Keith M
Articles by Keith M
Moleskine case hides your iPhone, prison-style
I really do love the look of moleskine books. When you've got a well-worn leather moleskine book, bursting with notes and bookmarks, you sort of feel like you're holding onto the long lost notes of Dr. Henry Jones Sr. on the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. No? Just me? If you're completely nuts about all things moleskine, there's a new iPhone case that should be right up your alley. As seen pictured, the case looks like a hollowed-out moleskine book that fits your iPhone, complete with traditional elastic band. In essence, the iPhone replaces what would be oh-so-passe paper. Finally, a classy way to hide your cell in your cell during prison guard shakedowns. [via The Daily What]
Angry Birds: The Movie?
There's no questioning that the iPhone/iPad game Angry Birds is a huge success. The company is close to seven million downloads of the game, all without any direct advertising of their own. Now the company that developed the game, Rovio, is taking a serious look into more commercial avenues for the title, including movies. The company has already done a great job with the animation within the product, including a cinematic trailer released on YouTube (which I guess you could say is technically advertisement -- check it out after the jump). But is there enough to this to make for a good story? According to Rovio, the company has been approached by several very interested parties, including movie studios, and they're giving all offers serious consideration. Chief exec Mikael Hed has grand ambitions to see the Angry Birds brand become much more than games, akin to Pixar with Toy Story, so games and movies would just be the tip of the iceberg. Do you think something like Angry Birds could translate well enough to other mediums? Is there a potential story in there worth developing?
StumbleUpon releases official mobile app
Social sharing network Digg has had their own, official iPhone app out for several months, and now StubleUpon has joined the mobile game. This week, the StumbleUpon app was released for both iPhone and Android devices, finally giving users quick and easy access to browse...er...stumble links that might interest them, depending on their profiles. Just as with the website and its browser toolbar, the app works quite well and quickly to display photos, pages and videos on your device whenever you touch the "stumble" button. Some of the icons aren't obvious as to what they do, such as the one identifying items in your StumbleUpon incoming links box. Other than that, though, it's a well-polished interface. Something the app does not do, though, is allow one to submit new links. For that you will need to use a bookmarklet with Safari or use your desktop browser. The app is available now, for free, in the app store.
Are morning commuters using iPhones to listen to NPR?
Although your car has a fully-capable AM radio, and you're an NPR listener, do you find yourself jacking your iPhone into your car stereo and listening to NPR through its app instead? New data released from NPR seems to indicate that's what a lot of people are opting to do. According to its data, NPR has noticed a rather significant spike in its iPhone app usage during typical morning commuter time. What makes that data so interesting -- at least to NPR -- is that, presumably, these people are in their cars. They're with radios capable of receiving AM FM signals and, therefore, NPR's programming over the airwaves. So why use the app? I say the data isn't so cut and dry. The sample they are seeing is only 8,000 people, which really isn't all that many when you consider there are many more people listening to NPR on a daily basis, overall. There's also this thing called telecommuting, so I wouldn't assume all of these people are in radio-equipped automobiles. There are also thousands of people who walk to work everyday and thousands more who simply don't work at all. If you're using the NPR app and have access to an AM FM radio, why are you using the app instead of the radio? Let us know in the comments. [via MacDailyNews]
iPad ship times shrink from seven to three days
It seems like only yesterday when anyone chomping at the bit to get their hands on an iPad had to wait a painfully long time to get one. Then the shipping time dropped down to anywhere from seven to 10 days, and new customers didn't have the shakes of anticipation for too long. Just recently, though, Apple has dropped the expected ship date for iPads down to as few as three days. Word is that the wait for an iPhone 4 may drop significantly by the end of September as well. Something I'm wondering about with these wait times is whether it's dissuaded people from purchasing. Have you ever visited the Apple store, seen that the wait time was longer than you were willing to hold out, and changed your mind?
