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.
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone Add-ons
iPod Add-ons
iPod and iPhone Deals
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
Fixing Short iPhone Battery Life
MacFixIt says:
"iPhones may exhibit abnormally short battery life for a variety of
reasons including, but not limited to:
- problematic software settings
- software bugs that drain the battery faster than normal (possibly
introduced by software/firmware updates)
- hardware defects
- improper charging
- improperly calibrated batteries
"What's an abnormally short battery life-span? There's no easy
answer. Apple's claims (8 hours of talk time, 6 hours of Internet use,
7 hours of video playback or 24 hours of audio playback, 250 hours more
than 10 days of standby time) seem somewhat inflated based on in-house
experience with iPhones that have (what we believe to be) healthy
batteries. If your iPhone is getting significantly less - say 3-4 hours
of talk time when not performing other functions - you may be
experiencing battery issues.
"Our coverage of these issues in broken into the following
areas:
- Indicator may not be correct
- Software fixes for abnormally short battery life
- General tips for extending time between charges
- Repair/Replacement
- Reader reports"
Link: MacFixIt
Special Report: Fixing Short iPhone Battery Life
Apple Opens iPhone Dev Center
The iPhone Dev Center is
your single source of information for designing, coding, and optimizing
web applications for iPhone and iPod touch. ADC Members can log in to
access the iPhone Dev Center, if you're not an ADC Member, sign up for
a free Online Membership today.
Web Development Guidelines
Learn the latest techniques on mobile browser-based user experience
design, and ensure users of your web application the best experience on
iPhone.
iPhone Tech Talk Videos
Watch iPhone engineers from the recent iPhone Tech Talks discuss
everything from user interface design to optimizing your web
applications and content for iPhone.
- iPhone Development Introduction
- iPhone User Interface Design
- Managing Content and Synced Data for iPhone
- Safari on iPhone Part I: Compatibility
- Safari on iPhone Part II: Optimization
- Safari on iPhone: Part III: iPhone Applications
- Designing Web Content for iPhone
Sample Code
Choose from a range of Sample Code projects that provide development
and user interface design techniques for interactive and
standards-based design on iPhone.
- iPhoneButtons
- iPhoneListPatterns
- iSudoku
- makeiPhoneRef Movie
- Puzzler
iPhone Reference Library
Browse the iPhone Reference Library for release notes, technical
documentation and guides on developing and optimizing Web 2.0
applications and content for iPhone
- Getting Started with iPhone
- Exporting Movies for iPod, Apple TV and iPhone
- Javascript Coding Guidelines for Mac OS X
- Safari CSS Reference
- Safari HTML Reference
- Safari Release Notes for iPhone (1.1.1)
- WebKit DOM Programming Topics
- iPhone Human Interface Guidelines
- Safari Web Content Guide for iPhone
- Preparing Content for Safari 3 and WebKit
- WebKit DOM Reference
iPhone Tech Talks
sWork with the experts to optimize your Web 2.0 application and
content to take advantage of the features and capabilities of
iPhone.
Safari Compatibility
Safari with the WebKit engine used by Safari, developers can create
sophisticated web content and applications designed for iPhone.
- Download Safari 3 Public Beta
- Learn more about WebKit
iPhone Web Applications
iPhone Web Apps: Once your app is ready, submit it for possible
listing in the Apple web apps library.
- Submit your web application
- Visit the iPhone web apps library
Accessories
Learn about developing accessories for iPhone and iPod.
- Designing accessories that use the dock connector
- Designing cases for iPhone and iPod
Link: iPhone Dev
Center
iPhone Changes How AT&T Will Do Business
"Referring to Nokia's upcoming answer to the iPhone
in Remember who said, 'Great artists steal'? counternotions.com's
Russell Beattie says:
"Actually, let me say this definitively: Not only does
Nokia have the more advanced device now, but it will take Apple several
*years* to come up with a competing product that has anywhere near
these level of features. Apple just doesn't have the mobile hardware
chops to do it themselves. Until you easily can get things like GPS, 5
megapixel sensors and HSDPA 3G on the commodity market, Apple won't be
launching a device with those features. They don't have the experience,
know how or partnerships to get it done and still be profitable.
