approaching speed traps,
red light cameras, active police vehicles, and DUI/DWI checkpoints.
Fuzz Alert "free" comes with map, "pimp it", and alerts in an animated
voice! With Fuzz Alert Pro, add "radar mode" and a "background mode" to
enhance the experience and Alert power! Fuzz alert is currently rated 5
stars in iTunes.
Link: Fuzz Alert
(download links:
Fuzz Alert,
Fuzz Alert Pro)
Open Text Extends Open Text Everywhere with Native Apple iPhone,
iPad Apps
PR: Open Text Corporation showcased a new release of Open
Text Everywhere with native client applications for Apple iPhone and
iPad. With a growing library of business applications, Apple's popular
smartphones and tablets are quickly gaining momentum as an enterprise
client platform. With client applications from Open Text, business
users gain access to critical content and processes from their iPhones
and iPads.
The new applications were revealed for the first time here at Open
Text's annual Content World user conference where attendees were able
to experience Open Text Everywhere in action on iPads and iPhones.
"By themselves, the iPhone and iPad are fantastic devices. But it's
not until you add content that they become truly transformative," said
Eugene Roman, Chief Technology Officer, Open Text. "With Open Text
Everywhere, we are putting the content and business applications on
these devices that will absolutely change the way people work, and
result in big gains in productivity across the board."
In today's fast moving, globally connected work environment,
business doesn't stop when users walk away from their desks. According
to a recent Forrester Research survey(*), workers are much more likely
to use their smartphone - or instant-on tablets like iPads - while
traveling, commuting, in coffee shops or even in different buildings
than laptops. While the productivity benefits of delivering enterprise
content to smartphones can be substantial, information technology
managers face steep challenges to maintain security, control costs and
deliver sophisticated applications.
Open Text Everywhere lets users natively and securely access a full
set of Open Text ECM Suite 2010 capabilities from both RIM BlackBerry
and Apple iPhone and iPad devices. It provides secure end-to-end
communication between the ECM Suite and mobile devices, and pushes the
permission model and audit capabilities of the ECM Suite right to the
device.
Open Text Everywhere provides a comprehensive view of business
processes, content and social collaboration tools. On the device side,
it gives users a native application that delivers a rich, intuitive and
fast user experience. On the server side, Open Text Everywhere is fully
integrated with Open Text Content Server, the heart of the ECM Suite,
for rapid deployment and minimal impact on IT, with low ongoing
maintenance and support requirements.
By marrying mobility to content management, Open Text makes it
possible for employees to access and act on the information they need
in a variety of scenarios. It provides them not only with core content,
but provides search and workflow that enables them to complete tasks
using only their smartphones.
In the coming months, Open Text will be adding more features,
capabilities and mobile platform support to the Open Text Everywhere
offering. This will include:
A mobile email management application that lets customers manage
email for legal, regulatory or corporate governance rules.
A new social interface for smartphone devices that incorporates
access controls, auditing, and other ECM Suite capabilities while
enabling new levels of collaboration.
Integration with Web Experience Management (formerly Vignette) that
will provide an on-demand mobile application platform enabling
organizations to deliver fast and reliable mobile solutions that are as
rich and interactive as advanced Web solutions found on the fixed
Internet.
Link: Open Text
(download
link)
gDocuments for iOS: A Better Google Docs Client
PR: Chicago based Imagam, Inc. announces the release of
gDocuments 1.0 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users. Featuring a
practical, intuitive interface that is rich in features, yet
easy-to-use, gDocuments lets you create text documents, email, view and
manage Google Docs files on your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Imagam developed
gDocuments because none of the existing solutions provided the user
experience, ease of use, and the features necessary in a good Google
Docs client. Imagam aimed to solve the problem by developing
gDocuments. To ensure that gDocuments offered all that was necessary
for a fully satisfying experience, Imagam made the app rich in
desirable features:
- Rename, Delete, and create New Folders
- Email (directly from gDocuments using iPhones email accounts)
- Create and edit text documents
- View Documents, Presentations, Drawing, and Spreadsheets in number
of configurable formats.
