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News, Reviews, & Opinion
The Competition
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPad More Widely Used More Than Linux
Pingdom says that market share numbers from Statcounter based on
visitor statistics averaged from 3+ million websites (excluding mobile
phones and other small-screen devices, so the iPhone and iPod touch are
not included) reveal that iOS for iPad has managed to pass Linux as a
"desktop" OS - and in fact did so back around December.
Link: The iPad Already
Used More Than Linux
The iPad's Appeal to Older Users
US News' Philip Moeller reports that the iPad is becoming
increasingly popular among older folks to access news websites and
games, YouTube, and Internet fare like how-to demonstrations for crafts
and cooking recipes, and also to keep in touch with family members,
noting that there is now a community book club that's beginning to
experiment with iPads for audio books as well as the device's ability
to let users increase the type sizes of eBooks to enhance
legibility.
Moeller notes that early research on how seniors use the iPad finds
older consumers are mainly drawn to its ease-of-use benefits, and not
so much by the more advanced apps and other trendy features often
emphasized in iPad reviews. While features like the iPad coming loaded
with an array of tools helpful to users who are hearing and/or
vision-impaired, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text features
that could be extremely useful to seniors, their complexity often
renders them beyond the capability - and perhaps even the interest - of
older users.
Moeller cites another study that found limited interest for seniors
in the fact that the iPad was portable, since most users in that
demographic don't travel much. Interestingly, no participants in that
survey expressed much interest in using the iPad for health or wellness
applications.
Link: Why the iPad
Appeals to Older Users
iPad 3 Likely to Feature Quad-Core Processor
T3's Matt Hill says Sports Interactive director and Football Manager
boss Miles Jacobson has told T3 that Apple's iPad 3 will have to
feature a quadcore processor in order to keep up with the tablet
competition, as well as the graphic-card equivalent to Nvidia's 8700
series, noting that Sports Interactives best-selling football
management game is finally available on Apple's iPad platform from the
App Store.
Publisher's note: It's probably a lot easier and smarter to design a
3- or 4-core CPU running at 1 GHz to keep things cool and limit energy
consumption vs. clocking the CPU to 1.5 or 2.0 GHz. dk
Link: iPad 3 Likely to
Feature Quadcore Processor
The Competition
Sony Announces iPad Challenger Tablets Running
Android 3.0
PR: Sony Corporation has announced its new Sony Tablet that
it claims delivers the perfect combination of hardware, content and
network with seamless usability for a high-quality, engaging
entertainment experience. Based on decades of engineering heritage,
Sony has developed two tablets, the first, codenamed S1, is optimized
for rich media entertainment, while the second, provisionally S2, is
oriented toward mobile communication and entertainment. Sony's Tablet
computers will become available in the global market starting in fall
2011.
Sony Tablet S1 and S2 concepts.
The Sony Tablet is equipped with the latest Android 3.0 OS, which is
designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets.
Both tablets are WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible, with users able to
browse the Internet or check email, and also smoothly access digital
content including videos, games, and books through Sony's premium
network services and more, on-the-go at any time.
S1 has a 9.4" display for cruising the Web and displaying rich
content on a large screen. Its off-center of gravity design is claimed
to realize stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability
and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.
S2 has two 5.5" displays that can be folded clamshell-wise for easy
portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its unprecedented dual
screen presentation and usability allows its displays to be combined
and used as a large screen or for different functions, such as playing
video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other or
checking email on one screen and using the other as a soft
keyboard.
"Sony Tablet delivers an entertainment experience where users can
enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time. Were aiming to create
a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including Sony Tablet
with content and network," says Kunimasa Suzuki, Corporate Executive,
SVP, and Deputy President of Consumer Products & Services
Group.
"Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform with a new
holographic user interface that is designed from the ground up for
devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. I'm excited
about Sony Tablet as it will further spur the development of
applications and network offerings which users are looking for,"
comments Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Google Inc.
Also, in the mobile computing category, Sony predicts that the
market for PCs that realize high productivity is expected to steadily
grow, particularly in emerging markets, and that the company remains
committed to strengthening its VAIO brand and introduce increasingly
compelling products which offer new value propositions to the
market.
Seamless Usability and Performance
Through Sony's know-how for combining hardware and software, Sony
Tablet realizes optimal usability and performance. Because of Sony's
rapid response technologies, users can perform smooth, quick
touchscreen operations and enjoy fast and efficient website loading.
The keyboard arrangement is also optimized for the large screen, making
email and SNS communication a breeze.
Rich Entertainment Experiences Through Various Network
Services
Through Qriocity1 music and video services, users can enjoy rich
video and music content. Also, through PlayStationSuite, users can
immerse themselves in high quality first generation PlayStation titles.
Additionally, users can easily download ebook content from ReaderStore2
and use both tablets as digital reading devices. The integration with
various services allows users to take their entertainment experiences
on-the-go. Furthermore, Sony Tablet is equipped with functionality that
organizes content for easy access.
Remote Access Functionality With AV Devices
Through Sony Tablet, users can control home entertainment devices as
well as enjoy content in new ways. S1 uses infrared technology and
works as universal remote controls for a variety of AV devices starting
with <BRAVIA>. Users can perform functions like turning on their
TVs, changing the channel and adjusting the volume. Also, through DLNA
functionality on Sony Tablet, users can throw personal content to large
screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.
In 2010, Sony launched a network platform called Qriocity which
connects many of Sony's network-enabled devices, and has been expanding
its services into global markets. Also, Sony Computer Entertainment has
been providing various contents and services for PlayStation users
through PlayStationNetwork, which now has over 75 million registered
accounts (as of March 20, 2011) worldwide.
Simultaneously, Sony will continue to announce various devices which
leverage these services. Starting in early 2011, Sony Computer
Entertainment announced the next-generation portable entertainment
system (codename: NGP) while Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
brought XperiaPLAY to the market. Sony is introducing Sony Tablet to
deliver an entertainment experience which integrates hardware with
network services that deliver rich content.
With the establishment of Consumer Products and Services Group in
April 2011, Sony will focus on accelerating the development of
innovative next generation products and aim to deliver a new lifestyle
by strengthening the integration of hardware and network services.
Dell Readies 10" Tablets to Counter iPad
Tsunami
PCWorld's Daniel Ionescu reports that Dell is betting on Android and
Windows 7 tablets to counter the surge in popularity of the Apple iPad,
and a leaked roadmap suggests it's working on two Windows 7 tablets and
a 10" Android Honeycomb tablet for release later this year, with Dell
CEO Michael Dell saying Android tablets will one day dominate the
market.
Link: Dell
Readies 10-Inch Tablets to Fend Off iPad
Apps & Services
DUI Dodger App Empowers Users to Submit and Locate
DUI Checkpoints Throughout the US
PR: In some states, DUI checkpoints are more rampant than
ever. DUI Dodger is an iOS app that allows users to view and submit DUI
checkpoints in their area. The idea is that information is power, and
people will be less inclined to drink and drive if they know that there
is a checkpoint in their area, that they are drunk, and that driving
drunk carries major consequences.
DUI Dodger lets users mark
exactly where they saw a DUI checkpoint, which can then be seen by
anyone in the area who has the app on their phone.
DUI checkpoints are always changing, so listings expire
automatically after 24 hours. If a user finds that a listing is
inaccurate, they can flag the listing, and it will be indicated on the
DUI checkpoint detail screen.
DUI Dodger also comes with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) calculator,
as well as a game that aims to detect a persons sobriety level by
simulating a police field sobriety test. The BAC calculator takes in a
number of variables, including age, gender, weight, type of drinks
consumed, and duration of consumption, and then returns a person's
estimated BAC level based on that information.
In addition to calculating BAC level, DUI Dodger features a walk the
line game. In that game, users hold their phone face up, arms extended,
and walk in a straight line for 5 to 10 seconds. The phone records the
users stability as they walk, and averages it out for the user so they
can see for themselves how balanced (or unbalanced) they are.
DUI Dodger not
only allows users to see and submit DUI checkpoints, estimates their
BAC level, and tests their sobriety, it also provides a number of
useful and interesting facts and myths about drunk driving. This
information, coupled with knowledge about a persons current sobriety
level, will hopefully lead to increased awareness about the dangers of
drunk driving.
New in Version 1.1
- Added limiter of one checkpoint per user every 24 hours
- Updated reverse geocoder to use Yahoo
99¢
You must be at least 17 years old to download this app.
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
- Requires iOS 3.1 or later
Link: DUI Dodger
(App
Store link)
Accordance Bible Software Adds Syncing Between Mac
and iOS Devices
PR: Accordance Bible Software has released free updates to
its Mac and iOS applications which enable syncing between the two
platforms. Now users can use a WiFi connection to transfer any
Accordance resources installed on a Mac to all of their iOS devices.
They can also sync their notes between platforms using the same
method.
"Syncing Mac and iOS installations of Accordance gives you a quick,
convenient way to bring your entire library over to your iOS device,"
explains David Lang, Accordance's Vice President of Development. "And
the ability to sync your notes between the two platforms makes it easy
to take notes on the go and bring them back to your desktop."
Syncing requires Accordance 9.3 for Mac and Accordance 1.2 for iOS.
Both updates are free to download.
Accordance Bible Software is designed for Mac and iOS, offering
powerful Bible study tools to pastors, scholars, and individuals who
want to go deeper in their personal devotions.
Link: Accordance (App
Store link)
Accessories
iPad 2: The Missing Manual
PR: The iPad is an amazing media device, once you
really know how to use it. In this entertaining book, iPad 2: The
Missing Manual (O'Reilly Media, $24.99 ), New York Times
tech columnist and iPad expert J.D. Biersdorfer shows you how to get
the most out of this sleek tablet to surf the Web, send and receive
email, watch movies and TV shows, read ebooks, listen to music, play
games, and even do a little iWork. It's the book that should have been
in the box.
"The original iPad was great, but the iPad 2 is even better. All
that thinner, lighter, faster stuff Apple was touting is true, and I'm
finding even more apps that let me get stuff done during the day - and
leave the laptop at home," writes Biersdorfer. "I can do
word-processing, edit photos, stitch together a quick Web movie, read a
book and catch up with the latest episode of '30 Rock,' all on the same
lightweight device."
And, adds Biersdorfer: "I love using FaceTime on the iPad 2. All you
do is prop up the tablet, tap a contact name to make a call, and sit
back to chat. It's sort of like having a live picture frame with
two-way communication."
Important stuff you need to know:
- Learn undocumented tips and tricks. Get the lowdown on cool iPad
secrets
- Build and play your media library. Fill up your iPad with music,
movies, TV shows, eBooks, photos, music videos, audiobooks, and
podcasts
- Get online. Connect through WiFi and WiFi+3G - on both GSM and CDMA
networks
- Discover state-of-the-art e-reading. Buy and read books and
magazines in full color
- Consolidate your email accounts. Read email from your personal and
work accounts
- Shop iTunes and the App Store. Navigate Apple's media emporiums,
and learn how to get free music, video, books, and apps
J.D. Biersdorfer is a best-selling, veteran Missing Manual author.
J.D. wrote Best iPad Apps and iPad: The Missing Manual
(First Edition), and cowrote iPod: The Missing Manual and
iPhoto: The Missing Manual, and is the author of Netbooks:
The Missing Manual, Google: The Missing Manual, and The iPod
Shuffle Fan Book. She has authored a weekly technology column for
the The New York Times since 1998.
For more information about the book, including table of contents,
author bios, and cover graphic, see:
http://bit.ly/hgZwQD
- iPad 2: The Missing Manual
- Publisher: O'Reilly Media
- By J.D. Biersdorfer
- Print ISBN: 9781449301736
- Pages: 336
- Print Price: $24.99
- Ebook Price: $19.99
- order@oreilly.com
- 1-800-998-9938
- 1-707-827-7000
Link: iPad 2: The Missing Manual (order links:
Amazon.com,
$16.32; Kindle,
$9.20;
Apple iBook, $11.99)
NewerTech NuGuard GripStand Multipurpose Protective
Case and Stand for Original iPad
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech), has announced
the NewerTech NuGuard GripStand for safer transporting, easier viewing,
and more secure handling of the first generation Apple iPad during
mobile or desktop use. Available in black or white, the $29.99 MSRP
accessory offers iPad owners one of the most flexible and affordable
combination protection/viewing solutions available.
Two Options To Choose From To Get A Grip On iPad Display Needs
The NuGuard GripStand is available as a standalone product or as
part of a value priced bundle that includes the GripBase desktop
accessory that locks into the GripStand case to provide a fully
adjustable viewing angle in landscape or portrait modes along with 360
rotation. The wide, weighted footprint ensures the GripBase will remain
stationary on a desk even in high traffic areas.
"We took our time in developing a stand for the iPad that would
offer more functionality than other options costing up to three times
as much," says Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, Newer Technology, Inc. "The
enthusiastically positive consumer research feedback we received on the
GripStand has us very excited to now offer the product for immediate
purchase."
Like A Multipurpose Tool For The iPad
The NuGuard GripStand is like a multipurpose tool for the iPad. The
hard plastic protective shell grips the iPad snugly while enveloping it
in a shock-absorbing inner rubber liner. The removable, skid resistant
desktop stand can be swiveled 360 and positioned at virtually any angle
for viewing or typing needs. The desktop stand also doubles as a highly
effective, ergonomically designed one hand grip so the iPad can be
securely used while standing or walking. To take presentations to the
next level, the NuGuard GripStand handle can even be rotated to use as
a hook to hang the iPad on the wall in either landscape or portrait
orientation.
Mobile Users Can Carry With Confidence
iPad users can use the the NuGuard GripStand to go mobile with
confidence that their investment will be protected. During transport,
the iPad can be flipped around so the glass is facing into the
protective case for extra protection. Then, use the desktop stand as a
handle to carry the iPad like a briefcase. When travel bag space is a
consideration, just twist the desktop stand/hand grip to remove it.
