Once again keeping to the every-2-weeks cycle, Apple has released iOS 4.1 beta 2 for developers. If you’ve got an account, head on over to developer.apple.com and update your SDK and firmware.
We’re guessing Apple plans on doing what they’ve done in year’s past — keep releasing betas until they hold a fall Special Music Event and show off the final version along with a new iPod touch G4.
If anyone notices anything new in beta 2, we’ll update!
[developer.apple.com, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Apple releases iOS 4.1 beta 2 for developers is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Once again keeping to the every-2-weeks cycle, Apple has released iOS 4.1 beta 2 for developers. If you’ve got an account, head on over to developer.apple.com and update your SDK and firmware.
We’re guessing Apple plans on doing what they’ve done in year’s past — keep releasing betas until they hold a fall Special Music Event and show off the final version along with a new iPod touch G4.
If anyone notices anything new in beta 2, we’ll update!
[developer.apple.com, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Apple releases iOS 4.1 beta 2 for developers is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Plunderland is Apple’s App of the Week this week. Does it deserve it? Yes and no. Developer JohnnyTwoShoes has made a solid effort to bring pillaging across the sea in the hands of eager gamers.
The premise of Plunderland is you are a ghost with pirates that sail across the sea to attack and sink enemy ships, pillage tribes people and take money from their monuments then make it to the next port. Sounds fun? Well, get used to it because that is what you do over, and over, and over again with little variety. Call me a stinker, but I don’t see the allure with this game.
Sure, the water physics are nice. You tilt the iPhone left or right to make your boat move in that direction. When there is a storm, etc, the water behaves in a more erratic manor, making maneuvering more difficult. Once you are on the high seas, you come across your enemy; the British warships. You have a couple ways to take them out. First is to use your ships cannon. You have a nifty way of angling the cannon to shoot your targets, just move your finger along the bottom and you will get a reticule via a line that helps your aiming. Release your finger and you fire your cannonballs. Second, you can use the enemies cannonballs against themselves. Before the enemy launches an attack, the cannon will puff smoke, that is your cue to ready your finger and deflect the cannonball back upon the enemy ship and with luck, split it in two!
I know, I make it sound exhilarating, and it is the first two or three times you do it. Sadly, Plunderland does little to keep your attention. Future attacks add blimps and more, but the fun is gone by that point. The attacking villagers is a simple “tap, tap. tap” on the totems to get money and fling some villagers around in an effort to extract some more dough. Again… zzzz…
There is nice upgrade system though, you can upgrade your ship, cannons and bowsprits by earning said money above. The game has excellent promise. The controls, physics and graphical style all lend them selves to a success. However, the bland I really, really wanted to like this game, being highlighted on Apple’s App Store, but alas, mateys, I just can’t bring myself to recommend this lack-luster treasure.
[$2.99- iTunes Link]
UPDATE: I had a delightful Twitter chat with the developers. I explained that I had played 50% thorough the game and became unchallenged with the levels and objectives. They understood and are looking at a way to unlock the more exciting and complex levels earlier for more “hardcore” gamers. I also said that when I find the time to complete the game 100%, I would update this review to include my findings. I am hopeful that by the time I do this, they will have some new content available. You can follow the developer on Twitter here.
Pros
Great graphics
Solid frame-rate
Good physics engine
Upgrade system
Cons
Very, very, very repetitive
Takes a while to become a challenge (the end of the second chapter)
Plunderland for iPhone- app review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Looks like Apple may be canceling free bumper orders from Puerto Rico over the last 24hrs, as several readers have sent us copies of the following notification:
We are unable to complete your order. We do not ship to international,
freight forwarder, APO, FPO, or P.O. Box addresses.
We offer the following information:
International Shipping: We are unable to ship to an international
address. Therefore your order has been cancelled. Please visit the Apple
Store Worldwide for the Apple Store Store in your country of residence.
