Provides: USB microphone and instrument input
Developer: Samson
Minimum Requirements: USB port
Price: $232.49
Availability: Now

Choosing the right tools to capture audio can be difficult. An audio interface is flexible in that it can accept instruments and/or microphones—possibly at the same time—and likely separate them to individual tracks.  Then again, USB microphones provide a much simpler setup, though obviously limited in that you can’t exactly plug a guitar into it. Or can you? Well, if it’s a Samson G-Track, you can. Samson might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of USB mics, but with microphones like the G-Track, they’re getting closer.

The Samson G-Track starts off like every other USB microphone; it’s a large diaphragm microphone that comes with a stand and is both powered and connected by a single USB cable.  You can use the mic as your input, and, like many other mics, it has an audio out so you can listen to the mic itself with minimal delay along with audio out from your computer.  Where it differs is that the G-Track has an audio input that functions alongside the microphone.  What I mean is that you can use the mic and the input at the same time and have them recognized separately in your digital audio workstation (DAW ie. Garageband).

This functionality is immediately apparent upon opening the box.  There’s the usual (the mic, a stand, and a USB cable), and then there are the adapters (1/4 inch male to 1/8 inch male, 1/4 inch female to 1/8 inch male and RCA males to 1/8 inch male).  Samson knows you want to use the 1/8 inch line in, and they’re nice enough to include all of the most common adapters that you might use with it.  I found the first two to be the most useful.  And yes, you can connect a guitar straight into this guy.
While we’re talking about the hardware, the stand is one of the better stands I’ve tried out with this kind of microphone.  It’s a metal base with an offset stand.  The stand has an arm on top of it that allows you to tilt the microphone.  If you wanted to mount the microphone to a different stand, you’d still need to use the arm.  Samson also offers a shock mount if you’re worried about the mic picking up any vibrations, though I haven’t noticed any real problems with this.

The bottom of the mic has three connections: two1/8 inch, one is a headphone out, and the other is a line in for use with the converters.  The last connection is USB and is directly in the center.  I like that these connections are easily accessible, yet still out of the way.  On the front of the mic there are three knobs and two switches.  The switches control what you are hearing and what feeds the computer (line in, mic, or both).  The knobs control the gain/volume of each of these: one for the mic itself, one for the line in, and one for the headphone out.  There are only two possible things missing: a switch for mic patterns (but that would require a different microphone capsule) and possible on/off button (but this can be accomplished by turning all of the knobs down). One quick note; if you don’t want the level of the mic to be changed, just set the level and press the knob in.  It will reccess into the mic so it won’t move until you press it again to adjust.

How about the audio quality?  Well, the audio input is great.  The mic is among the best I’ve used, but it’s hard to beat a Blue microphone.  Even still, the G-Track is good enough for most amateur musicians.  You can find better quality elsewhere, but likely not at this price point, and definitely not with this much flexibility of features.  What I really enjoy about this microphone is its ability to record with the mic and line input simultaneously and separately.  If you’ve ever recorded anything with Garageband or the like, you’ll know that separation of audio tracks is an absolute must.  And the G-Track covers the most popular musical combination: the guitar with vocals.  This works best with an electric guitar since the guitar is less likely to bleed into what the microphone picks up.  Still, you could connect just about anything to the audio input, so let your mind run wild with the possibilities.

There were very few things that bothered me about the G Track.  First, the G-Track doesn’t identify itself as such to your computer.  It’s input is called “USB Audio CODEC.”  This is neither accurate nor informative.  It should be called “G Track USB” or something similar.  Other microphones do this, so I’m not sure why this one doesn’t.  Second, you can’t record with the mic and a stereo input at the same time.  The input can only be recorded in stereo if it’s the only thing you are currently recording.  If you’re multitasking with this guy, it’s going to be in mono, which, admittedly, isn’t really an issue for most.  And third, the task of adjusting gain is completely on you.  Again, many will like this, but beginners and those who just don’t want to deal with setting gain would probably benefit from having their DAW adjust this for them via software.  Again, other mics support this, but I think Samson gives you on mic knobs so that you have more physical control instead of virtual control.  You win some, you lose some.  Ultimately, none of these issues are enough for me to be concerned in the slightest.
If I had a wishlist for G-Track 2 features, I’d like to see the ability to record in stereo from the line input and the microphone at the same time.  That means I’d like to see more mic patterns present too, like the Blue Yeti.  That off button would be great too.  And one last thing, I’ve yet to see a (mainly) USB microphone also support XLR output without being connected to a computer (and possibly adapters) other than Samson’s own Q2U.  I’d like to see them extend that functionality to the G-Track in the future.  But until then, the G Track is your best bet for a multipurpose microphone.

Simply put, the Samson G-Track is the singer-songwriter’s best friend.  Not only will it accurately record your voice or instrument as a great large diaphragm microphone, it can also record instruments in stereo with its line in.  And don’t let the MSRP scare you; you can find this guy online for a little over $100, which is a great deal for what this mic can do for you.  In terms of microphone quality, the G-Track can’t do what the Blue Yeti can, but it’s certainly leaps and bounds better than your computer’s built in mic, and better than most USB mics on the market.  But in my opinion, this mic more than makes up for its flaws with its line input.  Even the Yeti doesn’t have that.  With the G-Track, your musical creativity can be realized with few limitations.

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

We’ve had a 27-inch iMac available for around five months now, and the 24-inch LED Cinema Display is starting to look a little lonely all on its own on the Apple Store. The easiest solution happily fits some recent rumors, and AppleInside has been fortunate enough to land some information that, if sources are to be trusted, should shine a light on the scenario.

Almost every day I see someone on Twitter wishing there was a bigger Cinema Display available—that 24-inches of screen real estate just isn’t enough for some tasks. It certainly seems as though the demand is there, and thanks to the 27-inch iMac, so is the ability to produce the product. According to AppleInsider’s source, Apple has had plans to launch a 27-inch LED Cinema Display for some time, but decided to hold off in the hope that LCD panels would drop in price, making them more affordable to the market. That time, and lower price, will apparently soon be upon us. June is the month set by the seemingly nameless source. If I had to guess for when Apple would introduce the display to the market, I, too, would say June. It would be a nice touch to add to the World Wide Developers Conference, don’t you think? Here’s what we’ve got planned for developers, and how about a bigger display to work with?

It’s almost inevitable that Apple will release a 27-inch LED Cinema Display to the masses at some point in the near future, and June is now the favorite for a launch. I’m sure many will be glad to see the larger display available. After all, a 24-inch monitor just doesn’t work right when alongside a 27-inch iMac.

Read [AppleInsider]

Full Story » | Written by Ed Parry for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

You know what’s going on in the wonderful world of Apple, but what’s going on throughout the technology industry?  Gadgetell‘s got you covered.  Here a list of their top stories from this week…

• PC World calls iPad buyers “Idiots”
• Verizon’s Nexus One to be sold only at online store
• BlackBerry users itching to leave?  40% to jump ship says study
• Discounted, yet carrier-locked Pre and Pixi’s now available directly from Palm
• Even more leaked images of the BlackBerry Slider

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

[Update: This is the last weekend for entries in the Saddleback Leather laptop case giveaway. If you haven’t already entered for your chance to win this excellent case, read below for instructions on how to do so.]

A few months ago, the fine people at Saddleback Leather provided us with a medium laptop case for review. Now they’re extending that generosity to you by allowing us to give it away to one of our readers. This is 100% waterproof full grain boot leather with a high density Neoprene padding, and is valued at $265. It’s lightly used, but as is the case with all quality leather products, we like to refer to it as being “broken in.”

If you read my review (all pieces covered in the review are included in the giveaway) but didn’t get your order in for the Saddleback Leather laptop case, this may be your last chance. Saddleback Leather has discontinued their laptop case line, directing portable computer users towards their line of thin briefcases, instead. Good thing we’ve made winning this one easy to do.

To enter, just follow these three easy steps:

1. Read the Saddleback Leather Laptop Case Contest Rules.
2. Make sure you’re registered with Appletell and logged in.
3. Leave us a comment below on this page, not on the contest rules page. Doesn’t matter what you say, just tell us hello if you want to.

That’s all there is to it. Entries will be accepted from March 8th through March 21st. The winner will be randomly selected from all qualified entries, and will be notified by March 28th.

In the meantime, be sure to visit Saddleback Leather Co. to check out all of their quality leather products ranging from wallets to luggage.

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

Can you remember what it was like when you opened a present as a child that required batteries, only to realize that you have none available? That’s what it would feel like if you get your hands on an iPad and it has no iPad-specific apps to play with. Sure, you can upscale your iPhone favorites, but where the iPad will really shine is with its own apps that really utilize the processor and screen space.

Anyway, you won’t have to worry. Why? Because a couple of days ago, Apple sent an email out to developers signed up to the iPhone SDK development program that detailed the plans for iPad apps. Basically, developers can now submit their latest creations for review, and providing they’re sent before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday the 27th of March, they’ll have a shot at being available on the App Store on launch day. According to the email, if your app isn’t on a reviewer’s desk by then, you won’t be at the “grand opening.” So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a developer working on a killer iPad application, it’s time to start coding. There’s only a week left to submit your applications for review if you want to be present on the App Store on April 3rd.

Oh, as a side note. It’s also now confirmed that the iPad App Store will be go live on April 3rd, so when you un-box your iPad and stop jumping around long enough to turn it on, you’ll find the App Store ready and waiting to show you what it can do. Excited? Heck yes!

Via [TUAW]

Full Story » | Written by Ed Parry for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

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

Miss out on any Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPod gaming news this week?  Here’s a look at this week’s top Apple stories from our friends at Gamertell...

• Opinion: Apple’s iPad may simply fail
• Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse pre-order deal for Playstation Network, PC, Mac
• $8.99 Final Fantasy XIII art gallery on iTunes for iPhone, iPod Touch
• Ten games I most want to play on the iPad (Part 1)
• Casual Friday: Update for March 13 - 19, 2010

And don’t forget to check out our App Store updates.

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

Most of the working world is built around having the right things done at the right time. You may also know this by its more sinister name: the deadline. These applications can help you keep on track and meet all of your deadlines. Who knows? With your newfound organizational skills, you may just land a promotion. Then, you can be the boss who gets to snark on the slackers.

World Card Contacts

Seller: Pen Power
Compatibility: iPhone only
Requirements: iPhone 3.0 or higher
File Size: 2.3 MB
Price: $1.99
Age Rating: 4+

Knowing who you are dealing with, what their title is, and where they are from is a big part of the world of business. If, however, your job means meeting a lot of people, or if you are just not too good at keeping things straight, then this application can help you out.

