iNews Review

iPhone 5 to Use 4" Screen?, Real-time iOS Battery Monitor, Opera Mini Coming to iPad, and More

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

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2011.02.18

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

Apps & Services

Accessories

iPod Deals

These price trackers are updated every month.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Apple to Expand iPhone 5 Screen to 4"?

DigiTimes' Yenting Chen, Rebecca Kuo, and Yvonne Yu report that according to upstream component suppliers, Apple will increase the screen size of iPhone to 4" for its fifth-generation iPhone to compete with the Google Android platform in the 4- to 7-inch smartphone market.

The DigiTimes reporters cite component suppliers saying production lines for Apple's next generation iPhone have begun testing, and Apple wants to expand the iPhone's screen size to 4" to support the tablet PC market as a more pocketable alternative to its next-smallest igadget, the a 9.7" iPad, and note that smartphones currently running Google's Android platform such as Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S and Google's Nexus S, with Acer planning to launch a 4.8-inch smartphone, so with Apple joining the 4"inch and larger market, the 4" to 5.5" screen size category is shaping up to become the major battlefield for smartphones and alter industry dynamics for production of small to medium-size LCD panels.

NAND Flash Consumption in Tablets to Rise Nearly 400% in 2011

PR: As consumers snap up tablets in increasing numbers, the use of NAND flash memory for the popular devices in 2011 will explode almost fivefold, according to new IHS iSuppli research.

Worldwide NAND Flash Consumption in TabletsTablet consumption of NAND flash is expected in 2011 to soar to 2.3 billion gigabytes (GB), up a phenomenal 382.4% from 476.8 million GB in 2010, reflecting a 4.8 times increase in 1 GB-equivalent units during the past year. Shipments of NAND for tablets show no sign of slowing down in the years to come, eventually hitting 12.3 billion GB by 2014.

NAND is used in tablets mainly for the storage of content, such as books, photos, music, and movies. The proportion of NAND flash use among tablets, measured against the total supply of NAND memory, will jump to 11.8% in 2011, significantly up from 4.3% last year. By 2014, that figure will climb to 16%.

The bump in NAND consumption among tablets is likely to come from devices such as Apple Inc.'s iPad as well as a raft of tablet devices powered by the rival Android operating system, expected to hit the market this year, said Dee Nguyen, analyst for memory and storage at IHS. Together, the iPad and Android-based tablets form one strand of the tablet experience offered by manufacturersone centering on Internet-based media consumption. For such tablets, internal storage capacity is less an issue because the devices are intended to provide entertainment, not a full PC computing experience.

Average memory densities will range from 27.1 GB for non-iPad slates to 41.5 GB in the iPad.

A second strand of tablet use, Nguyen said, proposes a PC computing experience, replete with the full suite of products from Microsoft Corp. and offered on the Windows/Intel platform. Such tablet devicesexemplified by models to come from Lenovo Corp., Samsung Electronics and Hewlett-Packardcome with generally 32-64 GB of solid state storage. In an environment of strong NAND pricing, this density range is the highest that can be offered by manufacturers while still maintaining costs.

Nonetheless, because more memory cannot be provided for Windows/Intel tablets without driving the cost out of the sweet spot.

Taiwan News Channel Says iPad 2 Is Thinner and Has USB

Chinese IT news site micgadget.com's Chris Chang reports that the next-generation iPad could arrive as soon as April, according to a report on Taiwan news channel, ETTV News, which notes a list of iPad 2 features including a thinner body, front and rear cameras, a better speaker and a USB port, housed in a "more squareish" form factor with possibly 8 different colors of back case available.

Adobe Reports Strong Mobile Adoption of Flash Player and AIR; High Expectations for 2011

PR: At Mobile World Congress 2011in Barcelona, Spain, Adobe Systems Incorporated has announced that developers and content publishers can now deploy Adobe AIR applications to more than 84 million smartphones and tablets running Android and iOS. Thousands of applications have been created and made available on Android Market and Apple's App Store to date. By the end of 2011, Adobe expects more than 200 million smartphones and tablets to support Adobe AIR applications. For examples of popular AIR applications for Android and iOS, visit m.flash.com.

