One of the dangers of Apple controlling apps for its iOS platform is
the potential for arbitrary decisions - not so much whether we need yet
another fart app, but moral issues, such as the February 2010 ban
on "sexy apps" and the November 2010 decision to pull The Manhattan
Declaration (covered below), which supports traditional values without
bashing others, from the App Store. To our knowledge, Apple has never
pulled an app because it promoted alternative lifestyles....
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
The Competition
Manhattan Declaration Controversy
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
BlackBerry Overtakes Apple in US Mobile Wars
PR: BlackBerry OS overtook Apple's iOS for the first time in
the US in November in terms of mobile Internet usage according to web
analytics company, StatCounter. The company's research arm, StatCounter
Global Stats finds that for the first time in the US BlackBerry OS at
34.3% overtook Apple's iOS which recorded 33% in November.
Google's Android is rapidly gaining and has almost tripled Internet
market share from 8.2% last November to 23.8% this year. Apple's iOS
has fallen from 51.9% to 33% over the same period.
Mobile OS Share in US, November 2009 to November 2010
"These figures suggest that developers should not be developing
solely for the iPhone to the exclusion of BlackBerry and Android,"
commented StatCounter CEO Aodhan Cullen, He added that if current
trends continue, BlackBerry and Android combined are on course to
become twice the size of iOS as regards mobile Internet usage in the
next year.
Commenting on Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7, Cullen observed said
that it was not yet registering significantly in terms of Internet
usage but would be interesting to observe over the next year, noting:
"This data demonstrates that there is a battle royal already going on
in the smartphone market for the consumer and business Internet user.
You can never underestimate Microsoft but it looks to have its work cut
out."
BlackBerry's US lead is not replicated in terms of worldwide share
according to the StatCounter data. Globally Symbian OS leads with 31.9%
followed by iOS (21.9%), BlackBerry OS (19.3%) and Android (11.6%).
StatCounter Global Stats are based on aggregate data collected by
StatCounter on a sample exceeding 15 billion page views per month
collected from across the StatCounter network of more than three
million websites. StatCounter, which provides free website traffic
information, publishes worldwide Internet usage trends via StatCounter
Global Stats, a free online research tool.
StatCounter, a free online visitor stats tool, allows its members to
monitor the number of hits to their website; the geographical location
of visitors; the various pages a visitor views; keywords used to find
the site plus other features.
Link: Top 8
Mobile OSs
Tablets Expected to Displace 10% of PCs in
2014
AppleInsider's Katie Marsal reports:
"Tablets and smartphones will significantly affect PC sales in the
years to come, with touchscreen devices like Apple's iPad representing
10 percent of PC sales by 2014, according to a new forecast."
Link: Tablets Like
Apple's iPad Expected to 'Displace' 10% of PCs in 2014
iOS 4.2.1 for iPad
PR: The iOS 4.2 Software Update for iPad contains over 100
new features for iPad including support for multitasking, folders,
unified mail inbox, Game Center, AirPrint, AirPlay, and many system
improvements. It is highly recommended for all iPad users.
iOS 4.2 for iPad includes the following:
- Multitasking support for third-party apps
- Multitasking user interface to quickly move between apps, adjust
screen brightness, control playback, lock screen-rotation, and manage
print jobs
- Support for audio apps to play in the background
- VoIP apps can receive and maintain calls in the background or when
device is asleep
- Apps can monitor location and take action while running in the
background
- Alerts and messages can be pushed to apps using push and local
notifications
- Apps can complete tasks in the background
- Folders to better organize and access apps
- Mail improvements
- Unified inbox to view emails from all accounts in one place
- Fast inbox switching to quickly switch between different email
accounts
- Threaded messages to view multiple emails from the same
conversation
- Import .ics files into Calendar
- Open attachments with compatible third-party apps
- File or delete search results
- Option to select size of photo attachments
- Messages in the Outbox can be edited or deleted
- Game Center
- Send and receive friend requests
- Invite friends to multiplayer games over the Internet
- Play multiplayer games by auto-matching with other players
- View Leaderboards and Achievements
- Discover new games from friends
- AirPrint
- Print mail, photos, web pages, and more directly to AirPrint
compatible printers on a local wireless network
- AirPlay
- Wirelessly stream videos, music, and photos to Apple TV
- Wirelessly stream music to AirPlay-enabled speakers or receivers,
including AirPort Express
- Find text on web pages in Safari
- Use Spotlight to search the web and Wikipedia
- Suggestions and recent searches appear during a web search
- Support for TV show rentals using iTunes
- Create and edit iTunes playlists on device
- Support for iTunes gifting of apps
- Send and accept calendar invitations wirelessly with supported
CalDAV servers
- Support for MobileMe calendar sharing
- Enhanced location privacy
- A Location Services icon appears in the status bar to indicate when
Location Services are being used
- Location Services can be enabled and disabled per app
- Indication of apps that have requested your location within the
last 24 hours
- Additional Parental Controls
- Prevent adding friends in Game Center and deletion of apps
- Restrict changes to Accounts and Location Services settings
- New languages, dictionaries and keyboards
- New fonts available in Notes
- Wirelessly sync notes using IMAP-based mail accounts
- Automatic spellcheck
- Silence background sounds using the Silent switch on the side of
iPad
- Improved support for Bluetooth AVRCP
- Persistent WiFi connection to receive push notifications
- Support for Bluetooth Braille displays and International Braille
tables, control VoiceOver using an external keyboard, and other
accessibility enhancements
- Wireless delivery of carrier settings updates for iPad WiFi +
3G
- Improved enterprise support
- Support for third-party Mobile Device Management solutions
- Enables wireless distribution of enterprise applications
- Exchange Server 2010 compatibility
- Support for multiple Exchange ActiveSync accounts
- Support for Juniper Junos Pulse and Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN apps
(available from the App Store)
- More than 1,500 new developer APIs
- Bug fixes
Products compatible with this software update:
This update is available via iTunes.