All you have to do is look up the name and you will have everything you need for your card. You can even include photos if visuals help you more than just words.

Organizer: To Do + Calender + Lists

Seller: Yada Home
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or higher
File Size: 1.0 MB
Price: Free
Age Rating: 4+

We included this one in our recent roundup of apps for keeping your school life organized, but it’s just as useful here, so we’d like to repeat it.

If you want an application that can give you a wide range of tools, then this is the way to go. It gives you your calendar for deadline-based tasks. It gives you lists for storing information. It gives you to dos so you can keep your tasks organized by project. This application is versatile, and it will meet the needs of most users no matter how you prefer to organize your life.

MiProjects

Seller: Douglas Hart
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or hIgher
File Size: 0.7 MB
Price: Free
Age Rating: 4+

If all you want to manage are your projects, then this application will help you keep everything on track.

In addition to managing tasks and data, this application allows you to store contact information. It also helps you handle one of the most important tasks for managing a team: the ability to assign specific tasks to team members. That way, you know who is responsible for a specific deliverable.

Full Story » | Written by Katie Gatto for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Haven’t caught all of the Appletell news this week?  Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

• Appletell reviews the Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G and 3GS
  “Provides: Flexible tripod for phone support Developer: Joby Minimum Requirements: iPhone 3G or 3GS (iPod touch and other models available) Price: $39.95 Availability: Now More and more, I find myself using my iPhone for snapping quick photos. The picture quality is not nearly as…” MORE »
• Appletell reviews the Just Mobile Lounge cradle
  ” Provides: iDevice cradle Developer: Just mobile Minimum Requirements: iDevice Price: $49.99 Availability: Now JustMobile is one of those companies that continues to think a little differently from the rest of the industry. This…” MORE »
• iPhone and iPod touch apps to take on the camping trip
  “Anyone who loves nature knows that camping can be both a fine art and a subtle science. When you do it right, it can be an amazing experience. Doing it wrong can make for a nightmarish evening in the woods. These applications can help make for a memorable and entertaining…” MORE »
• Ten games I most want to play on the iPad (Part 1)
  ” Although PCWorld would consider me an “idiot,” and our friends at Gamertell believe I’m setting myself up for failure, I’m still looking forward to getting my iPad on April 3rd, and I’m looking forward to playing games on…” MORE »
• Mac, iPhone, iPod and iPad product news - March 15, 2010
  “Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 15, 2010:  Macintosh iPod Macintosh PagePlanet Software, Inc. has announced the Golden Master release of MORE »
• 120,000 iPads sold on first day alone?
  “According to a specific analyst group, Apple may have sold a nicely sized 120,000 iPad units on the first day of pre-orders. If this number seems strange to you, it may help knowing that their math makes sense. Basically, Apple sells about 16,500…” MORE »
• iPad battery replacement plan replaces entire iPad
  “Want to read the most interesting and shocking sentence of perhaps your entire week. Here it goes: “If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.”…” MORE »
• Appletell reviews the Urbanears Plattan headphones
  “Provides: On-ear headphones with inline microphone Developer: urbanears Compatibility: Any device with standard 1/8” headphone jack Price: $59.00 Heavy hitters: In both appearance and extra features, Urbanears’ Plattan line (pictured at right in the “army” shade)…” MORE »
• Mac, iPhone, iPod and iPad product news - March 16, 2010
  “Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 16, 2010:  Macintosh iPod Macintosh Selznick Scientific Software, LLC has announced PasswordWallet 4.5, a major…” MORE »
• WireWay one day giveaway contest
  “About a month ago we reviewed WireWay for iPhone and iPod touch, a fantastic arcade puzzle game from Konami. Now, Konami Digital Entertainment has found themselves with a couple promo codes to burn, and asked if we’d like to pass them on to you. Which, of course, we would.…” MORE »

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

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 19, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• myTracks 2.2 has been released. The main new features of this GPS and geotagging application are a free iPhone App for synchronizing tracks and photos between iPhone and Mac, and an Aperture Plug-In for an effective way to use Aperture’s Places feature.
• Macgamestore.com has announced it it is now accepting pre-orders for UbiSoft’s upcoming strategy game, The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom. Embark on an exciting quest to create, build and manage your kingdom in the most innovative, customizable and re-playable version ever. Combat enemies all across the land in a quest to conquer a formidable kingdom. Defeat ruthless kings, forbidding lords and dark knights on your quest for victory. Uncover undisclosed traitors along your path and more.
• Tycoon Games, developers of several award-winning dating sims and visual novels, has just released the voiced version of their latest game, Heileen 2: The Hands Of Fate. This update adds hours of voiced content to one of Tycoon Games’ longest games to date. Like many of its Japanese counterparts, this visual novel leaves the main character unvoiced, but a team of seven voice actors has worked hard for several months to bring life to the rest of the cast including Black the cat, Marie, Lora, Otto, Robert, Ebele and many more.
• Music fans can now improve their music collection quickly and easily with lyrics and automatically label tracks with all available song information. equinux introduces SongGenie 2, the new version of its software for improving digital music libraries. SongGenie 2 automatically searches online for lyrics, which can be displayed on your iPod or iPhone. Using an acoustic fingerprint for each song, SongGenie recognizes incorrect or mis-labeled titles and artists, and searches for available song information.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• With over 20,000 units already made and most in the US, Hard Candy Cases is the first to ship premium protective sleeves for the iPad. A signature look from Hard Candy Cases, the Bubble Hard Sleeve pops in three distinct colors—green, black and pink—and offers premium protection and delicious style for iPad users on the go. The sleeves retail for $49.95.
• In Paper Boat Race, players blow into the microphone to make their boat travel faster as they race to win! To guide the paper boat along the course in the swimming pool, players use the accelerometer in order to pass between the flags and avoid hitting obstacles. In Paper Boat Race, the player will compete in 4 championships with 5 races each. The difficulty level will gradually increase in each circuit.
• Modern Geek has announced Our Secrets 1.1, an update to their popular app for iPhone and iPod touch. Our Secrets has been updated to include Facebook sharing. Our Secrets gives you access to real people’s secrets and an opportunity to share your own anonymously. Is there something that you want to get off your chest? You never know what secrets you’ll read. It might be a surprise that other people share similar secrets to you.
• Theme Park Nerd Ltd has announced Thrill Seeker 2.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. Thrill Seeker enhances theme park visits by offering detailed info and photos on every ride, attraction and facility. It can also show you your position on a map, display everything nearby and even generate intelligent, sat-nav like directions to any item on park. You can search through items and filter them by category. A unique “manual locations” feature offers iPod touch users full location-based functionality.
• Dusty Roads Media has announced My Spot Pro 1.0.2 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. My Spot Pro lets you tell anyone your spot in the world with a touch of a button. It marks your location and sends the GPS coordinates, and the address if available, to whomever you choose or to Facebook or Twitter. You can even easily attach a photo or audio clip of where you are and send it to a group, to a friend, or in an emergency, can even send a pre-saved Panic Message to your family or authorities.
• Humble Daisy has announced that SonicPics—the company’s iPhone and iPod touch app—will be sold for 1/3 its regular price on Monday, March 22nd. SonicPics is a tool for creating and narrating custom photo slide shows on the iPhone or iPod touch. It makes it easy to use images from the iPhone’s photo library or built in camera. The update includes a new image picker that makes it even easier to add images from the iPhone’s photo library.
• Tessera Design has announced World Builder 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. World Builder is a suite of tools that enables Game Masters of pen-and-paper Role Playing Games to Build, Map, and Explore worlds like never before. Create Locales, Non-Player Characters, and Maps in just minutes on your iPhone or iPod touch. Customize Locale and NPC characteristics to fit any genre or campaign. World Builder includes over 150 mapping symbols and tiles, and much more.
• We Are Colin has announced WordSearch Rush 1.1, an update to their unique word puzzle game for iPhone and iPod touch is now available from the App Store worldwide. WordSearch Rush is a unique twist on the conventional wordsearch game. The word list has been removed. Instead, the user is given a topic which they have to find words related to. This unique twist adds a new element not found in any other word search games currently available on Apple’s App Store.

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

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I hope you like games, because that’s what’s hot on the App Store this week.  They’re pretty diverse, from a first person shooter to a Tetris wannabe, so I’m sure there’s something here that will help the time go by.  But don’t worry, there are some cool tools here too, and, as always, it’s all sans charge.

• Boom Shake Free - Another music rhythm game that uses your own music.  This one looks a lot more like Rock Band, though.  You can create your own song notes and share them with others.  Or, just download what others have made.  Either way, this game has a lot of potential.  This game is OpenFeint enabled, connects with Twitter and Facebook and they’ve even slimmed it down low enough so it’s downloadable over 3G!
• Eliminate CO-OP - How do you make the best (and free-est) multiplayer first person shooter even better?  Add co-op.  And that’s just what ngmoco has done.  Now, if only it had voice chat.  Still, I think this is currently your best bet for FPSs on the App Store.
• Whiteboard Share - Ever in a meeting and someone wants you to copy what’s been written on a whiteboard?  Ugh, what a waste of your perfectly valuable time, right?  Well, you could take a picture and hope that your iPhone’s camera is enough, but this app takes it a step further; it optimizes whiteboard text by removing artifacts.  They even say it removes glare.  Give it a try; it could save some time and a hand cramp or two.
• ClassicTOY Plastic Toy Camera - As a child, I never had a toy camera.  Still, I can’t help but love the style of this camera app.  It takes images in a 3:2 format, simulates 11 different types of film and applies a vignetting effect.
• Re Universal Remote Control - The must have app for Re remote dongle owners.  Seriously, it won’t work without it.  The Re app comes with a database of IR codes so you shouldn’t need to teach it anything about your TV other than its brand and model, but you can teach it if necessary.  It’s got all the features you need, and, best of all, it’s super portable.  We’ll be keeping our eyes on the remote control scene here at Appletell, so you can expect to see more about this in the coming months.
• iLuv App Clock - iLuv just announced their newest App Station iDevice speaker dock, and this is the companion app.  Basically, it’s just a nearly fullscreen clock with alarm options.  You can wake up to your own music and control its playback inside the app.  It also displays weather, has theme choices and can be dimmed.  More features are coming.
• CardKing - Are you sick of your wallet bulging with membership cards?  I know I am.  This app lets you scan all of your cards and display them on screen. You never need to worry about forgetting a discount card again, or forgetting them on purpose to save your butt.
• Pipetrix - Tetris?  Close. This game requires you to connect pipes together, not create lines.  It’s a bit different.  The shapes have pipes embedded.  Connect those pipes to score.
• Paper Football 3D - Another 3D football game for the iPhone, this time in paper!  If you like paper football, but hate the burden of folding paper, then give this a try and waste a few minutes.
• Perfect Necktie - You have to wear a tie for most of the week, so you might as well learn to tie it properly.  This app has instructions for 10 different tie knots.  You can even try my personal favorite, the Atlantic Knot.  Be forewarned, it’s a bit difficult to do, and you have to be pretty hip to pull it off.
• Chevy iReveal - Want to play Chevy’s game?  It’s a location-based game that challenges you to find virtual Chevy vehicles across the US.  If you find a vehicle, you can unlock it and explore it in 3D augmented reality.  Sadly, it only works in selected cities, and currently it’s only Austin, Texas. More cities are coming soon.

