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News, Reviews, & Opinion
What Happens When You Drop an iPad 2
AllThingsD 's Ina Fried says:
"Well, we already know that the iPad
2 can blend, but the folks at SquareTrade wanted to see just how
well a new iPad both with and without a Smart Cover can withstand a
fall.
"They started with a waist-high drop of both iPads onto cement.
"And, they were kind enough to share the video first with
AllThingsD."
Link: Look What Happens
When You Drop an iPad 2
Game Consoles and Smartphones Are Giving Kids
Arthritis
The Sun's Health and Science Editor Emma Little reports that
children as young as eight are increasingly suffering from crippling
arthritis-like pain normally seen only in elderly patients with chronic
rheumatism. This a consequence of excessive use of games consoles and
mobile phones, according to the European League Against Rheumatism
(EULAR), which holds its annual conference of arthritis and rheumatism
experts in London this week.
The pain results from youngsters using repeated joint actions to
control their games machines for up to seven hours a day on weekends,
and the risk is so great that experts have called for warning signs to
be displayed on gaming boxes, which consultants say almost 90% of
British children aged around eight own at least one one of game
console.
And it's not just gaming consoles. Studies cited have found that
children engaging in long texting sessions on cellphones, particularly
ones with wide handsets like BlackBerrys and iPhones, also suffered
chronic wrist and finger pains.
Link: Game Consoles and
Smartphones Giving Little Kids Arthritis
Apple Stands Up for iOS Developers Against Patent
Holder
The Register's Cade Metz reports that Apple has come to the defense
of iOS app developers under pressure to fork over a portion of their
in-app purchase revenue to a US patent-holder known as Lodsys that sent
letters to iOS developers that use in-app purchasing, asking that they
hand over about half a percent of their US revenue as a license fee for
a patent the company owns
Metz says Apple has now sent a letter
of its own to Lodsys, claiming that it has licensed the rights to
all four patents owned by Lodsys and that the license covers app
developers as well, stating, "Apple is undisputedly licensed to these
(patents) and the Apple App Makers are protected by that license
. . . There is no basis for Lodsys' infringement allegations
against Apple's App Makers."
Macworld also has a report on
Apple's letter.
Link: Apple Defends iOS
Devs from Patent Holder
Foxconn iPad Fab Explosion and Fire Should Not
Affect Production Line
China Business Times' Zheng Shufang and Liu Jiaxi report that
following the Chengdu Foxconn iPad plant explosion, Hon Hai chairman
Terry Gou rushed to the scene to deal with the follow-up, and after an
online confab with key suppliers stated that not only will the tragic
incident not delay iPad 2 production, but new products related to
iPhone and iPad are still scheduled for production in Q3.
The reporters also cite RBC Capital of Canada analyst Mike Abramsky
saying in a letter to customers, that he believes that if the explosion
did not affect the assembly plant, Foxconn's Shenzhen factory can
likely take up the slack if necessary should Chengdu be unable to
quickly restore iPad production.
The article further notes that the Chengdu Jin Kang Hongfu Fuji
Apple iPad 2 assembly plant has a total area covering two city blocks,
and that the explosions inside building one will have no impact on the
Chengdu plant assembly line, with iPad 2 production not affected, but
rather only part of the warehouse and painting production line, which
should not delay iPad 2 shipments.
Link: 富士康火警
無礙iPad生產線 (Google translation)
Hands-on look at Opera Mini 6 for iPhone and
iPad
Cnet's Jason Parker has put the new Opera Mini 6 (more below) through its paces and thinks it offers several
features that users will like, and that with the right tweaks, it could
even become the favorite over Apple's Safari - if people are willing to
give it a try.
Link: Hands-on look
at Opera Mini 6 for iPhone and iPad
iPad 2 'Antennagate' Proving a Nuisance to Select
Few
AppAdvice's A.T. Faust III notes a reader's report that it seems the
iPad 2 has antennagate also, noting that if he holds his on the sides
the WiFi drops to 2 bars, but when he moves his hand away from the left
side it speeds up again.
