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
The Competition
Apps & Services
Accessories
Presentation
Protection
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Verizon iPhone 4 Also a WiFi Hotspot
Hardmac's Lionel reports:
"It is possible to turn the Verizon iPhone 4 into a WiFi hotspot,
which can provide an Internet connection to up to 5 devices. All the
other carriers, almost everywhere in the world only allow Bluetooth
tethering for a very high fee...."
Editor's note: The Personal
Hotspot feature can share an Internet connection over WiFi,
Bluetooth, and USB. Rumor has it that this feature will come to the GSM
iPhone in the near future. dk
Link: The Verizon iPhone
4 Is Also a Wi-Fi Hotspot
Verizon iPhone Clears Path for Future iPhone 5
Release
iPhone5 News Blog's Michael Nace says the iPhone's arrival on
Verizon marks a significant turning point in the smartphone battle for
market supremacy, with Apple's expansion of network choices for the
iPhone between Verizon and AT&T representing a key countermove to
the rise in popularity of Google's Android
Nace also suggests that it now seems apparent that Apple always had
the Verizon version of the iPhone in mind before the release of the
next iPhone, and the more clues we're given, the easier it becomes to
imagine when we might see the iPhone 5 - and logically speaking, it
would not be surprising to imagine that Apple would give Verizon a
marketing window of six months or so before making an announcement on
the iPhone 5.
Editor's note: It's kind of a no-brainer that there will someday be
an iPhone 5. Given Apple's track record and naming conventions, along
with the speed with which Verizon, AT&T, and their competitors are
rolling out 4G, I pretty much expect Apple to call the next version the
iPhone 4G. In addition to supporting 4G connectivity, it would be very
smart for Apple to release a single version of the iPhone that can work
with both CDMA and GSM networks. dk
Link:
Verizon iPhone Announcement Clears Path for Future iPhone 5
Release
CDMA iPad to Join iPhone
The Register's Rik Myslewski reports:
"Hot on the heels of Verizon's announcement on Tuesday that it will
begin to offer an Apple iPhone 4 on its CDMA network on February 10
comes word that a CDMA iPad is also in the works."
Editor's note: Please, Apple, let's have CDMA and GSM on the same
device! dk
Link: Verizon:
CDMA iPad to Join iPhone
iPhone Tops Vitrue's Annual Rankings of Social
Brands for Third Time
PR: Apple's iPhone continued its reign earning the top spot
again for the third-straight year followed by an impressive showing by
consumer electronic brands. The Vitrue 100, which annually ranks the
most social brands, has iPhone # 1 followed by Blackberry (2), Disney
(3), Android (4), and iPad (5) rounding out the top five. The Vitrue
100 measures a brand's "social mentions" by analyzing online
conversations on a daily basis across social networks, blogs,
micro-blogs, photo and video sharing sites. The rankings represent the
sheer volume of social mentions, not sentiment. This is the third
annual Vitrue 100.
It is certainly impressive that Apple dominates
the list with six brands - iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, Apple and iTunes -
and four of those brands are in the top 15.
"Our third annual Vitrue 100 rankings revealed some surprising and
interesting things about some of the world's most iconic brands, as
well as newer brands, and their effective use of social media," says
Vitrue CEO Reggie Bradford. "iPhone taking the top spot is most likely
is due to continued and sustained buzz and headlines the strong brand
generated during 2010, with many articles, blogs and consumer mentions.
It is certainly impressive that Apple dominates the list with six
brands - iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, Apple and iTunes - and four of those
brands are in the top 15. And it was great to see some new brands this
year like Android, making a monster debut at No. 4 and Blackberry
moving up 13 spots. 60% of the top 20 on the list are consumer
electronics brands, which shows a strong dominance of that industry in
social mentions."
Additional thoughts from Bradford on The Vitrue 100:
- Consumer Electronic brands had the largest share with 30% of the
total list; Fashion/Retail, 20%; Auto/Transportation, 17%;
Media/Broadcast, 12%; Sports, 5%; Online, 5%; Food/Beverage, 4%; Quick
Serve Restaurants, 4%; Financial, 2%; and Toys/Amusement, 1%.
- Blackberry generated tremendous buzz and news headlines throughout
2010 and moved up 13 spots in the Vitrue 100 to #2. Blackberry is a
strong, well-known brand, and it is especially engrained in the
business/enterprise community as it seems for the past decade everyone
had a Blackberry device. However, 2010 continued the rise and
popularity of smart phones like iPhone and Android-enabled handhelds
. . . and these phones are encroaching on Blackberry's
historically dominant market share of the business world. Blackberry
also has many popular smart phones that created buzz and consumers
love.
- Google's Android made an impressive debut at #4. With the rise in
Android-enabled mobile/smart phones and a big advertising push, Android
certainly generated social buzz throughout 2010. Headlines also
included stories about Android encroaching on Blackberry as well as
gaining on iPhone from a market share perspective.