Freight Forwarders: We do not ship to Freight Forwarders. Therefore
your order has been cancelled.
APO, FPO or Post Office Boxes: Our carriers are unable to deliver
orders to these addresses. Please visit
http://www.apple.com/orderstatus to change your address to a physical
address, so that we may continue processing your order. If we do not
receive a response from you within one week, your order will be
cancelled. You will need to login to your account with your Apple ID to
locate this order.
Anyone else in a US territory seeing this?
Apple canceling bumper orders to Puerto Rico? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
With iOS 4, the built-in Notes app gets the ability to sync with multiple IMAP accounts, including MobileMe and Gmail. When you set up MobileMe or Gmail (not via Google Sync/ActiveSync/Exchange but via the Gmail button) there’s a toggle to turn notes sync on or off.
If you enable notes sync for multiple accounts, you get a new Accounts button at the top left of the Notes app. Tapping it takes you to a new screen where you can choose to view All Notes, just the notes on your iPhone, or just the notes that are synced via IMAP to your email account(s).
Those notes then appear in your desktop and web-based IMAP clients as well, like Apple’s Mac Mail.app (in Marker Felt, ugh!) and Gmail.com.
If you’re using multiple IMAP Notes accounts, let us know how it’s working for you. For more features, see our complete iOS 4 walkthrough.
iOS 4 features: Sync multiple IMAP accounts with Notes is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Apple Peel 520 is an adapter case that just might hack your iPod touch into something closer to an iPhone, courtesy of a VoIP client, SIM card, and a dream:
Powered by an Infineon baseband chip, this adapter not only offers voice calling and text messaging (presumably requiring a jailbroken iPod touch for the apps; GPRS not possible yet), but it also doubles up as an 800mAh battery and provides 4.5 hours of call time or 120 hours of standby juice.
Whether this ever hits the market in Asia — let alone North America — is anyone’s guess but if it did show up, would you want?
Apple Peel case attempts to turn iPod touch into iPhone is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
transfer Mac to iPad
July 28, 2010
dvd to ipad
July 14, 2010
We’ve gotten a few emails this morning from TiPb readers who think signal strength might be a factor in the dreaded iPhone 4 “hold different” reception problems. Last night when testing at home, they could kill the signal by holding the iPhone 4 over the lower left side. When taking it out of their homes and onto the streets, it didn’t seem to happen any more.
Could signal strength be a factor? If you’re having the “hold different” antenna band reception problem, have you tried it outside in a high signal area yet? If so, any difference?
UPDATE: Jeremy says we should mention reports like Engadget’s, where they get better reception with the new antenna. Jeremy is almost always right, so we’re mentioning it. Bottom line seems to be: strong AT&T signal, and the new antenna does wonders. Poor AT&T signal and covering the antenna, there’s no hope for you.
[Thanks everyone who sent this in]
Is signal strength a factor in iPhone 4 antenna reception issue? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
vro to video converter
June 25, 2010
If you are like me and own an ipod, then you know that there is an entire industry devoted to anything and everything that can be considered an ipod accessory. In fact, there is a new 300-page book that is devoted to unlocking the secrets of your ipod and utilizing its accessories to the fullest. However, if there is one thing that ipod's are lacking, it is it's inability to play for an audience when you want to have a party. You can buy a transmitter that overrides radio stations, but these inevitably drain your ipod's battery or run on costly AAA batteries that die in a matter of hours. Well, fear no more. Altec Lansing has just unveiled the inMotion im7 portable audio system for the ipod.
The im7 is going to revolutionize that way that you use your ipod. With a sleek design that resembles a tube, the im7 pumps out great sound while taking up very little space. The best part is that when plugged into an outlet, it automatically charges your ipod while it plays. It comes with an A/C adapter, and it can also be battery powered for more portability. Your ipod is safe in the patent pending universal cradle that opens with the touch of a finger. The cradle can adjust to fit most style ipods, but be sure to check out the specifications so that it will fit yours. The im7 is made for any ipod with a color display, ipod nano, Ipod mini, and any other ipods with a dock connector.