Link: iPad 2
'Antennagate' Proving a Nuisance to Select Few
iPad Challengers Abound: Other Tablet Makers Stand
a Chance with Segment Focus
PR: Since nearly three-quarters of potential buyers in the UK
and US are open to purchasing non-Apple tablets, Strategy Analytics
finds that there is still plenty of opportunity for Apple competitors
to take a share of the tablet market. The Strategy Analytics report,
Tablet Competitive Positioning: Consumer Proposition Differentiators,
identifies eight attributes of consumer tablets which will determine
the ability of vendors to meet market needs.
This Strategy Analytics primary research states that in addition to
media consumption, there are numerous basic attributes and connectivity
capabilities which are widely demanded by potential tablet buyers.
However, these features will not form the basis of sustainable
competitive advantage.
Martin Bradley, Associate Director, says: "In addition to media
consumption and interactive content there are important potential
differentiators, including presentation, tele-presence and content
creation. Vendors will need to target the needs of particular market
segments to secure market share gains."
Peter King, Service Director, adds, "Everybody is aware that Apple
has done well, but there is every potential for other vendors, such as
Samsung and Motorola, to catch the market leader."
This Strategy Analytics report develops a framework for analyzing
the competitive environment and identifies opportunities for vendors to
differentiate their products.
Link: Strategy Analytics
Tablets Becoming TV Buddies; eReaders Popular
Bedfellows
PR: A Nielsen Company blog says the market
analysis firm's most recent research on mobile connected devices
reveals on how consumers are using their tablet computers, eReaders and
smartphones, and where they are using them as well.
According to Nielsen's recent survey of nearly 12,000 connected
device owners:
- 70% of tablet owners and 68% of smartphone owners said they use
their devices while watching television, compared to only 35% of
eReader owners.
- 61% of eReader owners use their device in bed, compared to 57% of
tablet owners and 51% of smartphone owners.
But just how much time are tablet, eReader, and smartphone owners
spending using their device while watching TV or lying in bed Nielsen
asked?
When asked how they spent time with their
device:
- Tablet owners said 30% of their time spent with their device was
while watching TV compared to 21% lying in bed.
- Smartphone owners say that 20% of the time they use their
smartphones is while watching TV, compared to 11% lying in bed.
- eReader owners indicated only 15% of their eReader time was spent
watching TV, though they spent a whopping 37% of their device usage
time in bed.
Link: Tablets Becoming TV
Buddies; eReaders Popular Bedfellows
iPads, Other Tablets to Have Major Enterprise
Presence by 2013
CRN's Andrew R Hickey says that since the release of the iPad just
over a year ago, the question of whether or not tablets were suitable
for business use and enterprises loomed, and with PC sales continuing
to slide (see Rising Interest in
iPads Stings PC Sales in this week's 'Book Review), it appears that
the tablet charge, led by the iPad, will break through business walls
is a big way.
Link: Apple iPads,
Tablets Will Have Major Enterprise Presence by 2013
Apps & Services
Opera Mini Web Browser Now Supports
iPad
PR: Opera Software ASA says its Opera Mini browser
provides the fastest, most cost-efficient web-browsing experience for
your iOS device today, especially on slow crowded networks, away from
WiFi or when data roaming. Opera's powerful servers compress data by up
to 90% before downloading, so page loads are faster.
Opera Mini's features include:
- Speed: Up to 6 times faster browsing, especially when on slower or
crowded networks
- Data Savings: Compress up to 90% of data traffic
- Speed Dial: Get to your favorite Web sites with a single tap
- Visual Tabs: See all your open Web pages and quickly switch between
them
- Opera Link: Synchronize your bookmarks and Speed Dial with a
Desktop PC or other mobile phone
What's New in Version 6.0
Enjoy
the fresh new look of Opera Mini 6 without compromise. Get all the
speed benefits and data savings of Opera Mini, now optimized for all
iOS devices.
