News, Reviews, & Opinion
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Apps & Services
Accessories
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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Inventor of Text Messaging Mystified by Its
Popularity
20 years ago, British engineer Neil Papworth sent the world's first
text message, "Merry Christmas", from a computer to his boss'
cellphone, never imagining that text messaging would become part of
mainstream daily interactions.
A CTV News report notes that a recent World Bank study estimates
that about three-quarters of the world's population now has access to a
cellphone and trillions of text messages are sent around the globe
every day, especially dominating the way young adults and teenagers
communicate, with a recent Pew Internet study finding found that about
63% of teens text on a daily basis.
As for Papworth, the report says the ubiquity of texting is still
somewhat baffling to him, wondering where people find the time to send
100 or more messages a day. Time being a finite commodity, all that
texting (not to mention tweeting and Facebooking) - usually over
trivial and inconsequential subject matter - has to be displacing more
productive and edifying pursuits. Papworth says he sends maybe 10 or 15
texts a week.
Link: Man Who Sent First
Text Message Baffled by Its Popularity
IDC Raises Tablet Forecast as iOS Picks Up Steam,
Android Gains Traction, and Windows Enters the Market
PR: With a strong competitive landscape, including surging
Android tablet shipments and robust demand for Apple's new iPad mini, International Data Corporation
(IDC) has increased its 2012 forecast for the worldwide tablet market
to 122.3 million, up from its previous forecast of 117.1 million
units.
In the latest forecast update of the Worldwide Quarterly Tablet
Tracker, IDC also raised its 2013 forecast number to 172.4 million
units, up from 165.9 million units. And by 2016 worldwide shipments
should reach 282.7 million units, up from a previous forecast of 261.4
million units.
"Tablets continue to captivate consumers, and as the market shifts
toward smaller, more mobile screen sizes and lower prices points, we
expect demand to accelerate in the fourth quarter and beyond," system
Mainelli, research director, Tablets at IDC. "Android tablets are
gaining traction in the market thanks to solid products from Google,
Amazon, Samsung, and others. And Apple's November iPad mini launch,
along with its surprise refresh of the full-sized iPad, positions the company well for
a strong holiday season."
In addition to increasing the unit totals for 2013, IDC also updated
its operating system splits for the year to reflect Android's growing
strength in the tablet market. IDC now expects Android's worldwide
tablet share to increase from 39.8% in 2011 to 42.7% for the full year
of 2012. During that same time Apple's share will slip from 56.3% in
2011 to 53.8% in 2012. Long term, IDC predicts Windows-based tablets
(including Windows 8 and Windows RT) will grab share from both iOS and
Android, growing from 1% of the market in 2011 to 2.9% in 2012, on its
way to 10.3% in 2016.
"The breadth and depth of Android has taken full effect on the
tablet market as it has for the smartphone space," says Ryan Reith,
program manager for IDC's Mobile Device Trackers. "Android tablet
shipments will certainly act as the catalyst for growth in the low-cost
segment in emerging markets given the platform's low barrier to entry
on manufacturing. At the same time, top-tier companies like Samsung,
Lenovo, and ASUS are all launching Android tablets with comparable
specs, but offered at much lower price points."
Once again, IDC's increase in tablet shipments comes at the expense
of e-readers. IDC lowered its forecast for e-readers for 2012 and
beyond. While the front-lit e-reader offerings from Amazon and Barnes
& Noble have captured the interest of a subset of consumers who
prefer a dedicated e-reader, most buyers are gravitating toward
multi-use tablet products and finding a 'good enough' reading
experience on these traditional backlit tablets. IDC now expects 2012
e-reader shipments to top out at 19.9 million units, down from the 27.7
million units that shipped in 2011.
Table Notes:
- Windows shipments include Windows RT, Windows 8, and Windows 7
tablets.
- Shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users.
OEM sales are counted under the vendor/brand under which they are
sold.
