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.
iPhone News
iPhone/iPod Add-ons
iPhone Add-ons
iPod Add-ons
iPod and iPhone Deals
iPhone News
AT&T Launches International Service Plan for
iPhone
InformationWeek's Antone Gonsalves reports:
"AT&T on Friday launched an international plan for the iPhone,
offering users who travel overseas frequently some relief from
expensive roaming charges that have led to at least one lawsuit against
iPhone maker Apple.
"The plan gives iPhone users 50 Mbytes of data per month to browse
the Web, check e-mail, and access other information in 29 countries,
including Canada, China, Mexico, and areas throughout Europe and Asia.
The new Data Global Plan is available for $60 a month, which is in
addition to the domestic voice and data plan iPhone users buy initially
to activate the phone. AT&T is the exclusive service provider for
the iPhone."
Link:
AT&T Launches International Service Plan for iPhone
Car Accessory of the Year: Belkin TuneBase FM for
iPod
PR:
Belkin International, Inc. announces that its TuneBase FM with
ClearScan for iPod has been honored with iLounge's Car Accessory of the
Year Award. Featured in iLounge's 2008 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide, the
Award highlights the design and quality of the TuneBase FM, a compact
FM transmitter that plays, powers, and mounts your iPod in your
car.
In a recent review, iLounge rated the TuneBase FM with the coveted
"A-, Highly Recommended" rating, praising it for, "delivering better
value for the dollar than its competitors while offering an
equivalently acceptable FM transmission solution, the reason for
TuneBase FM with ClearScan's high recommendation and superior overall
rating."
The Buyers' Guide can be found online
at iLounge.
TuneBase FM (F8Z176) - $89.99
- Features ClearScan technology: With one push of a button, it
automatically seeks out the clearest FM frequency to play your
music
- Includes line-out for use with car-stereo inputs or cassette
adapter
- PRO setting optimizes audio and boosts volume QUOTES Chris McGugan,
Vice President of Product Management for Belkin
- TuneBase FM with ClearScan represents Belkin's continued focus on
innovation and product design.
- By building on an already award-winning platform, the TuneBase FM,
we've introduced features, such as ClearScan, that simplify setup and
increases performance.
- TuneBase FM enables you to be safely mobile while enjoying your
iPod.
- Our ClearScan technology automatically searches for the best FM
station as you drive from one area to another, so you no longer have to
endlessly hunt for an open station - which is especially challenging
when driving.
Jeremy Horwitz, Editor in Chief for iLounge
- We were extremely impressed with TuneBase FM with ClearScan.
- For the same price as other companies sell car accessories with
fewer features, Belkin delivers an all-in-one, well-made car charger,
mount, and FM transmitter, intelligently designed with a very nice
screen and line-out capabilities. Though its mount is on the short
side, it's otherwise great.
You can view and purchase them at belkin.com, as well as through a network
of major distributors, resellers, and superstores.
iPhone/iPod Add-ons
Free Devicescape WiFi Auto Connect Software for
iPhone and iPod touch
PR: Devicescape Software has announced that its industry
leading Devicescape WiFi auto-connect software is now available for use
on the iPhone and the iPod touch. Using Devicescape, owners of the
iPhone and iPod touch can seamlessly connect to fast and inexpensive
WiFi networks and public hotspots at café's, university
networks, muni networks, and many more.
Devicescape eliminates the need to launch a browser to enter user
names and passwords on your iPhone or iPod touch. Your user name and
password are entered just once and stored on a secure server and, after
that, Devicescape enables you to automatically connect to any supported
network within range.
"The iPhone and the iPod touch are industry-changing WiFi devices
designed for rich media and internet services," said Dave Fraser, CEO
of Devicescape. "Devicescape makes connecting the iPhone to high
bandwidth WiFi networks even easier, allowing owners to more readily
enjoy these services including e-mail, music downloads and watching
video. Today, the iPhone is the most popular device utilizing our
breakthrough WiFi solution."
Devicescape works at hundreds of thousands of hotspots worldwide by
supporting more than 400 public networks including the largest carriers
in the world such as T-Mobile and AT&T, municipal and free
networks, and nearly 100 university and college networks. Consumers can
manage and expand their WiFi coverage by adding more hotspots and
networks by visiting Devicescape's web site at devicescape.com.
