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
Nexus 7 News and Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Nexus 7 Proves More Rugged than iPad in Torture
Test Face-off
Nexus 7 vs. New iPad torture test
SquareTrade, the extended warranty company, has posted a video
showing Google Nexus 7 and New iPad
tablets repeatedly dropped on hard concrete surfaces, and then dropped
again - running - into a bathtub filled with water. Interestingly, in
all instances the cheaper (and lighter) Nexus 7 fares better than the
iPad.
Link: SquareTrade's Face-off:
Nexus 7 vs. iPad
Strategy Analytics: iPad Accounts for 68% of Global
Tablet Shipments in Q2 2012
PR: According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics,
global tablet shipments reached 25 million units in the second quarter
of 2012. Apple rose to 68% global market share, its highest level for
almost two years. Microsoft tablets remain niche products, but
attention is turning to the upcoming Windows 8 launches.
Peter King, Director at Strategy Analytics, comments that "Global
tablet shipments reached 24.9 million units in Q2 2012, jumping 67%
from 14.9 million in Q2 2011. Demand for tablets among consumer,
business and education users remains relatively healthy. Apple shipped
a robust 17.0 million iPads worldwide and maintained its strong market
leadership with 68% share during the second quarter of 2012. Apple
continued to shrug off the much-hyped threat from Android and the
iPad's global tablet share is at its highest level since Q3 2010.
Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, adds,
"Android captured 29% share of global tablet shipments in Q2 2012,
remaining static from 29% a year earlier. Global Android tablet
shipments grew by more than half to 7.3 million units. Despite high
expectations for companies like Amazon, Samsung, Acer, and Asus, the
Android community has yet to make a serious dent in Apple's dominance
of the tablet market. Unspectacular hardware designs, limited uptake of
cellular models, and a modest number of tablet-optimized services have
been among some of the main reasons for Android's mixed performance so
far.
Other findings from the research include:
- Global tablet shipments grew 67% annually in Q2 2012. Demand
remained relatively healthy, although this was the industry's slowest
growth rate since the finger-driven tablet market began in Q2 2010, as
shipments of some Android and Apple products moderated slightly in a
volatile world economy;
- Microsoft captured a niche 1% global tablet share in Q2 2012. The
upcoming release of Windows 8 later this year cannot come quickly
enough for Microsoft, so its hardware partners, like Dell, can start
competing more effectively in the tablet space.
The full report, Global Tablet OS Market Share: Q2 2012, is
published by the Strategy Analytics Tablet & Touchscreen (TTS)
service.
Link:
Apple iPad Captures 68 Percent Share of Global Tablet Shipments in Q2
2012 - Strategy Analytics Report
Newer, More Expensive iPads Getting More Business
Use
Sci-Tech Today's Adam Dickter reports that while leisure usage still
predominates among iPad owners, according to a Consumer Intelligence
Research Partners survey (based on interviews with 1,000 iPad
purchasers from December through April) Apple is making inroads among
business users, with 23% of purchasers of the New iPad, released in
March, reporting work usage, compared with just 13% of users for all
three iPad models together. Leisure usage still predominates,
accounting for 27% to 40% of iPad use - entertainment (including
listening to music and viewing photos), surfing the Internet, and
playing games, although surprisingly only 11% of those surveyed use the
iPad to access social media and just 8% to read books or magazines.
Those who buy higher-end iPad models with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage
tend to use them more for business, according to the survey.
Link: Newer, More
Expensive iPads Getting More Business Use
iPad Making Inroads into Business
Puget Sound Business Journal says that business people are using the
iPad more for work, especially true of the latest version of Apple's
tablet, according to a Consumer Intelligence Research Partners report
released Thursday that found 21% of new iPad owners are using it for
work, compared to 13% of all iPad users who use their iPads on the job,
which makes business use the fourth most common thing iPad owners say
they do with their tablets, behind surfing the Internet (more than
40%), entertainment (more than 30%), and playing games (more than 25%),
and greater than its use for social networking, email, and reading.