Note: iOS 4.2.1 is the version number displayed in the iOS user
interface and iTunes.
System Requirements:
- Mac or PC computer with USB 2.0 port
- iTunes 10.1 or later
Products compatible with this software update: iPad (WiFi and WiFi +
3G)
Supported Languages: Deutsch, English, Français, XXX,
Español, Italiano, Nederlands
Link: iOS
4.2 Software Update for iPad
iOS 4.2.1 for iPhone, iPod touch
PR: The iOS 4.2 Software Update contains improvements,
including the following:
- AirPrint
- Print mail, photos, web pages, and more directly to AirPrint
compatible printers on a local wireless network
- AirPlay
- Wirelessly stream videos, music, and photos to Apple TV
- Wirelessly stream music to AirPlay compatible speakers and
receivers, including AirPort Express
- FaceTime improvements
- Initiate calls with Voice Control
- Initiate calls from an SMS conversation
- Support for Bluetooth accessories
- Find text on the web page in Safari
- New fonts setting available for Notes
- New SMS/MMS text tones and the ability to set custom tones per
contact
- Additional restrictions (parental controls) available:
- Account settings
- App deletion
- Game Center friends
- Location settings
- Ability to import .ics files into Calendar
- Bug fixes, including:
- Eliminates sound artifacts occasionally captured in recorded audio
with 4th generation iPod touch
- Improves audio playback to car stereos via USB
Products compatible with this software update:
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 3G
- iPod touch 2nd generation or later
This update is available via iTunes.
Note: iOS 4.2.1 is the version number displayed in the iOS user
interface and iTunes.
System Requirements:
- Mac or PC computer with USB 2.0 port
- iTunes 10.1 or later
Products compatible with this software update:
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 3G
- iPod touch 2nd generation, or later
- Game Center requires iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2nd
generation or later.
Link: iOS
4.2 Software Update
What Would You Do With an iPad USB Port?
ZDNet blogger Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"A vague rumor surfaced on Friday from DigiTimes that the iPad 2
would have five new features. Four are predictable, but the fifth - a
USB port - is out of left field."
O'Grady notes that all 125+ million iOS devices worldwide use
Apple's proprietary dock connector for charging and syncing, giving
Apple complete control over data syncing and the accessory market,
making the lack of an industry-standard USB port an important part of
Apple's dominance of portable media - if you want to load something on
an iPhone/iPad/iPad, that's fine, as long as it uses Apple codes and
you load it via iTunes and a dock cable.
O'Grady observes that Apple makes a bundle selling NAND Flash memory
in its upgraded 32 GB and 64 GB devices, so adding a real USB port
could conceivably allow users to opt for a flash drive or cheap
external hard drive for the 16 GB iPad instead of shelling out for
Apple's pricey 32 GB and 64 GB models.
Editor's note: However, the lack of USB support is a deterrent to
some potential iPad buyers (such as me) who want I/O freedom and
connectivity. cm
Link:
What Would You Do With an iPad USB Port?
Rumorbusting: USB on the iPad
ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes notes that a rumor is making the
rounds that Apple is planning to fit the second-generation iPad is a
USB port. Time for some rumor busting.
Link: Rumorbusting - USB
on the iPad
iPad Slated for Trip to the Fat Farm
The Register's Rik Myslewski reports that Apple has applied for a
patent that appears to be a tacit admission of a common complaint about
its magical and revolutionary iPad: the Cupertinian "slablet" is just
too heavy.
Myslewski says that Apple's solution appears to be a light-but-rigid
body made not of aluminium, but of carbon fiber reinforced plastic
(CFRP). This is evidenced by a patent application, "Reinforced Device
Housing", issued Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office,
although the documentation doesn't mention the iPad specifically.
Editor's note: No indication as to how much lighter a CFRP iPad
would be, but this technology could also replace the glass back on the
iPhone and the metal back on the iPod touch. dk
Link: iPad Slated
for Trip to the Fat Farm
Next iPad Could Be Lighter: Apple May Use Carbon
Fibre
IBTimes' Carl Bagh reports that a patent filing by Apple for a
technology that uses carbon fiber material for electronic devices could
be an attempt by Apple to make lighter iPads.
The patent titled "Reinforced Device Housing" claims a "housing,
comprising: a frame formed from a first material; a skin formed from
the first material separately from the frame and bonded to the frame;
wherein the skin is formed from multiple layers of the first material;
and a portion of the skin covers at least a wall of the frame."
Link: Next iPad Could Be
Lighter; Apple May Shun Aluminum for Carbon Fibre
Not So Fast on the 2G iPad Retina Display
ZDNet blogger Jason D. O'Grady says that in order for a 9.7" iPad to
qualify as a Retina Display (300 ppi) the screen would need a
resolution of 2560 x 1920 - which would top every other display that
Apple currently ships. O'Grady observes that a larger Retina display
would be a killer feature for a tablet and help further differentiate
the iPad from a growing pool of rivals.
Or will it?
Editor's note: There's nothing magical about 300 pixels-per-inch.
Also, because of its larger display, the iPad tends to be used a bit
further from the eyes than the much smaller iPhone and iPod touch.
Doubling the iPad's resolution to 2048 x 1536 should be sufficient, as
that would be 264 ppi. That's still very high resolution for a display
this large, but more realistic than 2560 x 1920! dk
Link: Not So Fast on the
2G iPad Retina Display
WiFi and Cellphone Signals Damaging Trees
PR: A report released by Wageningen University in the
Netherlands says that lab tests of the effects of electromagnetic
radiation on plant growth indicates that the radiation, such as that
emitted by cellphone and WiFi wireless towers, might be negatively
affecting the health of vegetation.
Wageningen University researchers found that ash trees in urban
environments are increasingly suffering from growth disturbances
particularly near WiFi access points, with discoloration and dieback of
foliage observed. The report notes that although the effects of
multiple radiation sources in several trees were found, researchers
found it desirable to confirm by repeating the testing, preferably over
a longer period and on a larger scale.