Instructions to install Devicescape on the iPhone and iPod touch are
available online. Devicescape works on both the 1.0.x and the 1.1.1
firmware releases for the iPhone and iPod touch. Devicescape is free
for consumers. In addition to the Apple iPhone and the Apple iPod
touch, Devicescape supports Mac OS X, PCs with Windows XP and
Vista, Windows Mobile 5 & 6 Smartphones, Nokia Nseries and Eseries
phones, and the Nokia Internet Tablets, with many more devices
planned.
Link: Devicescape
FastMac 3-in-1 Universal Headphone Adapter for
iPhone, iPods
PR: FastMac has announced a 3-in-1 Universal Headphone
Adapter for Apple iPhone that allows any Headset with standard 3.5mm
plug to work seamlessly with the recessed headphone jack in Apple's 1st
Generation iPhones. The new Universal Headphone Adapter features an
inline microphone, adjustable volume slider and music/phone playback
control buttons similar to the headphone capsule that ship with each
iPhone. FastMac's Universal Headphone Adapter for iPhone is available
now from fastmac.com for a special introductory price of $19.95. Each
adapter carries a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee
.
"Replacing lost or damaged headphones can be expensive," said
Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager of FastMac Performance
Upgrades, Inc. "With our new 3-in-1 universal headphone adapter, you
can reuse old iPod headsets that are probably laying about in a drawer
unused ever since the iPhone came out & obviated the need to carry
around another device!"
FastMac's Universal Headphone Adapter is available in 3 models,
starting with a basic inline audio adapter with flexible cable &
gold plated connector port priced at $4.95. The midlevel model, priced
at $9.95, features the same inline audio adapter with flexible cable
& gold plated connector port, but also adds a shirt clip, built-in
microphone and a music playback/ phone control button that allows users
to answer and end phone calls with 1-click and also pause/ play &
skip music just like the original Apple iPhone headset.
FastMac's 3-in-1 Premium Headphone Adapter, priced at $19.95,
incorporates all of the features of the midlevel model along with an
adjustable volume slider and noise suppression microphone. All models
feature flexible cabling, avoiding the lengthy & rigid protrusions
found in other adapters that can potentially damage the iPhone and/ or
its connectors.
FastMac's Universal Headphone Adapter is compatible with all iPhones
& iPods, including the iPod touch.
Link: FastMac
iSkin Cerulean Wireless Accessory Package for iPod,
iPhone
PR: One Complete Accessory Package Lets iPod Users Wirelessly
Stream Audio From iPod To Bluetooth F1 Earphones
iSkin has
announced the release of its Cerulean F1+TX stereo Bluetooth audio
accessory for iPod, making iSkin one of the few companies to offer a
premium quality Bluetooth 2.0 solution to Apple iPod owners.
Previously sold separately, Cerulean F1 and TX now combine to form
one complete package that lets users listen to and control their iPods
without wires. The F1+TX is designed to work with many iPod models
including the recently released iPod Classic, nano, touch and iPhone.
The new package will deliver enhanced technology, a higher sound
quality standard and enhanced comfort, along with ease of use, sleek
looks and powerful performance.
The Cerulean F1+TX also works out of the box with Apple's new
Leopard Operating System (OS X 10.5). By making use of Leopard's
A2DP support, the F1 provides full stereo sound directly from a
Macintosh running Leopard, or via the included TX transmitter for
extended range and performance. When paired directly with the new OS,
F1 users can also remotely control iTunes including Play/Pause and Skip
Track functionality, and the F1 can be used as a VOiP headset with
iChat, Skype
and many other VOiP and audio applications that require a
microphone/headset combination.
The Cerulean F1 combines a stereo Bluetooth earphone with a mono
mobile headset in a sleek and compact design. The F1 receives and
reproduces crisp, clean sounds from a TX equipped iPod or a stereo
Bluetooth mobile device. The Cerulean F1 forms a bond with a TX
equipped iPod and can be simultaneously connected to a supported mobile
phone - automatically switching to headset mode upon incoming phone
calls and resuming music playback when done. The F1 features include
controls that allow the user to adjust volume, cycle through tracks and
pause playback. The Cerulean F1 was awarded the iLounge.com "Best of
Show" award at its preview during Macworld Expo 2007.
