Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in
Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Rumor Roundup
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Is the iPad a PC?
Asymco's Horace Dediu notes that Gartner published its estimates for
PC shipments during the fourth quarter, and as he's done in the past,
he combined their estimates with known shipments from Apple and
separated Apple's performance from the Windows-based market.
Dediu also takes into consideration the iPad as a potential
competitor for computing purchases, noting that Apple will report
fourth quarter results (including Mac and iPad shipments) in less than
two weeks, but he's using his own estimates until then to graphically
plot how the platforms grew globally over the last few quarters.
Low End Mac's Dan Knight covered the same territory in The iPad Is a PC last week.
Link: Is the iPad a
PC?
91% of iPad-Using Business Professionals Use Their
iPads for Work
PR: IDG Connect's iPad for business survey, based on
interviews with iPad-using IT and business professionals across every
continent, reveals that more professionals use their iPad for work
communication than personal communication.
This research shows the tablet is fast becoming a true work device,
provided by employers and used in the office for business
communication. It also highlights some startling regional variations,
emphasizing the need for marketers to adapt content to local markets as
well as new mediums.
Nearly a quarter of respondents even have their iPad supplied by
work, a statistic which climbs sharply in continents like Africa (47%)
and Europe (40%). In addition to this, a surprising 51% of those
surveyed always use the device at work, almost as many who always use
it at home (54%). This is especially true in the Middle East and
Africa, where over 70% always use it at work and less than half always
use it at home.
The results also show stark changes in content consumption, and
provide evidence that B2B marketers should tailor information to the
tablet medium: 97% of professionals use the iPad for reading, 70% + now
buy fewer physical books and newspapers, 72% of iPad owners carry their
laptop less, and 66% say the iPad has partially or completely replaced
their laptop.
The survey revealed a robust loyalty to Apple, with 83% globally
stating they would not consider buying a different tablet device next
time.
Kathryn Cave, editor at IDG Connect International says: "This
research shows the tablet is fast becoming a true work device, provided
by employers and used in the office for business communication. It also
highlights some startling regional variations, emphasizing the need for
marketers to adapt content to local markets as well as new
mediums."
The full report is available as an interactive PDF and includes case
studies on each continent.
IDG Connect has its own white paper iPad app available from
iTunes.
Link: iPad for Business
Survey 2012 (PDF)
iPad as Work Tool: 91% of Professional Users Say
'Yes'
In The 'Book Mystique on MacPrices.net, Charles Moore says:
"Proceeding as I am with my own long-term experiment with using my
iPad 2 as a work tool, I was very interested in reading through IDG's
iPad for Business Survey 2012 (above), which the market research firm
released on Monday.
"The report's authors note that since its launch in January 2010,
the iPad has become part of daily life for up to 60 million users
worldwide, and that while much has been written about the iPad as a
consumer 'stay-at-home' device, used predominantly for content
consumption, citing a recent survey of US consumers that found 60
percent of iPads never leave the home, and 70 percent of usage occurs
in the living room.
"However, what's particularly interesting about the findings of this
global survey of iPad-using IT and business decision-makers is that
these professional users differ from the broader iPad-using population
of consumers in that they use their iPads more intensively and across a
wider range of scenarios. For example, 51% of IT decision-makers say
they 'always' use their iPad at work (and a further 40% say they
sometimes use it at work), and 79 percent say they 'always' use their
iPads 'on the move'....
"My own iPad usage as it's been evolving is not typical of either
group. I do use the 'Pad as my primary non-work Web access device, in
pretty much every room of the house. However, it's also more and more
getting tasked with work-related stuff, including elements of content
creation, although my Mac laptop running OS X remains very much my
primary content creation workhorse."
Link:
iPad as Work Tool: 91 Percent of Professional Users Say 'Yes,' But Can
It Replace Laptops?
Ford Focus Electric to Have Companion iOS App
Computerworld's Matt Hamblen reports that when it's released, Fords
first all-electric passenger vehicle, the Focus Electric, will feature
a smartphone app that can help drivers keep track of when the car is
being charged remotely, among many other things. The free app will work
on Android, iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones, and the car controls can
also be operated from a secure website via desktop computer as well,
communicating with a wireless module inside the car over AT&T's
wireless network.