In the meantime, they note that trees in urban areas are lately
showing an increasing incidence of damage like cracks, bumps,
discoloration and various forms of tissue necrosis, phenomena more
typically caused by biological factors such as pests and diseases.
However, to date, none of those causes has been identified.
Wageningen University was commissioned by the municipality of Alphen
aan den Rijn to investigate how the increasing number of sources of
electromagnetic radiation, such as masts could play a role in the
deteriorating health of trees. The areas studied had been exposed for
more than three months to six sources of radiation with frequencies
ranging from 2412 to 2472 MHz and a power of 100 mW EIRP at 50 cm
distance.
Leaves subjected to this radiation during the study showed after a
few months a "metallic luster" appearance, a discoloration of the
leaves that appeared to result in disappearance of the outer cell layer
of the leaves. The metallic luster was followed by desiccation and
death of a portion of the leaf.
The researchers say their initial findings suggest that all western
deciduous trees are affected by the phenomenon, but suspect other
categories of plants are also likely to be affected.
The reports is in Dutch.
Link:
Bomen Hebben Last van Elektromagnetische Straling (Converted
to English with Google Translate)
Your Next Watch May Be an iPod
ZDNet blogger Jason D. O'Grady says
that when the sixth generation iPod nano was announced, Steve Jobs
commented that an Apple board member planned to wear it as a watch, and
subsequently a cottage industry sprang up offering ways to wear the new
nano as a watch, facilitated by Apple's inclusion in the nano of an
elegant analog Clock app and a "Time on Wake" setting that, when
enabled, displays the Clock app (instead of the home screen) when you
press the sleep/wake button.
O'Grady profiles the players in this category here:
Link: Why Your Next
Watch May Be an iPod, and Vice-versa
Canadian Recording Artists Want Federal Government
to Re-impose MP3 Tax
The Canadian Press reports that an array of Canadian music stars,
including Anne Murray, Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, and members of the
Tragically Hip, called on Canada's federal government to impose a levy
on MP3 players, with more than 350 musicians signing a letter addressed
to Industry Minister Tony Clement and Heritage Minister James Moore
about the government's copyright bill, C-32, currently being studied by
the Canadian House of Commons
CP says the letter urges the ministers to apply a levy to MP3
players that would later be redistributed to artists in royalties, in
the same way that levies are currently applied to blank cassettes and
CDs as compensation for music that is copied by Canadians, and that
last week, a group of Canadian actors lobbied MPs on Parliament Hill on
the same issue on behalf of actors union ACTRA.
However, the report notes that Clement and Moore have been inclined
to tilt toward consumer interests on this issue, consistently affirming
that they are against applying a levy to MP3 players, calling it an
unnecessary tax on Canadians.
In Canadian Tax on
iPhones and iPads. A Stupid Idea That's Finally Put to Bed?, EhMac
reported that according to the Globe & Mail, Canada's federal
Industry Minister has rejected new calls for a federal fee on
smartphones and handhelds, such as the iPhone, iPad, and Blackberry, to
compensate Canadian artists for file-swapping, deeming this a rare
moment of common sense out of Ottawa deserving a full standing
ovation.
As background, since 1997 Canada has
levied a charge on the purchase of CDs that is supposed to
compensate artists for the private copying of music. The levy collects
29¢ per CD - more than the value of a blank CD these days - a tax
grab that currently collects about $15 million a year.
In a 2003 ruling by the Copyright Board, this was expanded to cover
MP3 players, a decision that was reversed by the Federal Court of
Appeal in 2005.
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists having
been pressuring Ottawa to extend this to devices like the iPhone.
Link: Canadian Recording
Artists Want Federal Government to Impose MP3 Tax
Kids Want iPads, Parents Shudder
PC World's Jeff Bertolucci says:
"The iPad is the most desired tech item this holiday shopping season
among children aged 6 to 12. A new Nielsen survey shows that Apple's
bestselling tablet tops the wish list of US kids, edging out a computer
and the iPod touch, which tied for second place.
"...the question is whether cash-strapped parents will place a shiny
new iPad under the Xmas tree."
Link:
Kids Want iPads, Parents Shudder
The iPad: 'Mac for the Masses'
Digital Daily's John Paczkowski notes that:
"In addition to an early lead in the tablet market, the iPad appears
to have given Apple something potentially more valuable: A foothold in
the budget-conscious demographic that has typically paid little
attention to it.
"In a note to clients . . . Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster
recounts his observations from a Black Friday spent surveying Apple
stores, revealing that Apple is selling more iPads per hour than Macs
and it's selling them to folks who may not have considered Apple
affordable until now."
Link:
The iPad: 'Mac for the Masses'
Impact of the iPad and the Amazon Kindle on the
e-Reader Market
PR: The e-Reader market has essentially
become a two horse race between the Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPad,
according to ChangeWave's latest survey of more than 2,800
consumers.
The Amazon Kindle (47%; down 15-pts) is hanging on to a rapidly
diminishing lead over the Apple iPad (32%; up 16-pts) among current
e-Reader owners. However, the iPad's share of the overall market has
doubled since the last time ChangeWave surveyed e-Reader owners in
August.
The rest of the market includes the Sony Reader (5%) and the Barnes
and Noble Nook (4%).
In terms of owner satisfaction ratings, here's how
the Apple iPad stacks up to the Amazon Kindle. (Note: 2% of iPad owners
and 3% of Kindle owners selected Don't Know/NA.)
While both devices are highly rated, three-in-four iPad e-Reader
owners (75%) say they are Very Satisfied with their device compared to
54% of Kindle e-Reader owners.
We also asked e-Reader owners about the types of content they're
reading on their devices - and found major differences between iPad and
Kindle owners.
Which of the following types of content do you currently read with
your eBook Reader?