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

Now that finals are approaching, it’s more important than ever to get your school day organized. Keeping all of your school work on track is not as hard as you may initially think. You don’t even have to carry around one of those dorky planners that your school gives out, you can hide all of your amazing organization on your iPhone. No fuss, no muss, no back strain.

iHomework

Seller: Paul Pilone
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or higher
File Size: 1.6 MB
Price: $99
Age Rating: 4+

Keeping track of all of your assignments can be a serious challenge, but iHomework can help. You can track them by the day that they are due, or by the subject. That way, if you have the odd urge to tackle all of your algebra for the week, you are set to go.

iHomework also gives you the ability to set up repeating reminders, so if you have a quiz every Thursday, you never have to reenter the study time each week. As a bonus, this application has a Facebook app, so you can get everything online as well.

Organizer: To Do + Calender + Lists

Seller: Yada Home
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or higher
File Size: 1.0MB
Price: Free
Age Rating: 4+

If you want an application that can give you a wide range of tools, then this is the way to go. It gives you your calendar for deadline based tasks. That way, if you want to break up your research paper into all of its smaller tasks (a smart way to make it simpler, by the way), you can. Everything will be organized ready to go.

This one is a great choice if you have a lot of extras to manage.

Drivers Ed

Seller: Michael Thomton
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or higher
File Size: 0.4 MB
Price: Free
Age Rating: 4+

If that time of parking between the orange cones and standing in line at the DMV is fast approaching, you will want a way to study for that driver’s license exam on the go.

Drivers Ed features a wide range of questions that you are likely to see on your exam. Now you can get your study in anywhere and any time. The length can even be set to suit your current level of ambition, from a five question quirky to a 100 question mega test.

Full Story » | Written by Katie Gatto for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Genre: Finance
Developer: ProOnGo, Llc.
File Size: 1.5MB
Version Reviewed: 1.1
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or later
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch (2nd gen)
Age Rating: 4+
Retail Price: $0.99

ProOnGo Expense with Receipt Reader is an application designed to make tracking your expenses on the iPhone both painless and powerful. It offers a variety of ways to enter the information you have and also allows you to both view and export this information in multiple ways that may be useful to you. Best of all, it does so in a simplistic manner that tries to stay out of the way to let you get your work done.

When you first open the application, you are presented with a list view of your expenses (see image below) that allows you to see where the expense was from, how much it cost, and when it took place. Tapping a blue arrow on the right side of each cell takes you to a more detailed view of the expense that can show further information such as comments and what category the expense belongs to. These categories can be created and edited as well, allowing you to make sure your expenses fit into your workflow.

In the list view, you are also able to filter what you see based on options such as time period and expense type (custom, mileage, time). You can also choose to sort them by merchant, amount, or date in ascending or descending order as well. This is done by tapping the middle item in the menu bar. Furthermore, tapping on an expense gives you the option to hide, edit, or duplicate it. These menu options are pretty self explanatory.

All that said, in order to have any information in list view to make it useful, you need to first add expenses. This is done by hitting “New” in the top right. The first option it gives you is to the program if this expense is in terms of mileage, time, or just a regular expense. Tapping each option gives you different information to edit, obviously. For instance, you can input the amount, change the date, add a comment, change the category, and alter the name of the merchant at which the expense took place. If you make a mileage expense, you can choose how many miles you went as well as where you started and ended using the GPS and Google Maps.

Interestingly enough, for regular expenses you can also choose to have it take a picture of the receipt and try to read it for you, which is nice. If you choose to do this, the app sends it to a Receipt Reader and analyzes it and then returns the results to your phone in a few minutes. It’s worth noting that this application was made with the iPhone 3GS autofocusing camera in mind, and the results from this feature aren’t very usable if you try it with an iPhone 3G.

Thankfully, the application does allow you to edit the receipt before you send it to their server in case you don’t feel safe doing so. You can conceal certain items on the receipt or turn it 90 degrees in any direction if you feel the need to do so. Once you send it to them, it is analyzed, and then you either get the results returned to you or are told that it couldn’t analyze them, in which case you are asked to verify if the information is indeed correct or if it should retry to analyze it.

Once you have the expenses added, you can do a lot with them outside of editing them. A nice feature of this application is the different ways you can view your expenses through the second item in the tab bar. Hitting it allows you to view your expense by amount in terms of a bar graph, line graph, or pie chart (see image below). It automatically adds keys and colors to the graph to make it extremely simple to see where you are spending the most money and at what times of the month, if need be.

Furthermore, ProOnGo also allows you to export your expenses as an Excel Spreadsheet, an XML file, a fax, or a QuickBooks report. You can choose to have these emailed to you so you can do with them what you want. It’s pretty cool, and it makes the application much more useful as the data can easily be sent to places beyond the iPhone itself.

Overall, I found the experience of using this application to be fairly pleasant. In terms of tracking expenses and the features you would want to go along with that, ProOnGo is perfect. The ability to view the purchases in charts right in the app makes it extremely easy to analyze your data, while the possibility of exporting it to other applications makes it just that much more useful. Also, the built in Receipt Reader puts the applications a step above some of the rest in terms of functionality. I’d certainly recommend this to someone interested in beginning to track their expenses. With a little bit more work on the interface elements, this application would be just that much better, though.

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 18, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• app4mac today released CheckUp 2.6, a major update to the innovative tool that allows you to check the health and monitor the behavior of a Mac computer. CheckUp is now able to detect the most common issues of a Mac and display details about how to fix them. CheckUp works with any Mac with a PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Processor. With its use of the latest Mac OS X technologies, breakthrough ease-of-use and innovation, all Mac users will find CheckUp very useful and even fun.
• PocketMac has announced PocketMac for BlackBerry 5.0, the latest version of the groundbreaking sync solution. PocketMac for BlackBerry comes complete with a synchronization engine redesigned from the ground up for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. The new engine accounts for the new quicker synchronization speeds. Also included are simpler, clearer preferences, reorganized to accommodate the way users want to work.
• Zevrix Solutions has announced File Courier 1.5, a major update to its automatic digital delivery system with emphasis on needs of graphics industry professionals. File Courier delivers files and folders to FTP and local destinations and sends automatic e-mail delivery notifications. It also creates lo-res PDF files, compresses items and password-protects deliveries. The new update introduces some major new features such as delivery of multiple files, file queue and interface improvements.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• iKit has introduced their iPad Leather Folio Case, giving your iPad an elegant look. Made of genuine cow leather, the slim padded design gives you access to all your functions and protects the device in an optimal manner. It features an interior and exterior embossed design with secure access, keeping your iPad safe and giving you a sophisticated look. The wow factor for this product is the beautiful interior and exterior lining, which is accompanied by an embossed brushed plate, perfect for the executives of this world.
• The world famous H1 Longitude Sea Clock is possibly the most important timepiece ever created. Nearly 300 years ago it was the beginning of John Harrison’s quest to create a timekeeper accurate enough to determine longitude at sea. The H1 Longitude Sea Clock still exists to this day, thanks to Rupert Gould’s and Jonathan Betts’ dedication in restoring and maintaining it. It is the property of the Ministry of Defence Art Collection in London, and is on extended loan to the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, where it can be viewed in the Time and Longitude Gallery at the Royal Observatory. Developer Tech Center Labs has been granted the exclusive and honored opportunity of bringing this marvelous creation to life on the Apple iPhone and Apple iPod touch.
• Demystifying iPhone/iPad App Development—a conference session given at the Macworld 2010 Conference & Expo in San Francisco in February—is now available online as a free video screencast. Parade of Progress Productions, a Los Angeles-based design, development and consulting firm specializing in the iPhone, announced that it is making its Macworld session freely available, both for streaming and as a download.
• 288 Vroom LLC has released 100 Horror Stories And Sounds 2.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. Read 100 of the greatest horror stories of all time and immerse yourself in the terror with 20 disturbing sounds and animations, and a few extra surprises that would be no fun to mention here. And now Version 2.0 has a new haunting feature called Auto-Scare. Excellent for Halloween or any time of year.
• Jasper Apps has announced My Vacation 1.1.2 for iPhone and iPod touch on the Apple App Store. My Vacation is an app for travellers which is packed with features, all within the app rather than simply being an interface to a website. Regardless of network coverage the interface makes it simple to capture the memories of a trip, rather than let them be forgotten. The release date is perfectly timed for those going on vacation during Easter, or starting to plan for the Summer.
• I-itch Inc. has announced the release of ABC Shakedown Plus 1.0, a follow-up to their very popular first app, “ABC Shakedown.” for iPhone and iPod touch devices. ABC Shakedown Plus is a teacher developed, timeless learning tool that actually teaches as it entertains. This app features three multi-sensory games that foster literacy by introducing and reinforcing letter recognition and letter sounds through interactive game play that implements delightful animation and audio.
• Alien Equation, an indie math puzzle game, is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch. When the navigation computer on your interstellar spaceship contracts a nasty virus and reverts to the intelligence of a three year old what do you do? Can you reteach the computer math while fending off the contagious invaders? Rearrange a grid of numbers and operators into enough valid equations before your system shuts down and strands you on a planet full of bipedal, hairless apes.
• kode80 LLC has released HoloToy 1.01, an update to its remarkable 3D technology app for iPhone & iPod touch. Version 1.01 introduces a remote controlled, user customizable robot that exists inside the virtual 3D space created by the HoloToy. HoloToy works by distorting the 3D scenes displayed on screen in a way our brains would expect based on the current angle of the device, all in real time. It presents a believable 3D scene that appears to extend right into the device itself.
• Kimchi Studios has presented Get Wise: Dangerous Quotes edition for iPhone and iPod touch. It contains 25,000+ powerful quotes by the world’s most brilliant and famous people. Dare to discover their secrets of success and thoughts on 160+ topics. Features include music, favorites, Twitter and Facebook posting, search, themes, notes and more. It offers web-enabled access to most viewed and top-rated quotes to help uncover the best and the most dangerous quotes of all-time.
• Electric Pocket Limited has released an iPhone version of BugMe!, the popular note-taker and reminder application. BugMe! for iPhone lets users jot quick notes and doodles - with their finger as the pen - just like a digital sticky note. The new release of BugMe! introduces a first for iPhone users: BugMe!‘s “Save to Home Screen” feature lets users save a copy of any note to the iPhone’s app launcher screen.
• TimeStream Software has announced free downloads of its new Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Notescast for the iPod Classic, iPod nano and iPod Video. Available as a free download for a limited time, it’s the classic tale of Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole filled with some of the most notable and interesting characters in literary history, and now iPod owners can read it wherever they go on their iPod Classic, nano or Video.
• Clever Coding has announced iColor Easter Eggs, the latest update to their holiday app for iPhone and iPod touch devices. iColor Easter Eggs has been completely revamped adding new features, as well overhauling the graphics for the entire app. Users are able to choose one of six custom egg designs. From the designs they are able to color the eggs in any way they would like. After color the eggs, users can pick one of eighteen colorful backgrounds for their picture.
• Let’s be honest; during the winter season, we often back out of doing too much exercise outdoors. However, spring brings new motivation. Running, cycling and skating are all on the hit list of urban athletes. The Viennese design label URBAN TOOL has the right accessories and bags for all our sporty activities, proving that we don’t need to sacrifice style when exercising. Practical and stylish at the same time, “crossHolster,” “sportHolster” and “sportStrap” present themselves in new trendy colours.
• If you’ve spent too much money on hotties and didn’t get anywhere, here’s your chance to get some back. BigStack Studios has announced the launch of Hottie Hookups Lite, available now on the App Store for free. The new lite version offers players the chance to aid the hotties by flicking and tilting nerds away on select levels as well as boasting a number of features from the full version of the game. To celebrate the release of Hottie Hookups Lite, for a limited time, the full version of Hottie Hookups is now available at $0.99.
• BCNmultimedia today is pleased to announce three months of Success in the App Store with the release of Children’s Bible 1.2 for iPhone and iPod touch. The full color Children’s Bible app tells the stories of the Old and New Testament in seven different languages and is the first comic book style Bible to be made available to iPhone and iPod touch users. This edition of the Bible allows you to read one diferent free comic book every month.
• TimeStream Software today announces Disneyland Park Guide 2.0, a major update of its popular Notescast for iPhone and iPod touch. Now guests worldwide can access a wealth of information about Disneyland Park and the Disneyland Hotels on their iPhones in over 130 pages and more than 300 colorful new photos showcasing Disneyland Park and the nearby Disneyland Hotels.
• Spoonjuice has announced the launch of a new organizational app, Daily Deeds, for the iPhone and iPod touch. Daily Deeds lets users create a task list to carry with them on-the-go, and monitor accomplishments over time. The easy-to-use task management app offers a convenient way to stay organized and motivates users to initiate and achieve new habits. Daily Deeds is now available on the App Store for $0.99.
• IDAPT has unveiled its latest portable charging system during CTIA Wireless 2010 in Las Vegas: the IDAPT i4. This innovative charging solution can charge up to 4 mobile devices simultaneously and is compatible with over 4,000 mobile electronic devices including the iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, PSP, PS3 controller, GPS systems, digital cameras, and Bluetooth products.
• Using “Digital Intuition” technology, my6sense is the first app to automatically and intuitively filter users’ Twitter and RSS streams so that their most valuable information is presented first. While the technology requires zero user intervention, it extracts rich feedback based on the user’s consumption habits and has the ability to detect the finest nuances of his interests. This system makes my6sense the only service to surface information precisely according to each user’s unique preferences.
• Scosche Industries has announced its 2010 netbook accessory lineup, which will be unveiled at CTIA 2010 in Las Vegas. The lineup features the new netBOOK Protect line which includes the netSUIT PRO carrying case for netbooks and iPad, netSUIT reversible sleeve, sCLEAN non-toxic eco-friendly screen cleaner and netKIT. The netKIT ships with a clear protective skin, screen protector, spray cleaner with micro fiber cloth, and a combo LCD/Keyboard guard and mouse pad.

