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Skyfire browser headed for iPad
Skyfire, the internet browser that transcodes Flash video content into HTML5 so that it can be viewed on Apple's iOS devices (which, in case you didn't already know, don't support Flash), is coming to the iPad. Alongside its main function, Skyfire for iPad will introduce some additional social networking features directly into the browser -- most notably for Facebook users, but Twitter and Google Reader users are included, too. Basically, you're now able to view feeds in pop-up windows while you are browsing the web. Sharing websites with your Facebook buddies is also made really simple and it's super easy to "Like" a website you're visiting by making a couple taps; there's no need to go directly to the Facebook website. In November, Skyfire for iPhone sold over 300,000 copies of its WebKit browser in its first weekend alone. There was so much demand for the browser that the app had to be pulled from the App Store because Skyfire's servers were overwhelmed by the traffic. The browser was then sold in limited quantity batches on the App Store to help ease the take up. Now that Skyfire's teething problems are over, we're assuming the same won't happen for the browser's release on the iPad. Skyfire for iPad is expected before Christmas and will cost about US$5, according to Wired's Gadget Lab. We'll let you know when we see Skyfire for iPad on the App Store. For now, check out a demo of the app in action in the video after the break.
iFlash adds a flash to your iPhone or iPod touch
Of course, it kind of takes away from the idea that a mobile phone should be sleek and easy to carry, but I'm guessing that is beside the point. The iFlash is a self-powered flash module that plugs directly into the docking port of your iPhone 3G/3GS or iPod touch and allows owners to take pictures in badly lit areas. It will also work with your iPhone 4 but there's not a lot of point in having two flashes, especially since the extra one hangs off your otherwise thin and lightweight iPhone. As an added bonus, the iFlash fits under most cases and can also be used as an LED flashlight. We have seen an add-on flash for the iPhone before but this integration looks a little nicer, even if still a bit bulky. Available now for US $29.95 (regularly $39.95) over at Gadgets and Gear, when not in use the "small and compact iFlash can be attached to the iPhone through a plastic 3.5mm jack and left dangling from the iPhone like a phone charm." I'm not sure a dangling charm is a big selling point, but to each their own. I would rather put that $30 or $40 towards a new iPhone that already comes with a flash -- and without a charm. If I wanted to carry an accessory for my iPhone I think I would prefer a new lens choice over a flash. But if you're stuck with an older phone and take a lot of pictures in dark places, there you go. Back in 2007, reader Joe let us know about a DIY hack he did using LEDs and a broken iPod car charger, creating what he called the iFlash. This solution might be pricier, but it's a little more tidy, and you won't have to break a car charger to make it!
Snapture Flash adds crappy flash to crappy iPhone camera
The iPhone's camera may be thoroughly eclipsed by several of its competitors, but the insane popularity of Apple's baby means that we've seen tons of accessories aimed at making that 2.1 megapixel sensor somewhat more useful -- like the Snapture Flash here, which tucks a xenon flash with red-eye reduction into a sleeve-type case. Although it's powered by the phone, it's apparently quite low-power -- SnaptureLabs estimates that you'll take 1000 shots before going dry -- and there's some sort of "speaker amplification" built in as well, just in case you're super into enhancing mediocre parts of the iPhone experience. Bad news? You'll have to jailbreak your phone to get the Snapture app working -- hopefully that'll be remedied by the time this thing ships. Check out some sample shots at the read link.[Via Engadget Spanish]