Amazon Kindle owners are more likely to
read books on their device (93%) than iPad owners (76%).- But iPad owners are nearly five times more like to read Newspapers
and Magazines than their Kindle counterparts, and 15 times more likely
to read Blogs and News Feeds.
Before the iPad launch, Steve Jobs promised that a major effort
would be made to develop alternative types of media on the Apple
Tablet. The survey evidence suggests Apple has been highly successful
in this regard to date.
These results also lend credence to recent reports that News Corp.
is developing a paid Apple iPad-centered newspaper, to be launched at
the beginning of next year.
e-Reader Demand for the Holidays
Going forward, e-Reader demand remains strong for the holidays, with
5% of respondents saying they are Very Likely to buy an e-Reader and
10% Somewhat Likely over the next 90 days.
For Amazon, this is a clear positive that will help drive growth for
the Kindle over the holidays. Moreover, Amazon is among the handful of
key retailers in ChangeWave's latest Holiday Spending survey that are
benefiting most from the overall increase in consumer spending.
That said, the ChangeWave survey shows the Apple iPad will be the
biggest beneficiary of the expanding e-Reader market this holiday
season.
The following chart shows the percentage of respondents who plan to
buy an e-Reader in the next 90 days and who they'll buy from:
Which of the following eBook Readers will you most likely
buy?
The ChangeWave survey shows the Apple iPad (42%) will be the biggest
beneficiary of the expanding e-Reader market this holiday season,
followed by the Amazon Kindle (33%)
ChangeWave's latest Consumer Electronics for the Holidays survey -
completed November 8, 2010 - also focuses on the iPads impact on the
overall Tablet market, including competition between Apple, Dell,
Research in Motion, Samsung and HP, among others.
Additional report details include:
- Overall consumer electronics spending and the hottest electronics
items for the holidays
- Cannibalization of other electronic products due to Tablet
momentum
- Preferred wireless service providers among iPad buyers - Verizon
vs. AT&T
- Changes in consumer planned buying for laptops, desktops and
Netbooks - and a look at demand for Apple (AAPL), Dell (DELL) and
Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) computers
- Spending trends for leading home entertainment retailers including
Amazon (AMZN), Best Buy (BBY), Costco (COST), and Wal-Mart (WMT), among
others
The complete 30 pages PDF Format ChangeWave report is available for
$1,500.
Link: ChangeWave
Research: Consumer Electronics Report - Monster Holiday Season for
Apple
Tips and Tricks for Troubleshooting Your iPad
Computerworld's Brian Nadel notes that anyone who has spent any
amount of time with an iPad will know that like all computers it
sometimes doesn't do what it's supposed to do. It could be a frozen
screen, a system that overheats, or a refusal to recharge. The result
is the same: You have to figure out what's wrong with it and how to get
it back on the straight and narrow, but as is also common with IT
hardware these days, a major problem is that the iPad doesn't come with
a detailed manual or any diagnostic software.
Nadel offers some useful troubleshooting routines for the things
that most often go wrong with an iPad, along with several tips and
shortcuts for how to get the system to act the way you want it to.
Link: Tips and Tricks
for Troubleshooting Your iPad
The Competition
Archos 101 Internet Tablet Out in Europe; US
Soon
PR: The
Archos 101 Internet tablet is about to arrive in North America with a
1024 x 600 10.1'' screen, a weighing 1.1 pounds and measuring 12 mm
thick
The Archos 101 also features an adjustable leg stand, for the best
positioning to tap out your emails, view a movie, or enjoy the photo
frame application.
HD multimedia support means that most music, video, or photo formats
it will play, and built-in HDMI video output provides low-hassle
interface on your TV screen, while a full-sized USB 2.0 port on the
side of the device makes it easy to directly transfer your files
without using a PC. There's also a Micro SD Slot (SDHC compatible)
The Android-based Archos 101 is powered by an ARM Cortex A8 at
1 GHz with DSP and a 3D OpenGL ES 2.0 Graphics accelerator
Also included are WiFi (802.11 b/g/n). Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, a built-in
speaker and microphone, a front VGA camera. Battery life is claimed to
be up to 36 hours.
Price is anticipated to be around $300.
Link: Archos
101 Internet Tablet
RIM PlayBook to Hit Market in Q1 2011
DigiTimes' Chloe Yu, and Yvonne Yu report that Waterloo, Ontario
based Research in Motion (RIM) is planning to release its new PlayBook
tablet PC in the US and Canada in the first quarter of 2011, with
worldwide rollout coming in the year's second quarter, according to
RIM's regional VP for Asia Pacific Gregory Wade.
The reporters note that while the PlayBook will support 4G
technology, Mr. Wade declined to disclose whether the technology will
be WiMAX or TD-LTE, but did note that the RIM tablet will target
corporate users, providing full security updates for hardware and
software, and will support BlackBerry 6, WebKit, Java, Adobe and Flash
at a starting price of $500, matching Apple's entry-level iPad
tablet.
Link: RIM PlayBook to Hit
North American Market in Q1 1011, Worldwide in Q2 1011
(subscription required)
BlackBerry PlayBook Pricing Revealed
Mobility Insider's Ryder says:
"We were the first to get our hands on a PlayBook (First Report) and
now the first to bring pricing details to our loyal mobile
enthusiasts.
"There will be 3 models of the BlackBerry PlayBook (8 GB, 16 GB, and
32 GB) that are currently tagged with the following prices according to
our insider:
- 8 GB: $399
- 16 GB: $499
- 32 GB: $599
Editor's note: This would give the PlayBook at $100 price advantage
over a comparable iPad. Of course, Apple will be releasing a
second-generation iPad in early 2011.... dk
Link: BlackBerry
PlayBook Pricing Revealed
Acer Aims at Largest Global Market Share for
Tablet PCs 'in 2-3 Years'
DigiTimes' Yen-Shyang Hwang and Adam Hwang report that Acer CEO
Gianfranco Lanci, at a press conference for Taiwan-based media in New
York, stressed that faced with increasing competition for tablet PCs in
the global market, Acer takes a fearless attitude and will avail itself
of relative advantages to strive to attain the largest global market
share in 2-3 years. The article includes highlights of a Q&A
session with Lanci.
