So we can post our three news roundups (Mac News Review, The 'Book
Review, and iNews Review) earlier, we first do a quick proofread and
link check, leaving out images. We add images later when time permits.
dk
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
Apps & Services
Accessories
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Everything You Need to Know About the iPad
Macworld UK tackles questions about Apple's new tablet, plus a few of their own
Macworld staff, including:
- What's the iPad going to cost? (in the UK)
- Will all models be available at the same time?
- Are there any other differences between the WiFi and 3G
models?
- If I wait and pay more for the 3G model, will I get free 3G
access?
- And what's that going to cost me?
- Which mobile networks will be able to support the iPad?
- Should the iPad support pen-input?
- Will everything be available in the UK at the same time as the
US?
- What if I don't want to use the on-screen keyboard to type in long
emails?
- Does the iPad have a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System)
receiver?
- How hot will it get?
- Is there any way to get files off the device?
- Will it stream video and audio podcasts from the iTunes store?
- Will I be able to print from the iPad?
- Will I be able to buy magazines through iBooks and the
iBookstore?
- How much will books cost?
- Can the iBooks app display PDFs or ePub files that didn't come from
the iTunes store?
- Will books purchased through iBookstore have digital-rights
management restrictions?
- Is the iPad going to require developers to completely rebuild their
iPhone apps?
- Will I be able to move the apps I've already bought for my iPhone
onto an iPad?
- Is there a way to get apps on the device that don't come through
the App Store?
- Will the iPad display web content made using Flash?
- Apple tweaked iWork to run on the iPad why not iLife?
- How does Photos on the iPad compare to iPhoto?
- What's the relationship between the Calendar and Mail apps on the
iPad and their iPhone/Mac counterparts?
- I already carry an iPhone and a laptop. Why do I need a third
device?
Link:
Everything You Need to Know About the iPad
15 iPad Mysteries Remain
Computerworld's Mike Elgan says that Steve Jobs is such a great
salesman that he can actually give us a sense of familiarity with
something we don't know anything about. Apple's iPad is a perfect
example. But huge, fundamental questions about the device remain
unanswered, such as:
- When can you buy one?
- When can you pre-order one?
- Will AT&T delay the 3G version?
- Where will the missing iPhone apps show up?
- Will there be new 'gestures' we don't yet know about?
- Will Apple censor TV, movies and magazines?
Link:
15 iPad Mysteries Remain
Taiwan-Based Component Makers Doubt iPad Delay
DigiTimes' Ninelu Tu and Joseph Tsai reports:
"In response to reports that initial volumes of Apple's iPad in late
March will be lower than originally planned and the launch will be only
in the US market because production by Foxconn Electronics has been
delayed, Foxconn's component suppliers have said their supplies are on
schedule and Foxconn should be able to ship 600,000-700,000 iPads in
March and one million units in April."
Link: Taiwan-Based
Component Makers Doubt iPad Production Delay Rumors
Inside Apple's iPad: iPhone OS vs. Mac OS X
AppleInsider's Daniel Eran Dilger says:
"Apple's new iPad is facing criticism for using the streamlined
iPhone OS rather than the full Mac OS X, but Apple has a number of
reasons for aligning the iPad with the iPhone rather than its desktop
Mac platform."
Dilger suggests that rather than being a dumbed down notebook, the
iPad is most accurately categorized as a scaled up iPhone.
Link:
Inside Apple's iPad: iPhone OS vs. Mac OS X
Experts Trash iPhone for Health Care Use
smarthealthcare.com reports:
"Two NHS mobile equipment specialists have said that the short
battery life of Apple's iPhone makes it unsuitable for use in health
work.
"Paul Curley, clinical director of IT and consultant surgeon for
Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said that his organisation's tests
had found that personal digital assistants were viable for use within
hospitals, but that performances varied.
"'With the BlackBerry, the battery life is superb. With the iPhone,
it's rubbish,' he said."
Link: Experts Trash
iPhone for Health Care Use
Physicians Most Likely to Use Apple iPhone
According to SDI's Mobile & Social Media Study: Physicians'
Views of Emerging Technology, approximately 30% of physicians access
medical information using a handheld device or smartphone. The most
popular handheld device or smartphone is the Apple iPhone, with 31% of
respondents owning one.
Not surprisingly, 95% of physicians who use handheld
devices/smartphones download applications to access medical
information. The most popular application reported is Epocrates,
followed by Medscape and Skyscape.
The majority of handheld device/smartphone users also access medical
information utilizing desktop and laptop computers. However, the type
of medical information physicians seek differs greatly by device. When
using a handheld device or smartphone, physicians are most likely to
access information about drugs, drug interactions, and prescribing.
When using a computer, physicians are more likely to seek articles,
abstracts, and continuing medical education-related information.
Handheld device/smartphone users generally access medical data more
frequently than desktop/laptop users. For example, 52% of handheld
users obtain medical information several times a day, compared to 37%
of those using a desktop or laptop.
