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News, Reviews, & Opinion
LiquidKeyboard Promises Easier iPad Typing
ZDNet Australia's Colin Ho reports that researchers at the
University of Technology, Sydney, have developed a keyboard that lets
users type faster on touchscreen devices like the iPad.
The prototype LiquidKeyboard for iPad software is essentially a
virtual keyboard that appears underneath a user's fingertips,
corresponding to hand size and finger positions that works by sensing
the user's finger position and creating a fluid, Qwerty keyboard
underneath. The keyboard also responds to position and pressure.
Link: Virtual Keyboard
Promises Easier iPad Typing
Link:
Fluid Keys Make iPad Touch Typing Breezy
What to Do When (Not If) Your 6G iPod nano
Fails
ZDNet 's David Gewirtz says:
"Given the failure reports for the iPod nano, it's disappointing
that Apple can't be bothered to replace their failed units with new
devices....
"I don't hate Apple. But, I can say, quite honestly, that Apple
continually finds new ways to be annoying.
"This time, it's my wife's brand-new, less-than-two-months-old iPod
nano...."
Link:
What to Do When Your Brand-new iPod nano Fails . . . and It
Will
Higher Resolution iPad 2 to Sport 4-core Chip?
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"...iPad 2 speculation has gone into overdrive, with talk of a
dual-core processor and a quadrupling of the 10.1in display's pixel
count.
"That would take the tablet's screen resolution to a whopping 2048 x
1536, higher than a full HD TV. The rumour started with a piece on
Engadget claiming the iPad 2 will sport a rather higher resolution than
the current version does."
Link: Raised Res iPad
2 to Sport Four-core Chip?
Next iPod touch Could Feature 3D Display
Japanese Website Macotakara's Taiyo Fujii reports:
"According to a source of a company which provides LCDs to Apple,
they seem to begin preparing to manufacture small glasses-free 3D LCD
panels for iPod touch.
"This 3D LCD panel looks similar to Sharp Corp's LCD which is
capable for displaying 3D image without glasses on vertical and
horizontal position. http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/100402-a.html
"Though Apple had already been granted a patent for a
'Three-dimensional display system' at 2006 and many other patents
related on 3D technology, actual product is not released yet.
"Moreover,
'Systems and methods for adjusting a display based on the user's
position' published in 2008 shows Apple's study for 3D display
system shows 3D view with tracking user's position by camera.
"Small 3D LCD and these patents suggest that the next iPod probably
has glasses-free 3D LCD which is capable viewing interactive 3D objects
with tracking users, probably identified by face recognition feature,
position by the FaceTime camera and 3D integrated gaming interface.
Link: Next iPod touch
Could Feature 3D Display
iPad Early Adopters Prefer Free Content, Not Ready
to Pay for Entertainment
PR: The iPad is still a ways off from becoming a "fourth
screen" and creating new revenue streams for content providers,
according to Knowledge Networks' How People Use Media: iPads - A
First Look report. A survey of 205 iPad owners and users, the
report found early adopters are not demonstrating unique behaviors: six
of the seven top reported activities are familiar ones, like web
surfing and email.
How People Use Media: iPads provides marketers and
researchers with unique insight on how to best appeal to versed iPad
users, who typically use the devices often. In fact, 76% of owners use
the iPad at least five days a week, while 55% of owners use the device
everyday (sic).
But these users are bringing the free Internet mindset to the iPad,
and only a small portion of users is willing to pay for content. This
is a trend worth watching, as the iPad's advertising-supported media
model is different from that of any other medium, since iPad users must
register with iTunes, providing much personally identifiable
information through a pay wall. At the same time, Apple's iAd
advertising product can be purchased only through Apple, creating an
entirely different advertising ecosystem that industry analysts are
watching closely.
"Early adopters are currently treating the iPad as an Internet
appliance," says David Tice, Vice President, Group Account Director at
Knowledge Networks and leader of The Home Technology Monitor™
research program. "Media companies and other content creators cannot
assume that iPod behaviors purchasing content for the device - will be
immediately transferred to the iPad. In our early-adopter group, we
saw, by nearly a 6-to-1 ratio, that iPad users prefer an ad-supported
model over a pay model to gain access to content. At this point, a
pay-for-content model would appeal only to a niche group of
consumers."