Editor's note: On November 23, Acer announced its first
Android-based tablets, which will come to market sometime in 2011.
dk
Link: Acer Aims at
Largest Global Market Share for Tablet PCs in 2-3 Years, Says CEO
(subscription required)
Manhattan Declaration Controversy
Apple Deletes Manhattan Declaration iPhone
App
PR: To Manhattan Declaration Signers,
Some of you may be aware by now that Apple has removed the Manhattan
Declaration iPhone/iPad application from the iTunes Store. This
happened some time over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Manhattan Declaration app was accepted by Apple and rated as a
4+, meaning it contained no objectionable material. Yet Apple pulled
the app shortly after a small but very vocal protest by those who favor
gay marriage and abortion. These groups claim that the Manhattan
Declaration promotes "homophobia" and that its supporters are
"anti-gay."
For Clarity
We emphasize with great sincerity that "disagreement" is not
"gay-bashing." Anyone who takes the time to read the Manhattan
Declaration can see that the language used to defend traditional
marriage, the sanctity of human life, and religious liberty is civil,
non-inflammatory, and respectful.
The Manhattan Declaration clearly calls its signers to reject
"disdainful condemnation" of those who disagree and declares that all
people are worthy of respect, because all are loved by God.
Recent Developments
We are urging Apple to restore the App, and have written to Steve
Jobs. We will update you with developments as they arise.
Link: Manhattan Declaration Addresses
Signers on Apple Pulling iPhone App
Apple Deletes 'Anti-gay' App
MacUser UK's Simon Aughton reports that:
"Apple has removed a Christian app from the iTunes store, following
complaints that it encouraged homophobia.
"The
Manhattan Declaration asked users to add their names to a
5,000-word statement that 'speaks in defense of the sanctity of life,
traditional marriage, and religious liberty'."
"Apple has been a public supporter of same-sex marriage, donating
$100,000 to the campaign against an ultimately successful effort to
overturn a Californian law which permitted same-sex unions."
Link: Apple Deletes
Christian 'Anti-gay' App
Pro-Life Group Asks Apple to Restore Manhattan
Declaration App
Life News' Steven Ertelt reports:
"The pro-life organization behind the popular
Manhattan Declaration has asked Apple CEO Steve Jobs to reconsider the
company's decision to pull its app from the popular Apple App
Store.
"Last week, Apple removed the Manhattan Declaration app that had
been available to its iPhone and iPad customers. The move by the
computer company came after opponents of the Declaration, which sets
forth pro-life and pro-family values, circulated a petition calling the
app a "hate fest" that promotes "hateful and divisive
language."....
"Manhattan Declaration spokeswoman Michelle Farmer told The Daily
Caller today that the organization does not support hate or hateful
rhetoric towards people who back legalized abortion and hopes Jobs will
be open-minded of its concerns and tolerant of allowing the app at the
Apple Store."
Link: Pro-Life Group Tells
Apple: Restore Manhattan Declaration App
Apple Ignoring Request to Restore Manhattan
Declaration App
Manhattan Declaration signatories have posted the following
note:
"Dear Friends,
"We sent a letter to Steve Jobs at Apple asking that our app. be
reinstated to the company's iTunes and iPhone application store.
Despite having approved and posted the app on its online store in
October - and giving the app a 4+ rating for "no objectionable content"
- Apple quietly pulled the app. from its site over the Thanksgiving
holiday weekend.
"Although Apple has not communicated directly with us, a public
relations representative from Apple told Family News in Focus radio
that the app violated Apple's developer guidelines by being "offensive
to large groups of people." Apple's action followed a small but vocal
protest from pro-gay "marriage" and pro-abortion groups.
"Four Things You Can Do To Help!
- Contact: Email or call Steve Jobs and tell him why he should
reinstate the Manhattan Declaration app to the iTunes Store. Email him
at steve@apple.com or call his media team at (408) 996-1010.
- Sign: Sign our petition to have the app reinstate the app.
Apple listened to a small group of dissenters and took action, so we
expect they will take action when every Manhattan Declaration signer
signs this petition.
- Recruit: Get all of your pro-life, pro-marriage,
pro-religious liberty friends to read and sign the Manhattan
Declaration. We need to grow in both unity and numbers if we hope to
have our voices heard.
- Get Social: Use your Facebook, Twitter, and other social
media accounts to keep the discussion going. We have been engaging
countless people through our Facebook and Twitter pages - and you
should too.
- Sincerely,
- Chuck Colson
- Dr. Robert George
- Dr. Timothy George"
Link: Apple Ignores
Request to Restore Manhattan Declaration App
Apps & Services
Find My iPhone Now Available Free on iPad, iPhone
4, iPod touch
PR: Apple says that starting immediately, anyone with an
iPad, iPhone 4, new iPod touch (4th generation) running iOS 4.2 can
sign up for Find My iPhone for free right on their device.
Find My iPhone lets you easily locate a misplaced iPad, iPhone, or
iPod touch on a map.(*) You can also have your device play a sound and
display a message to help someone return it to you, or you can remotely
lock its screen or wipe all of its data to protect your privacy. To
locate a missing device, just use the free Find My iPhone app on any
other iOS device, or use Find My iPhone at me.com from any computer web
browser. To see Find My iPhone in action, check out this video.
To get started, make sure you're running iOS 4.2 on your qualifying
device, then sign up in Settings using your Apple ID. For step-by-step
instructions, see the iPad, iPhone 4, and iPod touch setup pages.