"Not understanding just what Apple products (perhaps iPhone more
than any other) mean to users seems to be a professional punditry
handicap. Is a mobile device a simple collection of its hardware
components, as Beattie clearly lists above? More pixels and more speed
equal utility and delight? If that were so, how did the iPhone ever
become AT&T's top selling phone, the fourth top selling handset in
the US market? AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel explains...."
Link: AT&T:
iPhone Changes How We'll Do Business
Apple Pockets $432 from AT&T per iPhone
Sold
The New York
Times' Saul Hansell reports:
"Apple doesn't chat too much about the iPhone service fees AT&T
shares with it. But the good folks at the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (who make rules for how companies keep their books)
have forced it to give us some clues. The accountants say that if
someone promises to pay you money in the future (as AT&T does for
each iPhone activated), you have to report this 'deferred revenue' to
investors.
"All this makes Apple's financial statement into a rather complex
algebra problem. Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray, has tried
to do the math.
"His bottom line is rather shocking: AT&T appears to be paying
$18 a month, on average, to Apple for each iPhone activated on its
network. That adds up to $432 over a two year contract. In other words,
Apple will receive $831 for each iPhone it sells...."
Link: The $831
iPhone
Molson Leaks Canadian iPhone Launch?
The
Globe and Mail's Catherine McLean reports:
"It looks like Apple Inc.'s iPhone may soon be headed to Canada.
"Or maybe not.
"Molson Export beer is giving away iPhones, valued at $800, as one
of a number of prizes in a current marketing contest in Quebec. The
rules noted the iPhones will only be available as of January 2008 on
the wireless network of Rogers Communications Inc. While winners will
get the cool new cellphones for free, they will need to pay for the
service themselves.
"However, Molson said it made a mistake. The company has no idea
when the iPhone will be launched in Canada and is only on a waiting
list with Rogers for the device, according to spokeswoman Marie-Helene
Lagace."
Link:
Molson's Contest Leaks Canadian iPhone Launch - or Not?
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
Happy Birthday, iPod: 6 Years of Innovation
The iPod
Observer's Jeff Gamet says:
"Apple released the original iPod six years ago on October 23, 2001.
During its first six years, the iPod has gone from a 5 GB Mac-only
music player to a cross-platform 160 GB music and video player and the
most popular media player on the market. Happy birthday, iPod.
"The first iPod cost US$399 and measured 2.43 x 4.02 x .78-inches.
In comparison, the 160 GB iPod classic - the model that most closely
physically matches the original - costs $349, and measures 2.4 x 4.1 x
.53-inches. Where the original was essentially just a music player,
later models added the ability to play videos and even games."
Editor's note: I'm still happily using an original 5 GB iPod
manufactured in October 2001. Aside from replacing the spavined
original battery with a FastMac TruePower long life unit, it's been
trouble-free and is still going strong. cm
iPhone Add-ons
CLIQK Transforms iPhone into Remote Control for
Home
PR: As if having the latest über gadget is not enough,
CLIQK, the New York based digital lifestyle services firm, announced
today that its VIP members are being treated to specially customized
iPhones. CLIQK's VIP member iPhones include a direct application that
allows them to control and monitor all aspects of their homes from
anywhere in the world. CLIQK's customizations even include specialized
menus, applications and ringtones that are not available from Apple or
to the general public.
"We've unlocked the true power of the iPhone, allowing people to use
this remarkable tool to control their homes' security, lighting,
temperature, shading, and even music -whether they're in sailing in St.
Tropez or simply stuck at the office," said CLIQK founder Mark D.
Hernandez. "The advantages of this accessibility cannot be overstated,
whether it is used to enhance security or just comfort."
There are numerous reasons, both practical and fun, for giving
clients remote access to their home automation systems. Already taking
advantage of their Cliqk'd up iPhones, CLIQK's clients are using them
to monitor security cameras, double check their locks, and be alerted
when their loved ones have returned home.
Judge Kirby, a CLIQK client, highlights some of the more
entertaining benefits of his CLIQK customized iPhone, "After a long
evening, you can't imagine how good it feels to come home to the right
music, temperature, and lighting - all regulated by me long before I
get anywhere near my home."
"CLIQK thrives on innovation and using technology to enhance the
varied lifestyles of our clients," adds Mr. Hernandez. "Customizing the
iPhone is a great way to offer our clients some extra luxury as well as
let them have even more fun with their CLIQK system. Plus, our clients
love it when we keep them ahead of the pack of their technolusting
peers."
Since opening for business in New York City in 2004, CLIQK has been
the authority on unique home entertainment and automation systems for
high-end, luxury residences. CLIQK is comprised of designers,
engineers, researchers, and project managers whose goal is to transform
the commonplace into seamless high-tech sensational spaces. CLIQK
addresses each client individually, providing only the best that
technology can offer in simple and convenient personalized systems.
Bluetooth sender dongle for iPod - BluStream TX
GEAR4, the leading UK audio accessories brand, today announces the
BluStream TX, a Bluetooth sender dongle for iPod. There are so many
Bluetooth products currently on the market, but your music is all
trapped inside your iPod. Well, now you can free those tunes wirelessly
for £39.99.
The BluStream TX automatically pairs to any of GEAR4's Bluetooth
products as well as being able to connect to any A2DP compatible
devices and features a blue LED to indicate its pairing status. Whether
you want the freedom of wireless, Bluetooth headphones on the go, or a
Bluetooth speaker at home, simply plug the dongle into the dock
connector of your iPod to transmit your tunes wirelessly.
This device is powered by the iPod and therefore avoids the need for
batteries. It has memory for up to 7 devices to enable quick pairing
and all this capability is stored within a slim casing weighing just
29g.
Tom Dudderidge, CEO of GEAR4, commented: "Primarily we specialise in
iPod accessories, however, as the iPod and mobile phone markets begin
to overlap we need to provide users with the facilities for both. With
our recent move to produce Bluetooth enabled products, we felt it was
hugely important to give the iPod the one thing it lacks, A2DP. "
Features:
- Automatically pairs with other GEAR4 Bluetooth devices
- No need for batteries
- Blue LED to show pairing status
- Memory for up to 7 devices
The BluStream TX will be available from the GEAR4 web store and
major retailers.
GEAR4 BluStream TX £39.99 incl. VAT
Link:
BluStream TX
zCover iSA Care Dock zAdapter for iPhone
PR: With zAdapter Dock Kit, you can convert your Apple iPhone
Dock Connector Cable, iPod Dock Connector to USB Port Cable, or even
iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Port Cable into an iPhone Dock and
gives you the freedom to dock your iPhone with iSAglove Silicone
Protection Case. It's as simple as Plug & Play.
zCover Inc has
announced the release of their functional add-up iSAglove Dockable Kit
for Apple iPhone.
Are you using your iPhone constantly?
Do you want to dock your iPhone with case on?
Do you have extra iPod dock cable on hand?
zCover iSAglove Dockable Kit gives you the iSAglove protection,
mobility with the 360 degree rotating removable Belt Clip, and zAdapter
Dockable Kit. With zAdapter Dock Kit, you can convert your Apple iPhone
Dock Connector Cable, iPod Dock Connector to USB Port Cable, or even
iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Port Cable into an iPhone Dock and
gives you the freedom to dock your iPhone with iSAglove Silicone
Protection Case. It's as simple as Plug & Play.
Crystal clear podium
shows the beauty of Apple iPhone Dock. It is not a decoration, it is a
perfect holder and support of the iPhone in Case. Podium is designed
with the same angle of iPhone Dock Connector. It supports iPhone and
shares weight from Dock Connector
zCover Care Dock Adapter is crafted from durable high-grade PC
plastic. You can twist it, but you can not break it. Washable - you can
wash it. Please make sure dry it out before cap it on.
