Genius
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Genius Ring Mouse slips around your finger, cues up Beyonce jams
Genius quietly introduced the Ring Mouse back at Computex, but little was said about the curious critter up until last week. Our pals over at Engadget Spanish managed some alone time with the device at IFA, and while we can't imagine any long-term mouse user being able to grasp this (mentally, not physically) without first overcoming a steep learning curve, those more accustomed to cellphone optical pads may be in good shape. Put simply, the ring has an optical trackpad ("Opto Touch Wheel") and an embedded 2.4GHz wireless model; wearers use their thumb to navigate the cursor, while miniature left / right click buttons do exactly what you'd expect. There's still nary a word on price, but here's hoping that we can wrap our hands -- er, something -- around this in the not-too-distant future. P.S. - These guys are big, big fans.
iPad app store gains genius section
Sometime early this morning, Apple quietly unleashed the genius section of the iPad app store, something that's been in the iPhone app store for quite some time. It's interesting how Apple is always "quietly" releasing new things, while making a big to-do about others. What's also interesting is how a new feature in the app store can be made without a software update. Not only does the new genius section of the iPad app store provide the same type of recommendations as with the iPhone, there's a new tab titled "iPad Upgrades," which shows you all of the iPad (aka, "HD") versions of the iPhone apps you already have. This is a great new feature for both consumers and app developers because, previously, there was no easy way to know. Thanks for everyone who sent this in!
Proximity sensor woes caused by reflective ear canal
Following the recent release of iPhone 4 several of you reported an issue with the proximity sensor running amok during your calls. Our poll results were dead even with 50.1% of readers seeing issues and 49.9% having no problems. At the time I considered myself in the all-clear category, but recently that changed. Read on for my story of woe, intrigue, and incredulity.
iTunes 9.1 now available, brings iPad syncing and iBook support
Hot on the heels of a ginormous OS X update comes this, the freshest version of the music management software that everyone loves to hate. iTunes 9.1 is live and available to download, bringing with it support for iPad syncing (you know, that little tablet that arrives on Saturday?) as well as the ability to "organize and sync books you've downloaded from iBooks on iPad or added to your iTunes library." The new version also gives users the ability to rename, rearrange, or remove Genius Mixes, but we're fairly sure you stopped caring after hearing the first point. It's weighing in at around 97.3MB (give or take a few KB), so fire up Software Update and get it going... if you dare. Update: We're hearing that the new version renames "Applications" to just "Apps" and the Genius Mixes / iPhone / iPod touch sync pages have been retooled. Anything else major? Let us know in comments! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Two super simple DIY hacks for the iPhone
I've been reading the Unplggd blog from Apartment Therapy a lot lately, because I recently moved into a new place and am trying to fill it up with cool stuff. And someone over there must be an iPhone fan, because I've seen not one but two great and simple tricks for the iPhone there recently. The first is the most billiant thing I've ever seen -- if you happen to be listening to music or a conference call through the speaker on your iPhone and need it a little louder, you can just find a pint-size glass, put the iPhone in there, and voila, simple iPhone echo chamber. I'm surprised at both how easy this is and how well it works, but it does. Very impressive. Second is a little more obvious -- if you're using an iPhone to read off a recipe in the kitchen, with your hands messy and wet, you can put it in a baggie like I do, or you can CryoVac it, if you happen to have one of those sitting around. Either way, the capacitive touchscreen still works through a thin layer of plastic, and your iPhone will live to see another day. Ok, so the second tip is not quite as great as the first one. But a pint glass! Trying to listen to all of those boring conference calls with my iPhone's speaker will never be the same again!