Link: IDC
Raises Tablet Forecast for 2012 and Beyond as iOS Picks Up Steam,
Android Gains Traction, and Windows Finally Enters the Market
News Corp. Kills The Daily iPad
Newspaper
A News Corp. press release says, in part:
"News Corporation [has] announced that effective immediately, Jesse
Angelo, the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Daily and longtime
Executive Editor of The New York Post, will assume the role of
Publisher of The New York Post. As part of a digital restructuring
initiative, the company will cease standalone publication of The Daily
iPad app on December 15, 2012, though the brand will live on in other
channels. Technology and other assets from The Daily, including some
staff, will be folded into The Post.
"Mr. [Rupert] Murdoch said: 'From its launch, The Daily was a bold
experiment in digital publishing and an amazing vehicle for innovation.
Unfortunately, our experience was that we could not find a large enough
audience quickly enough to convince us the business model was
sustainable in the long-term. Therefore we will take the very best of
what we have learned at The Daily and apply it to all our properties.
Under the editorial leadership of Editor-in-Chief Col Allan and the
business and digital leadership of Jesse, I know The New York Post will
continue to grow and become stronger on the web, on mobile, and not
least, the paper itself. I want to thank all of the journalists,
digital and business professionals for the hard work they put into The
Daily.'
"Paul Carlucci, who has served as Publisher of The New York Post
since 2005 will focus exclusively on his role as Chairman of News
America Marketing where he continues to generate important profits.
"Greg Clayman, Publisher of The Daily, will oversee the Company's
global digital strategy, new digital investments and distribution
partnerships, working with CTO Paul Cheesbrough."
The Register's Andrew Orlowski notes that News Corp. had worked closely with
Apple to develop the title, which went on sale in February 2011, some
nine months after the iPad itself made its debut, with an original
circulation target of 500,000 paid-for subscriptions, but observing
that even with digital subscriptions included, only two US newspapers
have digital subscriber bases over 200,000 - the Wall Street Journal
with 794,594 and the New York Times with 896,532
Link: News Corporation Announces
Details Regarding Proposed Separation of Businesses
Pope Benedict XVI on Twitter: A Voice of Unity and
Leadership for the Church
PR: A press conference was held Monday in the Holy See Press
Office to explain the presence of the Pope on Twitter and to provide
additional information on the use of the new media in the Vatican.
The conference was presented by Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli,
president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Msgr.
Paul Tighe, secretary of the same dicastery, Fr. Federico Lombardi,
director of the Holy See Press Office, Vatican Radio and the Vatican
Television Centre, Professor Gian Maria Vian, editor of 'L'Osservatore
Romano' and Greg Burke, media advisor to the Secretariat of State.
Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Twitter's director of Social Innovation, was also
present.
Given below are extracts from the English-language Note explaining
the presence of the Holy Father on Twitter:
"The Pope's presence on Twitter is a concrete expression of his
conviction that the Church must be present in the digital arena. ...
The Pope's presence on Twitter can be seen as the 'tip of the iceberg'
that is the Church's presence in the world of new media.
The Church is already richly present in this environment there exist
a whole range of initiatives from the official websites of various
institutions and communities to the personal sites, blogs and
micro-blogs of public church figures and of individual believers. The
Pope's presence on Twitter is ultimately an endorsement of the efforts
of these 'early adapters' to ensure that the Good News of Jesus Christ
and the teaching of his Church is permeating the forum of exchange and
dialogue that is being created by social media. His presence is
intended to be an encouragement to all Church institutions and people
of faith to be attentive to develop an appropriate profile for
themselves and their convictions in the 'digital continent'.
The Pope's tweets will be available to believers and nonbelievers to
share, discuss and to encourage dialogue. It is hoped that the Pope's
short messages, and the fuller messages that they seek to encapsulate,
will give rise to questions for people from different countries,
languages and cultures".
"Part of the challenge for the Church in the area of new media is to
establish a networked or capillary presence that can effectively engage
the debates, discussions and dialogues that are facilitated by social
media and that invite direct, personal and timely responses of a type
that are not so easily achieved by centralized institutions. Moreover,
such a networked or capillary structure reflects the truth of the
Church as a community of communities which is alive both universally
and locally. The Pope's presence on Twitter will represent his voice as
a voice of unity and leadership for the Church but it will also be a
powerful invitation to all believers to express their 'voices', to
engage their 'followers' and 'friends' and to share with them the hope
of the Gospel that speaks of God's unconditional love for all men and
women".
"In addition to the direct engagement with the questions, debates
and discussions of people that is facilitated by new media, the Church
recognizes the importance of new media as an environment that allows to
teach the truth that the Lord has passed to His Church, to listen to
others, to learn about their cares and concerns, to understand who they
are and for what they are searching. ... It is for this reason that it
has been decided to launch the Pope's Twitter channel with a formal
question and answer format. This launch is also an indication of the
importance that the Church gives to listening and is a warranty of its
ongoing attentiveness to the conversations, commentaries and trends
that express so spontaneously and insistently the preoccupations and
hopes of people".
The first tweets from the Pope's handle on Twitter will be given on
12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Initially tweets will be
published with the Wednesday general audiences, although they may
subsequently become more frequent. The first tweets, on 12 December,
will respond to questions put to the Pope on matters of faith. The
public can send questions between now and 12 December in the languages
listed below. The official Papal handle is @pontifex.
In addition to English, tweets will also be published in the
following languages:
- Spanish @pontifex_es
- Italian @pontifex_it
- Portuguese @pontifex_pt
- German @pontifex_de
- Polish @pontifex_pl
- Arabic @pontifex_ar
- French @pontifex_fr
Other languages may be added in the future.
Twitter Blog Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI
Twitter's Manager of Social Innovation Claire Diaz Ortiz notes that
the Vatican announced that on December 12, which is the Feast of Our
Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Benedict XVI (@pontifex) will be the first Pope
to join Twitter. Beginning now, people everywhere will have a chance to
Tweet questions relating to faith and belief using the hashtag
#AskPontifex. Questions will be curated by the Vatican staff for the
Pope to respond to via his new Twitter account on December 12th in a
live tweeting event at the end of his weekly audience.
The Competition
5 Ways the iPad Beats the Surface RT
The Surface RT is a well-engineered tablet, but there are still a
number of reasons to choose the Apple iPad.
PC World's Tony Bradley has posted five features and benefits that
give the iPad an advantage over the Surface with Windows RT:
- Heft - something intangible that makes the iPad feel thinner and
lighter when you're holding it.
- 4G/LTE - Apple iPad is available with 4G/LTE wireless
capabilities.
- VPN - limitations of the VPN connectivity on the Surface RT break
the deal if you need a tablet for business.
- Camera -The iPad sports a 5 megapixel (MP) camera capable of
recording 1080p video, while the Surface RT has a 1 MP camera that
records 720p video
- Apps - It will be a long time, if ever, before Microsoft can catch
up to Apple in terms of the sheer volume of apps available. Quality is
more important than quantity, but right now Microsoft is a little low
on both.
Link: Five Ways the iPad
Beats the Surface RT
Is Microsoft's Surface Pro Really Overpriced?
MacBook Air vs. Surface Pro
BGR's Zach Epstein says he saw potential in the Surface tablet with
Windows RT when he reviewed it in October, but when he revisited the
slate after a month of usage, he noted that more than anything else,
the Surface with Windows RT got him excited for the upcoming
Windows 8 version of Microsoft's tablet.
However, he's much less excited about the
Surface Pro now that he knows how much it's going to cost. But is
the Surface Pro really that expensive? Epstein notes that we're
not talking about some light-duty media tablet here, but a
full-featured, cutting-edge notebook computer that happens to also be a
tablet. Surface Pro runs a full desktop operating system, is powered by
a third-generation Intel Core processor, and its one of the thinnest
and lightest devices in its class.
So Epstein compares the Surface Pro to a true competitor - a device
with a full desktop operating system, a premium metal enclosure and
similar specs to see how the Surface Pro's pricing really shapes up
against the competition, in this context Apple's MacBook Air.
He notes that in this context, pricing for the Surface Pro is
absolutely within the realm of reality, and even when including a $120
Touch Cover, it's only $20 more expensive than comparable 11" MacBook
Airs - a premium tablet/notebook hybrid device that is thinner and
lighter than a MacBook Air despite including high-definition display
with multitouch support, dual cameras, a microSDXC memory card support,
and more.