In addition, Adobe announced that more than 20 million smartphones were shipped or upgraded with Adobe Flash Player 10.1 software on over 35 certified devices in the first six months following the launch. For 2011, the company expects Flash Player to be supported on more than 132 million units worldwide. More than 50 tablets are expected to support Flash Player this year alone. Using Adobe Creative Suite 5 tools, over three million Adobe Flash Platform developers are now able to author content across a substantial number of devices for both Flash Player and AIR.

"We are thrilled to see mobile adoption of Flash Player and AIR exceeding even our own expectations, with much more to come in the months ahead," commented David Wadhwani, senior vice president, Creative and Interactive Solutions Business Unit, Adobe. "This is tremendous progress toward ensuring that mobile users everywhere have access to their favorite content from casual games to Web video and enterprise applications regardless of what device they are using. And, our CS5 customers are excited about the ability to easily extend their creative work across millions of mobile devices."

Adobe is also showcasing the latest release of Flash Player 10.2 along with additional performance advancements at the conference. The new release includes support for innovative new features including Stage Video, which delivers much improved video performance through optimizing hardware acceleration on mobile devices, desktops and TVs. Stage Video decreases processor and memory usage while enabling higher frame rates and improved video quality. Test results show up to 80% CPU savings when playing back video in 1080p on Windows and Mac OS. Stage Video support for mobile devices will be available on Android 3.0 Honeycomb and BlackBerry Tablet OS. Existing H.264 video content on the Web will benefit from Stage Video on mobile platforms without any changes to the content.

Adobe AIR

A key element of the Adobe Flash Platform, AIR enables developers to leverage existing code to create and deliver standalone applications across devices and platforms. Adobe AIR supports smartphones and tablets based on Android, iOS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, and desktops including Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems. In addition, Samsung is the first television manufacturer to ship Adobe AIR in its line of Samsung SmartTV devices. With Adobe AIR, developers are able to use familiar tools including Adobe Flash Professional CS5, Adobe Flash Builder and Flex to build rich standalone multiscreen applications. Thousands are already available on Android Market, Apples App Store, Adobe InMarket and Intel AppUpSM center today.

Adobe AIR enables enhanced application experiences through a series of features, including support for accelerometer, camera, video, microphone, multi-touch and gestures. Support for geolocation allows developers to create location-based applications and services. AIR is also able to display native browser controls within the application allowing for the integration of HTML and .SWF content. With SQLite support developers can easily store and cache databases inside an AIR application.

Adobe Flash Player

One of the top free apps on Android Market, with more than 6 million downloads to date and more than 150,000 users giving it a 4.5-out-of-5 star rating, Flash Player brings rich Flash based content to mobile devices inside the browser. In addition to Android Market, the runtime is distributed directly by device manufacturers and operators via pre-installs and operating system upgrades.

Flash Player 10.2 is available now for Windows, Mac and Linux on Android, HP webOS and Google TV. BlackBerry Tablet OS, future versions of Windows Phone, LiMo, Samsung SmartTVs and others are also expected to support Flash Player. For a list of certified devices, visit http://www.adobe.com/flashplatform/supported_devices/smartphones.html

Apple iOS 4.2.6 iPhone Update

New in version 4.2.6: Fixes a bug to ensure Personal Hotspot data usage is accurately reported (for Verizon iPhones).

System requirements: iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G. Or iPod touch 3G or 2G.

Not all features are compatible with all devices. For example, multitasking is available only with iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. Hot Spot is only on the Verizon (CDMA) iPhone 4. Game Center requires iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2nd generation or later.

New in iOS version 4.2:

  • 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.

The Competition

HP TouchPad Previewed

Asymco blogger Horace Dediu says:

"The world's largest PC company just launched a media table. Conflating the iPod touch and iPad brands into TouchPad, HP joins RIM in announcing an integrated OS/device product to compete as a platform vs. iOS and Android (and to some degree even against Windows)."

Dediu notes that AAPLinvestors is still maintaining an iPad death watch, and that it was one year ago, on Feb. 10th 2010, that Bill Gates declared the iPad to be "a nice reader," but said "there's nothing on the iPad I look at and say, Oh, I wish Microsoft had done it." Dediu observes that Apple's typical veil of secrecy prior to the iPad launch was unnecessary, since nobody understood the product even months after it launched, and many still don't a year later, with potential competitors looking at the iPad and seeing nothing, reacting only after the iPad market exploded and they started to feel belated collateral pain.