Updated features include:
- Updated design with a fresh new look and feel
- Super smooth pinch-to-zoom and panning
- Support for iPhone 4 retina display, iPad, and iPad 2 devices
- Direct share on Facebook, Twitter, and My Opera
- Open new page in background tab
- Improved international font support for Arabic, Chinese,
Vietnamese, and other non-Latin languages
Free
Size: 3.4 MB
Languages: English, Arabic, Breton, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian,
Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew,
Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian,
Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Thai,
Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.0 or later
Link: Opera Mini
(App
Store link)
CarLights for iOS: A Guide to Indicator Lights for
BMW and Mini
PR: Fine Mechanics has introduced CarLights 1.0 for iOS,
their new reference app that provides a complete guide to the more than
100 symbolic indicator lights used in BMW and Mini automobiles. Located
on the dashboard and instrument cluster, these red and yellow lights
provide vital feedback on the status of the car's various systems. The
user first selects their vehicle from a library of 20 different models.
With the appropriate model selected, the app displays a scrolling list
of indicator lights found in their vehicle. Users may display red,
yellow, or both color lights in the scrolling display grid. Touching
any icon opens a new page containing a complete description of that
indicator and how to interpret it.
BMW
Models:
- 1-Series 2004-2011
- 3-Series 2005-2011
- 5-Series 2002-2010
- 6-Series 2003-2011
- X1, X3, X5, X6, M1, M3, M5, X5M, X6M, and Z4
Mini Models:
- Mini
- Clubman
- Convertible
- Countryman
Manufactured in Europe, the BMW and Mini employ more indicator
lights than American made vehicles, and the symbols used are often
different. In addition, European indicator lights often serve a dual
purpose, lighting up either yellow or red. In this way the same
indicator can provide either a caution or a serious alert by lighting
up yellow or red. For example, the BMW includes an indicator icon
showing the outline of a gear with a thermometer occupying the empty
circle inside. When it lights up yellow, the app advises, "Transmission
too hot. Avoid high engine loads. You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due caution." When it lights up red,
the app informs the user, "Transmission overheating. Bring the car to a
stop and move the selector lever to position P. Allow the transmission
to cool down. You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed
and exercise due caution. Have the system checked if the situation
reoccurs."
Feature Highlights:
- Complete database of BMW and Mini car indicators and signal
lamps
- More than 100 different icons sorted by groups
- Color filter allows viewing of only red or yellow indicators
- Photo Library of 20 different models allows the user to select
their vehicle
- Display indicators only for the selected vehicle
- Display of information about groups of indicators
- BMW hotline numbers for more than 40 countries
- Identify the indicator and read the description and servicing
recommendations
- Exact location of each indicator light
"CarLights is a simple to use, convenient app that helps you really
understand what all the lights mean on your BMW or Mini," comments
Director of Development Oleg Bubnov . "Modern vehicles have so many
computer-controlled sensors that it can be a challenge understanding
all the important indicator lights on your vehicle."
Language Support: US English and Russian
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- iOS 3.0 or later (iOS 4.3 tested)
- 14.1 MB
CarLights 1.0 is 99¢ and available worldwide through the App
Store in the Reference category. Review copies are available upon
request.
Link: Car
Lights (App
Store link)
Accessories
Slide & Type iPhone 4 Case with Integrated
Sliding Bluetooth Keyboard
PR: Solid Line Products, LLC has announced that the company
is now shipping the Slide & Type, an iPhone 4 case with an
integrated sliding Bluetooth keyboard.
"Slide & Type is the best of both worlds," says Henry Lo,
CEO and founder of Solid Line Products. "It protects without adding
bulk and appears to be nothing more than a very sleek iPhone 4 case
until you slide out the keyboard.
Slide & Type features a physical Bluetooth keyboard in a black
hard plastic case that provides easy access to all the iPhone 4s
controls and ports."
When fully charged, the built-in battery provides 45 days of
continuous use. The keyboard case also features an on/off switch so
that users can conserve battery power.
Features:
- Designed for the iPhone 4
- Built-in lithium battery fully charges in 4 hours
- Provides 45 days of continuous use when battery is fully
charged
- Includes USB to Mini-USB charging cable.
- Bluetooth keyboard connects to your iPhone 4 with a few steps.
Slide & Type retails for $75 and can be purchased from the
company's online store or authorized resellers. It also comes with a
one year warranty.