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

Genre: Music
Developer: Rock River Communications, Inc.
File Size: 4.6MB
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or later
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch (2nd gen)
Age Rating: 9+
Retail Price:phto Free

StarMaker is an application designed simply to bring karaoke to the iPhone, and it provides a few nice twists in doing so. It is much like the Lady Gaga application we reviewed a while back, except that it includes a wider selection of songs from which to pick. Interestingly enough, there is also the ability to record your singing as well as easily share it with your friends. In terms of bringing a form of karaoke to the iPhone and iPod Touch, it certainly does that in a way I haven’t seen before.

When you first launch the app, you are informed that if you choose to record yourself, the quality will be better if you use the iPhone headphones with a built in microphone. From there, you have the ability to choose from a few free songs that are included with your download of the application. However, if you want to purchase more songs, they are available for a slim $0.99 in the built-in store (image below). Thankfully, they download rather quickly even over 3G. That said, I found that although these songs did contain the correct instrumentals for the songs, they are not the actual vocals from the song. The lyrics are the same, but the vocals have been re-recorded. While it isn’t a huge change (the recordings are pretty good), you can certainly tell the difference. I imagine this is to avoid having to get the expensive and confusing licensing deals with the record labels to use their material.

One you have the song you want to sing, you simply tap it from your available song list and are presented with the screen below. From here, you select when to start the karaoke as well as if you want to record it or not. As the lyrics come up in the song, the scroll view on the screen scrolls to highlight the line you are on and also colors the current word orange. Furthermore, it is kind of cool in that the slider at the bottom of the screen adjusts the volume of only the vocals, so you can either sing along to just the background music or with another singer included with the track.

You can stop the recording at any time during the song to save and share. To do so, you simply tap a stop button in the lower right hand corner. From there, you are able to tap a “Finish” button in the upper right hand corner to be brought to a screen that allows you to either delete your recording, share it, or add album art to it and then share it. Adding album art consists of either taking an image or choosing one from your library to use as the main background. From there you can choose to also add clipart-type images built into the application—guitars, hats, festive stuff, and text, among other things—which is definitely a nice addition.

Once you are done with the above process, you can share it. This involves emailing a link to a known address that takes them to a website where the recording is embedded. However, you can also post it to your Facebook page for all of your friends to have the link to if you choose to sign in with Facebook Connect. In terms of sharing, this is the right route to go, and it’s a nice decision by the developers. Perhaps we will see some sort of Twitter integration in future versions of the app.

In terms of ideas, I love this application. It has all the necessary features and parts of what I would expect from a fun recording application that allows you to share with other people. That said, I do believe it needs some refinements before it will really be a killer karaoke app. For one, I found the interface to be a bit sluggish and unresponsive at times. Along with crashing once, the scroller for the song lyrics also commonly gets behind where the song actually is, especially if there are fewer words on each line. Not only is that kind of annoying at times, it also makes it very hard to sing the song if you don’t exactly know the words.

As I said, the application certainly is usable in its current state. However, some fine tuning and interface adjustments could definitely make it the little bit better it needs to be for me to recommend it as an end-all, be-all karaoke application. With that in mind, I’m sure the developers are already busily doing this to make it even better in the next iteration.

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

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That’s a hard way to get here, I suppose, but a welcome addition nonetheless. Indie game company Ludosity Interactive has announced the release of Bob Came in Pieces 1.3 for Macintosh. Previously released for the PC on the digital platform Steam, Bob Came in Pieces is a physics based puzzle adventure game. The game is about the alien named Bob. He has crashed on a strange planet, lost a bunch of parts for his ship, and above all, is late for work. That excuse, by the way, has never worked for me.

Bob Came in Pieces features a lot of challenges. Find the lost parts and rebuild your ship along the way to solve challenging, physics-based puzzles. You can build your ship any way you like in the ship builder to help you through the puzzle at hand. The game features 14 chapters worth of clever puzzles, offering many hours of replayability with secrets, achievements, leaderboards and more.

Bob Came in Pieces for PC was released in January the 21st, and now is coming for the Mac. “We are very proud that we have completed Bob Came in Pieces for the Mac, and we hope the Mac users will enjoy playing the game as much as we have had creating it,” said Ludosity CEO Daniel Kaplan.

The critically acclaimed Bob Came in Pieces will be released on OS X on the 17th of March. Ludosity Interactive continues the success with Bob came in Pieces on Mac and are very proud to release the game on a new platform.

Details and screenshots are available at the Ludosity website. The Mac version is available now via digital download for only $9.99. A free demo is also available.

Product [Bob Came in Pieces]

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

Provides: Illustration/layout tools for manga artists
Format: Download and DVD
Developer: Smith Micro
Minimum System Requirements: Mac OS X v10.4.11 or v10.5.3 or higher, 867MHz G4, G% or Intel processor,  1GB RAM, 2.6GB hard disk space, 24-bit color display, Pen Tablet (recommended – Wacom FAVO, Bamboo, Intuos, Cintiq, PL series etc.), DVD-ROM Drive
Processor Compatibility: Universal
Price: $299.99
Availability: Now

Word to the wise for all of the would-be Manga artists out there; do not spend your hard earned money on Manga Studio Ex4 unless you mean business. This software is not only too expensive for most of us non-professionals, but from the second you open it you will be aware this is a professional grade tool. While there is a beginners’ assistant help tool, you will be spending some serious time with the manual, which is more than 100 pages long. That being said, once you get past the learning curve you will find that this software is responsive, varied and really quite amazing. 

Anyone with serious graphic design time under their belt can dive right in and discover the world that this application has to offer its end user. In addition to scanning in hand drawn images and offering a clumsy mouse-draw option that will annoy those in search of precision, this software offers compatibility with a pen tablet. It works easily and quickly with the Wacom Bamboo model used by this reviewer. 

Manga Studio EX comes with a color pallet of over 3,000 colors, as well as the ability to create custom ones just in case you don’t find the hue that you want in the pre set colors.  The DPI is also fairly impressive as it supports resolutions as low as 72 and as high as 1200 for both web and print distribution.  The software allows for an unlimited amount of layers, which is good news for anyone who wants to create a complex image.

There are also a wide range of features for altering your images.  It has mesh transformations for giving your images texture.  These range from brick to fabric, so you will usually find what you are looking for. The program also has a wide range of filters that give you ways to distort an enhance your artwork. 

Layout tasks are also fairly easy to deal with since Manga Studio EX gives you book style page facing page layout, an important feature for designers since it allows for pages to flow easily.  It also has a wide range of rules.  In addition to your standard straight and parrelels, there are curved options, pre done panels and even concentric circles. 