The sound is generated by the new high efficiency digital amplification, and when the volume is turned up it sounds as good as most surround sound stereo systems. The music is accentuated with a revolutionary XDB (xtreme dynamic bass) enhanced subwoofer that will make you feel like you are at a rock concert. Along with the subwoofer are highly advanced neodymium drivers and tweeters. All of these innovations make for some great listening, and you don't have to deal with that annoying buzz that comes when you are trying to listen through a radio station.
Two new features to the updated im7 are the inclusion of a wireless remote, and a video output. The wireless remote allows for seamless volume changes from across the room, as well as changing songs and pausing and playing. The video output has been added to supplement the ipod photo and ipod video features on the redesigned models. Now you can view your ipod's photos, or watch your downloaded videos on your TV.
The im7 runs around $250 dollars, but it is worth every penny. Never before has there been an ipod accessory that has offered as much portability and easy use. That combined with its sexy design and unbelievable sound make this one of the must-haves for any ipod owner looking to maximize it's potential. Check out www.alteclansing.com for the im7 as well as plenty of other options for your ipod and music listening experiences.
ppt to flash
June 23, 2010
When Steve Jobs announced 720p, 30fps video recording on the iPhone 4 during the WWDC 2010 keynote, the first thing that popped into my head was: “Wow, now I don’t have any use for my Flip MinoHD video camera!” I have since then done some thinking and researching about this very topic to determine if this is really case.
In order for the iPhone 4 to replace my Flip, it must do close to everything just as well as the Flip. By everything, I mean video and audio quality, storage capacity, battery life, portability, convenience, and ease of use. Let’s take a look after the break.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Ease of use and convenience
Both the iPhone and Flip are very portable and easy to use. However, even though the Flip is small, it would be much more convenient to carry only an iPhone with me.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Aspect ratio
The iPhone 4 and Flip share another feature – HD recording. Both devices record in 720p at 30 frames per second. It was this fact that caused me to jump to the conclusion that iPhone 4 would render my Flip useless. Then I remembered aspect ratio. The iPhone 4 shares the same screen as it’s predecessors, all of which have a ratio of 3:2. While Apple’s iPhone 4 tech spec page explicitly says iPhone plays back 720 p, 30fps video at 1280×720 (16:9) and the iMovie pages says it exports to 1280×720, it doesn’t explicitly say it records video in that ratio. It’s hard to see Apple not going by the de facto definition of 720p but it would be nice to see them spell it out. If it turns out their 720p is 3:2, then that’s not nearly as desirable as the 16:9 ratio that the Flip offers. Sure, 3:2 is fine for capturing little moments to keep as memory keepsakes; but for longer material that I plan to edit and create a nice video with, 16:9 is the way to go.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Lens quality
In the same category as video quality, we must also consider the lenses of both these devices. The Flip offers a fixed focus of 1.5m to infinity, f/2.4 aperture, and 2x digital zoom. Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t provided us with the specifications of the lens on the iPhone 4. However, we do know that the tap to focus feature will be available when recording video. This is a huge advantage over the Flip because it allows for creativity. Apple has said that 5x digital zoom is available when taking photos, but it does not seem as though this feature is available when recording video.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Audio quality
One thing the Flip has been praised for is its sound quality. Quiet voices and sounds are easily picked up by the Flip and boosting volume in post editing is rarely a necessity. Will the iPhone 4 offer the same? I suspect it will be efficient enough. It may not be quite as good as the Flip, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make in order to carry one less device in my purse.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Storage capacity
The most storage available on the iPhone 4 is 32 GB and Flip’s newest camera, the SlideHD, is available in 16 GB, which is approximately 4 hours of video. Even though the iPhone has more available space, it is safe to say that there is never a time when all 32 gigabytes are free to use. If it turns out iPhone 4 video really is 4:3 still, I also suspect that video will take up less storage space than the Flip’s 16:9. Basically, storage space is going to vary by user; for me, I have about 16 GB of free space on my iPhone now, so the two devices are comparable.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Battery life
But what about battery? Flip claims to get 2 hours of battery life between charges. Once again, Apple has not provided us with this information. However, I remember that Dieter, our Editor in Chief, let his iPhone 3GS record video for about an hour during an iPhone live! episode and had battery life to spare. With the bigger battery in the iPhone 4, I expect to be able to record video for about 2 hours as well. However, draining the battery on the Flip is better than on the iPhone because it only renders the video camera useless, not an entire phone.