Link: Ford's New Focus
Electric to Have Companion iOS App
The Hidden Dangers of Touchscreens
Writing for InfoWorld, Franklin Tessler, M.D., C.M. says that
distracted driving and walking aren't the only perils lurking behind
touchscreen devices such as iPads, iPhones, BlackBerrys, Windows
Phones, and Androids, and that while not quite as dramatic,
touchscreen-oriented health hazards can be even more insidious because
most people aren't even aware that they exist.
Dr. Tessler maintains that potential for injury from using
touchscreens will only go up as more people use smartphones and
tablets, especially if Microsoft's Windows 8 effort succeeds in
popularizing touchscreen PCs and laptops.
For more commentary on this topic, see Can Touch Screens Hurt You? at Technology
Review.
Link: The Hidden Dangers of
Touchscreens
Rumor Roundup
Panel Orders Indicate iPad 2 Will Continue
Alongside Retina Display iPad
DigiTimes' Rebecca Kuo and Adam Hwang report that Apple has selected
Sharp, LG Display and Sharp as the suppliers of 9.7" QXGA (2048 x 1536)
panels for use in the next generation iPad, with shipments of the
high-resolution panels having begun in Q4 2011 and anticipated to
exceed those of XGA panels used in the iPad 2 in Q2 2012, according to their
sources in the Taiwan-based supply.
Kuo and Hwang say that in the meantime, Apple has adjusted shipments
of iPad 2 panels downward from a peak of 16.0 million panels in Q3 2011
to 10.0 million units in Q4 2011, with a further reduction to 7.0-8.0
million units in Q1 2012, with shipment volume of panels for use in the
new version of iPad expected to surpass that of iPad 2 panels in
the second quarter of 2012, and with shipment volume of iPad 2 panels
to decrease from 48.0 million units in 2011 to an estimated 25.0
million units in 2012.
However, that would appear to indicate that iPad 2 production will
continue after the next generation iPad release, widely expected for
March.
Link: Panel Orders
Indicate iPad 2 Will Continue Alongside iPad 3 (subscription
required)
Apps & Services
TurboTax Goes Mobile: Prepare, File Taxes From
Smartphones and Tablets
PR: Whether you use a smart phone or a tablet, an expanded
suite of TurboTax mobile apps makes it simple and convenient for
taxpayers to easily and accurately prepare and e-file a return,
estimate their taxes, and track their tax refund.
TurboTax, the nation's leading tax software from Intuit Inc.,
was the first to offer full tax preparation and e-filing directly from
a mobile device. Unlike other tax apps, TurboTax apps are specifically
designed and optimized for a true mobile user experience.
TurboTax apps combine the unparalleled ease of TurboTax with the
convenience and portability of mobile devices so that taxpayers feel
confident their taxes are done right, while guiding taxpayers
step-by-step to their maximum tax refund.
SnapTax: Designed for taxpayers with a simple return (1040EZ),
SnapTax was the first mobile app to allow users to completely prepare
and e-file a federal and state return from their iPhone or Android
device. SnapTax is easy, accurate and secure and lets users snap a
photo of their W-2 with the camera in their phone and then,
automatically transfers information right onto their tax return.
Taxpayers then answer a few simple questions, review their return and
tap File My Taxes to e-file in minutes.
TurboTax for iPad: Improved for Tax Year 2011
TurboTax for iPad, now includes the ability to easily transfer
information from a prior year return and automatically import income
information directly from 400,000 employers, banks and financial
institutions. Free one-on-one tax advice from highly-qualified tax
experts is now available to users of TurboTax for iPad and SnapTax as
well.
TaxCaster: Now available for iPad as well as iPhone and Android
devices, TaxCaster is a free and easy way to estimate a tax refund.
With this interactive and engaging app, customers can quickly and
easily enter information using visual icons and sliders to see where
they stand before they file.
MyTaxRefund: After e-filing, any taxpayer can check the status of
both their federal and state tax returns with this free and easy mobile
app available now for iPad, as well as iPhone, Android devices.
