iNews Review

iPhone Lover on Nexus One, iPhone Wins Touchscreen Test, Dragon Dictation for iTouch, and More

This Week's iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2010.01.15

Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review.

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News, Reviews, & Opinion

An iPhone Lover's Take on the Nexus One

Tech Crunch's MG Siegler says:

"Last week, I attended the Google Android Nexus One event. As you may have heard, they gave many of us in the audience the device to try out. I decided that before I wrote anything about it (other than saying on television that it's a nice little device ), I would give it a real shot. So here I am, a week later, with my thoughts on it. To be clear, this isn't meant to be a full review or overview, for that, see our review here. Instead, I'm going to come at this from the perspective of a pretty hardcore iPhone user of the past two-plus years."

A Mac Lover's Take on the Droid

Thinking Christian asks, "Can a Mac user get along with a Google phone?" - noting that the article is written "strictly as a service to Macintosh users who may be getting started with a new smartphone, and who I would hate to see making the needless mistakes I made with mine.

"I travel a lot, my work involves a lot of project and document management, and much of what I do is dependent on the Internet. It's the kind of work for which I have long thought a good smartphone could be very helpful . . . I'm locked in to Verizon as my cell phone provider (for reasons that don't matter here), and for months I eagerly followed rumors that they would soon offer the iPhone. I held on to that hope as long as I could, but last month, reluctantly, I gave up. If the iPhone was ever going to come to Verizon, it wasn't going to be soon enough to meet my needs.

"That was a tough conclusion for me to come to, since I've been exclusively a Mac user since the mid-1980s, and I know how good Apple products can be....

"Thus began my odyssey of marrying my Mac computer life to a Google phone operating system. After lots of trial and error (I'm an experimenter at heart), here's my conclusion. The Eris is a really fine smartphone. If you want to use it in conjunction with a Mac, you certainly can . . . You can do it wrong, or you can do it right. I've done both. I'm here to tell you what I learned by doing it wrong, and eventually getting it to where it's right for me."

Nexus One vs. iPhone 3GS

Bare Feats' rob-ART Morgan says:

"No sooner do we put to bed our Android Eris article when Google announces (and ships) the Nexus One. Could it be the iPhone 'killer'? It certainly has some clear advantages....

"If the Android Eris fires a shot across the bow of the Apple iPhone 3GS, the Nexus One rams it broadside. If the Droid Eris running Android 1.5 represents the low end iPhone competition, then the Nexus One is definitely the high-end. It is slim and fast and affordable (with a 2 year calling plan). Competition is good. The consumer wins as smart phones shoot it out."

iPhone Wins Smartphone Touchscreen Performance Test

MOTO Development Group has unveiled a video and photographs of a touchscreen performance test between the Google Nexus One, the Apple iPhone, the Motorola Droid, and the HTC Verizon Droid Eris.

DIY with One Finger and a Drawing Program

touchscreen linearity testMOTO Development Group created the simple technique so that anyone can evaluate the resolution and accuracy of touchscreen devices before they buy. To conduct the test, consumers open a basic drawing program and draw a few diagonal lines drawn across the screen.

Draw Slowly

On a quality touchscreen, people can draw clean straight lines, even while going very slowly. The image that appears on screen accurately represents the slowly drawn lines. However, on inferior touchscreens, it's basically impossible to draw straight lines. Instead, the lines look jagged, stair-stepped or zigzag, no matter how slowly you go. The inferior image results from the sensor size is too big, the touch-sampling rate is too low, and/or the algorithms that convert gestures into images are too nonlinear to faithfully represent user inputs.

Pressure Matters

A good touchscreen device will produce linear output regardless of whether you're using the full pad of your finger, or just the edge. If you want to test the most extreme performance, draw very lightly with the edge of your finger. The artifacts will increase significantly, showing which device is really the best with a weak signal.

Even on a single device, the amount of pressure and the part of the finger you use on the screen has an impact on how well it senses. This is important because quick keyboard use and light flicks on the screen really push the limits of the touch panel's ability to sense.

A good touchscreen device will produce linear output regardless of whether you're using the full pad of your finger, or just the dry corner of your cuticle. When comparing devices, make sure to use even pressure across all of them.

Millimeters Matter

Small differences in touchscreen sensitivity actually reveal exponential difference in performance. Less sensitive touchscreen systems are infuriating to use for typing.

And the Winner Is...

The iPhone! The iPhone's touch sensor showed the most linear tracking with the least amount of stair-stepping. The Droid Eris and Nexus One tied for second with only faint wiggling - but actually performed best at the edge of the screen. Last in the lineup was the Motorola Droid, which demonstrated significant wavy artifacts or "stair-stepping."

The Real End Game

To create a superior touchscreen experience, the key is to develop a touchscreen sensor that has the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio, or SNR. When a manufacturer gets it right, the device tracks touch inputs almost as if they were connected to physical objects in the real world. Key drivers of SNR include:

  • Conductive sensor material
  • Substrate material
  • Substrate thickness
  • Distance from display (the biggest noise source)
  • Sensing waveform
  • Sensor pattern
  • Sensor pitch
  • Analog sensing circuitry
  • Sample rate

Touchscreens are a catalyst for innovation and a powerful way for device manufacturers to differentiate their products in an intensely competitive marketplace. But as MOTO's demonstration shows, there's a right way and a wrong way to deploy the technology. MOTO has worked with capacitive touch interfaces for more than 15 years, and offers up these essential dos and don'ts for anyone entering the field:

  • Don't skimp on materials. With touchscreen hardware, manufacturers get what they pay for - and consumers will notice the difference.
  • Allow ample time to develop your algorithms. Don't treat touchscreen algorithms as an element of component sourcing; create a distinct touch development track in-house to make sure your products are both responsive and accurate.
  • Closely integrate touchscreen hardware, software, and user interaction development as early as possible in the product development process. Never treat them as separate tasks.

labs.MOTO.com is dedicated to sharing tools and technologies we have developed in our product development consulting practice, MOTO Development Group. MOTO's labs.moto.com initiative helps our team further creativity in next generation of connected devices, multitouch, and provides a relaxed forum for sharing MOTO thinking and experiments.

iFixit Puts Nexus One Under the Knife

Open up the Nexus OnePR: Once the fancy wrapper was off the phone, the Nexus One revealed itself to be very similar to other smartphones, albeit with stronger hardware, impressing with its thoughtful internal design and ease of disassembly

We heard the Nexus One was developed by HTC under close supervision by Google. We wanted to see what kind of Google magic lay inside the device, so we took it apart.