Link: Is Microsoft's
Surface Pro Really Overpriced? MacBook Air vs. Surface Pro: Tale of the
Tape
Microsoft-Intel Push to Challenge Apple in Tablet
Space Faltering
Bloomberg's Ian King and Dina Bass reports that Microsoft and
Intel's joint campaign to challenge Apple's iPad dominance in the $63.2
billion tablet market is off to a slow start, with early demand for
Microsoft's first computer, the Surface tablet, disappointing so far,
according to FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger.
Link: Microsoft-Intel
Push to Rival Apple in Tablets Sputtering
Developers Shun Microsoft Surface
TapScape notes that mobile computing is all about the apps and,
despite more than $1.5 billion in marketing, Microsoft's Surface fails
badly on that count. Little wonder that Microsoft Surface sales are
modest, with nothing about Microsoft's grand desktop-tablet-smartphone
Windows 8 operating system grand unification strategy going well at
all.
So is there still hope, or is a Microsoft Surface fail all but
certain?
Link: Microsoft Surface
Fail: Developers Shun Platform
Why Windows 8 Tablets Will Beat Apple &
Android
TMCnet's Tom Keating says after using and testing the $1,200 Samsung
ATIV Smart PC Pro 700t x86 tablet for a few weeks, he's come to the
conclusion that Windows 8 tablets will without a doubt beat Apple iPad
tablets and Android tablets.
Keating argues that the reason is simple and can be summed up in
just two words: "No compromise". With Apple tablets, and even Android
tablets, there is always some compromise.
He says Apple's biggest compromise is the lack of Flash support, and
that and if he hears one more person tell him Flash is dead and HTML5
is the way to go, he's going to smack them, noting that he's lost count
of how many times he's visited a website that uses Flash video on his
iPad and is unable to play it.
Keating continues with a lengthy inventory of iOS and Android
compromises with which Windows 8 tablets are not afflicted, and
summarizes that he has no doubt that Windows 8 tablets will take over
Apple's tablet dominance.
He makes a strongly reasoned case, but look at the real world sales
performance of Microsoft's Surface and other Windows 8 tablets so
far....
Editor's note: I have to agree regarding Flash. I encounter video
content that I'm locked out of several times a day every day on the
iPad. As Keating says, very frustrating. Flash is anything but dead -
and not likely to be any time in the foreseeable future. Time for Apple
to climb down from its peevish dismissal of Flash and make it work with
the iOS. cm
Link: Windows 8 Tablets
Will Beat Apple & Android
Apps & Services
Adobe Photoshop Touch for iPad
PR:
Photoshop Touch is Adobe's iOS image editor, supporting layers,
selection tools, filters, adjustments, support for images up to 12
megapixels, Retina display support, and layer fill using the iPad
camera.
Adobe Photoshop Touch features:
- Use popular Photoshop features designed for the tablet such as
layers, selection tools, adjustments, and filters to create
images.
- Use your iPad camera to fill an area on a layer with the unique
camera fill feature.
- Select part of an image to extract by scribbling with the Scribble
Selection tool. With Refine Edge, use your fingertip to capture even
hard-to-select image elements, like hair, with ease.
- Work on high-resolution images while maintaining the highest image
quality. Supports images up to 12 megapixels.
- Follow step-by-step tutorials to easily learn techniques the pros
use for great-looking results.
- Search and acquire images with the integrated Google Image
Search.
- Browse an inspirational gallery for the styles and results you'd
like to achieve.
- Use AirPrint for wireless printing of Photoshop Touch
projects.
- Automatically sync projects to Adobe Creative Cloud* and open
layered files from Adobe Photoshop Touch in Photoshop CS6 or Photoshop
CS5.1.
- Free membership to Creative Cloud gives you 2 GB of cloud storage
plus the ability to sync between tablet and desktop, access files from
the web, and easily share with others.
New in Version 1.4:
- Optimized user interface for iPad Mini
- Smoother brush strokes
- Pressure-sensitive stylus support for Pogo Connect (requires iPad 3
or later with Bluetooth 4.0 support), Jot Touch, and JaJa devices
- Two new Effects: Lens Flare (under & menu) and Stamp
Pattern
- Improved grid layout for projects, tutorials, and images
- New support for sharing to Facebook, Twitter, and other registered
apps
- Quick access to last 5 colors with new shortcut (drag down on
Color)
- Various bug fixes
System
requirements:
- Requires iPad 2 or later and iOS 5. Not available for 1st
generation iPad.