SDI's Mobile & Social Media Study: Physicians' Views of Emerging
Technology surveyed nearly 1,200 physicians from 15 specialties in
October 2009 regarding their use of mobile technology and their
participation in online physician networking. The study provides
detailed information about:
- How physicians access online medical information
- What medical information physicians seek and when they seek it
- Physicians' preferred sources of online medical information and CME
credits
- E-prescribing behaviors
- Physician usage of, and purpose of participating in, online
physician networking
- Usage and relevance of non-physician networking social media to
their practice
- In addition to providing overall panel responses, the study
utilizes SDI's prescriber-level data to analyze physicians' responses
based on their annual prescribing level and specialty.
Link: Physicians Most
Likely to Be Using Apple iPhone
AdMob: iPad Purchase Plans 'Sluggish'
VentureBeat's Paul Boutin reports:
"Only one in six iPhone owners surveyed by Google-owned mobile ad
network AdMob said that they 'intend to purchase' an Apple iPad tablet
computer. Among Android phone owners, the ratio dropped to one in
seventeen.
"The results, from an opt-in survey of 960 respondents that AdMob
ran in January, strongly suggest that the iPad lacks the iPhone's
gotta-have-it hotness."
Editor's note: If one in six iPhone owners intend to purchase an
iPad within its first months on the market, that's about 5 million
sales. If iPod touch owners adopt the iPad at the same rate, we're
looking at over 7 million units by mid-year. How does this translate
into "sluggish"? dk
Link: iPad Purchase Plans
Sluggish, AdMob Survey Finds
Android vs. Apple: The
Flyover States
Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt says:
"Google phones may outsell iPhones in eight U.S. states. Can you
guess which ones?
"Here's a bit of geographical trivia that may have business
consequences."
Link:
Android vs. Apple: The Flyover States
Android Tablets Will Challenge the iPad
Technology Review's Kristina Grifantini reports that tablet
computers powered by Google's Android mobile operating system are set
to debut and according to analysts will enjoy some key advantages over
Apple's iPad such as their Tap and go interface and ability to access
the software ecosystem developed for Android phones, the ability to run
Flash, a webcam and multitasking support.
Link: Androids Will
Challenge the iPad
Is Your Mobile Phone Cancer Causing?
Treehugger's Jessica Root says:
"My cell phone makes me feel funny. Does yours?
"I couldn't tell if it was my better body awareness from yoga or my
generally strong cell phone neurosis (long live the bees!). Every time
I held my phone up to my ear, I felt a vibratory drum-like sensation as
though something external and vampire-ish was sucking life out of me.
Dash in a little of my hypochondria and you can imagine the visions of
brain tumors, breast cancer and salivary gland cancer dancing in my
head.
"The situation called for a cry out to the Environmental Working
Group (EWG). The non-profit issued a recent update to their Cell Phone
Radiation Guide released last September that now includes new, popular
2010 phone models. I decided to brace myself for better or for worse to
find out where my model stood. Find out where mine - and yours - ranks
on the list."
Link: Is Your
New Phone (Apple iPhone, Perhaps) Cancer Causing, Too?
The Myth of iPhone App Piracy
Gizmodo's John Herrman says:
"People rarely talk about iPhone app piracy, but when they do, it
sounds devastating: 90% piracy rates, $450 million in lost sales, etc.
Here's the truth: App Store piracy isn't a big deal - and it never will
be.
"With these shockingly high reports comes the general air that
developers are being marauded and pillaged by Viking hordes and that
Apple isn't doing enough to stop it. This resonates! Developers don't
control much about the App Store, so if the entire app protection
system has been cracked - which it has - you'd expect the looting to be
wholesale; the impact on developers to be immediate and devastating;
and the problem to be grave indeed.
"And yet the piracy issue seems to be dying. The story behind the
lack of a story, it turns out, is that iPhone piracy is nowhere near as
serious as many people say it is, and that before long, it may not be a
problem at all."
Link: The Myth of
iPhone App Piracy
Apple's A4 Chip: Less Is More?
Engadget's Nilay Patel says that although early erroneous reports
placed Apple's custom A4 chip at the leading edge of ARM-based design,
things are slowly falling back to earth, with Ars Technica reporting
that the CPU is the familiar single-core Cortex A8 also found in
Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, making the A4 seem an awful lot like an
tightened-up, overclocked iPhone 3GS chip....
Link: Apple's
A4 Chip: Less Is More?
Apple A4 CPU a Feature-stripped ARM Cortex-A8
AppleInsider's Sam Oliver says:
"Though early reports and speculation suggested Apple's custom A4
system-on-a-chip found inside the iPad was based on the more advanced,
dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 architecture, one new report says the processor
actually 'just isn't anything to write home about.'"