If you have a MobileMe subscription, Find My iPhone is already
included, so no additional signup is required. For more information on
getting Find My iPhone, see:
Update Find My iPhone App to Version 1.1
The newest Find My iPhone app (v1.1) has just been released and
includes improved support for iOS 4 devices. If you are running an
older version, it's important to update as previous versions are no
longer supported.
To update to the newest version of Find My iPhone, visit the App
Store on your device and select Updates. Signing in to an earlier
version of the Find My iPhone app will also take you directly to the
App Store where you can update for free.
Link: Find My iPhone Now
Available Free on iPad, iPhone 4, New iPod touch
Link: Update Find My iPhone App to
Version 1.1 (download
link)
Christmas C@rds HD: The Christmas App for the
iPad
PR: After last year's success of Christmas C@rds for the
iPhone, Hot Chili Apps is expanding their Christmas Card Edition: From
December 2010, digital postcards can be designed on the iPad in HD
quality and in a complete new look. Christmas C@rd HD will be an eye
catcher for visitors of the Christmas App Store this year due to its
design and special features.
Christmas
C@rds HD are e-cards. The user has a choice of various graphic elements
for designing his own Christmas card to his individual taste. 36
brilliant C@rd templates are available in HD. They can be decorated on
the iPad with personal photos or texts as well as one from 18 stickers.
The application is very easy to use because its functions are supported
by iPad's ingenious features.
Hot Chili Apps' Christmas C@rds for the iPhone have received a lot
of recognition in 2009: the Appstore supported it immediately by
choosing the app for its Christmas promotion. The Financial Times
picked Christmas C@rds from one of the five best Christmas Apps and
Apple made it part of his cross-European print campaign for iPhone.
Its success has been a real challenge for Dusseldorf based Hot Chili
Apps this year. "For the first time we are offering HD and even more
extensive and sophisticated template designs to our users," CEO Farid
Zendagui explains his strategy for Christmas 2010. "Our app's
possibilities are benefiting from the innovative capabilities of the
iPad. Christmas C@rds is still available for users of iPhone and iPod
touch though."
Christmas C@rds HD combines latest technology standards with classic
design style in high-definition picture quality. The app offers ideal
conditions for an atmospheric Christmas card design like a traditional
paper postcard with postage stamp and patina or a luxurious writing
desk top made of cherry wood. Another novelty is an easily manageable
overview of the templates at one glance apart from many other
innovative design templates.
Supported Languages: US English, French, German and Italian
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPad
- Requires iOS 3.2 or later
- 24.5 MB
Christmas C@rds HD 1.0 is $3.99 (or equivalent amount in other
currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store
in the Lifestyle category. In addition to Christmas C@rds HD Hot Chili
App will be launching two other items of its C@rd edition in HD for
iPad use in December: Birthday C@rds for creative birthday wishes and
Love C@rds for sending individually crafted tokens of love.
Link: Christmas C@rds for iPhone/iPod
touch (download
link)
Link: Christmas C@rds HD
for iPad (download
link)
AirPrint Hacktivator Restores AirPrint to OS X
10.6.5
Thinq's Stewart Meagher
reports:
"AirPrint Hacktivator unlocks some of the iDevice printing
functionality we all expected from iOS 4.2, but it's far from complete,
and in no way perfect.
"The tiny application, which uses files included in a previous
developer version of OS X 10.5.6 as far as we can tell, allows some
USB-connected printers to talk to iPhones, and iPads with mixed
results."
Link: Hacktivator
Removes Apple AirPrint Block
Link:
Return AirPrint sharing to Mac OS X v10.6.5
Mobile Device Users Can Now Print Anytime,
Anywhere
PR: EFI today released PrintMe Connect for AirPrint, a free
software application that enables direct printing from Apple iPad,
iPhone and iPod touch iOS 4.2-enabled devices to EFI Fiery-driven
printers or multifunction peripherals (MFPs). Targeted at enterprise
and mobile print environments, PrintMe Connect for AirPrint is one of
the first offerings available to support Apple's new AirPrint platform
and iOS 4.2. EFI, a leader in mobile printing solutions for over nine
years, extends its flagship line of PrintMe mobile and cloud-based
printing applications with this latest offering.
"With the launch of PrintMe Connect for AirPrint, EFI is satisfying
one of the top requests from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users
everywhere with a solution for printing directly from these mobile
devices to a broad array of more than 250,000 Fiery-driven printers and
MFP's installed today," says Toby Weiss, general manager of Fiery and
senior vice president, EFI. "Following on the heels of our recent
PrintMe enhancements, this unique offering enables business
professionals to easily and quickly print from any application on their
Apple device to almost any Fiery printer. No existing corporate printer
fleets out there today work with the new iOS 4.2 software - until
now."
With AirPrint and the iOS 4.2 software, people using Apple devices
will find a print function automatically enabled on their device and
can select a printer on their network and print. Once installed by a
corporate IT department, PrintMe Connect for AirPrint will show all
available Fiery-driven printers(*) as destinations on a user's printer
list. There is no need for the individual user to download an
application or for the enterprise to purchase a specific iOS-enabled
printer or upgrade or modify existing printers or MFPs.
With the recent explosion of smartphones and tablets, now more than
ever, mobile workers need to be able to access and print their
documents on the go. EFI PrintMe and PrintMe Connect for AirPrint
technology make this possible today. To install the software on the
printer network, IT managers can download PrintMe Connect for AirPrint
software for free.
(*) Compatible with Fiery System 8 (released in 2006) and later
Link: PrintMe Connect for
AirPrint
International Herald Tribune Releases Apps for
iPad and iPhone
PR: The International Herald Tribune (IHT) has released its
first news applications for the iPad and iPhone. Access to the full
content of the apps will require a simple registration and will be free
until early 2011.