Link:
Slide & Type iPhone 4 Case
AmigoCase Battery Charger Holster Designed for
White iPhone 4
PR: The white AmigoCase is an external battery charger and
protective cover designed specially for the white iPhone. The AmigoCase
doubles the power of the iPhone without the added bulk of a
piggybacking battery.
The innovative
clip-on AmigoCase serves two purposes recharging iPhone and providing
full protection. While in the AmigoCase, iPhone connects to the
auxiliary battery for recharging and its on/off switch allows the user
to decide when to recharge. Its unique swiveling locking/unlocking
mechanism allows the protective case to seamlessly separate from the
AmigoCase, and the external battery continues recharging iPhone when it
is inserted back into the AmigoCase.
"The AmigoCase is Concord Keystone's best-selling iPhone charger, so
it was only natural that we made one to coordinate with the new iPhone
4, now available in white," says Urs Stampfi, CEO of Concord Keystone.
"The charger features a high-gloss white body and includes either a
pink or white protective cover for the iPhone."
The AmigoCase features a fully encased rechargeable 5500 mWh
Lithium-Polymer battery, which doubles the battery working time of the
iPhone; adding approximately 7.5 hours of talk time, 6.25 hours of
video playback, 18.75 hours of audio playback and 195 hours of standby
time.
The holster recharges easily by connecting to a computer through a
USB cable, or by using a wall adaptor with USB port. The battery-check
button and LED status indicator allow the user to track the charge
level of the AmigoCase.
The white AmigoCase can be clipped to handbags, computer cases, tote
bags or waistbands. It comes with a protective cover in either
translucent clear or pink and is compatible with either version of the
iPhone 4, AT&T or Verizon.
The AmigoCase is available from Concord Keystone for $79.99.
Link: AmigoCase
LapGear Deluxe eDesk for Tablets and eReaders
PR: LapGear has announced that its newest product, the
LapGear Deluxe eDesk for tablets and eReaders, will soon be available
on store shelves.
The Deluxe eDesk has been specifically created for use with tablets
and eReaders. Forecasters estimate that more than 50 million media
tablets will be sold in 2011 and predict the market will continue to
expand.
"LapGear continually updates our product line in response to market
needs and this product is another example of how we accomplish that,"
says Michael Jennings, president and chief executive officer of
LapGear. "We pride ourselves on being marketplace friendly with
products that conform to more than the lap. Our products conform to our
users lifestyles."
Jennings adds that the Deluxe eDesk rollout will begin this month at
Bed, Bath & Beyond and make its way to other retailers in June
under a new name, the LapGear Smart-e. Pre-sales are also being taken
at lapgear.com
The Smart-e secures electronic devices while in use and features an
adjustable tilted top for maximum viewing comfort. The deluxe model
provides a storage compartment to hold the device along with a charger
and other devices. Both models feature the company's patented dual
bolster lap pad design for comfort that it claims is not replicable by
any other company.
LapGear lap desks sell in a range between $19.99 and $39.99, and are
sold at Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Staples,
OfficeMax and Office Depot as well as various department stores, gift
shops, on QVC and in retail catalogs.
Link: LapGear
Deluxe eDesk for Tablets and eReaders
Kraft Envelope PU Leather Pouch for iPad 1 and
2
PR: Features:
- Featured with Kraft Envelope / Brown Envelope Graphics
- Special designed for iPad
- As a hand carrying bag
- As a should handbag
- Unique ergonomic design
- Protected from bumps and scratches
- Light weight
- Perfectly fit
- Anti-dust
This case is suitable for:
Note: This is not made of Genuine leather.
$14.99
Link: Kraft Envelope PU
Leather Pouch for iPad
Eggshell for iPad 2 Fits Smart Cover
PR: Eggshell for iPad
2 fits Smart Cover is an ultra thin hard case of about 0.9mm in
thickness which is completely compatible for use with the iPad Smart
Cover. The case is made from a tough polycarbonate material strong
enough to protect the iPad from light bumps and scratches. The case is
cut out perfectly on one side for attaching the Apple iPad Smart Cover.
(iPad Smart Cover sold separately.)