Link:
iPad's Apple A4 CPU Is Feature-stripped ARM Cortex-A8 - Report
Apps & Services
TasteTimer for iPhone and iPod touch
PR: Gormaya has announced that their first App, TasteTimer,
has been updated and is available exclusively for the iPhone and iPod
touch. TasteTimer is a precise timer with over 600 included timer
recipes for tea, coffee, and food.
TasteTimer11Main.jpg
With TasteTimer, there are 19 categories of timer recipes: Black
Tea, Botanical, Chai, Coffee, Eggs, Fruit, Grain, Green Tea, Hot
Chocolate, Legume, Meat, Oolong Tea, Poultry, Pu-erh Tea, Rooibos,
Seafood, Vegetables, White Tea, and Yerba Maté.
TasteTimer112.jpg
"I'm very happy with this new version of TasteTimer," said Duane
Fahey, cofounder of Gormaya, LLC. "We listened to suggestions from
customers and reviewers to improve the color scheme and adding/editing
of a timer recipe, not to mention doubling the number of included
recipes."
TasteTimer115.jpg
Foodies use TasteTimer for cooking and grilling. Gourmet coffee or
tea drinkers use TasteTimer every day. Each timer recipe includes time,
temperature, measurements, and notes. Tap a category. Tap a food or
drink. Read the timer recipe. Prepare ingredients. Tap the Start
button. Three taps to great taste!
TasteTimer 1.1 is now available for $3.99 in the US and is priced
accordingly in other regions. iPhone OS 3.0 is required. TasteTimer is
available worldwide from Apple's App Store.
Link: TasteTimer (download
link)
Wakeupcall.tv Turns Alarm Clock into Eye Opening
Video Newscast
PR: Wakeupcall.tv is a new iPhone application that turns an
alarm clock into a daily two-minute video newscast set off by a jazzy
retro ringtone. The creator and host of wakeupcall.tv, Andrea Jackson
uses a conversational style to deliver the latest eye opening news
headlines including a brief national weather forecast. Jackson's casual
presentation is perfect for slumbering types who would rather listen
than watch with sleepy eyes. Plus parents, the content is suitable for
the 12 & under smartphone set.
mzl.hqoabdbf_.480x480-75_.jpg
Easy-to-use and styled with '60s flair, wakeupcall.tv can be viewed
with or without setting the application's alarm clock. Users can set
their own alarm and view the daily webcast by tapping the classic TV
icon featured on the screen's home page. When a new webcast is
uploaded, the application automatically updates the video and plays the
most recent newscast.
Andrea Jackson, best known for her work as host & managing
editor of the TV morning show The Daily Buzz (2002-2009), created
wakeupcall.tv after leaving the program and dreaming up new ways to
deliver morning news.
A big idea took shape as a small mobile screen and the search began
for the right team to develop the wakeupcall.tv iPhone application. A
dozen top developers were consulted before Jackson discovered the team
at Branded Research, an app development and marketing firm based in
southern California.
Branded Research, cofounded by Matt Gaffney and Rhett McNulty,
started out creating applications for Facebook and quickly transitioned
into the world of smartphones. The firm was way ahead of the app game,
developing video style applications for celebrities, integrated with an
alarm clock for the iPhone. The Santa Monica based company was a
perfect fit for Jackson's innovative concept of a newscast cued by an
alarm clock.
The idea of wakeupcall.tv caught the attention of owners Gaffney and
McNulty who are pitched hundreds of app ideas on a weekly basis. Both
consider it the next step in the evolution of media, "We've seen the
genesis of news delivery, from newspaper and print, to the web, and now
on the phone through mobile applications. The wakeupcall.tv application
falls directly in line, delivering concise "Twitter" style content with
relevant daily news."
Wakeupcall.tv was inspired by the growing demands of a smartphone
lifestyle, revealed in these recent studies:
- A poll of nearly 1500 people showed 82% of them owned a mobile
phone, with over half of them using it as an alarm clock.
Telegraph
- 95% of people surveyed online by Ruder & Finn use their mobile
phones to stay informed with 60% going to their smartphones for current
news and events. Editor & Publisher
- Consumers will spend $6.2 billion dollars on apps this year.
Gartners
Download the wakeupcall.tv application for $1.99 on the iPhone, iPod
touch, or new iPad. Go to the official website's hospitality page to
join the wakeupcall.tv social networking scene and find out who's
dialed into the phone call waking up the app world.