"The new Cerulean F1+TX brings together all of the innovative
wireless stereo Bluetooth accessory technologies available for the iPod
and wraps them up into one great package," said Kristian Ward of iSkin.
"The components offer the very latest technology, while still
maintaining their ease of use, comfort and good looks of the previous
separately offered models. The F1+TX is a great gift for any iPod or
iPhone user who wants to go wireless."
The Cerulean F1+TX is available online today at iSkin.com and will
retail for $189.99. The new package will roll out to iSkin resellers in
the coming weeks.
More information about the Cerulean F1+TX can be found online and at
iSkin resellers.
Link: iSkin Cerulean
F1+TX Complete Wireless Accessory Package
iPhone Add-ons
Plusmo Launches iPhone NFL, NCAA Widgets
PR: Plusmo has announced the launch of free NFL and NCAA
football widgets for the Apple iPhone. Plusmo's sports widgets make it
easy for iPhone users to get the latest action for all the teams,
leagues, and players. Users get live, play-by-play updates, game
schedules, breaking news, game photos, search, and more. A custom
interface allows users to personalize the widgets and follow their
favorite football teams.
The
Plusmo widgets are packed with iPhone specific features - they
automatically refresh themselves with in-game progress updates and
eliminate the need for users to constantly refresh web pages. The large
icons make it easy to use on the iPhone's tactile interface. The search
driven portal with history personalizes the widgets and eliminates a
lot of repetitive typing.
Plusmo's NCAA and NFL service is also supported on nearly all
web-enabled phones, including off-the-shelf feature phones and
smartphones such as Symbian devices, RIM Blackberry devices, Windows
Mobile smartphones, Palm Treos and Pocket PC-enabled PDAs.
"Mobile users love this streaming experience during a live game. The
in-depth coverage, with content and graphics optimized for the iPhone,
is superior to any existing mobile experience," says Krishna Vedati,
CEO of Plusmo. "Following a game using a Plusmo sports widget is the
next best thing to watching it live on TV!"
NFL/NCAA Widgets for Bloggers
Plusmo also announced the availability of its web widgets for NFL
and NCAA football. Plusmo's web widgets are easily embedded in blogs,
websites and home pages. For example, bloggers can use these widgets to
supplement blog posts with relevant live scores and team schedules
provided by the widgets for any team. To add Plusmo sports widgets to a
website, including a blog, publishers simply choose the team on the
sports widgets web site. Plusmo e-mails them code, which they can
simply paste into their page.
Evan
S. Brunell, columnist and President, Most Valuable Network, says, "MVN
is excited to be working with Plusmo on the Web Widgets because it
allows readers to get instantaneous information on a live football game
that they can follow while enjoying the blog experience."
Plusmo widgets are mini web applications that offer traffic reports,
store locators, games, blogs, specialized searches, live sport updates
and much more. Content providers, media houses and bloggers can now
extend their services to the iPhone through Plusmo widgets free within
minutes.
Plusmo also enables users to create personalized widgets out of
useful web services, XML/RSS based sources including news feeds as well
as professional media, and user-generated content such as blogs, photos
and videos, and other Web 2.0 content. There are currently 25,000
widgets available on Plusmo.
Simplest way to get mobilized - visit plusmo.com from any mobile device,
download, register, and personalize. Plusmo service is currently in
beta.
Apple Endorses @task for iPhone
PR: AtTask, Inc., provider of on-demand project and portfolio
management software, has received an official stamp of approval from
Apple for their iPhone web app - @task for iPhone. The @task for iPhone
is now included on Apple's "Go-to-Market" list, an online listing of
Apple-approved
web applications for the iPhone.
"Apple has been using @task on a daily basis in-house for some time
now," said Scott Johnson, CEO of AtTask, Inc. "As a highly successful
corporation, Apple has experienced firsthand the power of @task, our
leading business intelligence solution. Their endorsement of @task for
iPhone is further validation of @task's unique blending of all three
components of project and portfolio management: management,
collaboration, and integration," concluded Johnson.