- AT&T tied for the biggest jumper moving up 45 spots to #32.
According to an Advertising Age article this summer, AT&T
executives said they began addressing customer service mentions of
AT&T on social sites by growing a team of five people to 19 people
dedicated to managing Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. AT&T decided
to take customer service right to the customers on social nets.
AT&T took quick and smart actions to help their customers achieve
great service through social channels. We see this as a growing trend
for all businesses, especially communication/technology companies.
The Vitrue 100: Top Social Brands of 2010 (Apple brands in
bold)
- iPhone
- Blackberry
- Disney
- Android
- iPad
- Sony
- Apple
- MTV
- Coca-Cola
- Samsung
- Ford
- Mercedes
- BMW
- Starbucks
- iPod
- ABC
- Xbox
- NBA
- CNN
- Honda
- Dell
- Amazon
- Hewlett-Packard
- Nike
- Nokia
|
- Playstation
- Ferrari
- Wii
- eBay
- Nissan
- Microsoft
- AT&T
- iTunes
- Adidas
- Audi
- NFL
- Nintendo
- Red Bull
- Best Buy
- Toyota
- Gucci
- Visa
- Victoria's Secret
- Disneyland
- Suzuki
- LG
- Fox News
- Zara
- Volkswagen
- Turner
|
- Converse
- Dodge
- CBS
- General Motors
- ESPN
- Panasonic
- Porsche
- NBC
- Chevrolet
- Target
- Jeep
- Kia
- Intel
- Subway
- NHL
- McDonald's
- Pandora
- Major League Baseball
- Sprint
- Puma
- Harley Davidson
- Pixar
- NASCAR
- REI
- Walmart
|
- Mac
- Discovery Channel
- H&M
- Philips
- Pepsi
- Prada
- T-Mobile
- Skittles
- Burberry
- Verizon
- Louis Vuitton
- Motorola
- Krystal
- IKEA
- IBM
- The Gap
- Sears
- Armani
- Cisco
- Zappos
- American Express
- Hurley
- Oracle
- Netflix
- TBS
|
Some powerhouse technology brands were omitted from the list as they
provide the backbone of many social networks. These include Google,
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo. The Vitrue 100 is measuring
companies that are using the technology, not those who are the
technology. For more information, including methodology behind the
rankings, please visit www.vitrue.com/smi.
About Vitrue
Vitrue is the leading provider of social media publishing software,
offering software-as-a-service (SaaS) tool to help businesses harness
the marketing potential of social media. Anchored by its
industry-leading Vitrue Social Relationship Management (SRM) Platform,
Vitrue works with marketers of all sizes, from global brands to local
businesses, as well as agencies, to deliver a comprehensive solution to
message, manage, measure and maximize interactions across Facebook and
Twitter. Headquartered in Atlanta with offices in New York, Chicago,
Cincinnati and San Francisco, Vitrue is a Facebook "Preferred Developer
Consultant" and has received numerous industry accolades including the
Red Herring Global 100 and OnMedia 100. For more information, visit
vitrue.com
Link: Virtue
SMI
How Useful Are Tablets for Business?
PCWorld's Keir Thomas says:
"Last week's CES brought forward a huge number of tablets. It
doesn't take a genius to realize we're entering the era of tablet
computing....
"Assuming tablets are here to say, when it comes to corporate
take-up there's an interesting question: What exactly are we supposed
to use tablets for?"
Link:
How Useful Are Tablets for Business?
The Competition
Dual-core Motorola Android Phone Transforms into a
Laptop
The Register's Tony Smith reports that Motorola's Atrix is a
smartphone that thinks it's a notebook, featuring a 1 GHz
dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of onboard Flash
storage to which you can add the contents of a 32 GB Micro SD card.
"The Atrix is 11mm thick, has a 'qHD' 960 x 540 24-bit colour
screen, 2.4 GHz/5 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, and tri-band cellular
connectivity, and . . . a Laptop Dock accessory that turns
the Atrix into a laptop with a Qwerty keyboard, 11.6in screen and
battery all in a slimline metal covered case."
Link: Motorola
Dual-core Android Phone to Pull Off Laptop Trick?
Apps & Services
US Federal Tax Returns App from
Taxsoftware.com
PR: Taxsoftware.com today announced that an application for
six of the most often used 2010 federal tax returns is now available
for a flat fee of $9.99 on the Apple iPad. The forms can be completed
entirely on iPads and transferred to PCs or Macs.
This is the first federal tax returns application to be available
for the millions of iPads sold since their introduction last year.
Taxsoftware.com was the first to provide both personal and business tax
preparation services online, which are used today by hundreds of
thousands of accountants and companies.