MyTaxRefund addresses the questions taxpayers have after they file
around when their returns are accepted and when to expect to receive
their federal tax refund based on IRS projections
TurboTax Card Mobile: Free to TurboTax customers who choose to
receive their refund on a TurboTax Prepaid Visa Card, the TurboTax Card
Mobile app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. The app
allows customers to track their federal refund, activate their card,
check their balance and transactions, locate ATMs and more.
TurboTax Online Products Are Also Accessible To Mobile Users
All TurboTax online products, including Free Edition, are now
compatible when accessing through a browser on the iPhone, Android,
Kindle Fire, iPad and other tablets. With an improved mobile
experience, customers using a browser can move between their mobile
device and their computer giving them more freedom and choice to
prepare their taxes whenever and wherever they want.
All apps from TurboTax are free to download. TurboTax for iPad and
SnapTax customers pay when they are done. SnapTax includes both federal
and state preparation for $19.99. TurboTax for iPad customers begin
using TurboTax Deluxe, for $29.99, and based on their tax situation,
can choose TurboTax Premier or TurboTax Home & Business for an
additional cost. State tax preparation is additional. All pricing for
mobile apps is subject to change and includes e-file at no additional
cost. Available on the App Store, Android Market or Amazon Appstore for
Android.
Link:
SnapTax
Link:
TurboTax for iPad
Link:
TaxCaster
Link:
MyTaxRefund
OnLive Desktop: Microsoft Office Support on the
iPad
PR: OnLive Desktop claims to provide a seamless,
no-compromise, instant-response Cloud-based PC desktop, wherever and
whenever you want it, bringing to your iPad a high-performance PC
experience, regardless of the content, even when interacting with
fast-action media.
Features
- Instantly view, edit and create documents using actual Microsoft
Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Easily transfer files between OnLive Desktop and other devices
- Experience high-performance, instant-response PC applications
- Interact with lag-free animation and video
Using Microsoft Excel in OnLive Desktop.
Based on avant garde video compression technology, OnLive harnesses
the power of cloud computing to deliver a seamless remote PC desktop
solution.
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPad.
- Requires iOS 4.3 or later
Link:
OnLive Desktop for iPad
TextKraft iPad Text Processor Upgraded to Support
iCloud
PR:
Infovole GmbH, creator of the TextKraft and Schreibkraft text
processing suite for the iPad, have announced announced a TextKraft
update adding support for Apple's iCloud and direct messaging via
Twitter.
With iCloud, users can easily store documents and share them across
all Infovole Apps. The Twitter feature allows tweeting directly from
your text, including link shortening - without leaving the App.
Besides its two marquee innovations, this update delivers a new
built-in manual, as well as an overhauled user interface and tons of
detail corrections and optimizations Infovole PR rep. Kathrin Sauerwein
tells us.
Your editor is a big TextKraft and Schreibkraft fan, and in addition
to the new iCloud support, I'm happy to affirm that it already worked
just great with Dropbox, which is my preferred Cloud syncing
solution.
TextKraft contains an offline
dictionary with synonyms and potential follow-ups; Wikipedia full-text
search and several online-dictionaries; text import/export from
Macintosh, Windows, Linux and other iPad Apps; Dropbox, iCloud,
AirPrint and Twitter integration, easy cursor control, quick selection
tools and detailed text information for professional editors. TextKraft
is available with various language-specific dictionaries.
Schreibkraft is the first multilingual text processor. It speaks 10
languages in 14 country-specific flavors. There is no need to switch
regions or keyboards. The App supports the user in all needed tongues
at the same time. Paired with all the professional TextKraft editing
features, Schreibkraft is the perfect text editor for global
citizens.
You can read Charles W. Moore's full TextKraft review, Entering, Managing and Editing Text on the iPad
- TextKraft a Game-Changer.
Link:
TextKraft for iPad
Free HUDY Pro for iOS Gives Drivers Hi-Tech Heads Up Display on the
Road
PR: BroadCON HC, Inc. has
announced its release of HUDY Pro, an app that gives everyday users the
opportunity to experience the luxury of information conveyed via Head
Up Display (HUD) while driving. HUD is a feature typically reserved for
top-of-the-line luxury vehicles. With HUDY Pro, however, smartphone,
iPod touch, and tablet users can transform their driving experience in
almost any vehicle with a windshield.