Moodagent: Going iTunes Playlists one better
Moodagent [iTunes Link] (free for now) puts a new spin on the iTunes Genius Playlist system. Instead of leaving it up to Apple to give you category based Genius Playlists, Moodagent, gives you some control over what songs will appear in a 25 song customizable playlist of your music. You are given 5 colored bars, each with an icon representing an aspect of music. The symbols didn't make much sense to me, but by hitting an info button, I found that the icons represented, in order: Sensual, Tender, Joy, Aggressive and Tempo. I could have used a full explanation of what they meant by Aggressive and Tempo, but trial and error gave me a rough idea. By increasing or decreasing the size of each of the bars, a 25 song Playlist is created, complete with cover art icons, that can be played or saved for later recall. Increase or decrease one or more of the bars and the playlist instantly changes, so if you like a playlist, it's a good idea to save it before changing anything. Once saved, a tap will play your chosen playlist. When saving, you are also given the opportunity to title the playlist any way you like, with the first song being the default title. Another way of making a playlist, again similar to the iTunes Genius playlist, is to select a seed song to base the list upon. Choose one song and then adjust the bars to tailor the list to your liking. When first loading the app, you run a sync that indexes all the music on your iPhone/iPod touch running OS 3.0 or better, with their server. My iPhone has about 2100 songs on it and syncing took about 10 minutes. When done, I was told that it couldn't sync about 750 songs. This wasn't surprising since my tastes tend toward the arcane, but there's a solution for that. You are asked to download a Moodagent Profiler application that, as does iTunes Genius playlists, upload anonymous information from the iTunes library on your computer, which is assumed to have more music on it than does your mobile device. This information is used to expand the Moodagent database. After running the Moodagent Profiler on my roughly 6100 song Macbook Pro iTunes library, which took over an hour, I re-synced Moodagent and this time the number of songs that couldn't be synced reduced to 149. So why didn't it find 149 songs?
If 30% is good enough for Apple in the App Store, it should be good enough for dropped calls on AT&T, right?
File this one under AYFKMWTS (are you freaking kidding me with this stuff?): a Gizmodo reader, aggravated with an unacceptably high rate of dropped calls on his iPhone, took it to a New York City Apple Store to have it checked for issues. The call dump statistics revealed a 22% drop rate on calls, which most of us would call "wicked awful" -- but not Apple and AT&T. No, in this particular case the Genius told our hapless iPhone owner that he should count himself lucky, as Apple's baseline stat for dropped calls in NYC is a blistering thirty percent. Yes, almost one in three calls on an iPhone in the Big Apple will end with frustration, and that's just OK with everyone. Well, not with us. Combined with the "five bars, no calls" dead zones and mysterious "call failed" issues, it must be said: this phone is not getting it done when it comes to the whole phone thing, at least on AT&T's network in the city that never sleeps. Or, for that matter, makes an uninterrupted cell call. [via Engadget]
iPhone OS 3.1 adds new features and functionality
One of the first surprises out of today's Apple event, other than Steve Jobs appearing on stage again (!!!), was the announcement that iPhone OS 3.1 and iPod touch OS 3.1.1 were available. We're still waiting for the download to complete, so this won't be a hands-on review, but we do want you to know what the new features of 3.1 are: Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos iTunes U content organization Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll Option to Save as new clip when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on Remotely lock iPhone with passcode via MobileMe Use Voice COntrol on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets Paste phone numbers into the keypad Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing) Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly There's now also a App Store Genius function, which will recommend Apps based on your purchase history. The Genius of Apple also extends to iTunes, which will now create up to 12 playlists for you based on what's in your library. You can now purchase and download ringtones from your iPhone, and organize apps in iTunes. Apple's security info page will be listing the security content of the OS updates shortly. The new versions include 10 security fixes, including patches for SMS vulnerabilities, Exchange passcode lock workarounds, and Unicode character spoofing flaws. We'll have a hands-on review later!
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ's development turned to new studio
With most of its legal issues over, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is ready for a comeback next year under developer Commotion Interactive. The game was previously being created by Activision's 7 Studios, but after a very messy legal entanglement, Scratch DJ Game, LLC -- a joint venture between Numark Industries and Genius Products -- was given the Scratch source code and tools under court order to proceed with development.Commotion's job now is to get the game out for Xbox 360 and PS3 by "early 2010." A representative for Numark informed us that the Scratch Deck peripheral will remain the same, but couldn't confirm whether it would be compatible with DJ Hero. We've also been told the game has taken a slightly different (visual) artistic direction and that new screenshots should be available in the coming weeks.We were also curious about the music selection and licensing in Scratch. MTV Games is the licensing muscle for Harmonix's Rock Band, while Activision has gotten good at licensing with Guitar Hero. Who is Scratch adding to its roster? "Our team is doing a great job of handling the music licensing," the representative said. "We already have agreements with; Kanye West, Run DMC, Outkast and others, with more announcements to come."With DJ Hero set for this year under the mighty marketing banner of Activision, Scratch will definitely need that special magic to make a commotion upon release.