"We led the pack in the 1990s in providing online tax services. We
are proud to take the lead again with the launch of the one application
people need so they can use iPads to prepare and file a variety of
federal tax returns, " said spokesperson Mickey Macedo.
The app for the 2010 tax year version of Form 1040 return includes
most forms and schedules needed to prepare tax returns. Paid preparers
must be registered with IRS and have an EFIN, a PTIN, and an IRS
E-services account. They must also be registered with a Taxsoftware.com
Eservices account and have a digital ID.
The app includes the following additional business tax returns:
- Simplified tax year 2010 version of Form 1065 (Partnership Return),
which includes two Schedule K-1s
- Simplified tax year 2010 version of Form 1120 (Corporation Return),
which includes all basic schedules
- Simplified tax year 2010 version of Form 1120S (S Corporation
Return), which includes one Schedule K-1
- Simplified 1041 Form (Estates and Trusts), which includes one
Schedule K-1
- 1099-MISC
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPad
- Requires iOS 4.2 or later
- 13.8 MB
All business forms include depreciation of up to ten assets and the
use of one vehicle for business. The app includes unlimited tax
preparation and printing. There is an e-filing charge of $4 for an iPad
1040 and a $15 fee for any iPad business return (1041, 1065, 1120,
1120S and 1099-MISC.).
Link: Taxsoftware for
iPad 2010 (download
link)
myLIFEplus Mobile Wellness App
PR: Introducing myLIFEplus, a wellness application built on
natural philosophies of health. This free app's impressive range of
features enables users to improve their total wellness using a holistic
approach. Now available in the Apple App Store, myLIFEplus arrives in
time for New Year's resolutions to embrace a healthier lifestyle in
2011.
MyLIFEplus
uniquely offers what other apps fail to; it measures users total
wellness in six vital dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional,
social, environmental, and spiritual. Further, it provides practical
tools and educational content to help users become healthier in each
dimension. Designed with significant input from natural wellness
professionals, myLIFEplus represents a partnership project between Life
University and Bizmosis, a mobile solutions developer that has created
apps for American Idol and Fortune 500 companies.
Each wellness dimension features frequently updated challenges
designed to motivate users in fun, inspirational ways. Informative
content posts allow users to become educated on alternative healthcare
approaches. Listings of natural consumer products favored by
chiropractors, nutritionists and other wellness providers are also
available. Additionally, users can identify local wellness providers
offices through key search terms and GPS mapping. Once a provider is
selected, an Appointment Tracking function helps manage wellness care
visits.
"This app is absolutely the first of its kind," says Life University
President Guy Riekeman, D.C. "We've been sharing some of the details of
myLIFEplus with natural wellness experts throughout the country, and
the excitement level is already phenomenal. This is a tool that can not
only help spread the message of natural, total healthcare, but can
motivate people to begin living truly healthier, happier lives from the
first time they use it."
Features:
- myAssessment rates your total wellness in six vital dimensions
giving you a Vital Score
- Vital Score graphs compare your score with other myLIFEplus users
globally and are segmented in your age & gender categories
- Vital Score sharing via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail
- Hundreds of frequently updated wellness challenges
- Continually updated, wellness-based myKnowledge content from
trustworthy sources & expert providers featured in the
database
- Searchable database and GPS locator to find chiropractors and other
wellness providers
- Appointment reminder function helps you track your wellness
appointments
- Product recommendations for natural health products &
services
An enhanced version of the app is expected to debut by 2012. For
more information on myLIFEplus, visit:
Link: myLIFEplus (download
link)
Free Depression and Anxiety Health Screener
App
PR:
Mymoodmonitor.com, a leading website for mental health screening, is
now providing a free, mobile version of the M-3 Checklist, a
scientifically validated screen for mood and anxiety disorders, in the
Apple App Store. Adapted from its existing mymoodmonitor.com website,
this mobile version, called Depressioncheck, provides the same
validated mental health questionnaire, developed by a team of mental
health practitioners and experts. The app is a simple, easy-to-use
checklist and takes approximately three minutes to complete. The screen
is validated for those 18 years and older and its accuracy confirmed in
the March 2010
Annals of Family Medicine.
Millions of
Americans have a diagnosable mood or anxiety disorder every year, while
fewer than half of these individuals receive help for their condition.
One reason for this shortfall has been the absence of a single, simple,
and reliable screen that can assess the presence of the mood and
anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic
disorder, and PTSD. Depressioncheck is a symptom checklist with which a
user may rate his or her mood in one easy review. It is comprised of a
short series of questions that touch on indicators of mental
health.
