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News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone 2.1 Software Update Released
The iPhone 2.1 software update
contains many bug fixes and improvements. To get it, connect your
iPhone to your computer using iTunes 8 and click Check for Update.
Update includes:
- Decrease in call setup failures and dropped calls
- Significantly better battery life for most users
- Dramatically reduced time to backup to iTunes
- Improved email reliability, notably fetching email from POP and
Exchange accounts
- Faster installation of 3rd party applications
- Fixed bugs causing hangs and crashes for users with lots of third
party applications
- Improved performance in text messaging
- Faster loading and searching of contacts
- Improved accuracy of the 3G signal strength display
- Repeat alert up to two additional times for incoming text
messages
- Option to wipe data after ten failed passcode attempts
- Genius playlist creation
How to install.
- Make sure you are using iTunes 8. Connect your iPhone to your
computer.
- When iTunes opens, select your iPhone under Devices in the Source
List on the left.
- In the iPhone Summary pane, click Check for Update.
- Click Download and Install. Do not disconnect your iPhone until the
update has finished.
Link: iPhone 2.1 Software
Update
AT&T to Tie iPhones into Its Own Internet
Television, Phone Service
AppleInsider's
Sam Oliver reports:
"AT&T said this week that it plans to eventually integrate the
iPhone into its U-verse suite of Internet television and VoIP services,
while also adding new features that will allow the handset act as a
remote control.
"The exclusive US iPhone carrier made the announcement at a
conference Monday covering future technologies that will more closely
tie mobile handsets with computers and television sets."
Link:
AT&T to Tie iPhones into Own Internet Television, Phone
Service
Teens View Cell Phones as Essential
CNET's
Marguerite Reardon reports:
"Cell phones have become almost as important to American teens as
the clothes they wear, according to a nationwide survey of teenagers
released last week.
"The wireless trade association CTIA and Harris Interactive surveyed
some 2,000 teens across the country and learned that teens feel that
cell phones have become a vital part of their identities. They also
believe that behind clothing, they can gauge a peer's popularity or
status by the phone he or she uses...."
Link: Teens View Cell Phones as Essential
Cellphone Fees Can Really Add Up
The Halifax
Chronicle-Herald's Bill Power reports:
"When Lilla McRobb of Dartmouth signed up for three years for an
estimated $60-per-month family plan with her cellphone service
provider, mostly to provide a communication tool for her
great-grandson, she was unaware she was potentially tossing more than
$12,000 into cyberspace.
"'I understood there might be occasions when the monthly bill might
go up a little, perhaps another $20 per month, at most, but nothing
like this. The last bill was for $383.48.
"'It's a nightmare,' the senior citizen said of the financial
horrors she said were brought on by a three-year contract for two
web-enabled cellphones she signed up for in the spring.
"In coming weeks many people around Nova Scotia will be experiencing
their own version of sticker shock as they add up additional charges
spawned by incoming text messages. Bell Mobility and Telus started
charging for incoming messages over the summer."
Link: Cellphone Fees
Can Really Add Up
5 Must-have Freebies for iPhone, iPod touch
CNET's Rick Broida reports:
"Tuesday's roundup of killer freebies for Windows reminded me that I
haven't covered iPhone/iPod touch freeware in awhile, so here's another
list of must-have apps that won't cost you a penny...."
The list includes:
- Air Sharing
- Graphing Calculator
- Hanoi
- Instapaper
- White Noise
Link:
Another Five Must-have Freebies for iPhone, iPod touch
Podcaster Developer Uses 'Ad Hoc' Mode to
Distribute Banned iPhone App
ReadWriteWeb's
Sarah Perez reports:
"Over the weekend, a debate raged across the tech blogosphere
concerning the risks involved in developing for the iPhone
platform.
"What prompted the debate in the first place was Apple's decision to
reject an app known as the Podcaster, which would have permitted
you to listen to podcasts without first downloading them in iTunes.
Because the app 'duplicates the functionality of the Podcast section of
iTunes,' says Apple, they decided to reject it from inclusion in the
App store.
"To get around what many people consider to be an unfair ban, Alex
Sokirynsky, the developer of the Podcaster app, decided to utilize a
little-known feature of the iPhone/iPod touch: 'Ad Hoc App
Distribution.' This largely unknown feature allows any developer to
distribute apps themselves, without using the App Store to do
so...."
Link:
Podcaster Developer Uses Little-Known 'Ad Hoc' Mode to Distribute
Banned iPhone App
iFixit Posts Photos of New iPod Internals
iFixit has posted the first internal photos of Apple's new iPod nano
and iPod touch. The disassembly reveals the previously unknown presence
of Bluetooth in the iPod touch. The photos and accompanying commentary
for the iPod nano 4th Gen. and new iPod touch 2nd Gen. are available
online immediately.
The disassembly includes high-res photos of the internals of
both devices.
iPod touch:
- Apple did some clever things with the iPod touch speaker. It's
0.2mm thin and mounted directly on the metal backplate.
- The touch has a Broadcom BCM4325 Bluetooth chip! The Nike+ runs on
the same frequency (2.4 GHz) as Bluetooth. It remains to be seen if the
Bluetooth chip can emulate the proprietary Nike+ protocol.
- This iPod is somewhat difficult to take apart - fairly similar to
the previous iPod touch. Evidently Apple's claims of being
environmentally friendly only extend to their manufacturing.
iPod nano:
- The 4G nano screen is the same resolution and physical size as the
previous 'fat' nano 3G.