Link: Apple's iPad Makes
Inroads into Microsoft Territory: Business Use
ChangeWave: Samsung Surges, but iPhone 5 Advance
Demand Looms Large
PR: Smartphone maker Samsung is seeing a huge surge of
momentum, but the number one finding from a new 451 Research/ChangeWave
Research survey is the unprecedented wave of advance demand for the
next generation Apple iPhone.
The June survey looked at current demand for the Samsung Galaxy S
III vs. advance demand for an Apple "iPhone 5" among 4,042 primarily
North American consumers.
"Advance demand for the 'iPhone 5' is strikingly higher than we've
seen for any previous iPhone model," says Dr. Paul Carton,
451/ChangeWave's VP of Research. "Overall smart phone sales should
spike to an all-time high this fall, and of course Apple is going to be
the number one beneficiary. But besides Apple, and to a lesser degree
Samsung, no other manufacturer is likely to benefit from this coming
wave of demand."
Samsung Galaxy S III vs. Apple iPhone 5
Samsung (19%) is showing major momentum for the second time in the
past three surveys, having registered a 6-point surge in planned buying
just since March. All told, this represents nearly a four-fold increase
in consumer intent to buy Samsung smart phones in the past three
quarters.
The recently released Galaxy S III is in large part responsible for
the burst of Samsung momentum.
To measure demand for the new model, which went on sale in June,
ChangeWave presented consumers with a brief description and asked how
likely they would be to buy the Samsung device in the future.
Samsung is releasing their Galaxy S III smart phone in the US this
month. New features include a dual-core processor, 4.8" high resolution
display, an 8 MP camera, and 4G/LTE capability. The Galaxy S III costs
$199 for a 16 GB model with a 2-year contract on most of the major US
carriers.
On the question "How likely is it that you will buy a new Samsung
Galaxy S III for yourself or someone else (e.g., a family member) in
the future?", a total of 2% of respondents say they're Very Likely to
buy a Samsung Galaxy S III and 7% Somewhat Likely. The top reason why
they plan on buying is the Size and Quality of the phone's Screen
(15%).
Advance Demand for an Apple iPhone 5
Next ChangeWave looked at advance demand for the next generation
iPhone 5, which Apple is expected to release later this year.
Consumers were presented a description of probable iPhone 5 features
and asked how likely they were to buy one when it becomes available
with the query: "Some Analysts think Apple will release its next
generation 'iPhone 5' later this year. New features will likely include
a larger screen, improved camera, a new iOS 6 operating system and
4G/LTE capability. The iPhone 5 is expected to cost $199 for the 16 GB
model, $299 for the 32 GB model, and $399 for the 64 GB model, with a
2-year contract on most of the major carriers. How likely is it that
you will buy a new Apple 'iPhone 5' for yourself or someone else (e.g.,
a family member) in the future?"
With 14% of consumers saying they're Very Likely and 17% Somewhat
Likely to buy the iPhone 5 in the future, advance demand for the next
generation iPhone is strikingly higher than for any previous iPhone
model.
For example: a similar question on future demand for the iPhone 4S,
taken at the time of its October 2011 launch, showed 10% Very Likely
and 11.5% Somewhat Likely to purchase the device. Moreover, the iPhone
4S is currently considered the most successful smartphone release in
history.
In summary, the biggest finding of the survey is the unprecedented
level of advance demand for the next generation Apple iPhone (i.e., the
iPhone 5), which based on these survey numbers easily dwarfs the
advance demand of any previous iPhone launch.
That said, with overall interest in Samsung models nearly four times
greater than ChangeWave saw three quarters ago, and the South
Korean-based manufacturer also remains a huge winner in this survey
with the Galaxy S III a major driving force.
Other Findings
The huge wave of pent-up demand for the coming iPhone launch has
important implications for the rest of the industry, and puts a number
of second-tier smart phone manufacturers at increased risk of coming in
below plan for the year.
- In contrast to Apple and Samsung, demand for Motorola (4%; down
2-pts) and HTC (3%; unchanged) remains sluggish, while RIM (2%;
unchanged) is stuck at its all-time low.
- In a positive finding for Nokia (2%), it's seeing a slight uptick
in consumer smart phone buying. While it's only a 1-pt increase over
March, it remains a hopeful sign for their new Lumia device as well as
their strategic partnership with Microsoft.