With Eggshell on, the Smart Cover closes perfectly and can be folded
and used as a stand. All iPad 2 ports, buttons and camera remain open
and accessible, so there is no need to remove Eggshell once it has been
attached.
Extra items are included
inside the package together with the Eggshell case. TuneFilm protective
film covers the iPad 2 screen. A cleaning cloth will help wipe away
dust and finger prints. A dock connector cover will keep out dirt and
dust.
This accessory is compatible with iPad 2 (and with Smart Cover)
Specifications for the A/C Travel Charger:
- Size: 188(W) x 245(H) x 9(D)mm
- Weight: approximately 58g
- Color: Clear
$23.99
Link: Eggshell for iPad
2
Smart Cover Friendly Crystal Case for iPad 2
PR: Features:
- Unique ergonomic design
- Soft and comfortable
- Fully Protected from bumps and scratches
- Light weight
- Perfectly fit
- Anti-dust
- Easy access to all ports and sockets
- Compatible with original Apple's Smart Cover.
This case is suitable for iPad 2
Options: Color
- Black (Default color to be shipped)
- Frost White
- Pink
- Blue
- Orange
$11.99
Link: Smart Cover
Crystal Case for iPad 2
SeeThru iPad 2 Folio
PR: SeeThru iPad 2 Folio is a transparent formfitting hard
case that allows you to show off and see the iPad 2's sexy design in
full, while still keeping it protected.
The
sleek, sturdy case for iPad 2 offers a functional 3-in-1 utility
design. It acts as a protecting shield, a display stand and a typing
platform.
SeeThru iPad 2 Folio is made from two clear polycarbonate shells
which have been molded to fit the iPad 2 perfectly. The top and bottom
shells are jointed with a patent swivel hinge that rotates 360 degrees
allowing the top cover to fold completely underneath the back cover
exposing the screen. It also sets up in multiple landscape and portrait
positions for your reading and viewing pleasure
Features
- The first hard shell SeeThru iPad 2 folio available anywhere
- Contemporary transparent book style case with non-slip grips on the
swivel hinge for comfortable use
- Constructed from shatterproof polycarbonate
- A multifunction design that acts as a protecting shield, a
displaying stand and a typing slant
- Top cover folds completely underneath the back cover exposing
screen
- Designed for both right and left handed people
- Smart Patent swivel hinge design allows you to rotate the top cover
for optimum table top viewing
- Full access to all side buttons and ports with the case in
place
The SeeThru Folio for iPad 2 is available to order now for
$34.99
Link:
SeeThru iPad 2 Folio
Padacs Ships Keyboard Cases for iPad 2
PR: Innovative iPad accessories brand Padacs this week begins
shipping its refreshed range of Bluetooth keyboard cases, the Toccata 2
and Rubata 2, for Apple's popular iPad 2 tablet.
As well as fitting the Toccata 2
and Rubata 2 to the more streamlined iPad 2 form factor, they listened
to user feedback to help further redesign these cases to meet
customers' needs. Padacs products are available throughout the US,
Canada, and Australia.
First launched last year for Apple's original iPad, the Toccata and
Rubata keyboard cases have proved hugely popular, providing a
conveniently-sized physical keyboard for the iPad inside attractive
cases.
The Padacs Toccata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case contains a 9.2" x 5.3"
QWERTY silicone keyboard that is large enough to type on comfortably
without adding to the iPad case size. Charged by an included USB cable,
the Lithium battery-powered keyboard runs for as long as 45 hours.
The Toccata 2 has been redesigned to hold the 33 per cent slimmer
iPad 2, making the entire Toccata 2 case both thinner and sleeker.
Other enhancements include:
- Keyboard controls to adjust the iPad screen brightness
- New keys including a right shift key and a Photo Frame button for
the iPad
- A combined Backspace and Delete key
- Addition of .com and dedicated @ key
- A sturdy side pin connector for charging.
The Padacs
Rubata 2 iPad Keyboard Case provides a premium cover with a built-in
hard plastic shell Bluetooth keyboard with special iPad keys. Having
undergone a total transformation, the Rubata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case
is now made from synthetic leather and has a redesigned hard shell
keyboard that extends iPad 2 functionality with enhancements
including:
- Keyboard controls to adjust the iPad screen brightness
- More intuitive Bluetooth connectivity controls now located on the
keyboard
- A new On/Off button that replaces the previous On/Off switch
- Addition of .com key and a larger Delete key
- A sturdy side pin connector for charging.
Pricing for the new-look Padacs Bluetooth Keyboard Cases remains
unchanged at $59.95 for the Toccata 2 and $79.95 for the Rubata 2.
Link: Toccata 2 Bluetooth
Keyboard Case
Link: Rubata 2
Bluetooth Keyboard Case
Killer Keys: Adonit Writer iPad-to-Netbook
Transformation Kit
PR:
The iPad is an amazing mobile consumption device. Writer, folio plus
Bluetooth keyboard, and is arguably the perfect companion for enhancing
the productivity and expanding the proficiency of your iPad. The
keyboard is a sleek aluminum body with scissor action keys that respond
to your every thought with the familiar click many users relish.
Writer is
built for trend setters who want to express a personal style through
technology and fashion. Individuals who value precision crafted
products developed without compromise to function beautifully. Writer
is designed for you to express your unique style with the highest
quality materials and fashionable colors of the world around you.
Writer is for typing on the bus, your couch, on an airplane, all the
places you need comfortable productivity. The keyboard glides along a
magnetic strip allowing for unlimited screen angles and stability you
need.
Writer's
quick eject allows you to free the iPad in the blink of an eye. Its an
effortless transition from working on a mid-term essay to playing a
game.
Writer knows when your keyboard should go to sleep. Conserving your
battery for the times you need it most. The LED battery indicator lets
you know that you are powered up or that your battery is running down
and needs to be replaced.
Writer comes equipped with scratch-resistant ultra-soft rubber pads
for protective cushion and durability between your iPad and Writer's
keyboard.
Writer is constructed of recyclable Polycarbonate, ABS, Aluminum,
Biodegradable Fabrics and Polyurethanes. When it's time for Writer to
move on, it's designed and constructed it to be easily disassembled for
your recycling pleasure.
Writer's
packaging has been designed to be minimal on both space and material.
The majority of the packaging materials are recyclable. The small
packaging makes for more products in a smaller space, less fuel for
shipping, and more Writers per shipping container.
Design Specs:
- Size & Weight
- Length: 246 mm (9.68)
- Width: 209.35 mm (8.24)
- Depth: 27.5 mm thin (1)
- Weight: 500 grams light (17.6 oz.)
- Battery Power
- 3 Long Lasting AAA Alkaline Batteries
- Battery Life:
- 1 Month of heavy use
- 2 Months of normal use
- 7 Months of standby use
- Battery Indicator
- Press & Release
- Green = Good
- Yellow = Ok
- Blinking Red = Replace Soon
- Keyboard Languages
- ANSI (American)
- JIS (Japanese)
- (Russian)
- Bluetooth
Adonit Writer is expected to sell for around $100
Link: Adonit Writer
RightShift for the iPad 2: Case with Integrated
Bluetooth Keyboard for True Touch Typing
PR: Turn your iPad 2 into a productivity tool with the
RightShift case & keyboard. This elegant, protective case
integrates a Bluetooth keyboard that features a right shift key so you
can actually touch type. And yes - this is designed specifically for
the iPad 2! When fully charged, the keyboard provides 90 hours of
continuous use.
- Bluetooth keyboard connects to your iPad with a few simple
steps
- 90 hours of continuous use when fully charged
- Includes USB to micro-USB charging cable
- Dimensions: 9.75 x 8 x 1 inches
- Weight 1 lb.
- One Year Warranty
Technical Specifications:
- Broadcom 2042 Main Control Chip with 2.0 Bluetooth Interface
- Built-in lithium ion battery
- Fully charges in 4-4.5 hours
- Lithium ion battery life: 3 years
- Key Life: 500 million keystrokes
- Can be used with other Bluetooth products
Price: $99
Link: RightShift
for the iPad 2