The apps feature the content of the IHT in
an elegant and easy-to-navigate design that echoes the contemporary,
international look of the newspaper with a home page section called
Front Page. The Latest News section features breaking stories from
global.nytimes.com throughout the day, and other sections - World News,
Business with Reuters, Culture & Style, Sport and Views - are fully
refreshed for the Europe and Asia mornings. Both apps also feature a
Day in Pictures slideshow and international video content from
global.nytimes.com.
Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, publisher of the IHT, said: "Now our
well-traveled and sophisticated audience can enjoy the IHT's fresh and
original take on the world's daily news combined with the elegance and
interactivity of the iPad or iPhone. This is great news for readers and
advertisers alike and is further proof of our commitment to making the
IHT's unique brand of global journalism available wherever our readers
are and however they want it."
The IHT apps also include the following features:
- Dropdown section listings and a popover article rail allow users to
easily move between sections and articles;
- Slide shows - full-page slide shows display large-scale images
tailored for the iPad or iPhone screen;
- Share options - share articles, videos and multimedia with a full
set of tools, including Facebook, Twitter and e-mail;
- World Weather - handy in-app tool, with five-day forecasts,
satellite maps and an extensive choice of locations around the globe,
useful for international travelers.
The IHT apps are the first to be developed through Press Engine, a
technology and design solution from The New York Times News Services
that enables publishers and media organizations to deliver their
content via elegantly designed applications for iPhone and iPad. Press
Engine applications are designed to integrate with publishers'
registration systems, enabling the app to be offered as a free,
registration or subscription product. Publishers who seek additional
information about Press Engine may contact Christine Topalian,
director, News Services, at +1 212-556-2087 or topalcn@nytimes.com.
The International Herald Tribune app for iPad is available for free
from the App Store.
The International Herald Tribune (IHT) is the premier international
newspaper for opinion leaders and decision-makers around the globe. It
combines the extensive resources of its own correspondents with those
of The New York Times, is printed at more than 38 sites throughout the
world and is for sale in more than 180 countries. Based in Paris since
1887, the IHT is owned by The New York Times Company.
Link: International Herald Tribune App
(download links:
iPhone/iPod touch,
iPad)
Tea Party Memo App Now Free
PR:
Texas based Politically Mobile, LLC announces that it is offering Tea
Party Memo as a free iPhone app, available for download in Apple's App
Store in the news category. Since its initial release in February 2010,
Tea Party Memo has consistently been among the most successful apps in
the paid news apps category and the most successful Tea Party app.
Tea Party Memo successes:
- Ranked among the top 50 selling paid news apps for 8 weeks in a
row
- Consistently ranked among the top 20 selling paid news apps
throughout the month leading up to the 2010 mid-term elections
- Featured in "What's Hot" in the iTunes Store news category
- Ranked as one of the top 10 US Election Day apps by
MacDailyNews
- Highly rated by its users
In addition to offering daily updates of top stories and commentary
selected from trusted news outlets, Tea Party Memo provides updates
from local Tea Parties, features top Conservative bloggers and offers
users the opportunity to upload and share photos and reports.
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.0 or later (iOS 4.0 Tested)
- 3.0 MB
Tea Party Memo 1.3.4 is free and available worldwide exclusively
through the App Store in the News category. The developers of Tea Party
Memo believe transitioning from a paid to free app will lead to
increased user-contributed content and open up greater sharing and
networking possibilities.
Link: Tea Party Memo (download
link)
Accessories
BoxWave Keyboard Buddy iPhone 4 Case Adds
Slide-Out Keyboard
PR: The Keyboard Buddy Case appears to simply be a
protective case when the keyboard is not in use. Combining ergonomic
technology with sleek aesthetics, the Keyboard Buddy Case is a
protective backing for your Apple iPhone 4 that also includes an
integrated slide-out Bluetooth keyboard. The low-profile keyboard
slides out, allowing you to easily transition between the Apple iPhone
4's touchscreen and a physical keyboard.
Keyboard Buddy Case Features:
- Formfitting shell designed to snap on securely to perfectly fit
your Apple iPhone 4
- Cutout design for the touch screen so that you can keep the same
tactile feel as using the Apple iPhone 4 without a case
- Conveniently designed to provide quick access to all of Apple
iPhone 4's controls, features, camera, and ports
Integrated slide-out Bluetooth keyboard allows you to
switch from the touch screen to a physical keyboard as desired- Includes a USB cable to charge the integrated keyboard
- Bluetooth keyboard on/off switch allows you to turn the keyboard
off when not in use to conserve battery power
- Finished with a high-quality smooth coating making the case smooth
to the touch
- Charge Duration: 45 days
- Bluetooth version 2.0
- Jet Black color
Regular Price: $79.95
Web Special: $69.95
Free shipping within US
Preorder (shipping December 14, 2010)
Link: BoxWave Keyboard
Buddy iPhone 4 Case
Self Powered iFlash Module Plugs Directly into
Phone or iPod for Instant LED Light
PR: Love the diversity of your iPhone but still get the
feeling you are not able to take full advantage of the camera
function?
Frustrated at not being able
to use the camera function in badly lit areas? We have the perfect
solution to avoid the disappointment. Simply attach the iFlash to your
iPhone 3G and you have instant access to an efficient flash to help
illuminate most poorly lit areas.
iPhone 4 users could also gain a bit of help from additional light,
no?
With this compact and light iFlash always on hand, all you need to
do is insert it into the docking port of your iPhone and let there be
light ... finally. You can even use the iFlash as a flashlight so you
no longer have to worry about finding your keys again! Just push the
button and say Flame On! Well, perhaps you don't need to say
that, but I always like a bit of a dramatic kick to it.
When not in use, this small and compact iFlash can be attached to
the iPhone through a plastic 3.5mm jack and left dangling from the
iPhone like a phone charm.