Edit Docs on Your iPad Using Microsoft Office Web
Apps
PCWorld's Ian Paul says Microsoft's combination of SkyDrive and
Office Web Apps is great for working online . . . as long as
you're using a traditional mouse-and-keyboard PC. But if you're using a
tablet such as an iPad or an Android slate, you're obliged to use
app-based options such as Apple's Pages for iPad to edit your SkyDrive
docs . . . or are you?
Paul reports that even though Microsoft does not yet officially
support the iPad with its Office Web Apps, you can still access the
online productivity suite thanks to Google's recently released Chrome
browser for iOS - not a perfect solution, but if you need to get some
editing done in a pinch it'll work.
Link: Edit Docs on Your
iPad Using Microsoft Office Web Apps
How to Print from Your iOS Device without
AirPrint
iSmashPhone.com's 8bitjay says:
"Ever wanted to print from your iOS device, but don't have an
AirPrint-enabled printer? There are ways. One of the latest ones is
Printopia.
"The folks at Macworld have put together a short video showing you
how to go about it. The process takes about two or three minutes, but
its great if you don't have a newer printer.
"We have posted a few how to print from iOS walkthroughs in the
past. They are for folks who don't have AirPrint-ready printers. You
can check those out as well here."
Link: Print from Your
iOS Devices with Printopia (video)
Link: How to Print from Your iOS Device
without AirPrint (video)
Nexus 7 News and Opinion
5 Reasons the Nexus 7 Beats the iPad
Computerworld's Preston Gralla says that while the iPad may be king
of the tablets when it comes to sales, for most uses Google's Nexus 7
tablet is a better choice. He posits five reasons why the Nexus beats
the iPad.
- More convenient form factor.
- No Big Brother.
- The Nexus is more customizable.
- Better built-in apps.
- You save $300.
Publisher's note: Seriously, how far can you really trust a company
with the motto "Don't be evil"?
Google has taken control of the purportedly open source Android
project, has been called on the carpet in several jurisdictions for
privacy issues regarding its street view, and is now trying to force
all Google search users to become Google+ members. Google is just a
different kind of Big Brother than Apple or Microsoft.
That said, the iPad needs competition to keep it improving, and
between Kindle Fire, Nexus 7, Samsung's Galaxy tablets, and Microsoft's
forthcoming Surface, Apple is going to have it in spades. dk
Link:
Five Reasons the Google Nexus 7 Beats the iPad
Why Google's Nexus 7 Tablet Is Hotter than the
iPad
Forbes' Robert Hof observes that for once, an Apple product isn't
the hottest piece of hardware on the scene, with that highly enviable
status currently enjoyed by Google's new Nexus 7 tablet.
Hof declares that Google deserves credit for more than just
effective marketing, and that after trying it for several weeks, he can
affirm that there's substance behind why Nexus 7 is the latest hot
gadget:
- It looks and feels slick and substantial, not quite matching
Apple's standard but mighty close.
- The 7" size is appealing and convenient, easy to hold it in one
hand, and fits in a pants or shorts pockets and purses.
- The screen isn't Retina-grade, but is satisfyingly sharp and
bright.
- While the app ecosystem isn't as extensive as Apple's, there are
still plenty available.
- It's cheap! At $199, it's half the current $399 minimum for an
iPad 2.
- Über-reviewers Walt Mossberg, David Pogue, and MG Siegler all
like it, as does almost everyone else.
It's not all sweetness and light, and Hof notes several Nexus 7
shortcomings as well, such as a cluttered interface, chaotic app
organization, configurational angularities, and no rear-facing camera -
and in his estimation the 7" screen is just a tad too small.
Publisher's note: The Nexus 7 has a higher resolution screen than
the 9.7" iPad - 1280 x 800 vs. 1024 x 768 - so it should be very sharp,
even sharper than the rumored 7.85" 1024 x 768 pixel iPad mini. What's
most interesting is that Hof thinks the 7" screen is a bit too small.
That's exactly what Steve Jobs said, and that's probably a big reason
the smaller iPad everyone expects Real Soon Now will be closer to 8"
than 7".
