iNews Review

iPad 1 and iPhone 3GS Outsell Android, Tablets Put PCs in Danger Zone, Voice Recognition, and More

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

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2011.05.16

PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review.

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Original iPad and iPhone 3GS Often Outsell Android Devices at Verizon and AT&T

AppleInsider's Neil Hughes reports that older Apple iOS products sold at a discounted price, like the iPhone 3GS and first-generation iPad, are often more popular than newer devices running the Google Android operating system, citing a new report by Canaccord Genuity technology analyst Michael Walkley, who found that while the iPhone 4 is "by far" the top selling device at both AT&T and Verizon, "Interestingly, our April checks indicated continued strong demand for the iPhone 3GS at AT&T and iPad 1 at Verizon, as these older generation products with reduced prices often outsold new Android products."

'Disruptive Technology' Tablets Putting Other Computer Categories in Danger Zone

PR: Even though the iPad continues to dominate the tablet computing conversation and market, with new players like Samsung's Galaxy Tab and Motorola's Xoom, the competition is heating up in the United States, according to The Nielsen Company's latest in-depth research on mobile connected devices, which was fielded in Spring 2011.

Among the findings:

  • Around half of all tablet owners reported being the only ones in their household using their particular tablet, while 43% said they shared the tablet with others. 8% said that while they own a tablet used by other household members, they do not use it themselves.
  • When asked whether they used other connected devices more often or less often since purchasing a tablet, 35% of tablet owners who also owned a desktop computer reported using their desktop less often or not at all, while 32% of those who also owned laptops, said they used their laptop less often or never since acquiring a tablet. 27% of those who also own eReaders said they use their eReader less often or not at all the same percentage as those who also own portable media players. One-in-four tablet owners who own portable games consoles are using those devices less often, if at all, since purchasing a tablet.

Impact on device usage

If 20% or more of Nielsen respondents say they are using a device less because of a tablet, the analysts say that's a dangerous zone for older computer categories, and using that assumption the following devices are likely to see sales declines going forward:

  • Portable gaming consoles: Do you buy that new Nintendo 3DS or go up in price and buy an iPad? The tablet impact on gaming consoles is unclear. 22° of respondents use their portable gaming consoles less, but 26% use it more.
  • Portable media players: Apple is already seeing this with its iPod units.
  • E-readers: Chances are low prices will mitigate e-reader cannibalization.
  • Netbooks: Interestingly, only 23% of respondents said they are using a netbook less (possibly because of some crossover in functional utility based on size and ease of portability?).
  • Laptops: 30% are using laptops less because they have a tablet.
  • Desktops: 32% are spending less time on desktops because of a tablet. Tablets and laptops are constituting a double whammy on desktop sales.

Apple May Free the iPad from Needing a PC for Updates

Forbes' Brian Caulfield says the iPad is still not a PC replacement, but it's getting closer. The iPad has a display, a processor, a flash-based hard drive, and a virtual keyboard.

What are the remaining obstacles? Caulfield contends that the reason main the iPad is not a replacement for a personal computer - no matter how simple your needs - is that it still needs to connect to a PC to update its software. However, the next version of the iOS could change that by adding support for over-the-air updates to iOS devices, thereby eliminating the need to plug them into your Mac or PC to get the latest software features.

64 GB 3G iPad 2 Dominates Tablet Sales in Europe

Contradicting one of the findings in a recent NPD survey, at least in a European context, V3's Phil Muncaster reports that the 64 GB 3G iPad 2 continues to be the most popular version of Apple's best-selling tablet, although Android devices have begun to make inroads into Apple's massive market share, according to the latest report from Context.

Muncaster says the market research firm revealed that, in the six weeks since launch, the 64 GB 3G model sold well across western Europe, accounting for one-third of all iPad 2 sales, which comprised a whopping 80% of tablet devices sold in the first quarter of 2011. The WiFi only 16 GB model came second in the popularity stakes, accounting for 22% of all sales, according to Context.

4 Reasons Not to Jailbreak Your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad

Life Hacker's Adam Dachis notes that some people love jailbreaking their iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads, because it opens up so many great new possibilities, but he warns that it also has potential to cause a lot of problems and headaches, citing four big reasons why you might not want to jailbreak.