- The display cover is a piece of curved glass that physically
separates from the case. The glass is .7 mm thick on the edges and 1.7
mm thick in the middle.
- The nano has an updated Samsung-manufactured ARM processor capable
of running all the fancy new games and software features.
iFixit plans to provide replacement parts and complete repair
instructions for both iPods.
Fixit Guides for every iPod and Mac laptops are available free
online.
Link: iFixit
How to Repair the Broken Screen of an iPhone
3G
Hardmac's
Lionel reports:
"Pierre experienced what many users would have considered as a
nightmare, dropping his iPhone 3G and see the glass screen in pieces
after the shock:
"Knowing the cost of a repair operation by Apple Care, he decided to
do it himself. He posted on our forum the entire procedure (in French,
but nevertheless, easily understandable thanks to numerous
photos)..."
You can check it out at <http://forum.macbidouille.com/index.php?showtopic=279698>
Link: How to Repair the Broken
Screen of an iPhone 3G
How to Save Images from Safari & Mail
Macsimum News'
Dave Merten says:
"Ever come across an image while browsing the web on your iPhone
that you'd just love to use as a wallpaper? Well, if you're running
iPhone Software Update 2.0 or newer, you can save images from Safari or
Mail. Simply follow these instructions...."
Link:
iPhone: How to Save Images from Safari & Mail
Unannounced 4 GB 4G iPod nanos on Sale in
Europe (and Canada Soon)
AppleInsider's
Slash Lane reports:
"Apple last week introduced its fourth generation iPod nano with
storage capacities of 8 GB and 16 GB, making no mention of a
4 GB model that is now widely available through several overseas
outlets.
"European blog OneMoreThing posted several
photos of the mysterious offering earlier this morning, noting that
they were spotted on the shelves of Dutch Apple premium reseller HTR
for €119 (or $168) and appear to be the real deal....
"Apple Canada is also advising local resellers that they will have
access to 4 GB nano's next week which will retail for $139
Canadian. Quantities will be limited."
Link:
Unannounced 4 GB Fourth-gen iPod nanos on Sale in Europe (and
Canada Soon)
Services
Peek Is Email on the Go, and That's It
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We regret any inconvenience to our readers, but we will never pay
for what is considered Fair Use under copyright law. We consider brief
quotations in our news roundups to be Fair Use and a benefit to the
site that we quoted from and linked to. (We adhere to the Open Link policy, and our Fair
Use policy specifically allows quoting up to 50% or 300 words of
our original content, whichever is less.)
Peek Unveils Easy, Personal, Mobile Email for
Everybody
PR: Peek, the first elegantly simple email-only device,
launched this week. Created for people who don't need or want an
expensive smartphone full of functions and software, the Peek device
delivers unlimited email to and from existing accounts, anywhere in the
US. Extraordinarily simple to set up and use, Peek has eliminated
multiyear contracts, bewildering rate plans and hidden fees. The mobile
device is super-thin, stylish and easy to use. There are no scary
buttons; no confusing bells and whistles. Peek connects to a nationwide
wireless network, which ensures coverage everywhere.
Staying
connected is increasingly important to people using email to make
plans, catch up and share news - a trend that resonates across the
country. Peek is so simple and efficient that anyone can stay on top of
their email and respond, said Amol Sarva, Peek cofounder and CEO. Peek
is finger-friendly, handbag-tough and pocket-safe - and it offers peace
of mind to people on the go. Peeks the antidote to inbox anxiety.
A straightforward and stylish, pocketsize device without the
complicated features usually found packed into an all-in-one
smartphone, Peek is the first and only product that allows the user to
start sending and receiving email in less than 2 minutes. For a flat
monthly fee, people can access up to three of their existing accounts
from top email providers Yahoo!, Hotmail, Gmail™, AOL and more.
By connecting to cell phone towers behind the scenes, Peek works
anywhere in the United States and at a fraction of the cost of an elite
smartphone.
Remarkably simple, Peek is easy to use - just turn it on, enter an
existing email address and password and start emailing from Peeks full
keyboard. Peek has a large readable screen and offers simple
navigation, making emailing effortless.
Email is now a defacto communication method and many consumers will
opt for a dedicated device that can do a single task really well, said
Michael Gartenberg, Vice President of Mobile Strategy,
Jupitermedia.
Peek will be available at Target
stores nationwide on September 15, 2008 in time for back to work and
back to school. Consumers can also purchase Peek online from
getpeek.com. Due to high demand, expect localized shortages of product
at Target stores and delays in orders to getpeek.com, Amazon.com,
or target.com.
Cost:
- Retail price: $99.95
- Monthly subscription (unlimited email access): $19.95
Peek Specifications:
- Unlimited email access for up to 3 accounts
- Email from top email providers Yahoo!, Hotmail, Gmail, AOL and
more
- Activates in a few minutes
- Full keyboard for easy typing and simple email navigation
- Height = 102 mm (~ 4.02 inches)
- Width = 68 mm (~ 2.7 inches)
- Depth = 10.1 mm (~ 0.42 inches)
- Weight = 109 grams
- Colors: Charcoal Gray, Aqua Blue, Black Cherry
- Display: 2.5 diagonal QVGA (Quarter VGA) which is 240 pixels high
by 320 pixels wide
- Battery life: Average two to three days with typical usage
- Languages: English
Founded by seasoned wireless industry entrepreneurs, Peek is the
only easy-to-buy, easy-to-use, affordable email-only mobile device on
the market today. Never again pay for an expensive data plan with rules
and restrictions. Peek is straightforward and stylish. It is a
pocketsize device without complicated features usually found packed
into an all-in-one smartphone. Purposefully designed to be a great
looking device whose function is as elegant as its form, Peek is
extraordinarily simple to set up, gets people emailing within minutes,
and works anywhere by connecting to cell phone towers behind the
scenes.