While this software does have vector tools, they are not for the feint of heart.  Best to stay away unless you have no other choice. 

When the time comes to export you will have the choice between .bmp, .jpeg, .png, .psd, .tga, .eps, .tiff, .pdf and .pict which is an impressive array of choices (pretty much everything you’d need).

One more handy feature of note is that in this program graphics and text are separate domains.  That is great news for any collaborative teams since you won’t be waiting on each other to finish your side of the project. 

On the whole, Manga Studio EX is comprehensive and powerful. But, as mentioned above, you’ll need to invest a lot time learning about the features—or have the knowledge base already—in order to make good use of its capabilities.

Full Story » | Written by Katie Gatto for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

If there’s one area of expertise about which I know nothing, it’s the world paranormal activity. We’ve all seen the video clips and, at some point, have wondered about their credibility. Whether you’re a believer or not, the following continues. Can you guess what technology such enthusiasts tend to use for their paranormal work? Yes, it’s the good ol’ Macintosh.

Over at Paranormal Daily News, there’s an article on why the Mac is the superior platform when it comes to working with a high quantity of footage looking for those few ghostly seconds to share with the world. According to the article, it’s really nothing more than a MacBook and the iLife suite. Well, it’s all in there really. iMovie imports the footage and allows them to edit it down and add effects and such. iDVD allows the media to be enjoyed through a physical medium, while iWeb gives a virtual creative outlet to share the goods.

The article shares fives reasons why the Macintosh takes the lead role, ranging from the brilliant customer service to the fact that the article’s author’s two-year old MacBook Pro is still better than your (being, well, us) brand new PC. That in itself is an interesting statement that may have some truth, but it still doesn’t take long for a Mac to be a little behind with its technology.

Anyway, I don’t want to spoil your fun. If this is your cup of tea, head over to Paranormal Daily News and check out the article in all its glory. Careful though…who knows what else you might find.

Full Story » | Written by Ed Parry for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

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Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 17, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• MacUpdate has launched its Spring 2010 software bundle featuring Parallels Desktop 5 and nine other top Mac applications 88% off. Included in this limited time bundle are Parallels Desktop 5, Bee Docs Timeline 3D, Spell Catcher, Hydra, Back-In-Time, ForeverSave, Hyperspaces, Web Snapper, MacDVDRipper Pro and MacScan. The offer runs through March 31 exclusively at MacUpdate Promo.
• iPresentee has released iWeb Themes 7.0 for Apple’s Web site building application. iWeb Themes 7.0 are available in standard and iPhone edition. The new release includes five best ever built themes for iWeb: Blue Style, Shining Star, Greenish Style, Tango and Developer. iPresentee offers a double benefit - each iWeb user may build website for desktop computer and mobile device while maintaining the same site design within iWeb.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• Little Green Software has announced Tally-O 1.1 for iPhone and iPod touch. Tally-O is a must-have iPhone app for travelers, scavenger hunters and geocaching fans: anyone with an iPhone that enjoys exploring unique places in the world. With more than 1,000 adventures worldwide, Tally-O is the only iPhone app that allows players to publish adventures to Facebook for their friends. Version 1.1 includes Google maps, Facebook status updates, 3GS compass support, and auto-save.
• From the land of down under comes a highly advanced and sophisticated Strobe Tuner developed by Jormy Games. A strobe tuner determines the difference between a reference frequency and the musical note. Even the slightest difference between the two will show up as a rotating motion in the strobe display. Using Strobe Tuner for Apple iPhone and Apple iPod touch, it is possible to tune instruments with supreme accuracy.
• Independent software developer Steve Glinberg has released 123 Color by KidCalc, version 1.2. 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/iPod touch.
• Independent software developer Steve Glinberg has announced KidCalc 7-in-1 Math Fun 1.12, the twelfth update to his popular animated math flash cards and learning activities app for iPhone and iPod touch. This new version of KidCalc Math Fun adds Easter themed graphics and voice-overs by adult speakers speaking numbers and mathematical operations. KidCalc teaches numbers and math to children, ages 2 to 10 years, using holiday themed graphics, engaging animations and voice-overs.
• Ever the celebrationists, Proporta has created two Limited Edition products in honour of St. Patrick’s Day—exclusively available to Proporta online customers. The Aluminium Lined Leather Case for the iPhone 3G/3GS and Leather Wallet have both received a makeover and now boast a green pillar box lining to give them that special St. Paddy’s Day feel. And to help you celebrate, we’d like to offer you a 15% discount off your next Proporta purchase. Simply enter the promotion code SHAMROCK at the cart page to receive your discount.
• MotionPortrait has announced PhotoAvatar 1.2 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Ideal for your online double life, PhotoAvatar transforms your beautiful mug into a realistic 3D avatar from another planet. Powered by MotionPortrait technology, PhotoAvatar includes three different alien races, each with its own distinctive in-movie action and voice. Share your alien avatar by email with friends or use it as your profile picture on Twitter, Facebook and other online services.
• MotionPortrait has announced HourFace 1.3 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Using MotionPortrait’s cutting-edge avatar-builder technology, HourFace analyzes a still photo and turns it into a living, breathing 3D movie that ages right there on the iPhone screen. HourFace ages your friends and family and generates a 3D interactive movie for you to poke, prod and be amazed by. Discover what you might look like 50 years from now - all in 3D.
• Are you the King of Tapdom? Do you utterly rule over everyone you battle? Good, then this contest is for you. Get out your iPod, polish those thumbs, and get your tap on. Every day for the next 30 days, one Kings of Leon Revenge player will win Only By the Night on CD. Then, one grand prize winner gets an autographed 10” vinyl for Red Morning Light as well as a soon-to-be-released 16GB Wi-Fi iPad.
• David Day, a widely-read hiking guide writer for trails in Utah and Colorado, and TalkingRockies, a pioneer in mobile recreation guides, have just released apps for Utah’s 5 national parks for iPhone and Android systems. These guides introduce outdoor enthusiasts worldwide to the wonders that await them in the amazing backcountry in Utah’s national parks. One guide covers the western parks, Zion, Bryce Capitol Reef, and the other covers the eastern ones, Arches and Canyonlands.
• Gamedoctors has announced the release of their debut title, ZombieSmash! A physics-driven, graphically striking castle defense game for the iPhone and iPod Touch, ZombieSmash! requires players to jump the shoes of Joey, a lone survivor fighting to survive a zombie apocalypse. Players can paint the ground red by flicking and smashing zombies with their fingers, and knock the hordes of brain-craving corpses back into the ground where they belong, taking advantage of an arsenal of unique weaponry and specials along the way.
• ClayTracker 2.0.2, the first hand-held Sporting Clays scoring app for the iPhone and iPod touch, has just released its latest upgrade that includes scoring screens for American, English and Olympic/International Skeet. ClayTracker simplifies scoring by eliminating the need for pencils, scorecards, and manually adding scores during or after the round. Shooters can instantly view their totals and standings, then begin scoring another round with the touch of a button.
• Publicist and Internet Marketing Specialist Scott Lorenz has compiled a list of 52 tips on how to promote an iPhone App - tips he garnered from his extensive experience as a public relations professional in promoting all types of products, inventions, books and services. Apple has almost 150,000 iPhone applications available for sale at its App Store and this number will grow exponentially with the growing popularity of the iPhone, iPod and the new iPad.
• Wuonm has released DisCover 1.0, their one-tap music player for iPhone, iPod and iPad devices. DisCover allows anyone to add icons onto the home screen using artwork from their music library. The album can be played by simply tapping the created icon on their springboard. DisCover automatically searches for all the music on the device. Users scroll to their favorite artist and select the album they want to add as icon.
• Just nine months after the original launch of LetSimonDecide.com, Simon is now available to offer decision-making advice via an app for the iPhone. Simon can help anyone who needs to make a personal decision—from buying a car to a more difficult decision like selecting a college, changing career paths or deciding whether to stay married or get divorced#151;by using a weighted factors-based approach to offer guidance and steer the person to the best decision.
• Handmark has announced its support of the new Apple iPad, set to launch on April 3. The company plans to bring a variety of apps it powers for media partners to the iPad, in addition to its own branded mobile apps. Handmark currently supports mobile applications for a variety of the most trusted brands around the world including Zagat, New York Daily News, Forbes, Oxford University Press, Goal.com and others.
• Handmark and MMAjunkie.com have announced the availability of a new free MMAjunkie.com mobile news application for the iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones. MMAjunkie.com is an independent news site devoted to the highly popular sport of MMA, a full-contact combat sport that combines a wide variety of fighting techniques, mixing classical martial arts with other styles of fighting as diverse as wrestling and Brazilian jiu jitsu. MMAjunkie.com has established itself as the premier go-to source for the latest news and information for millions of fans worldwide who avidly follow the sport.
• Good.iWare has released a new version of its GoodReader file viewer for iPhone that includes “server-style” support for DropBox. Now users can upload files and even entire directories to Dropbox from GoodReader, and are also able to delete files just like they could with a normal file server, such as FTP. The most recent version of GoodReader offered a web-browser connection to DropBox, which enabled users to browse DropBox accounts and download files into GoodReader, but did not enable users to reverse that process and upload files from GoodReader to DropBox.
• The Boxing Fighter app features the ability to train and engage customizable fighters to box in locations ranging from the Street Bar to Vegas, Baby! Become a brawling champ and use points earned to purchase better gear and training for your boxer. And if you’re craving that adrenaline rush that comes from laying the smack down on one of your buddies, try the “vs” feature to battle each other over a network.

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

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Filed under “things Apple normally doesn’t do,” it appears as if our favorite Cupertino based company has changed the function of one of the hardware switches on the iPad before making it available to customers. Apparently, as shown by the outlined diagram of the device on their website, the switch that was once in place for muting the device will now serve as a way to lock the screen rotation. Considering there have been complaints about the inability to do this on the iPhone, it’ll certainly be a nice feature to have on the iPad.

Via [9 to 5 Mac]

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This rumor certainly isn’t new; it comes up almost every time an iPhone OS update is around the corner. That being said, there’s now new evidence supporting the idea that Apple may finally be allowing multitasking of third-party applications in the new version of their phone’s operating system. Apparently, in a commented out section of code in the new iPhone OS 3.2 beta there is a reference to a multitasking dialog box. While this could mean something else to the Apple developers who created it and know more about the inner workings of the operating system, it is certainly interesting to see.