- Size A: docking 80 GB iPod classic in Original series cases
docking 30 GB iPod with Video in iSA 5G Original or Duet series
cases
- Size B: docking 160 GB iPod classic in Original series cases
docking 60 GB/80 GB iPod with Video in iSA 5G Original or Duet series
cases
zCover Dock Adapter is designed to reduce iPod sway range during
docking. Podium in the same angle of Dock connector. It supports iPod
and shares weight from Dock Connector.
zCover protects and secures your investment.
Each zCover iSAglove Dockable Kit retail pack contains one iSAglove
silicone protection case, one removable rotary zCover universal belt
clip and one zAdapter Dock Kit
zCover iSAglove Dockable kit is compatible with:
- iPhone iPod Dock Connector Cable
- iPod Dock Connector to USB Port Cable
- iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Port Cable.
$44.99
Link:
zCover iSAglove Dockable Kit
iPod Add-ons
DLO Hipcase Family for New iPods
PR: Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO has announced the
immediate availability of the newest members of its HipCase product
family. Available today are three new styles for the current iPod
models - the HipCase leather folio for the iPod nano, iPod classic and
iPod touch; and the HipCase nylon holster and HipCase leather sleeve
for iPod touch. The new cases expand the popular HipCase family, which
includes several previously announced models for the iPhone. Each
features an integrated, covered belt clip for easy, handsfree transport
in a stylish, protective package. Available now at national iPod
retailers, as well as online, each new case is available for a
suggested retail price of $29.99.
HipCase
folio for iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPod touch
The HipCase folio for the iPod nano features a padded leather cover
that flips open to reveal a clear, play-through window. Its sleek,
leather-covered belt clip keeps the nano securely at your side -
whether attached to your clothing or to a backpack or briefcase. The
HipCase folios for iPod classic and iPod touch, like their nano
counterpart, feature soft, high-quality leather and a padded flip-up
cover. Unlike the nano's play-through window, the HipCases for iPod
touch and classic provide open access to the click wheel and
touchscreen. In addition, each includes a pocket on the inside flap,
ideal for carrying an ID, cash or credit card. All three folios offer
access to iPod controls, including the click wheel and headphone
jack.
HipCase nylon for iPod touch
The modern and durable nylon HipCase for iPod touch combines tough
protection with easy, convenient access to your iPod. Featuring a belt
clip for horizontal placement, and a Velcro tab and center notch for
quick, one-handed iPod access, the HipCase provides the most in comfort
and accessibility. The HipCase features a nylon body and rubber accent
on the padded flip-up cover, and contains no animal products - the
perfect choice for those in the market for a vegan-friendly iPod case.
The HipCase also features a hidden inside-pocket for your ID or credit
card. Corner notches ensure unobstructed access to the iPod's earbud
jack, allowing you to listen to music while keeping the iPod safely
cradled in the HipCase.
HipCase sleeve for iPod touch
The HipCase sleeve combines a protective leather case with a soft
inner lining to keep your iPod touch safe and secure. Its open design
offers full-time access to all iPod controls, including the dock
connector, Home button, and display screen. While it features an
open-face design, it also ships with a bonus DLO Surface Shield to
protect the iPod touchscreen and keep it smudge-free. DLO Surface
Shields are scratch- and smudge-resistant films that offer touchscreen
protection without interfering with any controls. DLO Surface Shields
are applied directly to the screen and can be used alone or with an
accompanying case.
"Each new HipCase brings rich sophistication to the current iPod
models and fits just as easily with blue jeans as with a business
suit," said Andrew Green, DLO's vice president of marketing. "With
integrated belt clips on each model, the HipCases are not only stylish,
but they also offer many versatile ways to transport your music on the
go."
All HipCase designs can be purchased immediately at dlo.com or at
national iPod retailers. For more information on DLO's extensive line
of iPod and iPhone cases, please click here.