Once we took the fancy wrapper off the phone, the Nexus One revealed itself to be very similar to other smartphones, albeit with stronger hardware. Its thoughtful internal design did impress us, as did its ease of disassembly.

Inside the Nexus OneTeardown Highlights:

  • The 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is quite speedy. We had a Motorola Droid on-hand for comparison, and it seemed to us that everything went a bit more smoothly on the Nexus One - at least before we took it apart.
  • The unbelievably easy task of removing the plastic rear cover gives access to the replaceable battery. Hey Apple, take notes!
  • This phone is very nicely put together and has no visible screws. Yet, we were able to remove the battery cover, unscrew three screws, and take off the battery holder frame. Depending on the part, the phone can certainly be user-serviceable.
  • It's quite a colorful phone on the inside. HTC/Google was nice enough to include greens, yellows, oranges, dark grays, and all sorts of other colors inside the Nexus One.
  • Completely disassembled Nexus OneNexus One chip winners include Qualcomm, Broadcom, Skyworks, TI, Samsung, Synaptics, Atmel, and Audience.
  • The 3.7" (diagonal) WVGA AMOLED touchscreen is made by Samsung, the same screen supplier as for Microsoft's Zune HD.
  • Qualcomm is certainly the chip winner for the Nexus One, having three of the largest-profile chips in the device: processor, power management chip, and RF transceiver.
  • The 802.11n capability gives the Nexus an advantage over the iPhone 3GS, which only has 802.11g. The Broadcom BCM4329 chip in the Nexus is the same chip found in Apple's newest (3rd generation) iPod touch, and also has Bluetooth and FM transceiver functionality.

Adorama Introduces the APPOS: Photo App Awards and Photo Contest for the iPhone

PR: Adorama, one of America's premier photography and consumer electronics resellers, announces that they are launching the APPOS™, the first annual iPhone App Awards for Photography 2010 as well as an iPhone Photography Contest. The annual APPOS Awards are designed to spotlight the rapid rise in popularity of the iPhone as a new platform for digital point-and-shoot photography and to recognize developers of outstanding photo Apps.

APPOS contestAn esteemed panel of judges include Photoshop Guru Scott Kelby, Nikon shooters Joe McNally and Moose Peterson, and Canon shooters Eric Meola and Syl Arena, plus popular WFAN radio personalities, former football quarterback Boomer Esiason and commentator Craig Carton. Winners for both the photo contest and the first ever APPOS Photo App Awards will be announced during the month of March.

"We were amazed to see what our customers were accomplishing with their iPhones," says Ahron Schachter, Adorama spokesperson. "They were getting photographic results that no ordinary digital camera could accomplish without the use of image editing software normally found on a desktop computer. But they were doing everything on their iPhones! We believe the Apple iPhone is changing the way people think about their photos; there's no doubt it is changing the picture-taking habits of even novice photographers."

iPhone photosWith over 2,000 photography-related Apps in the Apple iTunes App Store for photography, iPhone owners are using this software on their phones to expand and creatively explore photography in ways not even imaginable on a standard point-and-shoot camera, no less a cellphone camera. These Apps (software programs that load on an iPhone or iPod touch) are turning the iPhone into a very powerful photographic tool for capturing, editing and manipulating all types of photographic images and graphics right on the iPhone or iPod touch (no computer needed).

The Adorama Photo APPOS Awards will cover six categories of photo software from colorization, masking/cropping, filters, zoom, panoramic and stop action Apps. Along with honoring the software titles and their developers, Adorama will showcase the winning Photo Apps, chosen by popular vote and award-winning photographers and their pictures, chosen by the panel of judges, in categories including Nature, People, Humor and Creative/Special Effects.

Contest entries will be accepted until February 15, 2010. All winners will be announced during the month of March 2010 via the Adorama web site and via e-mail blast to Adorama's more than 500,000 customers. Prizes include one Grand Prize of a $1,000 Adorama Gift Certificate plus 10 Wacom tablets, fifteen Canon wireless printers, thirty $100 Adorama Gift Certificates and twenty-five $50 Apple App Stores Gift Certificates.

Apps & Services

Say It & Mail It 2.0 for iPhone and iPod touch

PR: Carnation Software has released Say It & Mail It version 2.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. Say It & Mail It is the quickest and easiest way to email a voice memo from your iPhone or iPod touch to yourself or to others. This new version lets you 'Shake it & Mail it'. You can optionally shake your iPhone or iPod touch to start and stop recording. Then just one tap to email a voice memo.

Send yourself reminders when you are away from your computer. No typing required. Your email address and subject are auto-filled. Include a picture or movie in your email. Take a photo or select from album. Pictures are full resolution compressed jpg format and the size can be adjusted. Include a Google Map link to your location in your email. Email to groups.

Great way to send anyone a detailed email without using the keyboard. Emailed voice memos are compatible with Mac, PC and any other computer O/S (uses compressed wave format). No file maintenance on your iPhone or iPod touch, since audio files are not stored there. No advertising in your emails. Just a 'Say It & Mail It' signature, which you can optionally remove in the Info setup. Quick 'n easy. Don't strain your fingers and your eyeballs typing out long email messages. Just "Say It & Mail It."

Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.1 or later

Say It & Mail It 2.0 for iPhone is only $1.99 and available exclusively through the App Store.

iHome Introduces Free Bedside Companion App for iPhone and iPod touch

iHome+SleepPR: iHome, supplier of innovative iPhone/iPod speaker solutions, announced that iHome+Sleep, a free app for the iPhone and iPod touch, is currently available for download on the iTunes App Store. iHome+Sleep is the first application for iPhone and iPod touch created by iHome, the makers of the industry's first iPod docking alarm clock.

"iHome's team has over 30 years of experience designing consumer electronics for the sleep experience," says Evan Stein, Vice President of Marketing, iHome. "With iHome+Sleep, iHome has brought their know-how to the iPhone and iPod touch platform and created a truly modern bedside companion."

iHome+SleepIn addition to providing an attractive fullscreen clock display with weather widgets, iPod control cluster, and customizable background image, iHome+Sleep introduces users to the Sleep Card. The Sleep Card enables users to create multiple profiles encapsulating advanced settings for wakeup times, sleep and wake sounds, messages, and personal reminders.

iHome+Sleep uses numerous noteworthy innovations, which enhance the modern sleep cycle, including:

  • Sleep Stats: a running record of the user's sleep habits, including how many times they snooze, average bedtime, hours of sleep, and many more.
  • Social Media Alerts: Facebook Connect & Twitter integration allows users to send their friends preset or impromptu messages at bedtime and wakeup.
  • Overnight News: a new take on the morning paper, users can read what happened on their social networks while they were sleeping.

iHome+Sleep is now available as a free download on the iTunes App Store and will be compatible with other soon to be released iA5 and iA100 App-Enhanced speaker systems from iHome.