HUDY Pro turns the users iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into a
projector for driving related information such as speed, direction, and
weather conditions. The application's primary function - to prove a
speedometer via the convenience of HUD - is available at no charge
whatsoever. Users simply open the application, choose Dashboard and tap
the application's screen to put it in HUD mode. This flips the display
horizontally and vertically. When the device is placed on the users
dashboard, the information is reflected in the windshield. HUDY Pro
utilizes the iPhone's GPS capabilities to provide users with this
innovative method of display.
Harness your iOS device's
technology to transform your windshield into a cutting-edge heads up
display. HUDY Pro is elegantly simple and practical. This streamlined
utility puts your devices LED backlit screen and GPS capability to use
brilliantly, displaying your speed and direction of travel conveniently
on your vehicle's windshield.
A heads up display negates the need for the user to look away from
the road in order to gather vital information. Usually, this small but
luxurious feature is reserved for top of the line vehicles in the
automobile industry. With HUDY Pro, however, you can make this
convenience your own.
HUDY Pro is designed with
your driving efficiency and ease in mind. Its most pertinent feature -
the heads up display of speed, time, and direction - is instantly
accessible upon opening the application. The developers of HUDY Pro
realized there was potential to do a great deal more with the
application. Without compromising the appealing simplicity of instant
dashboard accessibility, many other features have been made
available.
The HUDY Pro windshield heads up display feature is available upon
download, free of charge. If you enjoy this feature, you can consider
expanding HUDY Pro's capabilities by adding the color customization,
Zero-100, and/or ECO Drive feature sets, which are available through
in-app purchases. Each additional feature is available a la carte, or
as part of a discounted full package.
Top Features:
- HUDY Pro Dashboard uses your iPhone, iPod, or iPads backlit display
to reflect speed, direction, and time on your vehicles windshield
- The free default display color combination (bright orange against a
dark background) provides optimum visibility for the driver.
- Additional standard colors are available through in app
purchase
- One-touch Dashboard accessibility means its never a hassle to set
up HUDY Pro before you hit the road
Additional Options:
- Zero-100, a feature set available for purchase within the app,
allows drivers to time the number of seconds it takes their vehicle to
accelerate from a standing stop to a designated speed
- ECO Drive is another expansion available for purchase, which tracks
the drivers sudden increases in speed daily, providing the past day and
past ten days data. This information can play an important role in
improving gas mileage through better driving habits.
Note that HUDY Pro can only be as accurate as GPS capabilities
allow. HUDY Pro will not be able to provide current information when
GPS is unavailable.
As HUDY Pro Dashboard requires
placing your device on the dashboard of your vehicle, be sure to take
precautions to keep your device from sliding on or falling off of the
dashboard while driving.
BroadCon HC also offers other features via purchase through the
application, including Zero-100 and ECO Drive. Both help drivers gain a
better understanding of their vehicles performance. Zero-100 measures
the time it takes for the vehicle to accelerate from a standing
position to a speed indicated by the driver, while ECO Drive helps
users save gas by measuring acceleration rates over time.
HUDY Pro is available for download, free of charge, in the iTunes
App Store. The application is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and
iPad using iOS 4.2 or later. Additionally, HUDY Pro is available in the
Android Market and compatible with many devices utilizing an Android
operation system.
Link:
HUDY Pro
New AAA App Makes Auto Buying Easy
PR: Buying a new car is certainly stressful,
but being armed with AAA's new Auto Buying Tools app can make the
process a lot easier. Available on the Apple iPhone, AAA's new Auto
Buying Tools app gives consumers the ability to modify car details in
real-time and refresh pricing data on the showroom floor.
"This tool will give consumers the confidence and information they
need to make an educated decision when buying a car," says Marshall L.
Doney, AAA National Vice President, Automotive, Financial Services and
e-Business. "AAA wants to insure its members are prepared and
knowledgeable about available member benefits when making such an
important decision."
With AAA's Auto Buying Tools app,
prospective buyers can build the car they want, including options and
available incentives, while viewing market pricing, crash safety
ratings, AAA reviews, images and much more.