Genius EasyPen and MousePen graphics tablets play on both sides of the fence
Genius, a regular purveyor of cheap and cheerful technology, has today announced a pair of "dual platform" tablets that play nice with both Windows and Mac OS. The EasyPen i405 comes with 28 programmable hot keys, a software bundle, 4 x 5.5-inches of real estate and a $79 price tag. This is trumped by the MousePen i608, which throws in an optical mouse, a 6 x 8-inches working area and -- best of all -- one more hot key to program. Bargain hunters out there might want to prick up their ears, as the MousePen is already available at Amazon and Newegg at prices south of $60, far below its suggested retail price of one Benjamin -- hey, it's no Wacom, but it certainly won't dent the wallet too bad.
Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149
It's been about a day after forever ago since we've seen a new camcorder from Genius, but if you're scouting a low-end, low-cost option that'll still capture clips at a halfway respectable resolution, you're in luck. Similar to many of the DXG offerings, the G-Shot HD520 provides 720p footage for under $150, and it can also capture 11 megapixel still shots when things slow down a bit. The six-ounce device records in MPEG-4 / H.264 format and features a 2.5-inch LCD and room for up to 8GB of storage -- you know, in case you fill up the 32MB that are included, which will probably never happen. It's available now from a smorgasbord of legitimate online retailers. Full release is after the break.
T-Mobile market testing terrible names for the HTC Magic / Sapphire
We're not sure why T-Mobile would be market-testing names other than "G2" for its upcoming HTC Sapphire, but it apparently is -- and if these leaked slides are to be believed, it's not doing so well on the ideas front. Seriously: "T-Mobile Genius 3G with Google" and "Prism 3G with Google" both trade in the well-known G-series branding for banal anonymity, and "myTouch 3G with Google" just sounds like a skin disease that's gone from bad to worse. Interestingly, "T-Mobile G3" is also on the list, which makes us wonder if there's a less-drastic G2 model in the works, but that's pure speculation on our part -- what we do know is that we'd take Vodafone's Magic branding over any of these other sad options in a heartbeat.
iTunes not quite as 'updated' as we thought
Yesterday we told you about iTunes being updated to version 8.1. We went over the features, and you dutifully downloaded it. Then we started hearing from readers (thanks, by the way) about some features missing from the update. What missing features you may ask?Oh, like the Genius suggestions for movie and TV shows. Well, you weren't dreaming it. Those features didn't make it into the version released yesterday and Apple has changed the release notes and their web site to reflect it.It's kind of bad to mess up on a feature called 'genius' but the other changes all seem to be there. Plus, iTunes is faster for sure.Stay tuned for the next iTunes update and we'll see if the 'genius' sneaks back in as fast as he snuck out.
Genius intros portable G-Pen F-509 digital tablet
Unless we're mistaken, the last G-Pen device to come our direction courtesy of Genius was the M712 and M609, and at long last we've yet another to showcase. The G-Pen F-509 was designed for portable, in the car use, as it measures in at just 5.25- x 8.75-inches. Aside from sporting plenty of input real estate for that digital pen, it also features 26 programmable hot-keys for shortcuts of your choosing while the cordless pen touts a pair of buttons for controlling shapes and thickness. If the inner artist in you is just dying to wrap your arms around one, you can find it now for a buck oh nine.%Gallery-45481%
Genius bringing WiFi boombox, night vision IP camera concepts to CES 2009
You may be inclined to just associate Genius with corporate-level mice, ho hum speakers and the occasional pen tablet, but the outfit is looking to expand its horizons at CES next month. It'll be bringing along a pair of concepts that are evidently leaning towards release in the mysterious future, the first of which is a 2.4 GHz Wireless Stereo Speaker System. The three-piece package presumably contains two satellites and a subwoofer, with the knobs and ports maintaining a low profile. The wireless range reaches up to 100-feet and the inbuilt 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack ensures that practically any source will work. Moving on, we've got the IP Cam 350TR, which is constructed with "the most advanced night vision technology to secure any home or office efficiently." The integrated light sensor automatically fires up six infrared LEDs when in a dark / dim environment, and there's also a microphone tucked away to capture live audio. Pricing for both is listed as TBA, which isn't shocking given the "concept" status; full release is after the jump.