- File context Popup Menu for easy file operations
- Secure application by setting master passcode
- Rename and delete files and folders
- Star, unstar, hide and unhide files and folders
- Open Files in other apps
gDocuments has easy to use interface; access your documents using
number of views, sort options are available while browsing, create new
documents/folders using conveniently located "+" tool. Swipe over a
file or folder to get menu with quick options like email or hide.
gDocuments was made to be very easy to use and intuitive.
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later
- 6.6 MB
For a limited time, gDocuments 1.0 is 99¢ and available
worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity
category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please
specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.
Link: gDocuments (download
link)
New Lightning
Strike Detection App for iPhone and iPad
PR: Illinois based Allison House LLC announces the immediate
availability of BoltMeter 1.0, a new lightning detection display for
iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. BoltMeter is the only iOS application
with a real-time lightning strike display utilizing a compass based
system to provide up-to-the-minute distance and direction information.
BoltMeter is also the first iOS application that leverages the accuracy
and efficiency of the United States Precision Lightning Network
(USPLN). Lightning data for this application is only available within
the Continental United States.
On opening BoltMeter, the app obtains current GPS coordinates and
queries the severe weather data servers at Allison House for any
lightning strikes within 30 miles in the past 6 minutes. Using an easy
to read compass based system, any strikes are then displayed by
highlighting the appropriate quadrant on the compass. BoltMeter is easy
to use and powerfully simple.
BoltMeter 1.0 features include:
Google Map
underlay- 60 second updates
- iOS 4 multitasking support
- Compass rotation for spatial awareness
- Data limited to areas within the United States
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.0 or later (iOS 4.0 Tested)
- 1.5 MB
BoltMeter 1.0 is $2.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies)
and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the
Weather category.
Link: BoltMeter
(download
link)
iPad Turns Pro with iLIVEx Pro
PR: StarNet Communications of Sunnyvale, California, a
leading developer of X11 connectivity solutions, announced iLIVEx Pro
($24.99), a powerful X11 client for the iPad developed for business
professionals and engineers who need to make presentations, collaborate
with distant colleagues, or perform remote diagnostics and support
services.
"iLIVEx Pro
displays a web browser and remote Linux and Unix desktops on
VGA-compatible conference room projectors and digital TVs. iPad
business users have been frustrated not being able to take their iPad
into a conference room and display spreadsheets, presentations, or a
web browser. iLIVEx Pro enables Firefox, OpenOffice, and other business
applications to be displayed on large screens via a Linux-based
interface. Now, the iPad becomes an effective business presentation
tool," says StarNet cofounder and CEO Steven Schoch.
iLIVEx Pro also allows users to collaborate with colleagues through
a session shadowing feature, allowing multiple iPad and desktop users
to connect to the same remote X desktop or application. You can sit on
a commuter train in Chicago and collaborate on an IC design with a
colleague in Silicon Valley, Schoch said.
Another key feature allows users to create new sessions on remote
Unix and Linux servers. This allows iPads to become useful in remote
application support as well as server and network administration. You
can now manage X-based application hosts and network servers from
anywhere, Schoch said.
iLIVEx Pro also improves security when connecting to corporate
networks over the Internet by allowing users to import their OpenSSH
private keys.
iLIVEx Pro and the entry-level iLIVEx allow iPad users to connect to
Unix and Linux workstations, mainframes and supercomputers and control
remote X11 desktops and applications. iLIVEx Pro uses an ultra-thin
data transfer protocol allowing for LAN-like performance, even over 3G
connections. Connections run over securely encrypted SSH tunnels and
built-in session persistency ensures users can reconnect to their
remote applications should the iPad get disconnected, turned off or the
user temporarily switches to another iPad app.
iLIVEx Pro enables iPad users to enjoy web sites with Flash and work
on multiple office applications simultaneously. Users can also switch
their remote desktops seamlessly between iPads, Windows, Linux and
Macintosh PCs.
Free Linux Account & Desktop Clients
iLIVEx Pro includes a free account on a Linux server hosted by
StarNet. iLIVEx Pro buyers also receive a 6-month trial license for
StarNet's X11 desktop clients for Windows, Linux and Macintosh
workstations.