Acer Rolls Out 7" and 10" Android and Windows Tablets

The Register's Hard Reg reports:

"Acer's 10.1in Iconia Tab A500 wasn't the only tablet the PC giant announced this week: it also took the wraps off a 7in Android-based alternative and a second ten-incher, this one running Windows.

"The Iconia W500 will run Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit on a 1GHz AMD C-50 chip with integrated Radeon graphics, 2GB of DDR 3 memory and a 32GB SSD, plus Bluetooth 3.0, 2.4GHz 802.11n."

Also ethernet via a dock accessory, plus HDMI, SD, and USB ports and a "mini Sim" slot to use with the 3G version.

Apps & Services

Take Control of Working with Your iPad, Second Edition eBook Helps You Become Productive on the iPad

PR: It may not wear a coat and tie, but that doesn't mean an iPad can't fit in at the office. Joe Kissell's second edition of "Take Control of Working with Your iPad," published by TidBITS Publishing, Inc. helps iPad-toting workers find and use the best productivity apps and techniques.

The new edition includes information not only on the changes that iOS 4 has brought to the iPad but also on the many new and revised iPad apps that have become available recently. With advice that has been polished and refined over many months of real-world iPad use, Kissell explores the working possibilities of the device. The 133-page ebook costs $15 and is available online.

With this new edition in hand, readers can learn how to:

  • Type right: They'll learn tips for maximizing typing speed on the onscreen keyboard and discover the best ways to use the iPad Keyboard Dock and Bluetooth keyboard options.
  • Select, cut, copy, and paste: These commands may be second nature to regular computer users, but their touchscreen versions are another matter. Kissell explains how to use touchscreen editing commands effectively and fluently.
  • Transfer files among apps and devices: The ebook shows how using iTunes to exchange documents with an iPad is not the only way to go. It looks carefully at those apps that can exchange documents with each other and with cloud/server-based systems, including Air Sharing HD, Documents To Go, Dropbox, GoDocs, GoodReader, MobileMe iDisk, Memeo Connect, Office2 HD, PrintCentral, Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite, ReaddleDocs, SugarSync, and more. It also provides insights into how the iPad handles files and explains how readers can leverage that knowledge.
  • Manage contacts and calendars: Few workers can survive without their contact lists and calendars; Kissell teaches the essential techniques for using the iPad's included Contacts and Calendar apps.
  • Write and send email: Today's worker can't survive without email either; Kissell explains how to set up email accounts, view and reply to email, and adjust settings in Mail to match each workplace's requirements.
  • Take notes effectively at meetings and lectures: It's hard to take a shiny new iPad to a meeting unobtrusively, but once the ooohs and ahhhs die down, everyone has to be able to get back to business. The ebook offers useful pointers for using Apple's Notes app, and tips on great third-party apps for taking typed or handwritten notes, recording audio, and even using speech recognition.
  • Create documents in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, and more: Kissell runs through the productivity capabilities of the apps in Apple's mobile iWork suite, and he explores a number of third-party alternatives that offer capabilities that Apple overlooked. He also provides a special focus on cross-application communication among the iPad, "the cloud," and a desktop computer.
  • Print documents: And not just on a printer - Kissell describes how to "print" to a Dropbox folder, to PDF format and more, using Apple's built-in AirPrint feature and third-party apps.

From instant messaging and Web browsing to location mapping and note taking, Kissell puts the iPad's capabilities into the context of getting work done. The ebook concludes with pointers to apps that allow workers to perform even more tasks, including drawing and painting, working with multi-track audio, outlining and brainstorming, and using databases.

Coupled with Kissell's latest book, the iPad turns out to be a great business tool (coat and tie remain optional).

Take Control of Working with Your iPad, Second Edition by Joe Kissell
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/ipad-working
PDF format
133 pages
Publication date: February 9, 2011
Price: $15 (PDF) - purchase link - EPUB and Mobipocket available shortly
Print: $26.99
ISBN: 978-1-61542-098-8

Verietas Software Expands Real-time iOS Battery Monitoring Technology

PR: Have you ever pulled your phone out of your pocket, only to find that you barely have any battery power left? Or even worse, your battery had died and you didn't notice, leaving phone calls and messages unanswered. To bring you peace of mind, Verietas Software announced today the release of Battery Alert!, an expansion to the innovative and entertaining app Death Cough, to maintain awareness of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch battery life. Never get caught with a dead battery again.