Link: Peek
Apps
Yahoo! oneConnect Preview Available for
iPhone
PR: Yahoo! has announced the preview availability of
Yahoo! oneConnect, the new social address book that brings together a
users circle of friends, their lives, and all the ways they communicate
into one seamless, easy-to-use application. Yahoo! oneConnect is now
available in the Apple iPhone App Store and is also expected to support
additional devices in the coming months.
With Yahoo! oneConnect, users can integrate all their contacts, send
instant or SMS messages, post their status, and view the latest
activity from their favorite social networks - making it easy to stay
connected and in the loop.
The iPhone has ignited and captured the imagination of what a mobile
phone can do, said Marco Boerries, executive vice president, Yahoo!
Connected Life. The rich feature set of the iPhone enables the best way
to experience oneConnect. The powerful combination of Yahoo! Blueprint,
the mobile platform, and the iPhone SDK, was leveraged to create this
unique experience of oneConnect for millions of iPhone users.
Yahoo! oneConnect for iPhone
Yahoo! oneConnect for the iPhone builds on Yahoo!s market-leading
and award-winning mobile products and reinforces the Companys intent to
lead and enable the global mobile ecosystem. Key features include:
- Full-featured address book that integrates contacts from the users
Yahoo! Address Book, iPhone and social networks.
- Pulse: A convenient way to see what's happening on your social
networks. The initial version of Yahoo! oneConnect supports networks
including Bebo, Dopplr, Facebook, Flickr, Friendster, Last.fm, MySpace,
Twitter and YouTube.
- Integrated mobile messaging with your friends via SMS and Yahoo!
Messenger, including support for avatars, photos, and emoticons.
- Favorites: A simple way to keep your most important people close at
hand to check on status, call or send a quick message or email.
Yahoo! oneConnect is available today free of charge for the iPhone
and iPod touch in the United States. In future releases, Yahoo!
oneConnect is expected to support additional devices and become
available internationally.
Link: Yahoo! oneConnect (only
available through the
Apple App Store)
iPhoneModem: Use your iPhone as a Modem to Connect
to the Internet
PR: iPhoneModem provides the easiest and safest way to use
your iPhone as a modem to connect you to the internet. Despite the the
unsafe connection between your Mac and your iPhone your data are safe
because all communication between both devices are encrypted by
SSH.
iPhoneModem.app provides the easiest and safest way to use your
iPhone as a modem to connect you to the internet. Despite the the
unsafe connection between your Mac and your iPhone your data are safe
because all communication between both devices are encrypted by
SSH.
iPhoneModem works with all jail broken iPhones 2G and 3G over EDGE
and UMTS.
HOWTO - iPhoneModem on Mac
Copy iPhoneModem to your Applications folder and launch it. A little
iPhone icon will appear in your menu bar - click it. In the new popup
menu choose "Setup...". Please fill in all fields exactly. "IP-Address
of Mac" is the Address of your mac will use in the ad-hoc network. The
last component (after the third dot) can be any value between 1 and 254
except 113, this reserved for the iPhone. "Password of Mac" is the
password of the administrators account on your Mac (usually your
account). "Wlan Name" will be used as the name of new ad-hoc network
which you'll use to connect to your iPhone later on. For the WEP
encryption enter a 13 character long password in the "Wlan-Password"
box. Leave the "Socks Port" as it is. "iPhone root Password" should be
clear - by default - is set to alpine and must be changed. To do so
open Terminal with your iPhone and mac in the same network. Connect to
your iPhone (ssh iphoneip -l root). The command "passwd" will change
your root password - be sure to choose a password you remember! Repeat
this step to change the password for the mobile user: "passwd mobile",
(default here is alpine on fw ( 2.1 and dottie afterward). Finally fill
in the MAC address of your iPhone's WiFi interface in the box "iPhone
Mac Address". You can find your WiFi Address under Settings >
General > About. Save this settings, open the iPhoneModem popup
again and choose "start connection...".
How to run iPhoneModem zsrelay on your iPhone
Running iPhoneModem zsrelay on your iPhone involves only a few easy
steps:
- Install 'iPhoneModem zsrelay' from Cydia.It is hosted on the MMi
repository and listed in the 'Networking' section.
- Restart SpringBoard - (optionaly if you want status icons)
- Go into your iPhone preferences and select 'iPhoneModem'.
Choose your options:
- 'Insomnia mode': Network connections will be kept alive even when
you iPhone is locked (recommended).
- 'SSH on launch': Start sshd along with zsrelay. This is needed if
you want to use ssh for secure tunneling.
Start iPhoneModem zsrelay - (flip the 'start proxy' switch) If you
did restart your springboard a status icon will appear after a few
seconds. Depending on your insomnia mode settings this icon is either
gray or blue/orange. The colored reminds you that the network
keep-alive is active.
Connect your Mac/PC to zsrelay using SOCKS5 on port 1080.