Link: iLIVEx Pro (download
link)
Textastic for iPad Plain Text Editor with Syntax
Highlighting
PR: Independent developer Alexander Blach announces Textastic
1.1 for iPad, an update to his plain text editor featuring syntax
highlighting. The app is compatible with more than 80 programming and
markup languages, including HTML, XML, Objective-C, C#, PHP, Perl,
Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, Tex, Pascal, Ruby, Scala, VB, shell
scripts, etc. Furthering the current trend blurring the functionality
of desktop, notebook, and tablet devices, Textastic is fast, has fully
integrated connectivity, and supports onscreen, dockable, and Bluetooth
keyboards. The 1.1 update now allows the user to preview and edit HTML
files.
Possibly the greatest timesaving innovation in text editing of
source code, syntax highlighting is a form of secondary notation. The
special fonts and colors have no affect on the code itself, but improve
readability significantly, enabling the programmer to much more easily
scan, revise, and debug. From the Settings menu the user can choose
from four fonts, two serif and two sans serif. Also, font size is
continuously adjustable (6 point to 30 point), and text may be
displayed in portrait or landscape mode. Tab width and column wrap
width are user definable, and there is an optional fourth row of keys
on the virtual, onscreen keyboard (parentheses, curly brackets, angle
brackets, brackets, and slashes). Also supported is SmileOnMyMac's
TextExpander, which allows the user to type short abbreviations that
are automatically expanded into any text desired.
Feature
Highlights:
- Syntax highlighting of more than 80 different types of files while
typing: HTML, XML, Objective-C, C#, PHP, Perl, Python, SQL, JavaScript,
CSS, shell scripts, etc.
- Full onscreen virtual keyboard, keyboard dock and Bluetooth
keyboard support
- Displays additional row of keys over the onscreen virtual keyboard,
making it easy to type characters often used for programming
- Supports most encodings, including UTF-8, ISO-8859-1, and
MacRoman
- Auto-indentation
- Supports different tab widths
- User-selectable fonts and font sizes
- Copy & Paste
- Undo & Redo
- Incremental search
- File information, such as character count and word count
- Send files by email
- Local web preview for HTML files
- Supports TextExpander touch snippet expansion
- Import/Export over USB via iTunes File Sharing
- Import/Export files from other apps using "Open In" iPad
command
- Import/Export via WiFi using the built-in WebDAV server
- In-app, 30 page, fully illustrated instruction manual
In addition to its versatility, Textastic 1.1 is 100% Objective-C
based, and provides outstanding performance running on the iPad's
1 GHz A4 processor. Particularly evident during interactive
search, the text editor is quick and responsive. The app also features
several integrated connectivity options, including a built-in WebDAV
server (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning), Mac or PC
networking, iTunes file sharing, email, and opening files from other
applications, such as GoodReader.
"There is no more convenient or user-friendly device for storing or
reading text than iPad," stated developer Alexander Blach. "Because you
can browse or edit text anytime, anywhere, the iPad makes an ideal text
editor. Now, Textastic allows programmers and developers to share in
the joy of iPad."
Language Support:
Device Requirements:
- iPad Compatible
- iOS 3.2 or later (iOS 4 tested)
- 1.6 MB
Textastic 1.1 for iPad is $4.99 and available worldwide exclusively
through the App Store in the Productivity category. Review copies are
available upon request.
Link: Textastic (download
link)
Real Weather Girls Celebrates Newly Released
Version with Free Downloads
PR: Real Weather Girls, the world's first reality show
based application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, has just
released its newest and best version to date, and to celebrate, the App
is available for free for a limited time. Already a hit at the iTunes
store, Real Weather Girls is seeing over 45,000 weekly views in the
three weeks since its release.
Real
Weather Girls are continually seeking to improve the user's experience,
and releasing this newly updated version to celebrate their success,
are offering free downloads for a limited time.
A fully functioning weather App, Real Weather Girls follows the
lives of 12 women in 12 cities across the globe from Honolulu to London
who share videos detailing everything from their daily lives to the
newest trends in their respective towns.
In addition to providing original daily video content, each Girl
directly interacts with users. Heading to the UK for the holidays and
not sure what to pack? Ask Camilla. Visiting Hollywood and want to know
the best place to spot celebrities? Ask Colby. Simply want to be
entertained? Watch one or all 12 Girls. Just want the weather or the
seven-day forecast? Check the App.