Link: Wakeupcall.tv
(download
link)
Vancouver 2010 - Official Game of the Olympic
Winter Games
PR: Embrace the spirit of competition with the Vancouver 2010
Official Mobile Game. Become the ultimate winner in this thrilling
sports challenge filled with superior features and great gameplay. Play
solo or with friends and take part in five electrifying sport events:
Cross Country Skiing, 500m Short Track Speed Skating, Snowboard Cross,
Biathlon, and Freestyle Moguls. Catch the fever and join the world's
most exciting competition!
mzl.eahwyoyp_.480x480-75_.jpeg
New in Version 1.4.3:
Link: Vancouver 2010
(download
link)
MultiEducator Releases Auto Buyer for iPhone and
iPod touch
PR: MultiEducator, Inc. introduces Auto Buyer 1.0, their new
iPhone and iPod touch reference for anyone in the market to purchase a
new car. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone's unique
capabilities and touch interface, Auto Buyer brings together key
information every car purchaser should have. Program index features
include: the official US government mileage calculations for every car,
as well as, each car's carbon footprint, and the percentage chance of
each car's overturning in an accident as well as each cars crash car
ratings done by the US government.
Auto Buyer's "financial section" calculates the amount of money you
would save in gas by buying a more fuel efficient car, (such as a
hybrid); indicating what price gas has to be, in order to save a set
amount of money and make the purchase of more efficient car economical.
Auto Buyer will calculate your monthly lease and loan payment, along
with the true interest of your lease, and calculate the total monthly
cost of purchasing the car you want.
Users can save or e-mail any calculations. In addition, Auto Buyer
allows users to select favorites and automatically returns to the last
place last searched upon exit. MultiEducator's Auto Buyer joins the
companies 25 formulator apps targeted for a variety of niche
engineering, personal productivity and history apps.
System Requirements:
- iPhone and iPod touch
- Requires iPhone OS 2.2 or later
- 6.9 MB
Auto Buyer 1.0, for iPhone is offered at the introductory price of
$1.99 and available exclusively through Apple's App Store in the
Reference category. Review copies are available upon request.
Screenshot: http://www.multieducator.net/formulator/autobuyer/main.jpg
Link: Auto Buyer
(download
link)
Gallup Application for iPhone and iPod touch
Gallup_Daily_Numbers.gif
PR: With the Gallup news application for the iPhone and iPod
you can get breaking Gallup news and data updates on the go. You will
also get the latest Gallup articles and videos on politics, business,
well-being and world news.
Gallup Daily data updates at 1 p.m. EST every day:
- Obama Job Approval
- U.S. Workforce
- Consumer Spending
- Economic Confidence
- Economic Outlook
- Economic Conditions
- Standard of Living
- Life Evaluation
- Mood
- Health
Features:
- Gallup Daily data on politics, business, and well-being
- Breaking Gallup news headlines and full articles
- Gallup video
- E-mail Gallup articles
Gallup_Application_for_iPhone_and_iPod_Touch.gif
The Gallup application for the iPhone and iPod touch is a free
download available in the iTunes App Store.
Link: Gallup News
(download
link)
dBelement Bypasses the AppStore and Releases
Revolutionary Reader App
PR: dBelement, LLC announces Reader for the iPhone, Droid,
iPad, and virtually any modern mobile device. Reader by dBelement is
the first of its kind offline eBook WebApp for the iPhone and iPod
touch. There is no need to go to the AppStore; Reader bypasses the
entire AppStore process and offers a revolutionary reading
experience.
Reader makes enjoying your books easy. From an organized bookshelf
interface to the crisp fonts scientifically proven to speed up your
reading:
- Reader lets you import your own books, and it also has a built in
Public Library so you'll never run out of books to read
- The colors are chosen to be easy on the eyes, so you can read for
hours
- Reader has a built-in "night time" mode to make it easy to read
books at night
- Quick bookmarks will let you jump back to exactly where you left
off
- You can adjust the font size to your liking and use one touch
scrolling to turn pages
- Set an auto scroll speed and your books will flow up just like
movie credits. The auto scroll is a great feature for touch-free
reading, it also trains your eyes to read at a constant pace
- Reader also has a built in dictionary so you can lookup words on
the fly
You can try Reader for free. There is nothing to download or
install. Reader is a revolutionary webapp that works completely
offline. You can start adding and reading books within minutes.
Navigate to the Reader App page to learn more.
Screenshot: http://dbelement.com/apps/images/Reader/Screenshot8.png
Link: Reader (or from your iPhone, go
to http://reader.dbelement.com/)
iExit 1.2 for iPhone - New Way of Delivering
Interstate Info
PR: Announcing that AllStays, the developers of iExit, has
released the latest version of their new app for users who travel on
the interstate. This application is new, offering an incredibly easy
way of looking up interstate information, usually within ten seconds.
Ideal for pinpointing rest and fuel stops, iExit has native GPS,
mapping and offline use capabilities.
Adam Longfellow, President of AllStays, developed the iExit
application because of his own frustration, "I love to drive on trips
and I would constantly find a better exit after stopping at some crappy
place with bad food or driving too many miles to a station that was on
the interstate sign. My GPS unit is fine for where I am right now but
it's very hard to look ahead by an hour or two for multiple
categories."