Key features of the AAA Auto Buying Tools App:
- Search new cars by make/model, style and list price (MSRP)
- Build your ideal car, down to color and trim
- Features, specs, and crash safety ratings
- AAA vehicle reviews and car buying services*
- VIN number entry for quick, exact specifications
- Save searches and cars to favorites
- Share car details on Facebook, Twitter or email
- Compare two customized vehicles
* AAA Member Pricing and Reviews not available for some models or in
certain areas.
AAA's Auto Buying Tools app is the fifth
from AAA and is available for free from the iTunes App Store. Visit
AAA.com/mobile for further details.
The other AAA apps include:
- AAA Insurance app provides AAA's recommended steps on what to do
immediately after a traffic collision and helps you gather important
information about the crash needed to submit an insurance claim.
- AAA TripTik Mobile is a GPS-based app with maps showing gas station
locations and pricing along with points of interest, such as AAA-rated
hotels, restaurants and attractions, near a user's location or any
user-specified location.
- AAA Discounts app, with more than a million downloads, 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 vehicle description, location and breakdown details
directly to AAA.
Devices such as smartphones with mobile applications are valuable
tools before a vehicle is in motion; however, they greatly increase
motorist distractions when used while driving. Distracted driving can
have deadly consequences. AAA urges motorists to minimize distractions
behind the wheel by not using wireless devices, such as cell phones
with mobile applications, while driving.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization,
AAA provides more than 53 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 AAA.com.
Link:
AAA Auto Buying Tools
New App Turns Your iPhone/iPad into a Scanner, Doc
Manager, and Printer
PR: Mobile smartphones are changing the way we live,
socialize and do business. Our phones have replaced many other
once-common tools, from GPS devices to handheld gaming consoles,
notebooks, calendars, point-and-shoot cameras, newspapers, and portable
audio players.
At a local
technology event in San Jose, Nexscience, a California based startup,
announced the release of a new mobile application called Scanner Pro
for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. The app is the latest in a
series of innovative ideas introduced to the Apple users by the
developer community.
The new application allows users to Scan, Print, Download, View and
Share files on their iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. It supports
Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, PDF, Text and wide variety of sound
and image file formats. Users can download files from virtually
anywhere : from the Internet, from a computer in their WiFi network,
through a USB cable or from an external file management system like
Dropbox or Google Docs.
"Mobile Smart Phones are now capable of doing what we used to do
with our desktop computers" says Faisal Faruqi, CTO for Nexscience and
an Industry veteran. "With more and more computing power and rich
hardware capability in smart phones, the innovation in applications is
taking the benefits of mobile technology directly to common users"
Device Requirements:
- iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
- Requires iOS 3.2 or later
- 6.4 MB
Scanner Pro 1.0 is $3.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies)
and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the
Business category.
Link:
Scanner Pro
iPad for Seniors Comprehensive Information
on How to Get the Most Out of the iPad
PR: iPad for Seniors is the first comprehensive guide
to learning how to get the most out of the iPad's tremendous
functionality and is especially created for anyone over 50 with clear
instructions in large type and step-by-step instructions.
Published
by Visual Steps, iPad for Seniors is an essential guide to
learning all about the iPad.
The iPad is a user friendly, portable multimedia device with endless
capabilities. It can be used to to surf the Internet, write emails, jot
down notes and maintain a calendar.
But these are by far not the only things possible with the iPad.
This practical tablet computer comes with other built-in applications
(apps) that allow the user to listen to music, take pictures and make
video calls. It is even possible to view well-known places in Google
Street View.
The Apple App Store consists of hundreds of thousands of apps that
add extra functionality to the iPad. Many of these apps can be
downloaded for free or cost practically nothing. Some of the
best-selling apps cover topics such as news from around the world,
games, education, shopping & traveling tips, and podcasts. There is
literally an app for almost anything imaginable.
With this iPad book, the user can learn how to take complete
advantage of this technology. This incredibly helpful guide will
maximize the potential of this new technology and allow the user to get
the most from their investment.