Regardless of whether this rumor holds any truth, I would love to see multitasking on the iPhone. If Apple can find a way to make multitasking efficient (in terms of user interface as well as battery life), I’d be all for hammering the CPU even more on my iPhone during my use of it. Who doesn’t want to listen to Pandora through their speakers while buffering a video and reading a book while on the go?

Okay, that might be a little much, but you get my point.

Via [Mac|Life]

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Today, Navigon announced another App Store first with MyRegion, a guidance app with in-app map purchases in the U.S. MyRegions has all of the great features from the North American version of MobileNavigator that made it the best navigation app on the App Store. But what makes MyRegion different is that you can buy the maps that you need, when you need them, from inside of the app.

Navigon’s MyRegion splits North America into 4 regions: Eastern, Central and Western U.S. and Canada. If you’re planning on doing most of your driving in one or two of these regions, then the MyRegion app is a great choice. If instead you are on the border of two of these regions, or if you drive very long distances, then you are better off sticking with Navigon’s MobileNavigator for North America. Both are great choices with tons of features. MyRegion actually gets one of the Mobile Navigator 1.5 features early: MyRoutes. This feature offers more flexibility in navigation by presenting you with more than one route when you enter a destination. MobileNavigator users will have to wait a little longer for this update to hit the app store later this spring.

Navigon currently has introductory pricing on all of this goodness. The app and first region are $5 off at $24.99, and each additional region is $2 off at $12.99. Plus, you can get Traffic Live (real time traffic data) for just $19.99 ($5 off).

I have to hand it to Navigon once again; they’re ahead of the pack as usual, showing other guidance app companies what they need to do next. MyRegion is a great way to get a superb guidance app without spending a ton of money in the process.

Products [MyRegion U.S. East, MyRegion U.S. West, and MyRegion U.S. Central]

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If St. Patty’s day for you means time to drink, then these applications can help you to enjoy the experience, play with your drinks and cope with the damage the morning after.

Beer Brands

Seller: Webworks
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 1.6 or higher
File Size: 1.4 MB
Price: Free
Age Rating: 17+

If you want to be the expert of all things beer, then this application will help you out with a guide to a wide range of beers. Sure, a Bud or a Sam Adams may be a find standard for everyday drinking, but on St. Patty’s Day it is time to step things up a notch and expand your pallet.

It also gives you a nice set of pairing options for each of the 7,800 beers in the listings. Good news if you want to slow down your—or a friends—consumption.

Leprechaun Drinking Game

Seller: Brand Ambassador Group
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.1.2 or higher
File Size: 4.8MB
Price: $0.99
Age Rating: 17+

Drinking is more fun with a gimmick. If you are too bombed to think of one , this application can help you. It is quite simple to play, so being too smashed won’t get you out of it.

All you have to do is tap the leprechaun. He will give you a drinking line that gives you an idea of how much you need to consume. Then, you pass it on to the next unwitting victim, and watch him/her imbibe. The amounts vary widely, and show up randomly, so do not expect a chance to hack the game.

Drink Fit

Seller: Justin Coorperman
Compatibility: iPhone or iPod touch
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or higher
File Size: 0.3MB
Price: $1.99
Age Rating: 12+

Now, we come to the dreaded morning after. If you want to know exactly how much damage you have done to your diet, this application can help you to figure out not only how bad you were, but can help you plan for the future. With nutrition information on the least damaging beers, you can consume less calories next time.

Full Story » | Written by Katie Gatto for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 16, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• Selznick Scientific Software, LLC has announced PasswordWallet 4.5, a major update to their best-selling password management solution for Macintosh and iPhone. The app now allows the user to automatically share all of their passwords between their Mac, iPhone and MobileMe accounts, as well as their Windows, Android, Windows Mobile and Palm Pre devices. Simple and secure, PasswordWallet encrypts and stores passwords and other private information in one, convenient location.
• Yazsoft has announced Playback 1.5.1, an important update to their popular zero configuration media server for Mac OS X. Playback allows anyone to share their media with any Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or other supported UPnP compatible device. Playback can also share media stored in folders or even make entire disks available to a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. By default, Playback will share almost any content on the users system.
• Pogoplug, the multimedia sharing device that allows users to access their media anywhere on the web, has added two new features to the award-winning device. Starting today, Pogoplug users can stream content to Xbox 360 and PS3 game consoles. The enhanced Active Copy feature now automatically copies files to a Pogoplug in another location. With game console support, Pogoplug owners can now easily access, share, and stream their media directly to their Xbox 360 or PS3 from any local or remotely located Pogoplug. Gamers can watch home movies from their Pogoplug connected external hard drive on their Xbox 360 or PS3, share slideshows or listen to their entire music library without ever putting down their game controller. The Xbox 360 or PS3 automatically sees the drives connected to the Pogoplug and the contents of other shared Pogoplugs.
• Xeric Design has announced EarthDesk 5.3, an update to its award-winning, real-time dynamic desktop map. EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with an image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination, as well as real-time global cloud coverage, allowing you to track hurricanes and other weather systems on your Macintosh or Windows desktop. Version 5.3 provides a work-around for a long standing screen saver hang in OS 10.6.
• In January, Steve Jobs announced that Apple had more than 140,000 applications in its App Store. That’s a lot of apps, and the number grows every day. Users are now tempted to create their own software programs to join in the action. But developing on the Mac, iPhone and iPad isn’t easy for beginners—they need a guide to show the way. In his new book, Beginning Mac Programming: Develop with Objective-C and Cocoa, author Tim Isted shows that the path from user to software developer is within reach. Step by gentle step, Isted shows non-programmers how to move from idea to application.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• apfelbaumGROUP UG has released TIOnixie - Alarm Clock - Stop Watch - Timer 1.1.1 for iPhone and iPod touch users. This three-in-one application has added even more functions to its retro Nixie tube timekeeping program. Now, in addition to the alarm, stop watch and timer, developers have included a flashlight, icon dimming and connection to a user’s iPod library. The clock can show the time in a twelve or twenty-four hour format with both modes displaying the hour, minute and seconds.
• Spurrier Group has released eyeBuy Visual Search 1.5 for iPhone and iPod touch users looking for price deals. The application offers a myriad of local shopping search engine results, which can be obtained with barcode scans, photos or used manually to find the best online deals for specific products. A combination of learned image recognition and a speedy performance makes eyeBuy Visual Search a fast, easy resource for bargain hunters.
• ScavoMed has released Pocket Therapy 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch users. It is the only application available that gives very specific therapeutic routines for the fifteen most common injuries. The Pocket Therapy app is like having a physical therapist in your iPhone, providing injury specific information, advice and exercises, complete with photo and video demonstrations. The included photos and video demonstrations serve to help patients understand and safely follow the treatment steps.
• 24x7digital today announces Smiley Sight Words 1.0, an educational flash-card app for iPhone and iPod touch. Smiley Sight Words is a comprehensive learning tool containing over 1,500 high-frequency sight words, compiled from many sources including Dolch, Fry, and UK word lists. Students may tap the sight word to hear professionally recorded American-English pronunciations, swipe flash-cards to navigate the stack of words, and shake their iPhone to shuffle the flash-cards.
• IMAGIO Co., Ltd. has updated GO! GO! Rangers!, it’s J-RPG style turn-based strategy game for iPhone and iPod touch. A new hero has been added, bringing the total to 15. A new monster has also been added, for a total of 9. Character design has been refined, and a few bugs have been fixed.
• TheBusinessDesk has become the first regional business publisher to offer a free iPhone app, making it even easier for users to access its three business news sites while on the move. The application is available to download free and will complement the online news service’s websites in Yorkshire, the North West and the West Midlands. Registered users of the website will have full access to every story published on the site’s three regional homepages and more.
• Sperm Killer has been released on Apple Store. What’s the aim of the game? Sperm and viruses are flying to the “destination place.” The player’s obligation is to catch them with the help of special gun, which is firing condoms. If you miss at least one of viruses, the game is over! On each level, the speed of the sperm and viruses increases.
• PhatWare Corporation has announced an updated PhatNotes 1.3 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. PhatNotes allows users to create notes and organize them by category, color, subject, priority, creation, authorization, and modification dates. It offers natural handwriting recognition input in addition to keyboard entry as well as full synchronization with PhatNotes Desktop software. Version 1.3 features improved handwriting recognition engine and spell checker, and much more.
• Use your iPhone to keep up with breaking news from over 40 of your favorite print, television or online sources—such as USA Today, The New York Times, Digg, CNN and Fox News—with Tapmode’s News Addict. News Addict’s clear interface helps users find stories fast from news Web sites formatted for the iPhone. You can easily scroll through pages by simply tilting your iPhone.
• Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has announced that Frogger Inferno for the iPhone and iPod touch is now available on the App Store for 99 cents. In Frogger Inferno, players must employ familiar dodge-and-run tactics to safely guide Frogger across the busy highway to his home marsh while avoiding cars, trucks and alligator-filled waters ready to stop him in his tracks. Upping the ante, players are challenged to complete their mission without the ability to double back, as trails of fire are left wherever Frogger goes.
• Wonder Warp Software has released Etude, a new iPhone app for learning music on the piano. The app combines traditional sheet music with an on-screen keyboard whose keys light up to reveal which notes are being played as well as a MIDI synthesizer that simultaneously plays the piece aloud. It also has its own in-app music store with hundreds of songs, all of which are currently offered free to users who buy the app.
• Four new limited-edition Fitted Artsprojekt cases are now available exclusively on Apple Store shelves, simultaneously bringing original designs and protective fabric-wrapped comfort to art-loving iPhone owners everywhere. Created by select members of Artsprojekt’s burgeoning international syndicate of artists, these creative cases offer original and authentically crafted artwork in an expanding array of head-turning motifs.
• i-Got-it Corp. has announced the launch and immediate availability of i-Got-Control, a plug-and-play accessory and iTunes app that boast an industry-leading database of more than 40,000 IR codes for consumer electronic devices worldwide—turning an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a universal remote. i-Got-Control allows users to control virtually any infrared device—TVs, stereo systems and more—at home or on the go.
• iLuv has announced that their 2010 CES Innovations and Design award winning creation, the iMM190 App Station, is now available to consumers nationwide. iLuv’s App Station, a new type of dock for iPhone and iPod fans, features a unique application called “iLuv App Clock” that transforms it into alarm clock with a large digital display and current weather conditions. The iLuv App Clock application is available globally as a free download from iTunes App Store. The App Clock also allows full cross-functional access to the user’s iTunes library while using the App in order to change alarm settings or to simply listen to music. In addition to the App, this multimedia speaker dock combines powerful amplifiers with dynamic, acoustic speaker chambers to enhance the audio experience while listening to music, watching movies, or when using VoIP chat services; thus making it the perfect iPhone accessory.
• App Cubby has announced KaleidoVid 1.0, their new app for iPhone 3G, 3GS devices. KaleidoVid is a video kaleidoscope for iPhone that creates beautiful kaleidoscopic images from every day objects using the iPhone’s built in camera. Point the camera at everyday objects to create beautiful kaleidoscopic images. Tap the screen to freeze the image. Save or share it on Twitter, Facebook, or via email, then tap to do it again.