Placement on Apple's iPhone applications list is no small feat for
AtTask. All programs being considered for Apple's "Go-to-Market" site
are subjected to a rigorous review process. Apple requires that iPhone
applications conform to the iPhone web development guidelines and have
a complete feature set. Similar to @task Professional and @task
Enterprise, the @task for iPhone web app gives team members the ability
to collaborate remotely and update projects, while executives have
complete project visibility in the office or while traveling.
"@task for iPhone promotes our strategy of location independence,
which today's users demand," said Nate Bowler, CTO of AtTask, Inc. "We
offer project management teams the ability to collaborate using project
planning and execution tools that are most convenient for them.
Features like the capacity planner and an interactive Gantt chart allow
project leaders to easily track resources, while alerts and
notifications keep team members aware of what's going on - no matter
where they are or what they're doing."
Link: @task for
iPhone
Dr Pepper to Introduce First Ever Branded Game for
iPhone
PR: New Matchcaps Game Will Use the iPhone Safari Browser
iPhone users do not have to wait until next February to experience
the power of gaming thanks to the ingenuity of Dr Pepper. Today, Dr
Pepper, the only soft drink with 23 flavors, released Matchcaps, the
first-ever advergame designed specifically for the iPhone Safari
browser.
"There's always more to Dr Pepper. Consumers want enhanced access to
fun and games on their iPhones, and Dr Pepper will be the very first to
deliver it to them," explained Andrew Springate, vice president of Dr
Pepper marketing. "With the launch of this advergame, Dr Pepper can
interact virtually with its consumers anytime, anywhere through their
iPhones."
Developed by Imaginuity New Media, the game will follow the popular
"match three" format that online gaming fans have loved for years.
Unlike other games, the Dr Pepper game will not be affected by iPhone
software updates, as it is accessed via the Safari browser.
Consumers will not be required to download the new Dr Pepper
advergame - gamers can gain access by simply browsing drpepper.com or
going directly to the game at www.drpepper.com/matchcaps.
Apple announced last week plans to distribute kits to third party
application developers in February. Dr Pepper plans on converting the
game for download to the iPhone once the developer kit is made
available in the spring.
Link: Dr Pepper
Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone
PR: Armband Case Removable Key Pouch Key Pouch & Cord
Management Belt Clip Included Package
Marware's popular multipurpose case is perfect for an
active or casual lifestyle. The Convertible is three cases in one: it
transforms into an easily adjustable armband case, a clip-on case for a
belt or shoulder strap, or a slim-profile sleeve for an extra layer of
protection in a gym bag, backpack or purse.
The Convertible comes with a handy armband pouch that you can
conveniently slip cash or keys into for a jog or jaunt around the
neighborhood. The Convertible's durable vinyl cover encloses and
protects your iPhone while giving you full usage of all screen
functions. Finally, the stylish, ultra-soft neoprene armband interior
provides you ultimate comfort no matter what your activity.
Why the Sportsuit Convertible?
- A 3-in-1 case solution easily "converts" to an armband case, a
clip-on case, or a slim-profile sleeve
- Clear vinyl cover protects while providing full usability of iPhone
screen
- Ultra-soft neoprene armband delivers ultimate comfort while
stretchable Velcro® provides adjustable fit
- Includes removable armband carrying pouch that conveniently stores
cash or keys
- Multifunctional case supports an active or casual lifestyle
$34.99
Link:
Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone
TuneWear TuneFilm for iPhone
PR: TuneFilm is a crystal-clear protective film for
iPhone. Completely covering the iPhone Multitouch display, adding
TuneFilm provides protection against dirt and scratches.
And gives you the peace of mind knowing that your iPhone screen will
be like-new for a long, long time.
$12.95
Link:
TuneWear TuneFilm for iPhone
Proporta Living Life on the 'Edge' with New
iPhone Cases
PR: Made from a sleek, stylish and custom design, the
Alu-Leather Edge Case (there you go) is beautifully handcrafted, and
like so many other cases from Proporta, meets the exact specifications
of your iPhone. Incorporating Proporta's trademark Alu-Leather "Screen
Saver System
Proporta have got you on the "edge' of your seats now that we are
only a handful of days away from the iPhone's UK release date. Can you
see a theme here? No? Well, I'll continue
The iPhone, which will be here on 9th November ("at last" I hear all
you Brits say), really is going to be spoilt for choice for protection
with a new selection of cases set to be released by Proporta.