Longfellow has solved the problems by integrating a full native GPS
navigation system into the app. iExit determines which direction a user
is driving in then loads the upcoming exits, along with the user's
favorite places to stop, all in ten seconds on average. iExit works
with local data to provide information, therefore the app can be used,
even without phone or Internet service. This is particularly handy for
traveling in rural or remote areas where service access can be iffy or
nonexistent.
The app is highly intuitive, which helps to keep a driver from
getting lost. It handles junctions to let users know whether the spot
they're looking for is located on the right or left of an off ramp and
how far away it is, saving the time and frustration that result from
having turned the wrong way or gone too far. Integrating perfectly with
Google Maps, iExit can display up to one hundred and fifty different
points of interest, all on a single map. This makes it easy to plan a
few hours ahead as a user travels.
Features:
- Shows points of interest (POI) at the 50 next exits
- Gives directions (left/right) and distances for POIs relative to
the interstate
- Filters exits by only those with a user's favorite locations
- Displays upcoming information in both a list and map view
- Handles interstate junctions intuitively
- Works even without phone service
- Supports an offline mode so users can look up exits manually
- Detects whether a user is on the interstate or not, instead of
always assuming you're on the interstate
- Draws from extensive POI database from travel website,
AllStays
iExit is unique because of how quickly and intuitively it delivers
the most extensive interstate information available in an iPhone app.
Anyone who travels the country's highways can do so much more
comfortably with iExit.
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone
- Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
- 10.5 MB
iExit 1.2 is $2.99 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.
YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWSrxoO5_GY
AllStays, based in New Mexico, primarily lists all kinds of lodging,
from primitive campgrounds and RV Parks to luxury hotels and spa
resorts. AllStays also links directly to official websites to make sure
users have the real scoop on the latest and most accurate
information
Link: iExit
(download
link)
Where to Wee iPhone App Finds a Restroom Near
You
PR: Dave and Twila Pitcher have announced Where to Wee for
iPhone and iPod touch. When you gotta go, you gotta know. Where to Wee
uses your exact GPS location to recommend the nearest and cleanest
restrooms. The App has over 60,000 worldwide washrooms in its database,
with more being added every day by Where to Wee users. Users can detail
their search to find restrooms with specific amenities, and much
more.
When you gotta go, you gotta know: Where to Wee is an iPhone and
iPod touch application that uses your exact location to recommend the
nearest and cleanest restrooms. The App was launched this fall and
already has over 60,000 worldwide washrooms in its database, with more
being added every day by Where to Wee users.
It can be a huge issue finding a washroom when you're out and about
in an unfamiliar place. Travellers, people with health issues, or with
children in tow need to find fast answers whereever they are. Where to
Wee provides instant options, showing the nearest washroom on a map
based on their exact GPS location. Where to Wee users can detail their
search to find restrooms with specific amenities (i.e.: handicap
access/change tables etc.), and if users need to research washroom
locations in advance of their travels they can do so by entering an
approximate address into the search tool.
Dave and Twila Pitcher, a Canadian couple, created the application.
Dave is a former Canadian Football league running back. Twila has a
Travel Industry background. They were inspired by their frequent
travels on the road, and a loved one who suffers from Ulcerative
Colitis. The Pitchers' goal is to provide a quick, simple means of
locating a clean restroom at your fingertips and to provide this
service on a global basis.
The Pitchers' are proud of the tool's smart looks and ease of use.
Over the next few months, they look forward to the database expanding
and improving organically as users add restrooms, submit photos, and
rate them to separate the good restrooms from the bad, and the
ugly.
Whether you are on a road trip, travelling in a foreign country, or
shopping in your own city or town, 'wheretowee' helps you find a
washroom, on the go, and with ease. Aside from finding a clean
washroom, you may stumble upon a cool cafe or great restaurant. It also
beats pulling out a map when you are travelling.
Device Requirements:
- iPhone and iPod touch
- Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
- 2.0 MB
Where to Wee 1.0.1 is $1.99 and available exclusively through the
App Store in the Lifestyle category. Watch for updates and exciting
contests on their website.
Screenshot: http://tinyurl.com/ya3tqkk
Link: Where to
Wee (download
link)
Bowers Technologies Celebrating iTunes Store Top
100 Ranking of PrayerJournal with Discounts
PR: Bowers Technologies, Inc. announces that their best
selling iPhone app, PrayerJournal, broke into the top 100 sales ranking
on the iTunes store. As a result, they announced a discount sale on
their most popular apps in celebration.
- iPastor now $1.99 (Originally $4.99) = 60% discount
- TrackMyTime now 99¢ (Originally $1.99) = 50% discount
"We are so excited here today." said Bryan Bowers, founder of Bowers
Technologies, Inc. "Our staff has been working extremely hard to make
this app a success. Everyone in the office is grinning from ear to ear
today."
iPastor is a valuable tool for pastors, ministers, missionaries,
church staff, and even volunteers to effectively and efficiently serve
the church members. It allows a pastor to track the individual needs in
the church and to plan out a care strategy for each person.
