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Banca is the most beautiful currency converter for iOS
Banca is a currency converter available universally for iPhone and iPad. It supports a virtually endless list of currencies and converts amounts on the fly. It's also highly customizable with various theme and font options, plus the ability to add or remove currencies so you always have the ones you use most often handy. Banca is US$1.99 and requires iOS 7.1 or later. Banca is dead simple to use. It's divided into two columns. On your left is the currency you're using and on the right, separated by a single arrow, is the currency you want to convert to. Longer lists of currencies accompany both. Just scroll through these to change the conversion live. Typing on the keypad converts the currency in real time as well, even for currencies in the lists when you aren't even using them. By default, Banca enables the following currencies on both sides of the equation: USD, GBP, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD and HKD. Tapping the Currencies button at the top right brings up this list and allows for rearranging, removing and adding new ones. The app supports every single currency in the world that isn't obsolete, so if you want to add more to your list, you certainly won't have a problem finding what you need. The search bar might help too for finding currency names or countries. The entire process is slick. Slick describes two aspects of Banca: its conversion function and its design, too. Simply put, this is the most beautiful currency converter available for iPhone or iPad. It's super intuitive to use and the UI successfully embodies everything iOS stands for. More than a few tweaks are available for adjustment in the settings too, from typography to color scheme, all of which also update in real time as you make changes. If one thing is clear, it's that Banca caters toward people who care about design. The developers put great effort into making this the best currency conversion app they could possibly develop and that's apparent from the moment you tap the icon on your device's home screen. With iOS 8 came app bundles and Banca is part of one. For $4.99, you get both Banca and Unitica which is a unit converter that carries a similar design. Separately, the two add up to $5.98 with Unitica being the more expensive app at $3.99. One downside to Banca is unfortunately price, especially when you consider the bundle. For around five bucks, chances are you could have found a single app that does both unit and currency conversions for less money or even free. Convert, from the makers of Camera+, is one example that comes to mind and sells for only $1.99. To truly appreciate Banca, you have to be willing to pay for top-notch quality and design. It's a terrific app and I really can't find anything to penalize it for, but despite Banca in all of its glory, it's a tad to justify the price given the less expensive competition. If money is no object, there's no question that Banca is the App Store's go-to currency converter.
Kipon preps Canon EF lens adapters for Micro Four Thirds, NEX cameras with electronic control
Adapters to fit Canon's EF lenses on Micro Four Thirds and NEX camera bodies most definitely aren't new. Without any electronic link, though, that Lumix GX1 or NEX-F3 owner has had to focus by hand, sometimes without any aperture control -- what year is it, 1930? Kipon wants to make sure you'll never have to stoop to that level again through a pair of new adapters that keep the electronic controls working. As always with these parts, there's likely to be catches: we don't know the prices and ship dates, for one, and lens conversion can still hurt the autofocus speed. Even so, anyone who's been hoarding (or simply envious of) Canon glass now doesn't have to eye an EOS-M just to get a mirrorless camera with the lens adapter they crave.
Friday Favorites: Unit Converter
Welcome to Friday Favorites! Every Friday, one of us will get all sloppy over an app, web service, or Mac feature that we feel is indispensable. To me, Dashboard feels like the forgotten relative of OS X, the one that sits quietly in the back of the room during the family reunion that has surprisingly good stories. There's some amazing widgets for Dashboard, and Unit Converter is one of them. It can convert a number of categories including area, currency, power, pressure, speed, weight, volume and more. It's a free converter that might not have all the units you're looking for (compare more than 130 currencies in Currencies to 40 in Unit Converter). I'm in a marriage that requires regular translation of meters to inches, stone to pounds (weight), Celsius into Fahrenheit and pounds (currency) into dollars, and the Unit Converter widget is an indispensable tool in sorting out what my husband is telling me. If you need a quick converter, Unit Converter is free and already on your Mac.
TUAW's Daily Mac App: HandBrake
Open-source software is a beautiful thing. It's free, community driven, and more often than not, incredibly useful. HandBrake, one of the best video converters around, is a classic example of great open-source software. The Swiss army knife of video converters and a perennial TUAW favorite, HandBrake is a Mac users best friend. Using libavformat and libacvodec, it'll take almost any video format or container you want to throw at it and convert it into something more useful. Want to convert a video for playback on an Apple TV? No problem. Open the offending video file, select "AppleTV" (version 1 or 2 depending on your model) from the preset list under "Apple" and click the "Start" button. If you want to get a bit more involved than simply using presets you can tweak almost every video and audio conversion setting available. From bitrate, FPS and target size, to video and audio codec, embedding of subtitles and breaking-down the video into chapters, you can do it all with HandBrake. HandBrake is available for the Mac, Windows and Linux, but on a Mac it's 64-bit, multithreaded and will use all of the available resources of your modern Intel-based machine. That means conversions are fast and efficient. If you've got a video file and you need something to covert it then HandBrake is the tool you need. It won't decrypt things, so if you're trying to rip a DVD or something similar, you'll need a tool to remove the copy protection first, but that video of your mate jumping the gate you shot won't know what hit it. Download HandBrake for free from the HandBrake Project website.