"The public response to the App has been even better than we hoped,"
says Steve Dworman, founder of Real Weather Girls. "We are continually
seeking to improve the user's experience which is why we are releasing
this newly updated version. And, to celebrate our success, we are
offering free downloads for a limited time."
The 12 women are a colorful cast of characters who hail from all
walks of life. They include:
Carolina in Miami, a chef who's equal parts Bond girl and girly
girl;- Camilla in London, a cheeky Brit who is always falling into A-list
situations;
- Baily in San Francisco, a creative type who joined the Boy Scouts
on purpose and played Carnegie Hall at 17;
- Neill in Dallas, a songwriter who's pulling double (diaper) duty as
a new mother;
- Chantal in Boston who's from South Africa but now bleeds green and
has had every job known to woman;
- Jordan in New York, a beautiful Upper East Sider who has
experienced a life of privilege but is now making it on her own
dime;
- Whitney in Las Vegas, a Southern Belle who's a little bit country
and a little bit rock and roll
- Lily in Seattle, the perfect college girl next door;
- Colby in Los Angeles, the daughter of a 1980's sitcom star who is
making a name for herself without becoming a true Hollywood story;
- Stacey in Washington, a beauty exec who is a polished mover and
shaker;
- Erin in Chicago, a talented pop star on the rise whose personality
and style are more the Age of Aquarius;
- Colleen in Honolulu, an artist and surfer whose art imitates her
life.
Real Women. Real Stories. Real Weather. Follow one of them, or
follow them all.
Link: Real
Weather Girls website (download
link)
Link: Real Weather
Girls on YouTube
Accessories
MiCorder Offers Easy Alternative for Recording
Music & Audio from Any Source
PR: Pismo Beach, California-based Olens Technology has
announced a new product that makes recording music and audio files much
easier. The mobile MiCorder records from audio sources by simply
plugging into the earphone jack, converting the sound into an MP3 file,
and storing it on an SD Card.
MiCorder records
from any radio, computer, stereo, CD player, phonograph/turntable,
cassette deck, 8-Track, reel to reel, DAT, or any device that has a
stereo output to create high quality MP3 audio files - without using a
computer.
Although there are already products available designed to convert
music from vinyl albums, cassette tapes and CD's into an MP3 file, most
require a special turntable, a big tape player, or a computer. The
MiCorder converts
sound to an MP3 format and records onto a standard SD Card - so
music can easily be transferred to any computer, iPod, cell phone, MP3
player or car stereo.
Roughly the size of a deck of cards, (3-1/2" H x 2-3/4" W x 1/2" D
and weighing 3 oz.), the MiCorder also includes a backlit LDC display,
a built-in microphone for personal recording and comes with a USB cable
and a set of earbuds. The device also functions as an MP3 player. It is
powered by a Li-ion battery that charges via the USB cable and lasts a
claimed 10 - 14 hours from a two-hour charge.
"People were always telling me they wanted to listen to their old
vinyl albums or cassettes on their iPod or in their cars," says Olens
Technology President Ron Meritt. Musicians want to record their music
and some people
want something to record a radio program and listen to it at another
time. With MiCorder there is now one very simple and inexpensive device
that will do all of these things."
MiCorder sells for $79.95 and is available for immediate shipment
from HammacherSchlemmer.com and other retail outlets.
Link:
MiCorder
Presentation
HDMI Dongle for iPad/iPhone 4G/iPod touch 4G
PR: USB Fever's HDMI Dongle for iPad features:
- Compatible with iPad, iPhone 4, iPod touch 4G.
- Supports transmit the Video and Audio to HD TV or HDMI AV
device
- Easily plug and play,no external power supply required,no need to
jailbreak.
- Support 720P/1080P High Definition signal output
- Support videos, movies, MTV, Podcast, YouTube(online), photos
etc....
- Support online video on Internet webpage(support QuickTime)
- Support online FM radio, MP3(iPhone 4), photos on PowerPoint.
- The HDMI adapter is a small box, not the HDMI cable, very easy to
carry to anywhere you like.
This
accessory is suitable for (compatible with):
- iPhone 4G
- iPad
- iPod touch 4G
How to use:
- Use a HDMI cable(usually included in the accessories of HD
TV),
- Connects the HDMI adapter and TV, and then insert the HDMI adapter
into iPad or iPhone 4
- Play video, audio...