Ironically, users who watch TV episodes or movies on their iPads
most often learn about them from branded apps created by services like
YouTube, Netflix, and SlingBox. Word-of-mouth, typically the most
common information source, came in second in the survey, just ahead of
TV network apps, with iTunes mentioned less.
The study also shows that 70% of iPad owners/users have read an
ebook on the device; 61% an electronic magazine or journal; and 51 have
watched network TV programs. Yet only 13% of iPad owner/users would be
willing to pay extra for an iPad-friendly version of a magazine or TV
show they already pay for in its standard format (such as a cable or
magazine subscription).
The Home Technology Monitor provides the most authoritative
information on the media technologies consumers have access to - from
smartphones to Internet-enabled TVs; its reports draw on trend data
from 1981 to the present, as well as KN's How People Use approach to
studying consumers' interactions with media.
Link:
Study Demonstrates iPad Early Adopters Prefer Free Content
Apps & Services
101 Valentine's Gifts iPad App
PR: 2 For Life Media Inc. announces the release of 101
Valentine's Gifts 1.0 app on the App Store. This app by 2 for Couples
is the key to unlocking your sweetie's heart this Valentine's, with
more than 100 unique - and sexy - gifts to choose from.
"The 2 team has thought beyond the (candy) box this
Valentine's. We selected these ideas from hundreds of products we
reviewed to bring the very best bets to warm your lover's heart this
Valentine's Day" says 101 Valentine's Gifts editor Kellie Davenport.
"From affordable to aspirational, naughty to nice, we've got something
to suit your sweetheart."
101 Valentine's Gifts app is 99 cents, and also includes cozy gift
ideas perfect for snuggling up together, and some colorful options
that'll have you both looking on the bright side this February 14th.
The app features a range of national retailers - Victoria's Secret,
Tiffany, Lush - and a number of independent brands, such as Fred Flare,
Junk Food Clothing and Roberta Chiarella. Just tap the gift link to
open an in-app browser to get more info or purchase the item. And If
you like any of the gifts for yourself, you can send your faves by
email or Facebook to share with your partner as a nudge nudge nudge
this Valentine's.
"Here at 2, we've always got our finger on the pulse of everything
relationship. We know what makes couples tick. That's why we're tickled
pink to launch an affordable app for this red-hot holiday," adds 2 For
Life Media Inc. President Diane Hall. "This marks the 7th app 2 for
Couples has released for iPad to bring unique information, ideas and
inspiration for couples - included in the 2 suite of apps are two 2 for
Couples digital issues, Party Tricks, Ultimate Wedding Planner, 101
Bridal Gowns and 101 Amazing Gifts."
101 Valentine's Gifts could be the best 99 cents you can spend on
your relationship at Valentine's. For more Valentine's ideas, including
date night tips, how to buy lingerie, romantic recipes and so much
more, visit 2 for Couples online.
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPad
- Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later
- 26 MB
101 Valentine's Gifts 1.0 is 99¢ (or equivalent amount in other
currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store
in the Lifestyle category.
Link: 101 Valentine's
Gifts (download
link)
New Version of AAA TripTik Mobile App Makes it Easy
to Share Directions
PR: AAA has
released version 1.2 of the popular AAA TripTik Mobile app for Apple
iPhone users. The free app now combines the ability to download
pre-planned trips with all of the tools needed for on-the-go travel
planning.
Travelers can design routes with TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com
to include stops at AAA Diamond Rated and Approved lodgings and
restaurants, attractions or any location along the way. Saved routes
will generate a unique AAA TripTik ID to be used with the app to
download the map and directions. The ID can be shared with multiple
users and the entire downloaded route can be modified on the iPhone as
needed. (Saving routes requires registration on AAA.com and may require
AAA membership.)
The new
Edit Trip feature in the app allows the addition and deletion of points
of interest and the ability to modify the order of stopovers and origin
and destination points. This feature also includes the ability to
clear, save and access previously-downloaded trips.
"Making AAA online travel planning mobile and sharable was our most
requested enhancement," says Bill Wood, managing director, AAA Travel
Publishing. "'The TripTik Mobile app now provides travelers access to
pre-planned itineraries as well as the ability to route as they
go."