Adobe releases Wallaby, experimental Flash to HTML 5 conversion tool
Adobe announced the release of Wallaby, an experimental tool designed to convert FLA files to HTML 5. This initial version of Wallaby is meant to convert animated Flash banners to HTML 5-compliant code. This output is optimized for viewing by WebKit-based browsers, including those on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Since it is designed for banners, the first iteration of Wallaby is limited and will not convert ActionScript, movies or sound. The tool converts the Flash file to an HTML File, a CSS file, a JavaScript file and an asset folder that contains SVG and image content. The exported content has been tested on and is compatible with iOS 4.2. If you are not happy with the output, these files can be tweaked with a text or image editor if needed. If you are a Flash developer and want to give Wallaby a try, point your browser to Adobe Labs' website and grab the Wallaby application. It is a 32-bit Adobe Air application and is available for Mac OS X 10.5/10.6 and Windows XP/Vista/7.
Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby
Ah, if only we could flip a big happy switch and convert all the web's Flash content into (functional) HTML5 code. It's a dream shared by many and, funnily enough, the company pushing to make it a reality is none other than Adobe itself, the owner and proprietor of Flash. Its Labs research team has just released an experimental new dev tool, dubbed Wallaby, that's targeted at taking Flash-encoded artwork and animations and turning them into a more compatible mix of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Of course, the intent here is not some magnanimous move to free us from the shackles of Flash -- Adobe openly admits that the initial goal for the new tool will be to help convert animated banner ads so that they work on the iOS platform -- but hey, even bad tools can be used for good sometimes, right?
NewerTech adapter turns eSATA into USB 3.0, makes legacy external HDDs feel young again
There's a powder-blue USB 3.0 port on the side of your shiny new computer, whispering your name, but you simply can't afford to replace your perfectly good eSATA external hard drive for the sake of compatibility. You could simply resist the urge entirely, but if you have the need for speed, there's a USB 3.0 to eSATA adapter with your name on it, and it just might come in a NewerTech case. Sure, Addonics, Siig and Bytecc sell similar, but as Everything USB points out, NewerTech did the legwork here, benchmarking the cable to be sure it could handle 206.4MB / sec writes and 247MB / sec reads. That's enough to handle most solid state drives, and you should be completely covered when it comes to anything with spinning magnetic plates. You'll find it for $30 this week at the likes of OWC.
iRecord Pro transfers grandma's VHS tapes directly to your iOS device or Mac
The iRecord Pro Personal Media Recorder has been around for a couple of years, but I couldn't help but notice this year it was connected to an iPad. Apparently the onboard analog-to-digital converter will also upload your MP4 converted video directly to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. It works on a Mac too, but it also works on a PC, PSP and a raft of other devices. One thing that seems a bit odd: you have to pay for a firmware upgrade to allow transfer to the iPad, according to the iRecord site. Why the extra charge for the iPad? We'll have a hands-on at Macworld if they are there again this year and ask. It's a pretty simple thing, and maybe our need to transfer analog video is soon to become pointless, but if you're looking for a relatively simple and fast solution to dumping video to your iOS devices, this might do the trick. Then again, for around $230 on the street and a firmware cost if you want to dump to iPad, something with such limited use might not be flying off the shelves any time soon.
Calculator's currency calculations currently kaput
OS X's built-in Calculator.app has built-in support for currency conversions. To get accurate results, you have to update the currency exchange rates from inside the application. This feature is currently broken for many users, as I discovered after it wouldn't work for me. Several threads on the Apple Discussion forums show this is a "known issue" with no known fix at this time. This seems to be happening to users of both Leopard and Snow Leopard. In the meantime, you can use the "Unit Converter" widget which is still working and updates successfully. You can add the widget by clicking on the "+" in Dashboard, or by double-clicking on it from /Library/Widgets/. Some users are reporting that other conversions are not working either. I did not have that problem, but if you do you can try deleting the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Calculator.plist file (where ~ means your Home folder). If you need to do currency conversions but don't want to use Dashboard, you can use Google instead; it will accept plain language conversions such as "20 euro to us dollars" and will offer other currency conversions as well.