Features:
- Take Better Pictures In The Dark
- Use As Powerful LED Flashlight
- 3.5mm Jack Attachment For Quick Carry
- Small and Compact
- Fits Under Most Cases
Specifications:
- Brightness LED 10cd 13cd ~
- Color Temperature: 5000K
- Viewing Angle: 60 degrees
- Color: Black or White
- Dimensions: 44mm x 19.5mm x 11mm
System requirements:
- iPhone 3G/3GS/4,iPod Nano 3/4/5G, iPod touch 1/2/3
- Compatible with all iPhone (30 Pin Connector)
- Compatible: iPhone 3G/3GS/4,Nano 3/4/5G, Touch 1/2/3
iFlash External Flash for iPhone & iPod sells for $39.95
Link: iFlash
External Flash for iPhone & iPod
180° Fisheye Lens for iPhone 4G
PR: Features:
- Wider Angle captured - up to 180°
- Portable and detachable, you can take photo with your iPhone 4G at
any time
- Comes with a Back Cover, whenever you need to take photo with
Fisheye, just screw on the Fisheye Lens on, then you can take 180°
Fisheye picture with your iPhone 4G
- The back cover is suitable for our Wide-angle Lens for iPhone 4G,
Macro Lens for iPhone 4G and 8x Telephoto Lens for iPhone 4G too (see
note below)
- Back cover for video / Picture Viewing
- High Clarity: Made of high-class glass
- Strong: Made of top-grade Aluminum
This accessory is suitable for (compatible with): Apple iPhone
4G
How to use?
- Put the Back Cover On
- Screw on the 180° Fisheye Lens
- Then you can take picture
Specifications:
- Magnification: 180° Fisheye (0.28x)
- Lens Construction: 3 elements in 3 groups
- Lens Dimensions (main body): 25mm (diameter) x 15mm (length)
- Weight: 12g
Note:
- The Back cover for the Macro Lens is also (and only) for the 8x
Telephoto Lens, Wide-angle Lens, and Marco Lens, not suitable for other
lens that we have in our shop unless specified.
- The Flash Light will be blocked when the lens is on.
- There will be some black area in the 4 corners when using fisheye
Lens.
$27.99
Link: 180° Fisheye
Lens with Back Cover for iPhone 4G
USB Fever Wide-angle + Fisheye + 8x Telephoto Lens
Combo for iPhone 4G
PR: This is the combo package for the lens
(functionally) as follows:
- 180° Fisheye Lens with Back Cover for iPhone 4G
- Wide-angle Lens (+ Macro Lens) for iPhone 4G
- 8x Telescope with Hard Case for iPhone 4G
Features:
- One Package for Fisheye Lens, Wide-angle Lens (+ Macro Lens) and 8x
Telephoto Lens
- One Back Cover with click stand for All Lens
- Click Stand Case make watching Video / Photo easier.
- With Tripod for take pictures under extreme situation.
- Independent Back Cover, when you don't need the lens, just screw
them off then you can go.
This accessory is suitable for (compatible with): Apple iPhone 4
Colors Available (Back Cover only):
Package Contents:
- Wide-angle (+ Marco Lens) x 1
- Fisheye x 1
- 8x Telescope with manual focus x 1
- Back Hard Case (Back cover) x 1
- Holder x 1
- Mini Tripod x 1
Note:
- The Back cover included in this package is just for the Lens in
this package, not suitable for other lens in our shop unless otherwise
specified.
- Only one back cover will be shipped.
- The Flash Light will be blocked when the lens is in use.
$69.99
Link: USB Fever
Wide-angle + Fisheye + 8x Telephoto Lens Combo for iPhone 4G
New from Powis: Not Your Mother's iPad Case
PR:
Powis has announced its new iPad case, the Powis iCase. This stylish,
unique cover, which is inspired by the traditional book, enhances the
sleek, streamlined look of the iPad, while offering quality protection.
The sturdy designer stand offers 9+ positions, for every iPad activity.
And there are more than 40 leathers and patterns to choose from.
"We set out to develop an iPad case that delivers on customer needs
where other cases were falling short," says Kevin Parker, CEO of Powis.
"We heard from iPad users that they want a case that offers multiple,
sturdy positions to enhance the usability of their iPad, a case that is
easy to clean, and one that offers a variety of styles and ability to
personalize. Powis iCase delivers on all these requests."
What's Your Favorite Position?
With its
patent-pending designer stand, Powis iCase provides more than 9 sturdy
positions for every iPad use. Whether you are watching a movie, playing
a game, writing emails, presenting to a colleague or just surfing the
web, Powis iCase secures the iPad in the most comfortable position for
your activity. The various positions accommodate every location where
you may be using your iPad - at the office, at home, in a coffee shop,
on an airplane or on the go.
Premium Leathers to Popular Patterns to Personal Designs
To support the personal nature of the iPad, there are more than 40
handcrafted leathers and popular patterns to choose from on
http://www.powisicase.com . Powis iCase can be personalized with a
name, company logo, monogram, inscription, or a favorite quote. For
designers or for people who just know what they want, Powis also offers
the ability to put unique designs or photos on the Powis iCase.
More
Features
Powis iCase offers a snap-in frame to hold the iPad securely in
place, while maintaining the streamlined design of the iPad. To keep
the iPad clean, Powis iCase comes with a handy microfiber wipe cloth
with secret storage. The iPad floats above the frame so that debris
wipes off the iPad and not into the case. On the inside cover, there is
a convenient business card holder. And the movable hand strap provides
secure closure and carry.
Eco-friendly Construction
Powis iCase has the environment in mind. Fiber content of its
handcrafted leather is 100% recycled cowhide fibers. All cases are
constructed with 100% recycled board.
Powis iCase is Designed and Assembled in the USA.
Powis iCase is available in many different leathers, patterns, and
with personalization.
- Premium leather Powis iCase: $79.95
- Lightly textured leather Powis iCase: $59.95
- Patterned Powis iCase on printed laminated cover: $49.95
- Custom designed Powis iCase: $69.95
- Personalization: $9.95
Powis iCase is available online at powisicase.com. It will be
available soon at major retailers.
Link: Powis
iCase