The big question isn't how "hot" the Nexus 7 is among tech
cognoscenti or how hard it is to find the $249 16 GB version, but how
its sales figures compare the either of the current iPad models. That's
the true test of hotness - whether consumers are actually buying it.
dk
Link: Why Google's
Nexus 7 Tablet Is Hotter than Apple's iPad
High Demand Halts Orders for Google Nexus 7
PR: With the market for tablets and other handheld devices
evolving each day, the 16 GB version of Google's new Nexus 7 Tablet was
recently forced to halt orders as demand far surpassed supply. While
the 8 GB model is still available, what has made the 16 GB Nexus 7
the current must-own gadget? Tech expert Karl Volkman of SRV Network,
Inc. offers his expertise on the popular tablet.
For many consumers who already favor Android phones, purchasing a
Google tablet seems like the next logical step. The feather-light 7"
tablet, similar in size to the
Kindle Fire, is smaller than the current Apple iPad and was created
to work with Google Play. Google Play features the world's largest
collection of ebooks, in addition to TV shows, movies, magazines,
games, and apps, making the tablet ideal for those looking for a
handheld device with capabilities beyond that of a standard e-reader.
With a price tag of $249 (the 8 GB model goes for $199), the Nexus
7 is financially feasible for many more buyers, as the iPad 2 starts at
$399.
"Consumer interest for smaller tablets seems to be growing, and the
16 GB Nexus 7 is an attractive and affordable option for those looking
to enter the tablet market - so much so that the demand completely
overwhelmed Google's supply," says Volkman. "It's a good indication
that more major tech companies will be focusing on smaller tablets in
the upcoming months."
Apps & Services
IKEA Catalogue Now on iPhone and iPad
PR: The IKEA catalogue was first introduced in 1951, which
means that it has been around for more than 60 years. The first iPhone
version was launched 2009, and this year IKEA have included a number of
updates such as a store locator to help you find the IKEA store nearest
to you. Just like the printed 2012 IKEA catalogue, the iPhone version
is packed with inspiration and well-designed home furnishing solutions
for every need and every wallet.
IKEA catalog on iPad (left) and iPhone (right).
The catalogue includes around 4,000 images, showing some 2,000
products, out of the 10,000 products in the total IKEA range.
The IKEA catalogue for iPhone includes:
- Flip pages back and forth using 'swipe' gestures.
- Easy First, Previous, Next and Last navigation toolbar.
- Zoom in and out of any page to get a closer look using double tap
and multi touch (pinch) gestures.
- Jump straight to any page simply typing in the page number
- Handy thumbnail navigation for even quicker page flipping!
Table of
contents: The familiar print catalogue colour-coded index is now
included with handy links directly to the main sections.- Search: Search the entire catalogue simply and quickly by keyword
and phrases.
- Bookmarks: Found what you want? Save those pages, and customise the
name for easy reference when you are ready to visit our store.
- Share: Share pages or products through e-mail, Facebook or Twitter
to family and friends!
- Products: Tap on the + sign and get an image, basic information and
product price, tap on the handy more information link to get detailed
product information.
- Store locator: Find an IKEA store close to you.
New in Version 2.1
Requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
- Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Free
Link:
IKEA Catalogue
Vintazines Free for iPad: Full Issues of Vintage
Magazines 1900-1970
PR: Indie developer Stefano Secondo has announced Vintazines
1.0 free for iPad, his books app that lets users read mint condition,
full-color, high-resolution, scanned copies of vintage magazines
published from 1900 to 1970. Powered by Google Books, the app includes
hundreds of back issues of Popular Mechanics and LIFE
magazines. The covers of all available magazines are stored in the app
and displayed on a scrolling, virtual bookshelf. Vintazines downloads
and caches magazine pages in advance as the user browses through them
in portrait or landscape orientation, one page per screen.
As a magazine reader, Vintazines offers outstanding features,
intuitive operation, and Retina-sharp readability. The app supports
convenient pinch zoom gestures and swipe left/right to view
previous/next pages. Its invisible caching in advance permits browsing
through an entire magazine without any delay, or awareness that each
page is being downloaded from Google Books as the reader moves from
page to page.