Battery Alert! is a simple-to-use app specifically designed to ensure that you always know when your battery needs a little extra juice. When its "warn" threshold is met, it will play your chosen alert sound and present an alert window, even if your device is doing something else or locked and in your pocket. When the "alert" threshold is met, the app will play the configured alert notice, alerting you to recharge your device or it will shortly power off.

"When we developed Death Cough, we created the world's first real-time iOS battery monitor. But we did it in a sort of tongue-in-cheek way that some users didn't take to," said Joshua Pressnell, Founder of Verietas Software, "We felt Battery Alert! would provide the more practical user base a useful and needed capability without the sometimes-annoying death sounds."

Battery Alert! is the second app in the Verietas Software portfolio to provide real-time iOS battery monitoring while not operating actively in the foreground. Users start the app once when they turn on their phone, and then leave the app running in the background, free to do other things. When the appropriate battery levels are reached, the app plays a sound and presents an alert notice.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • Requires iOS 4.0 or later
  • 2.2 MB

Battery Alert! 1.0 is 99¢ (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category.

Opera Mini Coming to iPad

The Register's Cade Metz reports that Opera has developed a version of its popular Opera Mini browser for the iPad and will unveil it at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The company referenced the iOS browser in a press release Thursday morning, announcing it will also demonstrate new versions of Opera Mini for Android, iPhone, J2ME, BlackBerry, and Symbian. No official release date as yet.

Metz notes that Apple still bars third-party applications from interpreting code on iOS devices, so Opera will not be able to offer a version of the full Opera browser feature set on the iPad, but with Opera Mini, all webpages are sent through proxy servers and compressed before they're sent down to the browser anyway, so no code is interpreted on the device. Apple allowed an iPhone version of Opera Mini into the Apple App Store last year.

New App Designed Specifically for iOS Products and for Full Integration with Philips SpeechExec Enterprise Suite

PR: Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics has announced it will begin offering a recording application for iPhones and iPads. Philips Recorder for iPhone and iPad turns the smartphone or tablet computer into a wireless digital dictation recorder and works seamlessly with the SpeechExec Enterprise suite, allowing users to record, edit, and send dictation files directly from the mobile device.

"In today's world, technology such as iPhones and iPads can and should be used for multiple purposes, including dictation recordings," says Thomas Brauner, Senior Director and Category Leader at Philips Speech Processing. "It was for this reason that we developed the Recorder for iPhone and iPad. This new app provides users with the ability to dictate from any environment and send the recording to a transcriptionist without having to carry multiple devices making everyones life simpler."

Since the new recorder turns iPhones and iPads into a wireless digital dictation recorder, users can dictate in any location they want and upload files to a Web server using 3G or WIFI connections. The Web server then distributes the recorded files to registered transcriptionists via email or to a network folder. This allows the typist to begin working on the file immediately, which decreases turnaround time and dramatically increases personal productivity.

In addition, the new app includes features such as:

  • Easy-to-use touch screen controls for intuitive operations and fast file edits
  • Express Recorder Mode so users can simply shake their iPhone or iPad to start and stop recording
  • Automatic file encryption for maximum security
  • Priority settings to indicate urgent recordings that need to be processed first

More information about integrating the Recorder for iPhone with SpeechExec Enterprise solutions can be obtained from a Philips specialist reseller for dictation solutions details can be found online.

Philips Recorder for iPhone will be available from the App Store starting on February 21, 2011.

Remote Mouse: Turn Your iPhone Into a Wireless Trackpad and Keyboard for Free

Remote MousePR: Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a wireless touchpad and keyboard now. You can take control of your presentations from anywhere in the room.

Features:

  • Remote MouseTwo finger tapping for double click.
  • Two finger dragging for scroll.
  • Function keyboard with arrow keys.
  • Touchpad with vertical and horizontal orientation.
  • Accelerometer based mouse.
  • Works over WiFi network or 3G.
  • Easy-to-use user interface.
  • Works with Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard/Snow Leopard
  • Works with Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

System requirements:

  • Intel
  • Mac OS X 10.6 or later.