Robert M. Post, M.D., Director of the Bipolar Collaborative Network,
the 2010 recipient of the NAMI Scientific Research Award, and one of
the creators of the M-3 Checklist, explains that, "The Depressioncheck
app is an extremely powerful and efficient way of distributing the M-3
Checklist screen. By going mobile, we can get this researched based
screen in the hands of individuals who can take the screen whenever it
is convenient for them. When significant symptoms are uncovered, the
user receives important confirmation that his or her suffering is not
somehow self-imposed, and that there are options to help improve the
situation."
As
demonstrated by a 2009 research study at the University of North
Carolina Medical School, the screen has the sensitivity to pick up
treatable cases that are often invisible to earlier mental health
screens, including many individuals who suffer from milder, but
overlapping conditions, such as mixed depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, it can help distinguished regular depression from the
bipolar variety, and thereby avoid a common cause of mistreatment with
potentially serious consequences. The customized report provides risk
and severity ratings that may serve to guide the user to an appropriate
treatment, whether therapy or medication.
For those in distress and at risk for suicide, Depressioncheck
provides a direct, one-button link to Mental Health America's National
Suicide Hotline. Interactive applications of this sort, offering users
validated medical assessment and feedback in real-time, have the
potential to greatly improve the dynamics of healthcare delivery,
reaching many who might otherwise suffer in silence. The value of this
technology to college and military populations, among others, is
considerable.
The Depressioncheck app is available to iPhone (telephone and data)
and iPod touch (data only) users through the Apple applications. An
ongoing dialogue about the M-3 Checklist and different aspects of mood
and anxiety disorders is provided at the
mymoodmonitor Facebook page.
A Spanish language edition and a version for the Droid operating
system are planned.
Link: Mymoodmonitor.com (download
link)
Free Colonoscopy Prep App
PR: WellApps, LLC, developer of GI Monitor for Crohn's
and Ulcerative Colitis, announced today the release of Colonoscopy Prep
Assistant. During the portion of colonoscopy preparation when a patient
ingests a liquid laxative, Colonoscopy Prep Assistant tracks the number
of glasses completed and time between glasses, notifying the patient
when it's time to drink their next glass. The app is available for free
in iTunes and the Android Market.
As an Ulcerative Colitis patient, Brett Shamosh, Cofounder
& CEO of WellApps, LLC, is at a higher risk for colon cancer and
undergoes an annual colonoscopy for screening. During a recent
colonoscopy prep, he was instructed by his doctor to drink 8 glasses of
a liquid laxative every 10-15 minutes for 2 hours. Said Mr. Shamosh, "I
used a notepad to tally the number of drinks and a stopwatch to keep
track of time. Then I decided that there should be an app for that."
The app is currently intended for liquid laxative preps, but WellApps
is enhancing the app to support all specific colonoscopy preparation
methods suggested by providers. Edward Shin, MD, Cofounder of WellApps,
adds, "I have no doubt that providers will begin to prescribe apps for
colonoscopy and other procedure preparations. Apps can guide the
patient through their specific prep as if a nurse was there with
them."
Procedure preparation apps can offer significant benefits to
patients and providers. Arun Swaminath, Associate Director of the IBD
Center at Columbia University Medical Center, says "Thorough bowel
preparation allows me to identify the smallest polyps or cancers. In
addition, good prep shortens the procedure's duration, making it safer
for patients. Strict adherence to prep instructions allows for the
highest quality colonoscopy." Procedure preparation apps also provide
unique opportunities to Pharmaceutical companies looking to enhance
their products. Bill Jennings, CEO of Good Health Media, says "Pharma
is always trying to collect feedback from patients. With apps like
these, they can get real-time survey information right after the prep
is completed, while suggestions for improvement are fresh in the mind
of the patient."
Inspired by an ongoing battle with Ulcerative Colitis, 35-year old
Brett Shamosh, a digital media executive from Bergen County, NJ,
decided to use the booming smartphone app market to help fellow IBD
(Inflammatory Bowel Disease) patients. He created GI Monitor, currently
the #1 mobile symptom tracking app for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.
Since then, he started WellApps, LLC to develop and distribute symptom
tracking applications for patients with chronic illnesses. Shamosh
says, "We know that apps can help make procedure preps more effective
and prevent do-overs. The release of this particular app also serves as
a great reminder that IBD patients are at a higher risk of colon cancer
and should get screened regularly, as directed by their doctor."
Colonoscopy Prep Assistant is free to patients.
Link: WellApps,
LLC (download
link)
DisplayLink Multi-Monitor iPad App for Windows
Users
PR: Available for an Introductory Price of $1.99
Used to having a second display for your Windows desktop? Put your
iPad to work. Get the first DisplayLink iPad monitor companion app from
the leader in multi-display productivity. DisplayLink has shipped
millions of networked multi-display solutions through top tier partners
such as HP, Toshiba, Samsung and others.
The DisplayLink app wirelessly turns your iPad into an extended
desktop display, improving your productivity by freeing up desktop
space on your notebook or desktop computer.