The AAA TripTik Mobile app is a GPS-based, mobile version of
AAA.com's TripTik Travel Planner, and similarly shows and spots AAA
Approved hotels and restaurants, attractions, AAA offices and other
points of interest near a user's location. Hotel information includes
AAA's Diamond Ratings based on professional in-person inspections and
the option to call for reservations with the touch of a button.
It's the only free iPhone app that displays gas station locations
with updated fuel prices from gas station data. A new preference has
also been added to the "Settings" page allowing users to select
stations based on a preferred fuel grade.
AAA TripTik Mobile also provides
maps and turn-by-turn directions to other AAA points of interest
including local events, AAA offices and Approved Auto Repair facilities
as well as user-entered addresses. The app recalculates routes and
provides voice guidance for the next maneuver at the press of a button
or a shake of the iPhone.
AAA TripTik Mobile uses the latest mapping data from the navigation
market leader NAVTEQ. Full functionality on iPod Touch and non-3G iPad
devices requires uninterrupted WiFi access.
AAA TripTik Mobile is the third free iPhone app offered by AAA. The
AAA Discounts app, which has been downloaded more than 900,000 times,
also uses GPS technology to display nearby AAA Show Your Card &
Save locations. AAA Roadside enables AAA members who require emergency
road service to send their location, vehicle description and breakdown
details directly to AAA. The apps are available for download at the
iTunes Store.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization,
AAA provides nearly 52 million members with travel, insurance,
financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902,
the not-for-profit, fully taxpaying AAA has been a leader and advocate
for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited
on the Internet at http://AAA.com
Link: AAA TripTik
Mobile (download
link)
WordPerfect Viewer for iOS: View, Share, and Store
WordPerfect Documents
PR: Corel has introduced Corel WordPerfect Viewer,
for viewing, sharing, and storing WordPerfect documents on the iPhone
and iPad. With a simple tap, mobile users can conveniently read
WordPerfect email attachments and downloaded files on the fly,
eliminating the need to go back to their desktops to retrieve important
information.
Corel WordPerfect Viewer Helps Users Be More Productive, Even on
the Go
iPhone and iPad users can now view, share and store their
WordPerfect documents with Corel WordPerfect Viewer. The added ability
to search and bookmark WordPerfect files enables users to quickly take
care of simple tasks and access important information when needed.
Corel WordPerfect Viewer Features
- View, scan, and store WordPerfect documents conveniently on your
iPhone or iPad
- Drag and drop files into WordPerfect Viewer from iTunes or send
them directly to the viewer from other applications, for example,
iPhone email client and DropBox
- Search, bookmark, and email files that have automatically been
converted to formats that your iPhone or iPad can display
- Export converted files to any other program registered to handle
HTML files
- Easily retrieve WordPerfect attachments without the need to go back
to your desktop
"Discovering new ways to help our users save time and be as
productive as possible is always top of mind for us when we're
developing new tools. With people on the go more than ever before, we
understood that it was important that our users have access to their
files on their mobile devices so they can stay up-to-date and keep
important projects moving." says Jay Larock, Director of Office
Productivity at Corel.
Corel WordPerfect Viewer is available in English in various markets
worldwide and is priced at $4.99 for the iPhone version and $5.99 for
the iPad version in the US and Canada from Apple's App Store.
WordPerfect Viewer for the iPhone
Take WordPerfect with you on your iPhone! When you're on the move,
WordPerfect Viewer gives you the freedom to keep business moving
wherever you go. Read WordPerfect email attachments and downloaded
files with a simple tap. Need to scan a document quickly? Use the
search feature to find relevant sections by keyword. You can also
bookmark files, email converted files and export an HTML version. Store
files to view later without going back to your email and swipe to
delete documents. No matter where you are, you're always in touch with
important information thanks to WordPerfect Viewer.
$4.99
System Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
WordPerfect Viewer for the iPad
Take WordPerfect with you on your iPad When you're on the
move, WordPerfect Viewer gives you the freedom to keep business moving
wherever you go. Read WordPerfect email attachments and downloaded
files with a simple tap. Need to scan a document quickly? Use the
search feature to find relevant sections by keyword. You can also
bookmark files, email converted files and export an HTML version. Store
files to view later without going back to your email and swipe to
delete documents. No matter where you are, you're always in touch with
important information thanks to WordPerfect Viewer!