Feature Highlights
- Vintazines 1.0 free for iPad
- Read mint condition, full-color, high-resolution, scanned copies of
vintage magazines from 1900 to 1970
- Hundreds of back issues of Popular Mechanics and LIFE
magazines
- Magazine covers are displayed chronologically on a scrolling
bookshelf
- Advanced caching downloads pages in advance so they appear
instantly
- Operates in portrait or landscape orientation
- Pinch zoom gestures, swipe pages forward and backward
First published in January of 1902 by Henry Haven Windsor,
Popular Mechanics was an immediate success. According to Hearst
Publications, "Windsors plan to deliver scientific and mechanical
developments with straightforward language and helpful illustrations
capitalized on a century hurtling with exponential speed toward
stunning technical achievement. From its inception to its
current iteration, the magazine has broken news of everything from
the dirigible, wireless telegraph, and cars to television, nukes, and
iPhones." Vintazines provides instant, wireless access to every monthly
issue from December 1904 to November 1969. The magazine's current
circulation is 1.2 million.
Articles, editorials, feature stories, news, and ads all document
the history of twentieth century technology and convey it within a
palpable 
historical
context. Readers can enjoy reliving the introduction of new
technologies and products as it was experienced by members of the
culture of the time. These classic magazines capture key moments in the
development of our technology-dependent society, such as the
introduction of the sound film, atom bomb, digital computer, color
television, transistor radio, and stereo sound.
The most important photojournalism magazine of the twentieth
century, LIFE magazine began publishing in November 1936.
According to Time LIFE, "Most magazines are built around editors and
writers, but LIFE has historically been built around
photographers. Being a LIFE photographer is one of the most
glamorous jobs in the profession, and it attracts the best in the
world. To support the photographers, LIFE has always assembled a
conglomeration of special talents and trained them to meet the
magazines many special needs: reporters who work with photographers to
line up a story, writers who can cram the necessary information into
text blocks and short captions, picture editors, designers, art
directors and department editors. All of them with one aim: pictures,
pictures, pictures. But LIFE of course does more than present
discrete photographic moments. The magazine was also a pioneer when it
came to telling stories in still images. LIFE, in effect,
created the photo-essay."
Readers of vintage LIFE magazines can enjoy it as a
historical document, for the artistry of its photography, and for the
remarkable narratives in its pages. As a forerunner of television news
programming and modern Internet new services, at the height of its
popularity in the 1940's LIFE sold more than 13.5 million copies
a week. The American experience is captured in pictures in LIFE,
and Vintazines includes every issue from November 1936 to December
1969.
"It's one thing to read about World War II in a history book, but
it's something completely different to read about it as it was
happening in vintage magazines," comments Stefano Secondo. "There's a
treasure trove of insight, history, inspiration, and knowledge in these
back issues of Popular Mechanics and LIFE, and Vintazines
provides the ideal key."
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPad
- Requires iOS 4.0 or later
- Internet connection required
- 21.5 MB
Vintazines 1.0 is free and available worldwide exclusively through
the App Store in the Books category.
Link:
Vintazines
Accessories
Rolling Ave. i-Circle Multistand/Grip for New
iPad
PR: A stylish and
practical accessory for your New Apple iPad, the iCircle provide you
with a protective rear cover as well as an easel
stand. 
The patented ring design will hold your iPad at the ideal
angle for portrait, landscape and typing. Handy to carry as well,
it's more flexible than a dock, and more durable than a cover.
Compatible with iPad Smart Cover.
Product Features
- Sturdy, stylish and efficient easel stand and rear cover for
iPad.
- Works with Smart Cover.
- Four mode stand for portrait, landscape and typing positions.
- Precisely fits iPad and displays Apple logo.
- Adds protection while maintaining iPad's slim profile and adding a
firm grip.
Specs
- Size (LWH): 9.45 inches, 7.28 inches, 0.79 inches
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
Price: $69.99
Link: i-Circle
Multistand/Grip for New iPad
IPEVO KA-01 iPad Folio Now Available in 5
Colors
PR: The KA-01 Origami Folio has added some color to its
roster. IPEVO, a technology company which makes products and
accessories for education, business and consumers, has increased to
five the number of available colors for its KA-01 Origami Folio with
Fold-Out Stand. These colors include Black, Azure, Lemongrass,
Honeysuckle and Tangerine. This ultra-slim case for Apple's new iPad 3
as well as iPad 2 is available at a retail price of $39.00 and is sold
exclusively through IPEVO's online store.