Mercury for iPhone: Weather Anywhere

PR: Alex Roberts announces the availability of Mercury 2.0, compatible with iPhone and iPod touch running OS 3.0 or higher. Mercury is a visually distinct and easy to use weather app that gives you the latest weather information wherever you are in the world, powered by WeatherBug's extensive worldwide weather services.

Mercury's innovative circular interface displays the information you need in a large and easy to read format. Layering the current temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit over atmospheric conditions. Linked with WeatherBug's extensive online service, a quick tap of the details button will load up even more information about the weather conditions in your current area. There's no need to enter any location details, Mercury is fully automatic, and always shows you the most up to date weather information.

New in version 2.0, Mercury now lets you to save an unlimited number of city locations around the world, allowing you to stay on top of global weather conditions. The saved locations view displays the temperature and weather conditions for each city; and a fully detailed breakdown with a tap. Mercury's user interface has also been refined and improved with this release. The main display is now clearer with newly color coordinated local temperature; and it's now possible to toggle the sunrise display for an even cleaner interface.

Features:

  • Location aware weather
  • Atmospheric conditions feedback
  • High, low, and conditions forecast
  • Precise sunrise and sunset information
  • Detailed weather breakdown
  • User saved locations - See the weather around the world
  • Elegant and easy to use interface

New in Mercury 2.0:

  • User saved locations
  • Updated and refined user interface
  • Improved performance
  • Sunrise and sunset display now optional
  • Bug fixes

Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, with iPhone OS 3.0 or later

Mercury 2.0 is $1.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Weather category.

Nuance Dragon Dictation and Dragon Search Now Available for iPod touch

PR: Nuance Communications, Inc. has announced that due to popular demand, its successful Dragon Dictation and Dragon Search Apps are now available for the iPod touch. iPod touch users can now experience the power of Dragon Dictation's incredibly fast and accurate speech capabilities to dictate emails and update any text field (like Facebook and Twitter) using the Clipboard function. And with Dragon Search, people can speak searches that are returned from a variety of sources including Google, Yahoo! or Bing, plus Wikipedia, iTunes, YouTube and Twitter via the Dragon Search Carousel. Both apps are free on the Apple App Store for a limited time.

"iPhone users have clearly demonstrated a strong demand for fast accurate dictation capabilities and a desire to search beyond just Google. The downloads and usage of both apps have exceeded all of our expectations."

Dragon Dictation can now also automatically determine when you are finished dictating. Just adjust the settings to have the app automatically process spoken text without having to hit the "Done" button on the interface.

"The response to the Dragon Apps from the iPhone consumer base and press community has been tremendous. We've heard the demands loud and clear to share that experience with iPod touch users, and have worked hard over the last few weeks to deliver," said Michael Thompson, senior vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. "iPhone users have clearly demonstrated a strong demand for fast accurate dictation capabilities and a desire to search beyond just Google. The downloads and usage of both apps have exceeded all of our expectations."

The updated Dragon Dictation and Dragon Search Apps are available for free for a limited time from the App Store.

Valentine Gift Finder 1.0 for iPhone/iPod touch

Valentine Gift Finder 1.0 for iPhone/iPod touchPR: VerySoftware announces the release of a free Valentine's Day app for the iPhone and iPod touch. Valentine Gift Finder is a great app to find the perfect gift for your Valentine. Find a gift for your loved one: we've teamed up with one of the best gift providers, Prezzybox, so that you can treat your most loved ones with something special.

  • Get up to 33% discount: you can save up to 1/3 on gifts when using our app.
  • Bookmark gifts you like: if you cannot decide right away which gift to buy, you can add it to bookmarks and choose later.

Save your time and money with Valentine Gift Finder. You will be pleasantly surprised what a wide range of presents for Valentine's Day our app provides you: from Chocolate Fountain to Football Popcorn Maker, from Colour Changing Spa Lights to the digital wallet, from electronic book reader to football table.

There's a gift for everyone! Find that special gift for your Valentine and get up to 33% discount on your purchase! Valentine Gift Finder is available for download on the App Store for free. Team VerySoftware wishes you a very happy Valentine's Day.

Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.1.2 or later

Valentine Gift Finder 1.0 is free and available exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category.

readMe 1.0: eBook Reader for the iPhone Redefined

PR: Unreal Mojo, developer of iPhone and Android software, announces the immediate availability of readMe 1.0, a simplified no-frills ebook reader for iPhone and iPod touch in the iTunes App Store. readMe has enough features and comfort for users to enjoy reading ebooks on the iPhone while at the same time to not overload users with information and various settings. It is simple, convenient and easy to use application that won't get in the way of the user who's trying to enjoy a good book on the iPhone or iPod.

readMe iPhone app"While there are already several ebook readers for the iPhone, we believe that with readMe we've hit the sweet spot in terms of features and ease of use", said Alex Patsay, Product Director at Unreal Mojo. "readMe's simple and elegant interface, support for the most popular ebook formats - EPUB and FB2 - means that readMe doesn't overwhelm users with features and possibilities, but instead let them concentrate on the book and the story".

Handcrafted text engine

In readMe it offers beautiful rendering and formatting of the book content and at the same time it provides plenty of options for users to customize font, its size and color so the book reading becomes a truly enjoyable process.

eBook support and upload

readMe supports the most popular ebook formats - EPUB and FB2 (DRM-protected files are not supported) and features built-in HTTP-server that allows users to upload books into the application using any web-browser including Safari, Opera or Internet Explorer on Mac or PC.

Special day and night modes

They allow to quickly switch screen settings depending on the time when user reads a book, and fullscreen mode maximizes the available screen estate for comfortable reading.

Read everything

Application also contains web-browser that allows to find and download any ebooks from popular websites that offer millions of free ebook files. Once uploaded books can be sorted by author, its name or date when they were added to the readMe.

Learn the app quickly

When first launched, readMe will present users with help system that allows users to become acquainted with the application, to understand its features and abilities, explaining features that might not obvious at the first glance, like bookmarks.

Bookmarks everywhere

readMe provides users with ability to set an unlimited amount of bookmarks in any particular book as well as a simple interface to manage these bookmarks.

Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or later

readMe 1.0 is $1.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Books category.

Houseplant 411 iPhone App Updated

PR: JAMF Enterprises, LLC has announced that an upgrade to its best-selling indoor houseplant consultant application, Houseplant 411 (TM) v1.1, for the iPhone and iPod touch, is now available for download on Apple's App Store. In its newest version of this best-selling app, Houseplant 411 has added 20 new houseplants to its database bringing the total to 70. Search terms have also been expanded to include the degree of difficulty of plant care, making the tool more versatile for any experience level. An entirely new section on plant propagation has been added and is appropriately linked to individual plant screens.

Houseplant 411 creator and indoor plant expert Judy Feldstein commented, "We've broadened the scope of our coverage for indoor plants in this release, enabling literally millions of homeowners and businesses to obtain accurate advice for the care of many of the most popular indoor plants. Houseplant 411 is a timesaving and money saving app allowing you to quickly diagnose existing indoor plant care concerns and to select the best plants prior to purchase for your particular indoor environment based on temperature and lighting recommendations."

iPhone and iPod touch users have a simple yet powerful tool at their disposal to help diagnose plant problems and restore the health of their indoor plants. As in the original version, this app goes well beyond just providing indoor plant recommendations. Don't see a particular plant in the app or still have questions? Houseplant 411 includes the incredibly popular "Ask Judy" feature allowing you to send an email to HouseplantConsult with a photo of your plant and your question. The experts at Houseplant Consult will promptly get back to you with the answer to your individual plant problem.

Houseplant 411 features include:

  • Browse 70 houseplants in alphabetical order
  • Search for recommended houseplants based on lighting requirements, ease of care, plant usage, suitability for offices, flowering, and those that clean the air.
  • Create unique lists of your favorite indoor plants for future reference
  • Get help for any plant question with the "Ask Judy" feature
  • Find numerous links and articles, tips and tricks for plant care with the push of a few buttons

Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or later

Houseplant 411 is $4.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category.

Flower Garden 2.1 Opens iPhone In-App Flower Shop

PR: The most significant update for Flower Garden since its original launch back in April is now available on the App Store. An in-app Flower Shop provides in-app purchases for more seed types, extra pots, new garden space, and even fertilizer! More seeds and pots has been the most-requested feature by fans for many months. In particular, a seasonal seed pack, Seeds of Winter, is now available with eight winter-themed seeds, from festive Poinsettias to rare Eldeweiss.

Flower Garden screen shotsThe Flower Shop is available both in the Full and Free versions, and allows users of Flower Garden Free to get the same functionality as Flower Garden Full by purchasing three items (additional pots, common seeds, and bonus seeds). Flower Garden was one of the first apps to take advantage of in-app purchases in the free version to provide a direct upgrade path to the features of the full version.

Also new in this update is liquid plant fertilizer. Next time you find yourself in a hurry to grow some flowers for a particular occasion, you can speed up the growth by using fertilizer. A single dose of fertilizer will fast-forward the growth of a plant by a whole day, allowing you to grow expert-level flowers in a few hours.

Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or later

Flower Garden 2.1 is $2.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Flower Garden is currently featured on the App Store as an Apple Staff Favorite all over the world.

Sow for iPhone Introduces the Business Side of Green

PR: Kuyi Mobile, the developers of Sow, has released a free app for iPhone and iPod touch users. The virtual garden app teaches the basics of planting and harvesting for profit, while bringing awareness to the Green Revolution. Users plant and tend their own gardens, track their revenues and learn how their planting impacts the planet.

Developers of the app wanted to create something that combined their passion for business, gardening and the environment. Sow contains these aspects of agriculture and teaches users the steps involved from planning crops through to realizing harvest income. Along the way, there is education about how gardening can impact and enhance the planet.

The app issues a handful of seeds for users to plant in their virtual garden. There are lots of tools, tips and a tutorial to assist in the growing process, so the application is good for any level of gardening experience a user may have, even if that means none at all. Users are expected to care for their plantings, including the weeding, watering and harvesting.

There are stats and online leaderboards to help users track the income part of their game experience. The idea is to become the wealthiest Sow entrepreneur. That gives this app more-fun-than-work appeal. Colorful graphics and the user-friendly interface only add to the Sow fun. If users follow the supplied guidance and take advantage of the tools, they can participate successfully with growing a profitable, environmentally advantageous garden with people from around the globe.

Sow Features:

  • A handful of different seeds to plant and grow
  • Tons of special items to enhance the gardening experience
  • Amazing visuals and user-friendly controls
  • Basic tutorial and up to the minute in-game tips
  • Online Leaderboards: be the wealthiest Sow entrepreneur!
  • Achievements! Challenge yourself and your friends!

Sow is being released for free, but only the first two types of seeds and two special items are available. The rest of the seeds and special items can be unlocked upon purchase of the 99¢ Sow Premium Pack from within the game's Market Screen, using the in-app purchase feature.

The developer has plans to add more in-app items available for purchase, as well as game improvements. They welcome suggestions from users as part of that process. This app contributes greatly to business education and planting to enhance our world. Considering the low price of Sow, this really is a labor of love by Kuyi Mobile and something worth looking at.

Kuyi Mobile games are all original, created from the ground up and guaranteed to be fun and enjoyable for people of all ages! They strive hard to continuously update their products and services, incorporating their customers' feedback and suggestions. The Kuyi Mobile flagship game, Card Drop, is now available on the iPhone/iPod touch! Watch out for more games!

Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or later

Sow 1.0.1 is free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Kid Paint: An iPhone Painting App Designed Especially for Kids

Kid PaintPR: Kid Paint iPhone or iPod touch app lets you use your finger to paint and draw, using a variety of brushes and pens for calligraphy. Kid Paint has tools to create perfect squares, circles and lines. Use your photos as backgrounds to draw or paint on or start from scratch. The interface is so easy that even an adult can use it immediately.

Kid Paint is a sophisticated but simple to use and incredibly fun finger painting program for kids of all ages and even adults. This iPhone or iPod touch app lets you use your finger to paint and draw, using a variety of brushes and pens for calligraphy. Kid Paint has tools to create perfect squares, circles and lines. Use your photos as backgrounds to draw or paint on or start from scratch. The interface is so easy that even an adult will be using it in minutes.

Features:

  • Color palette to select colors.
  • Shake to clear screen.
  • Allows using photos as background images.
  • Paint Brush.
  • Kid PaintPencil.
  • Calligraphic pen.
  • Highlighter.
  • Eraser.
  • Stamp tool.
  • Smudge tool.
  • Draw circles, squares and straight lines of all sizes.
  • 12-level deep undo/redo.
  • Send/share picture by email.
  • Take pictures as background.
  • No Ads.