TrackMyTime is a simple to use app that allows someone to accurately
record time in order to better manage billable hours. Once finished
with a job or project, the person simply presses the submit button and
the information will be emailed to the appropriate person. This app
works well for both sole proprietors and large firms with many
employees.
Device Requirements:
- iPhone and iPod touch
- Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
- 0.7 MB
PrayerJournal 2.3 is 99¢ and available exclusively through the
App Store in the Lifestyle category.
Link: PrayerJournal (download
link)
Link: iPastor (download
link)
Link: TrackMyTime
(download
link)
Power Line and Handmark to Put Best of the
Conservative Web in Readers' Hands with New Mobile Application
PR: Handmark, creator and distributor of mobile applications
and services, and Power Line, one of the most influential American
political blogs, today introduced Power Line Mobile, a novel
application enabling readers to carry "the best of the conservative
web" in their pockets.
"Power Line's readers are loyal, brilliant - and very, very busy. We
want to give them access to the stream of thought we generate, and
putting it conveniently in their iPhone or BlackBerry was a
natural"
Named Time magazine's first-ever "Blog of the Year,"
describing it as "a certain Ping-Pong, finish-each-other's-sentences
conversational chemistry" merrily covering the politics and culture of
the day, is read from the halls of Congress to the newsrooms of New
York to offices around the world. The site attracts more than three
million readers per month.
The new mobile application provides users with an instant, real-time
access to Power Line content, as well as special connections to other
conservative commentators. Readers can download the Power Line Mobile
app, inviting their favorite writers into their lives, incorporating
the "steam" of news and thought into the everyday.
Unlike enhanced mobile websites, content within Power Line Mobile is
refreshed automatically. Readers can be visually notified whenever
something new comes through the feed. The application will also
integrate social networking capabilities so favorite posts can be
shared via Facebook, Twitter, and del.icio.us. A customizable "My
Feeds" tab will also enables users to access their own preferred news
and feature stories.
"Power Line's readers are loyal, brilliant - and very, very busy. We
want to give them access to the stream of thought we generate, and
putting it conveniently in their iPhone or BlackBerry was a natural,"
said Joe Malchow who, with authors John Hinderaker, Scott Johnson, and
Paul Mirengoff, publishes Power Line. "We are pleased to work with
Handmark to develop an exquisitely simple mobile application that keeps
our readers connected around the clock."
Power Line Mobile was developed in partnership with Handmark, whose
Mobile Publishing Platform (MPP), supports a wide variety of major
newspapers, magazines and other leading content destinations like Power
Line launch quality mobile applications quickly.
"Targeted news sites and blogs are now clearly an important source
of information," said Evan Conway, EVP of Marketing at Handmark. "It's
exciting to extend the reach of Power Line to a mobile audience through
our mobile application publishing platform."
The Power Line mobile application is available free for the iPhone
and BlackBerry smartphones from the Handmark website.
Link: Power Line
Mobile (download
link)
Color Expert 1.1 for iPhone Adds CMYK, Image
Palette, New Libraries
PR: Code Line has announced Color Expert 1.1, their Color
Wheel, an Image Palette and a Swatch Book for the iPhone and iPod
touch. Color Expert puts the power of color into your hands. And its
new, updated features and user-interface are sure to streamline your
workflow and keep you productive, no matter where you are.
colorapp.png
Color Expert has your favorite color libraries:
- Pantone® solid coated
- Pantone® solid uncoated
- Pantone® Goe™ coated
- Pantone® Goe™ uncoated
- Pantone® f + h cotton
- Pantone® f + h paper
- Web Safe Colors
- HTML Colors
We built Color Expert from the ground up with the creative spirit in
mind. Designers of all types, regardless of their medium, have a common
thread - and that common thread is color. We use it to be loud, quiet,
bold, subtle, soothing, frenzied and sometimes just to stand out. But
working with color can be difficult away from the studio.
Case in point. You're visiting a client and they want a good color
combo to go with Pantone 123 C. These things can take time. Especially
if you have to go hunting around for swatches in your color books. You
know, the ones you left back at the studio. Well, not to seem too
dramatic, but with Color Expert, it takes about 15 seconds and 8 taps.
Make that 9 taps if it's not already running. Sure, you'll want to play
around with it after that. It's actually kind of addicting. But what a
great place to start.
And how about building your Spring Collection's palette from that
flamingo you saw at the zoo? Well, you can get started on that one in
about 8 taps as well. Suddenly your design begins the moment
inspiration hits you, no matter where you are. But Color Expert is more
than just a Color Wheel and Image Picker, it's also a Swatch Book that
contains all of your favorite libraries, many with CMYK data. So give
it a spin with your iPhone or iPod touch.
The world is full of color. And now that world fits in your pocket.
Color Expert. Tap into it.