Link: DLO
Hipcase Family
DLO Action Jacket Sport Cases for New iPods
PR:
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has announced the immediate
availability of its newest line of Action Jacket sport-ready neoprene
cases for the iPod. The DLO Action Jackets are now available for all
recently announced iPods including the 3G iPod nano, the iPod classic
and the iPod touch. A flagship product for the company, the Action
Jacket was originally announced at DLO's inception in 2001, and has
been a must-have accessory for the active iPod owner ever since.
Available in black, white and select accent colors, each DLO Action
Jacket protects your iPod on-the-go while still enabling easy access to
all iPod controls. The DLO Action Jackets for iPod nano, iPod classic
and iPod touch are available immediately from national iPod retailers,
such as Best Buy, and at dlo.com for $29.99.
Whether
you're headed to the gym, or just down the block, the Action Jacket
provides all the style and protection you need. While competitive sport
cases function merely as "armband-only" cases, the DLO Action Jackets
provide the most in flexibility. Each cushioned neoprene Action Jacket
comes equipped with both a rotating belt clip, as well as a secure,
fully adjustable and removable Velcro armband. Clip it to your clothing
or backpack for daily use, or add the armband when you're working out.
The armband is machine washable and fits any size bicep - from a
diminutive 6 inches, to an impressive 20 inches. And, while the case
provides protection from sweat and the elements, it still allows full
access to the Click Wheel (for nano and classic) and play-through
access to the touch screen (for iPod touch), so skipping to the next
song is effortless and intuitive. The Action Jacket is 'workout safe'
and protects the player from scratches and dings at the gym, during a
jog, or even on the street.
"Whether
you're working out or just hanging out, DLO's new Action Jackets let
you take your iPod along for the ride, " said Andrew Green, DLO's vice
president of marketing. "Equally stylish in the gym or on your jeans,
an Action Jackets provides all the style and protection your new iPod
nano, classic or touch need. And, there's no wait - they are in stores
and shipping today."
The DLO Action Jacket for iPod nano, iPod classic and iPod touch are
available for 29.99 at iPod retailers nationwide and online.
Link:
DLO Action Jacket
EZGear ezSkin MAX iPod Cases: Maximum iPod
Protection
PR: The new ezSkin MAX offers unparalleled
protection for your iPod while still offering the great features you
expect from ezSkins. The ezSkin MAX uses special silicon rubber to
provide extra shock and drop protection.
Each corner of the case is reinforced with extra padding without
adding too much bulk. The screen protector is a hard clear plastic. The
case comes with the requisite ezSKin belt Clip and neck strap. The
clickwheel cover protects dirt from getting in while not interfering
with the performance or sensitivity of the controls.
Available in black and white, there is an ezSkin MAX for your 80 GB
or 160 GB iPod Classic.
Features
- Made of ultra-durable high-grade silicone rubber
- Precision molded case to fit your iPod
- Opening on top for access to the hold button and earphones
- Openings on bottom for access to the dock connector
- Clickwheel cover keeps dirt out without interfering with the
performance of iPod controls
- Includes clear screen protector to protect the iPod Classic
screen
- Includes removable belt clip and removable belt clip post
- Includes removable neck strap
- Provides complete protection of ALL surfaces of your iPod
- Available in Onyx Black or Frost White
Price
- ezSkin MAX ONYX Black 80 GB - $34.99
- ezSkin MAX Frost White 80 GB - $34.99
- ezSkin MAX ONYX Black 160 GB - $34.99
- ezSkin MAX Frost White 160 GB - $34.99
For more information, visit:
Link: ezSkin
MAX
Brighten Up Your World with a Proporta
Alu-Leather Sheepskin iPod Case
PR: Now in its third generation, Apple's iPod nano gets a
substantial redesign to accommodate games and video playback. Despite
all the changes, the iPod nano is still one of the smallest, thinnest
and most exquisitely designed MP3 players on the market. Thus Proporta
have emulated Apple's exquisite design, given the nano what they think
it deserves to keep its funky image, and released an Alu-Leather
Sheepskin case in some vibrant new colours.