Kids love this program. It entertains them for hours while driving and has been helping them develop their eye/hand coordination and artistic skills.

Available for a limited time for 99¢.

iHUD 2.0 Turns iPhone into a Glass Cockpit

PR: Announcing that Aero Visions International Inc., the developers of iHUD, has released the 2.0 version of their aerospace inspired mobile glass cockpit. iHUD is an application that turns an iPhone into an aerospace inspired mobile glass cockpit. The app offers users a fun way to teach, see, and learn about how motion and force effects the vehicle they are riding in.

iHUDThe iHUD name is derived from the aerospace term, Head-Up Display, which gives a visual reference for motion and guidance information and data for optimal situational awareness. With the iHUD application, an iPhone becomes a mobile visualization tool, depicting extraordinary graphics with a simulated horizon and features for relaying and displaying pertinent data:

  • Vehicle reference symbol
  • Dynamic speed, altitude
  • Vertical velocity ribbons
  • Digital display window
  • Rotating compass card with user selectable heading bug
  • Slip/skid ball
  • Accelerometer (G-meter) with sophisticated calibration
  • GPS
  • Camera with iHUD data and graphics overlay
  • Compass information from magnetic compass sensor or GPS

All the basic information of attitude, attitude changes, heading, speed, vertical speed, and acceleration is simulated by iHUD, made possible by the iPhone's onboard accelerometer sensor and GPS receiver. This app works anywhere and does not need a live server to do its job. That means that iHUD can travel and work anywhere a user does. iHUD is an extremely interesting and fun app. Even children can begin learning about spatial motion in an entertaining way. They'll love the cockpit look and feel, which will stimulate their thirst for more knowledge.

iHUD Features:

(Works on iPhone 3G and 3GS)...

  • Excellent 'Glass Cockpit' colored dynamic graphics featuring MFD data
  • Highly accurate and sensitive motion visualization using onboard GPS and accelerometer data
  • Displays graphically: heading, speed, unaccelerated attitude, altitude, vertical speed, slip/skid
  • Displays digitally: heading, speed, altitude, vertical speed, G-load
  • GPS accuracy indicator lights and ± value ranges
  • Weak or no GPS signal generates red colored cross-out of affected visualized data
  • User settings for various metric and US standard units
  • User settings for color selection for speed ribbon range (multicolor ribbon)
  • User setting for compass bug (heading bug) digitally or by moving the heading bug onscreen
  • Sophisticated accelerometer offset calibration
  • The latest 2.0 release includes some exciting additional features (requires OS 3.1):
  • Augmented reality (AR) with camera overlaid by the HUD spatial motion visualization (devices with camera only)
  • iHUD motion display projection to windshield for night reflective vision
  • Alternative use of onboard magnetic compass or GPS for heading information (for iPhone 3GS and newer), switchable on the fly

The iPod touch has no onboard GPS receiver, therefore only accelerometer based information (attitude with pitch and roll, and G-load) is operative.

iHUD was the first multi function display (MFD) app. It has clean, beautiful, smooth and fast graphics displaying spatial motion of speed, altitude, vertical speed, heading, G-load, attitude graphically similar to a professional EFIS (electronic flight information system). Algorithms (smoothing, etc.) are very sophisticated. It still is unique among the better selling MFD apps, even more so now with augmented reality (AR) integrated into the MFD. iHUD is not intended for steering any kind of air or ground vehicle. It is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone or iPod touch (2nd generation) OS 3.1 or later
  • No GPS data and camera on iPod touch
  • Magnetic compass only on iPhone 3GS

iHUD 2.0 is $5.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Navigation category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.

NIOSH Chemical Hazards App

PR: Random Support, LLC announces NIOSH Chemical Hazards 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. The NIOSH Chemical Hazards app implements the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Safety from the CDC and NIOSH. In addition to offering the complete contents of the traditional Pocket Guide, it includes quickly accessible and fully searchable indexes by Chemical name, CAS Number, or RTECS Number as well as the ability to easily create a custom index containing the most frequently used reference chemicals.

The 'NIOSH Chemical Hazards' application version 1.0 is an iPhone and iPod touch application from Random Support, LLC implementing the 'NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Safety' from the CDC and NIOSH. In addition to the complete contents of the traditional Pocket Guide it includes quickly accessible and fully searchable indexes by Chemical name, CAS Number, or RTECS Number as well as the ability to easily create a custom index containing your most frequently used reference chemicals.

Users of the traditional paper version of the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Safety will find that this application makes using this reference significantly easier. Searches can be done on any portion of a chemical name, trade name, synonym, CAS, or RTECS number.

The competing implementation of the pocket guide is currently selling on the app store for more than 6 times as much - $19.99. This same content is now available to you for only $2.99! NIOSH Chemical Hazards is now available in the iTunes App store for immediate download or for more information you can visit the company website using the URL listed below.

Features:

  • Searchable Index of Chemical Names, Synonyms and Trade Names
  • Searchable index of CAS Numbers
  • Searchable index of RTECS Numbers
  • Search results update dynamically as you type
  • Ability to a custom index of "Favorite" chemicals for quick access
  • The full content of the pocket guide is available locally on your iPhone or iPod touch and a network or data connection is not required
  • We are receptive to improvement and enhancement ideas and will attempt to fix any bugs as soon as they are reported. Our development staff is in-house so we can react quickly

The standard contents of the guide include:

  • Chemical names, synonyms, trade names, conversion factors, CAS, RTECS, and DOT numbers
  • NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (NIOSH RELs)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
  • NIOSH Immediate Dangerous to Life and Health values (NIOSH IDLHs) (documentation for those values)
  • A physical description of the agent with chemical and physical properties
  • Measurement methods
  • Personal protection and sanitation recommendations
  • Respirator recommendations
  • Information on health hazards including route, symptoms, first aid and target organ information.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or higher
  • 2.3 MB space

NIOSH Chemical Hazards 1.0 is only $2.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Reference category. A limited number of promotional codes may be available to qualified press, corporate, and government representatives. For more information please contact Random Support, LLC.

Screenshots: http://www.randomsupport.com/ChemHazardsScreenShots.htm

Realtor.com Launches Real Estate Search iPhone Application

PR: More than 40 million iPhone users can now have one-touch mobile access to 4 million properties nationwide by downloading the new Realtor.com Real Estate Search iPhone app, giving them on-the-go access to instantly browse the largest and freshest collection of properties available for sale throughout the nation.