Made
from a sleek, stylish and custom design, the Alu-Leather Edge Case
(there you go) is beautifully handcrafted, and like so many other cases
from Proporta, meets the exact specifications of your iPhone.
Incorporating Proporta's trademark Alu-Leather "Screen Saver System" -
a sheet of lightweight, rigid, aircraft grade aluminium which lines the
case and protects the ever-so-important touch screen, this case is
different from all Proporta's other Alu-Leather cases as it also
features an ABS edging (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, if you didn't
already know - course you did ;-)) that gives extra protection and
security, keeping it practical and attractive for the über-cool
iPhone user.
All ports and controls are easily accessible whilst your device is
in the case, and the 'flip' design means that you can fold the cover
behind the case to reveal the iPhone's true beauty. A detachable belt
clip and lanyard are also provided for the waist and neck carriers
among us.
Elegant contrast overstitching gives the finishing touch, while a
strong magnetic clasp ensures that your iPhone will stay in place. The
side clasps are lined with soft neoprene so that your device slides
smoothly into the case and ensures that the tough ABS isn't too tough
on your precious device. $59.95
Next in line is the Alu-Crystal Case (Apple iPhone), which has been
designed to add a little bulk to your device whilst complimenting,
rather than hiding, the Apple iPhone's stunning looks.
This case
is extremely lightweight, yet incredibly protective as it combines two
materials, the durable and scratch resistant polycarbonate plastic and
aircraft grade aluminium - the perfect protective partnership. An
added benefit of the iPhone Alu-Crystal Case is that it incorporates a
unique, hinged fascia which when fully opened acts as a viewing stand
for your device.
Not content
with the above, Proporta have yet another case available for your
iPhone. The Crystal Holster (Apple iPhone) is made from a durable and
scratch-resistant frosted plastic, and includes a protective layer
which guards the back of the device whilst it's safely enclosed in the
Holster. The holster firmly attaches your iPhone to your belt and
covers all four corners of your device for increased protection.
$28.95
Not wanting you to ever have to leave the house uncoordinated,
Proporta have even manufactured a belt clip featuring a crystal clip to
match the Crystal Holster, which is situated on a ratchet system
enabling it to be rotated and held in place whilst still attached to
your belt - very handy when it comes to using your iPhone on the move.
If you decide to take your iPhone off your belt, the clever belt clip
also works as a stand so that your videos can be watched at the perfect
angle for viewing. And, it comes with a lanyard point. Phew-wee.
$23.95
Shipping worldwide.
USB Fever iPhone Crystal Case
(Sunflower)
PR: Features:
- Unique ergonomic design
- Printed with Vivid Sunflowers
- Fully Protected from bumps and scratches
- Light weight
- Perfectly fit
- Anti-dust
- Easy access to all ports, buttons and sockets
$16.99
Link: USB
Fever iPhone Crystal Case (Sunflower)
iPod Add-ons
iSkin's Groundbreaking Dual Layer and
Ultra-Clear Protectors for Latest iPods
PR: iSkin, a leading
provider of protectors and accessories for the iPod and other cutting
edge consumer electronics, today announced the release of three new
products for the latest iPods. The iSkin Claro case is an ultra-clear
polycarbonate protector with a soft silicone inner layer that was
originally available only for the iPod with video (5G), and is now also
available for the iPod Classic (6G). The iSkin evo4 Duo is a sleek and
sophisticated dual-layer protector that incorporates a silicone layer
for shock and moisture protection and a full-frontal color-coated ViSOR
for screen impact protection. The iSkin Duo for iPod nano applies the
evo4 Duo design concept to a more compact format. The evo4 Duo is
available for the iPod Classic and the iSkin Duo is available for the
iPod nano.