$5.99
System Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or
later
Editor's note: As a longtime Mac user (and non-Windows user), I
didn't realize WordPerfect was still alive and well. Corel stopped all
Mac development
in 2004 and stated at the time that it had no intention of producing
WordPerfect for OS X. At that time, WordPerfect for Mac had been
stagnant at version 3.5e for seven years. For more on WordPerfect 3.5e
for Mac, see High-End Word Processing for a
Low-End Price: Free. dk
Link: WordPerfect Viewer
for the iPhone (download
link)
Link: WordPerfect Viewer for the
iPad (download
link)
Professional Camera 1.0 for iPhone and 4G iPod
touch
PR: SolarSpark Productions introduces Professional Camera 1.0
for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Professional Camera allows the user
access all the raw and low-level features of the iPhone and iPod touch
camera hardware. Thanks for the iPhone 4 camera lens and Crystal Zoom
digital image processing technology, crisp and clear images can still
result from up to 7x zoom. Through the advanced and easy to use
interface, the followings can be achieved with minimal effort:
- Ability to separate Point of Focus and Point of Exposure
- White Balance Adjustment
- Crystal Zoom (C) Advanced Image Post-Processing delivers you the
best picture even at 7.0x Zoom
- Video recording in the Low / Mid / High / 480p / 720 p quality
- Displays Power and Peak volume levels in video recording mode
- Torch Mode to let you record videos even in the darkest
environments.
- Auto or Manual Mirror Modes
- Manually flip or rotate orientation of snaps and recordings
- Professional LCD Interface
- Single Tap to select Point of Focus
- Double Tap to select Point of Exposure
- Triple Tap to use Auto Focus and Exposure
- Choose one of Low, Med, High, 480p or 720p presets to enable video
recording
Device Requirements:
- iPhone and iPod touch (4th Gen)
- Requires iOS 4.0 or later
- 0.8 MB
Professional Camera 1.0 is $1.99 (or equivalent amount in other
currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store
in the Photography category.
Link: Professional
Camera (download
link)
Read the Good News Bible on Your iPhone and
iPad
PR:
The Good News Bible has sold over 150 million copies worldwide,
standing out as the first Bible translation to be both easy to read and
authoritative. In this graphically rich interactive app you can easily
select verses or search by keywords, as well as add notes and bookmark
favourite passages within the Old and New Testament.
The Good
News Bible app is also packed with incredible added extras, including a
scrolling illustrated Timeline of the Bible, a Who's Who guide for over
50 central figures, a fun quiz to test your knowledge, inspirational
passages to post to Facebook, an introductory reading plan and a
comprehensive dictionary of the Bible to clarify terms used, each
available simply at the touch of a button. Such incredible
functionality, combined with an intuitive design and easy-to-follow
format, make this app superior to any other of its kind. Whether you
are new to the Bible and its teachings or just want a fresh look at the
text, the Good News Bible app is a fully interactive way in which to
engage with the Bible and increase your understanding.
Features include:
- Verse selector and the Full Good News Bible text
- Instant Bible Search
- Introductory Reading Plan
- Scrolling illustrated Timeline with details of Events and
Characters
- Who's Who with 52 character profiles of Bible figures
Maps from
the life and times of the Bible- Comprehensive 1800 term Bible Dictionary
- Hundreds of inspiring spiritual Quotations based on the Bible
- 60 Fun Quizzes on figures and themes
- Add Notes & Bookmarks
- Post to Facebook
- Quick access - Prayers from the bible
- Quick access - Miracles of Jesus
- Quick access - Parables of Jesus
- Quick access - Passages for occasions
- Quick access - Passages to soothe and inspire
- Quick access - Section on the relevance of Bible to the modern
times
- Plus a whole lot more
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.0 or later
- 56.1 MB
The Good News Bible 1.2 is $6.99 (or equivalent amount in other
currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store
in the Books category. A Lite Version of the Good News Bible is also
available for $1.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies).