The Alu-Leather Sheepskin Case (Apple
3G iPod nano 4 GB and 8 GB) comes in a variety of colours,
including red, pink, blue, green and tan. These fun cases are
beautifully hand crafted to meet the exact specifications of your nano,
made from extremely soft leather, offering supreme protection by using
Proporta's trademark 'Screen Saver System'. This uses a sheet of
lightweight, rigid aluminium which lines the case protecting your
precious screen from crushing and impact shocks.
Since they come in a range of colours, the Alu-Leather Sheepskin
Case allows you to have both personalised style and protection for your
device.
Proporta also make sure that you never need to remove the device
from the case as cut outs give access to all the necessary ports and
controls.
$34.95
Link: Proporta
Alu-Leather Sheepskin iPod Case
iPresent It 2.0 Converts PowerPoint,
Keynote, etc. to iPod photo
PR: Who needs a laptop to give a presentation?
Make your next pitch using your iPod. With iPresent It you can
convert your PowerPoint and PDF presentations into slideshows that are
synced with your iPod. Never carry a laptop into a presentation again;
it's all on your iPod!
Features
Works with any iPod with a color screen. Note that the iPod nano
does not support video output.
Optimizes slideshows for viewing via an iPod or Apple TV. iPresent
It will automatically detect your presentation resolution and ensure
that it is formatted correctly for display in standard or widescreen
formats.
Optionally optimize for iPod viewing. This generates slides that use
the entire iPod screen to ensure the best possible viewing on any iPod.
In addition, the slide resolution is maximized to ensure effective
zooming when viewing the slides on an iPhone, iPod touch or PSP.
Create slideshow images from any of your PowerPoint or PDF
presentations.
Saves presentations as subfolders of a folder (such as the folder
being used to sync to your iPod via iTunes).
Easily update your slideshows whenever you make changes to a
presentation. With built-in tracking to indicate which presentations
need updating you'll never be caught without your latest changes.
Full drag and drop support for adding presentations.
Easily remove slideshows when they are no longer needed. Removing
them from iPresent It ensures they will be removed from your iPod the
next time you sync.
Preview slides as they're converted into a slideshow.
Also works with digital cameras and projectors that support USB
flash drives (see the FAQ for details).
Mac Specific
Saves presentations as albums in iPhoto.
Create slideshow images from any of your Keynote presentations.
Keynote support includes full build extraction, each build step is
converted into a unique image for displaying via your iPod.
Use the OS X print dialog's Save As PDF button to create slideshow
images for any document.
Drag and drop presentations onto the application for one-time
slideshow creation.
New in version 2.0:
- Adds the ability to optimize for iPod viewing. This generates
slides that use the entire iPod screen to ensure the best possible
viewing on any iPod.
- In addition, the slide resolution is maximized to ensure effective
zooming when viewing the slides on an iPhone, iPod touch or PSP.
- Leopard compatibility.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3 or later
- Windows XP or Vista version 2.0 (608 KB)
- requires .Net 2.0 (installer will initiate a download)
System Support: PPC/Intel
17.95 Shareware
Link: iPresent
It
iPodLinux
PR: The iPodLinux Project (http://sourceforge.net/projects/ipodlinux/)
is an open source venture into porting Linux onto the iPod. So far, we
have successfully ported a customized uClinux (http://www.uclinux.org) kernel to the
iPod, and written a simple user interface for it dubbed podzilla.
Additional applications and modules have been written, adding many
capabilities not found in Apple's firmware.
iPodLinux is currently safe to install on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
generation iPods. Development is currently on-going on later
generations of iPod, including the fourth generation click wheel, mini,
U2, Photo/Color, Nano, and Video. Donations always help when it comes
to supporting new hardware. Progress can be tracked on the Project
Status page or the blog (http://www.ipodlinux.org/blog). We
are unable to provide support for these newer iPods.
Link: iPodLinux