Remote Auxiliary Power System recharges our special forces straight from overhead power lines (video)
If you're the type who gets a little nervous connecting jumper cables to your Accord after you forgot and left the trunk open overnight (again), this is one military gadget you will probably not be coveting. It's called RAPS: the Remote Auxiliary Power System. US Air Force Spec Ops personnel requested "something like Batman" that would enable them to add some juice to their night vision goggles, GPS units, and Hello Kitty media players while in the field, and this is the result. When thrown over a power line it makes contact with the bare ground and then cuts through the insulation into the live wire within, pulling the power down to an AC/DC transformer built into the spool. This device has proven safe for use in the rain and even underwater, but we're thinking we'd rather sing "Kumbayah" to ourselves than recharge our iPods in this manner. Video demonstration after the break, which also explains where the power actually comes from!
Civilization 5 will convert Civ 4 maps automatically
Jon Shafer, a.k.a. "Trip," is a veteran Civilization modder and mapmaker -- he's made his name in the Civ community by posting his own mods and strategy guides on the forums for years. And oh yeah, he's also the lead designer of Civ V, which is probably one reason why user-created mods and maps will play such a big part in the official game. Players will be able to upload and share them with others directly in the game itself. The user-created catalog will even be populated with plenty of content right at launch, because Shafer tells Bitmob that "you can import Civ 4 maps into the world builder and convert them into Civ 5 maps, including all the units and cities and stuff on it -- the conversion process will just do that for you automatically." Presumably, the process will also translate the maps from squares to hexes, which means Shafer and everyone else's maps from the last Civ are just a conversion away from being playable in the new game. Which is good -- some Civ fans would have a tough time without their Middle Earth maps.
Audiophilleo 1 USB audio to S/PDIF converter is really high-end, really expensive
We don't see too many USB-to-S/PDIF converters 'round these parts. Really, who but the most insane audiophile (the type who thinks they can discern frequencies well outside the human range) actually needs one -- especially when they can cost as much as a new laptop? But then again, insane audiophiles (as well as, quite frankly, the plain ol' insane) do read this space, so we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that an outfit called Audiophilleo has put together something called, oddly enough, the Audiophilleo 1 Advanced USB to S/PDIF Transport. Even gadget blog editors who still listen to their old Big Audio Dynamite cassettes can appreciate something as feature-packed as this: not only does it handle up to 192KHz / 24bit audio (with drivers for Windows, OS X, and Linux), but the manufacturer developed its own USB firmware and output stage hardware (in this instance, it looks like "off the shelf" just didn't cut it). This thing even has a JitterSimulator, so you can, you know, make sure Jitter is being eliminated. Or simulated. Or something. Sounds awesome, right? Is it $900 of awesome? We'll let you decide that for yourself.
Ratio cookbook becomes an iPhone app
I recently read this terrific article in the New Yorker about cookbooks, and I think one of the reasons I liked it so much is that it hits pretty close to home -- I do like reading and browsing cookbooks, and I don't cook nearly as much as I want to. And I can totally identify with the tension between searching the pages of recipes looking for a secret, weighed against actually getting the experience necessary to be a great chef. From the article: "The recipe is to spend your life cooking." But that hasn't stopped cookbook writers from trying to import as much knowledge as they can. The Ratio cookbook is one that caught my eye recently; rather than giving out recipes and directions, the book sticks with math and recipes as a way of breaking down foods and the way they're made. Instead of step one, step two, step three, it's one part sugar, two parts fat, three parts flour, mixed up and baked. It's an interesting way at examining cooking, and now it's come to the iPhone -- the cookbook (or at least the ratios and recipes from it) is being released as an iPhone app. You can browse the "32 critical ratios" for doughs, meats, and sauces, a unit converter, and other recipes including ways to share and tweak your own. You'll probably need to know a little about cooking already (and as that article says, just knowing the recipes doesn't actually give you the meals), but it should be a helpful reference. All the page says is soon (no price yet, either), but if you keep an eye on Michael Ruhlman's website, they'll probably post when the app is out in the store.
Atlona ships AT-DP200 DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapter
Folks who just so happen to own a Mini DisplayPort-equipped monitor (you know, like Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display) have been longing for this adapter for what feels like forever, and while Atlona assured us it was coming way back in July, it has taken until now for the all-important ship date to arrive. The AT-DP200 is capable of maintaining resolution and HDCP compatibility, but considering the $179 price tag, we might suggest picking up a new graphics card instead. Your call, buster.