'Advanced' preferences: The advanced tab contains some additional
settings and status information. Here you can disable or enable the
status icons and modify the URL used for keeping your outbound
GPRS/EDGE/3G connection happy. This page also displays a nice traffic
meter on the top so you can keep track on your active connections and
data transfers.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or later, 10.5.4 recommended.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: iPhoneModem (only
available through the
Apple App Store)
iPhone App Provides Image Recognition
PR: Swiss company kooaba has released kooaba search, an
application for visual search on the iPhone. Using kooaba's image
recognition application, customers can "scan" posters of current movie
releases and receive info about the releases on their iPhones.
This includes trailers, reviews, information about actors, or links
to merchandising material. Every request is also saved in a history.
Recognition of CD covers, DVD covers and games will be added to the
service in a few months. kooaba's search service currently focuses on
the German speaking market, but will be expanded to other countries in
the near future.
Link: kooaba
search (only available through the
Apple App Store)
Gesture by Big Stone Phone: Photos to Paintings on
iPhone/touch
PR: Big Stone Phone has shipped a brand new revolutionary
application for the iPhone and iPod touch named "Gesture". Gesture v
1.0 lets you create digital paintings from your photos simply by
dragging your finger over the photo.
With just a little imagination, you can can make beautiful works of
art. Be as rough or tight as you like as Gesture translates your
movements into paint strokes using a sampled color from the photo
below. Bringing a popular artistic technique from the desktop to the
iPhone and iPod touch, Gesture makes creating stunning works of art a
breeze for the artist and non-artist alike.
Big Stone Phone cofounder and CEO of Stone Design, Andrew Stone
remarked, "We had so much fun with iGraffiti, we conceived of a new way
to make original art quickly and easily on your iPhone. What's more,
you can share and view your paintings with our online Public Art
Space."
Gesture has a simple model - you create works of art in your
"Studio" and you view your art in your "Gallery":
Gallery Features:
- View your masterpieces in landscape mode
- Add and delete paintings
- Share and view paintings from other Gesture users online
Studio Features:
- Save your painting to Photos
- Play back your painting like a movie
- Instantly Pointilize your photo
- Zoom in for detail work
- Unlimited undo
- Load any image on the internet
Gesture 1.0 is $4.99 and available exclusively through Apple's App
Store.
Link: Gesture (only available through the
Apple App Store)
Bakelite Rotary Dialer for the iPhone
PR: MildMannered Industries announces Bakelite 1.0
- a beautiful old fashioned Bakelite style rotary dialer for the
iPhone. Bakelite is gorgeous to look at, with a numbered and lettered
dial, and offers smooth accurate dialing, with audio feedback.
Unlike a real rotary phone, users can delete the last digit, to make
it a little easier to correct any mistakes, but otherwise, Bakelite is
just as pleasurable, (or awkward, depending on your point of view) to
use as the real thing.
Visit MildMannered Industries, or go directly to the Apple App Store
to learn more about Bakelite, or to download it to your iPhone or iPod
touch.
Minimum Requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch
- An iPhone is required to actually make calls
- Requires iPhone or iPod touch 2.0 update
Bakelite is currently free, and is only available from the Apple App
Store.
Link: Bakelite Rotary
Dialer for the iPhone (only available through the
Apple App Store)
Findley Designs Updates iPod Access with iTunes
8.0 Support
PR: Findley Designs, Inc. announces the immediate
availability of iPod Access v4.2.3 for Mac OS X and Windows
Vista/XP. Version 4.2.3 adds improved support for the iPod touch and
iPhone, improved iTunes integration and numerous bug fixes. iPod Access
works with all past and present iPod models.
New in v4.2.3:
- Compatibility with iTunes v8.
- Improved iTunes integration.
- Fixed some registration issues.
- Fixed iTunes XML errors.
- Improved library loading.
iPod Access is the leading iPod/iPhone music and video transfer
application for the Mac and Windows. With iPod Access you have instant
access to all the songs on your iPod or iPhone. Your songs can be be
displayed and sorted in almost any fashion so you can find the songs
you need right when you need them.
With the new instant search feature in v4 you can find songs just as
quickly as you would in iTunes. And once you have found the songs,
movies and playlists that you want, iPod Access will copy them right
back into iTunes or to an external drive for backup. If you need music
from your iPod or iPhone back on your computer then you need iPod
Access.
Features Include:
- Universal Application (Support for Intel and PPC Macs)
- Leopard (OS X 10.5) and Tiger (OS X 10.4) Support
- Windows Vista and XP Support
- Force iPod Manual Update Mode (iPod only)
- Add songs, videos and podcasts directly to the iTunes Library
- Export song listing
- Automatic file renaming
- Support for non-Roman characters (including Japanese)
- Easy to use interface
- Instant listing of all iPod songs
- Playlist Cloning into iTunes
- Support for iTunes Ratings, Play Count, Last Played date * Play
music and video files directly from the iPod (iPod only)
- Transfer ID3 tags for WAV, Video and iFM files.
- AAC file support (including iTunes Music store songs)
- Audible.com support
- Song Navigation by Artist/Album or Composer/Album
- Copy songs organized by Artist/Album or Composer/Album
- Single button sequential backups
- Recover songs from iPods with a damaged database. (iPod only)
- Support for PC formatted Hard drives
- Support for Multiple iPods
iPod Access 4.2.3 can be downloaded as a free trial or purchased for
$19.99. Version 4.2.3 is a free upgrade to all registered v4 users.
QuickOffice for iPhone Can Almost Edit Office
Docs
PC Magazine's
Sascha Segan reports:
"At the CTIA Fall trade show on Wednesday, I got a quick look at the
latest state of QuickOffice, one of the two Microsoft Office-compatible
suites being developed for the iPhone. It isn't quite ready yet; right
now it can edit Microsoft Excel documents, but only read Microsoft Word
documents.