iCade-like "Freekade" iPad arcade cabinet up for auction
Last April -- as is their recent tradition -- ThinkGeek put on its show of April Fool's Day items. Most of these fake items are of the "OMG I need to have that!" variety, like the Tauntaun sleeping bag from a past year. This past April's list included the "iCade" iPad gaming cabinet, which would have allowed you to slide your iPad into a wood-vaneer, classic-looking mini arcade cabinet. Just because it was a fake item doesn't mean someone else could take a stab at it, and that's just what happened. You can now bid on the pictured item -- dubbed the "Freekade" -- to have your very own iCade-like iPad mount. The controls work via Bluetooth and require a jailbroken iPad and emulated games provided via the Cydia store. Check out the video demo after the break (just turn your volume down -- the clackety-clack of the arcade buttons is annoying as hell). If you're not one to go bidding on something like this, it'll reportedly be available on an online store in the future. I half wish someone would just make a cheaper, non-functional version of this thing just to serve as an iPad dock.
Apple Discussion Boards to receive major overhaul
The Apple Discussion Boards have long been a great source of help for Apple end-users and professionals looking for both Apple-supplied and community-supplied assistance. In my personal experience, though, it can sometimes be a frustrating place to visit. Apple has announced that what has been known as "Apple Discussion Boards" will be renamed "Apple Support Communities" and sport some new functionality and design elements. One of the biggest changes will be the concept of a user-designed homepage, where one can customize it with social sharing elements, widgets and discussion activity alerts. Another new feature will be user avatars, which is likely meant to make the site feel more social and friendly and less like a place where pros will tell the novices to get the hell off their lawn. What's been your experience with the Apple boards up until now? What do you hope they'll address in the update? [via MacFixIt]
FedEx delivery person robbed of Apple gear by co-workers
Somehow I think there's an easier way for a FedEx employee to steal electronic goods. Last week, a California FedEx driver was held at gunpoint by four masked men, forced to hand over his delivery truck's shipments. Among the items in the cargo area were boxes of Apple products, though it's not clear what they were. As usual, the suspects bumbled the heist by allowing the license plate of their getaway vehicle to lead right to one of the suspects. One suspect, though, just so happened to be a FedEx employee who worked in the same area as the held-up driver. Apparently he saw what was being loaded in the co-worker's truck and made his hasty plan. So now the question is: were these robbers over-the-top Apple fans, or did they think they could get away selling these on the black market?
Time Warner Cable entering the iPhone app game
I've been a Verizon FiOS subscriber since the day it rolled out in my neighborhood, and I couldn't be happier (my bank account's demeanor is another story). Actually, I take that back, because I got a tad bit happier when the cable company released an official iPhone app that allows for DVR scheduling and management. Joy! If you're a Comcast subscriber, there's a similar app available. And, coming soon, Time Warner Cable will be rolling out their own answer to the iOS app scheduling game. Just as with the Verizon and Comcast apps, you'll reportedly be able to manage your DVR recordings, view TV schedules and setup recordings from afar. What the Verizon and Comcast apps do not have is the ability to view your recordings on your device, which, reportedly, could be a possibility with the TWC app. Imagine watching part of a recorded program on your iPad, then pick up later where you left off at home. Check out the YouTube video after the jump, which shows off a glimpse of a prototype of the app.
A Delta Airlines app is on the way
Rather recently, American Airlines released an iPhone app that offers quite a few nice features for the AA traveler, including flight status, boarding pass access and ... Soduku. With the exception of that last feature, travel app Kayak offers many of these features already, though it's not stopping other airlines from following suit. Just the other day, a Delta executive mentioned in a short interview that a Delta iPhone app is on the horizon. It's not clear yet what kinds of services and features the app will provide, though it's a safe bet the American Airlines app will give you a decent guess. What kinds of services and features would you want to see in an airline-dedicated iPhone app that's not already present in current offerings?
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!
Help! The iPhone 4 has replaced my iPad!