PSP Go Converter gives you a more well-rounded portable with support for last-gen's peripherals
Honestly, when we first heard the phrase "PSP Go Converter," we were really hoping it something to do with that UMD-to-digital good will program we heard about back at E3 -- but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Instead, the attachment lets you utilize accessories so far only compatible with last-gen PSPs, such as the 1Seg tuner, GPS receiver, and camera -- and if that's not your thing, we're sure it makes the device a tad more aerodynamic, as well. Sony also announced a number of other accessories, including a bluetooth stereo headset. Full press release and pics from the show floor just below. %Gallery-73862% Show full PR text SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES PERIPHERALS FOR PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE)GO Expands the Entertainment World of PSPgo with Attractive Peripheral and Accessory Line-up Tokyo, September 24, 2009 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced today that it will release Bluetooth® Stereo Head-set Receiver and Converter Cable Adaptor for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)go (PSP-N1000) on December 24, 2009, in Japan, at a recommended retail price of 4,980 yen and 1,980 yen (both including tax), respectively. These peripherals will also become available in North America, Europe/PAL territories and Asian countries and regions beginning January 2010*1. Bluetooth Stereo Head-set Receiver With a sleek design that matches perfectly with PSPgo, users will be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment content sounds comfortably through the Bluetooth wireless technology with the combination of commercially available head-phone and head-set. The Bluetooth Stereo Head-set Receiver pairs easily with PSPgo by simply holding the power button of the receiver, and operation buttons on the receiver will also enable users to instantly play, stop, pause, forward, rewind, and adjust the volume of music and videos. Additionally, the receiver can be paired with up to eight Bluetooth devices by using the Multi Pairing Feature. Converter Cable Adaptor With the new Converter Cable Adaptor*2, PSPgo users will be able to utilize the existing peripherals for PSP such as 1Seg Tuner*3, GPS Receiver and Camera designed for PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series on the PSPgo system that adopts Multi use connector. Additional peripherals and accessories will be released for PSPgo in conjunction with PSPgo launch in Japan to enhance its portability and convenience of users' use, including: AC Adaptor 2,100 yen (including tax) USB Cable 1,575 yen (including tax) AV Cable 2,200 yen (including tax) D-Terminal AV Cable 2,800 yen (including tax) Component AV Cable 3,000 yen (including tax) Cradle 4,800 yen (including tax) Accessory Pack 6,000 yen (including tax) Display Protection Film 800 yen (including tax) Privacy Film 1,000 yen (including tax) Pouch & Hand Strap (Black/White) 1,000 yen (including tax)/each PSPgo Pouch (Black/Grey) 1,600 yen (including tax)/each PSPgo Leather Case & Hand Strap 4,200 yen (including tax) Car Adaptor 1,980 yen (including tax) SCE will continue to further expand the PlayStation platforms with these new peripheral and accessory line-up with introducing the new PSP line-up, PSPgo.
DTV converter coupon deadline is July 31, anyone still need one?
In case you still needed a digital TV heads up, the end of this month is your last opportunity to nab a $40 coupon for a converter box. Seeing as how they're actually available, and the DTV switch has been in effect for a few weeks you'd think anyone in need would have long looked into this already, but just in case you're waiting until the last moment, the L.A. Times mentions July 31 is the cutoff. Anyone know someone that went from OTA bliss to a blank TV June 12 and still hasn't upgraded yet?[Via L.A. Times]
Wireless USB 2.0 to dawn on the Japanese horizon?
Japanese researchers at KDDI have spliced two technologies that didn't seem to have much of a future in the wireless realm -- USB and Infrared -- and come up with a method for achieving transmission speeds of up to 1Gbps. Their innovation is in overcoming a latency problem that until now prevented USB 2.0 transmissions from being converted into Infrared signals and then back into electronic form. While still very early in the development and standardization process, this is a tantalizing premise, especially with ever-increasing storage capacities in portable devices. The new communication medium, which admittedly sounds a lot like irSimple, will be demonstrated for the first time at the Wireless Japan 2009 exhibition later this month, but we wouldn't hold out hope for an imminent release.
The GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder -- an answer to a question we're afraid to ask
We can't remember the last time we had a piece of gear that supported Dolby Digital but didn't have a pair of stereo out jacks on the back, but if an unforeseen (read: just plain crazy) use-case is going to pop up, it'll be this Friday. And wouldn't you know it, Gefen has a box just for these contingencies. The GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder will take a Dolby Digital audio stream over optical or coax and, presto, turn them into a stereo signal on a pair of RCA phono plugs. Specific custom install situations aside, we can't help but think there are better -- and at $129, cheaper -- ways to crack this nut.
Castrade's Game Box lets your game consoles talk VGA, sweet nothings to your computer monitor
If you have HDMI out on your game consoles and HDMI in on your computer monitor you can pretty much stop reading. If, however, you're still stuck in the analog realm, check out Castrade's upcoming CG-USC01HD-PLUS Game Box. It sports composite, S-video, and component inputs, porting everything over to VGA at resolutions ranging from 800 × 600 at 75Hz all the way up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz. But, with maximum input resolutions of 1080i or 720p, true 1080p to your display is right out. DVI output would also have been nice, but there are adapters for that, and since the box sports a VGA pass-through you can use that same monitor for PC gaming, too -- you know, in case you start to miss patches and pesky DRM and such. The Box ships in Japan on May 27 for ¥10,000, which equates to about $100 here. Just like that white PS3 in the background, though, there's no word of an official US release.[Via AV Watch]