"The biggest challenge with creating an iPhone office suite, it
seems, is dealing with the iPhone's wacky file system issues. Each
iPhone app has its own file storage space, and the apps can't access
each others' spaces. So you can't save an e-mail attachment or
something from Safari into a public folder to be edited by QuickOffice,
for instance."
Link: QuickOffice for
iPhone Can Almost Edit Office Docs
Pianochords for iPhone and iPod touch: Never
Forget a Chord Anymore
PR: Mekentosj BV has announced the availability of
Pianochords, an application for iPhone and iPod touch that allows you
to easily look up all those nasty keyboard and piano chords. Major,
minor, sus, flat and sharp, they are all there. Just press a key on the
keyboard to set the root of the chord and click the display to select
the derived chord. Pianochords is the perfect companion for every piano
and keyboard player.
Pianochords Features:
- Capable of showing 50 derived chords for all 12 keys
- Shift chords up and down to see all variants
- Toggle between single key and chord mode
- Uses openAL to play selected chords using high-quality piano
samples
- Great looking and super intuitive user interface
Minimum Requirements:
Pianochords works on all iPhone and iPod touch models.
Pianochords is available in the iPhone App Store for $1.99.
Link: Pianochords (only
available through the
Apple App Store)
Accessories
Logitech Introduces 2 Speaker Docks for iPods and
iPhones
PR: Whether you dock your iPod, or your iPhone, in the
bedroom or crank up your favorite playlist in the living room, Logitech
has a speaker dock for you.
The Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus omnidirectional speaker for iPod
or iPhone delivers great sound throughout your room, while the Logitech
Pure-Fi Anytime premium alarm clock for iPod or iPhone is the perfect
night stand companion. Both speakers are compatible with the first
generation iPhone as well as the new 3G iPhone.
"Our research revealed that as digital music players, and especially
the iPod, become more integral to our lives, we look for accessories to
optimize the experience," said Mark Schneider, vice president and
general manager of Logitech's audio business unit. "Our latest iPod
speaker docks are designed to suit each person according to their
individual needs, whether what's wanted is enhanced audio and
portability or an alarm clock with innovative features such as motion
sensing."
Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus Featuring Omnidirectional
Acoustics
A first for iPod or iPhone speaker docks, Pure-Fi Express Plus
offers omnidirectional acoustics. An innovative speaker technology
previously found only in expensive home-theater systems,
omnidirectional acoustics transmit sound evenly in all directions. If
you love to dock, charge and listen to your iPod or iPhone when you're
at home, at work, or even in your backyard, now you can enjoy rich,
articulate sound and minimal distortion from every corner of your room.
Pure-Fi Express Plus provides more than just great sound. For added
portability, Pure-Fi Express Plus can run on AC or battery power and
includes an integrated handle, making it easy to take your music from
room to room.
The new Logitech dock also features a wireless remote. With a range
of up to 30 feet (10 meters), the remote lets you instantly adjust
volume, play, pause, fast forward, rewind, as well as offering Shuffle
and Repeat buttons all from the comfort of your couch or favorite
chair.
Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime: The Perfect Night stand Companion
If you
commonly dock your iPod or iPhone in the bedroom, Pure-Fi Anytime
offers a full set of features, such as advanced motion-sensing
technology, that make it perfect for your bedside table and ensure that
you'll have a fully charged iPod or iPhone when you wake in the
morning.
To avoid the inconvenience of waking a sleeping partner, the
motion-sensing backlight makes it easy to set your alarm without having
to turn on the lights. The alarm clock's controls light up when you
wave your hand over the speakers and the buttons automatically dim when
you're done using it. And when you want to get a few minutes of extra
sleep when your alarm goes off in the morning, you can simply wave your
hand over the speakers and the motion-sensing technology will activate
Snooze. Pure-Fi Anytime also features an easy-to-read display that is
clearly visible during the day and night. A recessed dock helps prevent
you from accidentally knocking over your iPod or iPhone. Plus, Pure-Fi
Anytime offers a digital AM/FM radio for those times when you want to
give your iPod a break and enjoy live music, news and sports.
The Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus omnidirectional speaker for iPod
or iPhone is expected to be available in the US and Europe in October
for a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime
premium alarm clock for iPod or iPhone is expected to be available in
the US and Europe beginning in October for a suggested retail price of
$99.99.
Link: Logitech
Kensington Introduces Inexpensive Accessories to
Simplify Home and Travel
PR: Kensington Computer Products Group has announced a line
up of "must have accessories for notebook, iPhone and iPod users. All
are priced under $60, making them great choices for personal use or for
holiday gift giving.
Since
most family members carry multiple devices throughout the day and then
bring them home for recharging, content downloading and sharing,
accessories are playing an ever-increasing role in making everything
work together more smoothly. Kensington's new 4-Port USB Charger ends
home office squabbles about who gets to charge up first, and reduces
cord clutter. It can handle mobile devices including smart phones, iPod
music players, PDAs and more, at the same time, from just one wall
outlet. Kensington's Media Sharing Cable lets everyone in the family
share files of any size between two computers even across PCs and MACs
with just one quick drag and drop movement, removing all the other
steps that come with flash drives. The no file size restrictions
benefit is perfect for speedy transfers of music, videos and photos.
This is a perfect "early gift to make it easy for families and friends
to share highlights of all their holiday gatherings.