Key Features
- Creates an interactive, secondary wireless display for your PC with
the iPad
- Allows you to park your browser, email, social networking site, IM
or application control console on the iPad display and avoid
application view switching on your primary display
- Complete Windows 7, Vista, and XP compatibility
- Operates in true, uncompromised Windows 7 Aero mode. Other iPad
display apps essentially drop to Basic mode operation, losing the
familiar Aero desktop features on your displays such as translucency
and thumbnail previewing from the task bar, as well as presenting
application compatibility issues. DisplayLink avoids these application
compatibility issues.
- Configuration using the familiar Windows graphics display
utility
- Discover and connects the iPad screen to your PC over your wireless
network quickly and reliably
- Connect and disconnect - display repositions automatically
- Operates seamlessly with other DisplayLink multi-monitor and dock
products to create a rich, productive multi-monitor environment.
The DisplayLink iPad display app requires the installation of
the DisplayLink iPad host software on your PC. After loading the app on
your iPad you'll receive instructions for downloading that software.
You can also go to our software download page at
ipad.displaylink.com
Once the host software is installed on your PC you're ready to
go.
- Make sure your PC and iPad are connected to the same network
- Start the app on your iPad
- The app will show a list of available DisplayLink enabled host
PC's
- Select your PC and enter a one-time password that matches the one
entered on the PC
- The PC and the iPad will connect and the extended display will now
be available on your iPad
- Monitor mode (extended or cloned) and display positioning are
controlled through the standard Windows graphics control UI
System Requirements:
- PC running Windows XP, Vista, or Win7
- iPad w/ iOS v3.2 or greater
Limitations:
- Recommended for office and productivity applications
- Not intended for 3D PC gaming or use as a primary display for video
playback at this time
- PC only - no Mac support
Price £1.19/ $1.99
Link: DisplayLink (download
link)
Free Credit Card Swiper for iPhone 4 Hardware for
New Merchants
PR: App Ninjas, developer of Swipe Credit Card Terminal for
iPhone, is now giving away the Apple-approved Credit Card Swiper for
iPhone 4 and iPod touch hardware free to all new users.
The hardware accessory provides processing support for credit card
transactions to the Swipe mobile app. Swipe allows small businesses,
non-profits, and mobile businesses to swipe a credit card and receive
their payment within 48 hours.
"Providing iPhone 4 and iPod touch users with a swipe accessory
allows any mobile merchant to quickly process transactions, saving them
money and time," says John Waldron, CEO of App Ninjas. "Swipe's
features help manage credit card transactions with virtual terminal
access, online reporting, real-time authorizations, and premium
customer support, including access to a customer support rep assigned
to their account, from the moment they download Swipe.
The hardware attaches to the bottom of the iPhone through the dock
connector, turning the iPhone in a secure credit card terminal.
Swipe offers users no setup or activation fee, no monthly minimums
and competitive processing rates. Low transaction fees make Swipe more
affordable for small businesses than conventional mobile terminals. The
Swipe app also works without the hardware for keyed-entry
transactions.
The Swipe app is available on the App Store and through App Ninjas
network of value-added white-label partners. Swipe's white-label
solution enables Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), banks, and
other merchant-focused companies to offer their customers a complete
credit card processing solution for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad,
including same day startup and access to App Ninjas PA-DSS certified
iPhone solution. Additionally, the Swipe app can be customized to
integrate with a partner's existing payment gateway.
Swipe is available for purchase on the App Store.
Link: Swipe
Credit Card Terminal (download
link)
Cost Effective Water Damage Cell Phone Repair
Service by CellularDR.com
PR: Water damage can cause havoc when it comes to cellphones.
CellularDR.com has an affordable solution for phones that require
special attention if damaged by water or any kind of liquid or
moisture. Cell phone water damage repair can save consumers hundreds of
dollars when compared to purchasing a new phone.
In addition to
the large selection of cellphone repair services offered by
CellularDR.com, water damage repair service is now available for those
who need it. With the combination of increasing cell phone costs due to
advancing technology and the current poor economy, many cell phone
users are choosing to repair their liquid damaged cell phone instead of
purchasing a new one.
Water damage can happen in many ways and is one of the most commonly
seen problems when people seek cell phone repair. Spilled drinks,
getting run through the washing machine, dropped in a puddle and more
can all contribute to a cell phone getting damaged.
CellularDR.com has years of experience in repairing water damaged
cell phones and ranks on top for success in restoring a cellphone back
to good working condition after it's been exposed to liquid. When a
cell phone comes in contact with any liquid such as water, there are
many things that can go wrong. Most of the time the things people do on
a daily basis put cell phones at risk and they don't even know it.