Topics covered in this iPad book:
- navigate the screens
- connect to a WiFi or 3G network
- surf the Internet and use e-mail
- use built-in applications
- download apps from the App Store
- work with photos, video, and music
- iPad for Seniors
- Author: Studio Visual Steps
- Number of pages: 296
- Book type: Paperback, full color
- ISBN: 978 90 5905 108 9
- Price: US $22.95, Canada $25.95
Link: iPad for
Seniors
Medicinal Genomics Introduces iPad App to Explore
the Science of Medical Marijuana
PR: Medicinal Genomics, a pioneer in the genomics of
medicinal plants, has announced the availability of Jane-Ome, an
application designed for Apple's iPad tablet, which offers a
science-based dissection of medical marijuana.
Jane-Ome provides a gateway to the Cannabis genome project led by
Medicinal Genomics, which in August 2011 sequenced the entire genome of
Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, assembling the largest known gene
collection of this therapeutic plant.
"Medicinal Genomics is excited to roll out Jane-Ome to help make
sense of the extensive datasets created by the Cannabis genome
project," says Kevin McKernan, founder and head of scientific
operations of Medicinal Genomics. The company's hope is that Jane-Ome
will help make that data more relevant to the public and serve as a
conduit for future Cannabis genomes.
Jane-Ome provides users with continuously updated, exclusive genomic
information on various Cannabis genomes. In addition, the app provides
users with access to several scientific news feeds that explore the
science of medicinal Cannabis, making Jane-Ome the nerve center to
explore the plants therapeutic potential.
In addition to its encyclopedic information about the bleeding-edge
science of Cannabis, Jane-Ome users can compete in Cannabis related
trivia to earn the right to guide future sequencing efforts. Users can
also explore never before released blueprints for the equipment used to
crack the human genome project, as well as access videos which explain
the impact DNA sequencing and genomics have had on the world.
Furthermore, Jane-Ome provides users with access to never before seen
videos documenting the history of the human genome project, as well as
commentary from members of that scientific consortium explaining how
research has led them to aim their sights on unlocking the genome of
Cannabis.
Medicinal Benefits of Cannabis
Ongoing scientific research suggests that the Cannabis plant harbors
beneficial compounds as it pertains to cancer apoptosis, antiemesis for
HIV and chemotherapy patients, reduction of muscle spasms for multiple
sclerosis patients, as well as the treatment of glaucoma, inflammatory
diseases, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among other
health conditions. Of the 85 identified Cannabinoids in the plant, only
one is independently psychoactive. The other 84 appear to be
non-psychoactive and are still powerful therapeutics. Many Cannabinoids
have been bred to low expression levels over the years but are
excellent small molecule therapeutic drug candidates for cancer and
inflammatory diseases. The genome sequence can be utilized to design
breeding strategies to resurrect these nearly extinct pathways. In
addition, Cannabinoids have also been shown to have a very favorable
therapeutic index making them a unique class of anti-cancer compounds
because the lethal dose is much higher than the effective dose.
Furthermore, Cannabinoids are less addictive analgesics than opiates,
and target different pain pathways in the body.
Another benefit of Cannabis as a source for a therapeutic drug is
that its toxicity is low and well-known. This is unique in drug
discovery where every drug candidate must go through expensive and
lengthy clinical trials to establish its safety. With Cannabis, side
effects have previously been established and might be mitigated with
genome directed breeding, whereas many drug candidates are not easily
modified and end up failing in clinical trials because of adverse
effects on a small percentage of the population.
The American Medical Association, as well as the American College of
Physicians each have independently issued reports on the medicinal
benefits of Cannabis to justify a reclassification of the plant so it
can be more easily researched. By digitizing the genome of Cannabis,
researchers from around the world can now study this plant without
having to handle it. Assembling the complete Cannabis genome was a
logical first step to enable more comprehensive scientific research to
begin.
Medicinal Genomics is the first known organization to sequence the
complete genomes of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Aside from
being a useful tool to discover small molecule therapeutic drug
candidates, there are many other commercial applications of these
sequences, including the design of genomic assays that measure genes
predictive of Cannabinoid levels in the plants at seedling stages. Use
of this information will enhance breeding strategies to develop high
Cannabidiol (CBD) or other medicinal traits into strains. These genomic
assays can also be utilized to help regulate the medicinal Cannabis
market through better oversight and labeling. The non-psychoactive
plant known as hemp is also a productive plant for fiber production and
may benefit from genome sequencing in its pursuit to improve breeding
programs.