Perfect For The Classroom
With the protective qualities of the case and the sturdiness of the
dual purpose stand and hand grip, the NuGuard GripStand is perfect for
the growing use of the iPad in K-12 educational environments where the
iPad will be subjected to unpredictable handling and movement.
The NewerTech NuGuard GripStand and GripStand/GripBase Bundle are
available immediately starting at $29.99 MSRP from NewerTech's
exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC), as well as through
the retail channel. GripStand & GripBase Bundle for iPad
$39.99.
Link: NuGuard
GripStand
Wacom Bamboo Stylus for iPad
PR:
Drawing on its experience and pedigree achieved through the development
of professional and consumer pen tablets and interactive pen displays,
Wacom today announces Bamboo Stylus, a new input device created
specifically for use with the Apple iPad. Bamboo Stylus offers an
intuitive and natural way to experience note-taking, sketching,
drawing, and other forms of creative expression on the iPad.
A premium digital pen for the iPad, Bamboo Stylus delivers a
high-end look, natural, weighted feel of a real pen, to give you
capabilities for drawing, sketching and note taking on an iPad.
A Stylus with Style
The authentic
and satisfying feel of the Bamboo Stylus is achieved through subtle
design elements, such as a sophisticated black and silver design with
satin-textured metal body and balanced weighting. The tip of the stylus
is 25% narrower (6mm vs. 8mm) in diameter than some of the other most
popular solutions on the market today. Combining ergonomic comfort and
a firmer feel, the Bamboo Stylus offers a premium digital inking
experience for handwriting notes, highlighting text, editing documents,
drawing, sketching and much more.
"A great deal of thought went into the look, feel and weight of the
stylus," said Rick Peterson, Director of Consumer Brands at Wacom
Technology Services, Corp. in Vancouver, Washington. "We want users to
take pride in owning a Bamboo Stylus for its quality craftsmanship and
input capabilities as well as its stylish looks."
Right Time for the 'Write' Tool
While touch is the primary input method for the iPad, the stylus has
definitely found its place among users, enriching the way they interact
with the iPad. The additional functionality of the Bamboo Stylus brings
a more accurate and precise way to take notes in meetings and classroom
settings, or to sketch out rough ideas while on the go. For example,
users can improve their input experience with numerous applications
developed for iPad, such as Penultimate for note-taking and Autodesk
SketchBook Mobile for sketching needs.
"The stylus
can perform creative tasks that our fingers and touch displays are just
not built to handle well," Peterson said. "Users will find that the new
Bamboo Stylus provides the accurate pointing and inking requirements
they need to supplement touch input."
For serious drawing or sketching capabilities on a computer, check
out Wacom's line of Intuos professional pen tablets, which have helped
Wacom earn the reputation as the global leader in digital pens.
Benefits
- Improves experiences with applications for sketching
- Sophisticated black and silver design with satin-textured metal
body
- 25% slimmer tip than main competitors (6mm vs. 8mm)
- Weight-balanced design
- Smooth soft tip for best pen-on-screen feeling
- 9mm pen barrel
- 120mm pen length
- Pen weight: 20g
Bamboo Stylus ($29.99) is expected to be available in mid-May at
many national consumer electronic retail outlets. Online shoppers will
be able to find Bamboo Stylus at Amazon or at Wacom's online store.
Link: Bamboo Stylus
New iWatchz iPod nano Watch Strap Collections
Available in North American Apple Stores
PR: iWatchz announced that their two new iPod nano watch
strap collections, Carbon and Timepiece, is available for purchase in
North American Apple stores. The collections feature versatile colors
and styles that can go from the boardroom to the boardwalk in three
simple steps: Press, Slide, Click.
The Carbon and Timepiece Collections join the iWatchz Q
Collection that rapidly ascended to the top spot in the new market of
iPod nano watchbands when it launched in November 2010. The iWatchz
Carbon Collection features a high end black leather wrist strap with a
carbon fiber look, paired with a black anodized and blasted aluminum
iWatchz clip system. The iWatchz Timepiece Collection is sleek and
fashionable, pairing a leather wrist strap with a beautiful, polished
stainless-steel iWatchz clip system. A stainless-steel deployment
buckle completes this unique band adding comfort and durability for the
wearer.
Consumers can purchase the new iWatchz Carbon and Timepiece
collections at North American Apple stores beginning April 19th. A list
of Apple retail locations can be found online at http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/
Founded in September 2010, iWatchz developed and engineered their
patent pending clip system, and stylish watch straps, for use with the
Apple iPod nano. Their passion is to design fashionable and functional
products for the discerning consumer.
Link: iWatchz