Cellular phones can succumb to water damage by keeping them in the
bathroom while taking a hot steamy shower, texting while in the
Jacuzzi, extreme sweating while working out or running on the treadmill
with the cell phone is in your pocket and more.
Unfortunately, phone owners think the phone is all
right after an incident. They wipe the outside of the phone, plug it in
to charge, and never think about it again, until it acts up!
CellularDR.com recommends sending the phone in immediately after
contact with any water or liquid has occurred for a full internal
cleaning. By having it cleaned, the circuit boards will not burn out
and the minerals and particles in the liquid will not have a chance to
corrode and eat away at the cell phone parts.
When it comes to cell phone water damage, time is of the essence.
Waiting too long will increase the chances of irreparable damage;
especially if the water makes its way into the main circuitry where it
can cause damage that cannot be repaired.
CellularDR.com is a name people have trusted for years. The cell
phone repair process is quick, affordable and your cellphone can be on
its way to be repaired in 3 easy steps. Visit CellularDR.com for
further details on how to get started repairing your water damaged
phone.
CellularDR.com National Cell Phone Repair Hotline - Toll Free (877)
288-4488
Link: CellularDR.com
Accessories
iWatchz Launches Carbon and Jelly iPod nano Watch
Collections
PR: The
Carbon Collection features a matte-black aluminum nanoclipz system and
a carbon watchband accented with coloured stitching available in six
colours. The Carbon Collection will be available in early February 2011
at over 250 Apple Stores nationwide, Apple.com and www.iwatchz.com at
$49.95.
The Jelly
Collection features a translucent-coloured nanoclipz system and
matching vibrant silicon watchbands in pink, orange, red, green, blue,
white and grey. The Jelly Collection will be available at retailers
nationwide and at www.iwatchz.com in early February 2011 at the very
affordable price of $24.95.
"The Q Collection represents the foundation of the iWatchz brand,"
offers the company president. "We are now responding to the market's
request for different collections for different demographics of
customers."
The company's first
product line, the Q Collection, was launched in early December in over
250 Apple stores nationwide, at Apple.com, and at the company's
website.
iWatchz patented watch integration system enables users to transform
their iPod nano (6th generation) into a stylish wristwatch. Turning
your Apple iPod nano into a stylish wristwatch is as easy as: 1 -
Press, 2 - Slide, 3 - Click
iWatchz was quickly propelled to the top spot in the new market of
iPod nano Watchbands in only the few weeks leading up to the
holidays.
The company's president attributes the success of their product to
its ease-of-use, stylish design, and affordable pricing. The fact that
iWatchz were also able to deliver product to consumers in time for the
holidays certainly did not hurt either.
iWatchz president adds: "The Carbon Collection is by far the most
high-end and stylish product on the market and we are thrilled that
Apple has selected the product for its stores and websites to
complement the Q Collection launched with Apple in December. The Jelly
Collection, which will be available across a wide-array of retailers,
was developed for a younger audience with vibrant colours and softer
bands. We were overwhelmed with the positive response to our initial
launch and we are looking forward to announcing more collections in the
coming weeks."
Link: iWatchz
Pyramat's New Tablet Chair Hottest Seat at
CES
PR: Pyramat, the creators of the original line of sound
furniture, is promising the best seat in the house, revealing at the
2011 International CES in Las Vegas their new Tablet Chair and Tablet
Chair DLX, a line of chairs designed to give tablet users a hi-tech
haven of comfort and function. The Tablet Chair offers an integrated
tablet support system featuring an adjustable swivel arm, built-in
speakers, USB power and more.
With Apple's launch of the iPad sparking a widespread tablet trend,
CES organizers officially dubbed 2011 the "year of the tablet." And
Pyramat is offering the first accessory for tablet users to become
fully and comfortably immersed in their own world of personal
technology.
Features of the Pyramat Tablet Chairs include:
- Swivel arm with adjustable height and angle, including back stand
for tablet PC
- Portrait and landscape view capability
- Built-in speakers to boost tablet PC sound
- 2.0 / 2.1 speakers provide crystal clear audio
- Pyramat POWERSUB subwoofer on DLX model
- USB power and audio
- MP3 cable jack
- Compatible with all tablet PCs including iPad
The Pyramat Tablet Chair will be available at quality retailers in
Fall 2011 at a suggested retail price of $139.99 and $179.99 for the
DLX model.
USB Fever 12x Telescope for iPhone 4
PR: Want to have a Super Telescope/Telephoto Lens
to your iPhone 4?
This telescope has offers 12x power that can help you to get close
up on any object from 12 times farther away.
The telescope offers manual focus; just turning the ring in the
front of the scope to the clearest shot. It comes with a stand for
iPhone 4 to clip on to take pictures and movies.