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: On-device editing
The last thing I want to mention is editing. The Flip does not offer any way of editing on the device itself. It does come with free software for your computer, but it’s clunky to say the least. With the iPhone, I can trim clips immediately after capturing footage and for under $5, I should be able to do some impressive editing with the upcoming iMovie for iPhone. I can then upload my finished project directly to YouTube. The ability to do this all with my iPhone is very impressive and a compelling argument to ditch the Flip. (No word yet on whether or not iPhone 4 will support the Camera Kit USB reader that shipped alongside the iPad, but that would certainly be even more interesting…)
iPhone 4 vs. Flip MinoHD: Conclusion
So what’s the verdict? Will the iPhone 4 replace my Flip MinoHD? My answer is: usually. For day to day use of capturing quick memories of my dogs (and soon, my child) and other random instances, the iPhone 4 will easily replace my Flip and I look forward to removing the Flip from my purse. However, if I know I’m going to capture a lot of footage, I will make sure my Flip is with me so that I don’t waste precious battery life on my iPhone. Also, if I’m planning to make a nicely edited video, I will use the Flip because of the 16:9 aspect ratio (unless and until Apple proves 16:9 on the iPhone 4).
Once the iPhone 4 is in my hand, I will be putting the unknowns (battery life, audio quality, lens quality) to the test and perform side-by-side comparisons. In the meantime, I can only base my conclusion on the facts we know and dream about about what video recording on the iPhone 4 will really be like.
What about you? Do you expect the iPhone 4 to replace your Flip video camera (or similar device)? Why or why not?
Will the iPhone 4 replace my Flip MinoHD? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
ivr converter
June 13, 2010
The HoloAD Diamond Series hologram is yet another reason that I was sad that I missed out on Computex in Taipei last week.
It probably is the best example of a holographic TV to date, and it uses three displays with precisely placed glass plates for a that most incredible 3-D effect that we’ve been wanting in our homes for a long time. The images themselves are Flash video files or FLV files, fed from simple USB memory devices like thumb drives.
It really is pretty incredible that you can walk around it and see a three-dimensional view of whatever object that is there. You will notice that it looks as if the holograms are coming from an iPhone. Somehow, I can’t help but think that this is what Innovision would want to see in the future. After all, who wouldn’t want some serious holograms on their mobile?
By the way, this isn’t just one of those concept models that you may or not see in the future. No, you can get this now in two models: one has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, and the other has 1,280 x 1,024 resolution. I don’t have a precise price on it, though. I don’t think I could afford it, though.
Source
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool 
[ HoloAD Diamond Series is one nice holographic display copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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ivr converter
June 10, 2010
I’ve reported on Leap Frog products before, such as the Didj and the Leapster II.
They are terrific at making portable and electric gaming/educational toys for kids in the grade school years, and they just announced the Leapster Explorer Learning Experience yesterday.
If you didn’t hear about it, I don’t blame you. After all, Apple had this new iPhone thing that they were all excited about. That effectively killed most technological coverage yesterday.
Anyway, the Leapster Explorer Learning Experience is designed for kids ages four to nine, and it has a high resolution touchscreen as well as “a click-in camera accessory”. I’m not certain if that means it can take pictures, but it can support downloadable Leaplet learning Apps such as e-Books and videos.