The company was founded by Kevin McKernan, a recognized thought
leader and innovator in DNA sequencing. Kevin, along with his two
brothers, founded Agencourt Bioscience, and helped create one of the
most successful commercial DNA sequencing companies in the world prior
to selling the company to Beckman Coulter in 2005. In 2005, Kevin also
co-founded Agencourt Personal Genomics, a technology startup focused on
developing SOLiD, a cutting edge next generation sequencing technology,
which he and his team sold to Applied Biosystems in 2006. He most
recently served as vice president of advanced research and head of
research and development for the Ion Torrent division of Life
Technologies.
Medicinal Genomics maintains its corporate headquarters in
Marblehead, Mass. All scientific operations are conducted at the
company's research facility in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Link:
Jane-Ome
Accessories
Make Your iPad Look Like a Classic Compact
Macintosh
PR: You can evoke the
heady technological heyday of the mid-80s with the Padintosh retro iPad
cover.
Released to much fanfare in 1984, the original Apple Mac 128K design
has remained an enduring symbol of that era well into the 21st Century,
and is right at home adorning the Padintosh for iPad 2 - the perfect
retro accessory for your everyday nostalgic, tablet-toting
Applehead.
As respected as the old-school Apple Mac has become, in today's
world its size factor is just not practical. The Padintosh allows you
to show off the latest in tablet technology - the iPad 2 - while still
displaying your appreciation for the Mac Daddy of all personal
computers.
The Padintosh protects your
phone from bumps and scratches and is compatible with all iPad Smart
Covers. Now you can relive your 80s youth without losing your
technological edge.
Padintosh features:
- Protective iPad case
- Ultra thin 2mm hard casing
- Precision cut out for maximum protection
- Compatible with Smart Covers
- Note: Only compatible with the iPad 2
The Padintosh, which was officially launched at CES 2012, is
expected to be available for purchase in the spring. Pricing has not
yet been announced.
Link: Padintosh
Convert Scanner for iPad Scans Documents to JPEG
Files
PR: Forget the large, bulky scanners of the
past.
Brookestone's iConvert Scanner for iPad and iPad 2 scans
hard copies to JPEG files directly to your tablet, giving you instant
e-copies of your most important documents. The JPEG files are
automatically stored in the picture folder. Great for use at home (old
photos, genealogy records, special greeting cards, recipes and
children's artwork), at the office (meeting notes, resumes, renderings,
signed contracts) and on the go (receipts, expense reports, business
cards and more). The entire scanner is sized to take with you in your
messenger bag or backpack.
High Resolution
Better than basic alternatives, the iConvert Scanner for
iPad and iPad 2 Tablets scans in high-resolution 300 dpi for clear,
crisp JPEG images. And the front feeder adjusts from 2 inches to 8
inches wide to fit many size photos and important documents. Easy to
use and it works with the free downloadable app at the iTunes App
Store. Simply place the tablet on the scanner and the scanner gives
step-by-step prompts from scan (with real-time preview) to save or
delete.
Note that the use of this accessory with iPad may affect wireless
performance.
$149.99 + $5 shipping
Link: Brookestone iConvert
Scanner for iPad
All in One Hook/Stand/Recline Display Case for iPhone 4/4S
PR: The first and only
iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S combination hook, stand, and recline display
companion case, the iHook by Ardesco, launched this week at the
Consumer Electronics Show 2012. Ardesco's patent pending, American made
iHook allows iPhone users a range of multimode functionality for
handsfree use of their iPhone in any setting at work, home, play, or
while driving in six configurations, for $18.95 per unit.
iHook is claimed to be the only product of its kind. The iHook's
patent pending design features a soon to be iconic hourglass
silhouette, and will begin shipping in March 2012. Three- and five-pack
combinations will be available, as well. iHook travels with you from
car to desk to home, even during air travel, acting as a hook, stand
and recline display case for your iPhone. iHook stands the iPhone up
vertically or horizontally, hooks the iPhone onto a variety of surfaces
monitor, car visor and reclines for comfortable media viewing, in
either orientation.