Apps for Safer Driving Now Available to Millions of New iPhone Owners

PR: With millions of new iPhone devices in the hands of Verizon Wireless customers, there is an increased risk of distracted driving incidents, because iPhone owners must look at the screen to type on the phone. Cleverlike Corp. has invented a solution for typing on the iPhone without looking at the screen. Their latest apps, StealthType SMS and StealthType Maps, aim to make it safer to send text messages or use Google Maps while driving. Send accurate text messages to your contacts without looking at your phone or speaking to it. Safely enter business searches or program driving directions for Google Maps without looking at the phone or speaking to it. These potentially life-saving apps are sold in the app store for $1.99.

The Problem

With its new support for the iPhone 4, Verizon Wireless has just launched an army of millions of brand new iPhone users onto our roads. For many customers, this will be their first touchscreen smartphone. Typing on a touchscreen device requires focused visual attention which creates a dangerous scenario when mixed with the bad habit of texting while driving.

The Solution

New apps from Cleverlike Corporation aim to make the roadways safer by providing a way to type on the iPhone without looking at it. Their StealthType SMS and StealthType Maps apps can help users send text messages and search Google Maps without taking their eyes off the road. Both of these apps are now available in the app store for a sale price of US $1.99.

Highlights of StealthType SMS

  • Send accurate text messages to your contacts without looking at your phone or speaking to it:
  • Safe Send allows you to send a text message without looking and directs a reply to your e-mail inbox. Your recipients are notified to call you if their response is urgent.
  • In-app SMS option allows you to send text messages using your phone's built-in SMS text messaging.
  • Send Free Text Messages without a text messaging plan using the Safe Send option. (Requires internet access.)
  • Customize your contact list for initiating SMS messages.

Highlights of StealthType Maps

Safely enter business searches or program driving directions for Google Maps without looking at the phone or speaking to it:

  • Select from Search, Driving Directions and Map options.
  • Use your current location or enter a specific location for addresses.
  • Pull up a map of the current area for checking the traffic on your commute.
  • Define a preset zoom level so you don't have to resize your map view.

Core Features of All StealthType Apps

  • Unique "StealthType" technology for navigating the app and typing without looking at device or speaking to it
  • Male or female voices (real, professional voice recordings)
  • QWERTY or ABC keyboard layouts
  • Send to Clipboard option for iPod touch, iPad and iPhone users
  • Stealthy design that emits low light levels for discreet use day or night

Background on the Invention of StealthType

Before the touchscreen interface of the iPhone was released, the use of mobile phones for talking and texting while driving was running rampant with hardly any laws in place to prevent it. Up to that point, most phones had a keypad that made it possible to feel the buttons so you could successfully type without much looking.

When the iPhone was released, it became clear that the touchscreen interface would require significant visual attention to type on its smooth flat keyboard. There was no doubt that this was going to make the problem of distracted driving even worse.

Cleverlike Corporation's founder and President, Brian Dickman, began immediately working on a app-based solution that could help alleviate this problem. He challenged himself to answer the question, "How can someone type a complete and accurate message on a flat screen without looking at it?"

Voice recognition technology was ruled out because several companies have had the technology on the market for many years with a low adoption rate. Personal experience with voice recognition technology showed that it is not always accurate and it can be awkward to speak to a device in the hopes that it understands what you're saying.

The idea of predefined or "canned" phrases was also considered, but it is too limiting to be useful in most cases. The solution needed to allow someone to type their completely unique message without looking at the screen.

The next area of consideration was the technology already on the phone designed to allow a visually-impaired person to use the phone. A visually-impaired person can be classified the same as a person that is trying to use the phone without looking. The problem is that while this built-in aid would be a blessing for someone that could not see, it is cumbersome for someone that can see the phone but only wants to use the visual aid features occasionally.

The answer to the challenge was found in a solution that can be characterized as a visual aid for people that can see. It's a simple solution that uses a recorded voice to prompt the user through the application. When the user touches their finger to the screen, the phone will tell them what button they are touching. Keeping the finger on the screen and moving it across the screen will quickly help them find the correct button. When the finger is lifted from the screen, the button under the finger is selected. This process is used for navigating the application and for typing on the keyboard without looking.