It took me a while to take the plunge and buy an iPad. After the third time trying it out (once in the local Apple store, and then testing out two that belonged to in-laws) and countless frustrating moments with my netbook, I went for it. For a good month or so, I was in love with my new iPad. It was much faster than my now-eBayed netbook, and it didn't burn my groin like my MacBook Pro. With a few exceptions, it did everything I wanted in a casual computing device. Alongside the iPad sat my iPhone 3G. It became more neglected over time because, well, who wants to do all that neat stuff (slowly) on such a small screen? But then came the iPhone 4 and my inevitable upgrade to it. And I LOVE it! Now, my iPad has been downgraded to lesser-loved child in order to make way for its sleek, glass-backed little sister. What's the reason for the switch in my preferred device? In a word, it's iOS 4. Without iOS 4, the iPad seems completely dumbed down to me. It lacks the iOS 4's method of multitasking and a unified inbox (plus a few other things that wouldn't sway me). It's amazing that just those two features alone can make me reach for my iPhone instead of my iPad, even when both are sitting right next to each other. Why touch through numerous times to read multiple inboxes? Why disconnect from my iSSH session or stop playing Pandora to ... well, do anything but play Pandora? I'm wondering who else has found that they use their iPhone 4 over using their iPad for the same tasks? Will iOS 4 for the iPad, which is due this fall, resolve that sibling rivalry? %Poll-50616%
RAW compatibility update for iPhoto and Aperture 3
An update was released this week for Aperture 3 and iPhoto, providing really nothing more than RAW compatibility to a bunch of new cameras. For the most part, those concerned with RAW support in software are those who do professional-grade photo editing or are intent on saving uncompressed versions of photos, either for posterity's sake or because disk space is so cheap these days. The casual digital photographer wouldn't likely care about the RAW format. Added to the list of cameras now supported in these applications: Canon PowerShot SX1 IS, Olympus E-PL1, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10, Samsung NX10, Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, Sony Alpha NEX-3, Sony Alpha NEX-5.
Power Support Crystal Film for iPhone 4 now shipping
Most (probably all) of you who are or will soon be slapping a case on your iPhone 4 won't have a case that protects the screen from scratches. Well, except those of you with flip-top cases that cover the entire unit. When I received my iPhone 4, I wanted to immediately protect the screen, but the only thing available at the time was sticky films that are either permanently affixed to your screen with adhesive, or require a lot of post-clean-up when you decide to remove or replace it. The screen protector I really wanted was one I'd used with much success on my iPhone 3G: Crystal Film from Power Support. The most appealing thing about these is that they adhere to your iPhone's screen with static, not sticky goop, and they stay put. When you want to replace or remove the film (which you won't have to do often), it's painless. The Crystal Film for iPhone 4 was taking pre-orders for weeks after the iPhone 4's release, but shipments have finally started going out in the past week or so. If you've been looking for a sticky-free way to protect your iPhone 4 investment, look no further.
Has iPad addiction contributed to its growth?
There's a short post over at the Business Insider about the author's view of the success of the iPad, based on how interested (e.g., addicted) his kids are in the device. It got me thinking -- is the fact that kids love the iPad a good measure of its success? Well, yes and no. In my gaming experience, technology of this kind can get outdated pretty quickly if something new comes to market. The minute something new and more interesting hits the stores -- and kids are speaking of the wonder of these new devices to their friends -- the older devices are suddenly not so hip and cool anymore. I do wonder, though, how many iPad purchasers have found that other family members have stolen away with the device enough times, that they've just gone out and bought another iPad? Or maybe even two? While kids might be addicted to the fun an iPad can provide, their addiction is just taking the fun (and work) away from us adults! Have you bought more than one iPad because of the addiction it's brought to the rest of your family? %Poll-50401%
App Review: Hexaphone
I'm not the most musically inclined person, but I do tend to try out a bunch of different music generating apps on both my iPhone and iPad. Sometimes the end result is more or less successful, while other times I may as well have been sitting in front of a Baby Grand with just my index fingers and the sheet music for Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor in front of me. The newly released Hexaphone from Impresario Digital, thankfully, fits the former quite well. Hexaphone uses samples generated from an expensive Nord Lead 3 synthesizer to provide you with five different sound patches and eight different scales to use, as well as 17 percussion beats to accompany your music. You can lay down a drum beat, then record a bass line and play it back while you lay down another track, and then more upon that if you want. What's most interesting and different about this music app is how the keys are laid out, making it much easier to hit the intended notes on a smaller iPhone screen. The app works quite well on the iPad, though one optimized for the larger iPad screen would be most welcome. See the video on the next page. My only gripe with the app so far is not being able to easily export recordings, though the developer says that's coming in a future release. The developer's website has lots of instructional videos for musical newbs like me, and they do a good job of showing you the capabilities of the app, before or after you buy. You can grab Hexaphone in the app store now for $2.99 (25% off).