- Compatible with iPad 2 WiFi, iPad 2 WiFi + 3G, iPad (3rd
generation), iPad WiFi + 4G, iPad (4th generation), iPad WiFi +
Cellular (4th generation), iPad mini and iPad mini WiFi + Cellular
- Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
$9.99
Link:
Photoshop Touch
ActivePrint Adds Cloud Printing Support for iPad
mini
PR: Texas-based Pocket Watch, LLC have announced the release
of ActivePrint 9.3.1, which adds full Cloud Printing Support to the new
iPad mini and the iPad 4. With this new technology, users can
print content from their iOS devices to their printer from anywhere in
the world whether the printer is connected via WiFi or USB. With the
free ActivePrint System app installed on their PC, users can turn any
printer into a Cloud Printer.
"There have been countless times when I've been away from my office
working on my iPad and I've wanted my work to print out at the office.
That's the idea that went into ActivePrint Cloud Printing." says
Charles Teel, the developer behind ActivePrint and founder of Pocket
Watch, LLC. "What about those times you're on vacation taking pictures
with your iPhone? You don't need a printed copy while you're on
vacation, but you may want one waiting for you when you get home.
That's the great thing about Cloud Printing. You no longer have to wait
for the print job. Instead the print job is waiting for you at home or
at your office."
With ActivePrint users can easily and securely send their documents
on their iPad or iPhone to be printed no matter where they are. Whether
the user is at the office, at home, or out of town they will always be
able to print from their iPad or iPhone to their printer. And with the
free ActivePrint System app installed on their PC, users can turn any
printer into a Cloud Printer.
Additional Features:
- Print documents from Dropbox, Box.net, and Microsoft SkyDrive, and
the iWork Suite
- Print Photos from your photo album or your device's camera
- Print to any Windows or Mac OS X compatible printer
- Print an unlimited number of documents and photos
- Includes a free PC App to make any printer an ActivePrint Cloud
Printer (Windows and Mac OS X versions available)
Language Support: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch,
French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian,
Slovak, Spanish, Swedish
Device Requirements:
- iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5, iPod touch (3rd/4th/5th generation), and
iPad
- Requires iOS 6.0 or later
- Universal app optimized for display on all iOS devices
- 3.2 MB
ActivePrint Pro 9.3.1 is $3.99 (or equivalent amount in other
currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store
in the Productivity category. A free Lite version, which can be
upgraded to include all the Pro features through an In App Purchase of
$3.99, is also available.
Link:
ActivePrint Lite,
ActivePrint Pro
Link: ActivePrint
Desktop for Windows, ActivePrint Desktop for Mac
(in beta)
Accessories
HoverBar Makes iPad a Wingman for Your Mac
PR: TwelveSouth's
HoverBar hangs your iPad beside your Mac, letting you use iPad as a
secondary, touchscreen computer. The flexible HoverBar arm positions
the iPad in a place where you can keep tabs on Twitter, stocks or
partake in a FaceTime chat. As a bonus, you can use HoverBar separately
to float iPad as a micro workstation, a handy kitchen mount or as a
tool that elevates the iPad, creating a whole new way to interact with
apps.
HoverBar connects the iPad to your Mac, creating a dynamic duo - a
desktop workstation with a beautiful Apple display and a killer
touchscreen computer hanging by its side. HoverBar presents more ways
to use iPad more often. Collaborate on a project with FaceTime, monitor
the weather and interact with your favorite apps. HoverBar rescues iPad
from the computer bag.
One Strong Arm. Or Two
HoverBar floats an iPad next to any iMac or Apple display with an
L-shaped stand. The black, flexible arm on HoverBar connects to the Mac
using a sturdy, silicone-lined clamp that leaves no trace. HoverBar has
enough muscle and reach to position iPad above or beside any size Mac.