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

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About a month ago we reviewed WireWay for iPhone and iPod touch, a fantastic arcade puzzle game from Konami. Now, Konami Digital Entertainment has found themselves with a couple promo codes to burn, and asked if we’d like to pass them on to you. Which, of course, we would. You have to hurry, though. The codes expire tomorrow, so enter now.

From my review:

WireWay is a game about Wiley the alien and his quest to find Elan (a precious energy source, not a kidnapped princess). You help Wiley on his way by launching him across a series of suspended wires. Wiley grabs the wires automatically, then you touch and drag down on the iPhone screen to adjust his velocity (a dotted line gives you a visual clue). Lift your finger, and watch the little guy fly up (or over) to, hopefully, the next wire. Reach your ship, and it’s on to the next level.

We’ll make this very simple. To enter to win one of two promo codes (each valued at $4.99), simply leave a comment below. Make sure you’re registered with Appletell, as we’ll need your e-mail address to notify you if you’ve won. We’ll randomly select the winners from all entries at 6:30 p.m. EDT this evening, March 16th, 2010, and immediately send the promo codes via e-mail. Remember, the codes are due to expire sometime tomorrow, March 17th, 2010, so you’ll need to use them quickly. Neither Appletell nor Konami Digital Entertainment will be held responsible for promo codes not claimed on time.

Now, get to enterin’!

Product [WireWay]

WireWay One Day Giveaway contest rules

1. Description of Offer. APPLETELL WIREWAY ONE DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST is sponsored by Gadgetell LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of North American Publishing Co., 1500 Spring Garden Street, 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130 USA. Sponsor will award two WIREWAY APPS FOR IPHONE in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during the Survey Period.
2. Survey Period. The survey begins March 16, 2010: 1:30 p.m. EDT and ends March 16, 2010: 6:30 p.m. EDT. All responses must be received during the Survey Period. 2 WINNERS will be drawn immediately after the end of the survey period.
3. How to Enter. REGISTER WITH APPLETELL. THEN, LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT FIELD ON THIS PAGE. BY REGISTERING AND COMMENTING, you are agreeing to be notified by e-mail if you are the winner. Entries become the property of Sponsor. In the unlikely event the Sponsor encounters technical or equipment failures such as telephone network lines failing, computer online systems failing, servers and/or provider services go down, or human error in connection with the survey, etc., the Sponsor and promoters will not be held responsible. Collection and handling of personally identifiable information will be in accordance to the Privacy Policy as posted at http://www.napco.com/privacypolicy.
4. Eligibility. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO WIN. Employees of Sponsor, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers or their immediate families are not eligible. The total number of eligible entries received during the Promotion Period determines the odds of winning. By entering, entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding.
5. Description of Prize. A WIREWAY PROMO CODE will be awarded to two qualified winners. No substitution, assignment or transfer of prize is permitted, except by Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value. Maximum cash value for all creative representations shall be $4.99.
6. Drawing and Awarding of Prize. A random drawing will be made of all eligible and correctly completed entries received during the Survey Period. Winner will be notified by e-mail, upon completion of survey period. By accepting the prize, winner agrees that Sponsor, its affiliates, distributors, advertising and promotional agencies and suppliers and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents shall have no liability for, and shall hold all such parties harmless against damage, loss or injury that may arise in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of prizes or participation in this Sweepstakes. Offer void where prohibited.

7. Miscellaneous. APPLETELL WIREWAY ONE DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST is subject to all applicable laws in the United States and Canada. Void where prohibited and in any country except the United States and Canada. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or suspend APPLETELL WIREWAY ONE DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST should virus, bugs, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor or Promoters, corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper operation of APPLETELL WIREWAY ONE DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST. All decisions are final. Sponsor makes no warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the use of the any prizes including, but not limited to, quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular prize.  All federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations apply.
8. Winner’s List. To see the winner of APPLETELL WIREWAY ONE DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST, please contact KIRK HINER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF APPLETELL, AT TIPS@APPLETELL.COM.

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

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Provides: On-ear headphones with inline microphone
Developer: urbanears
Compatibility: Any device with standard 1/8” headphone jack
Price: $59.00

Heavy hitters:

In both appearance and extra features, Urbanears’ Plattan line (pictured at right in the “army” shade) are indeed heavy hitters. The Urbanears website describes them as a “full size headphone allowing for rich, secluded sound,” which the well-padded cups and ample drivers do quite nicely. Available in a dazzling array of colors—ranging from blues with names like “Ocean” to a green “Sallad” to “Chocolate”—they certainly make a visual statement. The review unit came in a funky shade of dark blue called Navy. One thing is certain; these headphones do stand out visually!  Fit and finish on these are top notch. The head band is covered in a woven fabric, as is the cord; it is nice to see somebody change it up from the standard vinyl leather and plastic.  The fit was tight but not uncomfortable on a medium-sized head; those with larger noggins might need to give these a pass. One gripe is the lack of a carrying case. At this price point, it feels like a cheap cost cutting measure.

The integrated inline microphone is also a nice touch.  It is a bit strange at first; the headphones isolate so much external sound that you will not hear yourself speaking. Callers reported no clarity issues, and the sound from phone calls was flawless.  Another…interesting...feature included on these headphones is the Zound plug (yes, that is a “z”).  It is an extra headphone jack on the right ear cup that allows you to plug in another pair of headphones—essentially daisy chaining the sound.  It came in handy for sharing PIxar’s Up from an iPod touch on a long car trip.

Got it where it counts?

Despite excellent visual appeal, the Plattans were decidedly lacking in the audio department.  They seem to be an exercise in form over function, and although they nail the form category, they are simply mediocre in audio function.

• Pros: As advertised, they do provide excellent audio seclusion.  With the ear cups on, it was impossible to hear anything but a slight background noise from any of the following: traffic noises, television at normal volume, or a dishwasher.  In the Plattans’ favor, they consistently produced distortion-free sound, including two of my favorite test tracks: “Jazzy Bach” by Ben Charest on the Triplets of Belleville soundtrack and “He’s a Pirate” by Klaus Badelt on the original Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack.  Both contain big, loud passages that easily cause distortion on many speakers. Here, both were rendered distortion-free.  Upper bass performance was also acceptable, though not outstanding, for orchestral and instrumental music, highlighted by a clear reproduction of cellos in Mahler’s Symphony 1, 2nd movement.
• Cons: Bass. Yes, the cello reproduction is listed above as a pro, but in all other regards, the bass is a con.  Pop and dance music with electronic bass lines was often muddy and unclear.  Songs like “Starstruck” by Lady Gaga and “Teardrop” by Massive Attack (which is also the House, MD theme song) lacked balance due to drab bass performance.  Overall performance is just lacking in acoustic clarity.  Several live performance recordings (many of which I played in, as part of a concert band) were lacking in the warmth and resonance of the original performance.  Mids and high tones were similarly lacking; “Bambaleo” by Gipsy Kings lost its spicy flamenco flair on guitar and Franki Valli’s voice sounded whiny rather than angelic, much like the thready audio on a Skype call.

The Fat Lady Sings:

In the 50-100 dollar price range there are plenty of headphones—both on-ear and earbud style—that provide excellent reproduction with bright, clear sound and precise imaging.  The Plattans reproduced sound accurately, but the experience is the visual equivalent of watching a movie with the projector just slightly out of focus: all the elements are there, but the missing crispness detracts from the overall experience. For casual listeners, these are an improvement over Apple’s included earbuds and over most entry-level headphones.  If one of the 14 colors is your signature color, and you want to make sure your audio gear is a fashion-perfect accessory, Plattans are a competent choice.  The end result seems to be more fashion statement than serious sound gear, so for audiophiles, my advice is to look elsewhere.

Full Story » | Written by Aaron Kraus for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Want to read the most interesting and shocking sentence of perhaps your entire week. Here it goes: “If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.”

Yup, you read that right. According to Apple’s webpage, having a dead battery on your iPad will not only make you eligible for a new battery, they’ll simply replace the iPad itself (keep in mind, it still costs $99, but unlike the iPhone, you get a new device, not just a new battery). While this is certainly intriguing, it does raise some points.

For one, the reasoning behind this may because the solid structure of the device makes it too hard to open up and replace the battery to even make it worth it. Perhaps replacing the entire iPad is more cost and time friendly to Apple. However, this also poses the question of how environmentally safe this really is. Instead of having a battery go to waste, Apple is presumably having to find a way to recycle the entire device. Either way, this could be considered good news for consumers, depending upon how you look at it. It’s a change in the way Apple has been doing things, though, that’s for sure.

Via [Engadget]

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According to a specific analyst group, Apple may have sold a nicely sized 120,000 iPad units on the first day of pre-orders. If this number seems strange to you, it may help knowing that their math makes sense. Basically, Apple sells about 16,500 orders a day online, but managed to sell about 124,596 on the day of the iPad preorder. Considering that about 1.11 iPads were ordered per customer, we come up with a number around 120,000.

Also, according to math they performed on a sale of 110 iPad orders based on 99 customers (not including reservations), iPad buyers preferred the cheaper and sooner available WiFi-only model over the 3G model two to one. Furthermore, all models (16GB, 32GB and 64GB) are selling about an equal amount in the online Apple store.

Victor Castroll, an analyst with Valcent Financial Group, stated that Apple has been able to generate around $75 million of revenue in one day with an item that most people haven’t even been able to see or touch in person. With continued succes such as this, as well as the eventual release to more countries, Apple sure could have a winner with this product. It will be interesting to see official numbers from them around the time of their next earnings report.