KA-01's original inspiration comes from origami, the traditional
Japanese art of paper folding. The folio's cover can be pinched inward
to form a triangular support which acts as a stand. Depending on
orientation, the triangular support offers either a 20 or a 70 viewing
angle. No buttons, Velcro, straps or similar devices are required for
the stand, which can be folded into place in a couple of seconds.
The
paper inspiration might also explain the fact that KA-01 is among the
lightest and thinnest iPad cases on the market, at only 4 millimeters
thick. Its ultra-slim profile is ideal for users who prefer a lighter
and less bulky companion for their iPad which nonetheless still offers
protection from scratches and daily wear and tear.
Both the iPad 3 and iPad 2 fit snugly into KA-01, and all ports and
controls are accessible while the device is in the case. This includes
both front and rear camera lenses, the charging port, speakers, and
volume control. Also included with KA-01 are smart magnets which cause
both models of iPad to enter Sleep Mode once the case is closed. This
results in better power management and generally longer times between
battery charges.
KA-01 is constructed with microfiber, which provides sturdy
protection while being soft to the touch. This material is
moisture-resistant as well as stain-resistant, including fingertip
acid. In the event KA-01 is soiled, it can be spot cleaned.
"KA-01 is ultra-slim, which our customers had been asking for, but
it is also functional," says Royce Hong, CEO and big head of design of
IPEVO. "The fold-out stand is a fun and very easy solution to support
the iPad at either a gentle slope or a more straight up-and-down angle.
And the fact that a built-in stand comes with such a thin case is a
welcome surprise to new users. With our complex new colors, we wanted
to give users even more of an opportunity to express themselves with a
folio that already makes a bold statement."
All five colors for the KA-01 Origami Folio with Fold-Out Stand are
now available for $39 (or equivalent amount in other currencies)
exclusively through IPEVO's online store.
Link: IPEVO KA-01 iPad
Folio
iCelsius IP2 iPhone/iPad/iPod touch Temperature
Probe
PR: A general inspection probe for use in laboratories,
soft food temperature inspection, field use by technicians performing
calibration or verification of critical equipment.
Features
- Stainless Steel Probe
- Easy to clean and very durable
- A general inspection probe for use in laboratories, "soft" food
temperature inspection, field use by technicians performing calibration
or verification of critical equipment.
- Setup alarms to alert when set temperature is reached
- Share graph pictures on Twitter, Facebook
- Share data as CSV files by email, iTunes or export to Apple Numbers
app
- Apple's Approval - "Made for iPhone".
Other Features
- Live display - Shows you useful temperature data in one shot.
- Graphs - Scroll and pan graphs over 1 year.
- Alarms - Generate alarms when the temperature goes outside a
configurable limit. On iPhone, call other phones when that
happens.
- Data export - Export by email, CSV or graph GIF
- Select units (C and F)
Temperature Measurement
- Range: -30C to 120C
- Display resolution: 0.1C or 0.01C
- Accuracy: 0.3C from 0C to 70C | Accuracy Chart [iCelsius Accuracy
Chart]
- Sampling frequency: 2 Hz
- User selectable unit (Celsius / Fahrenheit)
Operating & Storage Conditions
- Temperature (probe tip only): -30C to +120C
- Temperature (whole unit): 0 to 35C
- Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non condensing
- Maximum operating altitude: 3000m
- Non operating temperature: -20 to 45C
Dimensions
- Handle: 99mm 14mm (3.9 0.55 max)
- Tip: 135mm 3.2mm (5.3 0.125)
- Probe: Stainless Steel housing tip
Weight and Energy Requirements
- 70g (2.5 oz)
- power from iPad/iPhone/iPod touch
This accessory is also suitable for:
- iPhone (4S, 4, 3GS, 3G), iPod touch (4th & 3rd gen), iPad 2,
iPad, iPad 3
- Compatible with iOS 4.2 and higher
Certifications: CE, RoHS, MFi (Made for iPod)
$63.99
Link: iCelsius IP2
iPhone/iPad/ iPod Inspection Probe