Flex the bar and tilt the iPad in any direction to find your favorite
viewing position. What could be better than one iPad hovering above
your Mac? Having a second floating beside it.
Floats Like a Butterfly in the Kitchen
HoverBar is a sweet accessory in the kitchen. It connects to a
cabinet quickly and easily with a simple clamp. No drilling holes or
putting screws into your expensive Cherry cabinets. Pop open your
favorite recipe or cooking app, or stream a how-to video while your
iPad floats safely above the counter, away from splatters, spills and
floury concoctions.
Stand Out, Stand Alone Performer
Attach HoverBar to a table to create a mini, minimalistic
workstation in a dorm or other small space. The sturdy, two-way clamp
positions HoverBar upright so you can use it standing.
Elevates Your Mac to a Multi-Computer
Use HoverBar to bring iOS
apps to your Mac. With HoverBar floating iPad next to your Mac, you can
stream Pandora from their super cool iPad app, while you tackle an
iMovie project on 27", widescreen iMac. While your Mac is running a
Keynote show, your iPad can be powering your go-to smaller screen
apps.
Features
- Use iPad clipped into HoverBar as a secondary, touchscreen computer
with Mac
- Sturdy, padded clamp attaches to most iMac and Apple displays
- Mount onto any surface as a stand-alone iPad stand
Compatibility:
- Fits all iPad 2 and 3rd/4th generation models
- Attaches to all iMacs and Apple Displays with an L-shaped desk
stand
- Two-way clamp attached to surface or edge up to one-inch thick
$79.99
Free US Shipping. New Intl. Flat Rates
Link: HoverBar
Brydge Keyboard Case Turns iPad into MacBook Air
Surrogate
PR: Brydge has been upgraded with a hinge twice as thin as
the original design and fits the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations.
The hinge is now made out of anodized aluminum to perfectly
match the iPad, still rotates nearly 180 degrees, and has been
redesigned to be as future proof as possible. This means that in
addition to fitting the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations, when a new
iPad comes out, you will most likely not need to buy a new keyboard to
support it.
Brydge is an elegant solution to the lack of quality iPad keyboards
and accessories currently on the market, and features a full-sized
aerospace-grade aluminum keyboard with optional stereo speakers, Brydge
connects to your iPad using a patent-pending hinge. This click-in hinge
allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad
secure.
Brydge's aluminum body is machined and anodized so that it
matches the look and feel of the iPad precisely. When paired together,
Brydge and your iPad appear to be two parts of the same device,
blending style and functionality seamlessly.
The Hinge
Brydge's patent-pending hinge holds the iPad secure and allows you
to position the device at nearly any angle, or to close it up entirely
for easy transportation. Once closed, both iPad and Brydge go to sleep
automatically.
The Clamp
Brydge's aluminum clamps hold on to your iPad securely and fit the
iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations. There is no need to enclose your iPad
in any sort of case, instead, your iPad snaps in and is ready to
go.
Integrated Speakers
Brydge can have speakers. The iPad speaker is average at best so
there is a model of Brydge that offers stereo sound and improved volume
by including a fully integrated speaker system.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Brydge connects with your iPad via Bluetooth, so there is no need to
deal with any wires or plugs. Additionally, the keyboard has been
designed specifically for an iPad, with iPad functions built in.
Brydge allows you to use your iPad as you never could before, giving
it the functionality and protection of a MacBook Air, while still
allowing you to appreciate the style and portability of your iPad.
Brydge is made from aerospace-grade aluminum that is machined and
anodized to perfectly match the look and feel of an Apple iPad. The
precision processes used to machine Brydge are the same processes used
as the Apple family of products.
Brydge's patent-pending hinge is also made from aluminum, and uses
use friction to strongly fasten to the iPad. Once attached, the hinge
provides for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning. To remove the
iPad, simply hold the Brydge down and pull the iPad up firmly.
Brydge weighs 1.28 pounds by itself and 2.59 pounds when connected
to an iPad 2. For comparison, the 11 inch MacBook Air weighs 2.38
pounds.
Brydge has a lithium ion battery for long battery life and is easily
charged via micro USB. A subtle indicator light off to the side
indicates power levels. Battery life varies significantly based on
speaker use. Without speaker use, Brydge's battery should last several
months.