Pantone, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been
the world's color authority for 45 years, providing design
professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration
and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration,
Pantone now offers designer-inspired products and services for
consumers. More information is available at pantone.com
Device Requirements:
- iPhone and iPod touch
- Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
- 2.3 MB
Color Expert 1.1 is $9.99 and available exclusively through the App
Store in the Reference category.
Overview/Tutorial Video: http://www.code-line.com/sharing/tapintoit/movie.php
Screenshot: http://bit.ly/bwKk8H
Link: Color Expert
(download
link)
Clipper Magazine iPhone App Delivers Savings
PR: Clipper Magazine has just launched a new, free savings
app for the iPhone. The Coupon Clipper app literally puts the savings
power of America's best local direct mail advertising in the palm of
the mobile user's hand.
couclipper.jpg
Designed specifically with consumers' hectic lifestyles in mind, the
savings app provides instant coupons and an easy-to-use interface for
maximum convenience. With Coupon Clipper App, users can access over
50,000 offers from businesses nationwide where they eat, shop and play.
Built-in GPS allows users to quickly find local savings wherever they
may be and to plot locations using Google Maps.
Key Features:
- 50,000 coupons and counting - a valuable savings resource
- Search in your location with phones integrated GPS technology
- Search any location with Zip code or City and State
- Save favorite coupons and favorite store locations
- Featured search-by shopping categories include restaurants, retail
and more
Clipper Magazine Cofounder and COO Ian Ruzow says "Coupon Clipper
app offers fast, free savings in consumers' most popular shopping
categories, including groceries from major manufacturers. It offers all
the benefits of coupons without the need to plan ahead, clip, organize
or keep track of expiration dates. It also allows consumers to enjoy
savings while away from home."
The savings app makes finding relevant coupons simple. Users can
locate coupons via city and state, auto locate or by favorites. Some
featured search-by shopping categories include restaurants, health and
beauty, medical and dental, retail, professional services and
automotive services.
The application has great benefits for advertisers, as well. Ruzow
comments, "The Coupon Clipper app provides a great opportunity for
advertisers to 'interact' with hard-to-reach consumers who are
constantly on the go. They also benefit from the extra exposure the app
gives their offers and from being able to gauge the success of those
offers with daily redemption reports." The application is powered by
couponclipper.com, the on-line local coupon search site Clipper
introduced last year.
Founded in 1983, Clipper Magazine has grown from a single local,
four-page campus advertising publication to over 500 local direct mail
editions in 31 states. Mailed seven times annually (and more in
selected markets), Clipper Magazine reaches roughly 35 million American
homes with full-color ads featuring money saving offers. In addition to
couponclipper.com, Clipper Magazine operates subsidiaries including The
Menu Company, Loyal Customer Club, Spencer Advertising & Marketing,
Clipper Web Development, and Total Loyalty Solutions.
Link: Coupon Clipper (download
link)
Accessories
TuneWear Releases New Earphones, TuneSonic for
iPod, touch & iPhone
PR: TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control is an in-ear
type earphone employing a high resolution 9mm neodymium rare-earth
magnet driver to produce a clear and dynamic sound. It also houses
"Made with Crystallized™-Swarovski Elements" rhinestones on its
smooth aluminum body making it a truly fashionable accessory. The
rhinestones accentuate the earphones while the matching aluminum
designs on the earphones and remote control give TuneSonic Crystal with
Mic & Control great aesthetic appeal.
tunesonicpink.jpg
Whether listening to pop, rock, hip hop, techno, jazz or classical,
enjoy your favorite genre of music at the highest quality level. The
cable is protected with a magnetic shielding and the 3.5mm stereo
mini-jack is 24k gold plated. The Y-connector on the cable is rubber
protected. You get clear sound quality with reduced noise
interference.
tuneson.jpg
The remote control button can control music and video functions such
as play, pause, next and previous. The button allows you to answer and
end calls on iPhone 3GS/3G. The microphone can also to be used for
recording voice memos on some devices.
tuneson2x.jpg
TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control includes four different
sized ear tips to ensure a fit for different sized ears. The tips are
made of soft silicone to provide a comfortable fit over a long period
of listening.
tunesoniccrystal.jpg
Specifications
- Earphone type: in-ear, Speaker driver: 9mm neodymium rare-earth
magnet
- Sensitivity: 89±3dB/1mW, Impedance: 16Ω
- Rated input: 2mW, Max input: 5mW
- Frequency response: 100 Hz - 20,000 Hz, Body material:
Aluminum
- Plug: 24k gold plated 3.5mm stereo mini-jack
- Cable length: approximately 110cm (length from the Y-connector is
approximately 35cm)
- Weight: approximately 15g
Compatibility
- iPhone 3GS/3G (calls, remote control functions)
- iPod classic 160 GB, 2009 model (voice memo, remote control
functions)
- iPod touch 2G (voice memo, remote control functions)
- iPod nano 5G, iPod nano 4G (voice memo, remote control
functions)
- other iPod models and MP3 players (audio support only)
TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control is available in Chrome
Silver or Crystal Pink.
TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control ($49.95) is now shipping
and is available for purchase at the TuneWear online store.
Link: TuneSonic
Crystal
Pioneer Announces New 5.1 Channel A/V Receivers
with Expanded iPhone Functionality
PR: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. unveils a new line of 5.1
channel A/V receivers that deliver a dynamic music experience to the
living room. For the first time, the Pioneer VSX-520-K and VSX-820-K
feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content allowing users to
enjoy their music directly from their Bluetooth-enabled device to their
home theater system and are 3D Ready with the latest HDMI, version 1.4,
providing more high definition connectivity options for the Blu-ray 3D
specification. The VSX-820-K also features "Works with iPhone"
certification, providing a seamless user experience for iPhone owners.
Preorders of the VSX-520-K and the VSX-820-K are currently available at
Amazon.com.
"Pioneer continues to innovate the A/V receiver category with
expanded compatibility for iPhone users. The addition of Bluetooth
audio streaming allows consumers to keep their phones close to them to
answer calls or select their next song without limitations of a wired
connection to the receiver," said David Bales, marketing manager of
audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer
Electronics (USA) Inc. "Additionally, by equipping all models with HDMI
1.4, consumers can be assured that their Pioneer receiver is ready for
future 3D home theater experiences."
Enhanced iPhone Functionality & Bluetooth Audio Streaming
The new models feature expanded iPhone functions including an
iPhone™ Control Button and Bluetooth Audio Streaming for portable
media devices.
"Works with iPhone" Certification - Pioneer was the first in the
industry to introduce "Works with iPhone" certified A/V receivers which
allow for playback of content on an iPhone™, iPod and iPod touch.
The VSX-820-K features this certification and allows users to listen to
their music, watch downloaded as well as stream audio and video such as
YouTube and Rhapsody music services all while charging their Apple
devices when connected to the receiver.
iPhone Control Button - Adding to the ease-of-use expected by Apple
users, the VSX-820-K additionally features a front panel iPhone Control
button that transfers iPod navigation control and on-screen display
from the A/V receiver's remote control back to the connected Apple
device so users can easily and quickly navigate through their library
of media files directly on the device.
Bluetooth Audio Streaming - Expanding on the iPhone user's
experience, both new models feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of
audio content from any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, Android,
Smart Phone or personal computer with an optional Bluetooth adaptor.
The Pioneer branded AS-BT100 ($99) Bluetooth Adaptor allows consumers
to keep the phone close to them while they enjoy music through their
home theater system.
3D Ready Features
Both new Pioneer A/V receivers are 3D Ready with the latest HDMI
version 1.4 and feature the new Dolby ProLogic IIz decoder for HD audio
formats.
HDMI 1.4 - HDMI 1.4 allows for passage of the high data transfer
rate required by the Blu-ray 3D specification as well as a new 3D
specific command protocol.
Dolby ProLogic IIz Decoding - All new Pioneer receivers are equipped
to decode new HD Audio formats including Dolby True HD and DTS Master
now with the new Dolby ProLogic IIz height channel. Dolby ProLogic IIz
distinguishes background sounds and adds them to additional front
height speakers for an enhanced front surround sound experience.
Creating the depth and dimension of a lifelike soundstage, this speaker
configuration is ideal for gamers and may also complement a 3D video
experience. The new technology provides new speaker placement options
for consumers as well as easier installation solutions. Additionally,
Pioneer's proprietary Front Wide Mode adds versatility and dimension to
a 7.1 speaker arrangement.
Pioneer's Proprietary Audio Enhancements & Room
Calibration
The new 5.1 channel A/V receivers feature Pioneer's proprietary
audio enhancement and room calibration technologies that elevate the
sound quality experience of compressed audio including:
Advanced Sound Retriever - ASR enhances compressed audio files by
restoring critical data from iPhone, iPod and other portable media
players as well as satellite radio devices, delivering a robust music
experience that is near CD quality.
Auto Level Control - ALC technology ensures consistent listening
from all entertainment by equalizing fluctuating volume levels across
digital audio tracks, television channels and commercials that can
cause unexpected disruptions to the entertainment experience.
Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration - Featured in the VSX-820-K,
MCACC analyzes the room's speaker configuration then optimizes each one
to balance out any room-induced acoustic inaccuracies to provide an
optimal, customized audio experience in any home theater room.
5.1_.gif
Prices:
- VSX-520-K $229
- VSX-820-K $299
All models are finished with premium glossy, black and will be
available at national and regional retailers in March 2010.
Link:
Pioneer VSX-520-K (available for preorder from Amazon.com)
Link:
Pioneer VSX-820-K (available for preorder from Amazon.com)