  1. Goodbye Stability and Safety
  2. You Don't Get to Update iOS as Soon or as Easily
  3. You'll Be Restoring Often
  4. Good Jailbreak Apps are Pricey

LG Responsible for the Light Spots on Some iPad 2 Displays

Hardmac's Guy, citing DigiTimes (and noting that the information has not been confirmed elsewhere), says that LG has been forced to reduce its production rate of iPad 2 displays due to of light spots that appeared on many units, which were discovered immediately after the tablet came out, with Samsung taking over part of LG's supply share with better quality displays, allowing that company to ship 4 million displays during the first quarter while LG shipped 3.2 million. The article notes that LG says the problem is now solved and that production will ramp back up to normal speed during the second quarter, observing that, as is often the case, early adopters end up doing the final "beta" testing of a new device

Speech Recognition: The iOS Achilles' Heel?

ZDNet's Jason D. O'Grady notes that Android outperforms iOS in terms of speech recognition - and it has from the very beginning. Simply put, Android has it and iOS doesn't.

That may be about to change, with TechCrunch reporting that Apple has been negotiating a deal with speech recognition specialists Nuance, which makes Dragon Dictation for iOS devices, in recent months, and speculating that as a minimum Apple could include the Nuance speech engine - widely regarded as the best of breed - in iOS 5. However, O'Grady thinks Apple should simply dip into its money bin and acquire Nuance, bringing the talent and intellectual property in-house and embedding speech recognition at every level of the OS, which would put the iOS on par with Android in speech.

Apple to Run Voice Recognition Technology from Nuance at North Carolina Data Center

EdibleApple's John Hiesler reports:

"It's largely believed that one of the more important features of iOS 5 will be voice recognition. Not only did Apple purchase Siri - a company well regarded for their voice-activated personal assistant app - but rumor has it that Apple is exploring a deal of some sort with Nuance, the company whose voice recognition technology powers Siri along with a bevy of other iOS and Mac apps."

"At next month's WWDC, Apple will reportedly announce a new partnership with Nuance. More specifically, Apple will be employing Nuance software, and perhaps hardware, at their brand new data center in North Carolina."

Apple Partnering with Nuance Rather for iOS 5 Voice Recognition?

AppleInsider's Daniel Eran Dilger says:

"A new report indicates that Apple has deepened its partnership with speech recognition firm Nuance to deliver voice recognition features in iOS 5, edging out alternative software from Microsoft in the company's bid to roll out voice features competitive with Google's Android."

Queen Elizabeth II Orders iPad 2 after Princes William and Harry Show Her Apple's Gadget

The Daily Mail is reporting that Queen Elizabeth II is said to have ordered an iPad 2 after grandsons, Princes William and Harry, who both own iPads, reportedly introduced their grandmother to Apple's iconic tablet, and that the 85-year-old monarch is said to have been so impressed with the touchscreen device that she immediately ordered staff to buy her one, hoping to use it on long journeys around the country in the Royal car or train. The article notes that the Princes think this is hilarious, loving it that their grandmother wants an iPad - and that they think she's really cool - according to a source cited by the Sun.

Apple mobile devices are not new to QEII, who has owned iPods for years, also receiving one as a gift from US president Barack Obama when he visited London in 2009.

Adobe Nav Is Not a Standalone Version Photoshop for iPad

FairerPlatform's Ron Carlsen says:

"The long-awaited version of Photoshop has arrived for iPad (see below), but it's not what you think. This is an adjunct, an add-on for the desktop version of Photoshop CS5, and it won't work with earlier versions. If you're looking for a stand alone iPad app to edit photos and images, this isn't it....

"What you do get is a decidedly tablet-style interface for Photoshop CS5. I'm not Wacom tablet owner, so it's not clear to me whether or not this app/interface is designed to be a Wacom replacement.

"Thereupon, Adobe Photoshop Express (iTunes, free) is unusable as a stand alone image editor as you can't perform a whole host of basic image editing functions, including resizing, and there are web dependencies to Adobe's Flash only online version of Photoshop."

Apps & Services

Adobe Announces Availability of Photoshop Touch Applications for iPad

PR: Adobe Systems Incorporated has announced the immediate availability of the Adobe Photoshop Touch apps Adobe Color Lava, Adobe Eazel, and Adobe Nav for Apple iPad in the Apple App Store. These three apps from Adobe were developed using the Photoshop Touch Software Development Kit (SDK) to demonstrate the potential for new interaction between Photoshop and tablet devices.

Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop, Adobe Eazel for Photoshop, and Adobe Nav for Photoshop unite the fun and interactive experience of touch devices with the power and precision of Photoshop by enabling users to create custom color swatches, paint directly onscreen and drive popular Photoshop tools from tablet devices. These applications take advantage of the iPad's touch screen for a truly immersive, tactile, on-the-go experience, and expand upon inroads made by Adobe in the mobile and tablet market initiated with Photoshop Express, Adobe Ideas and Adobe Connect Mobile.

Photoshop is a part of the recently announced Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 product family, enabling designers and developers to create for popular and emerging smartphone and tablet platforms. Current Photoshop CS5 owners can download a free update to enable new interaction between Photoshop and tablet devices.

Initial industry feedback for the Photoshop Touch applications has been overwhelmingly positive; in a First Look review by Macworld, Lesa Snider says that "By having nothing between you and your artwork, you can focus on creating in the purest sense. Snider also notes the excitement for the new Photoshop Touch SDK, saying, I have no doubt developers will be burning the midnight oil to push the envelope of this new technology and create other useful Photoshop integrated apps."

The Photoshop Touch SDK makes development possible on numerous devices, including iOS, Android and BlackBerry PlayBook. Utilizing the SDK, developers will have wide access to Photoshop functionality with the freedom to innovate and create new apps or add capabilities to existing ones. Adobe has already engaged with a number of developers to incorporate tablets and other devices into creative workflows that empower Photoshop users in new and groundbreaking ways.

Photoshop Touch Extends Creative Processes

Adobe Color Lava allows creatives to use their fingertips to mix colors on the iPad, creating custom color swatches and themes to transfer back into Photoshop.

Adobe Eazel takes advantage of cutting-edge painting technology by letting digital artists create rich realistic paintings with their fingertips, and introduces a new kind of interaction between wet and dry paints. These paintings can then be sent directly to Photoshop CS5 for compositing or for taking the artwork further.

Adobe Nav increases workflow efficiency by letting users select and control Photoshop tools using the iPad as the input surface, customize the toolbar, browse and zoom in on up to 200 open Photoshop files, or easily create new files.

Adobe Photoshop Touch Software Development Kit (SDK) enables developers to build tablet applications that interact with Photoshop from Android, BlackBerry PlayBook and iOS devices.

"Tablet devices are destined to become part of creative workflows and these companion Photoshop applications are just the first indications of the creativity we can expect from Adobe and our developer community," says John Loiacono, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media Solutions, Adobe. "With our Touch SDK, we are going to see some astonishing new ways to keep Photoshop at the heart of the creative process no matter what the device desktop computer, Android tablet, BlackBerry PlayBook or iOS device."

The Adobe Color Lava, Adobe Eazel and Adobe Nav applications for Photoshop are immediately available through the Apple App Store. Pricing for the applications is $4.99 for Adobe Eazel, $2.99 for Adobe Color Lava and $1.99 for Adobe Nav.

Current Photoshop CS5 customers can download and install the free update from within the application or via the Adobe Application Manager. Developers can access the free Adobe Photoshop Touch SDK for Windows and Mac OS platforms on the Adobe Application Manager.

Adobe Photoshop CS5 and CS5 Extended are available through Adobe Authorized Resellers, the Adobe Store and Adobe Direct Sales. Estimated street price for Adobe Photoshop CS5 is $699 and $999 for Photoshop CS5 Extended.

Political Label Quiz: How Conservative or Liberal Are You?

PR: Super Boise Studios has announced the release of the Political Label Quiz for the iPhone and iPad. Now that the primary season is finally upon us it's time to figure out what your politics are! That's where the Political Label Quiz comes in.

Political Label QuizThe quiz is very thorough and consists of 45 multiple choice questions design by graduate students and professors at the University of Wisconsin and Yale. The questions gauge your position on various issues such as military spending, abortion, affirmative-action, gay rights, entitlement programs, and more. You can save your progress and take the quiz in multiple sittings. Once you answer all of the questions the quiz will instantly grade your results!

The results will first tell you whether your a social conservative or liberal. Then they'll tell you whether you're a economic conservative or liberal. Finally you'll find out how conservative/liberal you are relative to everyone else who took the quiz! We also integrated Twitter and Facebook so you can share your results with all of your friends and family.