Brydge has a full QWERTY keyboard. The beveled edge was designed
thin to provide the largest keyboard possible. Additionally, Brydge has
hotkeys built in dedicated specifically for iPad functions.
Brydge+ and Brydge will officially be launching December 1,
2012. Units are now shipping out of Asia and the company is starting to
fulfill preorders in the order in which they were placed. If you order
right now they are guaranteeing delivery in time for Christmas, but
believe it will reach customers much sooner. You can save $10 on any
model for the official launch with the Coupon Code: BRYDGELAUNCHYNG
Brydge+ (speakerless)
$170 holiday special
Brydge+ without speakers features the same aluminum body, keyboard
and hinge design as the Brydge+, but does not include the built-in
Bluetooth speakers. Compatible with the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th
Generations.
Brydge+
$210 holiday special
Brydge+ is a full-sized anodized aluminum keyboard with built-in
Bluetooth speakers. An ultra-elite keyboard, Brydge+ truly appears to
turn your iPad into a laptop. Compatible with the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th
Generations.
Brydge
$150 holiday special
Brydge offers the same functionality as the Brydge+ with built-in
Bluetooth speakers, a full-sized keyboard and the same hinge design
which opens to nearly 180 degrees. However, this model is made out of a
sturdy polycarbonate composite. Compatible with the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th
Generations.
Link: Brydge Keyboard
Case for iPad
New Canon PIXMA Printers Support AirPrint Wireless
Printing from iPad, iPhone & iPod touch
PR: Canon USA Inc. has announced that its PIXMA
MG6320 ($199.99) and MG5420
($149.99) Wireless1 Photo All-In-One and the PIXMA
iP7220 Wireless Photo printer ($99.99) will support
AirPrint2 wireless printing from iPhone, iPad, and iPod
touch mobile devices. AirPrint allows users to wirelessly print photos,
email, web pages, and documents without installing device drivers.
AirPrint works with iPhone (3GS and later), iPad, and iPod touch
devices (3rd generation and later) and requires iOS 4.2 (or later).
For more information on the models that support AirPrint and other
details, visit http://www.usa.canon.com
- Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless
802.11b/g or 802.11n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on
terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network
clients.
- AirPrint functionality requires an iPad, iPad Mini, iPad 2, the new
iPad, iPhone 3GS or later, or iPod touch 3rd generation or later device
running iOS 4.2 or later, and an AirPrint-enabled printer connected to
the same network as your iOS device. A printer connected to the USB
port of your Mac, PC, AirPort Base Station, or Time Capsule is not
supported.
Gizmon iCA Black Case for iPhone 4/4S Turns Your
iPhone into a Classic Camera
PR: You've never seen an iPhone case like Gizmon iCA
that is made up of 32 pieces of Polycarbonate parts that make your
iPhone into a classic camera You can still use all iPhone functions
with the Gizmon iCA on your iPhone.
More fun with Gizmon lenses. Many accessories for Gizmon iCA are
coming.
There are many camera apps that compliment Gizmon iCA as a real
camera. Shoot by pressing shutter button on top.
Package Contents: iPhone case/Thin Mock-lens/Multi-use tripod
stand/2 rings for strap/a pouch
Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 4.8 x 11 inches, 1.8 ounces
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
Amazon price: $55
This item ships for free with Super Saver Shipping
Link: Gizmon
iCA Black Case for iPhone 4/4S
Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter Release for iOS Device
Cameras
PR: Gizmon's iCA Remote Shutter is a small handy remote
shutter styled to look like a 35mm film cartridge. You can use it with
all iOS devices that have a camera function, such as the iPhone, iPod
touch and iPad to help take photos without handshake even in dark
places. For successful shooting, use a tripod and/or apps such as Slow
Shutter Cam.
Supported Devices: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 2,
new iPad, iPod touch (4th generation and higher)
Most Bluetooth remote shutters cannot be used with the major camera
apps, but the Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter can be used with major camera
apps. Connect the Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter to the headphone jack of
your iPhone with the cable. You don't need a battery or any additional
setup. Just connect it and start using it. Take your iPhone with you
and shoot anytime with Gizmon Remote Shutter.
The Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter comes with a retractable cord, and
using the keychain, it becomes a film can-style key holder available in
Red, Yellow and Green.
Link: Gizmon
iCA Remote Shutter A (red), Gizmon
iCA Remote Shutter K (yellow), Gizmon
iCA Remote Shutter F (green)
Take Control Books Starts Live Online Video Series
About Working with an iPad
PR: You know all those iPads that you and 100 million other
people have bought? Lots of people want to use an iPad to go beyond
browsing Web pages, watching videos, and reading books, to replace a
laptop and get real work done. Take Control Books have been helping
people do just that for years, with several editions of Joe Kissell's
"Take Control of Working with Your iPad." But the field is exploding,
and a new ebook would be out-of-date the week it was released.
So Take Control Books is embarking on a grand experiment to give
iPad users the same meticulously researched, real-world information
that Joe always provides, but in a different way. Instead of publishing
hundreds of pages of text accompanied by static screenshots, they're
going to give them Joe himself,
live and in person. Or rather, he'll be live and in their Web
browsers, doing show-and-tell with his trusty iPad over the next four
months.
That is the premise behind "Take Control Live: Working with Your
iPad." In each of four live online video presentations, Joe will convey
the same details he would have put in a book, but he'll supplement them
with live
demos, answers to audience questions, and updates on previously
covered topics. Adam Engst will manage the video side, chatting with
the audience and feeding
questions to Joe. You can read more about what they'll be covering
at the page linked below, plus see Joe's trailer video http://tid.bl.it/tcl-working-with-your-ipad-pr
Those who buy the season pass can watch upcoming presentations live
and ask questions, or tune in any time afterward. There's no need for
anyone to take notes, since we'll update the season pass PDF after each
show with concise notes and links to everything that Joe covers. So
everyone will end up with not only four hours of video, but also the
distilled essence of a Take Control ebook.
Adam Engst says they're approaching this experiment with some
trepidation, since Joe, Tonya, and he have been learning new skills en
route to what is essentially a public performance. They're accustomed
to putting their effort in up front and publishing a polished product,
but with Take Control Live, they're stepping out on a high wire. Almost
literally, given how out-of-our-control some of this live video
technology is.
Engst hastens to emphasize that they're not switching away from
publishing books by any means, but have been wanting to try something
new, and dealing with the incredibly rapid pace of iPad development
through a series of live video events was a great excuse.
If you'd like to join them for the first of the presentations on
Thursday, December 6th, just let them know and they'll send along a
season pass with all the necessary links.
"Take Control Live: Working with Your iPad" by Joe Kissell - 4 hours
of live video over the next 4 months
Price: $49.99, with a $24.99 introductory offer through December
5th
Link:
Take Control Live: Working with Your iPad
Presentation & Protection
Bamboo Case for iPhone 5
PR: Features:
- Made of Real Bamboo
- Light and good hand feel
- Unique ergonomic design
- Protected from bumps and scratches
- Perfect fit
- Easy access to all ports buttons and sockets
This accessory is suitable for iPhone 5
$24.99
Link: Bamboo Made Case
for iPhone 5
iFrogz Glaze Case for iPhone 5
PR: iFrogz, a ZAGG Inc. brand specializing in
value-priced mobile accessories, has introduced the Glaze case for the
Apple iPhone 5.
The iFrogz Glaze is a protective case for iPhone that combines
stylish color and design with a handy mirror, while leaving the camera
and ports open and accessible. Similar to a compact, this new case is
ideal for a quick hair or makeup check. The mirror of the Glaze is
located on a slim, hinged door that locks to the case, for a
streamlined look when not in use.
"The Glaze case is a creative product solution that we believe will
appeal to the female demographic in both design and function," says
Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing for ZAGG, which
manufactures and markets iFrogz products. "As just a protective case,
the Glaze is eye-catching and cool, but it really differentiates itself
from other cases with its innovative hidden mirror."
The Glaze is available in two metallic colors: black and silver, and
retails for $34.99 at iFrogz.com and Radio Shack stores nationwide.
Link: Glaze
Case for iPhone 5