Features:
- Avoid contortion of images
- Detachable from the crystal case
- Superb 12x Optical Zooming
- Manual Focus adjust
- Comes with a stand for taking pictures and movies
Specifications:
- 18mm objective lens diameter
15 wide angle of view- Micro manual Focus adjustment
Colors Available (Hard Cover):
This accessory is compatible with iPhone 4
Package Contents:
- 12x Telescope with manual focus x 1
- Hard Case x 1
- Holder Ring (attach to the lens for tripod) x 1
- Mini Tripod x 1
Note:
- This is a fixed 12x optical lens, not a gradual/changeable optical
zoom.
- The Flash Light will be blocked when the lens is on.
$39.99
Link: USB Fever 12x
Telescope for iPhone 4
USB Fever Wide Angle + Fish Eye + 12x Telephoto
Lens Combo for iPhone 4
PR: This combo package includes:
- 180° Fish Eye Lens with Back Cover for iPhone 4G
- Wide Angle Lens (+ Macro Lens) for iPhone 4G
- 12x Telescope with Hard Case for iPhone 4G
Features:
- One Package for Fish Eye Lens, Wide Angle Lens (+ Macro Lens) and
12x Telephoto Lens
- One Back Cover for All Lens
- With Tripod for taking pictures under extreme situation.
- Independent Back Cover, when you don't need the lens, just screw
them off then you can go.
This accessory is suitable for (compatible with) Apple iPhone 4
Colors Available (Back Cover only):
Package Contents:
- Wide Angle (+ Macro Lens) x 1
- Fish Eye lens x 1
- Super 12x Telescope with manual focus x 1
- Back Hard Case (Back cover) x 1
- Holder ring (attach to the 12x Telephoto) x 1
- Mini Tripod x 1
usbfeverlenses.jpg
Note:
- The Back cover included in this package is just for the Lens in
this package, not suitable for other lens in our shop unless otherwise
specified.
- Only one back cover will be shipped.
- The Flash Light will be blocked when the lens is in use.
$74.99
Link: USB Fever Wide
Angle + Fish Eye + 12x Telephoto Lens Combo for iPhone 4
Presentation
Stainless Steel Kickstand for Your iPad
PR: California based NewPCgadgets
introduces Tablet Coasters, a stainless steel kickstand for your iPad.
Tablet Coasters are similar in design to their popular Smartphone
Coasters. These sleek and attractive polished stainless steel coasters
raise your Tablet PC to a 35° viewing angle, enabling you to be
more comfortable and productive. The stackable space-saving design
makes Tablet Coasters great for home or office. Coasters are also
perfect for presentations, conferences, trade shows or for
displays.
Tablet Coasters work with all popular tablet
PCs including the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy, HP Slate, BlackBerry
PlayBook, Toshiba Honeycomb, Motorola Xoom, ZTE Light, and dozens more.
Not only do they improve the look of your iPad, but the steel surface
may help improve the WiFi signal in some models.
Tablet Coaster Dimensions are 5-1/2"w x 7"d x 2-3/4"h. Includes
nonskid rubber feet on the bottom and top lip. Coasters are priced as
low as $14.95 each (in quantity).
Link: Tablet
Coasters Stainless Steel Kickstand for iPad
iChair: You Sit, It Stands
PR:
iChair introduces its new multifunctional slider case with integrated
stand for iPad, iPhone 4, 3G/S, and iPod touch. The iChair allows Apple
owners to display and work on their iDevice while propped up on its
durable stand. Rubber coated for an easy grip and velvety feel on the
outside and a microfiber lining on the inside, the iChair for iPad
features an ultra slim profile design. The integrated pull out stand
folds in and out easily allowing for quick landscape or portrait
viewing.
The iChair is a
multipurpose slider case that allows Apple owners to display and work
on their iDevice while it's propped up on its integrated and durable
stand. Taking basic elements to another level, iChair handpicked the
highest quality materials to construct a sleek and lightweight slider
case that makes full use of the your device's multimedia capabilities
while still providing the best for protection.
Rubber coated
for an easy grip and velvety feel on the outside and a microfiber
lining on the inside, the iChair for iPad features an ultra slim
profile design. The integrated pull out stand folds in and out easily
allowing for quick landscape or portrait viewing. Pulling the stand
further out allows for media or presentations to be displayed firmly,
with three stable clicks varying optimal viewing. Another quick pull
out tab enables ergonomic typing at the perfect angle.
"In designing iChair, we kept simplicity and functionality at the
forefront of our strategy," says Shefali Sedey, Director of Marketing.
"Utilizing the highest quality materials, locking mechanisms and
advanced manufacturing techniques, we produced a product that provides
ultimate functionality, sleek looks and is sure to be a case your
iDevice can't live without."
Each case comes standard in black with your choice of an extra top
slider case in either blue or white. It also comes equipped with a
screen protector, dust cloth and squeegee board making iChair's value
absolutely unbeatable.