After of few prototypes of this final idea, the exclusive StealthType technology was perfected. Months later, the first StealthType-based apps were launched in the app store. There are currently four different StealthType apps available in the app store.

It's important to note that the motivation behind the development of StealthType technology was to solve the rampant dangerous use of mobile phones for texting while driving. The StealthType apps were not designed to encourage irresponsible or illegal mobile phone behavior. Users are responsible for obeying the law and using good judgement with their mobile devices while driving. The safest way to use a mobile device while driving is to not use it at all.

Type Faster on the iPhone and iPod touch with Easy Typing 2.5

PR: Canzhi Ye, 14 year old iPhone app developer, announces the latest update to Easy Typing. Easy Typing allows users to be more efficient when typing on the iPhone or iPod touch. The app features a large, full QWERTY keyboard with key sizes that are twice the size of the ones on the iPhone's default keyboard. Available for only 99¢ on the App Store, the Easy Typing iPhone app allows users to take advantage of all the available real-estate on the iPhone and iPod touch screen to type more efficiently.

Easy Typing includes the following features:

  • Key sizes based on frequency of use
  • Keys that are twice the size of the default iPhone keyboard
  • Commonly used punctuation such as .",?!' is on the main keyboard
  • Full QWERTY layout
  • Secondary keyboard includes numbers and math symbols
  • Export to email and sms with the touch of a button
  • Simple default copy paste
  • Auto capitalization
  • Posting a Facebook status directly from the app
  • Tweeting directly from the app
  • Updating Tumblr directly from the app

New features in the 2.5 update

  • Double tap for Caps Lock
  • Hold to delete
  • New interface
  • Keyboard click sounds
  • Improved social network integration

With this new update, truly experience all the features of a fast keyboard. The default keyboard can often be frustrating to use. iPhone users, especially those with big thumbs, sometimes find that typing a simple email, SMS, tweet, or Facebook status can take minutes. This larger keyboard dramatically increases the efficiency of typing on the iPhone, so users no longer have to waste time struggling with the default keyboard.

Canzhi Ye wants to thank all of his users for making Easy Typing a successful iOS app. He appreciates the informative feedback and suggestions. He also wants to reassure users, current and potential, that Easy Typing is in active development, and further upadtes are currently in the works.

Device Requirements:

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

Easy Typing 2.5 is 99¢ (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category.

Free Go! Tax Canada 2.0: File Your Canadian Tax Return on Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

PR: Go! Tax Canada announces its release of its free app (version 2.0) for the iPhone and iPod touch. This innovative app makes filing your 2010 Canadian Personal incomes taxes easy and stress free. Tax documents and data are submitted with the click of your device's camera and appropriate App technology. Secure data transmission (SSL) is employed to protect your personal information. All your original tax documents are retained by you. Your tax return is prepared by expert tax professionals and electronically filed with the Canada Revenue Agency. All possible tax credits are applied, providing you with the largest refund possible. A complete summary of your tax return is provided to you.

The app may be used at any time and from anywhere in all provinces and territories. Service cost payment for your tax return preparation is made using PayPal. It is equivalent to the purchase of a computer program for self preparation of your return. View our video and tour showing ease of use of the app on our website gotaxcanada.ca . Also, read the testimonial from a last minute 2009 tax filer. The Go! Tax Canada app is a great way to overcome the burden of "tax time" for 2010.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
  • Requires iPhone OS 4.1 or later
  • 1.3 MB

Go! Tax Canada 2.0 is free and available exclusively through the Canadian App Store in the Business category.

Accessories

Pentalobe Screwdriver for iPhone 4/iPad/iPod touch 4G

Pentalobe screws in iPhone 4PR: If you bought an iPhone 4, iPad, or iPod touch 4G recently or you've sent an older unit to Apple for fixing something, did you notice that the 2 screws at the bottom are now not standard Philips or Torx head?

It's a new screwhead that Apple is using in the outer enclosures of their i-devices, called the Pentalobe Screw, and it requires a specially made screwdriver for that screwhead design.

Pentalobe ScrewdriverUSB Fever now offers the needed tool in Petagon shape, specially made for new iPhone 4, iPod touch 4G, and iPad.