Apple t-shirt quilt available on eBay
I don't know how comfy a quilt made out of t-shirts would be, but maybe the fact that they're all Apple t-shirts will help. That's exactly what this quilt is made out of -- it's up over on eBay right now, and while the price is only around $36 at the time of this writing, it's probably gone up since then. There are about 20 t-shirts in the quilt total, and they look like they range from the late '90s (there's a bondi blue iMac on there, I believe) up to the Tiger release (at least those are all the ones I recognize). And they do seem like official store t-shirts, which means whoever made the quilt probably is or knows an Apple employee.If you can get over the fact that someone probably once wore your quilt, it might be a nice Apple-themed bedspread to grab. I've been looking for a good quilt lately, and while this is a little too patched together for my interests, maybe Apple is missing something here. What would an Ive-designed quilt end up looking like?
Create a Genius playlist on the iPhone and iPod touch
Love it or hate it, Genius is the marquee feature of iTunes 8. Basically, it creates playlists based upon a single song in your library. iPhone and iPod touch firmware 2.1 added it to those devices, and it has worked well in my experience. Here's how you can have your iPhone or iPod touch generate a Genius playlist for you (Note that you must sync with iTunes 8 to get the Genius icon on your iPhone/iPod touch).First, touch "Playlists." You'll see the "Genius" option at the top of the list. Tap that, and a new window appears. From there, touch the song you want to be the basis for the playlist. Your iPod will work for a second, generate the list and immediately begin playing the first track. While it plays, tap the screen to bring up the familiar progress bar. You'll notice the Genius icon is displayed, indicating that it's working on a Genius playlist. Touch the back button to refresh the list (force the iPod to make new choices) or create a new one. You can also save the playlist from here. Note that Genius playlists are named for the original target track.You can view screenshots of the process in the gallery below.%Gallery-31795%
My iTunes Genius is a Moron
Shh. Don't tell anyone. My iTunes Genius is tone deaf. When I selected "Man of Constant Sorrow" as my "seed" song, My Genius actually suggested "America, F**k [sic] Yeah" and "Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)" at the store. The proper genre, or at least the genre I was looking for, was "Rockin' Bluegrass", not "Obscure Movie Themes". Bzzt. Let's try again. Next, I tried "Funiculi Funicula" by Pavarotti, a song I knew was in the store. I was told "Genius is unavailable" for that song. Please choose another song or artist. A few more tries revealed that I needed to focus on pop music, not classical or obscure. Well enough. But then I got the same error message for the Beatles' "Long and Winding Road." You know them, a mildly popular band of the 1960s, known for not being sold through iTunes but otherwise not an unthinkable choice in a modern playlist. Success finally followed for Alison Krauss' "Down to the River to Pray". My genius matched me up with Queen's "Bicycle Race", the Wreckers' "Rain" and Billy Joel's "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." These are not exactly groupings that I would have picked myself. Listening through to the playlist hit home how jarring those selections were. I expect the Genius feature will only improve, especially as Apple big brothers all our personal music collections but for now I'm so totally not dropping Last.fm any time soon. How's Genius working for you? Are your playlists sublime or just strange? Let us know in the comments.
TUAW Hands On: iTunes 8
Released today, iTunes 8 is the most recent and advanced iteration of Apple's media management and playback software. iTunes 8 includes a new Genius recommendation engine, new visualizers, a new grid view, and new terms and conditions. The Genius engine recommends other songs you might enjoy, based on a song you've selected in iTunes. If you have a diverse range of music, iTunes does a pretty good job of finding the "mood" of your selected song, and generating a playlist of songs that fit with that mood. Plus, it kicks off the playlist with the song you selected. When you first use the Genius system, you must agree to its terms and conditions, and then it gathers information about the songs in your iTunes library. This took about three minutes on my 2.8GHz Intel iMac and my 2,100-song library. It then sends that information to Apple and builds a profile based on your likes and dislikes. You can then use the Genius Sidebar, which appears to the right of your playlist.
iTunes 8: It's like having a Genius in your Mac
At Apple's "Let's Rock" event today, they unveiled the newest version of iTunes: version 8. The rumors were mostly right: iTunes 8 includes a new feature called "Genius" that allows you to "rediscover your iTunes music." Genius works by matching music with your listening tastes. The Genius interface looks similar to iPhoto and works similar to Pandora (or Last.fm). iTunes 8 will be a free update later today, and we'll have more about it then. Stay tuned to TUAW as we provide coverage of Apple's "Let's Rock" event.