This feature-rich real estate iPhone app makes it easy for on-the-go buyers to get details on their ideal property, find it using the GPS feature, take pictures, save notes using the app's Notes and Rating feature, and then send a link to that property in real time via email, Twitter or Facebook to family, friends, or a Realtor. A quick call and conversation with friends or a Realtor can instantly help determine if that home remains on the buyer's list.

The free Realtor.com Real Estate Search iPhone app is compatible with iPhone OS 3.0 or higher and the iPod touch, and can be downloaded from the App Store or by going to a consumer information page on Realtor.com.

"The Realtor.com iPhone app places the power of Realtor.com in the hands of millions of highly mobile consumers that depend on us to deliver the largest collection of properties with the freshest and most accurate information available on the market," said Errol Samuelson, president of Realtor.com. "By combining our unmatched search power with the ability to instantly share listings and feedback by email, Twitter or Facebook from an iPhone, millions now have mobile access to a phenomenal property search experience superior to other apps already on the market. We expect Realtors and their clients will appreciate the ease and convenience that our app brings to their experience as they work together to find the ideal property."

The Realtor.com iPhone app offers the flexibility to sort, refine and filter search results for every property listed on Realtor.com by price, location, property type, MLS ID number, square foot, lot size, upcoming open house events, distance from a user's current location, and age of home so only properties meeting the desired criteria are displayed in the map or list view. If a nearby property is selected, users can map their route with the assistance of the built-in GPS located within the map view feature directly from the Listing Detail Page.

Tap the save buttons, and users can easily save a property or frequently used search criteria for convenient access at a later time. The app also automatically synchs with the users Realtor.com account after initial registration, giving the user mobile access to their Realtor.com account so it's easy to find previously saved homes that may be in a nearby neighborhood and available for a showing.

Visiting a property or an open house in an unfamiliar neighborhood is also easy by touching the Open Houses Nearby button and using the scroll bar to establish a search radius of up to 20 miles from the user's current location. When the map view is engaged, the GPS feature automatically guides buyers to those properties as they drive or walk towards the home.

To save time, on-the-go buyers can easily preview a home by instantly accessing property details and features, as well as use the iPhone's finger controls such as slide, pinch, zoom and pan to view up to 25 photos. Turn the iPhone on its side, and property photos quickly adjust to an enlarged landscape view. If a property looks interesting, the one-tap call capability quickly connects potential buyers with the listing agent for additional details or to arrange a tour. If time is short, simply touch the "ask a question" button and buyers can instantly send an email to the listing agent.

Home buyers can also store their agent contact details within the Realtor.com iPhone app, making it easy to send personal notes, along with comments and ratings about each property directly to an agent. This will later help buyers and agents recall important thoughts and reactions for each property during the search process.

"Our Notes and Rating feature allows buyers to better compare and consider each property by saving decision-making information within the app," explains Scott Boecker, chief product officer, Move, Inc. "These notes can be reviewed later if visiting a house for a second time or for comparing properties at multiple open houses. Personalized content combined with social media sharing tools and powerful property-based search capabilities makes the Realtor.com iPhone application a versatile and valuable tool to use when shopping for the ideal property."

With more than half of all iPhone users between ages 26 and 40(ii), Realtor.com expects first time home buyers to be one of the largest groups to use the new app as they seek to take advantage of the expanded Federal homebuyer tax credit. The median age of today's first time home buyer is 30, with 53 percent between the ages of 25 and 34(iii).

Accessories

QYG Q-Power Portable Battery/Charger Set for iPhone/iPod/Mobile Phones

QYG Q-Power Portable Battery/ChargerPR: You want a portable charger for your iPhone/iPod and all the other mobile phones? This is the one that you may consider.

It is a charger for iPhone/iPod connecting via the USB cable or directly plug to the 3.5 socket. You can also use the same way to charger your other cellular phones using the same way that iPhone/iPod do. It is also a small Torch too.

Features:

  • External battery for your iPod/iPhone/mobile phones
  • Built-in an LED as a small Torch with on/off switch
  • Recharge via your USB Mini 5 pin
  • LED Light indicator
  • Ideal for travellers

QYG Q-Power Portable Battery/ChargerThis accessory is compatible with:

  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPhone 3G
  • 1G iPhone
  • 3G iPod touch
  • 2G iPod touch
  • 1G iPod touch
  • iPod classic 120G
  • 5G iPod (video)
  • 5G iPod nano
  • 4G iPod nano
  • 3G iPod nano

Specifications:

  • Input: DC 5.0 V 500 mAh
  • Output: DC 5.3 V, 600 mA
  • Capacity: 1000 mAh

Color: White

$24.99

FM Transmitter for iPhone/iPod with AutoScan and RDS

PR: Features:

  • With RDS (Radio data System), it can display the playing song name and Singer's to your Radio) (see notes below)
  • AutoScan, it automatically scan to the nearest and clearest frequency to play.
  • Adjustable to fix most the frequency interval if you use it in the US, EU or Japan (not problems at all if you use it in other areas) (see notes below)
  • Still available in the phone mode while in play mode
  • Stop playing when calls in
  • To Charge and Data HotSync with iTunes via the USB Mini 5 pin connector
  • Memorized the last played frequency
  • Powered by iPhone directly, no extra power source needed
  • With charging socket for iPod/iPhone at the bottom.
  • LCD Screen with blue backlight
  • Available range: 10 meters approximately.
  • High fidelity, Stereo
  • Digital PLL
  • Full frequency range.
  • Compact
  • Lightweight

Specifications:

  • Frequency response: 100 Hz ~ 15,000 Hz
  • Separation: <=30dB
  • Operation Current: 35mA +/- 3mA
  • Transmission range: 87.6 MHz ~ 107.9 MHz (interval 0.1 MHz or 0.2 MHz)
  • Dimensions: D48 x H28 x W13.3 (mm)
  • Net Weight: 31g

This accessory is compatible with:

  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPhone 3G
  • iPhone 2G
  • 1G iPod touch
  • 2G iPod touch
  • 3G iPod touch
  • 5G iPod nano
  • 4G iPod nano
  • 3G iPod nano
  • 2G iPod nano
  • iPod mini

Color: Black

Note:

  • The FM Transmitter is not compatible with iPod classic (6G) & iPod video (5G)
  • The RDS is for those products music player that approved by Apple Inc., not applicable for all music player and we do not guarantee its compatibility.
  • Press the "+" and "-" buttons simultaneously to change the area settings (It will not has any problems even if you do not do so, it is just a user-friendly setting)

$26.99

Kensington Introduces 8 New iPhone Accessories for Maximum Productivity on the Road

PR: Kensington Computer Products Group has announced eight new products to help mobile professionals looking to get the most out of their daily life while navigating and communicating with their iPhone and iPod in the car. The productivity enhancers for iPhone and iPod include: a GPS car kit, two car mounts offering personalized positioning on a windshield, vent, or dashboard, a car mount with quick release capabilities, an antiglare screen, two AUX audio cables, and a 2-in-1 car charger with audio cable.