Award-Winning Claro for iPod Classic
Unlike other clear cases, the Claro features an outer polycarbonate
shell that is specially coated with an anti-scratch technology that
combines with iSkin's unique silicone inside design to provide
dual-layered protection for the iPod. The Claro outer shell also
features built-in screen protection and a rear belt clip with a unique
integrated kickstand that's ideal when watching videos and
podcasts.
Claro's premium silicone inner layer fits snugly inside the
polycarbonate shell to protect the iPod against shock and moisture
damage. The Claro also adds more value by providing two inner silicone
layers (black and clear) to compliment the new iPod Classic. Inner
silicone layers are also sold separately as "Slims" in a variety of
colored 3-packs to further extend the color options of the Claro. Slims
are less than one millimeter thick and may also be used alone for
lightweight protection for the iPod.
The
iSkin Claro is available for the new iPod Classic 80 GB/160 GB online
at iSkin.com and will retail for $39.99. The iSkin Claro Slims packs
will be sold separately for $24.99 per 3-pack.
Download Hi-Res
Groundbreaking evo4 for iPod Classic The evo4 Duo for iPod Classic
exemplifies iSkin's commitment to improving each generation of its
protectors for the iPod. Like the hugely successful evo3, the evo4 Duo
seamlessly incorporates a premium silicone skin with a durable
full-frontal polycarbonate screen protector. It further raises the bar
by having the two layers appear connected through elegant design,
maintaining the slim and sophisticated look of the Classic. The evo4
Duo's ViSOR is coated with a metallic-color finish topped with a
clear-coat that's reminiscent of premium auto paint. The evo4 also
features all-around surface protection that includes the click wheel
and sports-integrated covers for the iPod's docking and earphone ports.
It comes with a redesigned removable rotary belt clip that's
low-profile to minimize bulk, and its silicone layer is textured and
specially coated to provide a secure grip and minimize the attraction
of dust and lint.
evo4 Duo for iPod Classic colors include Crimson (metallic deep
red), Sienna (metallic sunset orange), Onyx (metallic black), Popstar
(metallic pink), Electra (metallic blue) and QuickSilver (metallic
silver). evo4 Duo for iPod Classic sells for $34.99 and is available
online and at iSkin resellers.
The iSkin Duo for iPod nano applies the evo4 Duo design concept to a
more compact execution. The dual-layer design seamlessly integrates two
protective layers giving the Nano full uncompromising protection
without bulk. The protector is precision-engineered to perfectly
encapsulate the Nano and protect it against shock, moisture and screen
damage. Its ViSOR is specially coated with a metallic color and
clear-coated for an ultra-gloss, high-fashion look. The Duo for Nano
includes a removable rotary belt clip and adjustable lanyard, so users
can wear their iPod to best compliment their personal style. It also
features integrated port covers for both docking and earphone
ports.
The iSkin Duo for iPod nano is available in Vogue (metallic red),
Sienna (metallic sunset orange), Onyx (metallic black), Popstar
(metallic pink), Fusion (metallic light purple), Electra (metallic
blue), and QuickSilver (metallic silver). iSkin Duo for Nano sells for
$29.99 and is available online.
Link: iSkin
TuneWear TuneFilm for iPod touch
TuneFilm is a crystal-clear protective film for iPod touch.
Completely covering the Multitouch display, adding TuneFilm provides
protection against dirt and scratches. And gives you the peace of mind
knowing that the screen will be like-new for a long, long time.
TuneFilm for iPod touch also includes a clear film for the mirrored
back.
$ 12.95
Link:
TuneWear TuneFilm for iPhone
Pink Leather Flip Type Case for iPod
touch
PR: Leather Case specially designed for Apple iPod touch made
form the finest soft leather. White stitching is added for a perfect
finish.
Apple iPod touch Flip Leather Case Features
- Opens and closes with magnetic studs,for ease of use.
- Contain 1 credit slot.
- A translucent plastic protects the face of your Apple iPod touch
while allowing full functionality of the touch screen display
- Protects your Apple iPod touch from damages
- Removable 360 degree belt clip included
- Handmade from finest soft leather.
- Perfect fit and slim tailored for the Apple iPod touch 8 GB/16
GB model.
Compatibility: iPod touch
Several colors available
$24.99
Shipping: Free (US & Canada)
Link: Pink
Leather Flip Type Case for iPod touch
