Mobile Apple Me

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Mac Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 29, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• TheMacBundles has added additional titles to its innovative Build Your Own Bundle stores. Additionally, BlogAssist is being offered as the new Weekly Special. BlogAssist is a handy tool to help weblog and website editing by making HTML markup easier. Until April 4th, BlogAssist is being offered for a saving of 33% off. Users that purchase either the March bundle or a BYOB bundle will receive an additional discount.
• iWebTemplate has announced the addition of 5 new iWeb themes to be used with Apple’s Website building application. iWeb Themes 6.0 includes five new remarkable themes animated with flash: Personality, Simple, Town, Violet and WildLife. In addition new package of themes includes five ordinary themes with static backgrounds. iWeb Themes with flash is an outstanding new solution combining iWeb and Flash into one great product. Flash templates are probably the best design solution for iWeb.
• Zevrix Solutions has announced ArtOptimizer 2.4, a feature update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator. ArtOptimizer allows to reduce Illustrator job size and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data and performing essential image adjustments. The software lets users save gigabytes of disk space, accelerate file output and cut costs through faster processing. Version 2.4 allows to process rotated images and improves the user interface.
• PixelEspresso has released Decloner 1.2, an update to its easy-to-use utility to find and eliminate duplicate files on Macintosh computers running OS X 10.5 Leopard. Using a reliable algorithm, Decloner presents the duplicates found in a list that allows manual or automatic selection of files to move to Trash or another folder. Decloner features a simple interface, can quickly process large number of files on internal, external or network drives, and supports QuickLook and exclusion patterns.
• Zevrix Solutions is offering File Courier, its automatic digital delivery system, at 50% off on maczot on March 30. File Courier delivers files and folders to FTP and local destinations and sends automatic e-mail delivery notifications. The software also creates lo-res PDF files, compresses and password-protects deliveries. File Courier is a cost-effective and timesaving replacement for online file transfer services, which often offer an awkward, expensive and counter-productive way of sending files.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• Gamevil has announced that the highly anticipated sequel to its classic action role-playing game, Zenonia 2: The Lost Memories is now available on App Store. Zenonia 2: The Lost Memories features four distinctive classes including the new range type classes; Paladin, Shooter, Magician and Warrior. Character customization has also improved with millions of costume combinations and thousands of items within the game. Each character has an epic storyline with 152 different maps and 98 quests. Finally, the game provides three different modes; normal, hard and hell mode along with an asynchronous online PvP arena to challenge your friends.
• Independent developer Esa Helttula has released Long Division 1.3, an important update of the popular educational math app for iPhone and iPod touch. Long Division 1.3 allows the user to solve long division problems step by step and animates all the steps. The app can be used to teach and study the long division method. The method breaks down a division problem into a series of easier steps. The app is easy to use and it has an intuitive interface with customizable colors and other settings.
• Independent software developer Steve Glinberg has released 123 Color Talking Coloring Book, version 1.3. 123 Color is a coloring book that teaches numbers, upper and lower case letters, shapes and colors in multiple languages as kids play. While teaching crucial language skills, 123 Color engages and entertains children ages 2-10 with beautiful artwork, fun sound effects and rich music. Less than two weeks after its launch, 123 Color by KidCalc became the most popular education app for iPhone.
• Hot Chili Apps GmbH has announced Easter C@rds 1.9 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Easter will be here soon and preparations are hottening up. Easter C@rds are part of the C@rds series created by Hot Chili Apps. Mobile e-card templates for almost any occasion, such as birthdays, Christmas, and many more. Color and size variations of texts and photographs can be altered with just two fingers.
• Asasa Software has announced the release of Flash Hero 2.0, a new approach to e-flash on the iPhone and iPod touch. Aiming to be the best e-flash app for the iPhone platform, Flash Hero features 3 different e-flash proprietary algorithms, plus 5 filters to get great color effects in your pictures. Users can choose from three different flash settings, as well as fine tune the adjustments. Version 2.0 now includes a new GUI and five additional colour filters.
• Playbrains has announced the release of Babo Crash for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Android mobile devices. The game takes the tried-and-true match-three formula and adds new levels of depth with fast-paced action, destructive power-ups and evolving objectives.
• SEAS has released DozeGuard 1.1, an update to their helpful tool for all audio lovers using an iPhone or iPod touch. DozeGuard allows to play audio titles from the users media library while constantly monitoring whether the user is still awake. If the user didn’t move the device for a certain time, the app stops playing the title and records the current position. If the title is then selected the next time, the user may easily locate the last position.
• The Apple App Store has been replenished with a new slot game: Viaden Legend Slots. Famous in online gambling sphere company-developer Viaden Media has not only ported in App Store real video slots from online casino, but also started hot advertising campaign. Every week an iPad will go to gambler, who gains the most scores in Viaden Slots games. While all bets in the games are fictitious the prizes are fully real.
• Jet Set Games—led by the creators of the original Command & Conquer games—has announced Highborn, the first social strategy game for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Highborn is a new type of iPhone strategy game that features casual, round-based multiplayer via Facebook. It’s the perfect design for mobile gaming, or for anyone looking for a strategy game that offers an intelligent, tactical experience without the frenetic play of a traditional RTS.
• Dusty Roads Media has announced a new contest: the Exotic My Spot Contest. Send us a message using My Spot Pro from the most exotic, unique, and interesting places in the world and you could win a iTunes Gift Certificate. Send your messages to Dusty Roads Media and let us know where the coolest spots in the world are. All entries/messages to be considered must be submitted by July 1st, 2010.
• Goby, the search engine that helps people find things to do with their free time, has just launched the first-of-its-kind iPhone app. iPhone and iPod Touch users can now take Goby anywhere in America to find nearby activities, make weekend plans or explore a new location with just three taps.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, iDevice Accessories, Features, Hands On / First Looks, Originals

The days seem to just drag as we wait for the iPad to be released. But if you’d like to occupy your time waiting with something useful, then take a look at some of the iPad accessories you can pick up soon from Booq. This company is known for their unique take on portability and protection of your gear.  They already have a page up just for iPad compatible accessories. It looks like they’re going to have quite a line up ready right away for your iPad. Before the iPad launches, I’m taking a quick look at two of their iPad offerings, the Boa Skin XS and the taipan Shadow XS.