Out on the road, Kensington's Dashboard, Power Port and Windshield
Mounts put iPhone, iPod and MP3 players front and center in the car
while keeping them steady and secure no matter how bumpy the ride. The
Power Port Mount plugs into the auto power outlet, while a pass through
lets people charge up even as they listen to their favorite tunes or
follow GPS navigation instructions. Kensington designed the car mounts
after its in-car studies showed that consumers found their current
methods of putting devices in the center console to be clumsy and
inefficient. While people loved having their phones, music and GPS
close at hand during their commutes, they clearly saw the need for
greater organization of their devices while in the car, as well as the
ability to access them while keeping their eyes on the road at all
times.
"Our Kensington philosophy is to design products as unique as the
individuals who use them, whether at home, in the car, in the office or
on the go, said Christine Dumery, Director, Marketing Communications
Kensington. "Each of these particular products all under $60 brings a
real solution to our consumers. Each offers a smart but simple way for
people to enjoy great value for themselves or to share with others this
holiday season.
4-Port
USB Charger for Mobile Devices Brings Harmony into the Home
Kensington's "Power it line brings harmony into the home with an
easy to share USB charger that eliminates the need for multiple wall
chargers and outlets. The Kensington 4-Port USB Charger for Mobile
Devices (SKU K38035US; SRP $29.99) features the smart made simple
design that can power mobile & smart phones, iPod, PDAs and more.
The small, compact design frees extra wall outlets and looks good in
your home. Use with your existing USB charging cable or Kensington USB
Power Tips (sold separately) to power and charge your mobile
devices.
Home Sharing Made Simple with Media Sharing Cable
The media sharing cable in Kensington's "Connect it line helps
simplify file transferring between computers. The Kensington Media
Sharing Cable for PC and Mac (SKU K33906US SRP $59.99) allows seamless
sharing of files between any 2 computers faster than a flash. With a
simple user interface and plug-n-play setup that doesn't require
software installation, the Kensington Media Sharing Cable for PC and
Mac is the easiest way to share your media and other files between
computers without traditional file size limitations.
Keep Eyes on the Road with Car Mounts for iPhone &
iPod
Kensington has applied its smart made simple design philosophy to
new products in its "Play it line that secure your iPhone and iPod on
the road and make it easy to practice safe driving. The Kensington Dash
Mount for iPhone and iPod (SKU K33446US; SRP $29.99) is the perfect
home for your device on the road and features an adhesive bottom. Along
with the other car mounts from Kensington, it is compatible with all
iPhone/iPod/mobile phone models as well as other mobile devices. The
Kensington Power Port Mount for iPhone and iPod (SKU K33447US; SRP
$29.99) leverages the vehicle power port as an anchoring point. It
includes a power port pass through, flexible arm, and universal dock to
ensure compatibility with nearly any common portable mobile device. The
Kensington Windshield Mount for iPhone and iPod (SKU K33412USA; SRP
$29.99) includes a flexible arm and feet that adjust to hold your
device firmly no matter how bumpy the road is. Designed to fit all
cars, the mount installs in seconds and one-button quick release lets
you grab your iPhone or iPod and go.
The new Kensington products are available for pre-order at Amazon.com
and Kensington.com and will be available at major retailers at the end
of the month.
Protection
Proporta Have Your New iPod touch Covered
PR: Proporta are never ones to leave a device at risk of the
inevitable wear and tear of daily life, so to ensure that your iPod
touch stays safe and sound, Proporta are one of the first to range a
collection of accessories designed specifically to protect your 2G iPod
touch
The 2G (second
generation) iPod touch is one of the newest additions to the iPod
family. Boasting a sleeker appearance and larger memory than its
predecessor- its as stylish as it is clever.
Proporta are never ones to leave a device at risk of the inevitable
wear and tear of daily life, so to ensure that your iPod touch stays
safe and sound, Proporta are one of the first to range a collection of
accessories designed specifically to protect your 2G iPod touch.
The is made from a thin, yet durable, polycarbonate and covered in a
stylish embossed soft leather coating. The ideal accessory to protect
your 2G iPod touch against everyday scratches and impact damage.
$24.95
The
Ted Baker Leather Case (Apple 2G iPod touch series) gives your 2G iPod
touch the upper hand in the fashion stakes. Brains as well as braun,
trust Ted keep your iPod touch safe from any knocks and bumps caused by
everyday use.
$49.95
The
rather lovely Alu-Leather Edge Case (Apple 2G iPod touch) is
handcrafted from a sleek, stylish custom design and like so many other
cases from Proporta, meets the exact specifications of your device.
Incorporating Proporta's trademark Aluminium lined 'Screen Saver
System', a sheet of lightweight, rigid, aircraft grade aluminium lines
the case. And as if that wasn't enough, this 2G iPod touch case also
boasts an ABS (that's Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene to you and me)
edging - giving it extra protection and security.
$59.17
The Proporta Aluminum Lined Leather Case (Apple 2G iPod touch)
ensures that your iPod touch is never left out on a limb again.
Handcrafted from high quality leather, this case also features the
Proporta trademark 'Screen Saver System'. Available in a whole range of
colours. Stylish and clever.
$29.95
Made from a high-quality alternative to leather, Proporta's
Leather Style Protective Case (Apple 2G iPod touch) provides the same
stylish protection as that of a leather case and comes in a variety of
colour styles. A bespoke design to fit the exact contour of your Apple
2G iPod touch. It's also easy on the wallet (not to mention the
cows).
$27.95
The
Proporta Soft Feel Silicone Case (Apple 2G iPod touch) gives your 2G
iPod touch a hand in the strength (and style) stakes. Two tough,
protective skins not only prevent scratching, but also limit impact
damage. Available in a whole range of colour options.
$25.95
WaterField Designs Creates Cases for 2G iPod touch
and 4G nano
PR: WaterField Designs announces Ultrasuede Suede Jacket
cases for Apple's upgraded iPod nano and iPod touch announced Tuesday.
Each case is custom-fitted to the respective iPod dimensions and can
double as a screen cleaner. The ultra-slim cases are designed for
scratch protection, accessibility and style.
"I love the Suede Jacket because it's so simple; I can slip it
in my pants pocket and my iPod won't get dinged by my keys," explained
owner and chief designer, Gary Waterfield. "It's almost weightless and
adds no bulk."
The iPod Suede Jacket is a minimalist case offering elegant
protection from scratches without bulk. The basic Ultrasuede case fits
iPods snugly and doubles as a screen cleaner. The streamlined case
includes no visible branding. It is comes in classic black. They are
available with or without a mesh pocket for earbuds, a Bluetooth or a
charger. Ultrasuede is a patented, scratch-free, washable, microfiber
material - a more eco-friendly alternative to animal suede.
WaterField Designs also offers the The iPod Travel Case,
designed to keep the iPod and its accessories all together and
tangle-free. Custom-sized, padded, interior compartments keep gear
organized. Self-locking zippers ensure contents don't spill out
accidentally. Each of three offered sizes maintains a thin and compact
shape even when fully packed, so they are easy to stow in a work or day
bag. The Travel Case is available in six colors.
WaterField offers a variety of other cases for iPhones and iPods
including the Smart Case Slip, Flap and Clip, and the iPod Gear
Pouches.
The iPod touch 2G Suede Jacket: $9-$13. Available to order Now.
Shipping begins this Tuesday, September, 16, 2008. Color: Black.
The iPod nano 4G Suede Jacket: $7-$11. Available to order Now.
Shipping this Tuesday, September, 16. Color: Black. The iPod Travel
Case: $35-$39. Available and shipping Now. Three sizes: Small, Medium,
Large. Six colors: black, blue, brown, green, red, silver.
Link: Suede
Jackets
Amzer Jelly Cases: Dust-Free, Easy-Grip Protection
for the iPhone 3G
PR:
Sometimes, consumers just can't get a grip on their cell phones,
resulting in both externally and internally damaging drops. The sleek
look newer cell phone models have adopted creates a slippery situation
for phone owners. The Amzer Jelly Case for iPhone 3G is a soft and
flexible cover made of 100 percent premium silicone, patterned with a
smooth (not sticky, as with other protective materials) flexi-grip
design so 3G owners can avoid accidental drops.
"The Amzer Jelly Case prevents the owner's device from sliding on
soft or angled surfaces," mentioned Pallavi Dinesh, COO of Fommy.com.
"The formfitting, skintight cover also protects the exterior of the
phone from scratches and bumps. With regular skin types, phone owners
can easily apply covers that are interchangeable, but our 'jelly'
version of the skin offers a great grip and comfort of use in addition
to these."
Additionally, the synthetic rubber exterior of the case wards off
virtually all dust and dirt. Cutouts for the phone's buttons help keep
functionality consistent. The Amzer Jelly Case is available in 7
different colors: Lilly White, Grey, Hot Pink, Purple, Red, Sky Blue
and Jet Black.
Features:
- Brand new fashionable & flexible Jelly Case for iPhone 3G from
Amzer!
- 100% premium synthetic rubber with FlexiGrip pattern.
- This flexi-grip pattern protects your device from dropped or
bumped.
- Helps to prevent your device from sliding on soft surfaces or
angles surfaces.
- Cutouts give easy access to the functionality.
- Quality material used for this skin provides shield and avoid
scratches.
- This elegant skintight jelly case is perfectly manufactured to
fit.
- Installation and removal are very easy.
- Protect your iPhone 3G at all times.
- The FlexiGrip design technology provides you a comfortable grip at
the same time prevent your new iPhone 3G from accidental damages.
- Different colors available for your convenience.
Specifications:
- Material: Premium silicone material.
- Flexi-grip pattern
- Manufacturer: Amzer.
- Color: Clear
For more information or to order the Amzer Jelly Case for iPhone 3G,
which is available for $8.95 plus shipping, or one of Fommy.com's other
unique wireless accessories, visit:
Link: Amzer Jelly
Cases
OtterBox Launches iPhone 3G Protection
PR:
Wipe that bead of sweat from your forehead, the anticipation is over.
OtterBox releases iPhone 3G protection in the semi-rugged, drop and
scratchproof Defender Series design. Case available now in black and
coming soon in white, black/yellow and pink.
"Our waiting list for iPhone 3G cases has been building for months,"
said Curt Richardson, CEO, Otter Products LLC. "OtterBox engineers have
worked hard to introduce slim and durable protection for Apple's
hottest new device. Good design takes time and we wanted to guarantee
our customers quality."