The Political Label Quiz is also included as a feature in the newest update to Political Fury: Primary 2012 Edition! Political Fury is the premier political discourse app in the App Store featuring forums, an in-game social network, a Primary 2012 Center, and more! If you take the quiz in Political Fury the results are posted to your in-game profile so you can share it with the community!

Device Requirements:

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

Political Label Quiz 1.0 is available worldwide for free exclusively through the App Store in the News category.

Accessories

RainBallet, Rugged, Waterproof Case for iPhone 4 with Intelli-filter

RainBalletPR: Dance in the rain with your iPhone 4! RainBallet from The Joy Factory protects your iPhone 4 in extreme environments at the pool or beach, during rainstorms and workouts, or at construction sites. The rugged case resists rain and water jets and keeps your iPhone dry, even if you drop it in water. And the Intelli-filter design blocks only water - not sound - to preserve sound quality while in the case, so you lose nothing by adding protection.

RainBallet features Sharpvue lenses on the front and back of the case, turning your iPhone 4 into a high-quality, waterproof camera. Take photos at the beach, the pool or in the rain. Add a stylish sports armband and sweat-proof your iPhone 4 during strenuous workouts. With RainBallet, your lifestyle won't get in the way of using your iPhone 4 to the fullest

  • Fits iPhone 4 snugly (AT&T, Verizon)
  • Resists damage from rain, water jets, sweat or splashes.
  • Intelli-filter design blocks water, not sound, to preserve sound quality.
  • Built-in shock-resistant structure provides extra protection.
  • Front and back Sharpvue lenses enables high-quality photos through the case.
  • Meets IPX5 standards.

Link: RainBallet

ClamCase Trooper iPad Keyboard Hard Case

PR: The Trooper Limited Edition ClamCase is space-inspired keyboard case for the Apple iPad. Featuring a black hinge, keyboard, base, and ergonomic rubber feet, the imperial white protective case provides contrast, with high-quality fit and finish that transforms the iPad into essentially an iOS netbook.

Trooper iPad Keyboard Hard CaseIn addition, ClamCase is gearing up for launch of a ClamCase model for iPad 2. This all-new version builds on the features that made the original ClamCase a success. ClamCase for iPad 2 has been designed with a new lighter and and sleeker design as befits its inspiration, and will be available in both black and white models.

ClamCase products offer a practical solution for users who have experienced the Jobsian "magic" of the iPad and are looking to take their device to the next level. ClamCase is claimed to be the only tablet case on the market that in addition to enhancing the mobility of the iPad with a highly functional keyboard and durable hardcover case, also maintains the freedom of the tablet design with its patent-pending 360 hinge.

ClamCase for iPad is currently available for purchase, with a retail price of $149 and a special clamcase.com online price of $119. For a limited time purchase a ClamCase Gift Card for $99 and receive $119 store value. This discounted gift card can be used for any product(s) from within the ClamCase online store.

The Limited Edition ClamCase Trooper and ClamCase for iPad 2 will ship this summer.

For more information, visit clamcase.com or call 800-939-0335 to speak with a customer service representative.

SlickWraps Genuine Leather Sleevecases for iPad and iPad 2

PR: Slickwraps, Inc. announced their SlickWraps iPad 2 Leather is now available through SlickWraps.com.

Made from genuine high quality Leather, the patent-pending SlickWraps Leather for Apple's iPad & iPad 2 can be found at slickwraps.com

SlickWraps iPad 2 LeatherSlickWraps is a leading manufacturer, designer, and distributor of electronic wraps/skins for protecting and enhancing the mobile experience, including the popular iGlowPhone and SlickSkin brands.

A part of SlickWraps line, iPad 2 Leathers are a thin, pliable cover that applies directly to personal electronics like a film, but is created from genuine leather. SlickWraps Leather Series uses a patent-pending adhesive process that holds the skin firmly in place on the device and is also removable leaving no unsightly residue. SlickWraps Leather Series provides gadget protection plus premium style in a very thin form.

"We are very excited to introduce SlickWraps Leather for the iPad & iPad 2 to customers," says Andrew Coe, Vice President of Operations for SlickWraps. "We have invested a lot of effort in creating the most impressive and premium leather wraps anywhere in the world, people will really be turning heads with these eye-catching Leathers."

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