These intuitive smart made simple designs require little effort or setup and provide the traveling iPhone user with ultimate efficiency for iPhone and iPod use in the car. The GPS kit and car mounts make clever companions to boost iPhone and iPod performance and connectivity, while also improving interactions with key navigation applications by amplifying their sound. Kensington's new audio accessories also support mobile professionals in need of better quality sound in their everyday in-car environment.

As business users spend more time in their cars, their personalized smart phone performance is essential to get the most out of their experience. Gartner research*states that by 2011, 35% of all mobile devices sold will be smartphones, with a third-party operating system. Based on this projection, Kensington anticipates a reinforced demand for efficient and cost-effective smartphone accessories to maximize the productivity of on-the-go professional users.

*Research stated from Wireless and Mobile Summit, February 2009, "Building mobile applications that consumers will love: platforms and tools" presentation by Michael King, Gartner Analyst.

"Many users treat the mobile phone as their primary computing device," said Michael King, Gartner Analyst. "This is a noteworthy shift when considering the 240 million laptop users are dwarfed by the 1.5 billion new mobile devices sold in a single year. It's impressive to see such a rapid growth and mass adoption of smartphones."

"Kensington is spot on with iPhone accessories to make each experience with NAVIGON's GPS application the best it can possibly be," said Gerhard Mayr, Vice President Worldwide Mobile Phones and New Markets at NAVIGON. "Our customers depend on us to provide the most up-to-date representation of the world as they make their way through it. Accessories that can work with our app will provide that much more productivity for the mobile users that need to make their journey as efficient as they can."

"We are continually committed to providing our customers with the ability to make the most of their day while navigating and communicating with their iPhone and iPod," said Juan Rodriguez, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. "Gartner's research findings validate that there is a growing demand for smartphone mobile applications that will require accessories for optimum utilization in a business context and our new products are designed specifically to meet that need. We recognize that the in-car environment is where mobile professionals spend a great deal of their time and are in need of an extra layer of efficiency and we want to deliver it to them."

Trail Blazers Do It All with Kensington Power and Mounting Kit for iPhone

Keep business in motion, especially in your car, using this productivity-minded kit of GPS essentials. Quickly and easily cradle your iPhone without snaps or clips. The Kensington Power and Mounting Kit for iPhone (K39207US; SRP $49.99) is fully flexible, so you can swap phones without the need for separate accessories. When cradled, use top navigation apps to turn your iPhone into a fully functional GPS device. A booster speaker enables clear turn-by-turn directions. The speaker naturally boosts the amplification of your iPhone so you can stay current with RSS audio and podcasts. The sleek, low-profile mount helps you monitor your battery's power with LED lights while you charge. Plus, it charges your phone while you use it.

  • Amplifies iPhone speaker for twice the volume with no added battery drain
  • Quickly and easily insert and remove your iPhone with one hand - even when in a case
  • Low profile USB car charger works in any car power outlet
  • Cradle compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and iPhone

Two Car Mounts Adjust Easy for Personalized Positioning

These Kensington car mounts come equipped with a built-in amplification system that doubles the volume coming from your iPhone speaker, making it easier to hear your turn-by-turn directions, calls and more. The Kensington Dash/Friction Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle for iPhone (K66624US; SRP $39.99) mounts on any dash with no adhesives and no installation required, so it won't mark your dashboard. Its cradle swivels, tilts and turns for unlimited flexibility or adjustability. The Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle for iPhone (K66627US; SRP $39.99) mounts in second to the windshield or vent and holds your iPhone securely on even the roughest terrain. The cradle pivots for vertical or landscape modes and includes both windshield and vent mounts for preferred proximity in vehicle.

  • Amplifies iPhone speaker for double the volume with no added battery drain
  • iPhone Compatible to fit iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone with or without a case
  • Works with any navigation application for iPhone (inclusive of Navigon, TomTom, and more)

For a video quick start guide please visit: www.car1.kensington.com

Think Fast! This Mount Has (Quick) Reflexes

Give your iPhone and iPod touch a secure place to ride - even when in a case. The Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Quick Release Cradle for iPhone and iPod touch (K39210US; SRP $29.99) installs in seconds and keeps your iPhone or iPod within easy reach. Both mounts are included - simply choose the one that works best for your car.

  • Insert and remove your iPhone with one hand
  • Provides a safe, secure mount on even the roughest roads
  • Includes both windshield and vent mounts
  • Cradle pivots for vertical or landscape modes

Give Your iPhone Its Own Pair of Shades

The Kensington Anti-Glare Screen Protector for iPhone 3GS/3G (K39211US; SRP $9.99) not only saves your eyes from the sun's glare, but shields your iPhone screen against scratches. With its quick installation and removal, the Anti-Glare Screen Protector for iPhone 3GS/3G makes keeping your iPhone screen safe and clean easy.

  • Removable and leaves no residue
  • Includes 2 antiglare screen protectors
  • Included thimble cleaning cloth removes smudges

Never Miss a Beat with Three In-Vehicle Audio Assets

Your in-car entertainment experience just got a boost with Kensington's new line of easy-to-use audio solutions to deliver pure, clean sound for your on the go listening pleasure. The Kensington AUX Audio Cable (K39202US; SRP $9.99) provides a direct cable connection from your iPhone or iPod to your car stereo for cleaner, clearer sound, taking your tunes to the next level. Simply plug the cable into your car's auxiliary port and your iPhone or iPod headphone jack and you're ready to hear it all.

  • Plugs into your car's AUX (auxiliary) connector for pure sound
  • Cable braiding for strength, durability, and limited tangle

The only humming inside your car will be yours thanks to the Kensington Noise-Reducing AUX Audio Cable (K39203US; SRP $19.99). The direct auxiliary connection and noise reducing technology combine to deliver clear, clean sound through your car's stereo.