- You can watch HD movies - you can do everything you like.
Specifications:
- 53 x 13 x 43mm
- Color: White
- Weigh (Net): 18g
- Video device port connector: HDMI Type A 19 pin (female)
- Video band width (bps): 5.7G link
- Single link range: Max: 1920 x 1200 (For Apple: 1024 x
768/720p)
- Vertical frequency range: 60 Hz
- Voltage: 3.3 V Current: 120 mA Output: 5V
- Operation temperature: 0 ~50°C
- Storage temperature: -40 ~ 85°C
- Enclosure: Plastic
Note:
- Does not support the movies that were purchased through iTunes or
locked with Apple's FairPlay copy protection scheme.
- it is not compatible with iPhone 2G/3G/3GS (see compatibility list
above)
$69.99
Link: HDMI
Dongle for iPad/iPhone 4G/iPod touch 4G
Protection
iPad Power Case: 4000 mAh Battery with Micro USB
Syncing Docking System
PR:
A China wholesaler has announced an iPad docking power case with 4000
mAh backup battery, syncing with computer by micro USB interface.
- The Power Case comes with a build-in safety tested,advanced lithium
polymer high capacity rechargeable battery.
- Syncing iPad with your computer,while your iPad is docked in the
Power Case.
- On/Off Switch to control the backup battery status.
- Auto-turn off 3 seconds later after checking battery without iPad
docked in.
Functions:
- The Power Case comes with a build-in safety tested,advanced lithium
polymer high capacity rechargeable battery.
- Syncing iPad with your computer,while your iPad is docked in the
Power Case.
- On/Off Switch to control the backup battery status.
- Auto-turn off 3 seconds later after checking battery without iPad
docked in.
Power 4000 Specs:
- Capacity: 4000 mAh
- Standby time: 350 hours
- Compatible: Apple iPad
- Power consumption: 5.1V/10.5W
- Audio playback: 36 hours
- Video playback: 5 hours
iPad power case, 4000 mAh battery, with micro USB syncing docking
system
- Life time: 500 times
- Cell type: Li-Polymer battery
- Size: 261x196x24.5(mm)
- Output Voltage: DC5V
- Output Current: 2A
- Input Voltage: 5.0V
- Input Current: 2.1A
$64
Link: iPad Power
Case
Caze Announces ThinEdge Clear Trim Case for iPhone
4
PR: Caze announces their new ThinEdge clear trim case for
iPhone 4. Constructed of lightweight, hard-shell plastic, ThinEdge trim
case offers sleek and stylish protection for the iPhone 4 and comes
with a wallet size stand for easy viewing of your wide screen. Designed
as the ultimate balance between case-minimalism and protection, the
ThinEdge wraps the edges and corners to cushion and protect and keeps
the front and back of the iPhone 4 from coming into direct contact with
flat surfaces when laid down. To ensure the iPhone 4 is fully protected
from everyday bumps & scratches, a front & back film set is
provided.
ThinEdge adds just a millimeter in thickness to the sides
of the iPhone 4. It fits tightly around the edges of the iPhone 4 and
protects its sides by protruding slightly above the front screen &
back glass and can address the antenna concern. The result leaves the
back and front fully exposed visually, but shielded against scratches.
It is made of GRILAMID TR-90 which is a plastic polymer commonly used
in the creation of sport and other impact-resistant eyewear frames.
TR-90-made products are lightweight, remarkably tough, highly flexible,
shatterproof and highly resistant to UV damage. An edge connector is
provided for fastening the frame case and personalizing the iPhone
4.
ThinEdge is easy to install. Its anti-slip property gives the iPhone
4 more grip on surfaces. Easy access to all phone functions without
having to remove the case. It has complete access to all the main ports
and buttons of the device. Charging has also never been easy since you
do not have to remove the case.
To ensure all-around protection, the ThinEdge edge case comes with a
free screen protection kit (front & back film) for added shield. If
you find Bumper a bit too bulky or are looking for a minimal case that
will add protection without getting in the way, ThinEdge looks like a
great place to start. ThinEdge is available in 4 stunning colours
(Clear, Grey, Blue, Pink).
Link: ThinEdge Clear
Trim Case for iPhone 4