Interesting, impractical iPhone concept lamp
And you thought using an iPhone as a flashlight was crazy... Apparently the above image is just a concept for a flexible iPhone dock that one can easily bend into the form of a lamp. Obviously, the screen is bright enough to give enough light for a small desk area, but is it at all practical? Of course it's not. It should be using the iPhone 4 and its much brighter back-facing LED! To me, the stand looks much too narrow to be practical as an iPhone stand, never mind as a lamp. Still, I've seen crazier things being done with the iPhone when one is in a pinch. [via Obama Pacman]
Author Ryu Murakami releasing new book solely for iPad
Like me, maybe you're not big into Japanese literature other than some graphic novels. When I read this story, I had no idea who Ryu Murakami was until I read that his list of works includes Audition. Audition, in case you don't know, was adapted to film by Takashi Miike; it's one of the most uncomfortable and graphic horror movies that I've ever seen, ... but I digress. Murakami's latest work, titled A Singing Whale, is set to make its debut solely on the iPad; it will involve no other publishers at all. It will appear on the Japanese App Store at around US $17, and thirty percent of that purchase price will go to Apple. The rest will go to Murakami, composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, and the software company that is making the book. You may be asking why a composer is included in this list. This deal isn't about Murakami sticking it to publishers (or, at least, it's not all about that). Like a few of the other titles that we've already seen on the App Store (like Alice in Wonderland, for example), this title will have a multimedia aspect to it. So, it's not necessarily something that could even work with traditional publication. I just hope that A Singing Whale isn't in the same vein as Audition, or that multimedia experience will be very, very nightmare inducing. Just thinking about it makes my Achilles tendon hurt.
An iPhone DSLR prototype housing hits snags
Lots of folks are happy that the new iPhone 4 has an improved camera, coming at us at a snazzy 5MP, a whole two more than its predecessor. But, alas, it's still just a camera in a phone, with a teeny-tiny lens with no manual focus or zooming options. But ... what if you could put an adjustable lens over that teeny-tiny lens to get what you want? A fella over at iPhoneDSLR.com has been working on a prototype housing for the iPhone that allows for attaching Canon EF lenses. Y'know, those big honkin' ones you see on the Canon DSLR cameras. Basically -- in theory, at least -- the iPhone lens focuses through the SLR lens, and you can manually focus and zoom the Canon lens as needed. Definitely a neat idea, though, if you follow what he's doing, he's hitting a couple of snags. One major one being that the iPhone camera is unable to focus on the image projected by the Canon lens. Though the inventor of the housing admits he's by no means a professional photographer, I'm definitely interested in seeing if he can get the help he needs to get this to work well enough to go to market.
USB vs. AC outlet charging on the iPhone 4
This whole charging / not charging issue with the iPad and iPhone is pretty confusing. At least with the iPad, if it's not plugged into an outlet or a USB port that's delivering enough juice, you get the whole "not charging" message near the battery indicator ... yet, it does charge, but slowly. The "not charging" message doesn't appear when the iPhone 4 is plugged into a lower-powered USB port (in my experience), but is it still sucking the same amount of juice it would from an AC outlet? The folks over at When Will Apple? took the time to do a pretty decent job of comparing charging times on the iPhone 4, comparing USB to AC outlet. The conclusion: USB charging takes 23% longer to charge an iPhone 4 than charging via an AC outlet. If you're in a rush to charge your phone, that's a pretty significant difference. The little flaw in this test is not knowing the amount of charge coming from the USB port used, as not all USB ports are created equal. Still, I doubt a better USB port would get you back that lost 23%.