The distinct hourglass shape and four sturdy
retention arms slide and snap the iPhone in for a safe, snug fit that
still allow access to volume control and camera while providing a
comfortable viewing tilt. The built in cord management system
streamlines and organizes power and headphone cords as well. The iHook
is fabricated in the USA of durable, high quality polycarbonate plastic
designed to hold iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S securely in place. The design
measures 3 L x 2.5 W x 1.5 D and is available in a number of colors,
including Midnight Black, Gray Sky Silver, Sunset Red, Seablue, Green
Butterfly and Golden Sun. Consumers are encouraged to visit the Ardesco
website to view demo videos and join the mailing list for sale
announcements and product information.
Product demo video is available at http://vimeo.com/34940718
The iHook originates from a team of designers and engineers
dedicated to providing Ardesco's customers with safe, well engineered,
functional and easy to use smartphone accessories. The team, all iPhone
enthusiasts, took to their drafting tables after experiencing
frustration with the current accessory markets limited and costly
offerings. Soon, the iHook was born.
"We're excited to offer such a needed product to a burgeoning
market, says Nand Harjani, Vice President of Sales and Distribution at
Ardesco. "There's nothing like it available, and certainly not at such
a reasonable price. The iHook was truly a product born of necessity by
users and lovers of the iPhone."
Link: iHook
MI-handles Tablet Handles for iPad Make Tablet
More Comfortable to Use
PR: Tablet computers & e-readers are thin in profile and
require you to hold them by their edges making it easy to mistakenly
touch the screen. These features can make reading, watching a movie or
playing games uncomfortable. The smooth finish on some tablet computers
can be difficult to grasp resulting in dropping or slipping.
Comfortable Geek's MI-handle makes them much easier to hold.
The ergonomic shape of the
MI-handle gives tablet computers a larger surface to grasp. This makes
them easier to hold even for extended periods. The innovative and
simple design is perfect for any user. The profile of the handle has
been specifically designed to fit a grasping hand in a more natural
position. The larger profile makes them easier for children to hold
onto. Models for using your tablet in portrait or landscape positions
are available.
With the widespread use of tablet computers today, tablet handles
are an economical solution for ensuring a good grip in your slate.
MI-Handles are made from low density foam giving them a soft but
firm feel. The foam used to make MI-handles is made using an
environmentally friendly, clean, non-contaminating, nitrogen expansion
process. All materials that make up the handles are nonabrasive so they
don't scratch or scuff. MI-handles are available in different colors,
both solid and mixed colors including black, red, blue, white, green,
yellow and more.
Reader Handle Features
- Sized to fit the iPad in the portrait orientation.
- Optimized for reading, web browsing.
- Greater stability and comfort.
- Made from low density foam for a soft but firm feel.
- Ergonomic shape makes your iPad comfortable to hold for hours.
- Additional colors are available.
$16.95
Link: MI-handles
Nissan Applies Automotive Technology to World's
First Self-Healing iPhone Case
PR: Nissan has announced the latest piece of accessory
innovation for the iPhone - a self-healing iPhone case. The Nissan
Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand's pioneering self-healing
paint finish, a world first in paint technology developed in 2005 and
already used on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models. Now this
technology has been applied to a product that's prone to scratches
through everyday use - the smartphone - with Nissan's new Scratch
Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking its best
for longer.
Developed by Nissan in collaboration with
University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc., the unique Scratch
Shield paint finish was initially designed for automotive use, and is
available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the
Infiniti range of products. Now the technology is being trialled for
the first time on a non-automotive product, with the Nissan Scratch
Shield iPhone case.
The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using
several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable
and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case
has three key benefits: (the highly flexible and elastic properties of
Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend
themselves; (its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more
scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip;
(and the case itself is made of ABS plastic - a high grade substance
widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust
than other plastics. The outer paint' is made from polyrotaxane, which
means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine
scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its
original shape and fill the gap - 'healing' the blemish.
The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is compatible with the iPhone
4 and iPhone 4S, and Scratch Shield can heal small scratches in as
little as an hour, but more severe cases can take up to a week's time
to heal.
An initial batch of prototypes of the Scratch Shield iPhone cases
has been produced by Nissan for beta testing with selected journalists
and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the
cases on general sale later this year.