It is a definite quantum leap with their gameplay as they can deliver Flash and 3D graphics. It also features more personalized play like having its young users create on-board pets, then playing games with this virtual pet.
The Leap Frog Leapster Explorer Learning Experience is available for pre-order on the Leap Frog site. It will be officially released on July 15. By the end of the year, it is planned to have 40 different play experiences available, including 12 cartridge games and 18 Leaplet Learning Apps.
Source
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool [ Leap Frog Leapster Explorer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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convert blu ray to iPad
June 9, 2010
ppt to flash
June 3, 2010
HTC seems to be playing out a balancing act between Windows Mobile smartphones as well as handsets that are powered by the Google Android operating system, but lately the company seem to be trending more towards the latter with a slew of Android phones rolling out, while Windows Mobile has taken a backseat. This could be due to the fact that Windows Phone 7 isn’t out just yet for the masses to consume, so HTC might as well make the best out of the entire situation by releasing phones that folks want to look at, right? Their latest attempt is known as the HTC Wildfire, where it is another HTC Sense-based Android phone which will integrate the most popular social networks, following in the footsteps of the HTC Desire while ensuring its signature HTC Sense experience remains accessible to a younger demographic.
The HTC Sense will bring all your communications into a single place, regardless of which social networking tool/site fan you’re of, comprising of Facebook, Twitter, text messages, images or email, making sure that you are always in the loop whenever your friends start some sort of chatter. Of course, all of these will come to naught if you do not happen to subscribe to a decent data package, because paying per kilobyte is absolutely not cool, and you might just end up with a heart attack at the end of the month after taking a look at the bill that arrives in your mailbox.
All contacts viewed in the HTC Wildfire’s address book will also comprise of a thread of recent communications with that person, and that includes when you last spoke, recent text messages and emails, and social network updates. Whenever your friend gives you a call, the HTC Caller ID will display their Facebook profile photo and latest update, alongside a birthday reminder should that day on the calendar be right up the corner. Not only that, a new app sharing widget lets you recommend an application by email, text message or over social networks, where your friends will be “spammed” by a link so to speak, as they can find the application on the Android Market with a single click and download it to their phone. There is no word on pricing or availability, but the new HTC Wildfire will be headed towards major European and Asian markets from Q3 2010 onwards.
Press Release
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.[ HTC Wildfire introduced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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tod converter
May 21, 2010
The Smartphone Experts S&C retractable sync and charging cable for iPhone and iPad [$4.95 - TiPb Store Link] is for those who abhor long cables that always getting caught, tangled and the imposing clutter, the SmartPhone Experts S&C Retractable Cable for iPhone is the way to go. Small and lightweight, you can take it with you everywhere and charge/sync your iPhone through the USB connection on your laptop or computer with ease.
The Smartphone Experts S&C Retractable Cable for iPhone expands to a length of 2 ft. and has a locking feature which allows you to choose which length you would like the cable locked at. A light tug on the cable and it retracts back to its wound state. When wound, the Cable is only 4.5 inches long, making it very easy to bring with you. My regular usb S&C cable was always a tangled mess when I carried it loose in my briefcase. A good deal of time and effort was spent on untangling the cord from whatever it had become attached to. With the Smartphone Experts S&C Retractable Cable for iPhone, charging and syncing my iPhone is a snap, just take it out of my briefcase and plug it in and when I am done a quick tug and is thrown back into my bag. The cable is quite well constructed and after a month of use it is still working like new.
I would recommend getting this for everyone who charges and syncs their iPhone. I absolutely love this Cable and at $4.95 it is practically free (appeals to my Scottish side).
Pictures and video after the break!
YouTube link
Smartphone Experts S&C retractable cable for iPhone and iPad – accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
convert vp6 files
May 13, 2010
Previous Posts
[ HoloAD Diamond Series is one nice holographic display copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]