Via [Brainstorm Tech]

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 15, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• PagePlanet Software, Inc. has announced the Golden Master release of Modular Gateway Interface (MGI) 3.2 for the Macintosh OS X and Linux operating systems. MGI is an Apache 2 module that adds full functionality to every website on your server using a simple tag structure. MGI includes 67 tags to enhance a website with everything from simple counters and form processing to custom databases and shopping carts. You can also combine MGI’s powerful programming tags to make your website do anything you can imagine.  Need to build a custom login and tracking system? No problem.
• TheMacBundles today released its March bundle and a new and innovative Build Your Own Bundle store. TheMacBundles has set a new standard of quality and value with its high quality, low priced bundles. These no-gimmick bundles provide users with the same software, support, licenses, and upgrade benefits that apply to users who paid the full price for the titles. The new BYOB store maintains these high standards and lets users create their own customized bundles with some simple mouse clicks.
• iWebTemplate has announced the addition of a free iWeb themes and templates section to be used with Apple’s iWeb Website building application. iWeb Free Themes includes seven great themes: Sky, Picture, Church, Joy, Love, Billiard and Cat. Each iWeb Free theme can be used as the basis for a great new website. Each iWeb template incorporates a number of different graphic elements which can be easily removed, moved and changed in size, opacity or color.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• A new service from DCI Mobile Studios has made the process of sending holiday cards easier through iPhone. Send free greeting cards, ecards, postcards and egreetings for friends and family on special occasions. DCI Mobile Studios designed for New Years, birthdays, bon voyages, Valentine’s Day, happy holidays, Pongal, and congratulations for buying new iPhone.
• Ivanovich Games has announced iDaze 9000 v1.2, an update to their hilarious audio feedback application for iPhone and iPod touch devices. iDaze 9000 uses advanced digital audio algorithms to create a gap between speaking, and then hearing it. Known as Delayed Audio Feedback, this effect can be so confusing that the speaker becomes dazed. iDaze 9000 will create waves of laughter as a friend attempts to recite the multiplication tables while his speech is reduced to gibberish.
• Connect The Dots Extreme from independent developer, poccaDot, offers a new twist to an old classic game. The objective is to connect a sequence of dots by drawing a line, thus revealing an outline of an image hidden underneath. Connect The Dots Extreme brings the original concept to a new level of fun. Instead of connecting the dots in old-fashioned large and bland books manufactured of recycled paper, this game comes alive, literally. As you connect the dots using speed and accuracy, the line itself becomes alive and you have to press the right dot at the exact right time in order to complete the drawing properly. The faster the line moves, the higher your score becomes; a score you can compare against your friends best performance.
• Performing magical card tricks is no longer reserved for the trained professional. All you need in addition to your iPhone iPod touch is your personal download of No Freakin’ Way from professional magician Carl Andrews. With this app, you have the opportunity to amaze, shock and surprise anyone around you with the classic “Pick a card, any card” card trick.
• Tuparev Technologies has introduced Plants 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch devices. The Plants application consists of a photo reference guide to plants, and a plant maintainance scheduler. Using its simple, eye-catching interface, the user can easily provide all his plants at multiple locations with individualized care. Watering, re-potting and fertilizing are now done efficiently, correctly and on time.
• Dynadel has announced Ovulation Calendar 4.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. The Ovulation Calendar application helps you determine your fertile days of the month, so you can either achieve or avoid pregnancy. It also maintains a list of your symptoms during the cycle, your BBT chart and your weight chart among other features. Using the Shettles methods it can help you get pregnant and even estimate the gender of your baby.
• With no development experience under his belt, illustrator Kyle T. Webster defeated the odds by landing his first iPhone game, White Lines in the top 50 paid apps list last week. He credits a simple idea that is suitable for all ages and language independent, as well as the proven marketing power of social media, for the game’s sudden jump into the top 50. By Wednesday of last week, the game arrived at position number 5 behind the classic puzzle favorite, Tetris.
• Obecnie has released oBemo 2.0.1, the iPhone note taking app that stores your notes, photos and locations in one place. Features include optional password protection, the ability to email your notes and integration with Google Maps to share your locations or get turn by turn directions. Addresses and maps are automatically generated for saved locations. Customizable categories keep notes organized. Data detection highlights web links, emails and phone numbers.
• Zio for Apple iPhone and Apple iPod touch is an interactive generative art visualizer enabling you to explore and interact with an endlessly generating world of organic, audio reactive visuals. To some users, Zio is considered a therapeutic aquarium, while to others it is considered a zen garden in your pocket. The app is for anyone seeking a stunningly beautiful and highly customizable interactive generative visualizer. Zio is, among other things, a sophisticated eco-graphic design tool, an endlessly generating music video for your audio library, and a performance instrument for organic visuals.
• Innerplays has introduced Star Cargo 3000 v1.0, an innovative space combat game for iPhone and iPod touch. The player is captain of a giant cargo vessel parked in orbit above an unstable mining planet. The goal is to successfully transport 10 modular cargo containers up to the ship, before it is destroyed by debris ejected into space or insurgent weapons. The game includes 3 planets, 12 different lethal projectiles, 45 levels and Openfeint connectivity.
• ALK Technologies has announced CoPilot Live 8.0.0.651, the latest updates to their award-winning GPS navigation apps for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS devices. CoPilot Live now include improved guidance at complex intersections, Facebook status updates, free local search, and the latest maps of North America. More than 15,000 miles of roads have been added, 73 completely updated counties and hundreds of map improvements submitted by the CoPilot Live User Community.
• Sustainable Softworks has announced Phone Amego 1.1.13. Phone Amego makes using your phone easier when you are near your computer by providing on-screen caller ID, letting you click to dial a phone number from your Address Book or on your screen, and optionally dialing through Google Voice. This release offers several user interface improvements including minimizing an active call window to the Dock, an option to translate mnemonics, and remotely dialing a landline phone.
• SQUAD has announced the new redesigned version of SalatTime 1.3, an indispensable app for every Muslim featuring Islamic prayer time list with automatic notifications, Calendar and Compass. This app is designed for people who want to have a push notifications assistant as well as Athan alarms always at their disposal. When the application is launched it sends prayer push alerts according to the exact prayer times specified on the list.
• 10-20 Media has announced GardenPilot 2.0, a powerful plant search tool for iPhone and iPod touch devices. GardenPilot is a unique research tool designed for the gardening professional and the inexperienced casual gardener. GardenPilot features over 12,000 beautifully illustrated plant information pages, all designed to educate today’s gardener about spectacular plants and where to buy them. The GardenPilot marketplace Navigator is the plant search web app developed to mirror the iPhone app.
• The Get the Focal Free Irish translator translates words from English to Irish (Gaeilge) and vice versa. It has a 13,000 word database, is very accurate and can even translate sentences and pronounce the words if you upgrade to the full version.
• iKit has introduced the AutoCon FM Transmitter, allowing you to take control of your iPhone or iPod in your car. The built in FM transmitter has rapid auto scan technology and lets you play music through your car radio, giving you high quality sound with no interference. Their very own AutoCon USB car charger comes with this purchase, giving you powerful rapid charge eliminating the chance of losing power. This device is a full-feature hands-free kit, with a built in microphone which provides clear crisp sound. The unit allows you to play/pause, adjust volume and track skip, and displays your selected music.

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

Although PCWorld would consider me an “idiot,” and our friends at Gamertell believe I’m setting myself up for failure, I’m still looking forward to getting my iPad on April 3rd, and I’m looking forward to playing games on it. My iPhone has proven itself to be a quite capable gaming machine, but that tiny screen has just never been compatible with my big thumbs. Will the larger iPad screen correct this problem? Will the accelerometer still be logical in a device that big?

The iPad, therefore, will be a more logical choice of many games because the controls won’t be as cramped. I won’t need to worry as much about my thumb hiding the action or my fingers missing the proper “buttons.”

Yet, it’s still kind of tricky because many iPhone games were designed specifically for the small screen. The iPhone is easy to tilt and turn, for example. I won’t know if this is the case with the iPad until April 3rd (2010).

And so, there are quite a few games I’m eager to try out on the iPad.

Check out the list over at Gamertell.com.

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

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Provides: iDevice cradle
Developer: Just mobile
Minimum Requirements: iDevice
Price: $49.99
Availability: Now

JustMobile is one of those companies that continues to think a little differently from the rest of the industry. This time, I’m taking a look at their new Lounge iDevice car cradle, which doesn’t attach to your windshield like you’d expect it to. Nah, instead, it sits on your dash, which might just make more sense anyway.

There’s no suction cup to attach to your windshield. There’s no attempt at amplifying the sound of your iPhone whatsoever. There are no GPS enhancements, and there isn’t even a good place to put a USB cable to charge your iPhone while the GPS is killing your battery. I know this sounds awful, but there are a lot of things to like about Just Mobile’s Lounge car cradle.

Take, for instance, that it doesn’t attach to your windshield.  Some will hate this, while others will love it.  Depending on your vehicle, the windshield might not be the optimal placement of your iPhone for guidance.  If that’s the case for you, then your dashboard might be a lot better.  This cradle comes with a circle of metal that semi-perminently attaches to your dashboard (with a 3M adhesive strip).  This helps the already grippy cradle to stay in place, but, in practice, it’s not really necessary.  I never attached the circle and I didn’t have any issues with the cradle moving whatsoever.  Actually, it’s been sitting in the same place for two weeks while I’ve driven around daily.  That just goes to show you that this thing is heavy enough and grippy enough to stay put.  But secondarily, this cradle is just as at home in the car as it is on your desk since it doesn’t have that unsightly suction cup that belongs nowhere in my house.

Another reason to like this cradle is that you likely won’t have to take off your case to use it (unless it’s huge and shouldn’t be on your iPhone in the first place).  The way this cradle holds on to your iPhone is very unique, yet simple; there’s a very giving metal and rubber bracket that flexes to the exact shape of your iDevice+Case combo.  It holds tightly, and can rotate to a landscape orientation as well.  You’re going to need this if you’re using this for GPS guidance for an extended period of time, because connecting a USB cable while in portrait mode is not ideal.  You could do the whole thing upside down, but that’s just wrong.  Also to note, the whole clip that holds your iPhone wobbles a bit.  This is on purpose; it’s supposed to minimize how much your iPhone moves.  It won’t help if you hit a speed bump at 60 mph, but under normal usage it won’t really even move.  So, I guess I’m a little confused as to why it’s able to wobble at all.

The Just Mobile Lounge cradle’s selling point is that it’s different.  If you for some reason hate the idea of a suction cup cradle, then this is the cradle for you.  Actually, this cradle does serve dual purposes as it might find its way onto your desk at some point.  And it’ll fit right in since the styling is spot on.  But as a GPS car cradle, it’s just mediocre.  You need to have some method for powering your iPhone as GPS drains its battery even faster than your car will drain its tank on your next trip.  This cradle doesn’t support that very well.  But I do like that this cradle is much more likely to be used around your house as well since it’s not designed solely for the car.

So, really, the perfect user here is someone who infrequently uses their iPhone for GPS guidance but wants an all purpose cradle. If you’re looking only for car cradle functionality, I think you should keep looking.

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

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