Link: Good News
Bible (download link:
Good News Bible and
Good News Bible Lite)
You Gotta See This! Photo App
PR: Boinx Software announces the availability of You Gotta
See This! 1.2, the company's popular panography photo app for the
iPhone. Version 1.2 amplifies usability with increased speed and
enhanced rendering capabilities. If you decide that the image you shot
wasn't quite right, rendering can now be cancelled mid-process and you
can return to camera mode to capture a better shot. In addition, if you
accidentally hit the camera button during the capture process, you will
no longer lose the previous recording. Lastly, two brand new indicators
appear in the camera view, flashlight and focus/exposure lock, to help
you capture the perfect photo in any environment.
You
Gotta See This! is available now at a promotional sale price of
99¢ (from regular price of $1.99 ). On January 17th, the price
will return to $1.99 . To download the App, please visit the iPhone App
Store.
Recently named "App of the Day," and "Top App for August" by MSN
Tech & Gadget UK, You Gotta See This! has been topping-charts and
wowing users all over the world. "You Gotta See This! is an app you can
have fun with at concerts, scenic landmarks, and other places that you
wish to share with family and friends," iPhone Life Magazine.
Designed originally for iPhone 4 technology, You Gotta See This!
gives users the ability to choose between the two built-in cameras, hit
record, point, and capture their surroundings in an arbitrary, 3D
fashion for eye-catching results.
Two significant features are utilized; the option to use either of
the two cameras, and the new gyroscope technology, now available in the
iPod touch 4th Generation, which determines the camera orientation for
recording and positioning each captured image on a flat surface to
create dreamlike spatial collages. The images come together to create
seemingly abstract and emotionally stimulating visual representations
of everyday atmospheres. Choose among six amazing themes, including
"Polaroid Stone," "Light Table Collage," "Vintage Fabric," "Magic
Light," "Dark Table Collage," and "Wall of Tiles," to give your images
an added artistic and personal flair.
Once your images are displayed, You Gotta See This! allows users to
share their collages with friends via Twitter, Facebook or e-mail, or
simply save to your iPhone camera roll for later presentation.
Until Jan 17th 2011, the app is available at the promotional price
of 99¢; after that the price will revert to the original
$1.99.
Link: You Gotta
See This! (download
link)
SysMoni for iOS: Activity, System, and Hardware
Monitor for iPhone/iPod touch
PR: Power App GmbH announces SysMoni 1.0 for iPhone and iPod
touch, their app that provides complete activity, system, and hardware
monitoring. Similar in function to the Mac OS X Activity Monitor
application, SysMoni provides real-time information about currently
running processes, current OS, CPU usage, computer and iOS devices IP
addresses, disk capacity and usage, memory capacity and usage, bus
speed, and CPU speed. The app provides a detailed view of vital
statistics and parameters normally hidden from the user. Especially
valuable for troubleshooting, the app can easily identify which process
may be interfering with others.
Feature Highlights:
- CPU speed
- Bus speed
- Total memory/free memory
- Total and free disk space
- Mac and IP address
- CPU information
- Operating System information
- Currently running processes
"SysMoni 1.0 is a simple, convenient app for getting a look inside
at the inner workings of any iPhone or iPod touch," stated Christian
Schaffner, owner of Power App GmbH.
Device Requirements:
- iPhone or iPod touch
- iOS 3.2 or later (iOS 4 tested)
- 1.6 MB
SysMoni 1.0 is 99¢ and available worldwide through the App
Store in the Utilities category. Review copies are available upon
request.
Link: SysMoni (download
link)
PressReader for iPad Delivers a Stunning 1,700
Newspapers Daily
PR: The latest version of PressReader, optimized for the
Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, is now available for download from
the iTunes App Store. Developed by NewspaperDirect Inc., the world
leader in multichannel newspaper and magazine content distribution, the
latest version of PressReader for Apple iOS delivers a visually
stunning experience for reading the more than 1,700 newspapers and
magazines from 93 countries that are available on PressDisplay.com.
PressReader Version 2.2 is compatible with iOS 4.2, sports a bold,
new look and incorporates dozens of user requests, including: faster
page navigation; smoother operation; and simplified downloading and
auto-delivery of newspaper subscriptions.