All iChair products are available at goiChair online with the iPad
retailing at $49 and the iPhone 4, iPhone 3G/S, and iPod touch at $34.
Continental US customers also receive free standard shipping when they
purchase the iChair online. For additional information on iChair
products, contact PR representative Shefali Sedey. Follow us on Twitter
for live social updates.
Link: iChair for
iPad
Link: iChair for
iPhone 4
Link: iChair for
iPhone 3G/3GS
Link: iChair for iPod
touch
Protection
iLuv Ready with New Line of iPhone 4 CDMA
Cases
PR: iLuv is set to launch a new line of stylish cases
and protective films for the iPhone 4 CDMA. The products continue
iLuv's commitment to rapidly deliver innovative, high quality mobile
accessories that enhance the consumer's lifestyle. iLuv's new line will
be available when the iPhone 4 arrives at Verizon Wireless and Apple
stores on February 10, 2011.
"Industry analysts estimate Verizon could add as many as 7 to 10
million new iPhone 4 users in the US," says Pia Chon, iLuv marketing
director. "iLuv is poised to meet this new demand with stylish cases
and films designed to enhance and protect the Verizon user's new iPhone
4 experience."
The initial lineup of iLuv's iPhone 4 CDMA protective cases and
films include:
- Leatherette Clip Case (iCC756) - Sophisticated protection. MSRP
$49.99
- Metallic Case (iCC749) - Durable protection in titanium and chrome
finish. MSRP $29.99
- Translucent Case (iCC743) - Full coverage available in black, white
or pink. MSRP $29.99
- Clear Case (iCC742) - Full protection while letting your phone
shine through. MSRP $24.99
- Flex-Gel Case (iCC746) - Full coverage protection available in 5
colors. MSRP $24.99
- Flex-Trim Case (iCC741) - Bumper type protection available in 5
colors. MSRP $19.99
- Glow-in-the-Dark Case (iCC745) - Fun case with glowing patterns.
MSRP $19.99
- Silicone Case (iCC744) - Full coverage protection available in 5
colors. MSRP $14.99
- Sports Armband (iCC212) - Never miss a call even when you're on the
run. MSRP $29.99
All the above cases come complete with protective screen films
- Glare-Free Screen Protector Film (iCC1405) - Quad-Layer protection,
yet remarkably thin and anti-glare. Perfectly tooled for iPhone 4. MSRP
$14.99
- Clear Screen Protector Film (iCC1404) - Quad-Layer protection, yet
remarkably thin. Perfectly tooled for iPhone 4. MSRP $12.99
General availability will be end of January in leading retailers,
and online.
Link:
iLuv Cases for iPhone 4 CDMA
Speck's Most Popular Case Design Gains New
Function as CandyShell View and CandyShell Card for iPhone 4
PR: Speck's critically acclaimed, award-winning and
best-selling case, the CandyShell, arrives at the Consumer Electronics
Show this week sporting some new form and function. Just revealed
today, Speck's CandyShell View and CandyShell Card for iPhone 4 join
the ever-popular CandyShell collection of case designs.
Both cases are designed to keep pace with our fast-moving mobile
culture.
"CandyShell is a bona fide hit with consumers, so we asked
ourselves: 'How can we take the magic of CandyShell and transform it to
serve new needs and uses?'" says Bryan Hynecek, Director of Design at
Speck. "Both cases are designed to keep pace with our fast-moving
mobile culture."
CandyShell
View
With the new CandyShell View, you can watch movies, videos, or use
FaceTime on your iPhone 4 more easily all without adding bulk, or using
add-ons. Built into the back of the case is a patented spring-loaded
retractable kickstand that pops out for easy viewing. When done, simply
flip the stand back and it magically disappears within the case. The
entire stand adds nearly no bulk to the case and works for both
vertical and horizontal viewing. Available in Black/Grey for a MSRP of
$39.95.
CandyShell Card
The new
CandyShell Card lets you keep your essential cards with you in your
iPhone 4, allowing you to leave your wallet at home. This case
conveniently holds up to three credit cards (or your driver's
license/identification) neatly and securely behind the iPhone. The
CandyShell Card is specially designed to keep a low profile while
preventing your cards from slipping out by maintaining constant soft
pressure inside, whether inserting one, two or three cards into the
case. The side-loading card slot is fully enclosed to prevent cards
from scratching the back of your iPhone when inserted and removed.
There's also a convenient thumb release slot to make removing your
cards easy. Available in Black/Grey for a MSRP of $39.95.
Both new cases feature Speck's award-winning single-piece CandyShell
design, with a sleek protective hard shell exterior that's easy to
slide in and out of pockets, as well as soft rubberized interior lining
and button covers that offer extra shock-absorption and protection from
drops and bumps.
Link: Speck iPhone Cases