The OtterBox for iPhone 3G Defender Series accommodates Apple iPhone
3G 8 GB and 16 GB with three slim-fit layers of protection*:
- Layer 1: Patented polycarbonate membrane protects against scratches
and dust intrusion while allowing for full use of the screen
- Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell
- Layer 3: Silicone skin to absorb impact and provide tactile
feel
Listening to customer suggestions about the first generation iPhone
Defender Series case, OtterBox improved the design of the iPhone 3G
case. The new case allows access to the silence switch, provides an
improved screen and better fit and feel. Sync/charge, home, sleep/wake,
volume, camera and headphone jack all remain accessible. Acoustical
vents safeguard the microphone and speakers from dust and dirt to allow
clear sound transmission. Case also includes a holster-style swivel
belt clip which converts into a display stand when device is inserted
screen out.
Purchase a black model today or wait for white, black/yellow or pink
models coming soon. Pink "Strength" cases benefit the Avon Breast
Cancer Crusade and 10% of the purchase price will be donated to support
access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on
the medically underserved.
For customers needing less extreme protection; OtterBox will soon be
offering a new silicone, skin-like case known as the Impact(TM) Series.
Case will combine durable silicone with impact absorbing features and
complete user interaction. Check www.otterbox.com in the coming weeks
for details and availability.
Looking for additional Apple protection? OtterBox offers cases for
the 1st generation iPhone, iPod nano 2nd and 3rd generation, classic
and touch devices.
Additional Information for iPhone 3G Defender Series:
Environmental Protection:
Drop and Shock: Protected up to 36" to plywood on concrete
Water Protection: This case is not fully protected against water
(not intended for protecting against damage caused by water)
Dust Intrusion: Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm
Colors:
- Layer 2 (plastic)/Layer 3 (silicone)
- Black/Black (available now)
- Yellow/Black (coming soon)
- White/White (coming soon)
- Pink/Pink (coming soon)
Belt clip - black
Dimensions: 4.87" X 2.77" X 0.8"
Weight (case only): 1.9 oz
Notes:
- Case not fully protected against water. Will provide some
added protection against drop, bump and dust. not intended for
protection against water intrusion.
- Case will not fit the 1st Generation iPhone. See website for 1st
Generation iPhone case.
Link: Otterbox
Marware CEO Premiere for iPod touch 2G
PR:
Marware Inc. has announced the CEO Premiere for the iPod touch 2G. The
secure flap holds the iPod securely in place, while the bottom is open
to make removal a breeze. The comfortable, built-in belt clip adds
little to no bulk. Side openings allow easy access to headphones port
and Sleep/Wake button. This slim profile case can be worn on a belt, or
placed in a briefcase or purse. The CEO Premiere also comes with
Marware's Lifetime Warranty.
Features:
- Soft leather with microfiber interior
- Works with new iPod touch 2G and original touch
- Stylish perforated design accents with contrast stitching
- Secure flap closure
- Built-in, slim belt clip for bag and belt attachment
- Easy access to headphones port and Sleep/Wake button
- INCLUDES: leather case with belt clip, clear protective film, and
microfiber cleaning cloth
- Marware's Lifetime Warranty
The CEO Premiere is available in perforated, black Nappa leather. It
retails for $34.99 and is available now for pre-order online. Please
visit the Marware website for updated shipping dates. Marware is a
leading provider of software and accessory solutions for iPhones,
iPods, and Apple notebooks.
Link:
CEO Premiere for iPod touch 2G
Marware CEO Flip Vue for iPod touch 2G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the CEO Flip Vue for iPod
touch 2G. Made of premium Nappa leather with a convenient flip-top,
this formfitting case provides a unique experience for even the most
critical user.
Elastic sides and the patented Multidapt system provide
one-of-a-kind versatility and will snugly accommodate the touch 2G
comfortably and safely. Headphones port, dock connector port, and
volume buttons are accessible whether the flip-top is open or
closed.
Features:
- Soft leather protection with microfiber interior
- Stylish perforated leather design accents with contrast
stitching
- Interchangeable Multidapt low-profile belt clip
- Elastic sides for a snug fit
- Easy in-case access to all touch functionality and buttons
- INCLUDES: leather flip case with Multidapt base, belt clip, clear
protective film, and microfiber cleaning cloth
- Marware's Lifetime Guarantee
The CEO Flip Vue is available in perforated, black Nappa leather. It
retails for $29.99 and is available now for pre-order online. Please
visit the Marware website for updated shipping dates. Marware is a
leading provider of software and accessory solutions for Apple iPhones,
iPods, and Notebooks.
Link:
CEO Flip Vue for iPod touch 2G
Marware CEO Sleeve for iPod touch 2G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the CEO Sleeve for the Apple
iPod touch 2G. Constructed of soft Nappa leather, the CEO Sleeve works
well on a belt or in a purse or bag. The elastic siding provides a snug
fit, while the open top provides quick and easy iPod touch access.
Marware's patented Multidapt low-profile belt clip is comfortable,
convenient, interchangeable, and removable. The open top design allows
full access to the headphones port. The CEO Sleeve also comes with
Marware's Lifetime Warranty.
Features:
- Soft leather protection with microfiber interior
- Works with both iPod touch 2G and original touch
- Stylish perforated design accents with contrast stitching
- Interchangeable Multidapt low-profile belt clip
- Elastic sides for a snug fit
- INCLUDES: leather sleeve with Multidapt base, belt clip, clear
protective film, and microfiber cleaning cloth
- Marware's Lifetime Guarantee
The CEO Sleeve is available in black perforated Nappa leather with
contrast stitching. It retails for $24.99 and is available now for
pre-order online. Please check their website for updated shipping
dates. Marware is a leading provider of software and accessory
solutions for Apple iPhones, iPods, and Notebooks.
Link:
CEO Sleeve for iPod touch 2G