Other features added in this version:
- Faster zooming in graphics mode
- Ability to wirelessly print full pages and individual articles to
AirPrint-enabled printers
- Improved message format when sharing an article via Facebook
- New Library Shelf view that mimics a traditional newsstand
- Improved navigation using section and page slider
- Ability to automatically remove publications after 60 days (users
can still choose to automatically remove issues after 3, 7, 14, and 30
days, or choose not to automatically remove old publications).
- Simplified automatic delivery of newspapers
- Ability to exclude downloaded publications when backing up via
iTunes
- Numerous performance and stability improvements to enhance the
browsing experience
"NewspaperDirect is committed to continually innovating in mobile
application development to create an immersive user experience second
to none - both for readers and for our publishers, a number of whom
white-label the app for their brand-loyal subscribers," says Alex
Kroogman, CEO of NewspaperDirect. "This highly anticipated upgrade of
PressReader is just the first step in the evolution of a whole new
design for the product, which will not only form the basis of our iPad
app, but will be the platform for all the new tablets hitting the
market in coming months."
PressReader for Apple iOS (supporting Apple iPad, Apple iPhone, and
Apple iPod Touch) is available as a free download from the iTunes
AppStore. Most individual newspapers and magazines can then be
purchased for 99¢ per issue, or downloaded in conjunction with a
paid subscription on PressDisplay.com. For details on subscription
pricing, visit our subscription page. A version of PressReader for
Android phones and tablets is also available.
PressReader is the companion offline application for the world's
largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, PressDisplay.com.
PressReader delivers the most authentic newspaper-reading experience on
PCs, Macs, smartphones, Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, and
iPad), BlackBerry devices, and the latest Android handhelds and
tablets.
With PressReader, you can hold a digital edition of your favorite
publication in your hands and read it from cover to cover, just the way
the title was printed with no compromises in quality, fidelity or
content. Enjoy your favorite daily read from a selection of more than
1,700 newspapers and magazines from 93 countries in 48 languages.
With PressReader, you can:
- Set up an automated subscription to your favorite titles
- Flip pages like you're reading a real publication
- Pan, zoom or rotate pages, articles and photos and view in stunning
clarity.
- Easily navigate publications using thumbnails or tables of
contents
- Open full articles in easy-to-read text view
- Sit back and listen to the publication using on-demand audio
- Search online across titles and select the title you wish to
download
- Share articles by email
- Authorize PressReader as part of your PressDisplay.com
subscription
Link: PressReader (download
link)
Drive Safer with AlchemAid's Touch-Free Note
Taking
PR: Currently, eight states have laws prohibiting drivers
from using any handheld cellular phones while driving including
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York,
Oregon, Washington, DC, and the Virgin Islands. In addition, thirty
states have bans on text messaging, of which 11 enacted these laws in
2010. Mobile phone application developers are beginning to get smarter
- making applications that require little or no use of the hands to
operate. App developers have been creating applications that assist in
handsfree text messaging and social updates while driving as well as
voice-activated searching and phone calls.
There are several applications available for
the iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and Windows mobile platforms that
assist in handsfree text-messaging while driving. Handsfree systems are
available on several platforms and are becoming increasingly popular
among phone users and application developer, AlchemAid, has created an
application that takes handsfree one step further - offering the
handsfree note taking application NoteMinder, launching in the iPhone
App Store this month. NoteMinder lets users record notes, phone
numbers, and other important information by simply shaking the phone to
record and shaking again to stop the recording. The message is then
automatically sent to a preselected email address that users set up on
their first use of the application.
NoteMinder's Bluetooth headset functionality allows users to record
notes and memos without ever putting a phone to an ear and additional
functionality offers a press and hold to record feature in addition to
text and multimedia messaging capabilities, text notes, and multiple
send options. Users that prefer a simpler option can download the free
NoteMinder Lite application that offers less functionality and
one-touch operation to record and send a note or memo.
When asked about the inspiration for NoteMinder, founder of
AlchemAid, David Cornblatt, stated, "Those thoughts and ideas that come
to you at 3:00 AM or while driving in the car are sometimes really
important ideas and it's a task to remember them once the initial
thought has passed. Staying organized is important to staying happy and
relaxed, but with all of the things that we do in a day and the busy
lifestyles we keep, it's hard to stay organized without a little
support. NoteMinder is a way to record all of the thoughts and notes
throughout the day that are important."
The company is very clear about its mission with NoteMinder. The
application is not made to replace productivity and organizational
tools with features like calendars, sync, and task management. It's
designed to increase the use of productivity and organizational tools
by ensuring that all of the thoughts, ideas, dates, reminders, and
phone numbers throughout the day get recorded. Users can take advantage
of this functionality by placing those notes and reminders into their
organizational products at the end of the day or whenever the timing is
more convenient.
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.2 or later (iOS 4.0 Tested)
- 5.1 MB
For a limited time, NoteMinder 1.0 is offered at the discounted
price of 99¢ (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and
available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the
Productivity category. NoteMinder Lite is available as a free
release.
Link: NoteMinder (download links:
NoteMinder and
NoteMinder Lite)
Notes Plus for iPad Soon to Feature Handwriting
Recognition
PR: Viet Tran, the independent mobile application developer
behind Notes Plus has announced plans to implement WritePad SDK, a
handwriting recognition engine developed by PhatWare Corp., into
upcoming versions of Notes Plus. This feature will enable Notes Plus
users to take their Note Taking experience to the next level as the app
will be able to generate content, mathematical solutions, and web
pages, among many other things directly from what they write. Though
PhatWare Corp. integrated versions of Notes Plus have yet to become
available to consumers and existing Notes Plus users both developers
are actively working to bring this additional functionality to market
in the near future.
Due to become available during the second quarter of 2011, PhatWare
Corp. WritePad SDK integration with Notes Plus is poised to propel the
application to finally become a fully complete, well rounded note
taking resource. Handwriting recognition capabilities of WritePad SDK
are perfectly tailored for use within applications such as Notes Plus
as it allows users to utilize their own handwritten content as an
interactive springboard for interactive research and problem solving in
real-time. This technology will be as fully engrained within Notes Plus
as possible in part because of PhatWare Corp's level of involvement.
Partnering with Notes Plus, PhatWare Corp. will receive a $2.00 royalty
for every application utilizing its technology which is sold. This has
the distinct implication of ensuring that PhatWare Corp's recognition
engine will not simply be utilized by Notes Plus but indeed showcased
as both developers will be highly invested in its successful
implementation. Furthermore,this long-awaited addition will propel
Notes Plus to become competitive at the highest levels of its market,
comparable in usability and features to applications such as
Microsoft's OneNote and Apple's own Newton.
To give a few concrete examples of the boundless nature of WritePad
SDK's functionality; if a user needs to find out what eleven divided by
three is, they simply write "11 / 3 = ?" by hand. Notes Plus will then
utilize PhatWare Corp's recognition engine to calculate this problem
and provide users with the answer. Likewise, if a Notes Plus user
quickly needs to visit a given web page to review content, they will be
able to simply write that site's URL by hand and the app will
automatically bring up it up to be browsed and reviewed. To note, these
are only two specific examples of Notes Plus' forthcoming WritePad SDK
enabled capabilities. The practical uses of this technology stretch far
beyond the spectrum of these outlined situations. Every iteration of
Notes Plus has been designed with performance and usability as its
chief concerns; with constant attention to its user's needs, the
application has grown leaps and bounds with each of its new versions.
The implementation of WritePad SDK technology into Notes Plus is simply
another step in the app's continuous progression and improvement.
Link: Notes Plus for
iPad (download
link)
Accessories
NewerTech Pad Protector Leather Folio for
iPad
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech), a leading developer
of Macintosh, PC, iPod, iPhone, and iPad performance upgrades and
accessories, announced today The Pad Protector, a stylish, lightweight
leather folio/carrying case for the Apple iPad. Available in choice of
red or black leather, The Pad Protector keeps an iPad looking like new
while providing enhanced typing and viewing comfort along with full
access to all ports and controls.
High Style Meets Practical Functionality
The Pad Protector features a rich leather cover that discreetly
fastens with the use of high-powered slimline magnets. Inside, smooth
suede leather provides a scratch-free environment for an iPad. A top
loading, full-framed holder keeps the iPad in place while allowing
complete access to all ports and controls. A unique magnetized flap
acts like a "kickstand", so the iPad can be positioned for optimum
viewing and typing comfort. Weighing only 7.8 ounces and including a
bonus screen protector, The Pad Protector is the complete style and
function solution to enhance the fast paced mobile life.
Product Highlights
- Designed to improve typing and viewing comfort
- Supports vertical and horizontal viewing
- Protects iPad while offering full access to all ports and
controls
- Soft suede lining
- Screen protector included
- Lightweight 7.8 ounces
"This is an attractive, high quality, yet highly affordable addition
to our acclaimed line of protective cases for the iPad," says Grant
Dahlke, Brand Manager, Newer Technology, Inc. "iPad owners desiring a
full featured leather folio under $25 should look no further than The
Pad Protector."
The Pad Protector is available immediately for $24.95 MSRP from
NewerTech's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC), as well
as through the retail channel, and comes with a one year NewerTech
warranty.
Link: Pad Protector
Leather Folio
The Case for an iPad to Be Handled with Love
PR: Handle With Love announces the launch of its new product,
a stylish and unique Apple iPad case that is handcrafted in Australia.
Made from a durable fabric, the cover acts as armor to protect iPads
from the nicks, scratches, dirt, and grime that often come with
everyday use.
The case is more than just a simple
iPad screen protector: by flipping the lid over, it can be adjusted
into a stand with several positions that create perfect viewing angles
for use in bed, on a plane or a desk. The iPad covers by Handle With
Love start at a price of $99, and come in two different colors
initially, a cream-colored sandy linen and a classic black, and both
feature a red lift strap.
It looks both classic and modern, fitting in seamlessly with and
enhancing the iPad's design. It feels smooth in customers hands thanks
to the high-quality fabric material that will not sweat. Customers can
personalize their cases to express themselves or write a message to
their loved ones as a gift with custom inscriptions on the spine.
"With over seven million iPads in consumers hands, people feel a
growing need to protect their valuable tablets and they are looking for
accessories that will do that. We really do handle every single case
with love before we ship it to customers. Our covers are handmade in
Australia, and we personally ensure a high level of quality for each
one before we sell it. So far, the feedback from our customers has been
overwhelmingly positive," says Handle With Love founder Jindou Lee.
Link: Handle
With Love
Caze Zero 5 Slim Matte Case for iPhone 4
PR: Caze announces the Zero 5 UltraThin Matte case, a new
addition to its World's Thinnest transparent case for iPhone 4. Zero 5
Matte for iPhone 4 has a soft matte finish coating which gives a good
grip and nice feel for your hands. It's sleek, slim and formfitting. It
features a 0.5mm thinness and is made of lightweight, ultra strong and
durable GRILAMID TR-90 material. It protects the sides of the iPhone by
protruding slightly above the front screen. The back of the case has a
precise cutout for the iPhone's camera and flash. To ensure your iPhone
receives 360 degree protection, a front and back films are
provided.
Searching for a case that would protect your iPhone 4 and
would retain its slim form and sleek appearance? That's what Caze Zero
5 (0.5mm) iPhone 4 Case does. As the name implies, Zero 5 (0.5mm) is
very slim and only has 0.5mm wall thickness. It is made of GRILAMID
TR-90 which is a plastic polymer commonly used in the creation of sport
and other impact-resistant eyewear frames. TR-90-made products are
lightweight, remarkably tough, highly flexible, shatterproof and highly
resistant to UV damage. Besides its super slim body that measures only
0.5mm in thickness, Zero 5 is durable and offers comprehensive
protection to your iPhone. It has complete access to all the main ports
and buttons of your device. Charging has also never been easy since you
do not have to remove the case.
Zero 5 (0.5mm) is a bit raised to protect your screen from further
scratches when laid on a flat surface. To ensure all-around protection,
the package comes with a free screen protection kit (front & back
films) for added shield.
If you want to preserve the original look of your iPhone 4, you can
order at iPhoneCaze website. Colors obtainable for now are clear, grey,
blue and pink. Aside from the almost unnoticeable case, you will get a
front and back protector set, a microfiber cloth and a wallet size
iPhone stand.
Link: Zero 5 Slim Matte
Case for iPhone 4