$7.99

The Case for an iPad to Be Handled with Love

PR: Handle With Love announces the launch of its new product, a stylish, unique, and customizable Apple iPad case that is handcrafted in Australia. Made from a durable fabric, the cover acts as armor to protect iPads from the nicks, scratches, dirt, and grime that often come with everyday use.

Handle With Love iPad caseThe case is more than just a simple iPad screen protector: by flipping the lid over, it can be adjusted into a stand with several positions that create perfect viewing angles for use in bed, on a plane, or a desk. The iPad covers by Handle With Love start at a price of $99 and come in two different colors initially, a cream-colored sandy linen and a classic black, and both feature a red lift strap.

It looks both classic and modern, fitting in seamlessly with and enhancing the iPads design. It feels smooth in customers hands thanks to the high-quality fabric material that will not sweat. Customers can personalize their cases to express themselves or write a message to their loved ones as a gift with custom inscriptions on the spine.

"With over seven million iPads in consumers hands, people feel a growing need to protect their valuable tablets and they are looking for accessories that will do that. We really do handle every single case with love before we ship it to customers. Our covers are handmade in Australia, and we personally ensure a high level of quality for each one before we sell it. So far, the feedback from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive," says Jindou Lee, founder of Handle With Love.

Apple Addiction Spreads to Verizon: OtterBox Protects All iPhone 4 Users

OtterBox Defender Series casePR: Verizon Wireless customers have long anticipated the launch of Apples top-selling smartphone on their network; now that it has arrived, OtterBox isn't leaving them waiting for premiere protection.

Now compatible with the Apple iPhone 4 on the AT&T and Verizon networks, OtterBox announces universal Defender Series cases.

OtterBox Defender Series case"The Defender Series has been our most popular line of cases for the iPhone 4," says OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardson. "This opportunity with Verizon will allow us to provide the same quality solution to these new users."

The Defender Series case for iPhone 4 is a polycarbonate shell with built-in screen protector completely encases the device. The case is finished with an impact-absorbing silicone skin that covers all ports and plugs, protecting them from wear and debris while still allowing for easy access. A holster-style swivel belt clip that doubles as a media stand is also included.

OtterBox Defender Series cases now accommodate the iPhone 4 variants from both Verizon and AT&T, and OtterBox will soon offer universal cases in the Impact Series, Commuter Series and Reflex Series lines of cases.

OtterBox Defender Series cases sell for $89.95

Also see Steve Watkins' review, OtterBox Defender: Don't Let Your iPhone 4 Leave Home Without It.

OtterBox Unveils Utility Series Cases, Introducing the Latch for iPad

OtterBox Latch for iPadPR: Designed to help you get the most out of your tablet experience, the OtterBox Utility Series provides unmatched versatility on the go and introduces the Latch for Apple iPad.

OtterBox Latch for iPad"With the introduction of the Utility Series, OtterBox not only protects technology but also makes it adaptable," says OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardson. "The iPad is a great example of how mobile technology has evolved and the Latch is designed to further enhance its uses."

The elastic straps of the Latch wrap around the corners of the iPad encased in an OtterBox Defender Series, Commuter Series, or simply by itself to securely hold the device. The padded hand strap is adjustable to accommodate different hand sizes comfortably. An additional adjustable elastic strap with Velcro is included, as well as an adjustable lanyard, screen cover and s-biner utility clip. All of these elements work in conjunction to form the most versatile utility accessory available for the iPad.

OtterBox Latch for iPadThe Latch's adjustable hand strap allows for quick and easy securing of the iPad to one hand, eliminating fatigue and reducing the likelihood of a drop. The elastic strap serves the dual purpose of fastening the device to the back of a car seat headrest or to the leg for increased productivity and hands-free carrying. The lanyard attaches to the back of the Latch and can be adjusted for carrying over the shoulder or around the neck in either landscape or portrait orientation. Finally, the s-biner utility clip allows the user to fasten the iPad to a belt for easy access, while a lightweight screen cover provides protection from the elements. (Note that the Utility Case is NOT designed as a protective accessory. Screen cover is NOT waterproof).

All of these accessories fit inside the removable storage bag which doubles as an iPad display stand.

The Otterbox Utility Series sells for $49.95

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