  • Reduces hum from your car's electrical system
  • Provides a direct connection to your car's AUX (auxiliary) port for pure sound
  • Cable braiding for strength, durability and limited tangle

Keep your iPhone charged and the sound quality crystal clear with the Kensington 2-in-1 Car Charger and AUX Audio Cable (K39204US; SRP $39.99). By connecting directly to your car stereo's AUX post, you'll enjoy pure, crisp sound. And the built-in car charger makes sure you arrive at your destination fully charged.

  • Includes charging and audio cable
  • Powers and charges iPhone or iPod
  • Provides a direct connection to your car stereo's AUX port for pure sound

Ultra-low profile USB Car Charger

All other Kensington products announced will become available for purchase at Amazon.com, Kensington.com, and other major retailers by the end of Q1 2010. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit kensington.com.

Kensington accessories for the iPhone and the iPod touch can be purchased through Low End Mac's Amazon.com Store.

Protection

Speck Unwraps More Than 30 New Case Colors and Styles for iPhone 3G/3GS

PR: Speck's at it again. Not satisfied with just mixing-up new colors in 2010, the company arrived at the Consumer Electronics Show in a fashion-forward state of mind. The company's flagship case designs, including CandyShell, Fitted, and SeeThru, stand out from the crowd with an explosion of new options and styles for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. For images of the new cases, please visit: http://www.speckproducts.com/content/new-cases-and-colors-for-iphone-3g

"Our retailers and customers are clamoring for new ways to accessorize the iPhone and looking to Speck for a fresh perspective"

"Our retailers and customers are clamoring for new ways to accessorize the iPhone and looking to Speck for a fresh perspective," said Irene Baran, CEO of Speck. "We've spent a lot of time 'in the lab' evolving our most popular products for 2010. Our all-new colors, fabrics and collaborations, both domestically and internationally, will give people more opportunities to make their iPhone reflect their personalities and tastes."

Highlights of the Speck 2010 iPhone 3G/3GS case line up includes:

CandyShell iPhone casesSeven all new color combinations of the award-winning CandyShell case, including: GuavaGoo Pink, Nightshade Purple, JujuJulep Green, SeaGlass Blue, DarkHeart Black, Moonsicle White and Indigo Blue.

CandyShell iPhone caseCandyShell is celebrating its one-year anniversary as the company's best-selling case. CandyShell's soft, colorful, rubberized interior helps keep the iPhone insulated from all of life's bumps and drops, while the shiny and sleek outer hard shell protects it from scratches and lets your phone slip in and out of pockets with ease.

These latest creations offer the chance to fall in love with your iPhone all over again for $34.95 MSRP.

Eight new, never-seen-before patterns of the fabric-wrapped Fitted case.

Fitted iPhone casesFormed with genuine original fabrics over a protective hard shell, the Fitted brand is seeing its biggest expansion since its introduction. The case's formfitting, two-piece snap together design creates a personalized and tailored appearance that, combined with its interior soft-touch polycarbonate hard-shell lining, offers real protection from the knocks and scrapes of everyday activities.

Fitted iPhone caseThe Fitted feels soft and comfortable in-hand, while also offering custom-fit contours and openings that allow complete access to all controls and ports. Available in designs from classically hip houndstooth and plaid patterns in yellow, gray and pink, to bold argyles and abstract geometrics to even a special black-and-white headphones design that celebrates music. There's a new Fitted design to suit even the most selective tastes and each is available for $29.95 MSRP.

ARTSPROJEKT x SPECK Fitted Limited Edition Cases</B>, a unique collaboration announced late last year arrives at the show with new additional designs to be unveiled. At CES, four new exclusive ARTSPROJEKT x SPECK case designs from four new artists were unveiled. Additionally, one additional design was created at the show, live at the Speck booth, by Artist Jim Mahfood. In all, more than nine known and up-and-coming artists from around the world have participated in the program so far. Each case has a limited edition designation on the inside and includes a special "collectors" card describing the art and its creator.

A never-seen-before Fitted case design in tan and blue plaid is being unveiled and will make its exclusive debut in Apple retail stores and online in late January. The all-new design features original authentic tan fabric with blue plaid stripes over a protective hard shell, and features access to all iPhone ports, controls and sensors. The design will be available exclusively through Apple stores and online for $29.95 MSRP.

Made famous by Speck on their MacBook hard shells, the SeeThru Satin appeared last year to critical acclaim. The soft-touch SeeThru Satin hard shell case for iPhone 3G/3GS will appear later this month in six sleek and frosted new colors including: black, blue, red, purple, pink and green. The SeeThru Satin edition offers the same durable hard shell protection as Speck's glossy and translucent SeeThru cases, but features a comfortable soft-touch outer finish that gives the iPhone a semi-translucent, frosted appearance while retaining a grippy edge for extra peace of mind. $29.95 MSRP.

Founded in 2001, Palo Alto-based Speck is a leading designer and maker of original, high quality cases, bags and packs for the latest popular portable electronic devices. The company is best-known for its focus on creating refreshing designs that offer quality, thoughtful features, and distinctive style.

Proporta Antimicrobial Silicone Case with SteriTouch for iPhone 3GS

Proporta Antimicrobial Silicone Case for iPhone 3GSPR: It's an alarming, but not entirely surprising fact that the filthiest things we encounter on a regular basis are computer keyboards and our mobile phones. In fact, the average mobile has 25,127 germs per square inch, whilst the average toilet seat has just 49.

So to help protect against any possible nasties you could pick up from your iPhone 3GS, Proporta has developed the Antimicrobial Silicone Case with SteriTouch (Apple iPhone 3GS). Available in black with grey interior.

Key Features

  • Antimicrobial coating guards against germs and bacteria.
  • Super tough silicone skin protects phone against scratches.
  • Available in black with grey interior.
  • Lightweight skin adds almost no bulk to device

$20.95

Proporta Patent Leather Apple iPhone 3GS Pouch - Union Jack

Proporta Patent Leather Apple iPhone 3GS Pouch - Union JackPR: With an added hand from Ol' Blighty, this urbane iPhone 3GS Case is handcrafted from the finest patent leather to protect your Apple iPhone 3GS in style.

The Proporta Patent Leather iPhone 3GS Pouch boasts a luxurious lining, Union Jack design and space for your credit cards, whilst protecting your Apple iPhone 3GS from knocks, bumps (and, of course, the fashion police)

Key Features:

  • Handmade protection for your Apple iPhone 3GS
  • Stitched Union Jack design
  • Crafted from the finest quality patent leather
  • Luxurious, protective lining
  • Slot for credit cards

$28.95

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