Boa Skin XS

The Boa Skin XS ($29.95) is something to protect your iPad while inside of another bag, or even just sitting on a table or the like. It’s super simple; one side is a semi-hard fabric (they call it twylon), while the other side is stretchy neoprene.  At first, I wanted the entire sleeve to be neoprene (what a wonderful material), but I get the logic behind why it isn’t, and it’s growing on me.  The back side is harder to protect your iPad from any falls or hard bumps.  You’re supposed to put your iPad into this case face down so the twylon side protects the screen.

The only thing that concerns me is that it doesn’t appear to cover the iPad completely.  It seems like there might be about 1/4th of an inch unprotected, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Still, this looks like a great way to protect your iPad while in another bag.  So, if you already carry a fairly large bag with all of your stuff in it, this is something to consider.

Taipan Shadow XS - $69.95

The Taipan Shadow XS ($69.95) seems great.  It’s not specifically designed for the iPad, but it should fit quite well inside of this bag since it’s made for devices with 9 to 10 inch screens.  Perfect.

There are tons of pockets and places to put things.  The large pocket on the front expands, should you need it to be a bit bigger.  You could store all of your accessories for your iPad quite easily in here.  The inside of the bag seems more than sufficient to protect the iPad.  There’s actually quite a bit of padding on both sides—perhaps a bit too much, actually, but very well protected nonetheless.  I kind of wish the bag was a bit slimmer, but I’ll have to put my iPad in it to really determine if I’m judging its size appropriately.  It’s not that the bag is huge, it just seems thicker than in needs to be.  But then again, stylish protection and portability are the main goals here, and it’s accomplishing all quite nicely I think.

One thing I really like is the pocket on the back side.  There’s a hidden pocket on the inside for quick access to your phone.  This is a very promising bag, and will be a great option for anyone who wants the iPad to have its own bag with space for other smaller gear too.  And like many of Booq’s products, it comes with a Terralinq serial number to help find a lost bag.

I’ll be following up with full reviews on these products after the iPad launches, so stay tuned.

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Apple News, Apple Online and Retail Store, iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, iDevice Accessories

Apple finally added the last of the announced iPad accessories to the Apple Store online: the iPad Camera Connection Kit. For some reason, Apple didn’t add this accessory initially when they launched the iPad pre-order page. The dock, case and keyboard were all available to be added to an iPad preorder, but the Camera Connection kit was strangely missing. Like the iPad 3G, it won’t be shipping until late April, but you can pre-order the kit now for $29.

The kit includes two adapters. The first is a SD reader, and the second is a dock connector to USB port.  It’s this second adapter that is the most interesting to me.  The iPad Camera Connection kit states that whenever you plug in one of these adapters, the Photos app launches to allow for easy transfers and viewing of images from your Camera or SD card with your iPad. But what if this was just the beginning…

I see a USB port and I think of all the other things you could do with it. Like hook up a USB microphone, a graphics tablet, a webcam, or so many other accessories. Apple does allow developers to use the dock connection in apps, so it’s possible they’ll allow developers access to this USB port as well. But then again, it is called the Camera Connection kit, so I’m doubting Apple wants you to use it for more than a camera.  The overview of the kit also states that it only works with iPad, not any other iDevice.  We can hope for iPhone compatibility, but what’s the point?

Even still, maybe they’ll allow a webcam attachment for the iPad and we can all finally get that front (or other direction) facing camera we all want so badly.  Guess we’ll just have to wait, see, and likely be slightly disappointed.

Product iPad Camera Connection Kit

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Apple News, Conferences, iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, iDevice Apps

The iPad is not even available yet, and already people are starting to bank on its viability as a legitimate gaming machine. Hence, the iPad Game Summit coming June 28th to the South San Francisco Conference Center in San Francisco, California. Set up by Engage Digital Media, the summit is for game companies eager to position their games to take advantage of the new Apple iPad platform. As they claim in the announcement, $500 million worth of games were sold through the App Store in the U.S. in 2009, up from $115 million in 2008, reports Flurry Analytics. This is only going to accelerate with the launch of the iPad next week.

The iPad Game Summit will bring iPad opportunities into focus with exclusive market research, business strategies and insights from companies in the trenches. The Summit will include prime examples of what’s working and why, best monetization practices, and iPad owner demographics. iPad Game Summit is designed to help kickstart game companies iPad strategy so they can make the right decisions based upon the most currently available data.

Although not yet finalized, the conference content will include:

• Case studies from leading game companies
• The very latest market research, trends and spending habits
• Defining your ROI in the app economy
• Revenue opportunities from app pricing to advertising to subscription and in-app purchases
• Consumer behavior and demographic usage patterns, and how to plan
• How to integrate an iPhone, iTouch and iPad strategy

Sponsorship opportunities are currently available, and speaker suggestions are being accepted. Earlybird registration is now open, offering a savings of $75 off the normal $425 registration price through May 28th. On site registration will be $495.

Also see:

• Ten games I most want to play on the iPad (Part 1)
• Ten games I most want to play on the iPad (Part 2)

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »